My name is Nukirk Digi.tal… and some of y’all think I’m neglecting my duties as the Thought Remixer. And the answer is no, I have NOT been neglecting my duties…

… alright, maybe I was a little lazy in putting up posts. Okay, maybe “little” isn’t descriptive enough.  Even thought I have been busy, I am not that busy to NOT post stuff up. However, between promising to review artists, wondering if I should even start watching TV again, business planning (as in yes, I am finally taking this thing seriously), I just slowly ran out of passion for creating my own content. So, what got me back into doing this? Going to a blogger’s meetup and having NOTHING to talk about! My unique brand of being a black artist/interviewer/social whistle-blower is now questioned!

Okay, it wasn’t really being questioned, I was just feeling out-of-place at the event mostly because the blog was last updated last month… with a brand new design sponsored by WordPress! Now people are reminding me that I am not only suppose to post blog posts up, I am to design my own space and Matt from WordPress is helping me cheat! Well, my friends, you asked for it. You’re telling me to run your daily gauntlet, but blog more often. Update your Twitter, your Facebook and maybe your MySpace more often. Get to that studio and record that song. Put up the Striply Drama. Don’t talk about it, be about it!

With that, I say to you… enjoy! This coming few weeks, you’re going to get smashed over the head with my Gauntlet and there’s NOTHING you can’t do to stop me!

#EvilLaughter… pardon.

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For example: this picture posted by J-Breezy The Poet (@WatchJ) and his opinion: “#NoExcuse I DONT GIVE A F*CK HOW SLEEPY YOU ARE…”

I don’t follow J-Breezy on Twitter (not because of this outrage, but more because I think I reached my threshold of people I can follow on twitter at this point. Twitter is addictive, son.). However, the comments on this picture did raise a question: Why are we still homophobic? Negative commentary of this picture sadly outnumbers the positive ones. The funny thing with this camera shot? It’s not even a graphic picture, nor a questionable one (like “cheap sports action shot taken out of context” type questionable. We are looking at you, Yankees.). This is purely innocent public display of affection that you’ll normally see a man and a woman embracing. I see this display often in NYC and I don’t say “go to your room with that sh*t”, I just let them be. What offends me is when couples (both straight and homo) gets it on REALLY heavy in public. Seeing innocent kisses, cool. Seeing really passionate kisses complete with fondling, not cool. (mostly because I get jealous of the action, but that’s just me. Lucky bastards.) The most I’ll do in this case is just go elsewhere… if possible.

Back in High School, I was homophobic. This same scene would probably break me up. During my college years, however, I realized something: Why does it hurt me so much? Is it because it’s “unnatural”? Because it goes against “my God and his wishes”? Or is it because I can’t picture myself doing that with another guy? As the years went by, I realized that it was because I can’t picture myself doing it… and that’s why it hurts me the most (but not more than Brandy faking her marriage – sorry, my bad.).

When you can’t relate to something, you either do one of three things: hate it, shun it, or learn to accept that you can’t (totally) relate to it. I find the first option pretty upsetting. Hating something you don’t understand will only spread that idea and make it into an ideal and , eventually a fact. Shunning it, or ignorance, is just as worse because it breeds uncertainty. When you do have to face this fear, your true face emerges. By being accepting of something you can’t (totally) relate to instead, you can at least be happy within yourself. Hey, if I can accept a guy marrying a video game character, then I can accept this.

While our culture may not do a complete turnaround on our ways of thinking towards gays (especially within our culture) anytime soon, we can at least start on the path so we can fight bigger and better things… like, maybe getting HTC to upgrade the Hero to Android 2.2? (Sorry, geek moment. If you didn’t see that coming, welcome to Thought Remixer.)

But enough about me, what would you do if this scene played in front of you? How do you feel about this?

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The site was hacked roughly about a week ago. I immediately took the site down and decided to spend Sunday repairing it. What’s the verdict? Simply put, it’s an issue that would fly over most of your heads, so if you do not have a WordPress Blog nor have an interest in how it’s possible to hack a site, feel free to leave and know that I will go back to posting my usual thoughts this week. I took the necessary measurements so this incident won’t be a repeat episode.

If you are interested in what happened, meet me after the jump.

Let me start off saying this: There are two versions of WordPress: Self-Hosting and WordPress.com. I use Self-Hosting version. This problem affects only the self-hosting version, so if you got a WordPress.com blog, you’re a-okay. Now, while WordPress is one of the best Content Management Systems (CMS)/Blogs, it’s not without its faults. From a fresh installation, it’s not a well secure CMS. Security can easily be breached, and the “hacker” doesn’t even need to guess your password. They can simply go into your database and change it.

(FYI: I call this “hacking” loosely. Mainstream media popularized the term “hackers” with criminal activity such as security breaching. The proper term is code-cracking or “crackers”. Alas, I am not here to give you a history in terminology)

The security breach was a very simple and preventable one: I didn’t secure the wp-config.php file, a file that configures your WordPress installation. Now, WordPress gives you a basic level of security, but you have to take it one step further to really protect yourself. So, if you want to prevent this from happening, there are a few things you can do.

1) Do It Yourself

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to make an Almost perfect .htaccess file. It will not only protect your wp-config.php file, but will disable image hotlinking (which is good if you host the images yourself), enable PHP compression (saving bandwidth), redirect old pages to new and much more. While there’s other methods, I prefer the simplest one to duplicate.*

2) Hire someone else to do it for you.

If you cannot do the tech stuff yourself, then it’s best to alert your webmaster, or you can hire me to do it for you. (I will give you a reasonable price for it. Just don’t expect free.)

To get more details about this security problem, I suggest you look up this blog post.

So, that’s it. If you got anything to add to this, please let me know, especially since I got some techie people watching this blog!

(Added 7/24/10) *Disclaimer: After setting up this security measure and setting it up for others (As well as feedback), I realized that not all hosting plans are as flexible as mine. Some people reported having issues. I also had issues setting up the measurements, forcing me to reduce it to just protecting the wp-config file. So, I’m adding a disclaimer that it’s best to look at several methods and test them out. I would highly suggesting reading this link over the first one I posted.

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Image done by @enderFP

Unless you are really good at avoiding society, then you know about the BP Oil Spill. All the major media outlets as well as Internet sites, blogs and social media networks are slamming watchers with BP’s horrendous failures in cleaning up the oil spill. Is it horrible? Yes, it is. However, I said little about it. Other than a mention via twitter here and a Facebook there, I didn’t have much of an opinion. I am not saying “BP should not clean up the oil spill”. We need to put the pressure on them to focus more on cleaning. However, I looked deeply at the matter, and I must say something unconventional here; boycotting is pretty pointless.

Now, before you think I’m misguided, read on because you might not know the full issue here. I like to compare BP to an iceberg; you’re only seeing the tip of it. Underneath the waters are a problem that most Americans are not aware of, mostly because of the misinformation out there. In order to boycott, you have to understand what that very word means.

According to Wikipedia, “A boycott is a form of consumer activism involving the act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of protest, usually for political reasons.”. If this is true, then you would have simply withheld from buying right? Wrong.

Do you think gasoline is the only thing that can be created from crude oil aka petroleum? Really? Chances are, you are using Petroleum based products, and you’re not even aware of it. Don’t believe me? Plastic is a petroleum-based product. I’m not talking just plastic bottles here. We are talking chairs, wires, desks, pens… even the VERY screen you are looking at. The monitor, the laptop, the phone you are using. Yes, it’s all made from plastic which raw material is petroleum. Need to learn more? Check How Stuff Works if you need to learn more…

Aside: PETA members, don’t you feel real stupid now? But y’all are another story for another day. I got chapters to write about that organization.

So, what exactly are we boycotting? To tell them to be more careful about how they are taking from the earth so that you can help destroy the earth for your benefit? That do not make a lot of sense. To stop spending money on PR and fit the oil problem? Yes, the money they are currently spending on Public Relations is a distraction, but it’s not from the oil spill. It’s from a simple truth: “We will take care of the oil spill, you people stay ignorant and inactive, okay?”

If boycotting is what you are promoting as the solution, it’s not a real solution. See, we have been hoodwinked way before you were born. While that’s a little extreme, let’s go back to the word “boycott”. It’s not a boycott, it’s “let’s see how long I can restrain myself from BP”, and trust me, eventually, BP will go back to the business as usual, and you will forget about it. You want to put pressure on BP? You talk about future solutions, while your mind is still focusing on the present oil spill problem. Americans have short term memories due to the media. I mean, Exxon Oil Spill only happened in 1989. Exxon is still in business, right?

Now, if you want a solution to this problem (and I mean a REAL solution) I can provide you with one possibility. I’ll tell you in my next post what it is… as well as why you’re NOT going to see it anytime soon (unless you take action NOW!)

In the meantime, try to guess what it is…

Update (4:42:27 PM): I noticed that I only talked about plastic in this example. So, I added a link to help you realize just how much we depend on crude oil beyond gasoline.

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What’s up people? The interview you been waiting for is finally up!

In this interview, I chop it up with Shane Eli, an upcoming “Super Producer” who’s becoming a staple at DJBooth.Net and slowly popping up all over the net and even on Fox Business. His latest single “Happiest Regret”, is getting good reviews from DJs and fans alike. But who is this guy who is well received, and yet he’s have no major backings?

Well, in this interview, we will get to know Shane Eli a bit. We cover the areas such as:

• Why he decided to go the independent route from the get-go instead of getting sign to a record company.
• The difficulty he faces working 24/7 as a musician with another full-time job.
• His feelings behind his first single “Grey Area”.
• How exactly did he landed the Fox Business Interview?
• Balancing social media life and promotion with his “real life”.
• His plans to create himself as a brand (or not).
• How he learned to produce music, his strengths and weaknesses.
• Finally, his advice to others on following their dreams.
• Plus, some other random thoughts from the both of us…

The interview is about 20 minutes long, featuring Shane Eli’s instrumentals from “The Push” in the background. I hope you fine this interview entertaining and helps you get to know Shane Eli a bit more.

While you are here, you can also read up on my thoughts of Shane Eli’s music and catch that Fox Business interview we talked about. Lastly, the interview was record 5/2/10. During the interview, I admitted that I didn’t know what he was going to do next week. Well, Diggy Simmons released his latest single and video off his first mixtape, produced by Shane Eli.

Who knows what’s going to happen when “The Push” finally drops…

Updated (May 21, 2010 3:15 PM): Seems that there is an issue with the interview uploaded to divshare (which has became a tad annoying). I’m posting the interview up directly instead. There is also an option to download it.

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Diggy Simmons: He’s got a very big buzz going in. “Son of a King” (Rev. Run Simmons) and Nephew of Russell Simmons, you kind of think he would be given a deal just because he’s related, right? Nope. He managed to get his own deal, working with a grassroot campaign from the bottom up. He managed to get signed, and all is good with the world.

So, now he’s rocking an original beat for his latest push. The beat was produced by Shane Eli. If that sounds familiar it’s because he was feature just a few days ago! I’ve said this guy got a promising career and with Diggy Simmons under his belt… well, what can I say? I know what I was talking about when I said Shane’s got a long music career ahead of him.

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Starr - A nice combo of beauty, brains & heart... with a side of dorky.

Last month, I learned about Alicia Keys’ “I Am Superwoman” head blogger’s position. Even thought I wanted to apply for the position, my list of credentials is rather short. So, it came to a surprise to learn that one of my “elite” blog picks managed to land as one of the finalist. That person is Starrene Rhett aka Starr aka Gangstarr Girl. (No relations with the group Gangstarr.) I wanted to write a quick blog post to support her on this quest to become Alicia Keys’ right hand woman, but that’s too easy to do. So, allow me to explain why I’m fully supporting this woman.

Beauty, brains & heart is an extremely rare combination. If I made a list of women who displayed these three qualities to me, it would be a rather short list according to my personal tastes. In order to enhance the other beauty, you gotta have a nice spirit and a heart of a hustler with common sense and street sense to boot. In order to prove you got brains, you gotta be educated in the world as well as the academics. In order to prove you got a heart, you gotta be willing to stand up for what’s right, even if it means placing yourself in an unpopular position and expect nothing in return simply because you did it out of love.

I met a lot of people online and Starr is one of those people who I’m happy to show support to. However, let me be honest for a minute: I never met her in person, even thought we live in the same city. We talk at an uncommon pace (a tweet here and there). I can count on my fingers how often we chat for the past two years. However, even with LIMITED access, I learned a few things about her.

First thing I learned? She’s a freelancer… and she puts me to shame with her hustle. Where can I start with this woman? She’s a known blogger via BET, Vibe, Honey Magazine, XXL Magazine and Dr. Jays… and that’s just for starters! If I have to compare my list to hers, there is no comparison! You think she only rolls with the big ballers, but she’s humble enough to talk to anyone who wants to genuinely reach out to her. If you need more on her resume, I suggest you read her bio on her blog.

Second thing I learned? She’s pretty unique in her presentations. Putting your creativity on the line is not the easiest job in the world. Some people wouldn’t dare video blog because they simply don’t have the courage to be different. I didn’t know Gangstarr video blogs… until one day, I got a DM from her, showing me an interview between her and a fictional rapper played by none other than Starr. This parody interview mocks the stereotypical image of female rappers (well, at least the hardcore ones). I never finished watching the interview because I was pausing way to much to get the laughs out!

It’s not easy to execute an idea by yourself, and then place it for the world to judge you. Yet, she easily put herself out there. Do you need another example? She plays Harriet Tubman in a recent video blog.

Third thing I learned about her? She’s got a heart. On her post on “I Am Superwoman” she revealed something about herself and how she became a leader… in third grade. She wrote about how she became friends with an 8-year-old rape victim, who’s parents were known to have AIDS, even thought the victim did not have it herself. Treated as an outcast, the victim had the whole world on her shoulders. Starr took it upon herself to become friends with her and set an example. Eventually, other classmates follow suit. This moment, along with many others, helped define Starr’s character.

Do I feel she deserves this chance at a rare opportunity? Of course. Being supportive isn’t always about leaving comments on a blog. Sometimes, it’s about telling people why you believe in someone, even if you only spent a few, yet quality time with them. So, consider this as my support for Starr. And I hope you’ll join me in supporting one of the most beautiful, brainy, and heartfelt women I know of…

… after all, she inspired me to diversify where I post blogs. I’ll catch up to her one day… if the Alicia Keys ‘ gig can slow her down a bit!

You can catch Starr blogging on her blog Gangstarr Girl. To show your support, follow her quest to become Alicia Key’s head blogger, make sure to follow her on Twitter.

Lastly, I wish I can offer a straight forward way to her blog posts on Superwoman. Instead, I’ll put up her three blog posts so far. Leave honest comments about them. She will tweet updates when I Am Superwoman approves of them.

• How My Brand of Inspiration Saved a Life
• The Faces of Style (A Spunky (Re)Defination)
• Dinner With Three: Strength, Courage and Wisdom

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How Did I Discover Him: Digiwaxx sent me an alert with a song of his. It’s called “Grey Area”. The first thought that came to my mind was “Who’s Shane Eli?” Not really a rapper that I heard about. The name caught my attention as well as the use of what seems to be an ordinary picture. When I give the record at least one listen, I figured it was worth sharing. I placed it on my side project #HipHopJourney, but after a while, I thought it wouldn’t do it justice. So, I decided an interview (which I will post up later in the week) as well as a much deeper blog post may help explain this man a bit better.

Listen to the Grey Area

First Impression: My impression of Shane Eli is different from other rappers. The title “Grey Area” made me think he’s going to talk about something difficult. What I heard was a sort of soul-searching track, a manifesto for people who grew up biracial, trying to fit in. He defined himself as “everything I’m not made me everything I am.” Powerful words, especially in an America that claims to be “post-racial”, but was shocked when Barack Obama selected “Black” on the census form.

Hard Hitting Tracks: Even thought his album will be release next month, so far, the leak tracks released so far (Question: If an artist leak his own music, is it consider a “leak”? Hmmm…) showcases his ability to flow on any beat, no matter how jazzy like “I’m A Winner”…

… or how rock-music influenced ,like “Knuckle Up”…

… or a smooth, club track like “Taste of What’s to Come”…

… it’s a breathe of fresh air indeed. Especially when you consider this he produced his own beats. That’s right; this album for the most part is self-produced. Matter of fact, all of his joints sound like it can stand up as their own singles. For a “Taste of What’s to Come”, check out the widget below.

How to get it: His album will be release in June. Four of the album’s 15 tracks are in the wild. I suggest you get them and if you like what’s coming up, then fully support the artist.

Track Download
Taste of What’s to Come
I’m a Winner
Knuckle Up
Grey Area

Details of the album when it’s released can be found on his official website.

“The Push” sounds like the beginning of a long promising career for Shane Eli and with co-signs from DJBooth.net as well as Vibe and Fox Business – HOLD UP? Fox Business? Yes…

… even major artists such as Common and Diggy Simmons (How can I call Diggy Simmons a major artist when he just got signed? I blame his publicist for the email blasts.) giving him stamps of approval, it won’t be long before he gets everyone’s head nodding…

… and without the help of a major budget. Take THAT RIAA!

Shane Eli’s Official Site :: Twitter :: MySpace ::  Facebook :: YouTube :: Reverb Nation

#MusicMonday – Every Monday (when I get the free time), I will share music and showcasing artists who’s making it happen for themselves. Check out Thought Remixer on Mondays for new artists.

If you’re an artist and would like to be consider, simply contact me via the contact page or upload your music on the ride side of the blog. All music will be review to, chart on Last.FM and if I like it, I’ll write a post about it. Of course, if you paid attention to the last few artists in this series, they never really asked me to review their music, I asked them. So, you might want to be creative with your approach.

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Ever want to watch new episodes of the Boondocks, but without the censorship? And you can’t wait for it to come on DVD? Well, Sony and Amazon is giving you a chance to own a video file of “It’s a Black President, Huey Freeman“, uncensored and in HD. It will only cost you $2.99 (or you can get the non-HD version for $1.99). They will have each show available for download 24 hours after it premiered on TV without all the bleeping.

These episodes are also available on iTunes.

If you rather pre-order the whole season on DVD, Amazon got that deal as well.

Lastly, if you want to check out the show as it was seen on TV, you can check it out on Adult Swim.

Caveat with the free episodes: Adult Swim will only showcase one new episode at a time and will replace this episode with a new one once a new episode airs until the season is finish.

So, get your fix people!

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The Boondocks is Back. Yeeeah Boy!

In the season premiere, it’s shaping up to be a documentary looking back the election of Obama. Prepare yourself for a now geek-up version of Thugalicious, as well as a internet meme showing up. Episode’s name? “It’s a Black President, Huey Freeman”

Another new thing about? If you have an HD TV, this season (which could be the last season) is in HD. Sweet.

I can’t wait… actually, I have to. I don’t have TV. It’s known in the past that New Episodes will premiere on Adult Swim’s website either the day before, of, or after. So, I’ll get my fix most likely on Monday. Enjoy the show!

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