Urban Thought Collective

So early last week, as I’m working on the topic for this week’s column, my girl IM’s me and basically says that she wants to go eat at Carraba’s. I’m like, well that’s possible, but only if I can figure out a topic for the column and come up with five videos within the next hour or so. She immediately suggests that I should write about “why she is so great.” I chuckled and said OK, but give me five videos. So she gave me five videos. Then I was like, “Well, damn.” Now I’m thinking that this could be a pretty cool topic for the column. Plus she absolutely loved the idea, which is great for me. So I decided to flip it a bit, and chose five videos that reflect certain qualities I find endearing in women. And wouldn’t you know? My little Angel just so happens to exhibit them all. And let the church say “Awwwwwwww.” Lol. Anyway, on to the videos!

Q-TIP | “VIVRANT THING”
“Sweeter than Ben & Jerry.” Looks are not everything. OK, if a chick looks like Grimace, then maybe looks ARE everything. If anyone knows someone that looks like Grimace, I apologize…sort of, but not really. Anyway, I couldn’t imagine spending quality time with someone I didn’t find attractive. I don’t care how well she can hook up a ham sandwich (see down below) she better, at least, be cute in the eyes of the beholder. Now if she just so happens to have a mega-watt smile and really nice “back pockets,” then a Merry Christmas you shall have. So maybe I’m teensy bit shallow. I have good intentions. Promise.

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST | “JAZZ (WE GOT) BUGGIN OUT”
“So low key that you probably missed it, but yet it’s so wild…” This will come as no surprise, but Tribe was quite brilliant. I love how they essentially said, “You can’t pigeonhole us,” with this video. First we get the smooth laid back vibe of Jazz (We Got). It kind of makes you want to snuggle up on the couch and watch Y&R episodes. (Victor’s still alive? WTF?!?) Then, out of the blue, they hit us off with Buggin Out. And it’s all up tempo, vibrant colors, crazy editing, and freaky eyewear. It kind of makes you want to hit the club, pound about 40 Lemon drops, scream at the DJ, and act a damn fool. Life is all about balance. Thanks for showing us that, guys.

GOODIE MOB | “SOUL FOOD”
“A heaping helping of fried chicken, macaroni & cheese…” Say that sh*t Cee-Lo. Say it! Being raised in the south, you just get used to being around women who can throw down in the kitchen. But recently, I’ve run into a BUNCH of women that don’t know how to cook. Don’t you know you’re going to be a grandmother some day? When your grandson asks you for some biscuits, you gonna send him to Popeyes? Like my boy Smooth said, “You better holla at your mom, auntie, or cousin.” Don’t get me wrong. I can burn (in a good way) in the kitchen. Trust me. Ask about my Low Country Rice, if you ain’t heard. But I don’t want to do the cooking everyday. Come on ladies. Help us fellas out. Please. Don’t make us beg. Seriously. I have a bad left knee. It could get ugly.

LL COOL J | “BACKSEAT OF MY JEEP”
I actually drive a jeep and…well…yeah…about that…let’s just say…ummm…moving on to the next video. 

NWA | “EXPRESS YOURSELF”
“I got knowledge and other suckas lack it.” First. An NWA song with no profanity? Oh boy, that Spielberg’s something else. Digressing…I’m a bit of a geek, as anyone who knows me can attest. And being the geek I am; I love a good philosophical debate. I’m naturally drawn to people, especially women, who can conceive of interesting and engaging ideas, and deliver those ideas convincingly and eloquently. There is something enthralling about a good discussion where great ideas get thrown back and forth, you’re forced to step up your oratory game, and meet the intellectual challenge. Sometimes I find that more attractive than a nice pair of legs. OK, I don’t really believe that. I’m just talking out of my a**. I apologize.

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every week on UTC.