I’ve had a crazier week than normal, so I have been a bit more forgetful than usual. For example, I was on NPR’s News and Notes blogger’s roundtable on Monday, and I completely forgot to post it and let you all know. Mea culpa. Please click here if you’d like to hear my two cents about the latest Jena 6 drama, Cynthia McKinney’s indie campaign, black history month, and the Grammys.

And I must admit, I didn’t answer that last Grammy question well because I hadn’t yet seen Kanye’s performance. To be really real with you, when Farai asked me the last question I was thinking … huh? Whaa? I was so unsure. Instead of watching the Grammy Awards all the way through the night before, I was flipping channels. I did catch the Foos, but all I really wanted to see was Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner (who looked so fabulous! More on that later), and Aretha Franklin, who Fresh called out proper. I mean no disrespect intended to the Queen of Soul here, but… does Aretha have a stylist in her current employ? Cause it might be time to put an ad out on Craigslist. First new rule — just say NO to spaghetti straps. Aretha, call me. I’ll get you a flattering dress with soft, ruffly short kimono-type sleeves and a v-neck that doesn’t plunge down to THERE. Especially for a gospel medley. Good googly moogly.

Back to Kanye. Now that I’ve seen his Grammy performance, I definitely think Kanye was better than the Foo Fighters. It was touching and heartfelt in a way that the Foos bombastic, orchestral performance couldn’t be. Kanye’s that artist who has laid himself so open to the world, you feel like you know him. He annoys the bejesus out of me sometimes with his cocky attitude and constant self aggrandizement — I was literally cringing during the first moments of his awkward acceptance speech. But he pulled it together, finished on a strong and touching note, and delivered a phenomenal performance IMO.

I mean, damn. If that doesn’t make the backs of your eyes prickle with tears, I don’t know what will. So in retrospect, I give it up. You killed it, Kanye. You made your fans, and your mama very, very proud.

COMMENTS

Mrs.Mckinzie says:

February 14, 2008, 6:26 am

I just love Kaye,and I admire the way he held it together .I would have probably fell apart if it was me.I love my momma,and I thank God that she is still with us.

Mrs.Mckinzie says:

February 14, 2008, 6:27 am

I meant to say Kanye.

Melinda says:

February 14, 2008, 10:59 am

Kanye may be cocky; but he's confident and that speaks volumes for a black man. Especially today. Not to say that Kanye is on Muhummed Ali status, but Ali was volumes more cockier than Kanye back in the day and now every body and their Mama worship the ground that Muhammad Ali walks on. I just think people aren't used to seeing a black man have total confidence in himself and his capabilities and people find fault with that. Also the man (Kanye) was in a near death car accident and because of that he chooses to speak his privilege and his own truth. Living HIS life like it's golden. He may not be the most humblest; but that does come with age and maturity; but thank GOD he's brought something to the vapidness of today's Hip-Hop.

Nerd Girl says:

February 14, 2008, 11:36 am

I am so not with it. The only two songs by KW I know are "Jesus Walks" and "Golddigger." And neither of them seem overly cocky - are his lyrics cocky, his personna, or both? I'm going to have the let the golden oldies station go and get with the times :)

Los Angelista says:

February 14, 2008, 12:58 pm

I'm debating buying tickets to see him in LA -- on sale in an hour. I thought his performance was fab. My sister is on eastern time and called me up crying after it. She was really moved and told me to make sure to catch his performance. I would love for him to be more humble because humility is always a good thing in a person. But, his cocky attitude is alright by me since he actually has the talent to back it up.

afrobella says:

February 14, 2008, 1:00 pm

I feel like the worst blogger today.... I have a big V-Day post that I didn't have time to put up before work! Forgive me, bellas. I'll be giving you my Valentine product recommendations late in the day. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

StAr says:

February 14, 2008, 1:15 pm

Hi Bella, I wanted to thank-you for including the vid of Kanye...I really enjoyed seeing it again.....I am so proud of him, he is a very strong man and he's growing each and everyday.....

Funkyblackchick says:

February 14, 2008, 2:26 pm

LMAO @ Googly Moogly! Someone help the Queen of Soul, ASAP!! She's been a fashion victim for decades now! STOP THE INSANITY, ARETHA!!! Kanye's speech did bring tears to my eyes! I can't wait to see him in concert.

Los Angelista says:

February 14, 2008, 3:16 pm

I caved and bought the Kanye tickets. Your post pushed me over the edge! Seeing him in LA on 4/21!

Pink Bella says:

February 14, 2008, 8:20 pm

The Grammy's went completely over my head this year! But thank you so much for sharing this Kanye performance. It not only tickled the back of my throat, but I have actually gotten misty (the 3rd time today - Valentine's just isn't the day for me). Oh and I L-O-V-E this new layout!!! It is HAUTE!

Shazza says:

February 15, 2008, 2:31 pm

Melinda expressed my feelings about Kanye perfectly. I enjoy him, he's one of the few rappers whose CDs I actually buy. I was on another blog that called his Grammy antics-telling the band to stop playing-'playing the dead mother' card! The blogger was white and therefore just didn't get the black man's love for his mother, the fact that she was his biggest supporter, taught him to believe in himself and that it's just been a few months since she passed. He's STILL grieving!!! Hell, I lost my mother 3 years ago and I still grieve for her!