The Town (2010)

There used to be a time where it seemed like Ben Affleck couldn't catch a break in Hollywood, but fast forward years later and it's almost as if he took the scenic route towards respectability.

Taking a page out of Clint Eastwood's playbook, Affleck went behind the camera for 2007's "Gone Baby Gone" and not only garnered praise for his directorial debut but, in the process, proved that he had more to offer than we had thought.

But let's be honest. At the end of the day it was still Ben Affleck and people were going to have an opinion one way or another; but with "The Town", Affleck proves definitively that he's a force to be reckoned with and what he delivers here on screen is damn near cinematic gold.

Quite the compliment considering this is only the second film he's directed, but Affleck just has a knack for surrounding himself with the right material/actors and that's what makes "The Town" so unique. Not enough can be said about the performances here as they are key in this film; and as much of it is Affleck as a director to capture that, he does it with such ease that it really brings out the best in everybody involved.

The same can be said for the film's story. Not only is it as gripping as say "The Departed", but its sharp attention to detail and its gritty portrayal of the conflict between these cops and robbers (so to speak) will, surely, grip the viewer all the way through until the bloody end.

Without giving anything away, "The Town" is one of those films you just have to see for yourself. But, to be fair, no movie is perfect. The 123 minutes of running time made the film overly long, but not so much that it felt as if a frame of that was wasted. Every second is essential in its own, unique way and, in the end, "The Town" makes for quite the stay. If not, for one of the better movies of 2010.

Rating: 4 ½ inkblots out of 5

Nicki Minaj × Complex

Nicki Minaj is the Black Lady Gaga.

¤ Little Miss Sunshine Pt. 2 ¤

Have you ever had one of those "every song on the radio is about her" kind of moments that make you stop and think about what you once had, yet somehow let slip through your fingers? Well, that's exactly how I feel right about now and this quote is the only thing I [seemingly] have left to hold on to.

"The one will pursue you, not make you prove your worth to them"

An inconvenient truth for me, I'll admit, simply because I feel as though a majority of the blame rests on my shoulders. Still, you can only make excuses for yourself for so long. After a while the truth will eventually start to sink in and it didn't hit me until a year or so ago when she and I had met for the first time (in person) in almost a year.

What can I say? She was as beautiful as I had remembered and just to see her standing there was enough for me to remember the way things used to be. To say those were happier times would be an understatement but the thing I find interesting is how perfectly blind we become when it comes to matters of love. No, I'm not saying that we were in love with one another; (technically we never formally dated to be completely honest) but what I will say is that a missed opportunity can resonate deeper than some of us will ever know.

God broke the mold when he made her and, admittedly, I've never lost sight of that. Besides, for someone as beautiful as her to be a part of my life is more than I could ever imagine and, truthfully speaking, she was the girl of my dreams. The only difference was, she was real.

Why I didn't realize it then was a mistake on my part and the last thing I should've done was to allow her to walk away. Do I regret it? Yes, in hindsight it was a bad decision, especially when considering these feelings that I continue to still have; but it allowed me to learn to take advantage of what I have while it's right there in front of me because a good woman, truly, comes a dime a dozen.

Be that as it may, I guess I just want her to know that the love and support that I have for her will always be unconditional. She'll always be someone I care for and, (*name removed*), I mean that with all my heart and to the depths of my soul.

-T.I.-

Trey Songz | Passion, Pain & Pleasure

Trey Songz has to be one of the more intriguing artists when it comes to Male R&B. Not because he's only now just getting his just due, but more so because NONE of his albums have ever gone platinum.

Albeit his last effort, "Ready", was perfectly fine tuned for the radio, its moderate success on the Billboard charts would suggest a star that's still not ready to take that next step and it makes you wonder as to why the release of another album would be this rushed.

Which is a shame. It's never been a matter of talent when it comes to Trey because, clearly, his growth from album to album can be heard in his vocals. "Ready", by far, has been his most complete album to date and now more than ever, Trey Songz has become a household name.

But is that any reason enough to try and "strike while the iron is hot" so to speak. I say no and so does "Passion, Pain & Pleasure" as an album.

First thing's first, "Passion, Pain & Pleasure" is unlike anything Trey Songz has ever done. Gone is that perfect balance he's had on his last few albums and, instead, it's as if he stripped away everything except "sex". Don't get me wrong, I understand by the title of the album as to what it's supposed to be about; but to make a whole album about all the emotions that come along with "sex" shows a sign of immaturity if you ask me.

I've never been much of a fan of this TV show/album set up that BET has had a hand in, as well, but a critic will be a critic, I suppose, and the point I'm trying to make is that more could've been done with this album had Trey taken his time. Take, for instance, the set up.

The alcohol induced "Bottoms Up" featuring Nicki Minaj was the perfect choice to go with as the lead single but, sadly, nothing much else comes close to it on the album. Not even the Drake assisted "Unusual". The only thing of note are a few power ballads here and there ("Love Faces", "Can't Be Friends", "Please Return My Call", and "Made To Be Together"), but there are points on the album where the subject matter becomes repetitive and that's saying a lot coming from a Trey Songz album.

Those bright spots aside, this album will not do anything to help Trey progress as an artist. Weak subject matter and a poorly put together concept waters down "Passion, Pain & Pleasure" and only true fans of Trey will appreciate what he has to say here. Not that that's a bad thing; but for it to be his moment (as his television show on BET would suggest), he shies away from the limelight and, instead, fades into the background.

Rating: 6.0 headphones out of 10

¤ Sweet Äs Ðêvil's FððÐ: The Forbidden Fruit Chronicles Pt. 1 ¤

Having a crush on someone you know you can't have has to be one of the worst feelings in world. Trust me, I know. But it's not like working with them makes it any easier...

Therein lies the catch-22 I'm faced with and it seems like I really have no other place to turn to for answers. Besides, every scenario that plays out in my head seems to end the same way and the last thing I would want to do is create an uncomfortable situation (for the both of us) should she not have the same feelings as I do.

Which she probably doesn't knowing my luck but, still, I've learned quite a few lessons from past experiences and to say that I'm a little reserved when it comes to matters of the heart towards co-workers would be an understatement.

It's bad enough these same problems are carrying over to where I work now but the one thing about love is, you can't help who you like. Especially in my case. When I fall, I usually fall hard and, before I know it, it becomes one of those "here we go again" type deals.

But something about this seems different. Forbidden almost in the sense that I want what I know I can't have.

Next to rejection, it's one of the worst feelings in the world and it's not so much the "wanting" that makes it so bad; it's the "wondering". It's all the "what if" and constant back and forth that you exchange with that person that makes you want them even more. The only question is, are the risks greater than the reward?

It puts you in a position to play devil's advocate when you really think about it because, either way you decide to play it, nobody wins when it comes to interoffice romances. The two of you could never really enjoy it (unless you have a really strong foundation) without everybody being in your business and, for that reason alone, I guess that's the only thing really holding me back. That and the unbridled fear of rejection that I tend to have when it comes to things of this nature.

But still I stand here at a fork in the road; questioning whether I should (or shouldn't) indulge in something as sweet as the devil's food. To do so would bring pleasure momentarily, I suppose, but what about everything else that would come along with it? Am I really ready for that kind of responsibility? Am I really ready to learn how to deal?

Maybe if I play my cards right everything will fall into place on its own but, even then, that would require me to make a deal with the devil...

Here goes nothing, I suppose...

-T.I.-

[Author's Note]
I started writing this some time in January so parts of it are no longer relevant. I just figured it would be a shame to let such a fine piece of literature go to waste. Besides, I really liked the way I tied everything to my "Sweet As Devil's Food" theme. I couldn't word it exactly how I wanted to per say, but I think I was ambiguous enough to get my point across. Don't you?

Guess what? No More Bush! | The Kinky Kim Filthy Love Doll

[Click images for larger view]

Kim Kardashian is in an uproar over this but, really, I can't understand why. Other celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Snooki (of all people) have had a sex doll made in their likeness; so, in a way, you can almost consider it a compliment. Besides, isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

Apparently not, but the resemblance is quite canny if you ask me. But my thing is, how can someone like Kim be upset when we've already seen her naked? She's the one that CHOSE to pose for Playboy and wasn't she the same one that swapped "love juices" with Ray J.? My point exactly.

Nicki Minaj Covers OUT Magazine

Nicki Minaj is an enigma. There's no other way to put it, in my opinion, but, still, I'm curious to see how/if any of this will pay off come 11.23.10

That's the day her long-awaited debut album, "Pink Friday", is slated to hit the shelves and to say that the future of women in Hip-Hop is depending on Nicki's success is an understatement.

Besides, the way I see it is that if someone with as much buzz as Nicki can't sell records; then what are the chances that another up-and-coming female M.C. ever will? The closest thing we have to a dominant, female M.C. is Trina, but even she had to turn pop in order to sell.

Which explains why Nicki has toned down all her sexual innuendo/metaphors. Sure, sex always sells hands down; but Nicki is an incredibly dope artist when she wants to be (listen to her verse on "Monster" if you don't believe me) and I just have the feeling that "Pink Friday" will be one hell of a piece of work. Especially with Young Money being behind the project all the way.

In the meantime, Nicki is featured on the cover of this month's OUT Magazine. Do yourself a favor and go pick up a copy when it hits newsstands later this month.

[Click here to view additional pics from the photo shoot]

KiD CuDi × Complex

In my opinion, KiD CuDi is one of the dopest up-and-coming M.C.'s and the last thing Hip-Hop needs is a beef between him and Wale. Truthfully speaking, Hip-Hop has never been as unified as it is now and to just see these two ignite beef over something as small as a verbal jab is just nonsense. Besides, what Wale said in his "Thank You" freestyle was nothing to take offense to; but somehow or another, KiD CuDi lived up to his alias of Mr. Rager and took offense to it and is really talking reckless with some of the excerpts I read from this upcoming issue of Complex Magazine. Needless to say, Wale responded moments after this hit the internet (via twitter) and I guess a war of words have been set in motion. Where things go from here is beyond me but, personally, I say they just squash all this and, instead, focus on making "G.O.O.D" music. Pun intended.

On a brighter note, "Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager" is set to hit stores this November.

Why Porn Stars Shouldn't Be Rappers [The Pinky Edition]

I'm not going to sit here and pretend like I've never watched a porno before, but is it just me or is there a lot of porn stars that are trying to be rappers all of a sudden? First Brian Pumper and now Pinky?!?! Be that as it may, I'm more of a fan of what Pinky does in the bedroom rather than what she's doing here, but I just felt like I had to post this because it's really not all that bad. Seriously. The only thing that would've make this video even better is if she was naked the whole time. Misogynistic I know but, chances are, you were thinking the same thing. I just had the balls to say it.

[UPDATE]: Looks like my prayers have been answered. Click here to view. NSFW.

Devil (2010)

Whatever magic M. Night Shyamalan used to capture "The Sixth Sense" seems lost almost as, nowadays, his films are met with more precarity than curiosity. Sure, "Unbreakable" was unique enough to stand on its own; but it's no secret as to why "Signs", "The Village", "Lady in the Water", and the God awful train wreck that was "The Happening" has made a lot of people question whether Shyamalan will ever be anything more than just a "one-trick pony".

Which is sad when you really think about it. For a person to be as talented as he is, the ugly stigma that's been given to him is the "Shyamalan twist" and it's damn near impossible to ignore whenever you watch one of his movies. You're always going to question when that ONE moment is going to come (a' la "The Sixth Sense") but, with "Devil", that moment never does. And, for that, I think it's a sign towards a step in the right direction. Either that, or redemption.

Nevertheless, it's not to say that this film doesn't have its fair share of twists and turns. Shyamalan's unique take on the supernatural is something I've marveled at for quite some time now and I think it's the one thing that keeps people interested in his films. No other filmmaker is as masterful when it comes to this particular brand of art and this is why "Devil" works in so many ways.

For instance, take the simple premise of five strangers being trapped in an elevator. The emotional weight of the film is dependent upon the audience to be intrigued as to which of the characters is more than they appear to be and, indeed, this is done as elegantly as it possibly could. Every word and/or action by each character can easily be looked at with an ulterior motive and, up until the final reveal, the action both inside and out of the elevator is crafted well enough to tie the story all together.

The only question, however, is will it be enough to pull people in to see it. M. Night's name being attached to any project would bring a lot of skepticism to it (think "The Last Airbender", for example) but the fact that this was NOT directed by Shyamalan should be dually noted. It was only produced by him and I think it was smart on his part to allow someone else to interpret his vision for a change.

Ultimately, "Devil" will not jump start an otherwise stale, horror movie genre; but one thing it will do is help in re-establishing the M. Night Shyamalan brand. This, by far, is his most complete work to date since "Unbreakable" and just like that film, this, too, is nothing more than a good ol' battle between good and evil. Just with a little bit of "faith" thrown in.

Rating: 3 inkblots out of 5

¤ Hip-Hop "Saved" My Life ¤

In a time where capitalism has become an unspoken religion, the pursuit of the almighty dollar is not as elusive as it once was. Self-made entrepreneurs are burgeoning for big business, but none more than those who have a pension for rap.

Yes, even I, too, have had this dream at one time or another but, eventually, reality sinks in past a certain age. Would I love to live the "Hip-Hop lifestyle" for a day? Sure, who wouldn't? But bear in mind that beyond the girls, cars, and clothes lies a naked truth that people rarely get to see. Simply put it's called relevance.

It can never be overstated as to how highly competitive Hip-Hop is as a genre of music; therefore, the lifespan of a rapper can only be compared to that of a running back in the NFL. Plain and simple, a rapper is only as hot as his last hit. The unfortunate thing about it, however, is that the misguided message being sent to our youth would suggest otherwise and therein lies the root of the problem.

Far be it from me, but Hip-Hop just seems overly populated. Everybody wants to rap these days and instead of embracing individuality, too many people sound the same.

Now, I could understand how you admire someone as your favorite rapper, but admiration and emulation are two different things. So many people get the two confused and I think that's why we have a lot of "comparisons" in Hip-Hop. You always hear "this guy sounds like this guy" or "this guy sounds like that guy". Never "this guy sounds different".

It's refreshing almost when you do hear it but even that comes few and far between. Is it a product of complacency? Yes and no, I suppose; but, if you ask me, I think the problem is more with the bullshit music we accept as Hip-Hop.

Gucci Mane, for example, is not Hip-Hop. Even he would tell you that himself. The thing is, he's smart enough to know what's going to sell records and he capitalizes off it. He doesn't try to be something he's not (lyrical), yet the strong following that he has could care less. They absolutely love his watered down music and, admittedly, I guess a part of me does too.

But only in moderation. Real Hip-Hop music has meaning. It has definition. It has soul. Today's music lacks all three of these basic components and I blame that on the 50 Tyson/YouTube generation that we live in. Like it or not, we're all one "Pants on the Ground" hit away from being the next big thing. My only question is, what's going to happen when things eventually fade to black?

To Be Continued...

¤ ATTENTION! Deficit ¤

"Women need attention therefore women will complain
Develop hatred for men and swear that you're the one to blame"--Drake

Women are hard to please...Of course this is something I learned a long time ago but, lately, I'm starting to notice more and more how true this statement really is. Perfect example, take this girl I was talking to recently..

Now, I know I may not be the most attentive person in the world but, sometimes, the expectations women have on men as far as wanting/needing attention are a little unrealistic if you ask me. Especially if things are still at that in between stage.

It makes things awkward almost if things don't work out between the two of you, but I guess it's all about finding that perfect balance. I don't mind showing you attention, but when it becomes obsessive and you feel like you need attention 24/7, then we have a problem.

Nobody needs that much attention and I think that's what's wrong with a lot of relationships nowadays. Don't get me wrong. Communication plays an important part/key to a healthy relationship, but is it possible to have too much of a good thing? That's the question I've been back and forth about as I write this and the answer is a resounding yes. Allow me to explain...

In the 24 years that I've lived, never once have I attracted a woman by showering her with attention. In fact, it's been quite the opposite. Women tend to respond when you treat them like shit and the sad thing is, a lot of 'em like it. How else would you explain a lot of the relationship drama you see on facebook/twitter? It's like clockwork almost with the status updates some of you women post when it comes to problems in your relationships but then, as if it was somehow by magic, things are all patched up by the end of the day. See my point?

This whole "battle of the sexes" is psychological. Nobody really has an advantage and, quite frankly, I, for one, am through in trying to gain the upper hand.

And to think...YOU and I could've been together too...

Brittany Dailey × Estevan Oriol × T.I.T.S

¤ Fireworks ¤

In the grand scheme of things, I suppose this is how I always envisioned my return to the world of blogging. Not a whisper. Not a hint. Not even an over-the-top, "look I'm back" campaign to inform "you" people. Instead, my return is met as quiet as it was when I first started and I, for one, could not be any more pleased to be back doing what I love most. That being, expressing myself through words and space.

Truth be told, it seems like it's been forever since I last poured my heart into something meaningful. Distractions such as school, work, women, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have gotten the best of me but, still, my heart has always been attached to The Faded Ink.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I helped mold it into something I felt had the potential to be as big/informative as all these other blogs and, at first, I swear the dedication I had to this whole thing was unmatched. I literally poured everything I had into making this the best blog I possibly could but, somewhere along the way, I got sidetracked and began to doubt my abilities as a writer.

For that I blame Troy University. Instead of making me a better writer, it made me question why I even picked up a pen in the first place and that's one of the scariest things to do when it comes to mastering your craft. Besides, they say raw, natural talent is something you can't harvest and, trust me, I learned a long time ago how good of a writer I am and I'll be damned if anybody says different.

But, is that any reason to justify quitting? Yes and no, I suppose. Again, truth be told, I never wanted to walk away from The Faded Ink. I just felt that in order to comply to the standards that were being put on me by Troy University, I had to relinquish the firm grip I had on being opinionated and, in doing so, I also lost a part of me. Not so much a part of me that didn't still have a passion to write but, more so, a part of me that felt compelled to. Everything at that point and time became "work" to me and I've never been that kind of writer. I'm more of a "whatever interests me" type of journalist and Troy University just wasn't having any of that.

So I quit...

Temporarily, of course. I'm debating as to whether I want to go back or not (considering I'm this close to graduating), but a part of me is hesitant because I'm afraid I'll lose and have to find my love for writing all over again. I guess the only thing I can liken it to is the movie "(500) Days of Summer" and for those that have seen it, then I think you can kind of follow as to where I'm going with this. If not, then I understand your confusion, too.

The point is, seasons change. As do emotions and, right now, I'm at a point where I really want to stretch beyond my imagination and grow as a writer. Whether I succeed is ultimately up to me. So as I close, rest assured that The Faded Ink will live on through me. I started this with a purpose and it will continue to live on with meaning. Failure is not an option. Never has been. Never will be.

"This time I'm really going off...fireworks."--Drake

-T.I.-