Coolio, Live and Uncensored! by Karen J. Larson

The crowd chanted, “Coolio, Coolio, Coolio!” as Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. aka “Coolio” shot up the stairs, jumped onto the stage and got the party started.

He opened with “From the Bottom 2 the Top,” Pigtail braids present and accounted for, atop each side of his green baseball cap. Throughout the show, he stopped and commanded the audience to “Put yo middle fingers up and say, Fuck yeah!”

Showing a sentimental side, he dedicated “C U When U Get There” to the memory of Aliyah, Michael Clarke Duncan, Tupac, and Michael Jackson. Coolio’s sidekick, whom he described as his financial advisor, contributed on vocals and also played the saxophone.

At one point my man even downed a 24-ounce Red Stripe then proceeded to expose his tummy, sharing with the audience that something he ate before the show just wasn’t agreeing with him now. “I’m bout to take an Ex-Lax after this mutha fucker”, he joked!

With the start of “1, 2, 3, 4,” everyone joined in and clapped their hands. Making a slight adjustment to the lyrics which got the crowd hyped even more, Coolio spit, “Ain’t no party like a Minnesota party cause a Minnesota party don’t stop.” And, after a few more songs, the show was closed out “Gangsta’s Paradise” style which Coolio performed effortlessly, pausing only to smoke a blunt in-between verses.

The crowd was turnt up with the fairly short yet fan packed Coolio favorites performed. It was a blast. One thing’s for certain: at the seasoned age of 49, Artis Leon Ivey, Jr. can still put on one hell of a show!
I was granted the honor of sitting down with Coolio after the show for a one-on-one exclusive Tru. Interview. Read on to learn more about the Renaissance Rapper behind the mic.

THE EXCLUSIVE TRU. Interview between Coolio, and Tru. Reporter, Karen J. Larson

*Warning: This interview contains graphic and explicit language*

TM: You are a man of many talents; You sell beats and books on your website, not to mention have your own show ‘Cooking with Coolio’ in addition to touring. Tell us about some of your other upcoming projects?
Coolio: You know I was married before. I used to collect snow globes. My ‘ex-theif’ stole all them muthafukas. Yeah i said it, ex-theif…

TM: (laughing)… Okay, but let’s stay focused. What are some of your upcoming projects?
Coolio: My upcoming projects? I’m finna do another record. It’s gonna be close to my last record. I might do two more after this. I’m not sure though, but you know I’m gonna call it ‘Old Man River’.

TM: Why ‘Old Man River’?
Coolio: Coz I’m an old man swimming in a river of muthafuck’in sharks. Muthafuckas life raft made of plastic straws and muthafuck’in toothpicks and I’m just tryna float.

TM: In your opinion, how has hip hop changed since you started in the game?
Coolio: Things have changed drastically in hip hop. It’s no longer considered important to be intelligent or knowledgeable. You know, it’s all about how it started. About how much shit you can talk and how much shit you can pretend to be, how much shit you can pretend to have. And it’s okay coz I did that too. I’ve had my moments.

TM: We hear that you’re headed off to Austrailia in a couple of weeks. What is your favorite country to perform in, and why?
Coolio: South Africa. Coz muthafuckas be coming to the show with no shoes on and shit. You go to the grocery store and you see muthafuck’in not dimes, not 12′s, you see like 15′s grocery shopping and they don’t be having on no shoes and shit. They’ve seen tv like 2 times ! Places like Italy where you go to the club and you see the baddest bitch, you be like “Damn, she fine as a muthafucka!” Then when the club over with, she jump on the back of a niggas bike with a bike rack and that nigga ride off and shit, pedal off and shit. You never see that shit happen in Los Angeles. You never see that shit happen in Vegas. You never see that shit happen in Minnesota. It’s too cold. Taxi? And not saying that that makes them any better. But you know sometimes a niggas ride up on a bike in some deck shoes with no socks on and some cut-off shorts and they could have like 180 million in the bank. I don’t know what muthafuckas be doing! I like the simple things and shit. I don’t really need too much. I like having the opportunity and chance to have a lot but on a regular day I don’t expect too much. On a regular day, I try to be normal and regular as possible.

TM: It seems that big name celebs like yourself are always a ‘target’ for the tabloids. A couple months back, TMZ put you on blast for some alleged baby mama drama and you didn’t get to make a statement on your own behalf. Would you care to make one now?
Coolio: My baby mama was living downstairs in another room with my son, my nigga. Coz I want to be around my son. She wasn’t paying no muthafuck’in rent, paying no bills, she didn’t have to cook, she didn’t have to clean up, she didn’t have to do shit but be there and take care of my son, my nigga.

I brought a girl over (pausing)…. more than once, and this particular time she happened to be up, be awake. It’s kinda like my girl and shit and she took offense to that like we fuck’in. And that’s real talk.
Now I ain’t saying after me and some of my baby mamas broke up that I didn’t go back and fuck some of ‘em. But this particular time, sometimes you got a crazy bitch around and you can’t do nothing. Like ‘Hello, how you doing?’ You aiight? Okay I’ll be back.’ So that’s pretty much what our relationship was. That and dealing with my son. And she couldn’t accept that.

She attacked me, my nigga! I still didn’t hit her!! I mean, c’mon I can fight! My shit went up instantly and she ran into that muthafucka. Seriously, real talk. It was a bunch of people there. It was a woman there that got her ass whooped for many years by nigga. So ain’t no muthafuck’in way she gon lie and say if I put my hands on her, she ain’t the type of person who would lie about that shit. And another thing: My mama got her ass whooped for many years. I used to be in my room crying and shit while my stepdaddy whooped my mama’s ass. I ain’t no woman beater. I never will be.

C’mon, I’m almost 50. I got no domestic violence on my record. And I got 4 baby mamas, 25 bitches, thousands of hoes that I’ve had sex with and spent time with and they ain’t never said that I put my hands on them. I’m the type of nigga that I hate woman beaters. I don’t like that type of shit. I think niggas that hit women are cowards. There you go, So I said it, and so it shall be written! Real talk. I ain’t never hit a woman in anger in my life. I will protect myself but the most I’ve ever done is grabbed a woman and like held her down. That ain’t my style. I’ll leave. I got a car. When I was broke I had a car. Keep me some wheels. Rubber wheels beat rubber heels any day. Let me tell you another thing; TMZ gave that bitch like some money nigga, I know, shit happens! Ain’t nothing I can do about it. I gotta deal with it. I’ll tell you what I won’t do though.

TM: What’s that?
Coolio: Be like the rest of them 60 niggas we seen in Court waiving their muthafuck’in rights. Talking bout ‘Yeah, I’ll take my first domestic violence even though I didn’t do nothing. Yeah I just want this to be over. I don’t wanna go to court.’ Fuck that!

TM: So you’re not gonna plead guilty to something you didn’t do?
Coolio: No, I’ll be my own lawyer, shit. I’ll be like ‘Your Honor, That nigga didn’t do it.” I’m gonna plead not guilty. And I’m gonna beat that shit, nigga. Or I’m gonna go to jail for nothing. Ain’t no muthafuck’in way I’m gonna say I did it! I ain’t taking no deal. None of that shit!! I mean, unless they start talking about you gonna get 10 years and some shit. If that happen, I’m gonna tell ‘em just arrest me, shit. Actually the outcome, I think they gonna throw it out. Because there was 4 people there. They made a statement that said all I did was defend myself. I never threw a punch. Hold on…then, some shit about I tried to run her over, right. How you gonna try to run somebody over?! If I tried to run somebody over, I’m gonna run they muthafuck’in ass over. She grabbed the back of my car! Something wrong with her ass!! She didn’t let go. Now if something weighs 2 tons and you holding onto it and it’s moving, what’s gonna happen? It’s gonna pull your dumbass to the ground! She used to be cool when I was fuckin her. But now, shit! That’s fucked up. I really feel bad about that. My feelings hurt, my nigga. Coz there’s hella people that believe I did that shit, my nigga. I pride myself on having hella more restraint and hella more control over my emotions than that (coolio starting to tear up). You getting all personal and shit…

TM: I’m glad we got YOUR side of the story. I know it’s been a long night so just a couple more questions for you. A lot of fans are curious whether you wrote Gangsta’s Paradise for yourself or for the Dangerous Minds soundtrack?
Coolio: I didn’t know nothing about Dangerous Minds. On some real shit, I never heard Pastime Paradise before that, either. I’m a Stevie Wonder fan. My first record I ever bought was Superwoman. I never heard Pastime Paradise. I’ll be honest. I didn’t even write Gangsta’s Paradise.

TM: Who wrote it?
Coolio: Gangsta’s Paradise wrote me!

TM:(laughing) Okay. Last question: What advice do you have for young aspiring rappers looking to get into the game?
Coolio: Real talk. My advice to anybody that rap. Save your money. Make you some money. Do something to get a lot of money. Hook up with a few muthafuckas and pull your money together.

Keep your shit your own. Keep your shit independent. If you keep your shit independent, you can be like Wiz Khalifa. You can be like Tech N9ne. You could be like muthafuck’in E-40.

Stay independent. Make them deal with you. Don’t make yourself deal with them. Look, Tech N9ne they ain’t got no commercials. You ain’t never really seen a niggas videos on MTV. Niggas ain’t did no videos with Jay-Z. Dre didn’t do none of his beats. Niggas worth like 90 million though. I’m so proud of that nigga.

I love to see niggas doing good. Sometimes though, and I ain’t no hater but when niggas can’t rap and they ain’t shit, and they don’t deserve shit, nigga I’ll say it. I don’t give a fuck… Gucci Mane. I’m just say’in, some muthafuckas weren’t supposed to rap. Them niggas supposed to go to school.

TM: Can I get you to do one more thing for me?
Coolio: Wait, hold on. Hold on. (gets up and turns backside toward bathroom door) Listen, Listen, Listen…

TM: (laughing) Now that was a silent but deadly one!
Coolio: If I had stayed right here, it would’ve sounded like uhh Chris Brown was dancing up in this muthafucka!

TM: LOL. Can I get you to give a shout out to Tru. Magazine?
Coolio: Yo what’s up? This is Coolio with the flow. Thank you Tru. Magazine for being TRU! Next time send someone a lil younger with less respect for themselves. So maybe they’ll take their shirt off and show me they titties! Naw, I’m just fuckin with you. LOL. I’m gonna be a comedian one day. I can’t rap forever, my nigga. My stomach keep being bloated like dis on stage, I’m fuck’in gonna have to quit.

TM:(laughing). Thank you for your time. It was a pleasure talking with you. And that’s a rap!
Keep up with Coolio and get all the latest deets on his upcoming album releases, current and future projects, and updates on his tummy bloat. Follow him on Twitter @coolio and check out his website at coolioworld.com. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of his highly acclaimed cookbook ‘Cook’in With Coolio’ (5 Star Meals at a 1 Star Price)!

Community Board Refuses To Name Street Corner After Biggie Smalls

Community board members objected to naming a corner for the late rapper Biggie Smalls because, according to some, he was a criminal, a misogynist — and too fat to be honored.

CB2 member Lucy Koteen said she “looked up the rapper’s history” and read what she had learned to the full board Tuesday night.

“He started selling drugs at 12, he was a school dropout at 17, he was arrested for drugs and weapons charge, he was arrested for parole violations, he was arrested in North Carolina for crack cocaine, in 1996 he was again arrested for assault, he had a violent death and physically the man is not exactly a role model for youth,” she said. “I don’t see how this guy was a role model and frankly it offends me.”

Ken Lowy, board member and owner of the Brooklyn Heights Cinema, said he did not appreciate that the rapper, whose birth name was Christopher Wallace, referred to women with derogatory names in his music.

But the real stumbling block to the effort to co-name the corner of St. James Place and Fulton Street “Christopher Wallace Way” is that Letitia James — a councilwoman and candidate for public advocate — has yet to issue a letter of support, which is necessary for the proposal to go forward.

So it was “another day, another struggle” for LeRoy McCarthy, 45, who began the movement to name the intersection for Notorious B.I.G.

McCarthy said after the meeting that “board members should not hold Wallace’s physical appearance nor how he died against him.”

“There are many artists that share stories in a vernacular that their audiences understand,” said McCarthy in response to the complaint about misogynistic lyrics. “Biggie used the language from the streets he grew up in to convey what he wanted to say.”

Wallace was raised by a single mother at 226 St. James Place in Clinton Hill. He went on to become an award-winning rapper and Brooklyn icon. He was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997.

McCarthy presented the board with letters of support from two local churches, a mosque, a nearby block association, several local businesses and more than 1,000 comments from people all over the world who signed an online petition in support of the co-naming.

The issue was tabled Tuesday by the board’s Transportation and Public Safety Committee until James or her successor issues the letter of support.

James did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

James’ likely successor, Laurie Cumbo, who is running unopposed for the 35th District City Council seat, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Think what you want about Biggie Smalls, but the truth of the matter is he has inspired generations of young people to quit the street life in pursuit of a rap career. Was he a criminal? Yes, but so was Jay-Z. In fact, they sold drugs together in the same neighborhood, yet people love Jay-Z.

Putting the decision in the hands of someone that had to research who Biggie was honestly has no real business making this decision.

Why not honor his contributions? He is a very real voice of Brooklyn during an era when things were not so pretty. His lyrics reflect that. Let him serve as an example by teaching kids that being a drug-dealing gangster is going to get you thrown in jail and/ or killed.

To deny this man “…because, according to some, he was a criminal, a misogynist — and too fat to be honored” is at the very least, hypocritical. Sounds like the majority of our Founding Fathers and politicians. Am I right?

Think about it. You’re basically saying it’s not okay to name something after a drug dealer, but slave owners, confederate soldiers, KKK founders and members get a pass?!

Regardless of whether or not Biggie Smalls is ever granted a street corner, the truth remains. He is a hip-hop icon and is considered a hero to many in that neighborhood and throughout much of the world. His memory and legacy will live on forever. No community board can or will ever change that fact.

R.I.P Big Poppa. Christopher George Latore Wallace (1972 – 1997).

Karen J. Larson, Tru. Entertainment Magazine

Washington Redskins: Offense or Defense?

• Washington (CNN) -- In his first extensive comments about the controversy over the name of Washington's pro football team, owner Dan Snyder penned a letter to fans defending his decision not to change the Redskins name.
  "Our franchise has a great history, tradition and legacy representing our proud alumni and literally tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide," Snyder wrote. "We are proud of our team and the passion of our loyal fans. Our fans sing 'Hail to the Redskins' in celebration at every Redskins game. They speak proudly of 'Redskins Nation' in honor of a sports team they love."
  Critics have been pressuring the Redskins organization to consider a name change, arguing that the term is an offensive racial slur that causes serious social and mental stress to Native American communities.
  But Snyder -- born and raised a Redskins fan -- has remained resolute in his opposition to a new name.
  "After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be," owner Dan Snyder wrote to fans.
  "When I consider the Washington Redskins name, I think of what it stands for. I think of the Washington Redskins traditions and pride I want to share with my three children, just as my father shared with me -- and just as you have shared with your family and friends," Snyder said.
  Snyder has until now been reluctant to even address the issue; his most extensive comments came last spring when he emphatically told USA Today last spring that he will "never" change the name.
  But recent attention has made it more difficult to ignore the issue.
  A group led by the Oneida Indian Nation launched its "Change the Mascot" media campaign last month. And President Obama weighed in last week, telling The Associate Press that he would "consider changing the name," if he were the owner of team whose name offended a group of people.
  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has also expressed a need for dialogue.
  At the NFL's annual fall meeting Tuesday, Goodell reiterated that as a Redskins fan, he does not consider the name derogatory, but "whenever you have a situation like this, you have to listen and recognize that some other people might have different perspectives."
  "We all want to do things to honor people and not to do anything in a negative way," Goodell said.
  Snyder says he is listening, but the name is not going away.
  "I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too," Snyder said, citing several polls conducted in recent years that show that a majority of people do not want the name changed.
  "After 81 years, the team name 'Redskins' continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come," Snyder said.
  But Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter told CNN Monday that poll numbers don't matter as long as anyone is offended by the name.
  "It's a dictionary defined offensive racial epithet. You shouldn't be using that to sell a national sports team to America or to the rest of the world," Halbritter said.
  The NFL confirmed on Monday that it would send representatives to meet with Oneida leaders at a later date. It is unclear whether Snyder will be part of those meetings, but Halbritter said he hopes Snyder will come because "it is clear from Mr. Snyder's letter that he does not understand (the) consequences" of using Redskins as a team name.
  "In the spirit of the dialogue that Mr. Snyder says he is willing to engage in, we are inviting him to join the NFL delegation in its upcoming meeting at our homelands," Halbritter said Wednesday. "During his visit, we will organize a special meeting of Oneida Nation families where Mr. Snyder can personally explain to them why he believes they deserve to be called 'redskins.'"
  So that's the latest news in the Washington Redskins name controversy in a nutshell. Blah Blah Blah... You get the gist. 
  Now here comes my slant, if you will, on this hot topic. Y'all might want to buckle up. I'm not here to pull any punches. I'm just gonna give it to you straight. 
  As a comedian and writer, you can probably figure out by the title of my blog, I don't take myself, nor others, too seriously. Life is too short for all that. 
  Keep in mind, I grew up with racist adoptive parents, extended family members, teachers, and peers. Hell, I'm a minority who grew up in suburban America. I know firsthand what racism feels like. It sucks. 
  One of the most important lessons I learned growing up is to never ever allow the opinions (or words) of others to define who you are as a person. We always have a choice to take offense or not. The older I become, the more I find myself choosing the latter. At the core, they are just words. Life is too short to spend energy feeling offended, angry, or sad over things out of our control.
  Yes, I realize we live in a different time where the PC Police (mostly comprised of White people) are out in full force, quick to pounce on their own for a slur or derogatory word towards other ethnic groups. Or for not being opposed to changing the Redskins name. In short, they are getting all worked up on our behalf, which although noble, is also somewhat bothersome. 
  I mean, why do we (as minorities) need protecting? Also where the fuck were all you post-racial White people when I needed back-up as a kid? But, seriously. Why do White people think it is their duty to save us? What if we (as minorities) aren't even bothered by said slurs or derogatory words? Every person of color I know (myself included) has a mouth and knows damn well how to use it. We can speak for ourselves just fine, thank you. 
  By becoming offended on our behalf, do  you realize you run the risk of enabling minorities to the role of victim in society? I mean, I no longer consider myself a victim, thanks to years of therapy. I now realize I am a survivor, as are all minorities. We have endured many hardships and we are stronger than many of you give us credit for. Please don't take that away from us now.
  White people are the only race that continuously gets offended on behalf of other ethnic groups. Why is that? Is it because they are afraid of being labeled racist? Is the whitey guilt that strong? Or is it because it makes them feel good to stick up for minorities in the way it feels good to donate to charity? Both instances draw the attention back to the do-gooder but, let's be honest, in a very self-serving kind of way. Like a pat on the back or an atta boy! All I'm saying is just admit you're doing all of this for YOU. Because it makes YOU feel better. It doesn't do much of anything FOR us.  
  Seriously, if you really want to do something good out of the kindness of your own hearts for Native Americans... or any other ethnic group, how about volunteer your time and/ or services at the grassroots level. On a reservation or an after-school program for inner city kids. Make a donation, but do it anonymously. Get involved rather than policing your own over social media on our behalf. Shaming each other over a team name isn't going to solve anything and certainly isn't going to set the stage for open and honest dialogue that needs to happen in order for any positive changes to come about. 
  That said, I am personally in favor of keeping the team name, as I don't find Redskins offensive. Wait. Does that make me a racist? Nor do the handful of Native Americans I know personally. Are they racist? The answer is No. My point is this: the intent behind the name was not created out of malice, rather as a positive image. I'm also an avid football fan and I respect its tradition and history. Although I will say I think the fact the NFL is willing to enter into discussions with Native Americans is a step in the right direction. 
  If it were up to me, I'd say settle on a compromise. Keep the name. Change the logo on the helmets to a baby red potato. Although I'm sure even that would offend some poor potato farmer somewhere. Can't you just hear it now? Well, why is the skin red, huh? Wait, it's because my potato skin is brown, isn't it? Isn't it?! Like I said before it's always a choice. He can either choose to let it roll off his back or go fuck himself into a tizzy for all I care. Either way, I've said my peace. It's late. And this slope is tired. I'm out. Til next time. Deuces, Bitches!
  
  

  

  
  
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My Comedy Bio

Karen J. Larson started doing comedy because her friends, family and therapists decided she was too funny to keep to themselves (or maybe they just wanted to get her out of the house).  Since then Karen has quickly risen from the comedy ranks from Open Mic-er to Emcee to finally achieving her dream of becoming a Professional Comedian.

Fueled by her sordid past, Karen brings to the stage a no holds barred attitude on life. This jaded former beauty contestant (1st runner up) turned divorced single mom takes on life as it comes. And it turns out… life is funny, according to Karen. This Asian-American Princess is on the rise and definitely one to watch for!