I don't think Prince's story about Larry Graham did much to fight Black stereotypes.

For those who haven't seen it, the story was that Larry and some of the band were in a van full of their amps, on their way to open for Jimi Hendrix. Someone hit their van, and they hopped out and kicked that guy's ass and hopped back in the van to make it to the venue on time. Not only that, but Graham claimed to outdo Hendrix on that night.

What Prince meant to convey is how anger can be channeled into music. But that's not channeling anger into music . . .in that case the anger was channeled into violence.

Obviously, those were different times and in another context, this story would be entertaining. This wasn't some guy hitting on someone's wife or picking a fight in a bar. This was a car accident - real cool Larry.

That is, if this story is even true at all.

nurseV said:

I nominate nurseV as the org. referee...honestly.

laurarichardson said:

Why did you orgnote me this same exact response? Do you want my home phone number too?

laurarichardson said:

Should be "you're". And there should be a "the" between have and right.

squirrelgrease said:

...By the way, intelligence and stupidity are not mutually exclusive.

Dayclear said:

Great Zinger! Sock it to em, Dayclear.

squirrelgrease said:

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Still nothing intelligent to add to the conversation. Do everyone a hugh favor and stay out of grown folks conversations?

squirrelgrease said:

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No, I want you to finish your English homework.

TyphoonTip said:

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I bet you know a lot about that topic. Why don't you and squirrelgrease get together and discuss it. You can do this until your moms come to take you home.

Se7en said:

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"What Prince meant to convey is how anger can be channeled into music. But that's not channeling anger into music . . .in that case the anger was channeled into violence. "

WTF That is not the point of the story. The point was that everybody can change. Prince was stating that he has had a bad side and using the story to explain that Larry use to have a bad side as well.

Plus anyone that knows anything about Sly, Freddie and Larry would know they were serious thugs. They are from Oakland come on your not up on what was going on back then to even attempt to understand the point P was making.

for real

it is funny when he tries to street smart

like he grew up in the hood or something

nigga pleeze

laurarichardson said:

That's just disappointing. I've read your other posts, so I know you can do better than that.

....Well maybe not; but you could have at least thrown a 'brother' or two in there.

japanrocks said:

LOL!.

you don't have to grow up in the good to be street smart btw. but i digress, its sad how the gist of the thread went into a spelling tangent (sigh)

but what i'm noticing is for SOME, they don't GET the "bond btwn brothers". they balk at the notion that there could be something EXTRA btwn Tavis and P's bond such as the solidarity that comes from a common collective experience as black men in america (success doesn't exempt you from constantly dealing with the bastions of racism). Others dismiss the bond as Tavis "dick riding" and "worshiping" Prince simply because he's impressed by him. i don't want to say it all reeks of (white) paternalism, but i DO think, there's a mental disconnect at how some of P's fans process where he's coming from as a result of not being able to understand or empathize with him in some aspects.

For example, sure P's not "broke" or "poor" so does that mean he should just concede on a PROFESSIONAL level to oppressive practices within the industry or just be a "grateful coon" who let's ppl do whatever they want with him/his likeness because he'd be a broke nobody if it weren't for "the man" (in this case WB / the record industry). the truth is the truth and right is right regardless of social status.

it seems some can't take it when P "rages against the machine". could it be that for this lot they don't know how to process the feelings (shame, guilt, anger, embarrassment) that come from an acknowledgment of reality of race in america, or are they oblivious to the way it plays out in an artist-label context, or that its all irrelevant because HEY, you have a black president now so shut up about everything race-related. I don't know, but it seems this "spirit" permeates a lot of threads on this site.

laurarichardson said:

What's a "hugh favor"? Is that grown folks talk?

squirrelgrease said:

I want my mummy!!




(....Yes, it's spelled correctly!)

TyphoonTip said:

Duck. Here she comes...

Se7en said:

Well, judging by the lack of response to this post, it's apparent that most people don't really want to discuss that interview in-depth.

Se7en said:

I completely agreed with your post and I meant to comment. I guess I was too busy trying to get laurarichardson to let go of my nipples.

squirrelgrease said:

Yes..... a very proud day in Black History

Lets all sing in Triumphant glee....
http://www.youtube.com/wa...annel_page

Alexander...nevermind