Why are 42% of Black Women in America Single???

What are your thoughts on this??

Tis the Season for Giving!! Give Back to the Community

This year, Too Hood 4 Hollywood, along with others will be working for those less fortunate by collection donations of new, unwrapped toys and games to Toys for Tots. We are conducting Washington DC’s Largest Toy Drive, by combining forces with a number of promoters and corporate sponsors and we invite you to join us. By making a donation, you will not only be receiving notable recognition from our media coverage but you will also be making a difference in the lives of the children of your community. We are asking for a donation of ten (10) $10 toys or a cash donation of $200. *Please make checks payable to “DC Toys For Tots”.*

Toys for Tots: The mission of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children. The Toys for Tots program wishes to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

On Tuesday, December 22nd we will be holding a “Toy Drive” (toys are not the only contributions that can be made) at Lotus Lounge, Policy or Eye Bar! Admission to these event's is 1 brand new unwrapped toy or a minimum of a $10 donation!!

Lotus Lounge: 1420 K Street, NW WDC

Policy Restaurant & Lounge: 1904 14th Street, NW WDC

Eye Bar: 1716 I Street, NW WDC

The King's Back!! T.I. released from Prison

The King is back. XXLMag.com has learned that T.I. was released from prison this morning (December 22) and will be admitted into a halfway house in his hometown of Atlanta, later today.

XXL spoke with Tip’s lead defense attorney in his federal gun case, Steve Sadow, who confirmed the news. “He was released this morning from his place of incarceration in Arkansas,” Sadow said. “As I understand it, he’s on his way back to the Atlanta area. He has to report to a halfway house in Atlanta sometime this evening. And he will then spend somewhere between the next two or three months in a halfway house, ending his Buruea of Prison sentence.“

According to Sadow, T.I. will have a lot more freedom under his new living conditions. “A halfway house is more along the lines of a residential dormitory,” he explained of the rap star’s new stipulations. “You live within this house that is broken into areas for living, and you are permitted to leave during the day for certain reasons of which would be employment, medical reasons, things of that nature, and you return to the halfway house in the evening. So it’s a restriction on your liberty but it’s a way for you to reenter into society and not be confined within a jail type institution 24-hours a day.”

T.I. has been serving time in Arkansas’ Forrest City Prison since May 26, for possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers, as well as firearms from a convicted felon. He is expected to be finished with his federal sentence in March of 2010.

Allen Iverson Retires!! Let's check some Highlights

Some of you may know and some of you may not, but Allen Iverson is my favorite basketball player ever! I am a huge Gtown Hoya fan and have watched A.I. since he 1st touched down in D.C. including some vicious 1 on 1 playground games against some of D.C.'s finest streetball players. I'm kinda blown he's retiring but check inside for some memorable A.I. Highlights.

A.I. High School


A.I. Nike Camp 1993


A.I. Georgetown

Death of Chicago Teen, Derrion Albert, caught on Tape & Nas writes an open letter

In attempt to identify more people involved, Fox has released video of a brawl in Chicago last Thursday that left 16 yr old honor student, Derrion Albert, beat to death.

I can't lie this tape is pretty disturbing as I can't help but to think of the stupid things we used to fight over as teens and I'm sure this fight was over something just as stupid! Parents have lost a son and as of now 3 black teens lives will be changed forever as they are charged w/ 1st degree murder for Derrion's death! It's time we take initiative and try to mentor and talk some sense into these youngins as much as possible!! My prayers are with the Albert family and their friends!!

Check out the open letter Nas wrote to the teens of Chicago below!

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool. Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling , that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But….

We chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, fila’s , and name plate chains. Deaths over “he say she say”!!!!! “I’m from This block or I’m from that block”, or “my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay”!!!

I remember feeling like I was the hardest “n*gga” breathin. And I couldn’t wait to prove it. But let’s think. What r we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.

You have the ability and mind power to change they way we are looked at. Look who’s watching us young warriors, look who’s throwin us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Lovin to bury us in the ground or in jail were we continue this worthless war on one another. Young warriors…. We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz This movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, boys n the hood , blood n blood out, Belly!

When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS….and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I’m with you young warriors. You’re me and I’m you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war.

-Nas

CNN's Black In America (Part 2)

If you missed part 2 to CNN's Controversial "Black in America" don't worry, I have it here in full! Caught this over at my man Jabari's site! Haven't watched it yet so let me know if they focused more on the positive side of Black people unlike the 1st one they did in 2008. Check inside for part 2 of "Black In America pt. 2" and a bonus video.





Bonus: CNN's Black In America Pt. 1

D Wade signs with Jordan Brand

Last week Dwyane Wade announced that he official left Converse to sign with Jordan Brand! Jordan Brand hasn't been to dope with signature shoes lately but some dope Miami Heat colorway retro's will be dope!! What do you think of this move?

"Sony Is Roc Nation"

“Sony is Roc Nation. That’s where Roc Nation’s going through,” Jay-Z told Billboard.com on Friday (June 29).

As for the deal he recently signed with Atlantic, he clarifies that it is a one-off situation for his upcoming album, “Blueprint 3,” slated for a September 11th release.

“That’s pretty much just for this specific album. Roc Nation — we’re experts in marketing and making records. But we do distribution deals,” he says. “On this one, we’re working directly with the Atlantic staff, which is Julie [Greenwald], Lyor [Cohen], Kevin [Liles] and Kyse [Mike Kyser]. For the rest of the Roc Nation artists, we did a distribution deal with Sony.”

Sprint Palm Pre drops June 6th

After you go grab your tan Yeezy's you can head over to a Sprint store, Best Buy, Radio Shack, or Wal-Mart to go cop Sprint's new Palm Pre. This is a dope phone and will be $199.99 after a $100 mail in rebate and two-year contract. For more info on the Pre, click here!

Gucci Mane signs to Warner

Guess what Gucci haters: "If you think you mad now I'm gon make you madder". According to BET.com, Gucci Mane has inked a deal with Warner Bros. and will release his 3rd album later this summer.

This ends his relationship with Big Cat records and as for the record that was released yesterday Gucci says:

"I am no longer signed to, booked by, or working with Big Cat Records or any of its employees in any way,” Gucci Mane states. “The CD that Big Cat is putting out consists of records that were never planned to make my album and is a non-official release. My fans will get the official Gucci Mane album in August on Warner Bros. Records."

Look for Gucciraci on an upcoming XXL cover!

P.S. If you missed Gucci Mane in DC on Friday you were tripping! Homie did his thing and shut the city down! Shout out to Gucci!

Drizzy Drake signs to Universal Motown....NOT!!!

OK I know I said earlier that Drizzy just inked a deal with Sylvia Rhone and Universal Motown but that is false!!

According to Drizzy’s managers, Cortez Bryant and Gee Roberson of Hip-Hop Since 1978, the Toronto rapper is close to signing on the dotted line with an undisclosed label.  “Drake isn’t signed to Universal Motown,” Roberson told XXLMag.com. “He’s currently in the final negotiations of his deal.”

"Sylvia be tellin Tez damn Drake fly...and he just be like..Silly muthafucka I know"-Drake
More info when it becomes available!!

You got knocked the f*ck out man!!!!

I don't even know where to begin with this! If you know anything about boxing then you know that Manny Pacuiao was supposed to have a boxing match against Ricky Hatton but it turned into 5:50 seconds of Pac-Man wooping Hatton's ass!! Just check the replay of the 1st knockdown!! LMFAO

Barack Obama's 100th Day in Office

A pink dolphin??

Erik Rue and his ship travel the Gulf of Mexico on a regular and have spotted this albino dolphin 50 times and was finally able to get some pics.

“The mammal is entirely pink from tip to tail and has reddish eyes indicating
it’s albinism. The skin appears smooth, glossy pink and without flaws. I have
spotted it about 40 to 50 times in the time since the original sighting as it
has apparently taken up residence with its family in the Calcasieu Ship Channel.
Surprisingly, it does not appear to be drastically affected by the environment
or sunlight as might be expected considering its condition, although it tends to
remain below the surface a little more than the others in the pod.”

Source

President Obama's Weekly Address (1/24/09)

It feels good to say that!! Listen to how my Big Brother, Barack Obama, is going to jump start the economy. He hopes to sign off on it within the next month. I can't lie, he even looks like he's in the right position. After he signs off on it, you can check where and how your tax dollars are spent right here.

**sidenote** I don't know about you, but I have never ever watched or really even conversated much about politics. I have stopped to listen to everything this man has had to say. Is it cause hes' black?? I am sure that excitement of a black president plays a part but more importantly he commands my attention because he speaks on isssues I can relate to. You can tell that he cares about everyone!! Just remember, he has a HUGE hole to dig us out of and it won't happen overnight, or in 1 term. Work with him because I strongly believe with 8 years of Barack America will be back to where we need to be.

Jay Z Speaks on My President is Black & Blueprint III

My President Is Black


Blueprint III

Are you anticipating the Blueprint III?

My PRESIDENT IS BLACK!!!!!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Man I can't lie, this has to be the most exciting time of my life!! It feels good to be an American. I hope that we can all continue to ride this wave and contribute to making the change we deserve!! Congratulations Barack Obama!! I know you can ge the job done. Check out Obama's oath and Inaugural Address above!!! Check inside for the words to this address.



It is my distinct honor to present the Chief Justice of the United States, the honorable John G. Roberts Jr. who will administer the presidential oath of office. Everyone, please stand.

Are you prepared to take the oath, Senator?

I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear

I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear

That I will execute the office of President of the United States, faithfully

That I will execute...

Faithfully, the office of President of the United States

The office of President of the United States, faithfully.

And will to the best of my ability,

And will to the best of my ability,

Preserve, protect and defend

Preserve, protect and defend

The Constitution of the United States

The Constitution of the United States

So help you God.

So help me God.

Congratulations, Mr. President.

Thank you. Thank you.

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- honest and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

BART Police shoot an unarmed boy

It took me a while to post on this because I didn't know what to say. Well to be honest I still don't know what to say except for the fact that I hope they bury that officer under the jail. It's shit like this that fuels my disgust for police or any coward you give authority to for that matter. There is no way possible, that this should happen. There is no need for him to even pull a gun after he is already detained by 3 officers. The shit that's confusing me even more is that the DA is still contemplating wether to press charges!! Are you fucking serious?? Then they say maybe he thought it was a taser. So the fuck what?? He didn't need a taser either!! Justice has to be served here and that officer (Johannes Mehserle) needs to be prosecuted and needs to spend the rest of his life in jail.

My prayers go out to Oscar Grant's(the victim) family. They need everybody's support to make sure that this matter is handled appropiately. I know there is nothing we can do to bring Oscar back but we can't let this officer get away with it. So write letter, make phone calls, just do something to let your voice be heard. Here is a list of contact info for a few people that can be contacted:

BART(Bay Area Rapid Transit)

Alameda County District Attorney

Oakland Office of the Mayor

**sidenote** I know that without Police the world would be a much crazier place but with Police like Johannes Mehserle on Police forces all over America, they make life scarier. A foolish Police Officer is worst than any type of criminal there is. Your life is in their hands and paperwork. There has to be a better system put in place when choosing these officers. We should feel safe. If you are doing wrong, you should be punished, ok we understand that but that punishment should not include shooting a detained unarmed man, or any other acts of violence when there's no need for it.

1 year & 195K views later, now you understand us!

Today marks the 1 year anniversary for Too Hood 4 Hollywood. I want to thank everyone for turning something that started off as a way to waste time at work into something I eventually want to make a staple in the blogging world!! 2009 will bring a cleaner site, more dope music and hot fashion! So again thank you for enjoying my vision and continue to stay locked in this year because we moving on up!!

Be sure to go back and check out my very 1st post here!!

Cops Say legalizing drugs can increase the economy by Billions

I mean we all know that the only reason drugs are even illegal in the 1st place, is because the government has not found a way to tax them yet. I mean if you want to be honest, there's a lot of shit that's legal that's worst than some illegal drugs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, December 2, a group of law enforcers who fought on the front lines of the “war on drugs” and witnessed its failures will commemorate the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition’s repeal by calling for drug legalization. The cops, judges and prosecutors will release a report detailing how many billions of dollars can be used to boost the ailing economy when drug prohibition is ended.

“America’s leaders had the good sense to realize that we couldn’t afford to keep enforcing the ineffective prohibition of alcohol during the Great Depression,” said Terry Nelson, a 30-year veteran federal agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). “Now, cops fighting on the front lines of today’s ‘war on drugs’ are working to make our streets safer and help solve our economic crisis by teaching lawmakers a lesson from history about the failure of prohibition. We can do it again.”

We Can Do It Again: Repealing Today’s Failed Prohibition,” highlights how the “war on drugs” – just like alcohol prohibition – subsidizes violent gangsters, endangers public health and diminishes public respect for the rule of law. The report also details how the newer prohibition comes with the much graver threat of international cartels and terrorists who profit from illegal drug sales. Yet, it leaves readers on a hopeful note…

“We’re starting to see an emerging consensus that drug prohibition just doesn’t make sense,” said Seattle’s retired Police Chief Norm Stamper, a LEAP member. “Three out of four Americans now say the ‘war on drugs’ has failed, and so do the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Now, it’s up to the new administration and Congress to follow through.”
Source

What do you think??