How You Ain't Got My Shit When I Let You Hold It?

The story of "former child star turned bama" has a few more famous characters. For instance, Todd Bridges. Dude had it made.

An excerpt from his brain conversation:

Todd: So I wonder if crack will be bad?
Brain: Nah buddy, I think'll it do wonder for our...uh...your career

Sure Gary Coleman had it rough, but he's been back on TV a few times, even pulled a gig on The Simpsons.

(Side Note, when you think about those 3 kids from that show, aren't all of them either dead, drugged out, or short?)

But this post is dedicated to the once "Fabulous" Chi Ali. Born in 1976 in New York, Chi ,real name, Chi-Ali Griffen (which goes down as one of the coolest rapper 'real' names outside of my man Mao-Tse Tung Clemmons from 3LG) was introduced in the early 90's as the youngest member (in charge!) of the Native Toungues. I mean Afrika Bambaataa, Black Sheep, the Jungle Brothers and Brand Nubian were all on hand to appear in the video for "Age Ain't Nuthin' But A Number". How cool would that have been?

The LP "The Fabulous (spell it right jackass!) Chi Ali" wasn't earth shattering, but it had it's moments. The aforementioned "Age" single, "Roadrunner", "In My Room", and the all time "stick it to whitey" LP battle rap, "Chi Ali vs. Vanilla Shake" were all pretty good albeit corn-a-fied (new slang alert!) Dude showed up on Black Sheep's first album as well. That's pretty good for a youngin with no real track record.

Fast forward to the end of the decade, our buddy Chi fell the f&*k off. Chi's career slid downhill following the release of The Fabulous, culminating in 2000 in an appearance on America's Most Wanted (John Walsh represent!) in connection with the shooting and murder of his girlfriend's brother over 300 bones and like 60 Cds (Say Word!). He was finally caught the following year.

But Funky Lemonade was a pretty good track. The original had it's moments but fa sho, the Beatnuts remix upped the ante. Remember when the Nuts where the Lil' John's of their day? before Pun but after Nice & Smooth? Classic.

Chi's story reminded me of a cat I went to HS with. Dude had crazy handles and could have played college ball. But homie became a subject of King Heron's and word had it he went bazooka joe on some coppers in Denver. Shame on a...well you get the idea.

So this one goes out to the brother Chi, hold ya head up and don't drop the soap.

(Side Note 2, if you listen to this track, then go back and listen to "age" see if you can spot the subtle differences. LOL)

-Brother B aka Accountant for Masta Ace Incorporated.