Hollywood's Sympathetic Racism

Autumn arrives in America. 
           Green foliage bursts into an array of colors, 
                     While Hollywood is immune to seasons. 


Yes, Atop the walk of fame, 
the more things change, 
the more they stay the same.

October 4, 2013, the well anticipated film, Gravity was released, and weeks later, this negro right here, went to go see it. Why? Because I didn't feel like watching another depressing slave movie. I'd rather watch a White woman get hit upside the head by space debris. It starred academy award winner, Sandra Bullock. While a rich white woman got lost in space in a box office blockbuster, nameless Black faces picked even more cotton in another box office hit, 12 Years a Slave. 
Both films are surrounded by whispers of Oscars. These soft murmurings come to no surprise to those like me who keep an eye on the bullshit routine of tinsel town. 

In recent years, there has been an onslaught of films which depict depressed and oppressed Blacks. What is of more concern to me, is that all of these films were automatically deemed, "Oscar Worthy".

12 Years a Slave....

The nappy headed, sweaty, wailing negro in distress has always garnered violins and red carpet pity parties for a race of people who can never leave history. 

My people have been to Hell, But they are still on the rise as Maya Angelou suggests. The problem is not that Hollywood dares to tell realistic tragic stories in American history, but my eyebrow raises when it becomes painfully evident that we have to be niggers on film in order to dress up for the Oscars. 

Precious, The Help, 12 Years a Slave, Django, The Butler and Lincoln, are all films released in the last few years which saw Oscar nods, and all of them feature battered Black people. Of course this has been a long tradition in Hollywood and even television, Enter Roots. In my opinion, it seems that films like 12 Years a Slave are the torture porn which accompany the racial bullet points needed to garner Oscar nods. What's more, is that Black directors like Lee Daniels (Precious) and Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) can only advance in Hollywood by oppressing Black people on screen. The state of the film industry is simple; White actors get Oscars for acting, Black actors get Oscars for subject matter. What is that subject matter? It's either: 
A. Slavery/Oppression of Blacks
B. Gang violence 
C. The White Savior of the helpless nigger

Depressed Black Oppressed=OSCAR

Denzel rivals King Kong several decades after Hattie McDaniel cleaned White people's shit for an Oscar. The Help still dresses up for the momentous occasion of the White savior. The statue of the bald headed White man is what every good negro actor strives for.

White Victim + Scary Black Man=OSCAR

Tell me something, out of all of the strong performances of the great actor Denzel Washington over the years, why has only one given him an Oscar? One where he plays a role that almost any actor could, one of a street thug. Denzel was too great of a Black actor for Hollywood, they had to put him in his place by forcing him to be connected to that one role for the rest of his life. He may have been Malcolm X, he may have had a thing for a Devil in a Blue Dress, but at the end of the day, your entire career will be overshadowed by what they want you to represent. You will be the nigger in the street with guns blazing. You will be the slutty Carmen Jones type, riding cock and sexualized out of your talents. Halle, you will get that Oscar, and never be heard from again.

Well who is heard from again? People like George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.

THE WHITE SAVIOR. THE HELPLESS NEGRO=OSCAR

Sandra Bullock is an Oscars darling. The racist academy raised their glasses while she saved an uneducated Black football player from poverty in the film, The Blind Side. It was a heart warming tale of a rich white Christian woman, who showed a poor negro what it's like to be civilized. She saved him like no Black person could or was willing to do. The film is one of many that parade the idea that Blacks need saving. Dangerous Minds, Mississippi Burning, Cry Freedom, Cool Runnings, The Butler...The list goes on when it comes to Hollywood's obsession with the White savior. 

Blacks never boycott because after all, they've long been brainwashed to worship a White Jesus. Hell, Tyler Perry keeps this Jesus in a six foot tall, gun-totting, big breasted grandmother named Madea. So Black people are simply too preoccupied to give a damn about how they are depicted. 

The Whites tried to save the cursing negro in "A Time to Kill"

Black people are too busy waiting for Sandra Bullock and the other White people of the law to save a negro in A Time to Kill. While I love Sandra Bullock as an actresses and humanitarian, I can't help but be irritated at the number of White savior films she's been apart of. It seems that Miss Bullock was inspired by her golden statue, because not long after, she joined the bandwagon of White millionaire starlets who save African babies. Miss Bullock adopted her African baby in true Hollywood fashion. She not only plays the role, she lives the role. What would Africa do without Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Sandra? Quiet as it's kept, I was adopted at birth, but to Black parents. I fell in love with the film, Losing Isaiah at a young age, but come to think of it, that film implied that Black couples can't save Black babies. 

Speaking of Halle Berry, do you remember who made her, "FEEL GOOD"???

A racist white man. Do you remember how uneducated she was, how Latisha Musgrove needed a White man to save her from the problems of her dark skinned bad boy baby's daddy on death row? He needed to fuck the tears out of her and make her forget about the death of her fat greedy Black son.

Black Whore=OSCAR

Look at her name, "Latisha Musgrove..." It implies a mixed woman like Halle is, her Black mother would name her Latisha and Musgrove is clearly a European name from her father. The stereotypes of that film deterred the actress Angela Bassett from playing the starring role, but we all saw how Halle Berry gradually distanced herself from Black directors. This was her chance to completely sell out. To get that check and be invited to the eyes wide shut parties. This was her chance to win the Oscar. She was well aware that her exposed breasts and a White dick would get her a golden Mr. Clean statue. Sorry Spike Lee, the Black folk you've made famous don't give a damn about you now.
I digress, well actually, I am right on topic.

Successful Blacks with universal issues=Magic Theaters + No Oscar

You see, films like The Best Man, Malcolm X and Eve's Bayou don't interest The Academy or mainstream Hollywood. Why is it that Black people go to the movies to see a bunch of privileged White women humiliate Black women in The Help, while a bunch of educated Black people in a series like The Best Man doesn't get the same excitement? Because Black people insist on being depicted as victims. They insist on feeling sorry for something they've never experienced and believe that our stories of triumph or even modern day romances aren't worthy of the same glory as "mainstream" films like The Proposal.

We all know that mainstream is code for, "WHITE"

Successful Whites with Universal Issues=$327 Million worldwide

Yes, Sandra Bullock falling in love on screen will always book more interviews on more major talk shows than Nia Long in a warm embrace with Eddie Cibrian, even if he's White.
Let's face it, Hollywood is segregated. If Black directors want to get "mainstream" recognition then they need to NIGGER IT UP. They need to bring on the stories of Black struggle where Whites or mixed people save the day. Enter Precious.

I am not that old, so it is a shame that I have witnessed so many slave ships get the green light and first class flights to Access Hollywood. I've seen a lot of wholesome films like Soul Food and Love Jones but I never got to see these actors on the talk shows I would watch. I never got to really know these stars, how they really were outside of films. Keep in mind, this was in the nineties, it was worse then, but now, it's not so much better. Anyone who matters in Black Hollywood is too afraid of Wendy Williams and Oprah threw in the towel. David Letterman doesn't know who Sanaa Lathan is and probably would assume she was an intern while groping her in the dressing room.

"Love Jones" a Black Hollywood classic 

With so much diversity in the leaves this November, it's just an unfortunate shame that STILL we don't rise.
Still, White people get to fly in space while Black people continue to support the only formula that gets us noticed. Still we are unaware that we are separate but equal when it comes to casting.

The powerful inspirational image of Sanda Bullock falling from space, in a burning capsule and finally standing tall on a beach is something the Regina Halls of Hollywood will never reach. Their capsules would simply burn up in earth's atmosphere, no close up shots of their brown hands in the sand. Miss Bullock experienced cinematic triumph in a way no Black actor ever could to such a wide audience. It was a telling moment when that movie concluded with the crescendo of music blasting in my ear. In the next theater, slaves picked cotton and I was glad that Sandra's character didn't die, but I wondered why Black characters do nothing but cry.                                                                       The Oscars lie.

IS "WHITE PRIVILEGE" HINDERING BLACKS?

VIDEO: Hypocrite Omarosa accuses Bethenny Frankel of "White Privilege"

I didn't remember having drank any alcoholic beverages. I know I wasn't simply fatigued and reading headlines wrong. Did Omarosa accuse former star of Bravo's Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny Frankel, of White privilege while she sat on her talk show?

Don't get me wrong, I agree with Omarosa that more often than not, White people can be mediocre and achieve success, whereas the same is USUALLY not true when it comes to Blacks. I agree that in general, a White person doesn't have to work as hard as a Black person to get ahead. A Black man will probably go to prison if charged with the same crime as his White counterpart, who will less likely be convicted. There are issues with race in this country, But I have to wonder, if Whites can climb to success because of skin color, then maybe we Blacks should educate each other on how to build up our own communities. It would make too much sense to empower other Black people. It would make too much sense to deliver your message in a way that doesn't come across antagonistic. When it comes to Omarosa, Her delivery is always off. Her reputation proceeds her so most people aren't hearing an accurate message, they only hear an attitude. In lieu of her public disputes with other Black women, Omarosa is so busy fighting with other Black people that she doesn't have time to empower anyone.

Let me take a breath...

As I saw the story unfold again and again on social media, it became more evident that the angry Black woman made another attempt to stay relevant. The death of her famous husband could only keep her in the interview circuit but for so long. She couldn't fake cry with a flawless face of make-up for too much longer. The ice queen had to get racial.

She had to get controversial.

Time for a sound bite on yet another White person's stage.

Wait you forgot who Omarosa is? Let's take a trip down an unpleasant memory lane....

The strong willed Ohio native rose to national fame in 2004 after appearing on NBC's hit television show, "The Apprentice." However before the fame, she was merely a half Nigerian girl with wounds; Injuries which would set the stage for her future persona.
Omarosa Manigault became an eternally, bitter little girl with daddy issues, after her Nigerian father was murdered when she was only seven. I don't mean to sound insensitive but if she were to sit on my couch, I would break down the walls of Jericho and get to the true religion. I would unravel the unsettling outer core which claims liberty, and uncover the inner core that is an ice sculpture of insecurity. This is a life of which the likes of Iyanla Vanzant cannot fix, but I could surely give it a diagnosis. Furthermore, please keep in mind, acquiring wealth the wrong way and holding degrees, does NOT mean your life is together. Is Omarosa happy? It sure doesn't seem that way. Unhappy people should never give anyone else advice on their life. So Bethenny, brush your shoulders off.
Please turn in your robe Omarosa and pass the microphone.

What is hilarious to me, is that she didn't seek success on Oprah Winfrey's show, nor a Shonda Rhimes production or a Black network. No, it was Donald Trumps show from which she made her name. That's right, the White Republican who thinks Obama isn't American and couldn't possibly have been smart enough to excel at Harvard.

Omarosa was picked By Donald Trump and other producers to play the role of the angry Black woman. This is the same show where NeNe Leakes fought with Star Jones and LaToya Jackson, both Black women. Donald Trump, a rumored racist and billionaire, USED and played Omarosa.

What was she used for?

She was the intelligent Black woman that everyone should fear.

Why?

Because look at how she behaves. Look at how she manipulated those poor White people in the boardroom.

The subliminal: Imagine an intelligent Black woman with power...

You see a few of the White elite have been fearful of the coloreds and have long believed that the tables are turning. In 2004, Obama was not yet the President, but Trump knew the day would soon come when a Black face would rest on a White House pillow. He wanted to get the world ready for an angry Black woman in the White House. Omarosa is what he thinks Michelle Obama is like behind closed doors; manipulative, bitter and abrasive. Omarosa played right into his hand.

She may be PhD educated, but degrees alone won't earn you respect, especially when you're FIRED from a role as a scheduling correspondent to Al Gore for disruptive behavior. What a mighty bridge to burn.

AND STAY OUT!!!!!!

Her image is a smart bitchy Black woman who can't keep a job. I wonder, What is her purpose? To rant and rave like Ann Coulter? No one will ever hand over their prized puppies to Cruella De Vil.

Omarosa is an Uncle Tom in a dress while pretending to be Angela Davis. She sat her hypocritical ass on Bethenny's couch and discussed White privilege. She shook her head at Bethenny for being "mediocre" and rich.

However, something just doesn't seem right with her making that statement...

Wasn't it Omarosa who approached the ambassador of White privilege for fame and fortune?

Wasn't it she who went to Donald Trump for a platform?

I mean, come on Omarosa, White privilege didn't seem so bad when it signed your checks.

Didn't she want those "Trump checks" like NeNe Leakes?

CAPTAIN SAVE A NIGGER

Pathetic Omarosa. She crossed her legs on yet another White person's stage. A dagger for a tongue and Nigerian hair permed straighter than White Jesus, she whined about her skin color not opening doors for her. All the while, she BOASTED about White people booking her for their shows. Seems to me, that doors HAVE been opened for her, they've just been the wrong ones. She doesn't realize that she's NOT making it better for Black women who want to enter a boardroom. We will get to that later...

Omarosa bobbed her head and flashed her bleached smile, while she bragged about how smart she is and how White people love to interview her....

Yet remember when she didn't appear so happy to be on the Wendy Williams show...

It appears that from Omarosa's perspective, when White people book a Black woman, it's because of her "amazing brand". When it comes to a Black woman booking her, it's because they are trying to throw shade.

It doesn't seem productive to get sassy with a Jewish woman who went on the same show you did, "Celebrity Apprentice" talking about White privilege. I am sure Bethenny has some ancestors who suffered from that White privilege. I am sure she is not the enemy. And by the way, didn't Bethenny get rich from margaritas? Was it the color of her skin that made her develop and market the "Skinny Girl Margarita"? That implies that only White people can brand something and get rich....Has Omarosa heard of Madam C.J. Walker?

I wouldn't call a woman who used a role on a ratchet reality show as a platform to launch a multi million dollar business, mediocre. OMAROSA, PLEASE HAVE SEVERAL. (SEATS)

You see, This is not an US against THEM situation. You see, the majority of White people are not racist but there is a small faction of the White elite who are. Unfortunately, they hold a lot of power. That power has put people like NeNe Leakes, Omarosa and Tami Roman on television.

Television's loud Black women

You see what Omarosa could be doing, is teaching Blacks how to get rich and build up their communities. Rich White people can walk their shih tzu's in their Jimmy Choo's all they want to, how is that stopping Black people from becoming successful?

Doors may open for many White's because of their lack of melanin but it does not mean that Blacks need to constantly use it as a crutch. When Blacks own their own, they hire coonery producer Tyler Perry to shuck and jive his negroes. When Blacks have had their own networks, (BET) they sell them to White puppet masters. Blacks buy their hair from Koreans and clothes from Europeans so let's put all of this into perspective, and it's sad because Blacks were responsible for many of the greatest inventions in American history. Now all we can do is bitch and moan about White privilege in front of an audience of White people? My whole thing is this, the monopoly of another group cannot cause further oppression if you build up your own group and create competition. But what competition is Omarosa responsible for?

She's only doing the White man's bidding. Calling herself a bitch in her books and taking their checks. She can't have it both ways. She can't raise her fist and call for revolutions while jumping for joy when a White producer calls her. She's not saving lives, she's only preaching the Bitch Gospel.

Her Bitch Switch actually turns off? When?

Girl, you are where you are BECAUSE of a republican White billionaire. For me it's about practicing what you preach. You are a minister, but sadly, like most preachers, it's just a lot of talking and not a lot of walking.

I mean really Omarosa, what is your brand? Like Bethenny said, WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS?

Bethenny gets White women drunk and has a platform, you just talk a lot of shit on other people's platforms.

If it's about being a SMART BLACK WOMAN, then why not focus on developing businesses that employ and enrich other Black people?

What Omarosa said was accurate, I'm not saying she lied, but her DELIVERY and PRACTICES is what will fail her every time.

All these White people will ever see is an angry Black woman. The smart part takes a backseat to the BITCH. You know why?

Because all America sees, is you in constant opposition of some one else. You're not a politician and you're barely a business woman.

You are angry and smart but you have nothing to show for it. Not a fortune 500 company, not your own
talk show and sadly, not your own man.

Degrees do not keep you warm at night when companies fire you before they hire you.

Reality TV fame means nothing if companies don't feel like you are worth a partnership due to your unsavory reputation.

Talking about Black and White relations is pointless when seem to want more from White people and less from Black people.

Omarosa I have a small suggestion.

May be you can...

I don't know...

DO SOMETHING!

So that when you come on another talk show, it won't be to just to have a temper tantrum about other people's money or how someone introduced you.

Maybe what you need is an organization that caters to developing Black entrepreneurs and maybe then, you can come to Bethenny and say,

"Look, White privilege has done my people wrong. But today, here is what I have done for these brothas and sistas in the south side of Chicago, East Baltimore and Southwest Atlanta. They now have their own profitable businesses because of the mentoring of my organization."

I get it and I respect it, you have made it through adversity. You are a Black woman who has made a name for herself. You've had nothing but death around you but have invigorated yourself with so much life. You wanted fame and fortune; you deserve it in the right way but I think you're chasing waterfalls honey. You're moving too fast.

I see an insecure woman who uses her degrees as a security blanket. I see a Black woman who believes she's sophisticated because of her education and who wrongfully uses it as a form of intimidation.

I see a river full of ashes. Full of twisted metal, dead bodies and sunken cars. It seems you've burned too many bridges. Now the waters are polluted.

Where do you go from here?

Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Shonda Rhimes, Spike Lee and Benjamin Banneker didn't give a damn about any body's privilege. Maybe these are the examples you should go by Black people, not excuses.

BOOT STRAPS!!! Though I take issue with the subliminal racial themes in SCANDAL (SEE EARLIER BLOGS)

TO HELL WITH GOD

If God exists

I wouldn't be close

To slitting my wrist.

If God is real

He should have revealed

Footprints in the sand 

His power too concealed.

If the answer is to pray

Then how much more can I say?

Still on my knees crying

But whose wiping them away?

If God works

Mysteriously

Then why aren't believers

Walking on the sea?

The blind still neglected

Still unable to see. 

I don't feel 

His overwhelming presence

All I feel

Is His underwhelming presence.

If God is capable 

Of flooding the earth

The He can surely 

End my world of hurt.

God put a rainbow 

In the sky

Thousands of years later

Storms still cause more to die. 

If God is real

It's not the Devil whose a liar.

Where's that PROMISED Land?

And while I'm at it

Where's my man? 

Said He wouldn't give me 

More than I can bare

But this Chemo is a bitch

I lost all my hair. 

You make people drink

Your blood 

Eat Your flesh 

While millions

Can't afford 

To get dressed.

To Hell with God 

Teasing us with riches

We can never acquire...

Dangling His apples

We can never devour.

They say you made the bed

Now lay in it...

So God you made Hell

Now burn in it.

I don't care who I offend

This son of preachers

Sees no crime in the sin. 

Where are the angels 

With their harps?

I'm drowning in my drama

Where's my arc?

You've given me nothing

But a silent room

A sanctuary of child molesters

Minimum wage 

and a broom.

When praises go up

Blessings come down?

But only in a church

With offering plates

and a preaching clown. 

I don't even know 

Who God is supposed to be....

Is He omnipresent

Or that Pope on T.V.? 

There are no blessings 

Showering me from above

Even when I quoted scripture

So filled with Christ's love.

God has committed crimes

against humanity

He made us 

He raised us

Then left us in poverty.

Free will

Just an excuse.

You're too damn arrogant 

To save us from our own abuse.

Oh and F.Y.I. 

Saving us doesn't include...

Burning our cities

Locusts 

and a Revelations Bitch-tude.

Who needs God?

When I can fuck this rod

It comforts me more

Then His staff 

of incompetent angels.

Amazing grace

How bitter the sound. 

Amazing grace

Never saved a wretch

Or the runners at the race...

The night is silent 

The night is lonely...

A Biblical baby

Just doesn't console me. 

Where's my salvation

From these bills

and this broken nation?

I want my heaven now...

Why should I have to die

To recite my wedding vow?

???????????????????????????????????

You talk big shit 

But you never deliver

I drank your communion wine

It fucked up my liver.

I hate God 

if he exists or not at all.

To Hell with God 

He doesn't catch me

When I fall...

Earth

You and Satan

Can duke it out

In the shit you've created

I'm overthrowing heaven 

The terrorists have invaded...

Step down. 

Impeach Him

Step Down. 

The only glory He deserves...

Is another thorny crown. 

LEFT-EYE & AALIYAH: WHERE WOULD THEY BE NOW?

"I don't believe in death....

I believe in TRANSFORMATION"

-Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes

Way before she entered a room, she made herself known. You heard her coming. Her speaking voice, was so distinct and full of liberated confidence that it alone effected everyone around her. She was a vivacious beauty whose poetry was often mistaken for trivial rap verses, but to the true fans who really heard her, she was a lyrical genius. 

The Philadelphia native grew to super stardom with Atlanta natives, Tionne "T BOZ" Watkins and Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, who together formed the innovative pop group, TLC. 

For many including myself, it was Lopes who made the group what it was. It was she who was the final star on top of the Christmas tree. That tree, stood out like none other in the wonderland which often shines bright but is rare to give true joy. The music industry can be as cold as a winter wonderland, but outsiders would never know it, too mesmerized by the lights and the smiling singing victims roasting on an open fire.

Her rhymes were the icing on the cake and her outspoken, rebellious nature, gave the group the edge it needed. Lopes was the unapologetic speeding bullet which enabled the group to ascend the industry. It was she who came up with the names of their albums. The funny thing is, She was all of it: CRAZY, SEXY and COOL. 

But on April 25, 2002, on a beautiful hot day on a Hondurus roadway, the woman who was never "Too proud to beg" transformed into something bigger. 

The condom totting diva had plans to tell her own story. She'd signed with Suge Knight while fighting tooth and nail with the other members of TLC over creative issues. She had plans to go solo and she refused to settle for anything less than what TLC afforded her. What was "LEFT-EYE" after? Who did she want the world to see? 

She had changed her name to "N.I.N.A." and unveiled a more spiritual, cool calm and collected side of herself which was always there but often overshadowed by her antics. 

Left-Eye became"N.I.N.A." posed with Suge Knight, and her new team

I think it is clear, the multifaceted woman who often discussed the meaning of life and who could burn an entire house down in the midst of rage was meant for greatness. Greatness is what she achieved just by the lives she changed with her messages, but more greatness was to be had in the unveiling of her solo stage. I think she would have continued to fight for her creative independence. I think she would have continued to fight for distribution in the United States and I think she would have continued to WIN all of the battles she waged. 

The image of her with Donnell Jones in his video for "You know what's up" flashes in my head. She cat-walked down a hallway and spit rhymes that would send all the male rappers back into the studio. You had to rewind the track, because you didn't get it the first time. The woman could roll heads with her double meanings. The video was hot because SHE was in it. The song was on the radio because SHE was in it. She looked sexier than she did in the Red Light Special video. It was a preview to what she could do without TLC. If she survived, Nicki Minaj would never have become a "FIVE STAR CHICK" and "N.I.N.A." would have no parts in the gimmicks. 

Had Lisa awoken on April 26, 2002, more lives would continue to be changed with her humanitarian work. While scoring Grammys, she'd perform with Madonna on the Super Bowl and eventually would have starred in several movies. I envision a "playtime-is-over-diva" on a movement of self-awareness. I see her having her own change your life talk show, rivaling the entire Oprah network. 

I see millions at arenas around the world, believing in themselves even more, because after all, dreams are hopeless aspirations, in hopes of coming true. Believe in yourself, the rest is up to me and you. 

Quiet as it's kept, I also see a fearless woman whose witnessed miracles of God. I see an introspective woman who unleashes her knowledge of natural cures to the world. I see her leading scores of people to happiness and health. And I see her dragging T Boz's stubborn ass down to the jungle. Lisa was a woman who didn't believe the lies and would never recite lines. She was a woman who could do without the glory, if she could gain freedom instead. She lead people to truth. She showed us all a mirror and commanded us to look deeper. If she were alive, she'd keep digging for truth and beauty. She would hand out the shovels, because she didn't believe she had to do it alone. 

"It's hard to say what I want my legacy to be when I'm long gone....

I want people to remember me as a full on entertainer and a good person." 

-Aaliyah

She had a quiet strength. It was as if a humming bird landed on your shoulder and completely changed your life. There was a mystery to her. There was depth to her. There was a wisdom beyond years. After all, "Age aint nothing but a number" right?

The Brooklyn, New York native, Aaliyah Dana Haughton, was that superstar who you didn't see coming. She'd sit back at auditions while the others were obnoxious and loud with their talents. The Capricorn in her, wouldn't allow people to get the best of her. She couldn't let them know what she was to become. She liked to mystify them while rising beyond their occasion. She was born a star and she knew it. 

One look into her eyes and you nearly left earth. As the wind caught her long black hair, the boys would stare and shake in their boots. She didn't flaunt it, she just WAS it. She could wear baggy jeans and be the sexiest woman in the room. She was an American sweetheart, the kind of girl teenage boys wanted to bring home to mama. She was like none other. She was a one in a million. 

As she arched her eyebrow in her music videos and sang over heavy beats, the thugs on the streets had to catch themselves as they tried to play it off. Yea, we heard you singing her lyrics, we saw you bobbing your head and it's ok. Aaliyah was that kind of artist and that kind of woman. In fact, she was more than a woman, she was a FORCE. She wasn't all about rainbows and glitter, she was no Mariah Carey. She wanted to hang with the boys, she wanted to challenge his "GIRL" because if she only knew....She wasn't afraid to rock the boat nor was she afraid to fall into the water. She was cute but she wasn't about to change into a miniskirt for anyone. She was fine on the hood of a car, chillin with her shades on because the moon was just too bright. It was cramping her style. 

The woman with the snake around her waist had big plans. After winning an MTV Video Music Award, she headed back to Austrailia to be a Queen of the Damned. But she wasn't finished there, she wanted to take her music to the next level. She was in talks to do a ROCK soundtrack to the film. She wanted to sing over an electric guitar, she wanted to move across the genres of the industry because she was such a WORLDLY person. She was to play a video dancer in the film HONEY. She was to be the new SPARKLE and did I mention a starring role in THE MATRIX? This was a woman who could record a soundtrack, plan an album while shooting videos for her current album, fly across the world to film a movie while in pre-production for two other films. Are you telling me that any these women today would have stood a chance if she didn't board that plane? She would have given Beyonce a run for her money. 

Haughton on the set of The Matrix as "Zee"

On August 25, 2001, she wrapped up the video for ROCK THE BOAT in the beautiful Bahamas. She was tired and homesick. She was in the middle of a busy schedule. She napped in between takes. She was excited for her new more sensual style and really excited for this tropical female-empowering video. It was time to go back to the states. As she and her crew boarded the plane, they were informed that they had too much stuff. But they boarded anyway. Ms. Haughton had appointments, interviews, recording sessions, meetings and more shit planned, she couldn't wait, she had to get on the plane. They insisted. 

An exhausted twenty-two year old singer, sat in her seat near the middle of the plane. She looked out of her window as the plane rose above the tree tops. Then came the unexpected. Then came the heat. Then came the darkness. And the news reports filtered into the states. I received the news through an instant message. 

I screamed and my irritated parents woke up. 

On the set of Queen of the Damned

She would have collaborated with music artists from many genres. She would have given Angelina Jolie competition for movie roles, as a sexy villainous movie star. Her mystique would have captured the world and she would have received an academy award. She would have cut her hair and Twitter would have gone crazy. Some would love it, others would hate it. There would never have been any need for Ashanti and the Queen would have worked to eliminate AIDS, feed the starving and lots more around the world. 

She would have been bigger than Beyonce. She wouldn't have been placed in films because of her looks or because of her name, she would have booked movie roles because of her talent. She was headed for super stardom, she was closer to her dreams because she was finally beginning to create the image she wanted for herself. Finally, she was beginning to cross all borders. Finally she was starting to become that FULL ENTERTAINER. But what she is most known for is being something like an angel, you know, a "good person."