There’s a pretty incredible sense of emotional honesty on Erykah Badu’s last album. I guess the nudity of last year’s “Window Seat” video was a metaphor for that, in a way. That she’s still putting out video projects based on an album that’s more than a year and a half old is telling. New Amerykah Part Two was the kind of album that’s worth considering, and exploring in careful detail. “Out My Mind”, the album’s closer is a perfect example too. Weighing in at just over ten minutes, and complimented by three distinct musical “movements”, it’s quintessential Badu. One moment she’s a lovesick little girl, obsessing about newfound love. The next, she’s snapped back into full-on goddess mode, “searching for the Holy Ghost”. As is the case with most of the visuals we’ve seen lately from Erykah, the first two movements of “Out My Mind” say a lot, by doing just a little. Hit play to see what I mean, and MORE to see part two.

It’s pretty cool how inspiration works. It’s like it knows no boundaries. Inspiration can transcend time, age, race and reach you at any given moment. Inspired by Frank Ocean’s summertime ballad Love Crimes, writer and fashion blogger Neijah Williams received the vision for this short work. The debut film by Neijah, Love Crimes functions as a style piece, while also relating a story of love and scorn. Produced by Joseph Poakwa, and featuring Camila Marie and Michael Coleman amongst others, Love Crimes offers a unique perspective on how far one will go to mend a broken heart.

Photography by Mario Hills

By Mario Hills

Growing up in and out of San Francisco I had never experienced The Pride Parade. The people were smiling, the times were changing. Who would have thought this would be such a great year for the City of San Francisco. It seems like only yesterday that the Giants won the World Series, and now the City marched to a different tune. Feelings of pride and exuberance engulfed the city, and with the passing of the Gay Marriage Bill in New York, it looks as if change is surely on the way.

The 41st annual Pride Celebration and Parade left nothing to the imagination. Saturday, the Dyke March from Dolores Park to the heart of the Castro was going ham, as I found myself striding with men, women, and children of all creeds and culture, all with their own unique story about why they were celebrating. It was a heartfelt experience, the feeling of freedom and change overwhelming. Thousands of people attended the storied Pride Parade the next day, dressed in rainbows, make-up, and some wearing nothing at all. It’s hard to put everything I felt into words, but hopefully these pictures will do.

Lot of swag talk these days. Some things deserving of the label, while most things aren’t. In my humble, this is a pretty good representation of the word. Enter Elliot, and his girl Bowie. There’s just something about children. They’re by far the dopest humans. Maybe it’s the innocence. Don’t forget, we gotta kiss more. So find somebody.

Download: Al Green – “Simply Beautiful”

With the goal of providing real advice to men from men, The Man Guide To Love showcases various opinions on the union of love. While you may not agree with each opinion shared, the magic of the initiative lies in the honesty of it all. Real advice from real men, sharing their experiences on love. We gotta appreciate the women. They simply make the world go round.

“Don’t try to find a girl to replace your one true love.” Chad Age: 25

I think we need to kiss more. In essence show more love. I really don’t see too much harm in a kiss. They do it everywhere else, why can’t we do it here? In fact, I’d argue that in some instances a kiss is more appreciated than a hug. But then society gets in the way. And we hold off on the kiss. Because then they’ll think I’m weird, or he’ll think I’m gay, or she’ll not be down anymore. The list goes on and on. So to that I say, choose your target wisely. If not the lips, go for the cheek, and if not the cheek go for the forehead. But the smooch is important, I think we should go for it. We can’t let society get in the way of expressing ourselves. If you like ‘em hug ‘em, if you love ‘em kiss ‘em. And if you really love ‘em, really kiss ‘em. Just don’t hold back.

Just a little video to warm the heart on a rainy day. The beauty of friendship. I wonder if it was love at first sight. I think as humans we need to hug and kiss more, but lets save that conversation for another day. In the meantime, settle on this one and kick it with your friends.

We are all flowers. Yet no two flowers are the same. We all start as seeds. Our experiences providing those essential elements, allowing us to break through the soil and become what we were destined to be. We are all flowers, yet no two flowers are the same. Our soil so rich, and it’s beginning to rain.

“Girl you so fine I’d look forward to child support”

People who use pick-up lines deserve a noogie. Pick-up lines are one of only a few things that have actually grown more ignorant over time. Even worse, nowadays most of them have evolved into full-fledged disrespect. And the rude immaturity of our generation has caused some women to seek refuge in older, more mature men.

Men who come from a time period where it was fashionable to be a gentleman. An era when men were more courteous, more considerate, and more chivalrous. When they would open doors and pull out chairs. Pick them up and pick up the check all in the same night! And who can blame them?

Those guys have more security, more stability, and overall more decency. Who could turn down a man with a mortgage, social security benefits and a plump 401K? Not to mention health care with dental. She’d be a fool to turn down health care with dental! The temptation is overwhelming. But before you slip Bob Barker your digits, there are a few things to consider…

Is the Sunday matinee and early bird special your idea of a wild evening? Are you yearning to bring in the New Year with prune juice and a Perry Mason marathon? Is it cool being seen with a man who introduces himself to people by both name and zodiac? These are the things to puff your pipe and ponder.

While a guy saying: “Every night I lie awake in hopes of finding a love worth loving, and today my dear, I have found just that.”

Surely sounds better than:

“Baby what’s up with that back!”

Both approaches are equally as misguided. Don’t let the smoothness fool you. Any man who is willing to recite a Shakespearean soliloquy just to have your phone number is a cause for concern. And any guy who loves you before he knows if you smack while eating, drool while sleeping, or fart while sneezing is delusional beyond repair. So while the abrasive approaches of the men in your age range give you cause to consider seducing a senior citizen; consider an alternative.

There are two easy ways to increase the likelihood of finding a decent guy.

1. Treat every encounter as if it is your first. I understand it’s hard to be open minded when so much foolishness is afoot but it’s important not to punish the decent for the indecent. “Ew” is not an appropriate response to: “How are you doing this evening?”

And: “May I ask your name?” should never be responded to with the “I smell boo-boo” face. Give the worthy a chance to prove themselves as such.

2. Search for sincerity.

The best thing a guy can do is to not do too much. Innocence in approach often reflects sincerity of character. People with no hidden agendas won’t be inclined to hide their true selves, and disguise their motives.

So hunt down honesty. Gravitate towards the genuine. And welcome the unconventional. A guy who is willing to be straightforward on an initial encounter is comfortable with who he truly is, and that is a quality not to be overlooked at our age.