Sunday, October 24, 2010

Music Gives…







“Around the way, you’re like a neighborhood jewel,
 
All the homeboys sweat you cause you’re crazy-cool."
LL Cool J



Hotep,

Music makes memories.

She can be life’s timetable.

Music gives us opportunities to grow.

She helps us to get to know others, as well as ourselves.

Music can be a peace offering or neutral ground where battles are forbidden.

Music has the ability to breed love, when hate is brewing on the horizon.

Music means tranquility in the midst of chaos, ignorance and envy.

Music offers redemption when society chooses to condemn.

She is the soundtrack for the peaks and valleys of my lifetime.

She has familiarized me with the success and failures of a Mann on the come-up.

Music is my around the way girl.

Basement parties, the Goody Shop or going into the store to purchase my Mom’s pantyhose when my masculinity wouldn’t allow me to do so.

Her image stayed close, when I moved far away.

Her voice is rhythmic.

Her actions are certified platinum.

Her passion has been the microphone for the transmission of my expressions.

Without music, what would life be?

She is a cornerstone in the construction of me becoming a better Mann.

She engineers the sound of my melodies to the masses.

Her existence is a gift to many.

The efforts of Music are amplified through speakers that reach those in need of that first dance, to shake off the butterflies and really get their party started.

But, when she’s ringing through my headphones, her sound not only encourages me to produce hits for the masses, she reminds me to never stop singing the song of Freedom.

I love you Music, my around the way girl.

Happy Birthday Ma!!

Lump,
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

“She likes to dance to the rap jams,
She’s sweet as brown sugar with the candied yams.”
LL Cool J

Monday, October 18, 2010

Life is Worth Living


Hotep,
The following words are from a Mann who had recently been falsely accused of murder. This was written after the completion of his jury selection and after spending months in solitary confinement.



Life is Worth Living

Every day of living should be like one Thanksgiving feast,
The rising of your spirit should be higher than the sun in the east.

Not knowing how, but seeing the wind blow,
Through the trees, under hats, but visually nothing to show,

Its length, its height, its width, or its depth,
The wind is one of God’s prized possessions; I think that describes it best.

Feel the rays of the sun beaming down on one’s skin.
Its warmth is like the embrace of God after repentance for your sin.

I look up at the clouds and yet they look back at me.
I imagine them as animals, trees and cars, but then I wonder what do they see?

Is it peace, violence, love or is it war?
Or maybe they only see hurt and can sense when your heart is sore.

If so, I would say that they see life very clear.
Is it possible they know the exact time and date of our Lord’s coming? And, do they care?

With the wind surrounding them and their ability to block out the sun,
The clouds will be no more than carpet when my Jesus decides to come.

Who knows what life would be like if you could not experience these three,
Your soul would probably be dismal and dark and your spirits as low down as they could be.

But, if that were true, right now I would be under somebody’s shoe
Instead God’s will allows me to share my heart and give this point of view

With Jesus answering all of my calls, my soul doesn’t talk, it sings
Its melodies are worth hearing and a lot more inspiring than worldly things.

The foundation of my sight is my life being lived within the light.
Closed doors and walls won’t keep me from seeing my Trainer in this spiritual fight.

Peace & Love,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Monday, October 4, 2010

Redemption

Hotep,

Football season is here. I’m ecstatic about the results of our draft and free agent acquisitions. Now, anyone with a sports pulse knows that my veins bleed the midnight green of the Philadelphia Eagles. If you’ve read my Ball Til We Fall blog (http://www.balltilwefall.blogspot.com/) entitled “Becoming MannofStat” (6/28/10), you’d also know that I’m not a fan of our former quarterback, Donovan McNabb. Real Talk.

Now understand this people, I wasn’t one of the many fans who disapproved of the Eagles drafting McNabb just before the turn of the century, but the rollercoaster ride became unbearable after the 2005 Super Bowl loss. I could go on and on about this emotional body slam, but its much too depressing. That’s why I’m so excited about this upcoming season. McNabb playing for the Redskins should guarantee us two more wins. Ya heard?

As I write this, my Philly Birds are 1-1. Week one was a tough loss to a very good Green Bay Packers squad, but to witness Mike Vick make the most of his 2nd chance was exhilarating. Not from a fan perspective, but from the perspective of someone whose behind the wall and feeling like you’ll never get that 2nd chance. Because, the legal justice system has accommodated the views of a few to make you a pariah to many, eventually being stereotyped by many and trusted by a few. Na mean!

After the win against Detroit in week 2, Mike Vick was named the starting quarterback until further notice. It’s unfortunate that our projected starter , Kevin Kolb sustained a concussion in the 1st half of the Green Bay loss, but our offensive line is unsteady and Vick’s mobility gives us the best chance of winning right now.

I’ve been a fan of the Eagles as far back as I can remember, so as far as I’m concerned, there is no quarterback controversy. Whether it be Vick’s legs or Kolb’s pinpoint accuracy, winning should be the top priority. Because, my city and my team deserves to experience the euphoria of being the last team standing when the Lombardi trophy is presented in February. And, if Mike Vick is the starting quarterback hoisting that trophy amongst the celebrating fans, then that’s more power to the people. Because, giving someone a 2nd chance breeds new meaning to the term, “justice served.” Feel me?

Keep it 100

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann