I Don't Wanna Be LOVED, I Don't Wanna Be LOVED...I Just Want A QUICKIE

Let's talk about sex...shall we? More specifically, let's discuss casual sex in today's world. Let's discuss hittin and quittin, fuck buddies and bust downs. Excuse my French and I can't say that I'm in France. However, I am in a world where bodies, hearts and souls are handled without care. I'm in a world where we openly admit to sharing our men with other women and in a world where SEX no longer equals LOVE.

Youngsters, log off of From Vee to You. This is adult content only.

Ok, so as adults we won't always mess around with strings attached. And I'm not pointing fingers because I've had my share of stringless situations...and we'll just call them situations. Sometimes, we just want the private parts and that partner to stay private. We want the booty, not the drama. The draws, not the laws.

We want casual sex and for her not to call the next day. Shit, don't even text the next day. We want to be able to call him when our baby daddy act up, put the baby to sleep and "do us." And when it's all said and done, we want to just have the memories and feelings of what that moment brought. And have the ability and freedom to press rewind or repeat at our own leisure. Because after all, it's just sex. It's just pussy. It's just dick. Just a lil head. Right?

Hell naw! Wrong! And we can convince ourselves this if it helps us sleep at night. We can convince our homies and our bffs that casual sex trumps monogamous love anyday. But deep down, outside the bed and unwrapped from the sheets, we all want love from this shit. And a lot of us engage in casual sex relationships, QUICKIES, and straight up hoe activities based on lack of self love.

We've all been there. Don't front. You may have gotten hit from the back and all you've seen after was his back. You do wanna be loved. That's what sex is all about. Or at least it should be. These music videos, song lyrics and famous personas are just entertainment. At the end of the day, those fools want that down ass woman too...not the chick he hits while in tour in her city. At the end of the day, she wants a man to provide and love...beyond the bedroom. And love her deeper than any orgasm.

So look, without a judgmental tone but more of an inspiring one, let's learn what sex really means. The feeling of sex and is not the foundation of sex. The love is. Love you and demand that your body is loved.

Love,
Vee

BROWN Skin, You know I LOVE your BROWN Skin

I'm falling in love with with a white man. And not to say that his skin matters to me...not to say that it doesn't.

And now that I have your attention and put you one step into my business...let's take this a step further. 

The world looks and feels so much different than it did back when racism seemed really alive. But if you ask me, not much has changed. Because when me and my man walk down the street, I wonder what the crazy stares from other people are about. And I get all wrapped up in him and forget all about our skin. But the world won't let us forget...

So because folks are not usually staging boycotts and black folks proudly seat up front on the CTA, don't be fooled. Racism is still underneath the surface of many live souls. Many people can't see it because they are ignorant to what it is. And many people don't believe it because our President is black. And many don't mind because black people are not enslaved, or at least that's what society wants us to feel. But as long as we continue to separate our love for one another based off of where we come from, we will never freely love.

Racism is not just in our history books. And most of those are outdated and full of lies anyway. Racism is right in our faces. But so many people ignore it, so many people confuse it. And unfortunately, some blacks are racist against one another. I don't want to be penalized by rap music because my skin is brown and I'm not a red bone. But I am.

Brown skin...how many of us love our brown skin? How many of us can see past what the world wants us to be and embrace who we are, where we're from? My ancestors fought hard for me to love this skin of mine. And for them, I love who I am. And I want you to do the same.

Racism is ignorance of love. See because love has no color, no skin tone. Love beyond what you see...


Love,
Vee

I LOVE you SO. But Why I LOVE you, I'LL NEVER know

I don't focus too much on haters. Got too much positivity to live for...however; that doesn't mean I'm unaware of the haters. In fact, they're hating asses keep me loving. Ironic, isn't it?

We don't know why. And we can't explain it. But we love our haters...yes, we need our so-called haters to ignite the fuel that burns inside of us; the fuel that keeps us moving. Keeps us hustling. The same fuel that wakes us up and keeps us up. And we know that any hater, of any kind, from anywhere, can either piss us off or pump us up. And here's my top 5 reasons to why we LOVE our HATERS:

5. MOTIVATION: Think about it, whose better to get you motivated than somebody who hates and proclaims that you can't do it? Use their negativity against them by staying motivated and actually doing it.

4. CONVERSATION: We love to be talked about. Good or bad, human nature has taught us to consume attention and this is exactly what a hater does. And the way I look at it, hatin on Vee or not, I'm on your mind! Talk about an easy way to gain street credibility.

3. INTIMIDATION: We won't all admit it, but we like the thought of someone being intimidated by us. And as much as they get on our nerves, we love this about our haters. It does something for our ego.

2. WISDOM: From our haters we learn how to maneuver other personalities and situations. As much as they try to catch us slipping, we regain wisdom for other mishaps caused by haters. Thanks haters!

1. COMPETITION:  We love to compete. We love to be number 1. And our haters make us strive to win...and we should have a goal to win. Remember though, your goals are about you...not your haters. Use their negativity to fuel your fire but convert it into positivity to achieve your goals.

And you will win. You can win. But not if you spend your every moment concerned about your haters and their next move. I get so concerned about my loves out there who constantly claim that everybody is hatin on them...this may just be a figment of some people's imagination. The more attention you give the haters, the easier it is for them to hate. Let them be concerned about your next move. And when they think they know, give them something unexpected. Trust me, they'll hate on that, too.

Stop hatin'...

Love,
Vee

LOVE is a GUN

Man, I'm with Kanye on this one. Killing some wack shit. And excuse my language, but it's truth.

Folks don't fight no more huh? Man I remember memories of Cooley High fights where dudes in tight ass leather jackets and old school hats fought; and be it wrong or right, nobody ended up dead...well, most of the times.

Not anymore. Seems to be that our generations are quick to shoot. Shoot first, ask questions never. Too many of us swear that human souls are bullet proof. And love is a gun.

And guns are these punks fists out here. They killing babies, grandparents...themselves. Pretty soon, there's not going to be  anymore generations to prepare for and raise. They are all due to parish by bullets in the next decade or less. At mass amounts.

Killers most of the times pull that trigger because they're confused. And angry. And mislead. And because of stingy budgets for after school programs. Neighbors who'd rather watch than call the damn police. Haters who can't channel their own insecurities so they take a life to validate their own. Young, lazy ass daddies and momma's too busy "doing them" and not protecting their children. Crooked police....The list goes on. And on. And on.

I blame all of us. Even me.

What are we going to do? We're like the machines and the guns took the form of human life in our streets. They speak for our pain and misunderstandings. And the madness is everywhere. People laying each other down with no respect of life and the life that our Lord gave us. His only begotten son out her getting sprayed by 16s and 38s. How that make you feel? Because it hurts me. Like hell.

So who has a solution? Because I spend my nights thinking about a movement where I can help keep my baby alive out here in these streets. And your babies, too.

So initially, the sole purpose of From Vee to You, was to spread love...my way. Here's my part...I've always been better with words on paper. And of course it's not enough. But it's my start. Because my fear is rising for our babies out here yall. And they're not safe to even go outside and embody their innocence. Hell, neither are we. We have killing with no remorse, depicting a life my ancestors lived hundreds of years ago. And gun shots travel with harsh winds and end lives on petty dealings and mistakes where the bullet wasn't even intended for the young man whose momma won't sleep tonight. And I don't want to be that momma. I don't want it to be my momma. Or yours.

Be serious about what you can do to take your hood back. Because it sickens my stomach to turn on the news and hear about it. I get tired of logging on to Facebook and Twitter "RIPs"... And in Chi City alone, our summer has taken so many souls. I call it trigger happy season.

Wonder what the next season will bring...and just thinking about the possibilities hurt the depths of me. Because as you're reading this, gunfire is ending somebody's future.

Love,
Vee

Marty Mart LOVES the KIDS

They're our tomorrow. And today, that's my biggest fear.

Besides this writing thing, I've always had a heart for children. Even as a child, I was the "momma" of the crew. I've always noticed how they'd flock to me. And as much as I'd front like it drove me crazy, internally, it made me feel good. I knew, like my passion for words, it was a gift from God. One that I had to use.

But it's something about young people today that's not so innocent. And hidden inside of their premature souls are tales of growing up way too fast. Learning the hardships of life, when life should be carefree. Dealing with parental issues while their parents are still battling the lines of adulthood.

And most kids these days miss out on just being a kid. Whatever happened to just going outside as a kid with no worries of losing your life before the street lights came on? No worries of someone taking advantage of your innocence. And no one challenging your youth. I hear so many grown folks whine that if they could do life all over, they would. But Vee, well, I beg to differ. In today's times, I wouldn't want to be a kid again. Hell, it's just as hard as being a damn adult these days.

Most kids I teach and mentor are so angry. And the adults in their world call it bad attitude problems. Or flip ass mouths and disrespectful behavior. But do we, society, have any idea where all this anger comes from? Do we know why so many of our young people are bullies to their peers and why so many of them have hatred that we can't seem to explain?

Well here's why: they're hurting and damn near nobody listens! They're alone and damn near nobody's there.  Instead we blame them, we cuss them, we label them, medicate them, we whoop their asses and turn away. Not many people utilize the patience that is needed to nurture the pain that these kids can't quite articulate themselves. Pain that turns into attention seeking and anger issues. Pain that leads most of them in juvenile detention centers, street gangs and in bed with each other to create more unwanted beings with blurry visions of life and love.

So sick of seeing so many young, frustrated mommas whoop their kids in public for crying or asking for something. News flash: kids cry and ask for shit!! The pains of young parents tryna make dollars out of dimes has become the pains of kids wanting a way out. But let's remember, that kid didn't ask to be brought into a world of chaos. So their peace should be well deserved.
Our kids need us. And not just the ones in your family or on your block. These babies are all of our responsibility. They need our guidance and we can't guide them if we're lost ourselves. They're our future leaders. Our world.

So before I start sounding like an old school MJ record, allow me to make my final point. The love of tomorrow solely depends on our kids. So let's try harder to understand them. Nurture them. Love them.

Love,
Vee

LOVE the way you LIE

Telling lies, for some, are just like breathing. The shit is natural. But lies can sometimes be bullets to the soul...the soul of the liar and the soul of the person receiving the lie.

Truth is, there is not truth in it at all. One lie can simply lead to another, which needs another just to make sense. It becomes complicated to keep up. And hell, by the time you're done telling the lies, you've forgotten the truth... as you live a lie... that you can't live down.

And we all do it. There are no saints that can deny the use of lies. They've gotten us jobs, saved our marriages and sometimes helped us save face. And we could sometimes live in a river of lies that flow from our mouths to a stream of temporary satisfaction, but with permanent pain. We convince ourselves to believe what we know to be untrue...

Because like they can save our jobs, they can be the cause of losing them. And while lying could be the saving grace to a rocky marriage, lying could also serve your ass with divorce papers. So when is it right and when is it wrong? Well, it's one of those battles we fight and lose since lying is one of those wrongs that can be conveniently right. And like most wrongs, the act consumes us.

The truth. Trust yourself enough to risk telling it. Love yourself enough to embrace it.

Love,
Vee

We LOVED HIM, cuz In HIM, We Saw Some of US...

...From the mouth of Jay-Z to the heart of billions...our generations are living a vicious cycle...

And I'm scared. I'm scared that the streets are going to take my only brother, maybe my daddy...perhaps my future husband or my future son. And leave their memories blowing in bad winds that I don't even want to brush my damn skin. I worry that we, society I mean, have validated and allowed a lot of the same systems that keep the male mentality down, and we glorify this shit, re-live this shit and leave it for upcoming generations to mimic. It's sick.

And I speak solely about the man because they are indeed the functional aspect of society that shall rule: at least according to the God that I serve. And they are the part of life that has given me life. I am the rib of man. And because of this, the cycle begins with them. They should be head of their homes so that families can positively build, thrive and survive. And of course behind him, on her throne...a woman that mirrors his image.

However society has showed that our generations are doomed for failure. Partly because we don't know better. And this is because generations before them has not done their part. Not Cool.

Examples: Statistics say that it is pretty damn likely that if a man's daddy spent most of his kds' childhood life behind bars, so will his son. And if a man grow's up with a drug ridden daddy...how likely is it that that same kid is going to Harvard...or even community college? And it's very likely that if a man never steps up to the plate for his son and teach him manhood...he'll struggle looking for what real manhood is. Perhaps he'll find it in the streets...the same place his missing daddy found it.

And NO, I'm not saying odds cannot be beaten...I beat them bastards on a daily. But what I am saying is that we are regenerating these same lives in our children, because we're too irresponsible for change. And sometimes we notice how our lives are now the lives of the impressionable minds around us. And we look into the lives of our sons...hell our daughters too...and we're looking at our own choices; good or bad.

And we love them...cuz in them...we see some of us. But the cycle continues, until our dying days.

Love,
Vee

Before You LOCK my LOVE Away

Yesterday I spoke with my cousin who's locked up for quite sometime. My voice cracked and my sould ached when I told  him I missed him and hope he'd been staying up. And shit, he sounded more optimistic than I did on the phone. He seemed more in tune with his spirit than a lot of people out here in these streets. But I knew if he had his way, he damn sure wouldn't be in there.

I thought about how the hell it is that he's surviving in prison. And how the hell anybody can survive that life. Damn. I don't think that life is for anybody. And in every jail cell around the world, there is a soul waiting for a breakthrough. There is a fragile mind in an idle state. And there is a human; caged like an animal and controlled by man.

And I'm very certain that it is the penal system that has destroyed a lot of our families, from all over, of all kinds. It is the penal system that took some of our daddies, raped so many of our men, and turned out too many of our mothers. In my opinion, it is this very system that has brewed hatred, racism, socioeconomic differences,  homosexuality and a financial crisis. And these things have us all behind bars, locked away from what's real; outcasted from the truth.

On the surface of things, society says we need jails. We need laws that say when someone screws up to the highest level, there needs to be some sort of sought consequences. But looking inside the penal systems make me wonder what it is that "law" is taking away from "criminals"? And what is it that both are bringing back to our society? The penal system, I believe, has locked away a lot of hope and caged many of us as wingless birds. Birds that will never be able to take flight in a sky that may always resemble hues of gray.

Dead or in prison-that's where most say our young generation will end up. And if you ask me, there is no difference. Because a prison can kill your spirit as if you've met death. And although some come out with a better understanding of life, sometimes more in touch with their spirituality or just more cognizant of reality...time was still stolen from them. And time can never be replaced.

Love,
Vee

LOVE the way you MOVE it, Got ME in A TRANS: EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE with WALE

King. He deserves the title.

Wale is damn sure one of the hottest in the music industry right now. And as of lately, his music has many cities on lock…including Chi City.

Just a few weeks ago, on May 14^th, Wale Folarin graced Chi City with his sexy presence and draping dreads. He performed that night at MGM Grand, 2230 S. Michigan. And that night will most definitely go down in history as one of Vee’s best. My purpose: to work…and play.

So I did.

I arrived at little after 10:00 p.m. The night was about as young as me. With me were two of my best friends, one who just so happens to be one of Wale’s biggest fans. We shared excitement but my heart was happier for her that night. But once we received our VIP wristbands…our excitement was equivalent. And Vee was ready to put in work.

As a product of D.C., Wale was born to Nigerian parents. So what does this tell Vee? That the man’s a hustler…and he doesn’t stop…

And Wale has not stopped since 2006 when he released his first hot single “Shake It”, which became popular in D.C. Afterward; he began to record music for a regional audience and got discovered by producer Mark Ronson who signed Wale to Allido Records in 2007. Under this label, Wale released several mix tapes and the press began to recognize his talents.

In 2008, he signed to Interscope Records and debuted his album Attention Deficit. And once he got our attention, he never lost it. He is currently signed on with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group.

And now…like the press did a few years back…I’ve recognized his greatness. He showed his ass in Chi City that night, and I am forever grateful to have been in his presence. And even more grateful to share the moment with you. Below are exclusive videos of Wale in Chi City…From Vee to You…

Love,

Vee

LOVE the way you MOVE it, Got ME in A TRANS: EXCLUSIVE video with WALE (Part 1)

LOVE the way you MOVE it, Got ME in A TRANS: EXCLUSIVE video with WALE (Part 2)

From Vee to You

LOVE the way you MOVE it, Got ME in A TRANS: EXCLUSIVE video with WALE (Part 3)

From Vee to You

LOVE the way you MOVE it, Got ME in A TRANS: EXCLUSIVE video with WALE (Part 4)

LOVERS and FRIENDS

Friends. How many of us have them?

This title "friend" is used so loosely in our society. And I can't tell you how many damn terms we've made up to define it: Besty, Boo, Homie, Ace...but what are the qualities of a true friendship? And shit, do you yourself have these necessary qualities?

I'll never forget this quote I read years ago that said "A true friend is someone who knows everything about you, and they're still your friend." Damn right. Because even when a true friend knows your most shameful secrets and witnessed you at your lowest, they won't deny you. They will still love you. They'll be there. Even when they don't want to. You never have to question their trust, you never have to explain your faults. You're straight up with them, and they're straight up with you.

Literally, I can count my true friends on only one hand. Some I don't even talk to as often as I'd like. But it doesn't matter. Because a true friend is never distant, and if their true, yall will always pick up right where yall left off. And if they're in my crew, they've been around for quite sometime. My advice: keep your crew small, and your problems should remain small.

 But many people have this one problem: EVERY DAMN BODY IS THEIR FRIEND. When indeed, this is not the truth. Because we all know that everyone who smiles at us, talks to us and claims to be down for us, just don't have our best interest at heart.

It all boils down to this: Be a blessing to receive a blessing. Be a good friend and you shall reap real friendships. Don't take your friends for granted and use the term carefully...Like our hearts, friendships are delicate. And once broken, they are very difficult to mend.

Love,
Vee

Put it in a LOVE SONG: EXCLUSIVE Coverage of the 2011 Chi City Record Pool

If you weren't there that day, you should've been.

It was a gathering of the hustlers, the entrepeneurs, the believers. It was April 23rd, the day of the Chi City Record Pool. The location: Adrianna's on Chicago' South Side. The purpose: to network...and put in work. And of course, that's what Vee was doing...

Some of the dopest producers and artists were in the building. DJ V-Dub, Shawnna, DJ Don Cannon...to name a few.The movings of burnt CDs and business cards were well in rotation. The starving artists were there, hungry. Taking necessary steps to live out an undefined destiny in their music.

I smelled the ambition in the air. And I felt the connection made between each dreamer.

My purpose: to bring the day to you. And if you are a starving artists, making beats, hosting battles and pushing your mixtape, this piece is especially for you. I hope that what I have captured will inspire you to take your music to the next level...

Below are videos captured from this year's Chi City Record Pool...From Vee to You...

Love,
Vee

Put it in a LOVE SONG: EXCLUSIVE Coverage of the 2011 Chi City Record Pool (Video 1)

From Vee to You

Put it in a LOVE SONG: EXCLUSIVE Coverage of the 2011 Chi City Record Pool (Video 2)

From Vee to You

Put it in a LOVE SONG: EXCLUSIVE Coverage of the 2011 Chi City Record Pool (Video 3)

From Vee to You

Put it in a LOVE SONG: EXCLUSIVE Coverage of the 2011 Chi City Record Pool (Video 4)

From Vee to You

I LOVE Her cuz SHE GOT HER OWN

The independent woman. When it's done correctly, it's a good look. But when it's not...it looks foolish.

There's many things that can classify as so call independence. Society says it's a woman who has her own, carries herself confidently and does not need anyone to make shit happen. She's bad...in a real good way.

However, along the way, the truth has been misconstrued, misconceptions have taken form of reality and the independent woman got lost. Lost behind makeup, nice cars and hairstyles that say they don't need nobody to give them shit. Independence that says my outfits are as obnoxious as me, and yes...all the women hate me because they're not me.

And in reality...it's their man/woman, or their parents or perhaps welfare that is the reason they are independent.

Confused.

See because I thought independence meant you stand on your own, for you...because that's just what grown women do. No disrespect, but if you're under someone elses' roof, eating their food and it's their money that's going to the Koreans for your colorful acrylics...ummmmmmmm.....Let's just say you've gotten caught up in the hype that says that independence is a look.

Yes, love...you're not independent. And a man may have you believing it, your girls may have you thinking you achieving it...but you're not independent.You look fly, nice car and you keeping the weave tight...but if he left you today could you survive? And if your momma's menopause put your ass out on the streets, could your independence find you a place to stay?

See a real independent woman don't have to say it. It shows. She carries her achievements in proud silence, because she made them happen herself. And if she ever so often she feel the need to prove it, it's probably a figment of her imagination.

Love,
Vee

JESUS is LOVE

Easter Sunday. 2, 011 years ago He has risen.

He's the air inside of our chest, whether we breathe him in all the time or not. He is my fire and water. And once his flame ignites in me, there aint no putting it out.
I am His daughter. And my Daddy didn't raise no fools. He's my rock. My Father is my love.

Today just push yourself to sit in silence and reminisce on His love. Today, yesterday and days to come.

My Jesus is Love! And words cannot express my love for the Man who has sacrificed His life to give me life.  Forever appreciated.

Love,
Vee

EARTH LOVE

I couldn't  help but wake up on Good Friday and Earth Day and think of how much I appreciate God's design. His trees. His sky His dirt...the beauty of it all. And it made me smile. Despite the gray clouds and fierce wind that Chi City offered me today, it was still a gorgeous day. Because today, I saw a bigger picture.

And I smiled.

I smiled because He gave these things to us. I smile because since He sacrificed His life, I have the beauty of living among his creations, his creatures.

I know that every hood don't remind us of how beautiful our Earth really is. But if we took time to think of all we have here on Earth, on a much larger scale, we just may appreciate it. And hopefully learn to take better care of it. Instead, we get consumed in our everyday lives and we forget just how big of  role nature plays in our lives. Technology begins to outshine natural sunlight and we are blinded by what's create by man....and forget the glorious creations by The Man.

Let's remember what the Lord has given us. The small creations are implications of the greater love that God intended for us all

Love,
Vee

Guess Who LOVES you MORE?

Love Triangles...

I've been in situations where I've had to choose. Choose who would be best for me, who my family would want to see make me happy. But I think out of every confused sense of settlement that we've had in our relationships, we need to choose us. Especially before we choose someone else.

Guess who loves you more? Guess who you will have to deal with before someone else agrees to? And guess who gonna be there if they are to leave? You...so be sure to be the base of your damn love triangle. Because when that shit collaspe, you'll need to bounce back. Resilience and love for you...you who loves you more than he or she did.

When we weigh out our pros and cons of a people, do we ever make a list of pros and cons for ourselves? Hell no we don't. We perhaps get caught up making sure that person has what it takes to love us, before we have what it takes to love us.

Love you more.

Love,
Vee

Looking So CRAZY in LOVE

We all claim that we don't care what people think of us. Lies. All lies.

I've messed up a few cars, cursed out a few chicks and acted plan damn crazy in my day...all in the name of love. Or was it?

Love shouldn't make us act a damn fool. And true, the line between it and hate is paper thin. But not thin enough to cross over into someone else who just straight up crazy, someone else who is just is not you. When we get to the point of where we can't control ourselves with someone that we so called love...walk away. Because it isn't love. And just because it feels like love, doesn't mean it is meant for you.

Crazy is not a good look. Stalking phones, riding around in unmarked cars and engaging in boxing matches is not healthy. Good healthy relationships just shouldn't involve that craziness. And it damn sure is not worth you and your time. Never let someone bring the worse out of you. You'd regret that you've allowed anyone to make you act so low. And remember, your actions are what speaks loud and clear about who you are.

Love,
Vee

And If I Ever FALL in LOVE Again...

Nothing like a heartbreak. However, they don't always educate us enough for the next time we fall...

Not that love should have a time stamp on it, but sometimes we let our feelings get ahead of reality. Reality is, it takes time to truly love. And sometimes, I believe, in the mist of our rushing...we fall unconsciously, too quickly. We don't always realize that time is what prepares our hearts to love...or to break.

I think a friendship is the best way to start the race. Because at the finish line, hopefully you'll still have a friend. And hell, even that's not always the case. Sometimes there's sore losers. That can't handle the lost.

Emotions get heavy...and vulnerability can dictate our actions and make us move based off feelings. And we allow temporary emotions to create permanent  decisions. And why? When all we had to do was take it slow.




Love,
Vee

LIVING for the LOVE of YOU

We all get our strength from somewhere. A lot of times from the souls that are long gone out of our lives. And sometimes their disappearing presence can keep us motivated...their spirits can sometimes move inside of us...and sometimes helps us move.

Death never scared me. And weird enough, as emotional as I am, I've never been the type to fall all out at funerals or go into a deep depression from losing someone I love. Death reminds me of life. Ironically enough, it gives me strength and alerts me to wake up and appreciate my time here on earth. It helps me love life, live life and learn life.

I'll never forget the times when I had to hear that cancer killed my sweet granny or diabetes took my granddaddy. Like them, a piece of me died. But their passings took a grip on my life and sometimes in my saddest moments, I think of how my granny would tell me I'm beautiful. Or smile at my granddad's lame jokes. Or smell my great grandma's cooking from her Mississippi kitchen. And my memories make me smile, keep me going. I'm living for them, as they live through me.

I know losing someone means pain, intense pain. Especially if that someone was close to you. But let it strengthen you. To all that has lost a fallen soldier to a wack ass war, a granny to an incurable disease, a pet...live...for the love of them.

To all my spirits that are long gone from this earth, I miss you. I love you and wish you were around. Man granny, sometimes I just want to hear your voice, smell your perfume. But to you and all my other loves in heaven...I promise to continue to live...for the love of you.

Love,
Vee

MAYBACH LOVE: EXCLUSIVE coverage of the RICK ROSS AFTER PARTY in CHI CITY

So I didn't get an interview with him. Didn't even get a chance to introduce myself.  Not even an autograph and barely got good video footage. But it was still a hell of a night. One that I will never forget.

It was Friday, April 1st...April Fools, and I damn sure got fooled that day. Because when I woke up that morning, I thought my night would end with a Rick Ross interview to share with you. But it didn't.

Let me just admit: I was so thirsty for this particular event coverage and even more thirsty to share it with you. And it wasn't for bragging rights...okay, maybe a little. But I'm actually a fan of Rick Ross's big self. I remember when I first saw his music video for Everyday I'm Hustling. I couldn't believe he comfortably exposed his large, tatted up belly to the world. He's quite confident. But it was something about his swagg that was just so dope to me. It was something about his hustle. I was attracted to that more than anything. And because of this, he's become an icon to the rap game.

Rick Ross was set to perform that night at The Lick out south at 1am after his concert that night at the United Center. He got there a little after 2am. Not surprised; Hollywood is never on time for shit. Me and my girl's were kicking it in the DJ booth with DJ V-Dub and DJ Dimepiece. And they had the hold club in a trans. We were anxious and having a blast; but on work as well. 

I remember seeing Ross sitting over in VIP surrounded by what looked liked groupies at the time. He was chillin, observing how we party in Chi City. His shades were as dark as his skin that night, hiding his eyes that may have told kush stories with happy and high endings. His demeanor was the usual, swagg on point and laid back. He was definitely feeling himself that night. Hell, so were me and my girls.

We had a connect that night for a personal interview with Rick Ross and his crew. Needless to say, the connect never came thru. However, the police did. They came right thru and shut the entire party down. Everyone in the club was asked to exit before Ross had even gotten a chance to even the hit the stage. And before me and my girls got the chance to secure our interview. Damn.

My assumption was that they were pissed about the kush clouds...the party had gotten a little bit out of control once they announced we had weed in the building. Guess sometimes in the mist of our partying, we forget that cannibis is illegal in the state of Illinois. So that was that. Party over. It was an abrupt ending and an unsuccessful event coverage. But a good ass time.

And like always...I worked to have something to bring back to share with you. Below is a brief video I captured the night of the after party...before the sirens sounded...From Vee to You...

Love,
Vee

MAYBACH LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video of the RICK ROSS AFTER PARTY in CHI CITY

From Vee to You

SEXY LOVE

The first warm day in Chi City. More hoes than sun.

Made me think about one of the most important lessons my momma teaches: sexy is not trashy. Classy: that's what's sexy.

I saw more painted on leggings, whipped up weaves and tatted up flesh than a lil bit. It was the day to unleash the internal sexy...in other words, the day for the insecure hearts to be validated by showing a lil bit too much, not leaving shit to the imagination.

Ladies: Let's define class. Because no disrespect, but many of you need a lesson.

It's not long Daffy Duck lashes and platform heels where the shoe itself is more attractive than your walk. Classy is not pushing a Benz and whipping your 15inch Remi back and forth. Class speaks for itself. And trust me ladies, men hear it loud and clear.

Ladies this is a public service announcement: sexy is not stanky! Class needs to be redefined by today's woman. Our love for ourselves should come from within.

Love,
Vee

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

We've all heard it. But we haven't all learned it.

To be on the up and up means someone somewhere possibly thinks you're better. And their insecurities concerning your greatness can present their mental misery. And they need you down. Just like their asses.

Beware of those who appear to be close; those can be the most miserable with intent to drag you below their misery. Their costumed as your besty or your boo. But underneath is a harsh reality: they're jealous and the only way to cure their envy is to diagnose hate.

Haters. Back stabbers. Fakes. Phonies. We've all experienced some level of their negative wrath. A secret truth: we all got a little hater in us. But hell to the no, nobody would ever openly admit that they too can be miserable by someone's love, success. And it's not always malicious, not always intentional. But let's not bring others down based off of our insecurities and flaws.

Love beyond any misery. I don't want your company, and don't want to be yours.

Love,
Vee

STUDIO LOVE: EXCLUSIVE with MONEY BAGZ SHAWTY

He says that right now in Chi City there is no other rapper better than him.

Money Bagz Shawty, star of TerJon Records, and his crew invited me to kick with them at the studio during a recording session. And they were putting in work. And of course, so was I...

It was late Friday night. I had been virtually conversing with T.J. Kimbrew, he's the Co-chairman, DJ, and producer of TerJon Records. So I pulled up in front of the address and dude tells Vee to come to the side gate, dark as hell. So naturally, my mace in hand, I did. Trying to be the hardcore reporter I was trained to be...I was scared as hell. Thinking to myself about where I'm from and a few scenes in Goodfellas that didn't end too well on the side of buildings...in the dark

Needless to say, they were legit. Good fellas, I was in good hands.

"I'm not from the block, I'm just gonna keep it real," said Jonathan Locke, Co-chairman of TerJon Records. His name and TJ's name actually makes up the record label's name. Cute huh?

"My parents moved me out to the burbs," Locke said. "So I can't relate and say that I was a thug nigga, but my buddies were. The music was my thing," he said.

Locke said he studied the business. And his knowledge along with Money Bag Shawty's skill helped birth TerJon Records.


"This ain't just a rap thing." said Locke. "This is a motherfucking business. And that's how we operate. We operate professionally, we don't talk about other people shit. We respect everybody else's huslte."

And they hustle hard.

MBS can now be heard on Power 92 and WGCI and his latest single, "Get It", is available iTunes . All of his crew urges everyone to buy his new mix tape, D Rose Da MVP. And I thought that was a hell of a marketing strategy, considering just how hard Chicago's own D Rose has been going on the court. Just as hard as MBS and his crew been going in the studio. Point blank, their hard work is paying off. And Vee is a living witness!

I felt like I was in a Hustle and Flow scene. So much passion was in the air. Shit, even I wanted to start spitting to a beat. I was just that impressed with these young hustlas...like a proud granny at graduation. Felt like magic seeing my brothers doing something positive, together on a Friday night. And being damned good at it.

"I'm Chicago crazy,"said Money Bagz. "I'm the hottest thing in the city right now."
Like me, MBS is  a product of Chicago's west side. And unlike all the wack ass stereotypes, he's worked above and beyond the streets that many of us get lost in. Hell of a father, too. Got a baby girl, not even a year. And she's got his heart. And her heart beats thru his music. The moment he mentioned her she blushed. But hell, the moment I walked in he did that.  Cute...he's street hood but nothing was scary about him. The whole crew. Good dudes.

"We go hard because we want to be the greatest," said Money Bagz. "This is not a dream, we living reality right now."

So allow me to reintroduce...exclusive videos with Money Bagz Shawty and his crew. Good times. From Vee to You...

Love,
Vee

STUDIO LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with MONEY BAGZ SHAWTY (Part 1)

From Vee to You

STUDIO LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with MONEY BAGZ SHAWTY (Part 2)

From Vee to You

STUDIO LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with MONEY BAGZ SHAWTY (Part 3)

From Vee to You

STUDIO LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with MONEY BAGZ SHAWTY (Part 4)

From Vee to You

And I LOVE the way, that HE makes me FEEL

And if I am a reflection of him...then I must be fly, because his light, it shines so bright...

I love me some India Arie. Her music takes me on a journey to how life really should be. And sometimes, how we should be loving each other.

Is chivalry dead ladies? Do men try to make us feel good anymore? Or are we settling for less when we know we should be getting that Queen Nefertiti treatment? Hell, are we doing our part to even deserve that kind of treatment anymore?

I guess to many, I'd be considered new school. And I am, 1987 and proud of it. But I've always been told  of this so called old soul and I suppose my ways of thinking are more old school. But I want a man to open the door for me. Ask me on a date. Introduce himself to my parents and hell, be romantic...just because. Not because he's trying to escape from the dog house or trying to get some. But because he knows that making me feel good will create a reflection of him...a fly one.

Giving this to our women will hopefully help redefine our families. And not just before men get the draws; but giving a woman a feeling of romance can keep her. Respect for her, honoring her and showing her that you value her...she will love the way that you make her feel.

That, my loves...that's the truth.

Love,
Vee

LOVE won't LET me WAIT

Our young folks today barely understand the beauty of sex, because all they know is its beastly effects.

They know more about the pain that it leaves and less about the love that manifests from it. Too much about the disappearing daddies and malfunctioning mommas...and their idea of sex has been imprinted with negative behaviors that alters society. And sooner or later, our young people equate casual sex with love. And love...or what they believe is love... won't let them wait.

It's not their fault. Some are just doing what Wacka Flocka says in his rap song...beating it up with no cause and understanding of what the hell their doing. But if I could tell those young men and women one thing I'd urge them to put their precious private parts away...because their bodies are temples and should be treated accordingly.

Instead, they do what society dictates to them. Have sex...it makes you a grown up. Give him some girl, he'll stay with you. Then they brag the next day on how great their first time was... when they know damn well it was the most painful experience they've ever lived. And we teach our young boys that sex is what makes them men. No wonder some of them are 25 year old toddlers.

I can't remember the last time we've heard a song about waiting a while; a lesson Janet asked of us decades ago. And I can't help but wonder if parents and school officials are even pushing absitinence anymore...is it no longer cool to wait for marriage? Or at least for some damn body who is worth it?

But what's up with our young people is that we haven't displayed a fragile care for sex; and it is no longer handled with care. We throw it around, like we do our bodies. And that's not love.

Love,
Vee

At your BEST, YOU are LOVE

I hate losing. Pisses me off. I'm a winner. And that's all I know how to do.

But reality says, I won't always win. Reality is, you won't either. But true talk, giving anything your best shot is what matters. Because giving your best is giving your all. Reaching for your highest potential and crashing means that you've cushioned yourself to fall... less painfully.

Perfection: that's what I aim for, that's what I expect. However, the old cliche' that tells us nothing and no one is perfect holds truth. Nothing is. And if you're anything like Vee, you beat yourself for being one step below perfect. Because you set your bar so high, that you set it above reality. But be real. Prepare to fail, somewhere, sometime along the way.

Failure is one of those aspects of life that strengthens us; brings us back to real life. You won't always reach the finish line smiling. You won't always get the promotion.  You won't always win the game. But know this...losing does not take away from who you are. The lesson learned is the humility of failing; knowing that you are still great; without a win.

You're a positive motiviating force...at your best, you are love.

Love,
Vee

Either LOVE me, or LEAVE me ALONE

I think it's crazy how most people base love off of petty ass games that only waste time and mistreat hearts. I'm with Jay, either love me or leave me alone.

We sometimes thinks it's cute to play with emotions; some twisted idea hit the streets way back saying it's a good look. It's cool to lead people on. It's acceptable to cheat. It's no issue caring for somebody behind closed doors but playing them in public.

Bullshit.

The games we play are more than twisted...when it comes to matters of the heart, playing bogus games could shatter someone's entire life. So if you don't really love someone for all the right reasons, leave them the hell alone. Someone, somewhere can genuinely love them. Minus the wack ass games.

While sending her to voice mail after you hit,or keeping him in your corner for free club entry is your motive, think.,.somebody getting treated here. And the games we play, mostly to satisfy our own selfishness, has led someone on the opposite end in love. Love fairly. Quit the games. Or move on.


Love,
Vee

Making LOVE FACES: EXCLUSIVE with ROQUE COZZETTE

Roque Cozzette's talents with make up goes way beyond the bristles of any make up brush. He's a gift to all make up bags, a craftsman to any face. His spirit is entirely beautiful and his humor is priceless. He's Cali bred, originally from Newark, a small town near Oakland. And he shared his amazing story as one of today's top make up artists in the industry.

"I'm always available to work with people in what they feel they can grow from," said Roque. "I do marketing, I do branding and I do product development as well as design educational curriculum," he said.

Roque's love of learning has given him wings to fly and freedom to grow. His latest reflection of his love for beauty:  Cozzette, where he's daddy to the Divinity Collection, a collection of vegan make up brushes and multi-purpose containers. This is his way of improving make up instruments and caring for all living species in the process.Until this year, he was artistic director at Kett Cosmetics and he now facilitates airbrush seminars globally and  presents on stage at every make up show there is.

Even though Roque says he taught himself to do make up and never took a class, he credits early life experiences for building a foundation and love for what he does. He remember early memories of watching his mother paint, and remembering her applying her red lipstick. 

"I've learned from every single interaction. Every opportunity I can, I use as a  learning tool."

He says he is "serving humanity for a greater good"...and even as a journalist, I could not have said it any better. He's traveled the world from country to country with celebrities like Christina Milian, Melody Gardot, Heather Graham and America's Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzales.

Every opportunity he's lived...he's reached for a greater challenge. From the counter of Nordstroms in San Francisco to the regional trainer at Mac in New York...he's challenged himself for greatness. And because of it...he's damn great.

In fashion, he's worked  his unique creative light for Victoria’s Secret, Valentino, Y3, Louis Vuitton,Christian Dior, Boudicca,  Galliano, Yohji Yamamoto, and Prada.Hell of a resume, but his humility speaks so much louder than his success. Son of a Puerto Rican mother and an Italian father, his personality speaks to where he comes from. And I loved it.

"I'm sure  you can feel the fire," he said... And yes, I did feel it.

Roque was given much opportunity in the 80s, a decade of bold style...blue eyeshadows, neon lipsticks...all I remember seeing on Saved by the Bell. And that was right up his alley. He started with hair, then make up. And now his art of making love faces has built him an empire.

"I was naturally an artist," said Roque. And that he is. His work varies in print, television, fashion, celebrity image and cosmetic product development.

"I knew I wanted to create beauty and my intention has always been from the heart. I am a spiritualist."

I related so well with Roque, like we've spoken before. His stories set me right in the moment. And like me, he has a passion for meditation and inking his thoughts, all in the name of love.

"Working in the music business really woke me up..."It's the school of the hard knocks," said Roque. "We may believe celebrities have it made but it is hard. I have so much respect for celebrities."

Roque said, "No matter what, there is a divine purpose in everything we do. I don't never want to stop growing."

His talent inspires me...his success challenges me. Roque, you are a spirit of love and I am honored to share your story! The love faces that you paint represents a greater love in you.

Love,
Vee

The LOVE of REST

How many of us has wished for more hours in the day? Sometimes, we just completely spread ourselves thin, no rest. And perhaps opearate and function off of little to no sleep. Sounds like you?

Damn, sounds like me. And yesterday was the very first day since the day of my launch, that I didn't write you a love letter...my explanation: I was tired as hell. And for the first time, I just rested. And I deserved it. And so do you.

We sometimes push ourselves to the limit. We become engulfed in perfection, and don't stop when the light is clearly red. Yellow light...Slow down, it won't all happen in one day, sometimes not even in two. Even Jesus rested...so relax, you owe it to yourself.

Sometimes to get you to slow down, nature may act as your emergency brake. Something will occur that may force you to take it easy. My advice, don't get to the point to where nature needs to intervene. You'll be sorry. Rest. Time will continue on...even when you take a break.

Love,
Vee

The LOVE I LOST

Shit was all good just a week ago...yeah, how many of us said it? How many of us said it and now look back wishing things was how they used to be? Broken hearts and bitter memories of what shoulda, coulda, mighta went down. Pissed at yourself for giving up on what may have been meant. And if you've ever been in love and you've lost it, that may have been the closest you've felt to dying.

I remember that Martin episode when Gina left his ole sorry ass and how it was revealed how heartbreak really can feel. Martin was cooped up in his apartment eating crackers for weeks, that pain was funny as hell because it was Martin. But it's real talk.

I think there is a greater lesson in heartbreak that makes us resilient and forces us to realize that sticks and stones don't break our bones, but a broken heart can damn near murder us. Don't front...the shit can hurt like hell, just like an Aretha Franklin track.

And time heals all, true. But you're not trying to hear that after she played you for your guy or he dumped you after sex...no words cure that shit, for real. And it's nothing like ending on bad terms with someone; bitter as hell when you see them at the gas station or the local club. We definitely need to learn to love and let go, maturely...free our hearts and learn from it. Because even once its broken, your heart is still capable of loving.

Love,
Vee

LOVE is STRONGER than PRIDE

I know, I know. Our pride is very important to us. We talk, dress, act, work and play based off of our pride; the part of us that makes people respect and love us. But love overshadows pride. So much, that it makes pride damn near non-existent.

Sometimes we wonder if loving hard makes us look foolish, or taking her back is a lame move. But love is bigger than that. Real love, genuine love...that's never about pride. To love is to not be ashamed that you fell for him over the internet. And to love is to hold her hand in front of your homies...proud to have her. Because love makes all that shit look small.

My "Mr On and Off"...everybody has one. That relationship that you just can't seem to get over. And it's embarrassing sometimes. And our pride controls us sometimes. When love should just allow you to be free.

Pride can be a silent killer. Don't let it kill you. Love. Live. And let the rest go.

Love,
Vee

I LOVE the way you brush your HAIR, I LOVE those STYLISH CLOTHES you WEAR

Swagg. Everyone swears they got it. And many would do any damn thing to act like they got it.

I think a lot of us got it twisted, however. Swagg has nothing to do with the brand of your clothes and how you wear your hair. It isn't based off of materials at all. Swagg is within...no joke. Either you got the shit or you don't. And too many of us spending a whole lot of time and money on an element that just can't be bought in stores. So stop it.

Let's first identify what it means to our society for someone to have no swagg. A straight lame. Who, in the eyes of our society, talks like a lame, dresses lame and just gives off lame ass vibes when they're around. You know, the Steve Urkels of the world. Well here's my "lame" opinion about those types: that's their swagg! And because it isn't the swagg that society deems as "cool", hell, it's who they are. But here's the confusion...it's not so much of who they are based off of what we see. It's who they are based off of what we feel when they're around.

You see, somewhere down the line, we began to equate swagg with our possessions. Fancy cars, that's swagger. Gucci sneakers, that's swagger. Mohawks and dreads, that's swagger. Not at all my loves. That's stuff and styles...it may improve our looks, make us feel good and attract people, but it is not us. When it all comes down to it, swagg is who you are. It's the air that you give off when folks come around you. And that, like personalities, varies from person to person. So there's no particular swagger we all need to try to achieve. You already have it. Only time your swagger is lame is when it's not true to who you really are. Fakes and phonies; that's lame as hell.

We give swagg recognition to some of the most unattractive people and truly...they have swagg. It's about integrity, sex appeal and demeanor. And when you can dress up some integrity and throw some sexy shoes on demeanor, holla at me. Until then,embrace your own swagg and just be. And nobody does that better than you.

Love,
Vee

Patient, Patient Kind, Kind...THAT'S LOVE

Time. Our entire life revloves around it.

The essence of time has always intrigued me. As I've grown, I've observed our obsession with time. Our alrams on our cell phones. The appointment books we fill and still seem to miss appointmes. The disappointment of things not happening on our time. Basically, our lives are centered around time.

Believe me, as you're reading this, someone is dying and someone is being birthed into this world. Someone, somewhere, is living what they may consider their happiest momoments, while someone else has rock bottom. And all this happens in its own time. I believe the element of time has too much control over our lives. True, everything needs to be done in its own time. And even more true, time is money; don't waste it. However, it is patience that we tend to lack. The act of waiting for what you beleive should have already took place or should be presently happening. Patience is an invisible reminder that you are faithful enough for outcomes that will satisfy you. More so,  patience...that's love.

The Bible says (Ecclesiastes 3) that God has a time for everything. There is a time for life, a time for death. A time for love, a time for hate. A time to weep, a time to laugh. A time to to kill, a time to heal, A time to speak, a time for silence. So yes, our lives revolve around time. But we shouldn't revolve our lives around a minute hand or an hour hand. Because patience will get us anywhere quicker.

Waking up and realizing that you're not where you want to be in your life makes you blame time. Having a baby freshmen year of college, you blame time. All while God is laughing from above simply because we're not on our own time...we are on HIS time. And everything, every single thing, happens on His watch. Little do we realize, everything is not on our clock.

Be patient and enjoy the moments of life, good and bad. Because time is something we'll never get back. Take advantage of each second, love every minute and cherish every hour. This way, your days are valued...with patience.

Love,
Vee

One LOVE, One HEART. Let's get TOGETHER and feel ALRIGHT

I'm worried for this world. And we are truly divided; and I'm not talking just geographically.

 I'm worried for the babies being brought into families that are broken and situations that are usually decided by the courts. Tired of our city and state officials stealing from our hoods for their selfish wants. Sick of the racism that's hidden inside a history that needs to be let go. And sick to my stomach for playing part in so many segregating systems that's just not getting any better.

I find more unity observing street gangs than families.  And the lack of unity is what got us in this place. The lack of love.

I think too often when we discuss the disconnect in our society, we imply that race is the only issue. But I beg to differ. Age. Education. The town you live in. We're all under some damn caste system, separating us by what we have, the money we make that equates to power. This puts some at an advantage, others a disadvantage.

And the U-N-I-T-Y that Queen Latinas spoke of has become division.

My solution? I wish I had one. I wish I had the power to bring all countries together in peace, no wars. No hate. I wish that our cities would have leaders that care too much to rob innocent people.

I wish for a revolution.

Love,
Vee

Endless LOVE

Seems like so much of the world is looking forward to the end of the world, that they're not enjoying their present lives.

Aramageddon, 2012, Apocolypse, Illumaniti...so many things are dictating when our lives, as we know it, will end. So many people are living in fear; so many people are ready to go. And regardless of which end of the spectrum represents you...each end is pretty extreme.

I'm not sure of everyone's personal beliefs and who everyone considers a higher power. However, my higher power tells me not to worry, because when He comes back, I'm going with him. So He's my calendar. No fear of the end lives within me.

If you are one that is afraid, skeptical or just plain paranoid about what's going to happen if we keep ruining the ozone, and what will happen if our lives are really based on the Mayan calendar...then I encourage you to  stop. Stop and live because death is inevitable. You will meet death eventually. We all will, And when it comes knocking at our front door, we won't be able to escape it.

Right now, enjoy the life that is here. Understand that all that is put around you is to experience...without fear of one day leaving it behind.

On the contrary, I do believe that the world has enough evidence to believe that our days are coming to an end. With the massive amounts of tsunamis hitting, massive animal deaths, earthquakes splitting, tornados, tidal waves...our earth is in a brutal fight with nature. And nature is winning. So if the earth can't win against nature, what makes you think you can?

Cherish your days here and do not leave fearfully; paranoid about what is next for the world. Concentrate on what is next for you.

Love,
Vee

Def POETRY LOVE (EXCLUSIVE with MALIK YUSEF)

I first met Malik Yusef at a poetry jam back in high school over 10 years ago. And I must say, his voice and his raw talent with words took grip of my soul and never let go. I am a lover of words and an even bigger lover of poetry. Like Malik, I believe poetry is a form of art; it shows the power and validity of words.

I'll always remember seeing Malik Yusef as a teenager, and as usual, with a head wrap showing his pride for who he is as a black man. And hearing him spit his spoken word like it was second nature for him to rhyme like that. His metaphors, his passion, he was so real then on that stage. And he still is.

"I see words like they are alive," Malik said. "And that's how rhymes come to me."

Malik is widely known for his place as one of Russell Simmons Def Poets for HBO's Def Poetry Jam. He said he especially enjoyed being around other Def Jam Poets that he honored and respected.

Malik said that the first poet to ever inspire him was William Shakespeare. He defines poetry as "the rhythm of life."

I last saw Malik Yusef at Russell Simmons book signing, looking just as good as he wanted to look. And even though he didn't share any lyrical common sense with the audience that day, Russell gave him a shout out. So you know the man got skills.

"Russell Simmons is a mentor, a friend," he said. "I can call Russell for anything, anytime."

He has definitely earned his bragging rights as an artist. He's done work with President Barack Obama and said that the president reached out to him personally for a special project. He got his first break when New Line Cinema Director Ted Witcher commissioned him to coach Larenz Tate in the romantic drama "Love Jones" which went on to garner a Sundance Film Festival Award and three NAACP Image Awards. While filming in Chicago, Yusef additionally made a cameo as a guest spoken word artist.

In 2007 Malik showed his ass again when he collaborated with Director Frey Hoffman (Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” Sa-Ra' featuring Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli "Feel the Bass") for the film adaptation of Yusef’s poem "Hollywood Jerome." The two contemporaries previously joined forces for Yusef’s 2005 music video “Wouldn’t You Like to Ride” featuring Kanye West and Common. Their film "The Untimely Demise of Hollywood Jerome" which also includes Kanye West and Twista, also products of Chi City.

"I felt proud to work with my fellow Chicago brothers. Common is like a brother to me and Kanye is like a little brother."

He gives big ups to Chi City's very own Lupe Fiasco and says that he is intelligent. "We have to raise people's expectations," he said. "It's a lot of artists in the game who are not as prolific as they could be."

As a talented product of Chi City, Malik says the streets of Chicago has made him smart, and he credits his home for teaching him lessons that has put him on as a businessman. He's a daddy and says that life is a big juggle and it is all a part of what he does.

"I'm still trying to figure it all out," he said.

The streets of Chicago have taught me respect, and hustle. I took that away with me, it made me who I am."

THEY got that HOOD LOVE

Just last week, myself and Commentator John Fountain III did a week long series of letters on baby momma and baby daddy love and hate. The complications. The embarrassments. The pain. One thing we didn't dig too deep into, however, is the domestic aspect, an element in young and old realtionships that can become a huge issue. And that my loves, is what I will be discussing today. The so called hood love that we share in our relationships that are tainting our hoods and the hearts of the people in them.

So funny, God puts you just where you need to be. I knew before today that I'd run this piece and ended up ironically enough covering a domestic violence summit this morning for another project I freelance for. And at the summit, were men, currently all property of the Illinois Department of Corrections, who shared testimonies about beating their women, and getting beat by their women. The shit was deep.

It got me thinking about situations that I know are playing out in my hood and even things that has played out in my own life. And I gotta keep it real, that life isn't cute. There is nothing attractive about police at your momma's front door because you did something crazy to your boyfriend's car, bruising up your man or pulling out your girl's tracks out of her head. What's messed up, this so called hood love is actually what's up in our communitites. Many schools that I personally work in and many students I mentor, they are living this shit. He hit me because my ex called, I hit him because he called me a bitch. Their living it...and many adults that are forced to bare that, they have lived it, too.

So let's be upfront about some things here. And as usual, I point the fingers at myself too when necessary. The abuse that happens in a domestic relationship comes from somewhere. We always talk about that part. The insecure woman, the angry man from a broken home. The cases vary...but that's all we really conclude. But what's really up? Could it be that society has allowed the media and the forces around us to dictate that this type of sick twisted shit is acceptable, attractive? Has the disrespect that travels from hood to hood gotten that deep? Is it alright that our male role models are getting 15 years with an L...for whooping their women's asses? Too many of the figures our young people look up to are displaying a disrespect that's got some things twisted. It's not cute to put a woman out after having her body. I mean, damn, even Marty Mart had a decency when kicking people out.

The stereotypes around it, as usual, are wack as hell. The fact that a man should NEVER hit a woman should be reciprocated. A damn woman should NEVER hit a man. And ladies, we know some of our men are not always to blame, we push them to unhealthy points... and hell, we gotta take responsibility for the role we had in getting our ass choked up for talking disrespectful, doing some out of line stuff to strip our man of his manhhood.

Regardles off whether or not any of this madness is hard to admit, and trust me, I know that it is, we play a part. So quit playing victims out here and blaming the wrong things that's only turning all this into a big secret and a joke, where police don't even take it seriously enough to protect us. And confront your issues as woman. It's not deserved by anyone, but reality is, it takes to two to shatter a relationshi. Two fists, two hearts. And  real talk, most times, it could take all of two damn minutes.

Love,
Vee

LOVE ya like a FAT kid LOVE cake

Childhood obesity is a sign of shame in our hoods. And it weighs on my heart just how much we are ignoring the issue, as if we don't even see it. We allow our young people to stuff their emotions down Flamin Hot Cheeto bags and eat away their insecurities, to the point of where they're insecure.

And we watch, we criticize, we point fingers at the local schools for their bogus excuses of lunches, get mad at our aldermen and mayors of neighborhood food deserts...and our kids fall to the waist side; neglected and facing an issue that can dictate their lives and possibly, their deaths.

I wonder if it's sometimes our fault as parents for our overweight and unhealthy children? Is it our laziness that serves McDonalds for a late dinner as opposed to getting our asses up and cooking a healthy meal? Is it us to blame when our child dismisses vegetables the same way they see us dismiss them? Not sure who is to blame, but I worry about the health of these babies out here. Some of their bodies are on roads to destruction, and their only option to detour is mixed on a plate of food that's to damn greasy. We need help. Let's face it.

First Lady Michelle Obama and other prominent figures have called this a national crisis. You're damn right. It's national because it will impact all of us. Anytime our young people's bodies are in danger of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, prostate cancer...we need to stand up and recognize that we are all responsible. We are responsible for what we teach them about their health and bodies; and we're responsible for what we don't teach them. And like we should hold ourselves accountable, we should reassure that our young people hold themselves accountable and learn to value their bodies and the things that go in them.

Truth of the matter is, some of these young people escape to food because it's the most comforting thing they got to look forward to. A bag of  99 cent chips and pack of Now and Laters may just be what clears your mind before going home to a disfunctional house and to a disfunctional family. So let's be sure we're evaluating the issue thoroughly, because it came from somewhere. The root of childhood obesity is one that we may not like to be held accoutnable for, but we should be.

Our kids are not forced to do much moving anymore, hell, not even in their gym classes. Since the days of internet surfing, reality television and video games...their leisure is not guaranteeing good health. Most of their entertainment involves sitting down and most of that involves snacking, mostly on empty calories that are either causing extreme weight gain, and/or health issues. And we know the diseases that plague our hoods and the futures of our young people. Yet, we still sit back and watch the severity of childhood obesity, complain about it... and do nothing.

Not sure about other adults out here, but I'm not willing to lose future generations to Little Debbie honey buns, double cheeseburgers and large fries. They don't deserve to go out like that. We don't deserve to witness it. We can all do better. And when we know better, we do better.

Love,
Vee

One MIC, One LOVE: EXCLUSIVE with AKISHA LOCKHART

All she needs is one mic.

I remember my first encounter with Akisha Lockhart. We went to school together at Columbia College Chicago, she was a broadcast journalism major, and I was in print. I was running for senator for the college's student government...and so was she. And I spent a whole day hanging up my campaign posters just to find that the next day, she had hung her damn posters right next to mine! And everywhere you saw Vee's face for senator, you saw Akisha's.

So, you know what I was thinking right? Who does she think she is?...and she even had a cute little slogan I'd never forget: "Lock Your Vote with Akisha Lockhart".

Heffer.

But then I finally met her at a student government meeting and loved her since. And more so than the brilliance of her strategic campaigning, she's intelligent, sexy, outspoken, a force to be reckoned with. Classy but a straight up homegirl. On any given day, you can find her in a button down, skirt and stilletos or a Celtics Jersey, blue jeans and gymshoes. She is an angel to all the arts.

Akisha's got a love for what she does and her light shines so bright that even through her perfectly chocolately skin, her cheeks still get rosey when she blushes. So genuine, so humble. And let's be honest, black women, two powerful black women, don't always see eye to eye. But me and Akisha did. We saw eye to eye and vibed heart to heart.We share so many traits: including an imperfectly perfect gap between our two front teeth. We call them our beauty marks.

And damn, the girl is talented. When she's busy at work, regardless of where she is, Akisha says she's "in the lab". And believe me, girlfriend cooks up some good stuff in that lab of hers! She's interned for Harpo Studios, worked with Clear Channel and the Big Ten Network. And her newest baby, an absolute masterpiece: allineedisonemic.com. It is her website that serves as a platform for people with a dream. And a place for Akisha to live hers.

"God put it on my heart to start this new venture with my website," she said. "I've had dreams of becoming a talk show host or an entertainment reporter. And because those dreams did not manifest as quickly as I thought they could have, God put it on my heart to use my passion as my gas and basically go forth with my dreams."

Her website, which she describes as being in its "toddler stage", has featured some of the hottest talents across the world and she's been granted opportunities to meet an array of people in the music, sports and acting industry ranging from Chicago's WGCI radio team to P Diddy. She's unstoppable. The lady's got mad swag, and you can see it before she opens her mouth. Her style is colorful and her demeanor is demanding. She demands your attention...with the check of a mic.

"God is the driving force behind all of this. I want to give people a chance to showcase their dreams."

Ambition. That's what I think of as I write this letter on Akisha Lockhart. Chi town weather has made her resilient, life's lessons have made her wise. And she admits, there is so much more to learn. So much more to share. And a hell of a lot more to do.

"We're in the lab working on some new things. So follow me. It's going to be sort of a surprise."

Check out my exclusive videos with Akisha Lockhart! And follow her on twitter @AkishaLockhart and friend her on Facebook at Akisha Lockhart.

Love you! And  so much Love and Respect for Akisha Lockhart, Respect her hustle...and her mic,
Vee

One MIC, One LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with AKISHA LOCKHART (Part 1)

From Vee to You

One MIC, One LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with AKISHA LOCKHART (Video 2)

From Vee to You

One MIC, One LOVE: EXCLUSIVE video with AKISHA LOCKHART (Part 3)

LOVE without a LIMIT

I often times see materialistic things swallow our hoods like bad food. And a lot of us are digesting it all, and emptying our already empty pockets to do so.We shop, with no limit. We pull up to drive thrus and supersize each item, no limit. We purchase the latest smart phones, clothes, shoes, hairstyles...with no limit. And once our budget has met its limit, many of us keep on spending...with no damn limit.

Then we have credit cards that, like us, have reached their limit. We get back on our bills to the point of no catching up and we rely on borrowing a few bucks from others just to get us to the next paycheck. Point blank, we sometimes become careless with our finances and end up in the negative because we don't honor our limit. And sometimes, too often, our love for money and things is a love without a limit.

I believe, and I'm no Suze Orman, but I believe often times we have trouble saving because we have a bigger trouble spending. And that trouble can lead us down a spiraling road; sometimes depression, sometimes even homelessness. And that's when you no longer control the money because the money is busy controlling you.

Let's evaluate the nature of spending beyond our limit: Some of us are truly addicted to retail. And no men, it is not just my ladies that I am referring to with excessive shopping habits. Some of you have spending issues as well, so stop hiding behind the stererotypes. It's a universal issue that has caused a national crisis. And it's so funny to me that everyone blames the government for this recession...when many of us were in a recession long before George Bush annonced it to the public. A lot of us were dealing with a deficit years ago; and now we've gotten used to the life. But let me be the first to tell you, being broke and working every single day is insane. And many of us and our broken budgets are defining insanity

In order to save, know the importance of saving. Understand that it takes discipline and may be difficult, but entirely worth it. Being oblivious to what may come, good or bad, is an even greater reason to save. Learning to invest can better our lives, the lives of our children and their children as well. Too many lessons for our young people are blasting through our airwaves about the wrong ways to handle money and what money represents. This can explain why to most young people, cars and clothes are more important than college.

Money can make us do some crazy things. And the lack of makes us do crazier things than that. Nothing is wrong with spending and having nice things, especially if you work hard to earn those things. However, it is an important lesson to know your limit, save some of what you make, and budget wisely. After all, the money goes fast; your values stay with you.

Love,
Vee

Thin line Between LOVE and HATE (Part 7)

I would always wonder that. Wondered if you were sorry. You said it so many times and I can't decipher a sincere apology versus a wasted lie. But that one seemed sincere.

Maybe you're the one that deserves better. Maybe you deserve a fair chance, clearance to be afraid, adolescent and confused. And I never gave you a chance. Maybe you deserve a lady, someone who acts with respect, and not act out Angela Basset scenes, waiting to exhale a hate that's fake. And whether I remain BM or upgrade one day to wifey, I'm the mother of our child. A lady who wouldn't say and do shit to strip you down, deny you of a love from a being that needs you, like you need it.

Maybe our baby deserves better. A more mature set of parents who lives with their shitty consequences, and do what's right. A daddy who would be there, a momma who wouldn't run daddy away. A nursery, not a damp basement that caters to some type of living that we know our child deserves. Maybe our baby doesn't even deserve this life. But regardless, it's a life we're responsible for.

So I was your Brown Sugar huh? Well I guess that made you my Baby Boy. And Jody, my Jody...some days I felt like the strength of your love could make my fly free as bird. Other times, I just wanted to fly the hell away. With the baby. Somewhere far; but my wings never let me.

Whether I'll be yours or someone else's, we share life. So let's make the best of it, with love this time. Because the baby deserves it. We deserve it.

Love,
Baby Momma

Baby Momma:

Agreed! And no matter what happens, from now on I want to open the gates of communication. I will allow you the freedom to express how you feel. I want to show you that this parenting responsibility was not meant to be a single person’s job.

I want to share that burden with you. I am reminded of the portrait that depicts a black man carrying woman and child. I know the road gets rough, but there is nothing that the two of us can’t accomplish. We are burdened by social stigmas of baby mommas and baby daddies. But I believe in you.

I know your strength and worth. I believe that you are the only reason that I could even dare to face the troubles of the day. And because I have faith in you makes me want our child to be proud to call me dad. I need the respect of you because it allows me to get pass the fear, anxiety and uncertainty of being a father. You are the glue that holds it together.

I don’t know what the future holds for us as it concerns a relationship. But I will admit to the goal of wanting to one day call you my wife. I know it is something that has to be earned and we haven’t even gotten this parenting thing down. But as a start, I will vow to always respect and love you for your role as the woman who faced death to bring forth life. You made the ultimate sacrifice. I am reminded each day of the beauty of you and our child.

We are doing better by giving us a chance to explore some of these emotions that rarely get confronting. We are giving our child a chance to see us for who we are.

Many times, baby mommas and baby daddies are not able to eloquently express what we have. But it doesn’t take college to say what your heart knows. The problem is that one or both of the parents are too stubborn to listen.

I’m glad you listened, talked and worked through what you need to. I now have hope that we can enjoy our child before she grows up.

Love,

Baby Daddy

Thin line Between LOVE and HATE (Part 6)

BM:

I don’t know exactly what to do, but I will tell you that I am tired. I’m tired of arguing. I’m tired of the back and forth, tired of pretending, tired of pointing fingers.

So, I’ll be honest.


Tonight, I looked into the eyes of our child as I have done many times before and even though you say that he has all of my features, all I could see was you. I saw the reflection of a past romance that once mirrored traces of my future. I could picture the way we were, how we used to be. I reminisced on key events like our first date, our first kiss and the very first time I stuttered, “I love you.”I loved you like “Brown Sugar.” And you gave me my deepest spell of “Love Jones.” We walked summer nights in parks and got high off moon light and conversation. You nurtured my dreams and gave me hope when I had no one else in my corner. I felt like you were next of kin and “Brown Skin” became my favorite song while you called me your “Truth.” I learned the happy side of the blues. And you touched me in a way that transcended whatever I thought relationships to be.

And then the baby came. You had to rearrange your priorities.

So, I panicked, made some mistakes that ultimately cost our demise. I thought you were always angry at me for no reason. I thought you resented me for making you a baby momma and not a wife. I lost the ability to communicate with you, and then I had to share your attention with our child. I was no longer the primary object of your affection. I did not fully comprehend the physical and emotional transition of your body or our relationship.  

I needed something to numb the pain.

I covered up with the comfort of convenience and layered my emotions with anger. Feelings that led me to the company of the many “she’s,” avoiding the reality of us no longer together.  My shame just allowed me to keep going and long before I knew it, I was bitter about us.

Those women were never able to fill the void. They could never replace the feelings that were shared between us. But I could not stand to be alone.  I felt that any form of redemption was a lost cause. How could you forgive me after all I put you through?

And even though I still don’t know what the future holds or what the next step is, I want to apologize for my part in making this really difficult for you. You deserve better.

Love,
Baby daddy