Final Post

If you haven't realized, The Young & the Blackness seems to have reached the end of its run. But, no need to fear, the end actually served as the beginning for several other blogging endeavors for some of us. You can find us at:

http://knowdaysoff.tumblr.com - (Me & Mr. Jackson's Joint blog)
http://lubeen.tumblr.com (My Blog)
http://articulatelyconfused.tumblr.com (Mr. Jackson's Blog)

I hope you all have enjoyed all that we had to offer over the past year, and I really hope you check out and closely follow our new blogs as faithfully as you have this one.

Thanks, and finally,

Pax, Amor et Musica

A Brief Respite

As my first freshman year has finally drawn to a close, I have to thank God profusely for allowing me not to lose my sanity. Yes, thats right...if it wasn't for divine intervention..i believe I would be handwritting these blogposts from a padded room on one ply toilet paper and paying a CO to smuggle them out for me. So much transpired this school year, that preceded to snap any belief I had in the idyllic college experience that I had held onto and expected to have. In short, for me at least, it is not all it is cracked up to be.

More on this subject later...

- Mr. Jackson

" My man he can speak patois, and I can speak rap star" - Nasir Jones

Ebony Eyes: The Return

Apologies for the hiatus. I had to get myself right. The regular posting will return..please believe that.

"I lost my religion and I don't apologize" - Mouthpiece

- Mr. Jackson

It's About Time

Whats going on everyone?

If you're in NYC, or presumably in any nearby states, please, PLEASE tell me you've been outside today. The weather was F@#$%^G GREAT! haha. This is what I've been waiting on. No more coats, scarves, boots, or hats. (knock on wood). Now it's time to break out the shorts, tees, dresses, skirts, shades & hats. Lay out on the grass & get ABAP (see one of our earlier posts for an explanation). Sun's out, Guns out. If you're on a campus, get your Prof/teach to hold class outside. If he/she refuses, revolt/boycott. (Just a joke. I dont want anyone blaming me for their dismissal from higher education.)

Haha, I'm having too much fun with this, but honestly, do yourself a favor and enjoy this weather. I hear its supposed to hit 80 this week. I swear my birthday is coming much earlier than usual this year. I know I'm gonna make the best of it, I hope you do to.

Song of the Day:

Common - Make My Day (Feat. Cee-Lo)

As Always,

Pax. Amor, et Musica

Slaughterhouse Is a Machine (Get Acquainted)

I really hope this isn't the first time you all are seeing these guys. If it is, I'm sure it won't be the last. If you couldn't tell by the post title, I'm talking about Slaughterhouse, a super-group (there's no more accurate title) composed of Jersey's Joe Budden, Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz, Long Beach's Crooked I and Detroit's Royce Da 5'9". Individually, each of these guys>>>>> everyone else, but together..... wow. I'll just let the music speak for itself. I'll post standout (aka my favorite) tracks by each member, then a classic group track so you guys can get properly acquainted.


Crooked I - Power 106 Freestyle Session

Royce Da 5'9" - Boom

Royce Da 5'9" - Shake This


Joell Ortiz - Call Me


Joe Budden - All of Me

Joe Budden - Dumb Out

Slaughterhouse - Cut You Loose

Slaughterhouse - Onslaught 2

Slaughterhouse - Microphone

I hope/ know you'll enjoy.

As Always,

Pax, Amor et SLAUGHTERHOUSE!!!! Musica

Hometown Love

This is generally Lubeen's department..but when something comes from my hometown of Nashua, NH..I must show love. I was in the barbershop awhile back waiting...and this dude next to me told me I looked like a friend of his. We got to talking and i learned we had more in common than I originally thought. A few months passed..and he hit me up on Facebook asking me to peep some music. I did. And...the boy goes hard. I'm not going to give you his bio...or his motivations..he is fully capable of doing so in his music, which he does well. But I will say this...He went to boarding school. His name is Aziz. And he makes music. Differently. I expect big things from this dude. He is still growing and perfecting his art form. Here at nineto5ive we appreciate progression. Show love.

"I just wanna be..." - Common

- Mr. Jackson

Emancipation of Free Thought (Get Acquainted)

I know its been a Helluva Long time since I've done one of these, but I'm back and ready to introduce you guys to some more good music. I promise that I'll try to stop being so inconsistent and return to my regular blogging activity. Forgive me? Great.

The subject of toady's Get Acquainted section is a talented artist and friend of mine, Maxxx Flair.


He's definitely talented and someone you should look out for. Click his name or the pic, and check out his blog for more music and such. Here's one of my fav. tracks of his, and not only because it's produced by my good friend Master Chef, who I will def introduce you all to later. This Track & Beat are too serious. Just click the link below, and enjoy.

Maxxx Flair - Time to Go (Prod. by Master Chef)

As Always,

Pax, Amor et Musica

Ichiban Show

Hey yall,

Now, I'm not gonna say much to introduce this other than this is a gameshow Me, Yasmin, and another group member made for our Japanese Class. It goes hard. haha Enjoy



As Always,

Pax, Amor, et Musica

The Whine Tasting.

I recently had a conversation with my father regarding some difficulties at school. Microeconomics has been handling me like an E pill on Lil' Wayne's tour bus..and it has caused undue amounts of tension in my life. Likewise, certain individuals have been pushing me into positions since my arrival on campus, and due to my late start 2 months ago, now is not an opportune time. In light of these things my father, as he often does, imparted some timely wisdom.

"Your education is your foremost priority, period. Never let anything detract or distract you from your goal."

Not that I forgot this, but a quick refresher from family Patriarch never hurts. At a new university, especially one that is bigger than I was ready for, losing sight of the goal is quite easy. It takes one class going awry; a misunderstood lecture before an exam; anything and everything can cause a slip-up in focus. How do I plan on avoiding these in the future.

1st. I pray.

2.Then, I reassess how I am going to body the next situation.

3. Approach next situation, and get busy.

4. Repeat.

" This is food for thought..you do the dishes" - Jay-Z

- Mr. Jackson