Essentially, Maintaining is a comic strip that uses race relations as a reference point from which to comment on life’s all-pervasive absurdity. The two most important characters in the strip are Marcus, the inquisitive self-styled Halfrican American, and Anton, his best friend and cynical counterpoint. Currently, I’m working to publish a book collecting all 823 strips (as well as a few rejected strips, sketches, and other related unpublished tangents).

Wish me luck…

We talked about their accomplishments, their relationship with Jimi Hendrix as the Ghetto Fighters, how they feel about the evolution of music, and what they have coming up.  We welcome you to take time out and watch our interview, as we down the road of their musical journey – enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

To learn more about the Aleems, please check out our Aesthetic Grooves blog entry Jimi Hendrix & The Ghetto Fighters – MOJO MAN

You can purchase the single Mojo Man and the video on the Urban Street Tales website and in the iTunes store – click the links:

www.urbanstreettales.com

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mojo-man-single/id484710466

http://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/mojo-man/id484710468

WARNING: Blueberry mojitos were consumed…Choice words were used…

The ingredients you will need are as follows:

• Pre-made Pizza Dough (or you can make it from scratch)
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Parmesan Cheese Blend (Parmesan, Pecorino, Romano Cheese Blend)
• Salad Cheese Blend (Parmesan, Asiago, Romano Cheese Blend)
• Thai Basil
• Mozzarella Cheese (I use Low Fat Cheese)
• Ricotta Cheese (Whole Milk)
• Brocoli Leaves
• Chicken Apple Sausage
• Shiitake Mushrooms
• Pizza Sauce
• Fresh Garlic

You will also need a brush, rolling pin, a pizza pan and a pizza cutter. You can use a pizza stone if you would like.

Check out my video to see how I put it all together to make my delicious homemade white pizza and chicken apple sausage pizza.

You should also check out my discussion about my Pizzas with Julie Bayley, fellow foodie and friend of the Museum. We had a few slices…okay we ate more than a few slices. The pizza was slammin’!!!

The ingredients you will need are as follows:

• Fresh Mint
• Fresh Blueberries
• Pellegrino
• 3 Wedges of Fresh Lime
• 2 Teaspoons Sugar (or a sugar bend)
• 2 Ounces 10 Cane Rum (or to taste)
• Ice

You will also need a muddle.

Check out my video to see how I mix it up and make my Blueberry Mojitos.

You should also check out my discussion about my Mojitos with Julie Bayley, fellow foodie and friend of the Museum. We had a few Mojitos and then had a blast!!!

• Wild Fresh Salmon Filet
• Virgin Olive Oil
• Lime Juice
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Basil
• Savory
• Salt Free Garlic and Parsley

Check out my video to see how I make this beautiful piece of fish.

Add beer or wine as needed!

• 1 rack of Pork Ribs
• 2 tablespoons BBQ Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Bayou Seasoning From New Orleans)
• 2 tablespoons Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Jerk Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Salt Free Garlic and Parsley Powder
• 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
• 1-1/2 cups Brown Sugar

Mix the ingredients together in a mixing bowl and apply to your ribs.

Check out my video to see how I get down and hook up my ribs!

Hal Jackson was greatly admired and will be missed.  Another has left that did their work while they were here, we should all be so brave.

pnl

c-dub

I like Leinenkugel Berry Weiss on a hot summer day because this beer is fruity but not overly sweet. When it’s icy cold it’s great with a burgers and ribs.

Allagash White is a great belgian style white beer that is smooth and full bodied without any bitter aftertaste. I discovered this beer while on vacation in Maine. The Allagash brewery is in Portland, Maine.

Last but not least is Sam Adams. Anything Sam Adams is good but I prefer the Cherry Wheat. Beer should be fun (when drinking responsibly) not over bearing, bitter or have a strong aftertaste. Yes I like my beers a little fruity and lightly sweetened.

Try them you never know…you may just like them.

Yes I know I should not be eating it, but this pudding is sooooo damn good that I highly recommend the next time you are in NYC you give it a try. They let you taste any pudding you want. You can mix puddings if you want. You can even add toppings to your pudding if you want.

If you are not fortunate enough to be able to visit their very funky shop in person, don’t despair, they will ship you all of the pudding goodness your heart desires. Even the bowls and spoons are funky! Can you say SUMO???

Rice To Riches
37 Spring Street New York, NY 10012
212-274-0008
www.ricetoriches.com
Sun – Wed 11 am – 11 pm; Thurs – Sat 11 am – 12 pm

It’s official, Andre 3000 of OutKast, real name Andre Benjamin has been cast to portray Jimi Hendrix in the biopic “All Is By My Side.”  Benjamin’s name was mentioned a few years ago about taking on the role, but rumors died after about a month or so.  “All Is By My Side” will be set in the 1960s just before the release of Jimi’s debut album “Are You Experienced.”

The film is supposed to begin shooting any day now in Ireland.  Andre has appeared in the films “Semi-Pro”, “Battle in Seattle”, “Revolver”, “Be Cool”, “Four Brothers” and “Idlewild” along with fellow OutKast member Big Boi.  John Ridley is set to direct, whose previous directing credits include television and one feature that starred David Caruso.  I gotta be frank, I’m concerned, while I’m ecstatic about the life of Hendrix coming to the silver screen, I think it’s vital that all the elements are as they should be.  Aspects that concern me… while I love Andre’s musicianship, I have yet to see him execute a role in a film worth discussing, Hendrix could be the one for him, but we’ll have to wait and see.  Ridley as the director… he simply hasn’t done anything of note in that seat.  However, as a writer he’s definitely eclectic enough to capture the essence of Jimi Hendrix.  Ridley wrote the stories for “Red Tails,” “Undercover Brother” and “Three Kings” and the screenplays for ‘Tails’, ‘Brother’, “U Turn,” and the upcoming “Twelve Years a Slave” and “All Is By My Side.”  Essentially these two men along with supporting cast and crew have to pull off a dramatization of one of the greatest rock stars of all time, that happens to be black — it’s a tall order.  Wood Harris took on the role of Jimi in the Showtime movie “Hendrix.”  It was pretty much a lemon from the gate because they could only use covers of Hendrix’s music.  The Hendrix Foundation did not give their consent to use Jimi’s original music.  The same thing is happening with “All Is By My Side.”  The Hendrix Foundation is not signing off on the music.  This is crucial when bringing the story of an iconic figure to life.  There have been several biopics of legendary rock stars and musicians over the years.  Gary Busey portrayed Buddy Holley, Lou Diamond Phillips was Ritchie Valens in “La Bamba,” it seemed like Jennifer Lopez and Sissy Spacek were born to do “Selena” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Jamie Foxx nailed it portraying Ray Charles in “Ray.”  So expectations for performance are high whenever there’s talk of a biopic being done.  Maybe Ridley and Benjamin can create the same magic that Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro did in their early days — I for am hoping.  I’m sending all my FUNKY energy to the land of Ireland where “All Is By My Side” is being shot.

Beyonce portrayed Etta James and Jeffrey Wright was a young Muddy Waters in the movie “Cadillac Records.”  The story of Chess Records, Adrian Brody portrayed the company founder Leonard Chess.  A film with an ensemble cast and Executive Produced by Beyonce it did okay at the box office, but was not what Hollywood considers a box office hit.  Columbus Short who took on the role of Little Walter steals the movie.  Movies that relay dynamics of an era or depict aspects of a culture in music are always fun to watch nonetheless.  We hope they’ll always be good, but some are just better than others.  Over the years we’ve seen “Dreamgirls”, which is “loosely” based on the story of The Supremes, but was never officially said to be, even when it was a Broadway musical; Purple Rain and 8 Mile are steeped in aspects of their lead stars Prince and Eminem respectively; Robert Townsend called on The Dells to consult him when he shot “The Five Heartbeats”; “The Rose” starring Bette Midler was said to be about Janice Joplin; and “Krush Groove” is the story of the beginnings of Russell Simmons and Def Jam.

According to a press release, Aretha Franklin took interest in award-winning television and stage actress Audra McDonald after seeing her in the new Broadway production of “Porgy and Bess.”  Franklin has been talking about the cast of a film based on her life for months now and at one point was looking at Oscar Award winning actress Halle Berry — Berry declined.  Although no plans are final, the Grammy Award winning singer is looking to finalize matters concerning the film soon.  Taraji P. Henson once told me she’d love to portray the legendary Diana Ross.  A conversation that took place when she was promoting her movie “Talk To Me” and preparing to do “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” opposite Brad Pitt, her Oscar nomination just may be instrumental in making that happen some day.  Diana Ross herself portrayed Billie Holiday in the classic flick “Lady Sings the Blues.”  Produced by Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, the film also starred Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor.   Fantasia Barrino is due to star in a biopic on the life of New Orleans-born gospel queen Mahalia Jackson.  That news hit the airwaves last year, and there was talk that Jackson’s family didn’t want her to do it, as she was with a child out of wedlock.  Those rumors were put to rest shortly after being made by the films perspective producers.  No word yet on when and/ or if production will still take place.

Spike Lee announced that Wesley Snipes would be James Brown in his movie about the “Godfather of Soul,” while he was promoting his movie “Miracle at St. Anna.”  Production of that film is TBD.  Tyrese Gibson tweeted recently: “I have officially secured the life rights to the life story of Teddy Pendergrass, my inspiration. This movie will be made…“  more here: http://museumofuncutfunk.com/2012/04/19/tyrese-gets-the-rights-for-teddy/  Jesse L. Martin has been in conversations for years to bring the life story of Marvin Gaye to the silver screen.  The Miles Davis biopic is now being said to go to Broadway before it hits movie theaters.  According to Broadway World, Don Cheadle will produce and direct, it’s expected to open in 2013.  The bottom line is it ain’t easy, especially when those in the creative seat are beholding to those in the seat with the cash.  Other films that have been produced over the years about iconic musical entertainers include: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” which was about Frankie Lymon; “Notorious,” the story of Christopher Wallace; “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which was about Tina Turner; “Bird,” a re-imagining of the trials and tribulations of jazz great Charlie Parker by Clint Eastwood; “Walk The Line” that told the story of Johnny Cash; and the TV movie “The Jacksons: An American Dream.”

After the death of Whitney Houston there was talk about several different singers depicting her in a biopic.  Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina shut down all rumors saying if anyone would portray her mom in a film, it would be her.  Coming to theaters this summer is the remake of “Sparkle.”  Executive-Produced by and starring Houston, it features new music from the musical treasure whose death stunned the world earlier this year.  American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is cast in the lead role that originally starred Irene Cara.  Cee-Lo Green, Derek Luke, Mike Epps and Michael Beach are also featured in the movie.  You can hear the song “Celebrate” featuring Houston and Sparks from the soundtrack of the film here:

http://www.whitneyhouston.com/us/news/check-out-whitneys-duet-jordin-sparks?cid=nl%3A223240663&utm_medium=email&utm_source=usrca-whitneyhouston&utm_campaign=email-usrca-whitneyhouston-20120524-nl223240663&utm_content=nllink-d4e624a-right%20here.

John’s has been voted NJ’s best butcher, by NJ Magazine, for the past three years. Of course, because I voted for them. And not just because one Saturday I walked in on one of them singing Marvin Gaye and reminiscing about how much he loved the music from the 70′s…although I have to tell you that definitely cemented our relationship. No, I voted for them because I love shopping there.

I love going to John’s because I always get tips on the best way to prepare and cook different meats. These men really know what they are talking about. They have educated me on how the animals at the farms where they source their meats are treated and slaughtered. They have taken the time to share their knowledge on the science of organic, grass feed and cage free meat. We have discussed the color of their meats and the aging process.

In addition to their pot pies, I highly recommend their turkey burgers…the best turkey burgers I have ever tasted. Their organic chickens are out of this world and right now their wild salmon is at the best price I have seen in a while. Their steaks are also excellent on the grill. Pork chops are good. It’s all good!

My usual order consist of 6 turkey burgers, 1 whole organic chicken, a center cut piece of salmon and 2 of their homemade pot pies. I have even turned on family members from out of state to John’s. Shopping at the butcher is an added expense but it is well worth it if you want to put good fish, meat and poultry in your body.

John’s Meat Market – 389 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ

Phone: 908-322-7126 Fax: 908-322-2561

http://www.johnsmarket.com/

Monday-Friday: 7:30am to 6:00pm Saturday 7:00am to 5:00pm

Chuck Brown died at the age of 75 on May 16th at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland from pneumonia.  The Washington Post reported last month that sources said Brown initially went to the hospital because of arthritis problems, and there, doctors found a blood clot.  Brown had an operation to have the clot removed, but he then developed pneumonia.  One who rocked the stages of Maryland and Washington D.C.  for five decades, Chuck’s biggest record is the 1978 song “Bustin’ Loose.”  Hip-hop talent Nelly revived the Go-Go hit in his song “Hot in Herre” in 2002. 

On May 18th, according to the Associated Press former Parliament-Funkadelic and Brainstorm singer Belita Woods died in Detroit at age 63.  Longtime friend and caregiver Joycelyn Goins says Woods died Monday of heart failure at St. John Hospital & Medical Center.  Woods was lead singer of Brainstorm, whose 1977 album, “Stormin’,” featured the disco hit, “Lovin’ Is Really My Game,” and the R&B hit, “This Must Be Heaven.”  Woods toured with the Parliament-Funkadelic P-Funk All-Stars for two decades, beginning in 1992.

The Museum of UnCut Funk would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the loss of Robin Gibb.  One of the last two living members of the Bee Gees, the brothers Gibb may have been kings in the worlds of pop and disco, but their sound was undoubtedly FUNKY!  Not long ago we lost extraordinary percussion player Ralph MacDonald.  Both Ralph and Robin were just two of of the elements featured on one of the Funkiest Soundtracks of All Time, that is “Saturday Night Fever.”  Robin was 62, he died this past Sunday May 20th in England, succumbing to colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver.  His twin brother and fellow band member, Maurice, died in 2003.  Only Barry survives from the pioneering group, which has sold more than 220 million records.

Hal Jackson was one of New York’s longest working radio hosts and a legend in the world of broadcasting.  The creator of the Hal Jackson’s Sunday Classics show on WBLS, I had the fortune to work with him and co-produce the program for six years.  Hal also created Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens.  A beauty pageant geared toward young ladies of color, it encouraged thousands of girls coming of age in New York City.  Tammi Townsend, Vanessa Williams and Jada Pinkett Smith are on the list of past winners and participants.  Jackson was a co-founder of WBLS, which officially launched in 1972 on the FM dial at 107.5.  Jackson opened the doors for generations of black broadcast talent throughout his career.  A native of Washington D.C., the nature of his death has yet to be disclosed, Jackson was 96. 

Originally from Virginia, Vince found his love for comics while living in the hometown of Image Comics’, La Holla, San Diego, California. After a stint of being a comic book groupie and industry background artist for a few small press titles, he hung up his art-board and entered the field of Professional Graphic Design. Now like Superman after a hiatus in the Fortress-Of -Solitude, he has returned to the world of comics, but this time, he is now recharged by the Earth’s yellow Sun! Now Vince is based in Norfolk Virginia and producing comics as DarkLight Studios / Primal Paper Comics. Armed with a joke and a smile and ostensibly an unlimited supply of ideas, the industry has good reason to welcome and keep an eye out for this both old and new creative talent.

Who Is Will Power???

Character synopsis from the WILL POWER website:

William Power was your everyday, all-American, High School Teen who played Quarterback for his school, the Green Field High Titans! 6’3″ and over 230 lb., He has always been a towering role model to his fellow classmates. Raised in a respectable home by his father, Jonathan (a Physics-Engineer) and mother Jasmine (a psychologist), Young William was a gentle giant at heart. But when the universe changed his fate, making him one of the most powerful men alive, William had to find his place in a new world as WILL POWER, The Legend of all heroes!

Another perspective from Jacques Nyemb at ComicBooked.com:

The Legend of WILL POWER follows the adventures of a young high school football player named William Power and his journey to becoming one of the greatest heroes of all. The twist is young William never truly receives powers or gains tremendous strength. The secret to this living legends heroism is that it’s the universe that gets weak. Join Will as he discovers the wonders of his uniqueness and what it means to truly be a hero.

You can purchase WILL POWER comics, as well as merchandise at the WILL POWER website. You can join the WILLPOWER fan club on facebook.

I have been meaning to post the trailer for Whitney’s movie Sparkle, along with the poster. I was a little slow on this. So when Whitney’s last song Celebrate, recorded for the movie soundtrack, was released earlier today, I decided to post everything at once. I have also included a couple of interviews on the film. ENJOY!!!

Update: A second song from the soundtrack, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, was just released. I have added this track below.

Here is the press release from the show:

Michael Anthony Pegues
The Measure of an Artist
May 16 – June 3, 2012
Opening: May 16, 6pm to 9pm

FB gallery is proud to present Michael Anthony Pegues: The Measure of an Artist. Michael Anthony Pegues, a fixture of the downtown art scene and true NY icon has finally found a home at FB gallery to present his vision. His constant quest for recognition, almost an obsession, has led him to constantly produce artworks where his image takes center stage.

The Measure of an Artist is the culmination of Michael Anthony’s life-long dedication to his art. The show high-lights the struggle, passion, and rise of a man fully aware of his unique aesthetic. Citing Jean-Michel Basquiat not as an influence but rather as an equal, his work displays child-like innocence visually coinciding with complex subject matter.

Since 1996 Michael Anthony has had his work consistently shown nationally with an eye fixed on fame—his equivalent to credibility. However, this is the first large scale solo show to honor his vision rooted in the long New York tradition of the self-made, struggling artist. Never has he shared his story so unabashedly through not only painting, but also multimedia depictions of himself. His colorful, intuitive, expressionistic strokes on canvas recount his resiliency through homelessness, theft, and ultimately his never ending hope and belief that he will be finally recognized and accepted as a true original.

An artist is not to be measured by wealth, reviews, or even aesthetic. In reality, an artist’s process cannot be measured… but a life on visual display can. Ranging from his graffiti tag Mazike, his royal alter-ego Prince Michael the First, to his sexual exploration through The Ginger-bread Man; Michael Anthony’s work proves that regard-less of name or circumstance, he has survived and he has arrived. And most importantly, he saw it coming.

“I have yet to actually tell anybody how amazing I am…this show is what I’ve been trying to tell you for a long time.” – Michael Anthony Pegues

For additional information on the show, please contact François Baron at 917.495.2457, fbgallery@yahoo.com or www.fbgallery.net.