Welcome to Gaskins Productions History Town Hall. These are some of the responses to questions we
posed to you, our viewers, from the past. Just CLICK on the question and see what others are saying.

1.

Who’s the Tightest? Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, or other???

How does Jenifer Lopez get her makeup look? – acurarose

Keep up with the tight page - derek BIG D""   

Jennifer Lopez - Bernard Osei-Manu 

TYRA BANKS – RODRICK 

Jenifer Lopez -  Humberto Rivera

Lark Voorhies. Fukk all the others ! ! ! - Klean Kut

SORRY, BUT ALLEN IVERSON HAS MY VOTES!!!! - GOLDIE

Tyra Banks is the one. Baby girl is finer than fine should be.-- MoHamp

JENNIFER LOPEZ IS WAY OVERRATED. I DON'T THINK SHE'S THAT HOTT TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH. SO I'M GOING TO HAVE TO GO WITH TYRA ALL THE WAY. BABY!!!!!!!!!-- DANNY DON'TSWEATER JR.

Has anyone ever heard of Ms. Kenya Moore...Nuff said!!!!!-- Ohioplaya

Why is everyone hating on Tyra, you all are acting like she did something personal to you. Anyway Cameron is the tigtest.-- Luke

Naomi Campbell runway style but Jennifer's all around personna ... Tyra Banks ...are you kidding?-- Ryan

Cameron Diaz is a natural beauty, the others are too made up.-- Bon-E

Beyonce Knowles. She's hotter than all these chicks man, and she can sing too. How come she isn't on the list?-- Bran"Tha Don"

That's Tyra Banks Fool!!! Jennifer Lopez is Hot to death, but Tyra makes your toes ball up like a fist.-- Marko M

J - Loe All the way baby!! Representing for the "Bodiquas".-- Monica

I've seen Higher Learning several times and I also think shes the tightest from the list. I also think Jennifer is hot to, I've noticed that most women, famous or not wear makeup, weaves etc.-- Beauties in the eye of the beholder

I like Cameron, she has great eyes. Its hard for me to say whose tightest but its between Cameron and Naomi.-- Claire Bowman

I agree Carmen Electra should be on the list. She is FINE, Prince sure knows how to pick em'-- Carl

I'm going to have to go with the lovely Ms. Jenifer Lopez. Every time I see her she looks better and better, I love her style. Tyra isn't too far behind, I just don't see her being able to compete with J.L.-- Big 210

These ladies are all tight! It's impossible for me to choose one. They all have their strong points. Jenifer lopez is awsome, she wins in the body department handsdown, Naomi Campbell has the prettiest face and the smoothest chocalte skintone, Tyra Banks is, she's Tyra that's enough right there, and Cameron Diaz is probally the funnest to just plain kick it with.-- Un. Decided

I'm trying to dig all up in their guts french vanilla, butter pecan, chocalte-deluxe even caramel sundaes is gettin touched and scooped in my ice cream truck, I tear it up. One love to my chocolate deluxes, keep your nails done and your wigs tight, One love to my butter pican rican's for calling me papi, that's for J.L, one love to my caramel sundaes, with the cherries on top,yeah and big up to my french vanillas parlez vous, francais, mi amor, merci, oui oui, bon bons and all that good stuff, that good stuff.-- Johny Blaze the.

Chris, go check out the movie "Higher Learning" and see how Tyra Banks "used to look" before she pounded all the makeup and weave on. As I was saying before Covergirl, I was not hating on the supermodels, simply stating the truth, and if you are a super model you know better than anyone. The supermodels are not "natural beauties". They are people who possess a body that designers wish to COVER with their clothes and makeup. And if someone is a supermodel, to earn that ttitle, of course they are going to look good. But once the makeup is gone and the weaves and wigs are off, is this person still consider a beauty? More than likely, NOT.

To no name listed, Jennifer Lopez isn't anymore of a natural beauty than "Tyra Banks Fool" no but for real though what makes Jennifer more naturally beutiful than Tyra. They both wear make up and have access to the best stylists. Remember when Jennifer just use to be a dancer years ago. She really wasn't all that gorgeous, now that shes got more money she looks better. Jennifer may have great ASSsets but Tyra's got total body package.-- Chris Messing

The tightest of them all.......... I'm mean truly the tightest is Cindy Gray, my mother!!!!! There ain't no women out there that can match the richness and unconditional love in her heart. Beauty goes without saying. . . . . she blessed me with it. There's only one thing that God loves, and that's the TRUTH.-- Kai

Yes, Cameron Diaz. She has just as much body if not more than Halle or Naomi. She definitely belongs on the list, and frankly should be at the top of this one.-- Marvin Dollar

I am a model by trade, so it pains me to hear someone hating on other models. Naomi and
Tyra both deserve to be on the list. Before you hate, you should also leave your name,
or at least a nickname!-- Covergirl

Cameron Diaz??? How did she make the list? Body? she is flat as a board, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks, hell, if I were a supermodel hell yea, I better be on somebody's list, but Jennifer Lopez?? Now she would be the tightest of them all. She is a natural beauty -- unlike the other picks. Also, you need to consider Halle Berry and Vanessa Williams on the list as well.

I have two words...HALLE BERRY! Nuff said.-- Eric Williams

I know the sisters are going to wild out on me, but I have to give it to Cameron Diaz.  She is FINE!  She has body, can act, is pretty, and her personality makes her the true total package.  I would drink her bathwater!-- Marvin Dollar

Tyra Banks is a DIME.  I would put Jennifer Lopez a close second.  She is a butter Rican Mommy with unmatched ASSetts- -Kirk Jones

I am a woman, but I think Carmen Electra should be on the list.  She has an exotic look that appeals to both Black and White men.

Naomi Campbell is a luscious, tall, chocolate bombshell.  Her beauty is timeless.  Color is not even an issue.  Anyone with eyes can see her beauty.

What about Oprah Winfrey or Cathy Hughes?  They are powerful, self made, independent, have tons of personality, wealthy, etc.  I don’t know about you, but that qualifies as beauty to me.---Derek Gaskins

Racial Profiling—Fact or Fiction? Share your experiences and views!

Big ol' bag of Poo-- ???

Derek, I agree with you 100% I am hoping that Richard is a fictional male... White, Black, Hispanic what ever ... My brother you are lost. You seem to have intellegence but you are very closed minded and don't have a clue to what is going on in the "real world". If you truly do not exsist and this is just a ploy to make us more aware, I am all to happy...It awakened me and and that's one less ignorant brother I have to worry about.
Peace be with you all-- Ms.G

Racial profiling is a term to cover up what's really going on, and that is blatent harrassment and we need to stop making excuses for it. There is none. And we all know history, past and present, how many of those 9% adult black males who are doing time are in there simply for the fact that they are black? How many are innocent? Again, there are many documented cases where these men were "profiled" "fit the description" of a criminal and were locked up -- did you see what just happend to Lenny Kravitz in Miami? Just walking to the gym, but got arrested because he "fit the description" of a robber in the area? What about the Hurricane??? the list goes on and on so don't even try bringing up statistics that are really not thorough. And just because somebody choses to wear their hair in a particular fashion, they should not be "profiled' "harassed" because of some ignorant people who only stereo type. You know how I combat this problem? I have absolutely no problem calling someone out if they even try to "profile" or "harrass" me, so I don't have this problem. I dare someone to attempt it. I am not violent, I just know my rights and refuse to let anyone intimidate me or belittle me just because of my race. I'd also like to say that there is a HUGE difference between being "street smart" and "profiling - discriminating, harrassing".-- Olivia

Look here it is, the black population is overwhelmingly an unproportionate prison population. 9% of ADULT black males is doing time, when only 2% of ADULT white males is doing time. Although we are paying for the mistakes made by others, we have to consider this fact when we get pulled over. Is it profiling or mearly a statistical disadvantage? I don't like getting pulled over because of my race any more than you do, but its one thing to be pulled over and another to be treated like a criminal. Look at the statistics at the U.S. Dept. of Justice website.-- J.T. Washington  http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm

I am not a police officer, but I recognize the challenges of that job. I still say that racial profiling is
good policing. When you are at a desolate ATM machine at night or walking through an empty
parking lot to your car don't you "profile" people around you to see if someone looks suspicious?
That is not racism, that is street smarts. By the same token, police have to identify trends in crimes,
and if a certain race or type of individual fits the bill, then they should be watched with a careful eye. Claire, tell your husband to cut his hair. It was his choice to grow it, so he has to accept the consequences. Cornrows make Black people look like thugs just as long hair makes
White people look like Hippies.-- Richard

Claire, I can relate people think my well off husband is an athlete to. When cops stop us they
even go as far as asking what city are our tags from, like we stole the car. Racial profiling is
real and it sucks. Theres no excuse for it. Pull me over for speeding not because Im black.
You know what I mean?-- Denise

Im married to a very successful black man, needless to say we have nice things, several
of which are nice cars. My husband never wears a suit and he has corn rolls. When we
get stopped by the police they either assume he's an athlete or a drug dealer. He is
neither. On most instances we are stopped for no reason other than my husband is
young, black and in a flashy car. I even think it pains them to see that a black man is
doing so much better than they are. For those of you who think racial profiling isn't
real they must live in fantasy land.-- Clare Bowman

Richard, what qualifies you to speak on this topic when you obviously do not have all of the facts and moreover, the so-called facts that you have stated seem to be more along the lines of stereo types. The qualifications that I have are that I am an african-american who has personally witnessed and been a victim of racial profiling so I know first hand how it feels. And might I add that I am and educated business professional who on a daily basis has no less than 25 business conversations a day with decision makers in various industries around the city, and might I also state, that because the other end is not aware that I am african-american, often makes negative racial remarks. You stated that you personally believe that black people are always crying racism, in some instances there are those who use that as a crutch, but let statistics show that racial profiling does exist and until it happens to you or to one of your loved-ones, you truly can't comment because until then, it is just hypothetical. The police should concentrate on the facts and quit harrassing african-american men who are just simply minding their own business. I take it you are a police officer.-- Angela

To whoever wrote the response below. First of all have the decency to leave your name. Second, I am qualified to speak on the topic at hand. What qualifications do you have that make you better suited? I personally believe that Black people are always crying racism whenever they get into trouble. In many instances, the trouble is something that they bring on themselves. Also, don't believe everything you hear on the news. It is liberal and quick to identify with supposed victims. If a police officer knows that a certain profile of individual often times commits more crimes than the general population. Then I still say it is good police skills to focus on or profile those individuals.-- Richard

Richard, you obviously are not qualified to answer this question. I get so sick and tired of people who are oblivious to racism trying to input their opinion. I can tell you first hand that it exists. My husband who is a well-to-do black man has been profiled enough times that I am documenting them. Just because he is a big, bald, black man he is always under survelliance. As of two weeks ago, I have made it my mission to do something about it! Good police skills??? give me a break. Listen to the news for crying out loud, racism exists and until everyone stands up and does something about it, it will continue. My advise to Richard, stop inputting your opinion on situations that you are obviously unqualified to answer.

It most certainly does exist. Its very shameful that whenever my two teenage sons leave the house the people I tell them to watch out for are the police. Most people have the comfort of knowing that the police are there to help protect them, my kids have to fear them. I thought this was suppose to be America.-- Mother of two

Racial Profiling is definitely Fact. Police are trained to look for suspects. Often times this means a young man of color dressed in Hip-Hop garb. This practice is downright racist.  Screening people based on appearance is flat wrong. By that definition Russell Simmons, Allen Iverson, Puffy, Kobe, Will Smith, and any other young person with money and a non conformist look is a suspect.-- Ray Tiller

I think that Black people are too quick to call something racist. If most criminals look and behave a certain way, it is good police skills to proactively investigate. Police are most effective when they stop a crime before it happens. If a cop see’s a young person no matter what color that looks thugged out, they should be allowed to investigate.-- Richard

That is ignorant, racist, arrogant, and unconstitutional.  If what you described was in fact allowed, we would be living in a police state. Our constitutional right protects us from illegal searches and seizure by police. You can not judge a person by their clothes no more than you can by the color of their skin. Police should adhere to an even higher standard especially since they are protectors and guardians of law and Democracy.-- Derek

Who’s going to win the SuperBowl and NBA Finals?

Raiders gone win da Superbowl and the Lakers are still going dominate the NBA - Klean Kut

Brooklyn BS, you must have really been on some BS! Ray Lewis and the Ravens crushed the Giants! The only Beasts I saw during the game had on white and purple Ravens jerseys. I'm a die-hard Skins fan, but since the Ravens are in the same urea (my DC peeps know the lingo) I had to give it up for them.-- Derek

The Giants are the Beast this Year. Balanced on Offense and Defense. The Ravens are one dimensional and will crumble under the pressure. In Hoops, I got to live with my
Knicks. Even though they traded Ewing, they still have a strong core that willl
finally deliver.-- Brooklyn BS

I was rooting for the Titans but since they got shutdown. . .I have to modify and say it will be the Vikes or Ravens. . .

The Ravens are on course to shut down everybody. Ray Lewis and his murderers are going to take the Superbowl from the Vikings. In hoops, I got C-Webb, White Chocolate, And the Kings!-- Charlie Baltimore

I think the Titan's are going to win this year, you can take that to the bank, tell them Leroy
sent you-- Lil Leroy

Im putting my money on a sure bet, The Lakers and The Bucs.-- Denise

Well after Sunday, it looks like the Skins are pretty much done. I will modify my selection now. I see the Tampa Bay Bucs, lead by one of Gangster Gamma's finest Nupes D-Rob #24 on defense versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Bucs will prevail in a defensive battle 13-12. As for the NBA, Bubba Chuck will still crossover all takers and lead the 76ers to the title over the Lakers in 6 games.-- Derek Gaskins

My pick for the Superbowl is of course the Washington Redskins!  I know they are
in dire straights, but with their new coach I think they will refocus and go all the way.
I see a battle for the Beltway with the Redskins defeating the Ravens 31 to 24.
And in the NBA, the 76ers are for real.  AI will finally silence the doubters as they
defeat the Lakers in 6 games.—Derek Gaskins

The Titans are the best team in football and will win it all this year.  The Lakers will repeat and their dynasty will be officially underway—J-Strong

The Bengals will win it all next year.  This year I got Minnesota.  In basketball, Sacramento is finally ready.  This is their year.

Ray Lewis and the killer Baltimore Ravens will murder all comers.  In basketball, my loot is still with the Knicks—Brooklyn BS

I have always liked the Broncos.  So I think they will defeat the Redskins in the Superbowl.  In Basketball, it definitely will be Allen and the 76ers!--Tina

Election Aftermath/Fallout:  What should be done next? Who really won???

Now that Bush is in we will have to wait and see what will happen. Nothing we can do now, obviously, our votes did not count, and look what was happening when they were allowed to count all the votes for 1 hour. People are very hung up on the abortion issue, be for real people. Before abortions were legal, they were still being done, so weather they are legal or illegal, it will still happen. You might as well face the music. What's worse? Look what happens in a lot of situations when the femal does give birth, but then abandons the baby or worse, tries to kill it herself. From the few documented, public cases there are thousands more. We have far more important issues in this country to think about and I, as a woman, do not feel this issue is one of them. Same thing with the right to bear arms, wouldn't it be great if those who abuse this law quit? Then we wouldn't have these issues. No matter what, there are going to be illegal guns in this country. Nothing we ! can do about that one either. Again, we have far more important issues that need to be looked at, and again, this is not one of them.-- Alicia

Well, Gore certainly gave the speech of his life. It was sensitve and strong. I think he'll definetely be a contender in 4. Lets see what W can do. Like I said before, whoever would come out the victor, was going to have a rough time because of the country being so divided. We'll just have to give him a chance now don't we?! I truely hope that Powell is not a pawn for him though. We've seen that kind before.-- Kai

How does everyone feel about President Bush? He doesn't appear very presidential to me. I thought Gore looked like a President in his concession speech. Bush seemed like the spoiled country boy who's daddy and brother rigged the election for. What has this country come to?-- Marko M

Well Bush is in, maybe he won't take to much away from us.-- Denise

The only sellouts are people that voted for Clinton and Gore without looking at the issues. Clinton is an embarrassment and disgrace to this country. I'm sorry, but I'm glad that the law won't allow a third term. Because as Kai said, in this Jerry Springer loving, moral character deprived country we are currently living in, he would probably win again. Let me see, the Democrats are pro-baby killing(abortion), anti guns, pro big government, and anti school prayer. To me that is selling out. As a Black man, I cherish my constitutional right to Bear Arms. That right gives me free reign to protect those I love most. Surely we as Black people should recognize what a Big government with stringent laws means for us. Can you say Jim Crow, or worse slavery? Alicia, just because Black people have traditionally supported Democrats does not mean I am a sell out. Sell outs are people that think with one mind and have no diversity of opinion or moral character. You should Wake up. How many more years of ravaged public schools, escalating abortions, strung out youth on drugs, and an overall decline in morals and other perilous shortcomings do we need before we realize that the Democrats sold out Black folks a long time ago? They can count on our vote, so our voice and issues are no longer even heard. So I ask you Alicia, did your vote even count?-- Marvin Dollar

To me Bush remindes me of. . . . .lets see. . . . . . . the Devil? His appearance is also frightning. He's too tight ass. This race is too close for Gore to concede! Now he's only behind by about 150 or so votes. There's no way in hell Gore should pull out. You can't just throw away thousands and thousands of votes. Especially when it's this tight. So what if he does lose, he should have the same chance any other candidate should have. When Gore wins, he will be laughing at all that laughed at him! besides, what's the rush! Clinton is a great president. If we have to break old laws to complete a serious cause, so be it! As long as events are unchanged. Perfect example. . . . . Clinton should be able to run for another term. He's young enough and strong enough. If he decides and the people choose him again, it must be the right thing. But the law doesn't permit it.- Kai

Sounds like Marvin Dollar is a "sell'out". You don't even understand man, Did your vote even count???? Does George Bush even care about YOUR vote??? WAKE UP!- Alicia

What will the Gore supporters do now???  If he continues, he will forever tarnish what
little reputation he has.  Bush is the President!  The sooner we wake up and realize it,
the better.-- Marvin Dollar

I can't believe Marvin Dollar said Bush is more like Clinton. To me Bush is
more like Hilter.-- Tori

Hey Marvin Dollar I think Bush is the one making a fool of himself. Going on tv saying he's the President. I don't think Clinton will be handing over the keys to the White House to him anytime soon. Also it seems to me that if George Bush really feels that he's got Gore beat fair and square he would want a true recount that way when he's in office no one can say Gore really won Bush is only in the white house because they did'nt count all the ballads. I agree with you on one point and that is Gore should've won his own state, I can't argue with you there. Oh by the way Mr.Black Man, are you aware that Bush and his buddys were stopping blacks and seniors from voting by harrassing them on there way to the voting booths. I bet he'd harrass you to, not even realizing he had your vote! Ha-Ha you voted for him.-- Denise

I think Al Gore is making a fool of himself. I am an educated Black man that supports and voted for George W. Bush Jr. He is the type of leader we need. I also strongly support the Clintons. Truthfully, I believe that Bush is politically and personally more like Clinton than Gore. That is one of the reasons I supported him. Al Gore is a prep schooled, arrogant, and a sore loser. He bungled his campaign. His whole race was run preaching from a bully pulpit. He claimed to be such a fighter who was ready for battle. Guess what? Maybe what this country needs is leadership, and not an overly educated fighter! Al Gore only has himself to blame for losing the election. If you can't even win in your own state, you don't deserve to be President anyway.-- Marvin Dollar

For all the peeps out there who think that their vote does not count, this election should have definitely showed you that it does. Make sure you register and vote so your voice is heard. It is never too late to make a difference.-- Mz_Espionage    

Who is the best all around musical artist and performer???

Jill Scott I'm lovin her right now!!! but there are a whole lotta artist that just don't get the radio play that also deserve to be heard!! - Frank 

In this world, music is all about entertainment. I bet you if you are talking about a musician, you must choose somebody that can sing and move the whole world, somebody with angelic voice. And that somebody is Michael Jackson - Bernard Osei-Manu

MICHAEL JACKSON is the best and everyone knows it. People are just jelous because he has more money
than a lot of people. All he tries to do is help people but, ya'll let your egos get the best of you.- Jennifer

I'D HAVE TO GO W/ THE LATE AALIYAH AND MISS ALICIA KEYES FOR THE LADIES...AND CARL THOMAS
AND BRIAN MCNIGHT FOR THE MEN...- GOLDIE


If u listen 2 early louis armstrong i mean real early ,his vocal skill
    started what u hear today-- Think 

there is no such thing , 4 each great music u hear, there r 100 u dont even know of that never get 2 the the big dance ,greatnes should be scaled by the artist ability 2 change 2 the times he or she is in,also being able 2 play there own instrument's, or so skilled in 1, that they dont neeb any back up at all if they choose, the real art of music has been lost today becuse of $ and so called artist afraid or 2 lazy 2 learn an instrument ,the respect 4 music has been lost by way of rapping over someone else's song or lip sinking at a live show or the artist being a studio musician (clown) with lots of help from recording equipment .prince said it best*** a rappers frist problem usually stems from being tone deff pack the house and try 2 sing there wont be no 1 left ( DEAD ON IT )-- matrix

kai and J =real plaing + real singing= what music is all about-- crystal ball

You all have forgotten Glen Miller, The Who, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, the Bee Gees, Madonna, The Cure, the Ramones, Blondie, the Clash, Guns and Roses, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Cindy Lauper, and hundreds of other fine musicians. Music comes in all genres. And good music is not limited to Hip-Hop, Soul, and R&B. Rock is still KING!-- Richard

I am really feeling you Marvin Dollar: Steve, Marvin, Barry and Al Green are men who can not only sing but perform...WITH FEELING!!! The word Artist guides me to think more behind the scene the creator of the majic... And I must give props to THE "Q" I was not aware to the many different relms of music he has produced, created and sculpted untill recently needless to say his respect in the business is well deserved... I can not end without mentioning the greatest DIVA PERFORMER... TINA (NO LAST NAME NEEDED) If you have never seen her live, You are missing one of the greatest performances I have ever encounterd. Dont slip... Check her out!-- Ms.G

Michael Jackson all the way. Once you have witnessed first hand one of his concerts, you will be a fan forever. I bet that what ever city, country, town, continent that he decides to perform, it will sell out in a matter of minutes so quit hating on the guy, we all know he has problems, thanks to his parents, but he is an absolutely awesome performer!-- Misha

I love the way Mystical wows the crowd with the blinding speed of his soultry down south lyrics. DANGA! WHATCH YA SELF, SHOW ME WHAT YOU WORKIN WITH AND DON'T BE SCURD!

First, I have to disagree with Ray T. With the exception of Thriller, Michael wrote the majority of the Thriller album, which was executively produced by another exceptional artist Quincy Jones. However, to answer the two part question, I would say Michael's stage show (i.e. ability to perform) is unparalleled. Name the last time you saw an artist fly over his crowd (of 100,000 plus) with a jet pack on his back. Now, as far as all around musical artist (i.e. musician) without question, it would have to be the man who plays 22 plus instruments and counting, the Artist Formerly Known as and Currently Known As Prince. While their have been exceptional musicians in all genre's of musiq, how many can cross genre's like Prince. He plays classical, jazz, funk, hip hop, r-n-b, gospel, country, etc. Simply put PRINCE is da Man!!!-- D to the A

Ray is right. You know it's hard to say who's the best. When it comes to Jazz artists such as Phineaus Newborn Jr., Art Tatum, Fats Waller, Earl "Father" Hynes,Miles, Monk, Hancock, Tony Williams, Art Blakey. . . on and on. . .to many to name. Those cats were the best. The same for Classical, Pop, R & B, Country, Blues and Alternitive. If you really check out and respect the history and era, there is no best. Only the best is picked at competitions.-  Kai

I like Outcast. I know there are a ton of artist who have been around longer, can play intstraments yada yada yada, but Outcasts lyrics, beats and there combination of differant voices makes them Numero uno to me.-- Rosa

What about Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green?  Not to mention Sade, EWF, Barry White, and Quincy Jones.-- Marvin Dollar

Michael Jackson…Please tell me your joking.  Michael Jackson didn’t even write and produce most of his songs.  He may be the King of Pop, but musically, he is no where near Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, James Brown, or Prince.---Ray Tiller  

Prince would be of course in the top run. But what about people like Little Richard, Chuck Berry? Don't forget Ike & Tina Turner & Lionel Richie just to name a few. Some of us are forgetting about the true legends.-- Dianne

Prince is the greatest of all times!-- Marqueeta

I strongly disagree with you Olivia!  Biggie's delivery and cadence alone qualifies him as a legend.  He was lyrically gifted.  Where ordinary rappers use formulaic rhymes, Biggie elevated the game by having each line mean numerous things.  Tupac was also a straight poet.  He could express the emotion and state of being a Black Man like no other rapper or artist before or since.  Where they both set trends is in their metaphorical wordplay.  Biggie was the first East Coast rapper to marry gangster subject matter with harmonies.  His influences are rappers like Kool G Rap, Slick Rick, Rakim, and other wordsmiths.  Granted LL gets major props for his longevity, but in terms of lyrical content and wordplay, he is not even in the same league as Biggie or Pac.  Kurtis Blow is a forefather of Rap, but he did not do anything different than his other contemporaries.  Run DMC are straight legends.  No argument there whatsoever!!!  However Biggie and Tupac are both considered legends for the same reasons Jimi Hendrix is.  I could say that Jimi Hendrix is not all that because he only had 3 albums, but that would be underestimating his impact on music.  He forever changed the course of Rock, Soul, Blues, or whatever you call it, just as Biggie and Pac have done with Hip-Hop.  Hip- Hop is a true art form that is an amalgam of all genres of Black music.  It's roots are tribal and were cultivated in the cotton fields of America.  Biggie and Tupac were the most expressive modern artists that could clearly convey what it meant and felt to be young, endangered, and
Black in Amerikkka!!!-- Matthew

Could somebody PUULLEEZZEEE tell me what Biggie and Tupac did that was soooooooooo different than any other rapper today?  Biggie wasn't even around long enough to leave any legacy, neither was Tupac.  Educate me please cuz I just don't understand.  I'm from the old school where rap and hip hop first started, I get tired of hearing about these two in the same sentance as "legends".  What about Whodini, LL Cool J, Curtis Blow, Run DMC?? Huh??? How about them?  They are the legends and last time I saw, they are still here.  Don't get me wrong, I liked Tupac, have every CD along with Biggie, but I think it is premature to consider them legends in that they were not trendsetters, just bit off of other people.  They were not original, unfortunately, their lives were cut short.  Plain and simple, nothing spectacular there folks.-- Olivia

Michael Jackson is a weirdo and everybody knows it. Just look at his 2 phony marriages. What a joke!-- Big Headed

Michael jackson is the best all around performer because he can sing well and puts on a great show.-- Jill

The Isley Brothers and Brian McKnight… No one can match the Isley Brothers.
They are my favorite all time group and their smooth style is beautiful. 

  Secondly, Brian McKnight…. This man is awesome.  His music is beautiful.  He is original.  He does not "bite" or "sample" off of anyone and he writes his own stuff, not to mention he looks damn good as well.  I personally saw his recent show 3 times and each time was hypnotized!!!-- Olivia Robinson

I have to say it; Slim Shady, Emenim, Marshal Mathers, or that crazy white cat, what ever u want to call him is the all time greatest rapper to ever spit a bar. His lyrics are so ill they give listeners the chill and make u be like, "what tha f*** did he just say?" I feel Pac and B.i.G they are legendery 90's artist. But the new millenium belongs to M&M. There's a slim chance that any rapper today can compete with the shady one.-- Bran''Tha Don"

I can't believe someone else said chuck Brown, I love Chuck he is the best. I have several cds, but he's best live. I live in D.C and my girlfiends and I follow him to differant clubs to see him perform.-- Dana Moore

Several but a few who come to mind duke ellington, ella, louie, stevie, prince, & Michael-- Robbin Burke

I have to jumpstart this one by saying PRINCE!  He effortlessly can bring to the table what James Brown, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Carlos Santana, and Miles Davis can, but in one package.  He can play over 30 instruments, writes songs in his sleep(I think he averages 2 complete songs a day), puts on the best live performances, and forever changed the state of music.  His appeal is so broad that you are likely to see Hip-Hop heads, Punk Rockers, little old ladies, every race of people, women, men and every other segment representin’ at his shows.  He creates a true Love Bazaar.---Derek

I feel you on Prince, but Hip-Hop is the most important music to emerge in human history.  It is the realization of thousands of years of tribal music and instinct brought full circle.  That being the case, I have to go with the one and only Notorious Big.  He was a lyrical genius.  We’ll always love Big Poppa, and his legend will grow with each passing year.—Brooklyn BS

Tupac is the man.  How many artists have you heard of that were so prolific that they are still releasing hit songs and albums 4 years after their death.  Thug Life will live forever!!!!---Thuggery

Don’t laugh, but I think Sisquo is the tightest ever.  He is the modern Prince.  New and improved in every way.---Mona

Mona, what are you smoking?!  Sisquo can’t even hold Prince’s jock strap.  The bama can’t play any instruments, over sings on all his records, and is a creation of the video age.  His talent is a dime a dozen.  I could go to any church right now and find someone with more talent than Sisquo.  Please stop lunchin’!  Sisqo should not even be mentioned in the same sentence with artist like Prince, Biggie, and Tupac.---Derek

Miles Davis is clearly the one.  His stage presence and mastery of Bebop ushered in a whole new era of music.  Miles was a smooth Kat that perfected his craft and then flipped it to see what new sound he sould create.  He is the one.---Michael T.

Chuck Brown.  Don’t sleep, the godfather of go-go not only created go-go music, he is still actively rocking the circuit and putting on cranking shows at 65.  All I got to say is “Wind me up Chuck”, all my DC soldiers will know what I’m talking about.---SE DC Beast

Michael Jackson is still the King.  He is the greatest entertainer and performer of all time.  His music will outlive us all.  Those that are hating, “Just Beat It”---Tina

Pound for Pound, What is the Hottest vehicle for around $50,000?

bmw roadster – ryan

1999 mitsu eclipse GSX AWD....... spend 20k to buy it and then put another
20k in it and it'll run 10's easy. - bdogg

GIVE ME SOME BMW SUV!!!!!!!!!KILLIN EM'- GOLDIE

Y'all trippin...  rather obvious that none y'all ever pushed whips like these.  The real shame is the
Range, since it's nasty like an old Volvo inside.  But whatever yo, check a couple year old 850iL if you
wanna see a phat ride for under $25k...  with chips and pipes, it'll smoke a new 996. So don't take it from
new money rappers, go drive 'em and see.  one! - Vette&A6 in my garage

I have to agree with Ray. I also think the X5 is the perfect vehicle. It handles like a sports sedan, but has elevated seating and extended cargo area like an SUV. Granted it is more like $60K, but it is worth every penny. True German engineering that is a true ultimate driving machine. 8 airbags, 0-60 times around 7 seconds, and teutonic fit and finish set it apart from all other contenders. It was also recently recognized as the safest vehicle ever tested. Not safest SUV or Wagon, but safest VEHICLE! That alone should put it at the top of any list.-- Bimmer Man

The Mercedes ML430 is an ugly minivan! I would choose one of their cars in this price range before that ugly duckling truck. The C, CLK, and E all smash it. For SUV's, the BMW X5, Caddy Escalade, Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon, Denali, Navigator, Land Rover Discovery, and Montero are all tighter.-- Ray Tiller

I know Im going to get alot of hate by saying this but I like the Ml430. Its so safe and easy to handle unlike those big suvs, and the drive feels sporty.-- Denise

I JUST PURCHASED ONE OF THESE CARS DEC, 7 2000 AND IT IS TOO SHARP I GOT A INFERNO RED TINTED PEARL COAT AND THIS CAR HAS EVERYTHING AND GET THIS THIS CAR FULLY LOADED IS UNDER $50,000 THE COST IS $33,595 GO AND CHECK IT OUT-- CHRYSLER 300M

ESCALADE, I DON'T NEED TO SAY ANYTHING MORE!!!!!!!!-- CADDIN

I am feeling the new 2002 Cadillac Escalade! There is a feature on it in the Lifestyles section of this site. It's a BEAST.-- SE DC Beast

For $50K, my dollars go to the M3.  It is pound for pound the best car in the world.  Super exotic car performance at a fraction of the price!  Total package.-- Marvin Dollar

The Range Rover costs more like $70,000.  It is not even in the same “price range” as the others.---Larry M  

I am loving the new Jag! It looks like a baby  Rolls-- Marqueeta

The car of the year still has 2 b the Lex-Luther LS400/430... the interior is plush and silent, the ride is xquisite, and its stance and silouette on a quatro of 20" shoes is without equal.... u dig?-- Chet H

I feel you on the M3.  It is TIGHT!  But I still have to take the Boxter S for a sportcar,
or Mercedes E-Class for sedan.  Status counts too, and both of them have gobs
and gobs of it.-- Marko M

The M3 With 240 Horsepower And 0 To 60 In 5.5 For Sure.  But Wait, That Was Before They Added 90 More Horsepower !@#  Car And Driver Did An Article On The Best Handling Car At Any Price And Wouldn't You Know It, The M3 Beat The 911 Twin, Ferrari 355, Of Course The Vette And Even The Lambo.  Go To The Bmw Dealer And Trade In The Boxter S .... -- Ash

Well, Im not really the car fanatic in the family thats my husband, but i am very particuliar when it comes to the car that i drive for example I will only drive german cars. My favorite car right is the E class mercedes. Its beutiful, classy and it turns heads. You can park it next to any other $50,000 car and it looks the best. You can't tell me anyone would choose anything else over that E class!!!-- Christina

  I like the Jag it is striking but only from the front. From all other angles it might as well be a tauras!!! My vote is the CLK.-- Kim

Even though it may not have all the extra's for that price, i'd have to say
the jag!-- Robbin Burke

The Porsche Boxster S No Doubt!  It has the German engineering and performance that almost matches the 911 for a fraction of the price.  Granted once you add a few options the price will jump up above $50K, but in base form it lists for $49K.---Porsche Maniac

The CLK 430 Coupe…It is stylish, sleek, bubble eyed, and a bangin’ ass Benz.  What more could you want.  Also, unlike the Boxster, the CLK will easily accommodate 4 adults.---D-Nice

I think sports cars are too little to justify their expense.  I could get a Expedition, Excursion, or Navigator all for less than the Boxster S and CLK.  Besides, all these Ford SUV’s can hold me and 7-8 of my crew in lavish style.  What a beautiful thing.---Butch B

Yeah, but those trucks are gas guzzlers and don’t handle at all.  They are rolling mobile homes that have no business on the roads.   I still the CLK is the total package.  It has the performance, prestige, luxury, safety, and overall excellence that only a Mercedes can deliver---D-Nice

You all are slipping/tripping!!!  The new M3 is the hottest joint to ever hit the roads.  It has 330 horsepower, sub 5 second 0-60 times, and can be had for around $45K.  BMW delivers supercar performance that can rival a Ferrari and Lamborghini, at less than $50K.  Pound for Pound it’s got to be the Bimmer!---M3 on order

I’ll take the Range Rover 4.6.  It can literally go anywhere, and it is hot to death!--King Sun

I for one like style, so it has got to be the Jag.  For real though, the Jaguar S-Type is HOT!  Me and my girls are nothing to mess with when we roll up in it.  Like Tupac said, “All eyes on me” or better yet, “Just picture me rolling”.---Lady T

What would you do with $10,000,000???

Pay off all debts and invest, invest, invest!! - Vanessa Davis

HOUSE 2.COUPLE CARS 3.MY CHILDRENS COLLEGE FUND ESTABLISHED 4.INVEST INVEST INVEST.......- GOLDIE

With that kind of cash I would tithe first and give to some organization who are already giving to the community.  Then I would take care of my family. Pay off houses and student loans and buy myself a house and a bmw 328i.
Further I would put away money for scholarships for those who are econimically challenged.  And finally I would take a long vacation to Spain, Australia, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica-- Rachelle Gaskins
 

Hey Gina, I think your full of it stop pretending like you would'nt buy yourself a few nice things, lighten up!-- Claire Bowman

Dear Gina, the question was "what would you do with $10,000?" So get off
Claries back! Just think what a boring place it would be without out all the
shallow people.-- Ms. G

Donate. I would love to be able to give plenty away to organizations that help sick kids and have fun with the rest.-- Denise

I would donate a nice amount to charitys that help sick children, give a set amount to my family and tell them once its gone you can't get more so spend it carefully and finally sit back and enjoy it.-- Camy

How should the US resolve the crisis in the Mid-East???

The US says that we must separate church and government when the very fact that you have "in God we trust" on the government currency. Basically, the US needs to take care of its house before it can go into "others" houses to clean up. It is terrible that the incident on 9/11 happened and maybe we should've retaliated as we did with Pearl Harbor but it was bound to happen. We've now come to a recession,but continue to spend billions of dollars to basically find 1 man whom we haven't been able to catch since before the last administration.Hell, they still haven't even found Eric Rudolph! Yea, remember him? The FBI sure don't... He and Ben Laden are probably gonna be somewhere on Bourbon Street for the ESSENCE FEST this summer and we'll still be bombing mountains of sand looking in empty caves finding "clues" --whatever! Those clever media spots TELLING the world where we're gonna look for Ben Laden next couldn't possibly give him a clue about our strategy to find him could it? Geez, the US constantly gives too much info about what they're d - ATLIEN

The US has done enough! We are the reason that things are the way they are! When the Jews were forced from Europe by Hitler, the Palestinians offered some of their land to Jews. Of course, the US provided them(Jews) with arms to protect themselves. They now occupy over 80% of the Palestinians land! The Palestinians are called "Rock Throwers", because this is the way they protect themselves and their land. The Jews believe that Jerusalem is their promised land, and they are taking it over. Did you know that while the Israelites(Jews) and Palestinians were fighting the US declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The US needs to do nothing else. Why do you think they wanted to see what Sadam Hussan had in inventory? We gave it to help to help him take over and then he threated the US with it. Creating trouble is where our boys get their practice!!!!!!!!!!!-- Dez

Well, I have read several of the comments listed below and can see both sides of this situation. I used to think like you Paul and a part of me still debates... However I have learned that my brother and sisters don't end at the boarders of the United States. I don't want to talk religon just setting a basis of why I feel the way I do. By "no" means do I agree with the tactics our goverment uses, the Bully routine is getting old and our fellow nations are now more advance and equipt... And I forsee not backing down to our idle threats... I feel we need to first become a stronger nation. Our armed forces has depeleted in all areas. I read a book that talked about times like these. Where the strongest nation would be defeated by a small country in the middle east. It also talked of a plegue that would kill by the thousands and no cure would be found. Not to mention the weather and how the seasons would interchage.

I did not mean to get of topic but ask yourself does our goverment really care about peace... Or all the gains and losses that will effect our economy? Oil is big business and thats the U.S. stand in my eyes. "How should the US resolve the crisis in the Mid-East?" May be we should be asking what we have to gain or loose What is our true primary intrest?... Then maybe it will be clear as to why we our dead center in a war we have nothing to do with.-- Ms.G

DeNutter, I am outside of Cincinnati(DC), and I have travelled to many parts of the world. DC is full of global flavor, so I am consantly exposed to other cultures unlike people in the simple Midwest. I still say we must address our problems as a nation before we try to help out some other country. There are brothers in SE Washington, the West Side of Chicago, North Philly, Brooklyn, Bronx, etc. that live in conditions similar to the third world. We owe it to them first as fellow Americans. Our public school systems in the inner cities are worse than some third world countries. the infant mortality rate, violence, AIDS, and many other problems ravage our inner cities. Let's address those issues before we go forcing our will on other countries.-- Paul

What if you were born into a 3rd world nation where you didn't have a roof over your head, or a pot to.....? Would you feel the same way? You must have had a good life where you never needed help. The homeless people you see on the streets, they have the means to seek help, shelters, job training/placement etc. People in other countries do not have those types of resources. Paul, maybe you should try to venture outside of Cincinnati, then outside the Midwest, then outside the US. Maybe then you will understand how fortunate you are!!!-- DeNutter

We do attempt to help out in America. Unfortunately most are still in dire need. America can't even solve it's own problems. I believe that until we can address our major issues--poverty, racism, violence, etc.; we should not meddle in other countries affairs. Let nature run its course. Survival of the fit, only the strong survive.-- Paul

Paul, I disagree. You don't want to help anyone huh? Just take care of our own. Maybe after you see a Grandmother in Kuwait who knows she only has moments to live because she's surrounded in nerve gas, but chooses to spend her last minutes embracing the body of a dead infant. Or an orfan who will die in subzero temperatures in Chechnya because no one has the resources to care for that child. Or a mother in Rowanda who makes the decision of which one of her kids to feed. Maybe then you will change. We are obligated to helping out. We do it in the US with canned food donations, soup kitchens, and shelters, why not do it in other countries?-- DeNutter

We don't even have a President for the Year 2001, we need to solve our problems to. As for the crisis over there I say send in the troops as intimidation.-- Mark Hong

We have alot of problems we need 2 solve here, no offense but they have a President let him figure it out.-- Michelle

Mind our own business!!!! And stop telling other countries what to do! They could care less about us!-- Robbin Burke

First of all, who said it is our responsibility to resolve anything?  That is the problem with imperial America.  We always want to dictate to the world what a democracy should be.  Even worse, we have the nerve to bomb governments that refuse to comply by our standards, yet pose no threat to our National Security.  I say we leave the Middle East alone, and let fate run it’s course.---Paul

 I violently disagree.  There are people being murdered in the streets…children even!  We have a responsibility as the leader of the free world to right the wrongs around the world.  I don’t condone sending in troops at the first sign of every dispute, but if we let things run there course, Armageddon could be the result.---Mike S

 If that is in fact the case, then fate will win out.  Man is very advanced, but we are not God!  We can not try to control circumstances or set the future.  Next thing we will be killing babies, executing convicts, and cloning humans.  Oh that’s right, we already are!---Ja-Rule

I say we drop bombs on the Palestinians.  They don’t understand diplomacy, and will break the terms of any treaty we broker.  War may be the only solution, and we have to bring out the big guns to make sure we win.---Malik

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