BY TOMMY ZANE This week, Philadelphia was treated to a visit from Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, in honor of the 150th Anniversary of The Academy of Music. Camilla wore a $25 million necklace made of diamonds and rubies, and hell — why not? Surely a $20 million necklace of sapphires and emeralds would have been just too understated for such an event. My also sources report that Charles wore his $40 million cockring with matching ben-wa balls, and Camilla fingered the crack of the Liberty Bell. Christ, I know these people are royalty, but where do you draw the line? Derelict-faced Rod Stewart slogged through some of his hits and before you knew it, time for a hasty exit. Prince Charles got in a word on Philly and “its famously cold weather.” Uh, sorry Chollie, you missed the December heat wave. Freakin’ rich people! I prefer the royalty of Princess Superstar, #3 on the Brit Charts:
Managed to catch an advance screening of “HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” a new film by Byron Hurt which takes an in-depth look at manhood, sexism, homophobia and homoeroticism in rap music and hip-hop culture. Numerous rap all-stars and hip-hop luminaries are interviewed, including Busta Rhymes, Chuck D., Fat Joe, Russell Simmons and 50 Cent, along with hip-hop scholars, activists and historians. A lively panel discussion, featuring hip-hop activist and media assassin Harry Allen, Temple U’s Michael Coard and Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, and Donyale Reavis, president of Hip Hop Speaks, followed the film. They pulled no punches, each with his own take on the state of hip-hop culture and rap music, and it made for a most inspiring and
moving event. Many of us remember Public Enemy, De La Soul and Salt-N-Pepa, just to name a few, on the radio and front and center with their take on sexual and cultural politics. So much of what
passes for hip-hop on the radio today just doesn’t hit that mark.
This film is a must-see for all who’ve felt the sting of sexism and homophobia and demanded an explanation. Set the TiVo to PBS on Feb. 20, and check this link to the film’s outreach website.
Female empowerment and safe-sex affirmation from Salt-N-Pepa, circa ’91:
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The Oscars race officially began this week as the nominations were announced Tuesday morning by a very punchy Salma Hayek. She gave us her best sorority cheer when Penelope Cruz was announced as a Best
Actress nominee for Pedro Almodovar‘s “Volver.”
Best Actress is my favorite category, featuring the wickedly delightful Dame Judi Dench, the aforementioned Ms. Cruz, the ever-lovely Kate Winslet, delicious Meryl Streep and most-likely winner, Helen Mirren for “The Queen”.
“Dreamgirls” was “snubbed” by only getting 8 nominations. Snubbed? Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson both got deserved nominations but, personally, I didn’t think it was one of the Top Five films of the year. Both Mexican actress Adriana Barazza and Japanese film star Rinko Kikuchi were fabulous in “Babel,” and are nominated as Best Supporting Actress. I hope they tie. I predict “Babel” will walk away with Best Picture, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu will win one for Mexico — that’s right, Mexico! Last week I mistakenly referred to “Pan’s Labyrinth” as a Spanish film. It’s actually a Mexican film set in Franco-era Spain. My bad!
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THREESOME OF THE WEEK: Bad boy homophobe and star of “Grey’s Anatomy”
Isaiah Washington, Illinois Sen. Barack “I think I can beat Hillary”
Obama and Philadelphia Democratic Mayoral hopeful Bob “I could literally eat a fuckin’ horse” Brady.
ABOUT THIS COLUMN: Are you gay and read Phawker? Or just thinking about it? Becoming gay that is. Because, you know, you “heard good things.” Are you straight but curious how the other team plays? Congressman, we have heard your call and answered your prayers. Our Gaydar Editor Tommy Zane is gay all day and queer for a year, and like all gays he is wickedly funny, stylish, tidy and knows from window treatments. He could also probably kick your ass into next week. But don’t worry, Tommy?s a lover not a fighter. He may be going to hell, but then most of our straight friends are, too. Every MONDAY look for GAYBO. We?ll have a gay old time!