Post 3: Groupies!

Hello once again and welcome to The Ninth Planet! For today's topic, we'll be focusing our attention on "groupies" and not only what it means to be a groupie, but also the characterizations and perpetuated stereotypes which comes along with being a groupie. This will be interesting, to say the least. Not only will this be a singular blog, for starters, but it will be a continuous file for discussion. We're going to be talking about this subject for the next week or so. So, for all of you who are groupies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, don't feel bad...it's okay. We're not going to reveal your identities (mainly, because everyone knows who the fuck you are).

According to http://www.dictionary.reference.com/, the definition of a groupie is as follows. A groupie is a young person, esp. a teenage girl, who is an ardent admirer of rock musicians and may follow them on tour. But, that isn't all. The second definition of a groupie was an ardent fan of a celebrity or of a particular activity: such as a tennis groupie. Now, I am not quite familiar with the accuracy at which these definitions are compiled, but they seem to make great sense. That's just me, I don't know. But here at my school, the definition of a groupie has taken on a new found value, which is of questionable value. It's not a good thing being a groupie, or is it? Is it wrong to be an advent supporter of a group or even an individual? Is it wrong to be a fan of what a group or an individual stand for?

No, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a supporter of anything. There is nothing wrong with being a follower, as long as the leadership is legitimate and in tact without any doubt, although noone is perfect, as long as whatever or whoever one chooses to support isn't playing a role in the instability of their relationships, their personal and social lives. So, what's the big deal?

This is when being a groupie becomes a problem. The reason people have such a problem with groupies is not because of the level of attention that's given to a potential party, but it's the value of the participant. Whenever a person's character is put into question, that's when it becomes an issue for some. Although I do find following a person or a group of people around all the time quite disturbing, it can be beneficial in some ways. But this situation that I've seen so frequently reminds me of the little brother or sister who is always bugging the living shit out of the older sibling. That's just annoying as hell, and disturbing. But in colleges and universities, the term groupie is much more complex than someone who's just following someone around. Usually, when you see a groupie or know of a groupie, not only is she a follower, but a "beneficiary" of some sorts. I have my own definition of a beneficiary. It's when a groupie gives a piece of him/herself (9 times out of 10 it's a female) for the sanctity of the organization or the individual in order to increase his/her status as a person. In dumb-people terms, groupies receive little to no respect, but they're main purpose is to get fucked and get looked over! That's the harsh reality of it. Sucks, doesn't it.

Now, I'm not here to defend the plight and fashion of your typical groupie, but I do not believe that there is nothing wrong with being a groupie. If you're a fan of a football or basketball team and you follow them where ever they choose to roam, then that's okay. If someone chooses to support someone or something because of certain beliefs or some specialized entity, then I'm not going to knoch their hustle. All I'm saying is this; when you make yourself just an object and you do things out of character for the sake of someone else, then that's when it becomes an issue. Don't take yourself out of your morals and personal character - it's not cool at all.

Basically, if you're hanging out with someone or a particular group not just for the sake of friendship, but to receive something from them, then that's trifling and insignificant. If you're having sex or giving up any part of yourself to increase status, then that's ignorant and dangerous (not to mention the feelings get involved - unless you don't have any, then...) within itself.

Feel free to post. If I've missed anything, or if there is anything that is quite unclear, let me know.

Post 2: The Greatest MC Ever!

Okay, since I'm in the library doing some studying, I might as well do another post. Now, I must let you all know that I'm still sort of new to the blog thing, but since the ventilation juices are flowing, might as well squeeze a few oranges (get it?). Anywho, so the weirdest thing happened to me today. I was sitting at the computer chatting with random friends of mines on http://www.facebook.com/ and as I was talking to them, I happen to sneak on http://www.imeem.com/ and peep out the new track by my favorite Rap/Hip-Hop artist of all time...Jay-Z! The new track he has is called "Brooklyn (We Go Hard)"...no homo. The track is outrageous, by the way. The beat is mellow, but the lyrics are amazing. Kind of reminds me of the old Hova (nickname) that I used to know. Just personal opinion, nothing more, nothing less. And as I was listening to the track, my mind begin to wonder and I asked myself, 'Why is he NOT the greatest of all time?' To my surprise, I was able to come up with one reason (yeah, what a hell of a surprise that was). My reason for him NOT being one of the greatest of all times was simply this. He's too damn cocky.

Now, before my fellow Jay-Z fans throw my big ass under the bus, let me explain ('twould be a tough time throwing my big ass under the bus, but I digress). If you're a real Jay-Z fan, you'd understand where I'm coming from. He's one cocky bastard! But that is why we love Jay-Z as a person and as a musician. Sometimes as a fan of his music, you begin to feel as though he's lost his sense of direction and that he's stepped outside of his element as far as rap music is concerned. Every artist has his flaws, but when people hold you to a high standard of being a real lyricist, you have to come correct. I've always known Jay-Z through his lyrics as being the cocky bastard we've all come to know and love, but you have to examine his consistency of flow and charisma in and out. C'mon, let's be real for a minute. After 'The Black Album' was released, the nigga fell off a bit. I was listening to his freestyles afterwards and I was amazed that after his "retirement", he was still able to maintain that thrill and patternization in his concepts and metaphors. But then, it happened! This nigga came out with 'Kingdom Come' and I thought his career came to an abrupt end! Great introduction Jay, but the follow-through? Seriously.

On another note, I really do think Jay-Z is by far one of the most talented, brightest and realistically down-to-earth rap artist since 2Pac to ever pick up a microphone. But one would have to admit that he's cocky and that type of presence in hip-hop music could keep him from maintaining the throne which has been recently given to him (not that MTV would know anything about hip-hop, but c'mon, who's better?). And who knows, we may even see a return of Iceberg Slimm (yeah, that Reasonable Doubt shit, what ya'll know about it?) but until then, we'll have to wait.

Feel free to comment, and no hating! The last thing I would want in my blog subscriptions is a hater!

Post 1: Welcome

Hello, I would like to welcome all visitors to my blogspot. I'm new to the blogspot thing, so bear with me. I guess I should use this blog to tell people a little bit about myself. I'm Justin J. Cunningham and I'm originally from Charlotte, NC although I spent the majority of my life living on another planet (some country folk call it Shelby, NC...but that's a differen't story, I digress). I'm 21 years of age and I weigh a lot (which is no need to discuss how much I weigh, but I'm in the Big People Club of America). To be completely honest with you all who are viewing this blogspot, there isn't anything too special about me. And I say that because some people find me cool and easy to get along with, but it serves absolutely no justice for you guys if you've never met me in person, correct? Exactly. So, it's one thing to sit here and list every adjective in the thesaurus (hope I spelled that correctly) that could adequately describe me as a person, but it's another thing to just meet me. Now, if you're viewing this blog from San Jose, California or some small town like Junction, Texas, then I would highly suggest for you not to come all the way to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit me (unless you're that big of a fan, but then again, I may have to call the cops).

Oh, now here's the part that tends to throw people off (they act so surprised when I tell them this), but I happen to be a BLACK MAN! You would've never guessed that shit by reading the first paragraph. I'm a virtuous, yet intelligent, nigga! And I use the term "nigga" vehemently and profusely, so get with the program. And no, white people, you can't say it! Sorry about that, the He-Man Nigger Lovers Club is looking into changing that rule, so until then, you can't say it. Damn, just let it go!

{I'm just kidding, I tend to joke a lot. I'm not that ignorant.}

Anyway, that's all I would like to say for now. I will be posting some more blogs in the immediate future. Look forward to hearing from people in the future. I'm also somewhat of an expert in giving great advice, and you know what, I'm even better at receiving great advice and utilizing it...

Amazing, isn't it?

See you guys later, thank you!



Justin J. Cunningham a.k.a. Loyalty