Smithsonian's Hip-Hop exhibit opens today!

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five By Kehinde Wiley

Oil on canvas, 2005Collection Glenn Fuhrman, New York; (c) Kehinde Wiley

The six artists and one poet whose work is included in "RECOGNIZE!" have approached hip hop culture through the lens of portraiture, and, in combination, their contributions highlight its vitality and beauty. Hip hop has inspired people throughout its history to use their minds and their talent to create something larger than simply themselves. Whether they have found expression DJ-ing, MC-ing, break-dancing, or art-making, hip hop has given voice and visibility to a new generation.

Grand opening Friday, February 8 - 11:30am

Face to Face: David Scheinbaum: Artist David Scheinbaum will speak about his photograph KRS One, Paramount, Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is one of his many photographs on display in the exhibition. Saturday, February 9 - 2 pm

The National Portrait Gallery: The National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution tells the stories of America through the individuals who have shaped U.S. culture. Through the visual arts, performing arts, and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists who speak American history.

Location: The National Portrait Gallery is conveniently located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, in Washington D.C., above the Gallery Place–Chinatown Metrorail station (red, yellow, and green lines).

Museum Hours:11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. daily
Admission: FREE

**Thanks, http://www.solsourcegroup.com/ Vitalize.The solSource Group is an agency and network of creative individuals with backgrounds in the arts, public relations, entertainment, technology, and business, whose purpose is to discover, produce, promote, and distribute progressive talent. solSource continues to produce and promote quality events that explore independent art and music, creating memorable events for the masses eager to experience cutting edge entertainment combined with the arts.**

Letter to my Girlfriends: Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder

“Hoes are lazy,” those are the exact words from my homeboy who explained why guys do not court women anymore. “ It’s because we don’t have to, why take this girl on a date when I can take the next girl home without spending any money or time,” he explains. After I told him not to call females, hoes, he continued his rant by stating with the sea of thirsty females who needs to chase the female with the “high standards?”

I asked myself two questions, are females giving it up too easily? And what happened to the thrill of the chase?

Abstinence shows the desire to attract better boyfriend prospects as opposed to the usual suspects. And if sisters stopped putting out, then brothers would have to step their game up. If there is indeed a sea of thirsty women, how can you differentiate yourself? I believe that understanding that your vagina is a powerful tool makes all the difference. It’s like the Jay-Z and R. Kelly song called 'P*ssy', on their 2002, “Best of Both Worlds” CD, on the song Jay and Kelly rap that everything males do is to make themselves more appealing to females and the prospect of getting some. When brothers get their haircuts, buy the 2008 Lexus, it’s all because of the p*ssy power.

So, there can’t possibly be a sea of thirsty females, when the females hold the power. Let’s go back to the old days of courting, let’s make men step their game up, if he asks you out on a date, let him know that does not mean coming back to his apartment to chill. Let’s make men understand the importance of companionship, the importance of getting to know you mentally before physically. It’s sadden to know that there are females who sleep with men before they know their last names or even a way to contact them afterwards.

Granted, you might be the kind of female who just likes to have sex without the companionship but if you are the contrary and your tired of putting out and still not getting exactly what you want, play a little harder. Usually, Mr. Right doesn’t find the thirsty girl as attractive as he finds a challenge.

You teach people how to treat you, and when you start respecting yourself, then it commands the respect of others. And if the brother scoffs and states that your standards are too high, then he isn’t interested in getting to know you as a person. Fly girls, let the brother who scoffs at your standards know, that he can’t attract Cristal with a Boone’s Farm mind state.

Check out Little Brother’s 'Step it Up': Make him step his game up!

BitterSweets Valentine

For those who can't stand Valentine's Day, the company Despair Inc, has the perfect candy for you. Introducing Bittersweets- The Valentine’s Candy for the Rest of Us. Similar to the candy conversation hearts, Bittersweets are made of flavored, chalky-tasting sugar and sport a message on their face. But unlike other candy hearts, Bittersweets are stamped with bitter musings and mockeries perfectly suited to the dejected spirits of those who will spend the holiday alone, or wishing they were. Messages recalling an almost forgotten, unbearably painful memory of being dumped. Or perhaps of a dysfunctional, psychotic ex-girlfriend or boyfriend. Or of that cruel-hearted girl (or boy) in elementary school who rejected your valentine solicitations, informing you that Jake (or Holly) was "so totally way hotter."

Bittersweets are available in three unique collections- "Dejected", "Dysfunctional", and "Dumped"- with each featuring up to 37 unique sayings each. If yourself or a friend is feeling bitchy about V-Day, buy a box of Bittersweets and at least you'll have a sweet laugh. despair.com $9.95