Behind The Scenes: Diznee x So Sexy Solei Photoshoots @ Show Magazine.

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For Goodness Steak.

"50 CENT - 50 CENT: 'JAY-Z WAS NOTHING BEFORE BEYONCE'


50 CENT has taken a sly swipe at rap rival JAY-Z, insisting the 99 PROBLEMS hitmaker was a "no one" until he wed BEYONCE KNOWLES.

Superstar Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, wed the Bootylicious beauty in April (08), and 50 Cent claims it was their union - not the rap mogul's music - that raised his profile on the international scene.

He says, "I'm a big fan of Jay-Z, but outside of the States and hip-hop circles, no one really knew who he was until he married Beyonce."

The In Da Club rapper has also disputed reports that Jay-Z is worth an estimated $1 billion (GBP540 million), but is adamant he's not jealous of his fortune.
He adds, "I don't believe he's worth that much! It's all been exaggerated. I'm comfortable. I don't want for anything so I'm not in a race."

50 Cent recently topped Forbes magazine's poll as the biggest earning hip-hop star of 2008, making $150 million (GBP81 million) in the last 12 months, compared to Jay-Z, who came second with $82 million (GBP44 million)."

Information Courtesy Of: Contactmusic.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Again with this shit?  Message To 50 Cent:  Y.O.U. are becoming boring and waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too predictable homie.  Cut the crap and start making good music ... period.

While we're on the subject though, Jay-Z had better drop more than a glorified weed-breaker-upper-platter this time around as well ... don't follow up a banger like "American Gangster" with some weak "just-married" bullshit.

Bosign Hangers Are About To "Blow Up"!

While inflatable hangers aren't anything new, these "Blow-Up" bad boys from the Swedes @ Bosign come in 4 prints and are perfect for any wardrobe on the road. Avoid the clutter and keep your wears butter ... lol.

Yeah, add this simple yet incredibly practical idea to my "Why Didn't I Think Of That?" catalogue.  Random House Publishing is presently optioning my "Why Didn't I Think Of That?" collection of hits-and-misses as a coffee table book ... lol.  Naaaaaaaaah, but Y.O.U. would L.O.V.E. that shit ... I already know ... lol.


Available Online Here: Bosign.Se And 95percentdanish.Co.Uk

Estevan Oriol x Upper Playground 2009 LA Woman Calendar = Nice Eye For The Spanish Fly.

This L.A. based club bouncer turned dynamic photographer and C.E.O. of Joker Brand clothing just released his 2009 LA Woman Calendar via his creative partnership with the good people @ Upper Playground. Nobody photographs West Coast Latinas like the homie Estevan Oriol and here we have 12 months worth of conclusive evidence to support such grand claims ... lol. Yeah, this calendar might look a little better hanging over your bed than the current 1 that Y.O.U. got from your local Chinese restaurant ... lol. 


Available Online Here: Upperplaygroundstore.Com

Visit Estevan Oriol Online Here: Estevanoriol.Com

"I Walk Around Town With The Pound Strapped Down".

I can't front, I sometimes really worry about today's youth. Why? Because, in spite of how "independent" that you think you are as an adolescent, we are ALL susceptible (to varying degrees) to all kinds of influences.

See, this is what I was listening to @ around 14 years old. These songs, fuck it, the entire "Dah Shinin'" album, was my album and each song felt like they had me and my homies in mind when they wrote it. I was a Baby Decept and this shit was like a young nigga's manual son. This is Brooklyn. If you want an idea of where my head was @ during that time, just listen to this album, "Ready To Die" and "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx".

Classic Smif N Wessun joints like "Bucktown", "Let's Get It On", "Sound Bwoy Bureill", "Stand Strong" and "P.N.C." were real to me and became my daily going to-and-from school A & F train soundtrack brought to life in vivid Dolby quality on my Aiwa auto-reverse walkman and Colby headphones. What's good 401 K?

Nowadays, I wonder what these whipper snappers relate to. Where's the depth of subject matter and emotion? Do kids today even feel music or are songs just meaningless tunes that blare in the background of their rooms as they extend their arms clutching digital cameras taking pictures of themselves in Baby GAP sized brightly colored clothes while they distort their faces to the point of looking like they're having a mini-stroke all in the hopes of successfully procuring a "cool" new default photo for their social networking site of choice? What? It's a real question ... lol.


BONUS:

Stand Strong

P.N.C.

Bon Voyage Bentley Arnage.

"So Long: Bentley Arnage Final Series

Date posted: 09-24-2008


CREWE, England — Now in its 11th year, the Bentley Arnage is coming to the end of its production run. To mark its passing, the company, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, is building a limited edition of 150 cars that will be badged as the Arnage Final Series.

Bentley says the Final Series will combine the refinement of the Arnage R with the performance of the Arnage T as "the ultimate expression of class-leading luxury and effortless power" while signaling "the end of an era."

The Arnage made its debut in 1998 as one of the last products engineered under its previous owner, Rolls-Royce. Under new parent Volkswagen, Bentley has launched several new-generation models, including the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Continental Flying Spur.

The Arnage Final Series gets the 500-horsepower 6.75-liter V8 from the Arnage T, mated to a six-speed ZF gearbox with a locking torque converter. Standard features include an electronic stability program, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, twin tailpipes and a retractable Flying B hood ornament.

Inside, the car is fitted with a rear cocktail cabinet with stainless steel flask and shot glasses, two picnic tables finished in unbleached veneers, four Bentley umbrellas and a 1,100-watt Naim audio system.

What this means to you: The last legacy from the old Rolls-Royce days will soon bite the dust. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent"

• Arnage T powertrain with 6 ¾ litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 500 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque
• Six-speed ZF automatic transmission with sophisticated locking torque converter
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) logic system
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System fitted as standard
• 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels
• Retractable ‘Flying B’ bonnet mascot
• Body colored headlamp bezels
• Dark tint matrix upper and lower grilles
• Lower front wing air vents
• ‘FINAL SERIES’ badge on front wings
• Bentley ‘Jewel’ fuel filler cap
• Twin exhaust tail pipes
• ‘FINAL SERIES’ treadplates to front doors
• Drilled alloy brake and accelerator pedals
• Waistrails with inset chrome strip and recessed Bentley marque badges (for the first time on Arnage)
• Rear cocktail cabinet and document stowage trimmed in hide
• FINAL SERIES stainless steel flask and shot glasses
• Two picnic tables available in a range of premium unbleached veneers
• Four Bentley umbrellas with wooden handles
• Large display audio head unit with Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot
• Removable rear cup holders for rear centre armrest
• Hide covered boot rail
• iPod interface
• Rear remote control for infotainment system
• Naim for Bentley audio system: 1100W, 10 speakers and next generation Digital Signal Processing (DSP) with 8 modes to create the world’s best in-car sound stage.

Information Courtesy Of: Edmunds.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Only while preparing this entry for your rabid consumption have I discovered that the Arnage model Bentley is a relatively new design for this auspicious company. I just always assumed that it was 1 of their classic cars 1) because of it's look and 2) because of it's popularity with a wide range of car enthusiasts. I guess that Bentley wanted this celebrated model to go out on top and aint nothing wrong with that.

Based on the sporting Arnage T (Jay-Z owns a 2002 model; pictured on the set of his "Lost Ones" video below) this whip is mean ... like Biggie's rottweilers fresh off a steady diet of gunpowder mean my nigga! LOL. Let's see which rapper/mogul busts out with this 1st. Don Pooh are Y.O.U. already on the waiting list homie? Don't let Manny beat you to it ... lol. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Did Somebody Say Free Ice Cream?

"Free Coldstone ice cream on September 25
World's Largest Ice Cream Social
Celebrate the 7th Annual World's Largest Ice Cream Social and Support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® with Cold Stone Creamery.

Throughout the month of September, Cold Stone Creamery will be selling Make-A-Wish wall stars to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Be sure to visit your local Cold Stone Creamery to try two new flavors, Nutter Butter® and Marshmallow, and the very special “Make-A-Wish Creations” inspired by Jack and Emily, two Wish Children.

Jack's Creation - Marshmallow ice cream with OREO® Cookies, Chocolate Chips and Fudge
Emily's Creation - Nutter Butter® ice cream with White Chocolate Chips, Kit Kat® and Yellow Cake

To cap off this special month, don't miss the 7th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream and family fun. On September 25th from 5:00 - 8:00PM, guests will be treated to a 3 oz. serving of Jack or Emily's Creation.
All donations will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

Information Courtesy Of: Freebeezndealz.Com

Coldstone Creamery Store Locator (Powered By Google): Coldstonecreamery.Com/Google


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As this post goes to digital print, I am a bit torn between conflicting responsibilities to my readers. I mean, I know that some of Y.O.U. may be trying to watch your weight and/or stay away from sweets, but, on the other hand, some of you might not give a fuck. I feel like I have to share this kind of information with yall, but @ what cost?

Hey, I'm a skinny brother, but my inner fat guy combined with my inner cheapskate simply cannot pass up delicious Coldstone Creamery ice cream for Free.99! What do Y.O.U. people think I'm made of? LOL. Seriously though, go and drop a few dollars ... it's for a great cause yall.

Bloomingdale's To Hit The UAE In 2010 AKA "Dubai Ladies Run This Muthafucka?"

"DNR reports in with news of Bloomingdale's expanding their retail presence to Dubai with two new stores to be completed for 2010. "A three-level, 146,000-square-foot apparel and accessories store and a one-level, 54,000-square-foot home store will together anchor The Dubai Mall...Bloomingdale's said the merchandise assortment, upscale ambience and high level of customer service will be similar to its stores in the U.S., while being sensitive to local preferences and customs."

Information Courtesy Of: Selectism.Com

Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul?

Sooooooooooo, Gnarls Barkley dropped their "Odd Couple" album awhile back and I totally ignored it. Is this what I've been missing? Really? Guess what though? This 1 song aint gonna make me cop OR download the album anyway ... lol.

With that said, this is the quintessence of what a music video should always strive to be. This video takes an already powerful song and complements it with not only a striking visual, but ALSO a compelling and universal narrative that it sure to ring true with anybody who's ever been in and, eventually, lost love.

While I've never had the displeasure of having to go through some bullshit like this, the vibe of this record does resonate with me on some levels. This is an honest depiction of the mindfuck of fear and skepticism that people pack up and drag with them from doomed relationship to doomed relationship ... this is what "baggage" looks like my friend. There aint enough room in anybody's overhead compartment for all of that shit.

I'm not quite sure when it occurred, but, @ some point, my heart began to pump some liquid nitrogen too ... lol. "Y.O.U. aint havin' it? Good, me either". It is what is. This song doesn't make me sad, but it does make me want to hit the studio and put down something brilliant ASAP! Good shit.


Streaming Audio/Download Link: Gnarls Barkley - Who's Gonna Save My Soul?

Nike Dunk Hi Premium Halloween "Glow In The Dark" Pack 2008.

Attention all ladies and small feet gentlemen! Nike has just released their 2008 Halloween Pack and guess what? Word on the net is that they don't have adult sizes. Yeah, yeah, yeah ... laugh it up homie. I can't get mine, but, if the shoe fits, Y.O.U. can get yours. I fuxs with these kicks my nigga. Good shit.


Available Online Here: MajorDC.Com

"Dem A Bleeeeeeach! Dem A Bleach Out Dem Skin."

Self hatred in a can/tube. An inferiority complex of complexion on a global scale has created a black market (ironic, huh?) for hazardous skin bleaching creams that it's delusional devotees (READ: victims) consider just good ole "fashion". This shit is wack, right? Of course. However, as troubling as this dramatic video is, it only highlights a small portion of the greater societal problems facing Black and Brown people as a whole with regard to our collective self image. This is the chemically altered pale face of internalized racism my friends. Don't look away.

A Piece Offering.

October 2 07:00PM - 08:30PM

"Piecebook is an inside look at graffiti writers’ black books, which they use to share ideas and sketch out tags before putting them up on walls. Piecebook chronicles the evolution of graffiti via images that weren’t intended for everyday people to see, focusing on the works of NYC writers active from the 1970s until the mid-1980s. Bold works from graffiti history’s most important artists, including Zephyr, Dondi, Daze, CRASH, Lady Pink, T-Kid, CAP and Ghost, represent a dizzying array of techniques and styles. Jenkins was the founder of seminal hip-hop magazine ego trip and was the long-time editorial director of Mass Appeal magazine. Villorente was a notorious tagger and the editor of Source magazine’s graffiti pages. They’ll discuss their new book with the Strand audience."
Unable to make the event? Pre-Order A Signed Copy

Book Event~

Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers, by Sacha Jenkins and David Villorente (Prestel Publishing)

October 2nd 2008
7:00pm - 8:30pm

The Strand
828 Broadway
(at 12th street)
New York , NY
10003-4805

Phone: 212.473.1452



CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I've gotta touch this event. Being a true New Yorker and not some douche bag "hipster" transplant, my daily itinerary as a juvenile mandated that: 1) A.ll D.ay I. D.ream A.bout S.ex AND 2) that A.fter D.ark I. D.estroy A.ll S.ubways ... lol. Hey, rules are rules.

I Am A BlackBerry® Bold™ 9000 Bounty Hunter Sent From The Future x I Have Learned That The Blacker The Berry, The Later The Juice.

"This story may have just went from bad to worse. On an AT&T document dated yesterday, September 17th, the expected launch dates for several AT&T smartphones are shown. Honing in on the BlackBerry category, we find these expected dates:

BlackBerry 8320 BLUE - October 21, 2008
BlackBerry Pearl Oyster Pink - October 2, 2008
BlackBerry Bold - ETA November
BlackBerry Curve Burnt Orange - Deferred to 2009

These look like dealer availability dates as the note at the bottom indicates the equipment should actually arrive to retail locations "2" days later.

Now for the games... This document was posted by smartphone scoopster, the Boy Genius, who has been calling for an October 2nd launch date of the BlackBerry Bold on AT&T. Despite the fact this document is dated September 17th, he says "this sheet lists the BlackBerry Bold with a November ETA. We're not so sure what's going on, but we're sticking very firm to our October 2nd launch date on AT&T."

I sure hope the Bold does hit AT&T on October 2nd. If it's delayed until November I think we'll have a mutiny on our hands!"

Information Courtesy Of:Crackberry.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: What the fuck!? AT&T & Blackberry, do NOT speak to me until you get your acts together and come correct with my phone.

50 Cent To Remake The Movie "Purple Rain"?

"50 Cent Making “Before I Self-Destruct” Movie to Accompany Album’s December Release
9/23/08, 1:37 pm EST

50 Cent’s life is like a movie, so it makes sense that he’s writing one. The rapper is working on a feature film, Before I Self-Destruct, which is based on his album of the same name. “It’s not Purple Rain,” 50 says of the flick, which he also directed and produced. “But it was inspired by the actual music.” (His album is due out December 9th; 50 plans to release the movie simultaneously.)

The film — which isn’t autobiographical — aims to show the complexities of what 50 refers to as “urban life” in a new way: “When [movies] portray certain lifestyles they don’t show cause and effect,” he says. “But I showed characters under pressure in scenarios where they felt like there were no other options, even though there were.” He adds, “There are always options. People just usually start to see them while being incarcerated — for not seeing them in the first place.”

As for a soundtrack, tracks from Before I Self-Destruct the album will be missing from the movie. “Then Interscope would automatically have the rights to it, when they had absolutely no ownership of the actual material,” says 50, who penned a separate score for the film and recruited unsigned artists to record vocals. But that doesn’t mean the tunes are sub-par. “I kept the music up to standards,” says 50. “I worked with it until it was right.”

Story Courtesy Of: Rollingstone.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Ok! So, obviously the title of this post was a joke, right? Right. Moving right along, while Mr. Jackson was quietly and unceremoniously dropped from the marketing of the just released Al Pacino/Robert DeNiro film flop that is "Righteous Kill", I will assume that he was working on his upcoming album and the elaborate screenplay this sort-of-but-not-really bio pic. Ummmmmmmm, didn't he already cover this ground with the movie "Get Rich Or Die Trying"? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, I get it - an artist like 50 Cent who delivers such compelling music needs to make yet another film that will describe this new complex content to the masses ... lol.  Message To 50 Cent: Spare yourself the embarrassment @ the box office and some serious marketing dollars and release this movie straight to DVD and/or as purchase bonus with your next album.   

Look, I fuxs with 50 Cent, but he needs to cut the crap and, as I've said numerous times before on this very blog, just get back to making great music. 50 Cent has still got "it" as an artist, but he needs to trust himself and that capacity as an artist instead of relying on his traditional publicity intitiatives (rap beef, weak movie, more rap beef) which have clearly worn thin with the public. Take it back to that real Southside "Thicker Than Water shit my nigga. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Movie Trailer: Notorious.

When I 1st heard that this movie was seriously going into production, like many, I was unenthusiastic to say the least.  I mean, as not only a true Hip Hop head to the core, but, particularly, as a Brooklyn nigga that rode with Biggie from day 1, I had my doubts about how well ANYBODY could pull this film off within the confines of the Hollywood system. Like, how real would they keep it for my man Francis M.-To-The-Iz-H really?

With that said, while I am fully aware that this early trailer for Notorious doesn't even have a hint of dialogue in it, I am officially ready to give this film a proper chance.

Sure, Gravy is a terrible rapper, but he has, at least visually, managed to capture some of B.I.G.'s mannerisms and personality.  Plus, shorty that was cast as Faith Evans looks even better than than real Faith looked when she was Faith ... lol.

All I know is that I'd better not go down to my "Blackbuster" video man on Dekalb Avenue and see this on bootleg anytime soon ... lol.  Yes, of course I'd watch it, but I wouldn't feel right about it ... unless it was a perfect studio screener copy or something ... lol.  It is what it is. 

Skateboard P x His Double-Double R's AKA Deja Vroom.

"Pharrell Williams Rocks Two Rolls-Royces

Posted Sep 23rd 2008 7:02PM by Jared Paul Stern
Filed under: Wheels, Wealth

Musician, producer and designer Pharrell Williams needs not one but two Rolls-Royces to get around town - when he isn't driving one of his other supercars, that is. The producer of acts including Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Jay-Z bemoans the fact that the Rolls has become too popular with rappers, but says it still preserves some cachet.

"In the early days, the cars were rarities," Williams tells Motor Trend. Now however, "They're kind of ubiquitous. [But] the saving grace is: It's still a Rolls. Every stitch and every tiny detail are brilliant. It's traditional and consistent quality. They spare nothing. Also, you can drive it just how you're feeling. It can be a luxury vehicle or you can really put your foot in it and it darts out like an arrow. I had a Bentley but it wasn't for me. At the end of the day, a Rolls is a Rolls."

He likes 'em so much he has two, a Phantom for being chauffered in - ""I sit in the back and recline with my gold Blackberry, like Richie Rich" - and a Phantom Drophead Coupe for driving himself, in black with a red leather interior. He also has a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and a Ferrari Enzo. As for the latter, "Man, you have to be in the mood to drive that," Williams tells the mag. "It's so fast, it's like being in a spaceship or a stealth bomber. And there's no radio, so I can't have any tunes. I love it but you really have to be in race car mode."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

Read The Full Story Here: Motortrend.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  People often misinterpret my reasons for disliking "hipsters" and those same unfortunate people also assume that I paint Pharrell Williams with the same "trend-be-gone" brush ... lol.  I actually L.O.V.E. the sincere forward thinking innovation that the homie brings to the game ... he just doesn't come off to me as a pretentious prick of a person who calculates his "cool".  I fuxs with Pharrell - we're both pioneers in our own respects and we're both not fond of Y.O.U. rappers and your garish ways.  Now, if I could only get 2 Rolls Royces of my very own, right now ... lol. My name Is Chris Live AKA Shaker ... I'm on the road to the riches.

Kim Kard-ASS-hian: The Gas Station Face 9-22-08 x Dancing With The Stars Round 1.

NOTE: The last 2 pictures in this entry are outtakes from a recent photoshoot with Australian publication Ralph Magazine.


My brother-from-another-mother-although-his-mother-is-like-my-mother and a man whom I've had the pleasure of knowing since kindergarten, Mr. 401 K and I have reached an impasse regarding Kim Kardashian. Not only does he not see anything special about her (Whaaaaaaat!?), he also thinks that she has butt pads! Now, while I will NOT don a "Captain Save A Hoe" cape for this for woman, I will respectfully disagree with my brother on both counts. Stop frontin' son.   

Hopefully, after viewing this Dancing With The Stars clip, no matter what which side Y.O.U. stand on with regard to this most pressing booty tissue issue of our times, we can ALL agre that shorty will probably NOT win this game show ... lol. Did anybody else hear the female judge tell Kim Kardashian that she moves as if "she's not used to moving her head"? Word? Y.O.U. must not know her too well ... lol.

Helloooooo Ladies: Stella McCartney East West Melamine Clutch. Wood Y.O.U.?

Indeed, some sluts love to clutch the wood, but any true woman can appreciate this amazingly innovative Stella McCartney Melamine East West Clutch!  I mean, this looks like a mini steamer trunk or an expensive handcrafted wooden cigar box.

Comprised of rich melamine wood and gold hardware, this hard, boxy clutch opens up to reveal a luscious blue suede lining.  Is the construction of this clutch and the stark contrast from the outside to the inside a stylistic metaphor for today's woman and her severe exterior that, once cajoled and won over, opens up like a flower in bloom to lay bare a truly soft and feminine interior?  Ummmmmmmmm, probably not.  LOL.  Me thinks it's just a bangin' clutch that Y.O.U. won't see too often on the streets homie.  As always, exclusivity is the goal lil lady.  Holla @ ya boy in BK!



Available Online Here: Net-A-Porter.Com

Rihanna Putting It Down In Paris 09-17-08

Well, alleged financial problems be damned, Rihanna was out in Paris doin' it up just a few days ago. That's not the import of this post though. Rather, my message to the ladies is: Attention! Rihanna has officially stopped playing fair with yall. Do not disturbia this groove ... lol. G-G-G-Get 'em girl!

Latarian Milton: From A Young G's Perspective.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yes, I know that this isn't supposed to be funny, but it is ... lol. I mean, each news clip is jammed packed with so many quotables! Sadly though, in an ironic twist of fate, this 7 year old young man and his obviously criminally negligent upbringing have proven him to be more formidable in the streets than 99% of the rappers out there. Who says that Rick Ross is the "biggest boss" that we've seen thus far? I beg to differ. Latarian Milton is from Florida too homeboy. What Y.O.U. wanna do?

B.M.F. - The End Of An Era.

"BMF co-leaders sentenced
Strong show of support for Black Mafia Family's Flenory brothers
Published 09.17.08
By Mara Shalhoup


DETROIT — On Sept. 12, inside a small courtroom on the second floor of the Theodore Levine federal courthouse, an anxious crowd gathered to witness the symbolic end of the government's two-decade investigation into the Black Mafia Family.

One of the bailiffs barked a succinct order: "No outbursts." A moment later, a team of U.S. marshals escorted a slender man, gazing straight ahead through rimless glasses, into the courtroom.

"That's your Uncle T," one of the onlookers, Lucille Flenory, whispered to her grandson, sitting next to her. The bespectacled man, Lucille's son, was hardly recognizable as he made his way to the defense table. From the time he was locked up three years ago, Terry "Southwest T" Flenory lost close to 100 pounds.

Shuffling close behind him, in a matching orange jumpsuit, was Terry's older brother, Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and the tattooed letters "BMF" peeked above his collar on the left side of his neck. He scanned the courtroom, turned to his supporters and flashed a wide smile.

The two men, both of whom pleaded guilty to federal drugs charges last year, rose from the down-and-out streets of Detroit to build a massive, multistate cocaine empire headquartered in Atlanta and L.A. In less than two decades, the Flenory brothers and their Black Mafia Family amassed a $270 million fortune. The drug organization relied on an estimated 500 employees. And, with Meech's guidance, BMF helped jump-start the careers of some of Atlanta's best-known rappers.

One of those rappers, Young Jeezy, was implicated in BMF's drug trade during the Atlanta federal trial earlier this year of Meech's third-in-command, Fleming "Ill" Daniels. Jeezy hasn't been charged with a crime in relation to the feds' BMF investigation. Daniels, who was convicted of cocaine conspiracy, as well as several of his co-defendants, including the rapper Barima "Bleu DaVinci" McKnight, will be sentenced in Atlanta later this year."

Continued:

"With the two Flenory brothers seated in front of him, U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn asked to hear from Terry first.

Terry spoke in a quiet, steady voice. He told the judge he'd never been in trouble before. He described how he's been telling other inmates "to use my life as an example to lead them in the other direction."

And he said he was sorry he wasted the feds' time.

"I'd like to apologize to the government for my ignorance and for them having to spend countless hours working this case," Terry said. "I'd like to apologize to the many families hurt by the result of this ignorance."

Judge Cohn's response was sharp. "I think you're a very lucky man that it took the government this long to build a case against you," he said.

The judge read Terry's sentence so quickly that many of his supporters missed it. He sentenced him to 30 years.

As Terry was cuffed and led out of the courtroom, Meech and his attorneys were asked to approach the bench. Meech's Atlanta-based lawyer, Drew Findling, told the judge that Meech had requested a meeting with Terry shortly after Meech entered a guilty plea. During the meeting, Meech advised his brother to do the same – an act that would spare the government a lengthy, expensive trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison then said Meech shouldn't be credited for Terry's guilty plea. "That meeting did not go very well," she said. "In fact, it was disastrous."

Ison contended that it wasn't Meech who persuaded Terry to plea. She said it was Terry's father.

When it came time for Meech to address the judge, he apologized – and said he knew an apology wasn't enough. "I don't think 'I'm sorry' is the right thing to say," he told Judge Cohn. "'I'm sorry' is what people say when they get caught."

The judge quickly sentenced Meech to 30 years, too. As he was ushered out of the courtroom, Meech turned to smile, again, at his friends and family."

Read The Full Story Here: Atlanta.Creativeloafing.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: When these guys were active the sheer brazenness of their behavior had me thinking that either A) these niggas were the Feds incarnate OR B) they simply did not give a single solitary fuck ... lol. As the heads of this organization have since been knocked and received their numbers, I am convinced that they played it straight until the bitter end and should be commended for that. Obviously, @ some point though, the whole Black Mafia Family concept got away from them.

Have Y.O.U. ever seen male groupies? I have and it's not pretty ... lol. Now, these male "groupies" weren't on no gay shit, instead they were desperate to be a part of this street organization and fronted up a storm as if they literally laid any of the bricks that built this empire. B.M.F. would load up a flat bed trailer with Lamborghinis and Rolls Royce Phantoms and take their unique street show on the road across the country and, in every city they touched, they picked up a gang of hoes and were forced to flick off the wannabe fleas that just wanted to be down.

I clearly recall being in Sues Rendezvous (a popular strip club in Westchester, New York) with my brother Niketown and various members of my team/family for the Atlanta Vs. New York stripper showdown a few years back - B.M.F. was there backing the ATL chicks and makin' it rain torrentially throughout the night. Son, I saw grown men trying to pick up unclaimed money from the floor and paying more attention to these hustlers than the bad ass women on stage ... lol.

Some Of Y.O.U. may never experience the pure comedy of watching supposed-to-be entertainment "big shots" expose themselves in the presence of men that get it in-the-streets as opposed to the industry. Maaaaaaaan, Ed Lover was such a dickrider ... lol. He appointed himself as the official B.M.F. cheerleader that night ... lol. Jermaine Dupri was trying to be down as well although he made a noble attempt to hold his own.

Anyway, we had our tables and our Rosé bottles in the V.I.P. section of Sues Rendezvous when Meech, J-Bo and like 100 other black t-shirt clad homies came through and made the already meager accommodations of the V.I.P. area tighter than Faison Love and Funkmaster Flex in matching Vanson© motorcycle jackets.

B.M.F. certainly came to play that night ... $1,000 in singles per stack (and there were plenty), cellophane wrapped and ready to go. They easily dropped $80,000 @ Sues and even that estimate might be too low. Every other "go getter" in the club (myself included) ranked a distant 2nd that night ... nobody else was spendin' money like they were.

I respected B.M.F.'s loyalty before and that goes double for them now following this trial. As a crew, B.M.F. was a little too flashy and irresponsible for my tastes, however, they each made their choices as grown men and have accepted the consequences of their lifestyle with equal valor. Hold your head Big Meech and Southwest T. Do your time and don't let your time do you.