Posts Tagged ‘Wayne Brady’

It’s about time Bill Maher responded to Wayne Brady. Not because he owes Brady any sort of explanation or apology for his previous jokes about Brady’s supposed lacking Black male fortitude. Maher needs to respond because he has never been reticent to respond to the likes of a Donald Trump or a Sarah Palin.

Man up, Bill.

On its face it’s more than odd that Maher is comfortable enough to openly question the simian parentage of a real estate magnate but gives pause to a game show host. It’s noticed and to be highlighted that although Maher gleefully dubbed Sarah Palin a “c***,” he’s at a loss for words and bravado when confronted with Brady’s oratory.

I care nothing for either Donald or Sarah but the facts are what they are.

Man up, Bill.

If he is willing to refer to ANY woman as a “c***” there is no argument to be made that Maher is taking the high road with Brady. The high road doesn’t have an access ramp if you practically live on the subway in your humor. The list of insults levied by Maher at those who either irritate or deride him is longer than all of the stages of the Tour De France strung together. History is clear, Maher took on all comers and no subject was taboo. He never missed an opportunity to insult believers of any religion. Ironically, his comedic fixation on religion is arguably religious in nature.

Those observations aside, Maher is for the most part a funny, funny guy with brilliant comedy underlying his political insights. At the same time, being consistently comically adept does not change the facts of how he has taken considerable time to generate laughs at the expense at Wayne Brady and now has nothing witty to say when called out by the same.

Wayne Brady hosts Let’s Make a Deal, has released two R&B albums and boasts an overall career (save his comments on Maher and a Chappelle’s Show appearance) about as clean, honorable and Americana there is…next to Ryan Seacrest.

I know, I know…all of that was the genus of Maher’s joke. I get that. But in the wake of the joke, come some uncomfortable truths.

Although Brady criticizes Maher for promoting the stereotype of a “real” Black man, Maher seemingly is a true believer and Brady is now helping promote it.

Clearly Maher views Brady as a “real” Black man and always has in truth. I suspect Maher would have no problem responding to any insults levied by Monty Hall or Drew Carey. He doesn’t fear Donald Trump, his lawsuits and his many millions of dollars backing him. He fears not the legions of conservatives or women’s groups who have long called for his head on a swizzle stick.

But Maher CLEARLY fears the Black man who has “joked” about “beating his ass in public.” Maher didn’t even test the waters with Brady after the fact. Conversely and sadly, Brady might have only further perpetuated the stereotype he and I so desperately fight (no pun intended) to dispel.

The first time Brady commented about it on Aisha Tyler’s podcast last year, it was a funny joke. To expound at length on it a second time with Marc Lamont Hill for The Huffington Post makes it no longer a joke. It means you’re serious.

I question why Brady returned to the well to rip Maher with no further prodding from him. Brady can either be a game show host or be the guy who (twice) threatens comedians and talk show hosts. It’s an either/or, mutually exclusive proposition. He can’t be both. I hope Brady realizes this before someone else makes the career determination for him.

Bill Maher needs to man up, but Wayne Brady also needs to back up…for career sake.

Either way, there is nothing to question or debate regarding Bill Maher going forward. He only picks “fights” he thinks he can win. Except with Brady, he lost badly.

Badly.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 244 Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm-9pm PST. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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First Bill Maher V. Wayne Brady…now this?!

Joe Arpaio

Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Ariz., responded to George Lopez’s profanity-filled tirade against him by telling the comedian to come meet with him.

“Get some guts, come down here and meet me face to face. Let’s see how you act then,” Arpaio, known as “America’s Toughest Sheriff,”told ABC affiliate KNXV.

Lopez has no comment regarding Arpaio’s invitation, according to his publicist.

__________

Is it open season on comedians now?

Full story HERE.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and Sirius XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Depending on whom you ask, Wayne Brady should or should not have taken exception to being used as fodder for the “non-threatening Black man” joke. Also depending on whom you ask, the oft-used joke by Bill Maher should be considered less of an insult and more a compliment, in that Wayne Brady is not emblematic of the negative depictions of African-American men.

But in the end, the only real opinion that matters in the discussion of Bill Maher V. Wayne Brady is Brady’s…which he made abundantly clear; indicating he’d “gladly slap the sh!t out of Bill.”

As of this moment, there has been no public response from Maher, which is surprising to some degree given his consistent activity on Twitter and willingness to verbally beat down those who publicly engage him. And even if Maher does eventually respond, expect it from the safety of his television show, complete with his sympathetic and sycophantic audience. Look for it in the form of snide commentary in the “New Rules” section, assailing Brady’s supposed oversensitivity (i.e. “you can’t take a joke”).

There is a real discussion to be had as to whether it is “funny” for Maher the community outsider to consistently weigh in with opinions on who is a “real” Black man or just really non-threatening. Although the issues of race may be within the purview of comics, it doesn’t mean that we as the audience relinquish our right to find certain humor distasteful.

Maher’s track record of mean-spirited humor can’t be argued or denied. All personal political allegiances aside, we should be in agreement on that point.

Maher and Karinne 'Superhead" Steffans

Maybe Maher felt comfortable quipping about Brady because he also had a long history of wagging his finger at Republicans for racism. Possibly Maher felt comfortable poking Brady because Maher has been so public in his support of President Obama. According to Brady, Maher’s comfort level is inextricably linked to his penchant for pillow talk with Black “girlfriends.”

Beyond that, there is an undercurrent to Bill’s humor that he fancies himself as  ”down” and can take certain liberties. Even on his website (billmaher.com), his blog section is titled “Blogga Please” an obvious play on words with “N***a please.” It all adds up to a sum total at the register.  We shouldn’t view the Brady remarks in a vacuum.

The most interesting part of Brady’s very public rant was that it gave considerable insight into the psyche of many Black men. For many of us, we understood exactly the nature of Brady’s remarks, in a way Maher never could and never will.  For many of us, there was a head-nod of agreement and understanding as to how and why Brady “went there” and in such graphic detail. There is a socialization, a standard operating procedure if you will, relative to our interaction. First and foremost, you should never call out one’s manhood. Amongst Black men it is both implicitly and explicitly understood. Meaning, if a man can’t seem to “get it” implicitly, then it will be explained to you explicitly…in probably a very uncomfortable manner.

Brady’s remarks were telling in many ways. Not only for their content, but also for the underlying subtext in the manner delivered. Brady made it very clear he is, and will always be a Black man, and abundantly clear on our rules of interaction.

In short, Brady reminded Maher that “our rules” state that there are some things you can only say on a non-Black television network to a non-Black panel, with a 99% non-Black studio audience playing along.

Bill Maher may have “New Rules” on his television program, but in relation to Black men, our old ones are still in effect.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and Sirius XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

From THE BLAZE:

“Bill Maher’s tortured attempts at being funny have long since stopped being a source of entertainment for us at the Blaze, and have devolved into objects of pity. Still, Maher, who infamously has thrown every accusation of bigotry he can at the GOP while simultaneously calling harmless daughters of politicians he disagrees with “c**ts,” has to be given some credit for retaining his show while simultaneously behaving like Keith Olbermann without filters. It can’t be easy maintaining such a low level of quality while still retaining your own show.

Nevertheless, Maher has gone so far over the line recently that he’s begun catching flak from his own side. We can‘t say we’re surprised by this – being the less funny, less incisive, pay-per-view equivalent of Jon Stewart should have its problems. Unfortunately for Maher, one of those problems is his inability to talk about President Obama without invoking the very racist caricatures that he himself would slam Republicans for using. And at least one of Maher’s reference points, comedian Wayne Brady, is apparently sick of it.

One of Maher’s complaints about President Obama is, apparently, that he’s not aggressive enough as President. Fair enough – that’s a common complaint among liberals. However, Maher phrases this complaint in a (to put it charitably) risque way – specifically, by complaining that Obama doesn’t act enough like a stereotypical scary black man, instead acting more like a “Wayne Brady” figure. Never mind that these are both stereotypes, and that if any of Obama’s conservative critics said this, they’d be vilified to the ends of the earth. Right now, that‘s the least of Maher’s problems.

But even Bill Maher — like, I’ve had Bill Maher twice now, when referencing Obama, he’s like, ‘Yeah, you know, with your Wayne Brady.’ So, that means it’s a diss to Obama to be called me because he wants a brother-brother, or what he perceives. Just because you f*ck black hookers, just because you have that particular black experience, and I have to stop myself from getting into it, Bill, because I realize the thing is that if I were to go on his show, or even do it online, I’m not going to win because as soon as you back off, he still has his platform to say whatever he wants to.

If he once said I want to know how black Wayne Brady is — that chip on my shoulder says that rarely do you threaten a man and you should not fear anyone. Now, I’m not saying I’m Billy Badass, but if Bill Maher has his perception of what’s black wrapped up, I would gladly slap the shit out of Bill Maher in the middle of the street, and then I want to see what Bill Maher would do.

Now, Bill Maher would call the cops and he would have his lawyer — I’d get sued and lose my house and it’s not worth it for me, but the black man part of me would be so satisfied to slap the shit out of him in front of Cocoa and Ebony and Fox, the three ladies of the night that he has hired … and Fancy, who also happened to be named Tyrique at one point.

Full story HERE.

 
The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and Sirius XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Unbelievable.  Every Little Step I Take…2010 Version.  Be very, very afraid.

The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published at The Huffington Post and www.eurweb.com. It is meant to inform, infuse and incite meaningful discourse…as well as entertain. For more Mo’Kelly, http://mrmokelly.com. Mr. Mo’Kelly can be reached at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

It’s always obvious when actors release vanity music projects because deep down inside them lie childhood fantasies of musical stardom. There is something more “cool” about being a music star…something more “attractive” and alluring than being just “an actor” or “a comedian.”

To make a woman swoon anytime, anywhere is a gift. Women fawn over singers in ways different and distinct from actors irrespective of actors’ level of stardom. To be sure, there’s more money and “fame” to be found acting on TV and in movies…but musical talent is a woman’s aphrodisiac not very easy to explain.

But such explains why many actors fancy themselves…(or would like to fancy themselves) as singers. If we are to compare the transitions, it’s “easier” for true singers to become actors than vice versa. Remember, acting is professional pretending…professional faking. That doesn’t work in the world of music. True music fans know who’s fakin’ the funk, so to say.

Mo’Kelly won’t call any names…but we all know who Mo’Kelly means…

Conversely, we…true music fans, those who are not fooled by the attachment of “name” producers or taken with sampled loops, are appreciative when artists, be they actors or not, produce an authentic music body of work.

Wayne Brady’s new CD, A Long Time Coming is as authentic and earnest a music project as there has been in quite some time, having nothing to do with Brady’s acting profile.

Real instruments, real lyrics and real chord progressions…unfortunately a novelty in contemporary music. Even still, their incorporation doesn’t automatically equate to a quality end-product. Yet and still, Brady’s CD is a fine effort, for many reasons.

The CD is a thoughtful and truly enjoyable musical amalgam of traditional and contemporary music sensibilities. From classic R&B to R&B interpretations of classic rock songs, Wayne Brady shines. To say it “has something for everyone” would sell it short and in truth be wrong. Although it stylistically makes musical references to eras ranging from Motown to Neo Soul and every period in between…this CD isn’t meant “for everybody.”

This is for grown folks…

Mo’Kelly would argue that this CD showcases the eclectic musical influences that have shaped Brady since his childhood. From the ode to Blackstreet’s Beatles cover of Can’t Buy Me Love to a jazzy interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s All I Do, you see that Brady is as musically diverse as the perceptions of his television persona.

On the other hand, if there is any argument to be made for the CD faltering in any manner, is that covers of classic songs invariably lead to comparisons that will never be favorable. To sing the immortal song A Change is Gonna Come by the equally immortal Sam Cooke…you best have a damn near immortal rendition…and Brady didn’t. And although Brady’s Can’t Buy Me Love is silky smooth, it drives way too close to Blackstreet’s version, begging the obvious question, “then why cover it at all?”

Overall, the best part of this CD is the care and preoccupation of Brady to be sensual and not overtly sexual…hearkening back to the days when singers chose seduction instead of the seedy and salacious. No better example of that is found in the songs Sweetest Berry and All Naturally. Sistas…make no mistake, these songs are about and for you. Enjoy them accordingly.

Mo’Kelly doesn’t believe in numerical rankings or assigning stars…that’s silly. But Mo’Kelly will say this. Overall, A Long Time Coming is by no means perfect, but an outstanding effort. You probably won’t love every song and it probably wasn’t meant to have such a universal appeal. But for those who really know, love and appreciate pithy R&B music, it’s a perfect example what true musicianship is and a great addition to the music collection. (Press play on player below for music sampling of CD)

ARTICLEURL
The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published weekly at www.eurweb.com. It is meant to inform, infuse and incite meaningful discourse…as well as entertain. The Mo’Kelly Report is syndicated by Newstex and Blogburst. For more Mo’Kelly, http://www.MrMoKelly.com.

Subscribe in a reader or by email

Help Bring Mo’Kelly to National Radio HERE

Visit Mo’Kelly’s GIFT SHOP HERE

Morris W. O’Kelly can be reached at Mo@MrMoKelly.com and he welcomes all commentary.

It’s always obvious when actors release vanity music projects because deep down inside them lie childhood fantasies of musical stardom. There is something more “cool” about being a music star…something more “attractive” and alluring than being just “an actor” or “a comedian.”

To make a woman swoon anytime, anywhere is a gift. Women fawn over singers in ways different and distinct from actors irrespective of actors’ level of stardom. To be sure, there’s more money and “fame” to be found acting on TV and in movies…but musical talent is a woman’s aphrodisiac not very easy to explain.

But such explains why many actors fancy themselves…(or would like to fancy themselves) as singers. If we are to compare the transitions, it’s “easier” for true singers to become actors than vice versa. Remember, acting is professional pretending…professional faking. That doesn’t work in the world of music. True music fans know who’s fakin’ the funk, so to say.

Mo’Kelly won’t call any names…but we all know who Mo’Kelly means…

Conversely, we…true music fans, those who are not fooled by the attachment of “name” producers or taken with sampled loops, are appreciative when artists, be they actors or not, produce an authentic music body of work.

Wayne Brady’s new CD, A Long Time Coming is as authentic and earnest a music project as there has been in quite some time, having nothing to do with Brady’s acting profile.

Real instruments, real lyrics and real chord progressions…unfortunately a novelty in contemporary music. Even still, their incorporation doesn’t automatically equate to a quality end-product. Yet and still, Brady’s CD is a fine effort, for many reasons.

The CD is a thoughtful and truly enjoyable musical amalgam of traditional and contemporary music sensibilities. From classic R&B to R&B interpretations of classic rock songs, Wayne Brady shines. To say it “has something for everyone” would sell it short and in truth be wrong. Although it stylistically makes musical references to eras ranging from Motown to Neo Soul and every period in between…this CD isn’t meant “for everybody.”

This is for grown folks…

Mo’Kelly would argue that this CD showcases the eclectic musical influences that have shaped Brady since his childhood. From the ode to Blackstreet’s Beatles cover of Can’t Buy Me Love to a jazzy interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s All I Do, you see that Brady is as musically diverse as the perceptions of his television persona.

On the other hand, if there is any argument to be made for the CD faltering in any manner, is that covers of classic songs invariably lead to comparisons that will never be favorable. To sing the immortal song A Change is Gonna Come by the equally immortal Sam Cooke…you best have a damn near immortal rendition…and Brady didn’t. And although Brady’s Can’t Buy Me Love is silky smooth, it drives way too close to Blackstreet’s version, begging the obvious question, “then why cover it at all?”

Overall, the best part of this CD is the care and preoccupation of Brady to be sensual and not overtly sexual…hearkening back to the days when singers chose seduction instead of the seedy and salacious. No better example of that is found in the songs Sweetest Berry and All Naturally. Sistas…make no mistake, these songs are about and for you. Enjoy them accordingly.

Mo’Kelly doesn’t believe in numerical rankings or assigning stars…that’s silly. But Mo’Kelly will say this. Overall, A Long Time Coming is by no means perfect, but an outstanding effort. You probably won’t love every song and it probably wasn’t meant to have such a universal appeal. But for those who really know, love and appreciate pithy R&B music, it’s a perfect example what true musicianship is and a great addition to the music collection. (Press play on player below for music sampling of CD)

ARTICLEURL
The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published weekly at www.eurweb.com. It is meant to inform, infuse and incite meaningful discourse…as well as entertain. The Mo’Kelly Report is syndicated by Newstex and Blogburst. For more Mo’Kelly, http://www.mokellyreport.blogspot.com.

Subscribe in a reader or by email

Help Bring Mo’Kelly to National Radio HERE

Visit Mo’Kelly’s GIFT SHOP HERE

Morris W. O’Kelly can be reached at mokellyreport@sbcglobal.net and he welcomes all commentary.