Jackson Free Press

One of the Chick Ball committee members, Infinite, let us in on some of her upcoming events. We thought you should know, too!
Networking Party for Hip-Hop Artists with Kamikaze and our own chick, Infinite.

Thursday, March 29
The Boiler Room, Gulfport, MS.
Infinite will be performing!

Her website.
Her MySpace.

Got an event you want to see on the ChickBlog? E-mail [e-mail missing] with details.

Previous Comments

ID

110751

Comment

I like how on her myspace page she shows the phonetic pronunciation of her name. LOL. Funny.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-03-22T10:35:19-06:00

ID

110752

Comment

She's hilarious. And a VERY hard worker.

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-03-22T15:10:36-06:00

ID

110753

Comment

Yes, I believe she is a hard worker. It must be tough coming up with songs like, "Sell P*ssy," "Gangsta Sh*t," and "Who the F*ck You Talkin To?" Very socially conscious stuff. LOL.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-03-23T09:11:28-06:00

ID

110754

Comment

She IS a hard worker. And her genre is rap, where you can find a lot of "street language" like that. It doesn't make her or her music not-socially-conscious. She will tell you straight-up that her lyrics are not always something you'd want to listen to with your mama. It's en·ter·tain·ment (en-ter-teyn-muhnt) -- surely you learned something about that at Ole Miss?

Author

andi

Date

2007-03-23T13:30:31-06:00

ID

110755

Comment

Yes, I learned a good deal about as you say, "en-ter-teyn-muhnt" and I'm glad to say that I don't qualify "Sell P*ssy" as "en-ter-teyn-muhnt." After listening to her songs on Myspace and viewing her website, I can safely say that I think her music is everything that is wrong with Hip-Hop. But, thats just my opinion. I'm more of a jazz fan and a blues fan.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-03-23T14:08:25-06:00

ID

110756

Comment

that pronunciation key is from dictionary.com, not from me. at least you did take the time to listen to her music before forming an opinion. not everybody does that! i am not a huge fan of a lot of rap these days, but i am a fan of Infinite because of the great person she is. i like jazz and blues a lot, too. Infinite's music probably is not for everybody, but I think she is definitely socially conscious, and just a truly sweet person. you should meet her sometime.

Author

andi

Date

2007-03-23T14:13:17-06:00

ID

110757

Comment

My main beef is the language she uses and how the guest rappers on her songs denigrate women by refering to them as B*tches. She also uses the N-word alot, and while I am a big 1st Amendment fan, I feel that more rappers and musicians today should remember that kids are listening. Personal responsiblity in producing lyrics should be more in the forefront of musicians today. There is nothing wrong with telling it like it is, but musicians should remember that their fan base will just emulate what they hear. Infinite could take a lesson in that.

Author

Ole Miss Alum

Date

2007-03-23T15:10:42-06:00

ID

110758

Comment

What you have to understand Alum is that sometimes telling it like it is is not pretty.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-03-23T16:00:11-06:00

ID

110759

Comment

..And Infinite IS a hard worker. Her passion and work ethic trumps many of the male rappers around here. Her community oriented efforts are many as well. As you know, Im passionate this issue. Judge her by her works and deeds. She's good people.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-03-23T16:04:07-06:00

ID

110760

Comment

I was waiting for The Kaze to tell it like it is :) She is good people. I don't care for her lyrics myself, but SHE is a doll. I'm a better person for having met her.

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-03-23T16:13:48-06:00

ID

110761

Comment

I really don't respond to demeaning allegations or comments because every individual that dislikes my music or me, I have 100 more that love me. As a matter of fact I've even read some positive feedback on JFP. Anyways, first and foremost the phonetic pronunciation is for the many ppl that seem to call me "infinity" rather than INFINITE and believe me it happens alot. Thats for ppl like Ole Miss Alum who think they know my music or me and still HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO ME. As far as hard work goes, I don't think the titles of my songs justify my work ethic---if they do, that means songs like "Candy Licker" by: Marvin Sease, "Stand Up In It" by Theodis Ealey, "Don't Go Licking around the Mustard Jar" & "If You Don't Make Me Holla" both by: Barbara Carr justifies these BLUES ARTISTS. Honestly I don't think you listened to my music because if you did listen, the songs "Come Together", "Mississippi Street", "Westside", "Walk Wit Me", and "This World is a B*tch" would have definitely caught your attention more. You can't judge by the cover of the bok b/c if you do, you JUST MIGHT MISS OUT on a really good book, knowledge, and inspiration. As far as my language goes, this is me and definitely how I was raised....I'm raw and uncut. I could careless who's listening just like some gov't officials could careless about my living situation. I'm "sick and tired" of ppl leaving music to raise their kids; raise your own damn kids. This is knowledge of the world, not how ppl should CONTINUE to act. How can ppl blame music for kids actions? Hell these same kids learn about history too on a repetitious basis but I don't see any modern day Martin Luther Kings and Ghandis emerging in the world. If the parents of today raised their kids and quit leaving it up to babysitters, teachers, neighbors, etc. kids wouldn't emulate what they seen on tv rather they would emulate their parents and their teachings. As far as the word "b*tches" LOL, honestly you have WOMEN in the world, b*tches in the world, and also whores in thw world. When I say "b*tches"... I'm talking 'bout b*tches, simple as that. My world ain't pretty so I'm not gon' sugar-coat anything to make it seem pretty. Its amazing how ppl focus so much on the negative, they oversee the positive. Ole Miss Alum, after half-ass researching me and my music you never mentioned anything about my non-profit organization "Come Together and Rebuild Foundation" which is mentioned on my website. Here's your homework Ole Miss Alum, google "InfiniteKFC" and of course my real name "Dasieka Hawthorne". Read the comments about me and my music, read my progress through life, and read on the "Come Together and Rebuild Foundation" ... then speak. (if I offended you, i apologize thats just the b*tch coming out)

Author

Infinite

Date

2007-04-03T12:24:46-06:00

ID

110762

Comment

Haaaaa! I laughing heartily over here cuz somebody just...got...told! What's even more sweet is that Infinite is a FEMALE MC. So now I wonder what those of you that Ive had to singlehandedly fend off have to say about HER comments. ..."As far as the word "b*tches" LOL, honestly you have WOMEN in the world, b*tches in the world, and also whores in thw world. When I say "b*tches"... I'm talking 'bout b*tches, simple as that. "? .......So whats the response now that a WOMAN has said it. hmmmmmm?

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-04-03T16:17:14-06:00

ID

110763

Comment

:) I am with Infinite. She definitely speaks her mind and doesn't need to apologize for that. Wonder where the Ole Miss alum is now?

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-03T16:32:51-06:00

ID

110764

Comment

I had to check out her myspace page with all this hype. I'm not a big rap fan because, to me, so much seems over-thugged. Anyway, "Sippi Body Rock" made my white toes tap. Ok, head was bobbin' too! I could seriously throw back a few adult beverages and club to her stuff!

Author

ellis

Date

2007-04-03T16:39:32-06:00

ID

110765

Comment

I think that particular statement is degrading to women just like if you would have said it, Kaze. Otherwise, I agree with everything she said, I believe. Remember: a "whore" is in the eye of the beholder, just as a "bitch" is. I still like her, though, just like I dig you. ;-) Otherwise, I haven't had a chance to listen to her music, but I look forward to it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-03T16:42:32-06:00

ID

110766

Comment

Kaze, I think it's degrading and off-the-mark too, and I do think it's a learned perception from the patriarchy ;) However. I will admit I'm LESS offended by a woman saying it because she's a woman. Just like the N word has a different meaning coming out of your mouth than out of the mouth of a white man. It's all about context. It's not an either/or thinking for me. I can like some of your music and some of her music, but still feel convicted enough to speak out against the things I find offensive to women. It's kind of like when white folks buy a CD for a ballad, and then skip over the degrading songs with hair bands and such.

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-04-03T19:34:19-06:00

ID

110767

Comment

Whoa Whoa Whoa!!! Stop the madness... I just had to get on here with all of the hype... Man, where do i start i was jus upset when i heard what was being said but not surprised...NO one will understand what her lyrics are about or what the title of her songs are about unless they have been there... She is problably one of the realest artist out there right now and she doesnt suger-coat anything especially if something is on her mind. That's why she is very respected.. I agree with Kaze and Andi, and the rest of the people who backed her up...What people dont understand is that those same people that talk about her lyrics and may not agree with her titles and so-on are going to be the same people who buy her record..(Ole Miss) but thanks for your input and your opinion... I myself may not just like everything that she says or may not even know what in the h*ll she is talkn bout but i assure you that i believe everything she is sayin is true and has some type of meaning.. Hey hun its 2007 nothing is what its used to be and its about time somebody is telling it like it is and not suger coating it.... Oh and p.s. Hey Andi, Kaze and Emily.. Smooches

Author

Meeya

Date

2007-04-04T00:05:19-06:00

ID

110768

Comment

Hi Meeya! :) I think this line is what really makes me understand where Infinite is coming from: My world ain't pretty so I'm not gon' sugar-coat anything to make it seem pretty. And as a woman I also don't have as much of a problem hearing the b-word from another woman's mouth as I would from a man. This may not be a good example, but it reminds me of, let's say, I talk bad about my momma because she gets on my nerves. It's okay for me to say it, but if Emily starts trashing my momma we're going to have words. It's all in the context and who is saying it, in my opinion. Not everyone will agree with me and that is okay, it's just the way I interpret things like that.

Author

andi

Date

2007-04-04T07:17:06-06:00

ID

110769

Comment

Meeya. This wasnt really an issue of backing Infinit4e up as an artist. Ive always supported her. Most rappers are usually judged solely on their lyrics and I can attest to that. We will ALWAYS be ridiculed by folks who havent actually taken the time to know us as people. Im fortunate because Ive been able to show other aspects of my life so MY wall has been broken down in a sense. Anyway, My argument was more along the lines of the B word comment she made and how Ive found that women are not as gung-ho about debating a strong woman(strong black woman) who uses the word as Infinite does. On the other hand I wa summarily attacked for voicing EXACTLY the same sentiment that Infinite does in her post. As a man, I can understand the agression but Im interested in seeing how they go about addressing a woman who doesnt find the word degrading like they do. Ane we're not talking about a victimized woman with low self-esteem we're talking about a strong female artist who regularly uses the word abd doesnt see it as degrading...Emily I read your response. Point taken but it doesnt wash totally. Lets see you guys argue this point with her (Infinite). Am I wrong because I agree with her assesment?or is she wrong because she agrees with me on that same assesment? And the N word issue is mildly similar but SO not the same.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-04-04T09:36:23-06:00

ID

110770

Comment

BTW...Inifinite's gonna get added as a special guest at the Best of Jackson Concert. So if you havent heard her then you can come next Friday at Hal and Mals and see her live. I hope she's at her hardcore best!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2007-04-04T09:38:07-06:00

ID

110771

Comment

No, I think it's a valuable discussion. Busy here...but not running :) I'd also like to discuss how the word may differ culturally....maybe it does; maybe it doesn't. I'm not sure. I call my girlfriends bitch all the time. And whore. In jest, and we understand each other, so it's welcomed. The words are used as almost sarcasm because as we see it, we're called "bitch" or "whore" and other derogatory terms when their is no valid argument left against us, if that makes sense. For example in a work setting, a strong, loud and even sometimes arrogant man "gets the job done," where a woman will be the "bitch." I do believe that women are the major culprits here. I also believe that there are women with just as much mysogyny as men; although, it could be a defense mechanism to be "for them" and not "against them." I think women are more in touch with emotions and other nuances, either by nature/nurture/or both and see shades of gray were men do not, but to save face in a competitve place, they'll resort to black/white thinking just to get ahead. Hence, if a woman is not "sweet" aka "doormat" she is then a "bitch" aka "leader." The workplace is just ONE example in society. I just wanted one example to show how we've been stigmatized with the word. So to hear my friends say jokingly, "YOU BITCH," it usually means "GOOD FOR YOU!" Now I've also heard white men admit that they admire the "bitch" character. There's even a book about it called "Why Men Love Bitches." Seriously. It's a freaking dating book. If you'd been at the JFP Christmas party, you would have heard me yell "YOU WHORE" to Lori when she stole my sex book in dirty santa. Funny to US because we know any displays of our sexuality in society make us "whores." Maybe that stigma is fading. However. The lyrics I find offensive are the ones that black/white us. Again the line, "If you ain't cuttin' I'll put you on foot patrol." I would NEVER tell Lori she has to bang me to earn my respect, or even a ride somewhere, because I respect her for so much more than just her sexuality. And for the record, Lori and I have never "done it." ;) I think I could handle the bitch/ho'ness if the music was balanced with respectful lyrics. Now one ode to mama/grandma doesn't cut it. Women, and yes I'll see us Oprah white chicks, need to recognize a balance of power in the music. Perhaps Infinite is offering that power as a woman, but it would be way mo' better if the men would step up and have some powerful women headlining that aren't just eye candy. (And that last statement is not calling Infinite eye candy even though she is beautiful and sweet and a hard-working woman with incredible ideas to change our communities...which remember, are full of battered and emotionally abused women.)

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-04-04T10:21:14-06:00

ID

110772

Comment

I think when the word "whore" is used in a serious manner or context, everyone knows what it means and its not in the mind of the beholder and has different meanings.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-04T10:31:00-06:00

ID

110773

Comment

Yes. Everyone knows that. But I think we disagree on what the serious context looks like. I've been wanting to say "looks like" since that's the words I've heard counselors use when talking about values and such. "You're getting married? Okay Emily, what does marriage look like to you?" Cake is not the answer.

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-04-04T10:48:53-06:00

ID

110774

Comment

Few questions for everyone then: if every artist (male, female, black, white, hispanic, etc) removed degrading words (i.e. b*tch, whore, n-word, etc) from their music and performances, what will that change? Will that make others change their TRUE feelings about you? Will that make ppl respect females more? or males more? or Blacks more? or Whites more? To me NO, ppl will just switch/swap the word out for a NEW degrading terminology. The problem is not the verbal attributes but our feelings or respect towards each other. So I ask again, if the gov't outlawed and exiled everyone who used a derogatory term towards someone, will that ultimately change how u are being viewed in some ppls eyes and mind??? Will that change your position or acceptance in this world??? The only thing that will change negative thoughts to positive thoughts, or vice versa, lies within those individuals encounters with each other.

Author

Infinite

Date

2007-04-04T12:14:52-06:00

ID

110775

Comment

Good question Infinite. I was actually talking to the kids about this today. We heard "Smack That" on the radio that led to the discussion of Eminem to the girlchild bringing up his lyrics regarding killing his wife, my son saying he just needs to express anger and et al. I do *not* think anything should be banned. I *do* think young minds are easily influenced and very pliable, and we should use that time for postive words and not deragatory. I get that as a *parent*. You are right that removing the words will not change anything, but keeping them do not make it better. Make sense? It's not the word, it's our society's view of women as *things* that can be handled, commented upon, used for sex only and then thrown in a trunk. Rap did not create mysogyny, but mysogyny is rampent in rap music. Again, makes me think of the 80's hair bands. (Remember Poison and Motley Crew? BLECK.) I also recognize that a handful rappers have exploited the mysogyny in others...if that makes sense. Battered and emotionally abused women are rampant in EVERY socioeconomic class. As the lady from the Center for Violence said the other day...she's seen cop's wives, doctor's wives, women who had been married for thirty years and had all the could take and women who wern't even married. The statistics are the same across color lines and dollar signs. And for some reason, abusing women is an easy out for some rappers right now. Write a song with a good hook with lots of hot asses and a side of talking smack about women, and you've got a hit and may never have to work again. To that end, I would say that rap is the only radio play that is being honest about it at this point. Country westerners did it decades ago. We probably could find art in every genre at some point in time that was abusive towards women. Some use the women as targets of the abuse, some use the music as an expression of being abused and some do both. There are some artists who are speaking from honest experience with real "street cred" and there are some fakes who are just cashing in while the cashing is good, with no regard to the art of the music or the women in their community. That's why I applaud Infinite for being a hard worker FOR WOMEN. And it's funny to me that "Ole Miss Alum" is the one to comment on the derogatory words, when you know who's paying the bucks for this music? Suburban white boys and men. Go to ANY Greek party and try to eliminate Fifty Cent and see where that gets you. I don't just blame rappers. I blame our society as a whole. We've got to respect our women more. Smack that.

Author

emilyb

Date

2007-04-04T17:16:03-06:00