Y’know, I’m not even mad at John Mayer.
I read that Playboy interview and I’d actually like to thank him. Thanks for allowing your foot-in-mouth disorder to shine so brightly, and for giving us all something to remember the next time your trite, boring music comes on the radio. I’ve had my feelings about his character for a long time now, so the idiocy he so rampantly displayed didn’t surprise me one bit. John Mayer has been saying stupid things to the media for a while and this interview just happened to be studded with some exceptional quotes. This whole “scandal” gets a massive eye roll from me. As do all of his meaningless lyrics about appreciating women.
I think John Mayer is a musician who wants to be a comedian. And I think he should just play his guitar, sing his sappy top-40 easy listening songs, don’t kiss and tell, and stay in his lane. Having said that, I think the only people who should REALLY be mad about his Playboy interview are Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, and Kerry Washington. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when Kerry Washington finally gives John Mayer a piece of her mind, actually. Because, like the Black Snob, I am wondering what “white girl crazy” means.
And as for the rest of the women who are up in arms over his chronic oversharing…well here’s some new music and new musicians to add to your playlist, to fill that void.
1. Ben Harper.
Mmm, mmmm, mmmmmm. Ben Harper looks GOOD, he puts on an amazing live show, he’s sick on the lap steel, and he can sing like nobody’s business. So why is it every time I see him in concert, it seems like the only people of color there are him and me? I don’t get it. Ben Harper’s music can be classified as rock, but I’ve seen him do INCREDIBLE soul music covers. Like Use Me and Sexual Healing. His song My Father’s House is being sold on iTunes to benefit Haiti. If you like John Mayer, you’ll probably love Steal My Kisses. It’s cute and catchy. Click here to treat yourself.
2. Jack Johnson.
I can’t even front, when I first heard Jack Johnson’s music, it was like a lullaby to me. I got sleepy, fast. But when I listened to him in my sister in law’s convertible as we drove around San Diego — it all made sense and I fell in love. His music is the perfect soundtrack to a road trip or day at the beach. Simple, unaffected, honest, and relaxing. Everyone needs a little Jack Johnson in their life. Brushfire Fairytales is a great album for a first intro. If you’ve got kids (or are a kid at heart), the Curious George
I’m not a fan of most Bob Marley covers, but I love that one. Inaudible Melodies is probably my favorite Jack Johnson song, just for the refrain. Slow down, everyone. You’re moving too fast.
Click here to buy Brushfire Fairytales
Of all the musicians listed, I’ve seen Dave Matthews and his band live the most often. That’s because my husband is a HUGE DMB fan. In fact, so are his sister, his brother, and so many other people I know. It’s taken me a while but I gotta admit, Dave puts on a hell of a show (even though I am always amazed by the ratio of black folks on stage versus black folks in the audience. Almost the whole Dave Matthews Band is black). I love live music and he’s never disappointed me, for a fun concert experience. If you like a song that’s more than a love song, listen to Don’t Drink The Water. And read the lyrics. Delightful and deep.
And some of his love songs are absolutely intoxicating. Obviously Crash is sweet and comes immediately to mind. But Up and Away is awesome.
And if I had to pick a song to fill your John Mayer void, I’d have to go with his biggest current hit, You & Me
4. Jason Mraz.
This guy is the most obviously like John Mayer, IMO — he’s kinda cute, he’s got a great voice, and he writes songs for girls in sundresses who sway on the lawn at concerts. He just won two Grammys and I can’t deny my love for Lucky.
Or I’m Yours. They’re both so sweet! And so “I’m on vacation in Hawaii.” His album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Full disclosure, I went to college with these guys. We weren’t friends, but I’ve been a fan for years. Gabe, Winston, and Jano were the house band at some spectacularly scuzzy house parties I attended in my sophomore and junior years of college, and believe me they can put on a SHOW. I’m kinda mad they never made it really bigtime. Because they are super talented.
And The World Turned is lovely and sweet, and so is Disappear. But All Will Be Well is my favorite du jour.
Click here to get their album, The Gabe Dixon Band
So what are your thoughts on John Mayer? And what are your thoughts on the songs I shared above? I hope they make your iPod happy!
I love “Lucky”! Such a lovely and upbeat song!
You’re right, though. We should patronize artist who affirm and edify us.
may i add matt morris:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w21Xxtvyb8
he sang with justin timberlake on the hope for haiti telethon
oh and i think mayer is a d-bag! 🙂
I’ve always liked the Dave Matthews Band. Yes Jason Mraz is kinda cute and his music reminds me of a sweet summer’s day. Now I am a fan of John Mayer’s music but as usual he continues to show how much attention he is starving for! All I can say is that I’m not surprised with his Playboy interview – grow up John!
I guess we can just have a difference of opinion/taste on John’s music. Your assessment of it left me wondering if you’ve ever heard anything besides his radio singles, but I digress. I do like his music and will continue to listen, because I think it’s important to separate the artist from the art. Otherwise, I’d never be able to listen to Miles Davis again.
John actually *has* tried his hand at stand-up comedy, so your observation about his comedic aspirations is spot-on.
Have you watched the video of his apology/statement at the Nashville concert last night? I was there and livestreamed it from my phone. Your recommendation that he “just play his guitar” is exactly what he said he’s going to do. John’s always (by his own description) been a socially-awkward, panic-attack suffering, attention seeking guy who tried to get attention and approval by being “clever.” From what I saw last night, his long series of mistakes and dumb decisions has caught up to him in a way that caught his attention. Because I *do* like him as an artist, I hope that lesson sticks.
Malenga – I know John Mayer’s hits but have never been impressed enough to look past the surface with him. And unfortunately now I am not motivated to do so…I hope he learns from this as well. But somehow I think it’ll wear off soon.
your posts never let me down! well said and thanks for the new music tips. i’ve loved dmb since you could see them for seven bucks in a warehouse.
I’m confused? John Mayer stuck his foot way down his throat, but how is he any different than most male entertainers? Rappers have been disrespecting black women for decades. Several male artists disrespect women, especially black women in their music, imagery and personal lives. If you’re going to take a stance against John, than take a stance against all misogynistic and racist thought in every form. Substituting him for “better” white boys? How are they better? Because they know what not to say? Are not as open about their thoughts? Looking for validation from celebrities is dumb. Waging some pseudo movement against some douchebag with too much fame and not enough nurturing is even worst.
I’ve never been a fan of Mayer, but black people need to take ourselves more seriously. Especially us women. Stop allowing the disrespect in every and any form. A month from now John will be making millions touring and recording with Common or some other negro. All will be forgiven and no one will care.
@perspective: many, many women have done just that – have you missed it?
@Afrobella: I love, love, love Jack Johnson! I can listen to In Between Dreams from beginning to end (and I have, numerous times!). I’ve heard of Ben Harper, and I’ll have to check him out. I like Dave Matthews, but I’m thinking I’d love him if I saw him live. Unfortunately, whenever he’s in town, his show sells out in minutes, folks get way too drun, and cops are there to round them up by the dozens.
As for John Mayer, I’m not one to read up on celebrity websites, so this is the first remark I’ve heard from him. While I did like his first CD, his remarks completely turned me off (can’t say I’m surprised though). As for “separating the man from the music,” yes I can relate, but I can also choose to listen to who I damn well please, and Miles will stay in rotation. To even compare those two, music-wise, is like comparing lightning with a lightning bug.
Well Afrobella you definitely know your white boy music!! You are a friend in my head so I will have to check it out your suggestions. As for what John Mayer said I am disappointed but I am not surprised at all.
@perspective – DAmn!!! Tell us how you really feel!! Well said.
@perspective-and how do you know the Black women who were fans of mayer have not already taken a stand against misogynistic Black rappers? I don’t think someone who listens to any of that sappy mayer music also listens to music calling women filthy names. Two sets of fans, apples and oranges so no, I don’t believe anyone was making excuses for mayer because he is White. But i will say, I don’t understand any Black woman who continues to support mayer after these comments. Just like I don’t get the sisters who bump the woman hating rap music.
As for your other comment, sadly i think you are right. He will be touring with The Roots or some other rappers who gave him his hood pass, the hennessy will pass around and end of story.
Bella, I am not familiar with many of the artists you have posted; and thank you for having your consistent positive energy to provide resources for your readers.
@perspective again,
sorry, I also meant to add you are right that many Black people need to take ourselves seriously-I read somewhere that mayer’s two Black female back up singers were holding hands and crying last night while he was crying and apologizing. I don’t know the relationship these women have with him aside from a business one, and I know it’s a paycheck-but how in the world could they get up there and perform and actually wipe tears away (like they were hurt by a lover who scorned them) is beyond me.
Perspective, thanks for sharing your perspective! But if you’ve read my blog before you’ll notice, I’ve never really blogged about misogynistic rappers here before. When I do blog about music, I usually write about an ongoing scandal that I have a particular opinion about, or I share songs that I love. I try to keep this blog positive, so when I have shared rap artists’ music in the past it’s mostly been artists with uplifting lyrical content.
Where is this pseudo movement you speak of? It isn’t here. I’m not leading anything like that. I wrote this post in response to those on Twitter and Facebook and other blogs who said they’re deleting their John Mayer songs. I’m suggesting musical replacements. The artists I selected perform music that is similar to John Mayer’s. See? Nothing to do with their beliefs or past public statements.
Thanks for sharing these great musicians! I love all of them and I’ll have listen to The Gabe Dixon Band. I have always thought John Mayor’s music was mediocre at best and kind of boring in my opinion. I agree he should really focus on making music and politely decline all interviews from here on out. I hope he apologizes to Jessica, Jennifer and Kerry personally for his asinine comments.
Bravo! I’ve never been a fan of John Mayer, even when people would tell me “how sweet” he is and how much respect he has for women–just look at his songs “Daughters” and “Your Body is a Wonderland”! Then, as his comments to the press became more and more crazy, I knew I could never take him seriously.
All of these artists are greats–especially Ben Harper. I think there are so many talented artists out there who do what Mayer does 10Xs better and don’t come across as a smug jerk in the process. They just want to play their guitar too, and they actually do play their guitars, exit the stage and we don’t hear about them waxing poetic about an ex-girlfriend.
I totally agree with you about him wanting to be a comedian.. I have seen him a say a few things on TMZ that attest to that. And thanks for sharing these songs.. I’m definitely going to check out Ben Harper’s stuff. I’ve never heard of him and love finding new artists.
John Mayer is an ass-always was. Always will be. On a happier note, I loves me some Jason Mraz! Every time I hear Butterfly, I’m ready to get busy:)
Thanks for all the great music suggestions Bella, most artists that you mention on your blog soon become my favorites as well.
Well done!!
@ Bella. That is my very point. Sisters are deleting Mayer, but are they also deleting all the others too? Even the most positive of rappers have let a “bitch” fly or disrespect the black women in their personal lives. . Even Miles was an abuser of Women. Where is the line drawn? Again, Mayer crossed a line, but he just said publically what many may think privately. Who knows what Dave Matthews says in comfortable settings? How can we determine he’s any better? Perhaps, he is just smart enough not to make white supremacy jokes to media.
The only glimpses we get of an artist are often so controlled by publicists and handlers. Until they mess up and reveal their true selves or TMZ does. Do you just click “delete” everytime this happens? Are you a fan because this person validates you or because you simply enjoy their art? It only leads to contradictions when you begin that. There has to be an all or nothing approach or it becomes just a lot of temporary commotion over nothing.
Again, it’s the black community that promoted this notion of “hood passes” and “nigga” as an acceptable term. If we don’t take us seriously, why get mad when they don’t?
Sorry for writing so much. I love your blog by the way.
i actually won’t be deleting any of his music. i could careless what he says or does. and who’s to say those you recommended aren’t a-holes as well with closet racial/sexist thoughts. i’ve heard dave matthews is a big perv who messes around with groupies constantly. that sure takes away from his wholesome granola image. but he’s still got his own playlist on my ipod.
maybe i’m just immune to BS these days; but when ignorant ppl go around spewing crap i don’t lose sleep.
this is similar to how i see kanye. the guy’s a huge a-hole, he rants and raves like a school girl, but i love his music. that’s why sometimes i wish these artists could skip the side talk and just perform.
Perspective, I think I understood you better the second time around! Never apologize for leaving a long comment on my blog! And thanks for the compliment.
I feel you – I myself have some rap in my music collection that is disrespectful. But I think the conflict comes in intent and the feeling of being duped. Here’s John Mayer writing about Daughters and all kinds of sweet goopy things…and behind the scenes he really comes across as a woman hater and a kisser-and-teller. Whereas rap is forthright in its misogyny.
I have more to add, but gotta go run an errand. This discussion goes so deep! I’ll be back to post more later.
Love your take on John Mayer’s antics and the fact that you highlighting so many worthy artists to listen too.
Well, it is disappointing to be disrespected like that. I tend to try to avoid the lives of artists for this reason. Mediocre music can’t really take the strain of knowing that the musician is an a*hole.
Everyone, you can read the entire interview here…
http://www.playboy.com/articles/john-mayer-playboy-interview/index.html?page=2
And here is the apology talked about from the concert mentioned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INgaBsxDFng
I don’t have any John Mayer songs to delete, but he is a great musician and you’re totally off base with your “sappy top-40 easy listening songs” perception of him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJBegAYVYoA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoOSza–3os
Is he an ass, douchebag? Maybe.
I’ve always known he was a douche but this interview just pushed me over the edge, I have deleted all his songs and now he joins MJ in ‘nevergonnalisentoyoueveragainlan’. Nice John Mayer, really nice.
P.S: This black girl never liked you that way you bloody git
Not much of a Mayer fan, he never really did it for me.
Thanks for all posting the new music. I must co-sign the super cuteness names Ben Harper. I love how Jack Johnson is a sufer and completely not your super star guy. Not seeking the lime light and fame! The Gabe Dixon band has a new fan on the strength of All Will Be Well.. Loves it! John Mayer who?!?
So I just watched John Mayer’s tearful apology. His back up singers – women of color — seem to be crying as well. And it occurs to me that this is becoming a bigger story than perhaps it needs to be. This certainly should not be headline news. And it was one of the top stories this evening. That makes me mad.
On a personal note, I never cared for the John Mayer music I have heard, and I’ve read many interviews where he established himself as a chronic oversharer. So this interview was the icing on the I-am-so-sick-of-this-fool-running-his-mouth cake.
Che — I have never heard that about Dave, neither has my husband or the other rabid fans I mentioned, who are fan club members and read everything about him. Where’d you hear your info from? And even still — there’s no actual proof of that, whereas John Mayer went on record as an idiot. He seems to just have no filter, no common sense, and it diminishes my interest in him as a person, and his music. Which is unfortunate.
I’m not deleting his songs because I never had any to begin with. But I AM seeing countless Facebook updates and Tweets from friends of mine talking about disposing of his CD and deleting his music from their collection. It’s kind of remarkable. Hence this post.
John Mayer and Kanye West should do a cover version of Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.
You know, I’ve never been one for John Mayer, so when my hubby mentioned his comments, I really had to dip into my internal musical database to get some personal relevance out of it. Yeah, I gots nuthin! However…I *heart* Ben Harper and DMB. Great choices Bella!!!
You are so right!
Why concentrating on a attention-seeking little boy`s verbal logorrhea if I can lay my eyes and put my ears onto Mr. Ben Harper`s lyrics, physics and voice. Thanks for reminding me that I can choose where I put my focus on :-). Happy weekend and happy valentine`s day (p.s. I will serve your valentine`s menue and let you know the results 😉 )
@ perspective
“Again, Mayer crossed a line, but he just said publically what many may think privately. Who knows what Dave Matthews says in comfortable settings? How can we determine he’s any better?”
If you do that to yourself, you won’t listen to any music at all. It may be safer to assume that most are innocent until proven guilty.
I’ve never really paid much attention to John Mayer, but thank you Bella for putting me on to Ben Harper! 🙂
I think a lot of people were missing the point. I think that folks have just reached a total saturation point for his douche-baggery and this interview was just the capper. I likes a couple of his songs, but I have never considered myself a “fan”. Hopefully he learns from his mistakes and grows from them, but right now (and for a long time) John Mayer has been an ass.
And what the heck is a “hood pass” anyway? People are cool with me regardless of race if their words & actions warrant it–not because they collaborate with a couple of rappers & appear on “The Chapelle Show”. When folks stop seeing black people as this monolith, maybe the whole insulting “hood pass” concept would disappear. Jennifer, Jessica & Kerry should slap the taste out of his mouth the next time they see him!
First off, I don’t know what the quality of his music has to do with the music he does. I bet he’s so hurt that you don’t like his music.
I think, like he admits in his apology for what he said in the interview, he was trying to be outrageous, but he came off like a real dummy.
Oh no, a white guy said he prefers white women, but he said the word white supremacist. Oh no, he also said nigger!
Freedom of speech- until you are white.
Maybe John Mayer’s not a guy to hang out with, but I would prefer someone like him who puts himself out there with his honest (and not well articulated) thoughts over someone who pretends everything is cool when it comes to race.
That Ben Harper pic is an utterly delicious early Valentine. I love him. And I have loved DMB since Under the Table and Dreaming.
Someone I know said Mayer needs rehab like Tiger Woods. My response—there is no rehab for being an axxhole, pardon my french.
Aw, most excellent list! It’s nice to see Ben Harper put at the top of something, somewhere!
For those who enjoyed Mayer more for his guitar work than his treacly lyrics I humbly offer to replacements:
The Derek Trucks Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSbcpLLadX0
Robert Randolph and the Family Band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw9xvy1DWsk
It’s also nice to know I’m not alone in enjoying The Curious George soundtrack as an adult.
pah. so sick of john mayer the person, but i like his music, so i haven’t deleted anything. that aside, i had to admonish my friends and remind them that many times they said that they just weren’t into white guys, didn’t find them interesting/attractive, couldn’t understand why anyone would like a white guy (and so on), so how is this any different? people say stupid ish all the time, but mayer has a particular knack for shoving his foot so far down his throat, his toenails scrape his colon.
annnnd PEE ESS, bella: you have awesome taste in music… all of the other musicians you mentioned (except for gabe dixon – must. check. out) are on reg’lah rotation on the ichoons. nice.
epic posting, will be reblogging. thanks for this.
Bella, you said it right about feeling duped. This guy is all one way with his music then the complete opposite in person. Kinda hating twitter right now for exposing him to me. Before, I just avoided his interviews. When the Aniston thing happened a while back, I couldn’t listen to him for months!! Now this. Hell to the no!
@dalia, For me there’s a difference between someone having a simple preference and what Mayer did.
The question asked was, “Do black women throw themselves at you,” which requires a simple “Yes” or a simple “No.” But instead of just answering that question, Mayer made it about himself in the most vile way possible. Instead of “No they don’t” it was “My penis wants to burn crosses.”
If he’s not into black women, that’s one thing. But that’s not what he was asked, and that he turned it into that was telling.
Lively, worthwhile discussion. One thing though, Ben Harper is not a “better” white boy. He’s black (among other things), 40 years old, and has been in the business for almost 20 years.
I wholeheartedly agree that we really need to take ourselves more seriously. Unfortunately, our purchases are much more political than we’re willing to admit/believe, and the “power” in our wallets is often misused or ignored. And many of us are complicit in our own disrespect. Not only do we support artists by purchasing music and attending events, but sometimes when we haven’t even spent a dollar, we run to the dance floor and/or sing along. I’m still annoyed by Akinyele’s “Put it in Your Mouth” but more than a decade later, it still gets rotation in clubs and house parties.
Hey Nina – where’d I say that Ben Harper was white? The photo makes it patently obvious that he isn’t, all I said is that his music can fill the void that Mayer’s leaves behind. Ben Harper is mixed with black, Cherokee, white, and probably other stuff too. I’ve been a fan for years and seen him live several times.
I saw an interesting clip today of Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie discussing this, and their angle was well – the black community gave John Mayer and the likes of him the right to use the n-word, by making it cool. I agree with them. I try to take my words seriously. Hopefully now John Mayer will do the same.
*shudder* – I’d forgotten about Akinyele. That was a big club hit in my freshman year. The lyrics are horrifying.
A couple points…
Again, I think there is something to be said about separating the artist from the music.
John Mayer said some messed up stuff, and you have every right not to listen to his music, but he isn’t like let’s say James Brown who repeatedly beat his wife and was arrested for domestic violence on multiple occasions (along with being arrested for other stupid stuff). So, I hope that you all who deleted John Mayer from your playlists are consistent enough to also don’t listen to someone like James Brown, or Chris Brown, or perhaps Michael Jackson. Seriously.
And I think John Mayer was embraced by the Black community for being a serious blues musician, touring and playing with the likes of B.B. King, Buddy Guy,Herbie Hancock, etc… and covering songs from Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, etc…
And he has constantly toured with Black musicians throughout the years in his own band.
So regarding the “hood pass” stuff, I think that is where it comes from. And perhaps that is the reason he feels he can throw around the n word.
John has always been a douche and always will be a douche.
I’m not surprised at what he said, the man has no filter.
But NO black woman, shoot, no woman of any race should be sticking up for this loser. He can have sex with whom ever he choses, but hes is tactless and crass.
And in regards to him using the N word. I get it, he was trying to make a point…but John in no child, he knows that it’s a career ending no-no to say that word. And now he wants to cry an apology? All the while during the interview, he thought he was witty making the white boys laugh (who were interviewing him) with his David Duke reference and his EASE at using the N word.
Boy please. Didn’t pay much attentiont to you then, sure as heck don’t pay any attention to you now.
Bella,
I just read the Mayer interview in it’s entirety and I have to say, I’m not offended. Taken in context, his comments, racial or otherwise, are not that bad. Maybe it’s just me…
I love Ben Harper! I have been a big fan for many years. I’m always surprised that he hasn’t hit it really big in the US, esp. with audiences of color. I am American Indian, and the first concert of his I went to in my hometown was all-white, I didn’t expect it at all, I thought it would be a really diverse audience. But, I don’t mind, he is so cute and soooo talented that I just keep recommending him to everyone and loving his music. I’m glad you highlighted him! 🙂
I can’t even name one of John Meyer’s songs. I have never heard another black person in or out of my family mention him. So, I was surprised that he had a “hood pass” and had black fans.
I saw him perform at MJ memorial and didn’t like or want him there for some reason. I just had a bad feeling about him and didn’t think he was all that good. So, No big loss for me. He does owe Jennifer, Jessica and Kerry an apology.
Clumsy and stupid yes, racist? No. He’s a kid, even though he is 32 and his attitude towards women, any woman–especially the ones he’s been involved with, sucks. I have his music, I like his music, but I can separate the music from the moron that it comes from. There are bigger stories to cover, so the media needs to put this one to bed.
Bella,
This was a rumor back when I was in college. He allegedly made out with a these two girls from my dorm when they were on tour in Boston. Lol this was big gossip back then.
You have some great pics up there (esp Ben Harper!). But I do have to agree with tsboddy. Matt Morris is simply incredible. Check out this performance from a couple weeks ago on Lopez Tonight… http://www.tbs.com/video/index.jsp?oid=206072&cid=186029
Throughout this whole scandal I keep thinking:
1. What the heck is “white girl crazy”?
2. John Mayer the singer/musician is hugely overrated.
3. John Mayer the “man” is a raging racist, misogynist, and homophobe.
4. I don’t care that he doesn’t find Black women sexually attractive as he is one of the least attractive men I have seen. Also, the fact that he said so and then proceeded to name 3 black women that he found attractive (that is the new “I have a friend who is Black so I’m not racist!”) is not a surprise to me. Go back and read some of the lyrics of his songs. He’s not singing about his love of women. He is singing about White women. At least, he is singing about them as tools for his masturbatory fantasies since he prefers that to actually being with women.
5. Why does everyone treat Black people (some black people included) like we are a monolithic group? Why was I left out of the meeting that decided that he had a hood pass (whatever that means) and why didn’t I get the memo that since I am a Black woman I was supposed to be a huge fan of his music and be hot for his body? Now I feel left out of the outrage. Ha!
Ok, am I the only one who’s not outraged. I’m a black woman. I’ve been black and female my whole life. A lot of black blogs and the media are suggesting I should be outraged, but I’m not.
I have his last CD on my ipod. It’s good and I don’t plan on deleting it.
Anyway, I don’t get what I’m supposed to be pissed off about. So the reporter asked him if black women throw themselves at him and his answer was, minus the profanity and David Duke reference, that he hasn’t opened himself up to it, but he wants to start being open to it, and he finds Kerry Washington and Holly Robinson attractive, but Kerry Washington is mean like a white girl in relationships. Ok, so I’m supposed to be mad about that? I mean, because that’s the gist of what he said. All the other stuff is his usual desperate for attention bullshit that you can find in any interview about him, it wasn’t unique to his commentary on dating black women. Do you all think that he’s literally got a Klan hood on his penis or something?
Seriously, I’m not trying to start anything, but I just don’t get what I’m supposed to be upset about as a black woman. Could someone please explain why the gist of what he said is so horrible.
As for him using “nigga” in that context, it was yet another example of a white person who thinks they’re “down” trying to use the word in an “intellectual” way. It didn’t offend me or make me angry, it just makes me feel embarrassed for him. I know I’m not a “nigga”.
I don’t think he’s a racist, I think he’s off his rocker. If that interview didn’t read as crazy, then I don’t know what mentally unstable is.
I don’t know, I just can’t get outraged over some unoffensive bullshit couched in nasty language by a crackpot who can’t handle celebrity.
Seriously, can someone please explain the outrage over this.
What’s “white girl crazy”?
Remember back when Left Eye was alive and she burnt that dude’s house? That’s considered “white girl crazy,” the type of antics that’s normally attributed to white women who are bonkers.
Cutting yourself is also an example of “white girl crazy”
Sorry Afrobella, you never said Ben Harper was white, but one of the comments suggested that you were promoting “better white boys” despite pictures you have above of Ben Harper. I probably should’ve thrown in an @ to address that specific commentor.
I wonder who will write our generation’s “Mad at Miles.” It will probably be called “Done with Dre” or something like that.
Ok, when I heard bits and pieces of the details of the interview on the news and elsewhere, I was like what the f? But, when I actually read the interview in its entirety, I had a totally different perspective.
Throughout the interview he constantly talks about how much he loves Jennifer A & has respect for her & how he is protective of her. I personally thought he spoke highly of his ex. He also interrupts himself when he was talking about Jessica because he was concerned about how Jennifer would feel about him talking about another woman in that way(sexually). Then he goes on to say how he was addicted to Jessica Simpson and the sex was off the chain. Aside from yes its kissing & telling, what’s so bad about that? Honestly,I wouldn’t be offended if my ex told the world that he was addicted to me sexually & it was the bomb(but, on second thought, that would kinda make me sound like a freak, huh? so maybe not..) excuse me, I’m rambling like John…anyway, I also think everybody knew exactly what he was talking about when he said “white girl crazy” because I sure did. Kerry Washington has also gone on record to say that she has struggled with an eating disorder which is also something that “typically” White girls/women struggle with. And that’s not to say we(Black) don’t, because some do.He said that those women were gorgeous and hot to him,but he normally prefers White women. Still not offended. I prefer Black men but I also used to jokingly refer to John Mayer as my white boyfriend because I thought he was cute. I think its because he used the word racist-and hello people, he was trying to be funny by saying his d is racist cause he prefers White women. I guess my p is racist then. I do think it was in bad taste for him to be so public about his exes but it was Playboy – arent you supposed to be talking about sexy secrets and details? I have to agree with Kels, much ado about nothing. As for that “nigga” and hood pass, it just sounded silly, awkward and ignorant(in the real literal sense of the word, like he just dosen’t know better)coming from him. But whose fault is it that people of different races feel they can just use words like that so commonly?
And didn’t we all know “that dude” in high school? The kinda weird one who always thought he was smarter than the teachers & everybody else for that matter, arrogantly trying to one-up them & always talking making snide, sarcastic comments about “what’s the point of high school anyway” thinking they sounded so intelligent but they really sounded dumb and typical?
I also agree with a lot of what Perspective said earlier. And by the way, I love John Mayer & 50 cent.
Oh yeah, and Ben Harper does look damn good in those pictures!
Thanks for bigging up Ben Harper! I first came across his music 10 yrs ago when I was studying abroad in France – where he is a bona fide superstar. You had me cracking up about the lack of black faces in the audience. I’ve been there too. Ben, me and a few of the other Innocent Criminals in his band chilling in a stadium… 🙂
Hey,
I know the feeling about being the only black persona in the audience, but I’ve reasoned it out like this.
It SEEMS that black folk are always busy CREATING NEW styles, but leaving the OLD ones behind, aka. BLUES, JAZZ, DISCO, R&B, MOTOWN SOUND, FUNK, HOUSE, ROCK-STEADY, etc. And then we get mad when we try out for American Idol and all sound like Chris Brown, while white folks are sounding classic like Stevie, Aretha, Marvin, Whitney, etc. We’re buying in to the stereotypes of what is “Black”.
P.S
On the John Mayer tip. He’s just another Frat boy all grown up. And if he wants to bang that old Hollywood trash, like Jennifer Anniston, go get it playa. But the Hood Pass? F Dat.
His ass needs to insert foot back in mouth or ass, and shut the hell up.
I want to add a another artist to watch and listen to.
Michael Franti and Spearhead to me have to be 1 of the best bands to see live. He is very aware of what is going on in the world and is doing his part to help make a better way for everybody. On the other hand if you need a party banger he has that for you aswell.
Oh also regarding Ben Harper try to find if you can his cd that he did with The Blind Boys of Alabama called There Will Be Light. Talk about being taking to church.
Cutting yourself is a symptom of severe distress or depression. Black women do it too, and it’s because it’s seen as a “white thing” so many of us are afraid to seek help.
I’m sad that Amos Lee did not make the cut.