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Pimpin’ Just Got Easier
Shut up!!!!

Give me a couple minutes.

I’m still laughing at myself.

The isht was actually good, and they did win the best original song award.

Still laughing.

I know that since January, when I first heard about Terrence Howard’s Hustle & Flow role getting nominated for an Oscar, I was on a mission to dispel the myth that it was truly worthy, and on a lesser note, that the song “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” deserved to be nominated for the award. I joked that there was no way ghetto fab Three 6 Mafia could de-ignorize (yes, I made this up; I’m dealing with bigger issues; just keep reading) this song.

Have I been proven wrong?

Yes. But..

The performance was hot. Great introduction from a dapper Ludacris, who plays Skinny Black in the film. He noted that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and this isn’t the first time a song with questionable content was performed at the Oscars. See, “The Morning After,” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight,” “All The Way,” and “Shaft”.

The vibe was big stage theatrical, essentially Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” with a dose of “Beat It” meets Donna Summer’s “Bad Girl.” Not what I was expecting. I think Mike may have come out of hiding in Bahrain to direct this one. Tariji P. Henson, who played Terrence’s employee (if you know what I mean?) and babymama, sang the chorus live, looking incredible like retro Diana Ross without the Supremes. She also sounded great.

The performance was completely about the song’s story told through the choreography, complete with some of the things I joked it would have—prostitutes walking the stage, pimps, etc. However, there was no Snoop, Bishop, Ying Yang Twins, or even a pimp cup. WHAT? No pimp cup? It had to be there. I just didn’t see it.

Don’t be surprised if Tyler Perry adds Madear to the mix and “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” becomes his next stage play.

I give it up to Three 6 for not making this a hip-hop spectacle. If they perform at the Source Awards, it’s going to be on and crackin’.

I did notice two bleeps. So there should not be an FCC issue. I also thought their edited chorus was funny. Instead of, “It’s a whole lotta bitches talking isht,” they said, “It’s a whole lotta witches jumping ship.” Funny stuff.

Folks, don’t get me wrong. I shall say this yet another time: “Whoop That Trick (Get ‘Em)” is the jam from Hustle & Flow that deserved the recognition. I still don’t think that “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” is an incredible song. It is what Eminem’s Oscar winning “Lose Control” was to 8 Mile, but “It’s Hard…” just isn’t as strong a song.

Even though I’m an admitted hater, I’m not that much of a hater.

Congrats fellas.

I just have one question?

DJ Paul, were those tears in your eyes? I really think there were. I’m only working with a 27”, so I’m not 100 percent that I saw what I thought I saw.

If so, now that’s hip-hop.

You guys have made history tonight.

One for Memphis, and two for hip-hop.

I wish I was a fly on the wall in y’all’s mama’s living rooms when you won.

I’m sure ‘“It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” just won the Oscar. Thank you Jesus!!!’ could be heard all throughout Memphis.

Chuuuurch.

BTW: Yes, I stole my headline from John Stewart.

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By Billy J on 3/6/2006[read on] [5 comments]

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