WE HAVE MOVED!

2008-02-20T08:08:23Z

Thanks for visiting the D-Nice Journal. You can now find us at www.blog.d-nice.com

Toni Morrison's Letter to Barack Obama

2008-02-13T22:59:44Z

Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.

May I describe to you my thoughts?

I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."

]]> In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.

When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?
Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.
Good luck to you and to us.

Toni Morrison

Yes We Can

2008-02-10T18:15:43Z

My Super Bowl 2008 Experience

2008-02-06T16:07:40Z

]]> Here's a photo recap from Super Bowl Weekend 2008.

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THURSDAY: Vitamin Water Presents: 50's Ping Pong Tournament. Music by D-Nice & Hosted by Doug E. Fresh

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SATURDAY: The Ray Lewis Fitness Challenge - Music by D-Nice

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SATURDAY NIGHT: Sports Illustrated Presents: Club S.I. - Music by D-Nice & Performance by The Roots

ABOVE: Black Thought of The Roots is truly a great emcee.

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SUNDAY: The Main Event: Super Bowl Sunday with the Sports Illustrated Crew

ABOVE: Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em

ABOVE: The Mens room line! No more beer for me!

THE GIANTS WIN!

Barack Obama at Ebenezer Baptist Church

2008-01-21T22:25:45Z

D-Nice TV Presents: Swizz Beatz Live

2007-11-21T02:05:44Z

Swizz Beatz performing "It's Me Bitches" live at the Remy Martin event in New York City.

Drive By Shooting: Capetown

2007-11-16T19:14:15Z

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D-Nice TV Presents: True Hip-Hop Stories - YZ

2007-11-15T02:07:37Z

I had the chance to interview golden era rapper YZ and discuss the making of his late 80's classic recording "Thinking Of A Master Plan". We also touched on family life and how he's coping with being legally deaf.

D-Nice TV Presents: True Hip-Hop Stories - BlackSheep

2007-11-05T10:35:27Z

I had the chance to sit with Blacksheep member Dres and discuss with him the making of their classic recording "The Choice Is Yours (This or That)". Continue reading to view the images and watch the new webisode of "D-Nice Presents: True Hip-Hop Stories // Blacksheep.

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Mary J. Blige : South Africa

2007-10-31T16:42:36Z

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D-Nice Presents: Echoes of Africa

2007-10-29T19:29:29Z

Drive By Shooting: Johannesburg

2007-10-16T21:59:27Z

It's been a while since I've last blogged. Today, I'm going to do what I do best and speak to you with my images. Here's the deal... I was asked by Mary J. Blige and her husband Kendu to join them on a trip to South Africa. I accepted their invitation. We left Los Angeles on Sunday night, and after being en-route for nearly 24 hours, we finally arrived in Johannesburg yesterday. As soon as we checked into the hotel, I dropped off my luggage, grabbed the cameras, and wasted no time starting my journey through the streets of Joburg. What I experienced has totally changed my life. At the end of the trip I will write a more detailed recap of my journey.

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People I Know III

2007-10-10T13:12:23Z

ABOVE: Kid Rock

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ABOVE: Common

ABOVE: Common

ABOVE: Mary J. Blige

ABOVE: Zab Judah & Kid Rock

ABOVE: Jonathan Mannion & Derek Luke

ABOVE: Evil D

ABOVE: Stephon Marbury

ABOVE: Kurtis Blow

ABOVE: Kid Rock & I

D-Nice TV Presents: Big Daddy Kane & The Roots

2007-10-08T05:06:34Z

Leica M8 Photoblog (14): Chamillionaire

2007-07-23T03:56:13Z

One of the things I love most about being D-Nice is that I have access to so many people. I met Chamillionaire a few months ago and found him to be one of the most charismatic rappers I've met in a long time. Even when his #1 record "Ridin' Dirty" was all over the charts, he still showed a bit of humility. When fellow photographer and friend Jonathan Mannion told me that he was photographing Cham for the cover of the Source, I had to be there to document the session.

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