Fear

I’m amazed at the fear N people right now.  The lack of inspiration; the reservedness; the conditioned limitations that keeps the public N a state of inaction and apathy.  The willingness 4 people 2 B someone other than themselves.  It sickens me.  What the f*** is going on???

The economy has been a little rough on a number of people as of late but has any of the people suffering from this supposed recession considered the fact that not everybody is broke right now; that some folks R getting REAL rich right now…   Likely the muthafluffa U’re working 4.  Duh.  Y buy N2 the bull shit if U don’t have 2?

Your job let U go? Then why R’nt U going N2 business 4 yourself.  What was it that U wanted 2 do as a child that U’ve since been steered away from?  What was it that was so lofty that U decided that U couldn’t do 4 one reason or another?  Y would U B more willing 2 invest in putting time N2 someone else’s dream and not your own??? This is a time 4 the creative; 4 the manufacturers, 4 those that make instead of those that just consume.  The consumer; the 9-5 wage slave is becoming a financially and socially frustrated endangered species waiting 4 someone else 2 ration out 2 them the things that they already had in whole within themselves. 

Shouts out 2 the John Clayborns, K-Fleyes, P3s, Doublestitches, Mike Sims, Elementals, D’Aminis, etc that jump out on their own; on their faith and make a living out of their God given talents and abilities.  We may not B rich yet but we’re happy. Shouts out 2 anyone who exercises that “faith” and really creates a positive reality, despite adversity, 4 themselves.  Whether it B N real estate, travel, jewelry, technology, clothes, etc… it’s something else 4 U 2 decide that U’re REALLY tired of being subject 2 the will of someone else 4 your living.  If U really believe in the God that U say U believe N, then what’s holding U back?

Big Love 2 any of U who have let go of that negative, unconducive, incompatable muthafluffa in your life, despite the time, effort, and settled comfort U had in that individual 4 the “uncertainty” of the Universe 2 provide U with what U really deserve in your growth as a person/spirit - whether it B a “mate,” a relative, or a friend who is taking far moor from your life than they’re putting N.  These things take courage.  These things take faith.  These things often take a sense of reckless abandon and powerful resolve 2 make happen but 2 me, what is the alternative:  Living N someone else’s reality???  Becoming and staying subject 2 someone else’s will???  Choosing familiar unhappiness over unknown possibility???  HELL NAW! 

We R as great or small as we choose 2 B.  No matter your nationality, gender, age, or ability there R vast examples of people not very different than ourselves that have done things that the rest of the world R amazed by. The only difference was the courage and wherewithal 2 make it happen.

In the perspective of “dancefloor politics”  I watch dudes stand around the bar in small groups swearing they’re cool but really just scared of asking a sista 2 dance; scared she might say no; scared to B the first one on the floor; scared of just moving 2 the music like they wanna move. This commercial Rap and R& B dun made ya’ll some pu**ies!  It’s conditioned an anciently rhythmic people 2 deny their own spirit if the “song” doesn’t come with a dumb-ass dance 4 them 2 follow along 2. Our grandparents were Jitterbugging, Lindyhopping, doing acrobatic moves on the floor that people 2 this day don’t dare 2 attempt.  The Caucausian-run commercial industry only recently, 20 YEARS LATER, caught up with breakdancing so NOW it becomes things like “America’s Best Dance Crew.”  I’ve been partying 4 YEARS dancing with no set moves or steps and I heard that “Housing,” the same sh** me and thousands of others have been getting at each other with all this time is NOW a legitimate “style.”  Please.  And U lames R standing around on the wall waiting 4 some damn “Slide” 2 come on 2 move 2.  Pu**ies!

I guess this is a rant.  Thank U 4 indulging me.  But I’m  tired of the bullsh** and need 2 express that.  The emperor clearly has no clothes and I’m surrounded by suckas scared 2 tell that naked muthafluffa 2 put a damn towel on!  The world ain’t right in a large respect and there R 2 many heads just moving with it even when it moves against them.  I’ve heard from a few that the Universe is simply beginning 2 weed out the weak and un4tunately the mass majority is weak.  Some people I love R going 2 have 2 go but it doesn’t have 2 B that way… does it? 

How easy is it 2 choose 2 do something different with our lives?  Begin that new career, start that new business; that new relationship, stop accepting less than what we deserve, stop consuming more than we need, change our diets, our hair, our minds.  How hard is it 4 us 2 B ourselves?  

I know a lot of sick people; ill with disease or perpetual discomfort and/or imbalance who WON’T do what they need 2 do 2 get well and back in balance.  U’re a diabetic?  Stop drinking “diet” pop.  Eat a lot more natural foods, a lot less processed sh** and meat and drink plenty of alkalized water.  But a chicken and rib eating muthafluffa would rather die than have 2 say “I’m a vegetarian.”  Cancer eating away at your insides?  Fast.  Starve the tumor and RESEARCH 4 yourself the proper herbs and acids that will go N and put your body back N balance without a bunch of drugs and radiation.  AND STOP FUC*IN’ SMOKING, dumbass!  Asthmatic?  Stop consuming dairy products and anything white (sugar, rice, flour, etc…).  There’s way 2 many alternatives available 2 sit around and B wheezing or sucking on some damn inhaler and taking steroids everyday.  Your children a little off, a little hyperactive?  Stop feeding that little bad muthafluffa processed foods, junk, and white sugar products first thing in the gaddamn morning!  Move the little bastards away from the TV and N2 a book (at least a comic book) and C if that thang don’t change.  Stop her little fast ass from watching videos all damn day and listening 2 Clear Channel radio programming if U wanna raise a lady.  But folks choose death over denying themselves a few things they’ve become accustomed 2 even when those things R killing them.  They’d rather listen 2 some damn doctor who is helping their slow demise draw out in the interest of the prescription business than read a fuc*in’ book about their condition.  Notice that a lot of these solutions begin with “stop.”  Not hard.

If I’ve learned anything in my life it’s simplicity is golden; simplicity is key.  Every other animal in the world eats, sleeps, mates, and socializes according 2 THEIR PLACE in the animal kingdom.  Simple. The seasons change as nature has programmed them 2 do.  Simple.  The planets rotate and revolve around THEIR PLACE in the Universe effortlessly.  Simple.  Nobody tells the lion how 2 B a lion.  The lion just is and does what lions do.  Simple.  All complications N my life have had simple solutions.  It was me that made those things complicated even if it was me allowing other people 2 complicate that situation.  It was me.  I was the problem AND the solution and it was really that simple.  I LOVE simplicity.  Don’t always adhere 2 it but I’m still growing.  …and I’m just about there

I dance, perform, and move through this world the way I do cause I ain’t scared of sh**!  I say the things I say and the way that I say them because I know someone else is afraid 2 and those things needed 2 B said.  I ain’t got no “game” as it is but women dig me and it usually starts at “Hi.”  I can’t sit around and wait 4 something 2 happen.  I’ve watched enough moments, opportunities, experiences pass me by like that. I will put myself N2 the path of those things now cause I AIN’T SCARED and I’ve learned it is SO easy 2 do.  Once the fear is gone NOTHING is 2 big, 2 hard, or 2 impossible.

What R U afraid of?  I’ve heard it said that courage is not necessarily bravery in the face of opposition but it is more of the ability to move forward; 2 act despite one’s initial fear.  I dig that.  Despite being scared, U make sh** happen! That’s the lesson people.  Do it!  Thousands of people may attempt 2 deter U from that growth but the only one that can stop U is U.  Do it.  Fu** “them”!!!  Do it!  Let go of that fear and reservation, grab your (figurative or literal) balls and make this world a better place 4 U and those around U.  Dance that stoopid dance that only makes sense 2 U.  Speak 2 that attractive guy or gal.  Start that business (please study business first.  Just pick up a damn book) and prepare 2 cuss out your boss that U’ve been hating 4 so long.  Write that book, that paper, that song that has been sitting in your head 4 years.  It ain’t gotta get published but what if it does?  A friend told me recently that worry is being concerned with some sh** that hasn’t even happened yet.  Damn.  That’s hot.  “They” may come 2 stop U, ridicule U, destroy U, steal from U what U do BUT “THEY MAY NOT.  Y give them that power B4 U even enact your greatness upon this world? “They” may love and applaud U 4 it. Make that move that U KNOW U wanna make and STOP BEING SCARED.  Go forward and build.  The world is waiting and the Universe says it’s okay.

Thanks ya’ll
Love U.
K.

Posted 1 year ago — 1 note

A Tale of Debauchery

by Discopoet Khari B. on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 3:01pm

Now, the important thing about a Debauchery Ball is not 2 “tell” and I believe fully N that law BUT I do have a tale 2 tell about it all anyway as I cannot possibly tell when I am going 2 get through all the loving  wishes sent 2 me by my FB friends 4 my Earthday.  As 2 expedite that whole thang, I’m going 2 start my thanking here.  Most names will not B used in order 2 protect the guilty.

The process started almost a month ago when I realized I had better start planning this annual event.  I knew if I got started with that much lead time then it would B so much less stressful than years past PLUS I had 2 get 2 it since people had been asking about the details of it all since the Chosen Few House N the Park jam back N July.  Geez.

One of the most difficult tasks when planning events attended by brown-skinned people N Chicago is finding a venue. The Debauchery Ball does not belong in some average club with a 2:00am curfew and watered down drinks.  It doesn’t have 2 have swank surroundings or valet parking. This is the Debauchery Ball!  We require SPACE 2 dance, electricity, and restroom facilities.  That’s it! Good and simple. The magic is N its simplicity made complex in the quest 2 find a complex 2 place us N.  N the past we’ve been in art galleries, community centers, and the most memorable; The Gutted Greystone. Un4tunately those places weren’t available 2 us 4 different reasons but it wasn’t a prob.  I started the search.

Promising lead after promising lead lead nowhere. Weeks zip by and now I’m TOTALLY behind N getting this thing 2gether. Dave Maze came through N the clutch. Phat spot. Unique facilities. Plenty of parking.  At the time I was out of town with less than 3 weeks 2 go. I get home, cut a deal with Dave, churn out a plugger and the world is well.  It’s short notice but I KNOW I can promote a party in under 2 weeks.  No prob. Back outta town I go, this time 4 a week.

Dave calls the next day. The spot is shut down til further notice…  I’m stuck.  Not deterred however, I let him know that it was cool and we’d move 4word accordingly.  A sista who has proved 2 B spiritually connected hits me with a FB message the same day letting me know that everything would B okay and that 1 of the 1st spots that I wanted 4 the party would welcome me with open arms.  I accepted that because I had a calm going that let me know that things really were alright.  Didn’t know which spot she could mean as I had hit so many but I stayed open.  A few hours later I got the call. A supa sista who had previously expressed some reservation about having the party N her loft had changed her mind.  YEAH! It was my 1st preference this year and abSOULutely perfect 4 the festivities. The condition was that I keep it on the low, hence the inspiration behind the cloak and dagger detail sharing. No prob.  I hatch the plan that night and we’ve still got a whole week 2 go.  It’s short notice but I KNOW I can promote a party in under a week. Right?

I return home the Sunday of the party week, redo the plugger and start spreading the news on Facebook. On Monday I do a little libation shopping with our esteemed bartender Countess. I mail off the DJ’s money who is 8 hours away N upper Michigan. I get a text from the sista who has the loft 2 call her asap. I figured it was just a follow-up call. “Can’t do it.  Landlord’s on a rampage with all the tenants…”   I start laughing.  I’ve got 4 days  B4 partytime and no place 2 have the party.  Still not worried.  However all of these stalls do hinder the promotional process and what’s a party if no one knows about it? 

Tuesday morning I get an idea of who 2 call.  I 4get 2 do it and go on with my day of looking 4 a spot.  I check here and there. Even looked at a church but figured I better not tell them that this was “the Debauchery Ball” if I wanted them 2 consider housing us. HA!  The inspiration came back.  This time I didn’t waste any.  Called my guy.  He said “…shouldn’t B a problem but I gotta check with _______ .  I’ll hit U N the morning”  I keep promoting because no one knew that we didn’t have a spot. There was never a locale revealed in the 1st place.  Sure enough, my man came through N the morning with a cool.  The price was better than I could have hoped, the space was bigger than I planned, and the restrictions were non-existent!  The Debauchery Ball was ON!  It’s really short notice now but I KNOW I can promote a party in 2 days. Right? Riiight.

We did. Most of U came.  Some of y’all flaked but everybody that didn’t had a good time.  DJ Big Will & Dave Maze laid it down.  Countess got the people TOWED up at the bar.  People danced, frolicked, smacked asses, screamed, hollered, passed out (I hope our sis is alright), took lots of pictures and partied til round 5:30am  Some serious debauchery was going on, as it should have (please send those unpostable pictures 2 me via the inbox) and I think we all had a good time.  Wasn’t as packed as expected (though it was a nice sized, honeylicious crowd) but it was a success nonetheless.  I did this N 2 days, damnit!  U all looked BEAUTIFUL!  The all black thing on U beautiful honey-colored, caramel, chocolate skinned people just works!  I’m glad 2 have been able 2 provide a platform 4 U 2 boogie unabashedly, lose yourself uninhibitedly and party unrestrictively til (literally) the break of dawn.  If U missed it, U MISSED IT!

I got in around 8 something Saturday morning after packing and cleaning up the spot (thank U Marcus and Shon). I was deliriously tired since I really had been up since 8 something Thursday morning (really).  I collapsed in the bed throwing whatever I had with me everywhere.  Someone woke me up around noon (I think) 2 pay the property manager who had come 2 collect the rent.  I rolled onto the floor from the bed realizing that my brain and body were not connected.  I was BUSTED! Not hungover, mind U.  I WAS DRUNK AS HELL!  I propped myself up on the side of the bed and managed 2 dump a bunch of cash unto the floor next 2 me.  I heard my brain laughing at the thought that I thought I was about 2 count that sh**.  I couldn’t even tell if I had on clothes or not.  I guess someone figured out something must have been wrong after I didn’t make a sound after what seemed like hours.  Naima comes N and asks, “babe, do U need me 2 count that?”  I nodded my 700lb head at which time she counted out what was needed and went and paid the lady.  Somehow I made it back N 2 bed and slept til 6pm then laid around til 11p.  Debauchery can B dangerous!  What a way 2 spend a b-day. Hahahahaa!

I wanna thank Evin Marie, Dave Maze, Keith Nixon, and Ruqayyah 4 reasons that they all know.  I’ve gotta thank Naima, Temple (my prolific publicist), OnJaLee and Countess 4 sticking with me all the way through 2 insure that we could do what we wanted 2 do.  DJ Big Will 4 traveling in 4 this 6 year running relationship we’ve had going, doing this thang and banging the tables the way U do and 2 Ron Watkins 4 providing the perfect sounds and lights 2 make the night right. Antwan “Itsalovethang”  4 bringing the party with him and 4 him and B. Willis providing some photographic documentation of the good time we had.  Thanks 2 everyone who brought me a gift (Antwan, I-Khan & Big Rob/Merch).  Unexpected and SO appreciated. Thank U 2 everyone who came that I don’t remember came.  Blame it on the ….  A curse on the leech that slithered its way N2 our party and absconded away with someone else’s belongings. May nothing N your life go right until U correct the wrong U’ve done. Thanks most of all 2 my 2 cats that provided the facilities at 4th & goal.  Damn, that was good lookin’ out.  Thanks 2 everyone who dressed ever so scantily, daring, and/or exotic. U made the party and embraced the spirit!  Thanks 2 everyone who dares 2 dance in a world that would rather sit & frown.  Thank U all 4 making my Earthday celebration and OUR 6th annual Debauchery Ball so friggin fantastic!

2 all the Sags (and I can’t start naming. It’s SO MANY of us), we just rule!!!

If I 4got 2 name U, I apologize.  U know the love is there or U don’t know me.

Allllll love,
Khari B

Posted 1 year ago

Why The” Debauchery” Ball (A “Hari”day celebration

If U’ve been 2 1 B4, U don’t even have 2 ask but we’ve grown and expanded and a number of people may B a lil curious as 2 what all this is. The long & short of it is it’s our lil’ piece of freedom wrapped up and good music and good times.  It’s permission 2 B as daring, exotic, erotic, and wild as U want 2 B without fear of being judged or chided.  It’s a safe space 2 B U and as much of U as U can stand 2 B.  It’s the Debauchery Ball, baby, and it’s baaaaaad.

Only the real party heads may necessarily get this; the brothas and sistas whose primary purpose 2 B at the party is 2 dance and EXPERIENCE the music; those whose creativity allows them 2 find something new and exciting each and everytime.

A good House party (and REAL House music and this is just what it is) is VERY sexual! Not so much the actual act, but the feeling of it all…  Hence, the Debauchery Ball.

There’s the foreplay of getting someone’s attention 2 dance and then feeling them out well B4 engaging them with your best moves.  There’s a slow build-up as the act becomes moor and moor exciting as U all fall deeper N2 the music and the moves of the other.  There’s grinding, groping, and smacking (on those good nights ).  There’s sensual swirling, dipping, jumping, moving, touching.  There R those moments where U stare N2 your partner’s eyes and smile B4 U close your own to sink further N2 the feeling.  There’s sweat…alot of it, and neither of U care.  There’s exhaustion that only pushes U 2 give moor.  There R those millisecond moments that U KNOW that your last move was that dope move that maybe U ain’t never done B4 but it felt good and U caught your partner’s admiration.  There’s that closeness as 2 (or moor) bodies synchronize movements and rhythm at the same time and it just… feels……  good!  There’s ALOT of exposed flesh but unlike these perverse distortions of reality found N music video subculture acted out N clone-like commercial music clubs, there’s a general appreciation and respect 4 it all… not everyone, but generally.  There R no worries of communicable diseases AND U don’t need any protection.  It’s those best parts of sex acted out N a dance & non of the bad stuff.  HA!!!

It’s mutual.  It’s deliberate.  It goes on 4 hours.  All parties involved R ultimately and triumphantly satisfied but can’t wait 4 the next time.  It’s creative and rarely routine.  U can have moor than one partner and no one is angry, trippin’, regretful, or resentful.   The relationship is clear, focused, and often boundless.  Inhibitions fade as the dance goes on.  It’s often daring, spontaneous, and has wonderful overtones of exhibitionism.  It warms the heart and mind while being intensely physical and most often spiritual.  U get a workout and when U’re really going at it U end up working parts of U that may not have had attention in ages!  And when the relationship is over; when the music goes down and the lights come up, it’s okay.  U thank your partner(s) 4 the good time and U part amicably, looking 4word 2 the next time U encounter one another, especially when they R REALLY good.  U may linger around a bit and talk afterwards.  No fights, no drama, no friends involved having 2 pick sides over U all’s bull.  Just smiles, and deep embraces, and handclaps/shakes, cheek kisses, quick pecks, and the ever fun smack on the ass.  It’s wonderful!

There R few things N the world like this and I am most 4tunate 2 have these experiences.  I NEEDED this boogie deep down N my soul so much so that. with a lil’ help from my friends, I created what I’ve been missing N the Chicago party scene 4 so long!

4 years I never dated and actual sex was a rare occurance.  I partied; HARD and I have abSOULutely no regrets.  There was a ravenous, sensual innocence expressed that was satisfied during those sets.  There was a lot less trouble and drama back then.  Since then I’ve learned valuable and priceless lessons about sex and relationships that have been taxing and enlightening and were simply a part of growing up but I tell U, there ain’t nuthin’, NOTHING like a good House party boogie…

…except maybe sex during and/or after one.  I ain’t saying I did or did not do that ~ I just hear things  

C y’all at the party,

K.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170419466311964  <—— the event link

Posted 1 year ago

FreeVerse ForeRun

I’m a party head, undeniably. My roots were lain in Chicago’s “golden age” of House music back when I was 2 young 2 get in N2 some of the legendary clubs now only known in the memories of those who R 2 old 2 party like that anymore. I ain’t.  I am the ageless wonder and I LOVE 2 get down. 

I am Discopoet Khari B., spoken word musician and all-around bad mutha.  My pseudonym is a compound appellation describing the 2 things that typically make me happiest; “Disco,” representing the free-2-B, ready 2 boogie, House head and “Poet,” the man in love with language, words and oratory expression.  The poetry part has always been. I’ve written 4 as long as I can remember due 2 gentle prodding from my mom.  That side became my life’s journey. It was destiny. I like it.

As a poet I’ve hosted probably hundreds of open-mics since I took this thing on as a career in the late 90’s. I’ve seen & heard some of the best. At 1 point I HAD 2 B at an open-mic 2 give me further inspiration 2 create works of my own, release the work related stress and LIVE on that platform, sharing with others. I know that it was that way 4 so many others and I’m grateful 2 every wordsmith that touched those stages 4 helping me 2 become a better artist. I can’t say it’s so much that way anymore.

Between those 2 things my life has been one ray of sunshine after the other.  Physical, spiritual and mental stimulation were more than provided 4.  I’ve been a happy camper. Un4tunately, “been” is becoming more and more of the operative word here.  The party scene has had the life sucked out of it by dirty Chicago politics and years of mind-numbing radio programming dumbing down generations of would-be party-goers turning Chicago from a city of trend-setters to yet another flock of sheeple.  The poetry scene, once creative & perpetually inspirational became a repetitive, intellectually absent platform 4 the attention starved masses.  I know I sound harsh but I bet I’m not alone in that feeling.

But I’ll save further gripe 4 another time. I just wanted 2 establish a few ideas of what we’re talking about here. As in many aspects of life many of us know the problems. Few of us R willing 2 do anything about it. So here’s my bid. In conjunction with the Shrine & UPRISE: Revolutionary Sounds Wednesday nights we’re going 2 give U the place, the time, and the stage 4 YOU 2 let go of all your conditioned inhibitions, your refortified fear and your general sense of “trying” 2 B cool and RISE UP! 

As host, I’m going 2 call out 2 the real writers who’ve been locked away in homes, offices and journals creating works that deserve 2 B heard; those who used 2 bring that heat but hid away due 2 the refuse found N open-mic forums; those who haven’t had the opportunity 2 B heard under a false impression that it’s all about performance, 4getting that it IS the poetry that comes first.  I’m calling on U 2 create the artistic experience U want 2 B a part of.  Joined by DJ Marbll, my partner at the infamous Ebony Room, we’re going 2 bring that poetic thang that many have felt has been absent 4 way 2 long, putting U all N a place where U 2 will realize that a poetry set CAN B a party and that’s just the beginning.

As the name states, we R but the 4runner 4 creator Joe Bryl aka DJ Scratch and the renowned Tone B. Nimble bringing U an international flavored House rooted N Afrobeat from Fela 2 Boye Papa Gee and some of the funkiest stuff around 2 move yo soul, your mind and ya gaddamn asses! IT IS TIME that we groove again and we’ve got U.  Join us, starting September 1^st 2010 4 Fela, Funk and FreeVerse Forerun featuring some of the best elements we’ve got 2 offer 4 a funky good time. Dig on the Shrine’s website 4 all the details but pen us N2 your calendar & prepare 4 a jolt on your Wednesday night. Info below.

http://www.facebook.com/Ms.DaniJackson#!/event.php?eid=154480621234548&ref=ts

All love,
Khari B.

Posted 1 year ago

Asked by tumblrbot tumblrbot

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Honestly, my circumcision. Don’t know how old I was other than being a baby & screaming 4 my dad 2 save me.  Don’t know how or Y I remember that but I never 4got it although I don’t consider it traumatic.

Posted 1 year ago