Author: Isabelle

Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Channel To Premier With Exclusive Broadcast of Shady National Convention :
NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — SIRIUS (Nasdaq: SIRI – News), the premium satellite radio provider known for delivering the very best in commercial-free music and sports programming to cars and homes across the country, today announced that Shade 45, the new uncensored hip-hop radio channel created by Eminem, Shady Records, Interscope Records and SIRIUS, will debut on Thursday, October 28.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 )
Shade 45 will be heard on SIRIUS channel 45 and will hit the air with a live broadcast of the Shady National Convention from New York’s Roseland Ballroom. Shade 45 will feature a full lineup of on-air hosts and mixers, including Eminem’s DJ, Green Lantern.
“SIRIUS, Interscope, Shady and Eminem have assembled the definitive hip- hop radio channel,” said Scott Greenstein, President of Entertainment and Sports, SIRIUS. “Shade 45 will be a radio channel that for the first time directly connects the artists with their fans. It will be originality of the highest order, with no filters and no commercial restrictions.”
Paul Rosenberg, Eminem’s manager and VP of Shady Records, remarked, “We’re pleased to have Shade 45 launch live from the Convention. The station’s mix of uncensored hip-hop music and on-air personalities who can say whatever they want is the kind of thing we at the SNC have fought for and will continue to support.”
Shade 45 will be available to all SIRIUS subscribers at no extra charge over the standard monthly subscription fee of $12.95. SIRIUS radios are available at retail outlets around the country. More information:
http://www.sirius.com.
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS, now available to over 10 million DISH Network satellite TV and SIRIUS Satellite Radio subscribers, provides listeners with over 120 channels of the best commercial-free music, sports, information and entertainment, with digital quality sound coast-to-coast, broadcast daily from New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston and Daytona. SIRIUS offers 65 channels of 100% commercial-free music, and features 55 channels of world- class sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95, with greater savings for upfront payments of multiple months or a year or more. SIRIUS also broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NHL and the NFL, and is the Official Satellite Radio partner of the NFL.
SIRIUS Satellite Radio products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are manufactured by Alpine, Audiovox, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Eclipse, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Sanyo and U.S. Electronics, and can be purchased at major retailers including Advance Auto Parts, Best Buy, Car Toys, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Good Guys, Wal-Mart, Sears, Tweeter and Ultimate Electronics, along with RadioShack and DISH Network outlets.
SIRIUS’ exclusive automotive partners DaimlerChrysler, Ford and BMW represent over 40% of new cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. Automotive brands currently offering SIRIUS radios in select new car models include BMW, MINI, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Audi, Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen. Automotive brands that have announced plans to offer SIRIUS radios in select models include Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover and Aston Martin. In 2004, SIRIUS radios are expected to be available in over 80 different car models, with more than 50 of them factory programs. Also, Hertz currently offers SIRIUS in 29 vehicle models at 53 major locations around the country. In addition, the Penske companies – Penske Auto Group, United Auto Group and Penske Trucking – are offering SIRIUS radios as a factory installed option, where available, in their cars and trucks through their dealerships.
Genmar Holdings, the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational boats, Formula Boats and Winnebago, the leading supplier of recreational vehicles and motor homes, also offer SIRIUS.
Click on http://www.sirius.com to listen to SIRIUS live, or to find a SIRIUS retailer or car dealer in your area.
Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our results of operations are: our dependence upon third parties to manufacture, distribute, market and sell SIRIUS radios and components for those radios; the unproven market for our service; our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.

The Source’s CEO Benzino has co-signed BET’s decision to pull the latest Eminem’s video “Just Lose It” from rotation:
The first single and video from Eminem’s upcoming album, Encore, pokes fun of Michael Jackson. In one scene, Eminem wears Jackson’s trademark red leather jacket with kids bouncing around on a bed and raps: “Come here little kiddie, on my lap, guess who’s back with a brand new rap. And I don’t mean rap as in a case of child molestation.”
“For too long influential people in the hip-hop community have stood by Eminem while he has made a mockery of the culture that inspires and motivates our young people to achieve and be proud of their black heritage,” said Benzino. “I am proud of both Robert Johnson of BET for pulling the video, and for comedian Steve Harvey for urging MTV and VH1 to do the same. We as the leaders in the Hip-Hop community and music industry need to step up and realize that Eminem’s lyrics and actions are tearing down the very culture that people like Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, and Public Enemy have built from the ground up. I urge all members of hip-hop to come out and support Jackson, one of the most important, cultural icons of our time. No one should stand behind this mockery and only by supporting the airplay of “Just Lose It” are we giving Eminem a way out.”The Source is demanding that the song “Just Lose It” be pulled from Eminem’s upcoming album and to apologize publicly to Michael Jackson.
Eminem’s album Encore drops November 16th. The Source Awards are scheduled to air on BET on November 30.

Michael Jackson doesn’t feel comfortable with Eminem’s brand new video. Because Marshall Mathers dared making fun of the whole « Jackson case »,the king of pop has described it as « inappropriate, insensitive, demeaning and disrespectful ».
Michael Jackson is not the first star to become Eminem’s target: a long time before Marilyn Manson appeared in the « My Name Is » video. Many of you probably remember Eminem disguised as Britney Spears in « The Real Slim Shady » video and making fun of Christina Aguilera at the same time. Moby and Elvis Presley were his « victims » in « Without Me ». Not even terrorist Ossama Ben Laden could escape Eminem…
Last year, in Scotland, Eminem has made fun of Michael Jackson, dangling his second born from a balcony and Michael even found it funny.
Michael Jackson expressed his respect and admiration for Eminem as an artist, but according to his reaction -or should I say overreaction- I really doubt that he has gone deep into Eminem’s artistry. People who have watched Eminem’s videos perfectly know that Marshall has many « victims ».
I think it is more than urgent to state that Eminem makes fun of them just for the show. He intends to give his audience a good laugh, an effect that he usually manages to create very well. Who would Eminem seriously as Elvis sitting on the toilet and swallowing his big sandwich?
So why does Michael Jackson feel that offended?
Probably because the « Just Lose It » video is a confrontation with himself, something that he probably wants to escape from. Michael Jackson has been accused of children abuse several times: Jordan Chandler who is 24 now, pretends that he has been abused sexually by Michael Jackson.
In his book « All That Glitters », Jordan reveals some details about his misadventure.
His uncle confirms:
‘He resented him for having used his power and fame to convince my nephew to do things he wouldn’t have done with anyone else.
‘My nephew, like most kids, was enamoured by those uniforms Michael would wear – little soldier uniforms with epaulettes and things hanging all over him,’ he added. ‘I think that’s where he got the expression “God’s clothes”.’
Jordan was terrified to testify in Court and the affair led to a $25 million settlement.
I keep asking myself what would have happened if Michael was facing the same accusations as an average and poor man.
The following website offers an analysis of Jacko’s statements in 1993, after he was facing some molestation charges:
http://www.statementanalysis.com/jackson/
Things got worse for Michael Jackson when a cancer recovering young boy came up with a new accusation in 2003. The identity of the young boy has been kept secret.
If the statements of the following article are true, Jacko’s personality must be disturbing in some way. Check it out:
http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,11228,00.html
Don’t misinterpret me: I never stated that Michael Jackson is guilty. I really have no idea and I will consider him as guilty if the Court says so.
Eminem has recalled some embarrassing events of Michael Jackson’s past. He has made fun about his molestation charges, which refer to real facts. The scene with the nose was done on purpose too. Michael experienced some real and serious problems with his nose:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/showbiz/articles/12733830?source=Daily%20Mail
Michael’s issues have been made public since a long time and, as far as I am concerned, his reaction in front of « Just lose It » is exaggerated. I think that he has misunderstood the talented rapper’s motivations.
The video is indeed hilarious and Eminem’s intention shouldn’t be misinterpreted. Some people have accused Marshall to make this video just to sell more records. Come on, Marshall is rich enough, he doesn’t need that to make some more money. Marshall is a man who works with passion, he is a 100% involved in what he does and his recent video is brilliant work.
To those who argue that Eminem is so « mean and disrespectful » in « Just Lose It », have you only noticed that Eminem also makes fun of himself and of his movie during the video?
Everybody, including Michael, just chill out: the video is for fun.

« Flash Change » is the second story of Contel Bradford’s trilogy. The story is a suspenseful thriller that introduces you into the harsh world of drug dealers. Some dealer alliances are deadly connects and any mistake you make can be fatal to you in no time. Selling some cocaine is a rapid way to become wealthy, but it can lead you to the cemetery earlier than expected as well.
Flash, the main character of the story, lives in Flint, Michigan. He seems to be born to be a hustler. He is used to street life and perfectly knows how to handle it. Because his mom died from a cocaine overdose and he never met his father, Flash was raised at his grandparents’ home who did their best. Because he was fed up with his family’s financial struggles, Flash urged to make some « easy money »: he rapidly got involved in cocaine deals and managed to be comfortable- financially speaking.
The girlfriend of a Cuban drug lord (Antonio Valdez), Candy, is a manipulative character.She is the kind dangerous beauty who manipulates men with their lust and manages to get a hold on them. Candy has a huge impact on Flash. She is the one who helped him to seize his financial freedom. She got Flash involved into a traffic with Antonio Valdez.
Flash used to appreciate Antonio and to trust him, but he suddenly became anxious about about his real intentions and began considering him as a serious rival. He even feared him.
Flash and his cousins James and Chaz are involved in the same dirty business. The Michigander trio is on the road to Nevada, a state that is familiar to Antonio Valdez.
Besides the great suspense Contel manages to create in his story, his description of Flash’s cocaine trips is amazing. He manages to make the reader feels the hero’s alteration of reality and his state of mind. Contel makes you enter into a world that is familiar to people who perfectly know the Slim Shady Lp and the Marshall Mathers Lp: drugs, alcohol, addiction…Violence is, of course, part of the game. Flash has killed many enemies, because the world of dealers offered no other alternative: either you killed your opponent rapidly or he would delete you from earth in no time.
During the whole story, you can watch Flash anxiety grow.
Flash’s encounter with Antonio Valdez in Vegas (where the transaction happens) is fulfilled with fear and growing anxiety.
It seems like Valdez has become suspicious about Flash.
Valdez’ strategy to isolate Flash with his fellow thugs Ricardo and Juan increases his feeling of insecurity.
After buying 10 kilos of cocaine to Ricardo and Juan, an incident happens. After hearing a great detonation, Juan puts his revolver at Flash’s head.
Flash is waiting for Chaz and James ‘ comeback and nearly can’t contain his anxiety.
After a little pause in LA where Flash introduces his cousin Earl to the Cuban Valdez, Flash returns to Flint. Candy is determined to date Flash and both agree on a date. Although Flash guesses there is obviously something too shady in Candy’s attitude, he can’t resist the sexy girl.
The next scene takes place in a crack house. A crack house is an abandoned building where drug traffics happen. This scene is typical of the Detroit context, as the movie 8 Mile also reveals it. Chapter 7 is interesting, because it will introduce you into the violent world of drug deals: you will see Flash give a physical punishment to Bob, who obviously owes him some money.
Bob’s character is interesting, it will give you an idea of how drugs can transform a healthy person into a wreck. Contel describes his physical and mental degradation with ability.
Chapter 10 is like an oasis in the middle of the tough world of drug dealers. It is a sexually explicit break in Flash’s life.
Chapter 12 introduces you to « Big Money »’s character. He is one of those rich men who managed to build an empire in the world of drug deals. As he eventually wants to settle down and buy a laundry mat in order to run an honest business and marry the mom of his children, « Big Money » got coldly murdered, leaving his brother and reliable girlfriend inconsolable.
Chapter 13 is a well written part about a mushrooms trip. A magical and colorful world opens its doors for the readers.
Back to Vegas, Chaz and James will make a fatal mistake by trying to retaliate about B Money’s bloody murder. They will make the huge mistake to murder Juan and Ricardo, which will lead to an infernal deadly spiral.
Earl will be Valdez’ first victim, followed by Flash’s other family members.
At the end of the story, Flash’s anxiety is unbearable. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the obsession of his beloved lost ones and scary visions torment his brain.
Candy appears to be a big trator: while hugging Flash for the last time, she shoots him right in the head. Candy fears Valdez and she thinks he will let her live as he walks in. But Tony shows no mercy to his girlfriend: a few seconds later, she will meet the reaper too.
Antonio Valdez walks free, ready to start a new life in Puerto Rico.
Contel Bradford will make you penetrate into a world that might not be familiar to everybody. When you will start reading his story, you will be hungry for more. Check out his suspenseful story, you won’t regret it.

Troubled singer MICHAEL JACKSON will allegedly sue rapper EMINEM over his new music video, which mocks the THRILLER star:
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/0/744FC2401B564E7E80256F290048EF24!opendocument
The JUST LOSE IT promo features Eminem dressed as Jackson, losing his cosmetically enhanced nose, jumping on a bed with young children, being vomited on by the real Eminem and dousing his flaming hair by sticking his head down a toilet.
Jackson has branded the video “disrespectful” and is to determined to have it banned, reports Britain’s DAILY SPORT newspaper.
Jackson’s spokesperson says, “The Jackson family feels the video is demeaning and disrespectful. Michael is very displeased and doesn’t want it shown.”
A source close to the 46-year-old says, “The entire video is a send-up of Michael Jackson. Michael is very upset and is going crazy over it. Don’t be surprised if he sues over this.
“He is moonwalking and has greasy hair. Eminem’s hair catches on fire, just like Michael’s did in the famous Pepsi commercial. He runs into a public toilet and douses the flames in a toilet.”

11oct04
THAT Eminem sure knows how to get attention:
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11031950%255E28957,00.html
The rapper is launching his new album Encore in grand style with an event called the National Shady Convention in New York later this month.
The event is obviously a send-up of the huge Democratic and Republican conventions held in the lead-up to the US election, but it sounds like a hoot.
Apparently only 20 fans worldwide will be allowed in – with rumours the man himself will be performing. One lucky Aussie (and a mate) will be picked to go through a Nova radio competition.

This is an exerpt of Contel Bradford’s well written story. For those who are interested in reading the whole story and buying his book, you can email Contel here:
count7411@aol.com
THE BREAKDOWN
CHAPTER 1: STRANDED
As the sparkling white snow began to trickle down onto the cracked
windshield, Dave gave another desperate attempt at starting the engine. But even
he knew the possibilities were next to none. It was quite apparent when the
vehicle suddenly shut down and commenced to drift to the right side of the
crowded expressway. Dave recognized the terrible noise from years ago when he
endured a similar misfortune. The perturbed motorist was surely stranded.
“Dammit!” Dave gave the accelerator a steady foot as he turned the key but
there was still nothing. It seemed as if the life span of the ten year old Sunbird
had finally come to a halt. Fuming, Dave pounded the horn and prepared to suffer
the fierce cold wind.
This had to be the worst fate since his untimely incarceration about a year ago.
Just when it appeared that the young man was restructuring his life, accomplishing
positive goals, something of this magnitude had to occur. He was actually starting
to enjoy his job at the home furniture warehouse. Several attractive women
occupied the facility as well as a few down to earth, pot smoking fellows. The
work wasn*t too difficult; lift a few sofas and entertainment centers, float the hi-lo
around to transport the heavier freight; it wasn*t bad at all for $10.50 an hour. But
due to Dave*s misuse of his sick time he couldn*t afford to suffer another absence;
not without being terminated.
“Fuckin* piece of shit!” Dave gaped down at the car*s organs while holding up
the dysfunctional hood with one arm. To the naked eye everything appeared to be
in order; exactly the way it looked before the vehicle stalled.
“Fuck!” Dave slammed down the hood and retreated back inside the car. The
temperature was just above thirty degrees and the snow was falling more
rapidly.
“Can*t believe this shit,” he pouted as he removed the frosty winter cap. This
had to be the worst time for such a crisis. Believing that he would be able to
borrower Fred*s adapter once arriving on the job, Dave left his charger sitting on
the kitchen table, leaving him with a powerless, worthless cell phone.
Dave simply smiled as he pressed the phone*s power button with great force.
He figured it was worth a shot. Though the situation was very exasperating Dave
tried his best to maintain his composure. An irrational mentality would only
complicate matters. He just needed to ponder on the disaster with a clear, cool
head. He reached into the pocket of his warm red coat to find a soggy, torn,
unsmokable cigarette.
“Kiss my ass!” Dave tossed the damaged cancer stick in the passenger seat
along with a pile of other useless trash. “What else could go wrong?” Before
another terrible thought could be presented Dave peered into the rearview mirror
to find a pair of flashing blue and red lights.
“Ah shit.” Swiftly, he collected the two marijuana bags and transferred them
from his jean pockets into the thermo socks covered by the steel toed boots.
Hopefully the two officers approaching didn*t notice his movement; they certainly
wouldn*t object to searching a man*s boots and socks, leaving him standing
barefoot on the snow covered concrete. Dave took a deep breath and prayed for
the best as the officers neared the vehicle.
The state trooper tapped on the window with his baton, signaling for Dave to
roll it down.
“Its broke,” Dave replied, still tampering with the faulty power lock.. “Roll
down the window,” the officer demanded, becoming irate.
“Its broke dude!” Dave shook his head, amazed at the man*s ignorance.
“Dumb ass,” he thought, grabbing the handle and opening the door.
“Freeze!” Before he could get his left foot from the vehicle, Dave found himself as a
likely target of police fatality. The officers cornered both sides of the Sunbird,
aiming their fully loaded pistols at Dave*s head. Overwhelmed with panic, the
unarmed man threw his hands to the sky.
“Get out of the car!” The officer pulled Dave from his seat with a forceful grip
as his partner strolled from the passenger side. The aggressive policeman then
spun him around, slammed his head on top of the vehicle and instructed him to
place his hands behind his back. “Got any weapons on you? Guns, knives, hand
grenades?”
Dave couldn*t elude the negative beliefs. Rodney King and Malice Green were
just two men viciously mauled by the unruly arm of the law. Unfortunately for
him the chances of someone recording the brutal crime on camera were rather
slim in this grueling weather. Dave sighed and tried his best to cooperate.
“I ain*t got nothin* on me man. Just sittin* here tryin* to get my ride started.”
He became even more annoyed as the other officer commenced to search his body
for illegal objects. The antagonistic antics of the troopers bothered him so much
that he wasn*t even concerned about the small dosage of reefer in his socks. Dave
was more worried about his physical being at the moment.
“Okay, what seems to be the problem?” The officer ceased his search. App-
arently he didn*t locate the incriminating evidence he was looking for.
“That*s suppose to be my line,” Dave snickered. He then turned around to face
the two white males. “My car stopped on me. I think the engine gone. Can*t get
her to start.”
“It*s a string of cars pulled over on this freeway,” said the shorter, thinner
officer. “This weather*s a killer.”
“Bet ya*ll ain*t pull the heat out on they ass,” thought Dave. But he would
keep his opinions secretive. There was no need in provoking these vigorous
lawmen. “I was just about to head up the ramp to use a pay phone.”
The officers then stared at each other, both feeling some what guilty for over
reacting. “Its colder than hell out here,” spoke the taller man sporting thin framed
glasses. They say we*re suppose to get four to six inches for this shit*s done with.
Nobody needs to be walking in this crap.” ”
Yeah,” his partner joined in. “We can at least give you a ride to a bus stop or
somethin*.”

Michael Jackson fans fume over Eminem’s parody of their idol
When Eminem releases his songs, you can be sure that at least one person will feel offended or angered. Matter of fact: his lyrics do cause a lot of controversy.
Those who don’t interpret his songs literally usually find them funny. The problem always lies in the interpretation of Marshall Mathers’ intentions. Many people are too lazy to have a deep look at Eminem’s work, which explains the immense hatred he usually gets from them.
Eminem wasn’t trying to diss Michael Jackson. He clearly expressed it in « Just Lose It »:
« That’s not a stab at Micheal
That’s just a metaphore, I’m just psycho a little bit crazy sometimes… »
Relax a little, Michael Jackson fans. It is a metaphore, it was made to humor the tragical situation the king of pop was going through.
Some people even totally misinterpreted Eminem’s intentions and gave their personal interpretation of the vomiting scene between Eminem and Michael Jackson:
« I’m sorry but I don’t find anything remotely amusing about a white man vomiting on a black man, especially when said white man has written derogatory lyrics about black people in the past. » (Christine E)
Christine E., please leave that « black and white shit » elsewhere. This scene has nothing to do with being black or white. Eminem would have puked on a white artist as well if he had done a similar parody. So don’t try to make a racist out of someone who definitely isn’t a racist person.
Christine E. also felt offended because BET aired « Just Lose It »:
« I am disappointed in BET, not only because it’s boring, repetitive and riddled with tired clichés (like every other Eminem video) but also because one of the most influential black entertainers of all time is more or less dehumanized throughout the video. Jermaine Jackson was on point when he referred to the media’s treatment of his brother as a “modern day lynchingâ€? and while it does not surprise me that Eminem has decided to contribute to it, I am angered that BET has provided him with a platform on which to do so.â€?
Christine E., you statement sounds stupid to me. BET aired the video, because they fully understood there was no lynch nor any once of racism in the video. « Just Lose It » is just a funny video. Anybody who is trying to find a bad intention behind this video is totally wrong.
When I watched the video, I couldn’t imagine Eminem’s video would anger some parents. I have watched it with my kids and we found it funny. We couldn’t stop laughing during the whole video.
Appearently some other moms don’t seem to be cool with Just Lose It:
“Eminem has crossed the line…trying to be ‘funny’ with little regard for the children!â€? “He tried to cover himself with the “this is not a stab at Michaelâ€? line before he carried on with his antics. It’s almost as if, he wanted to make sure that he was covered in the “maliceâ€? department. It’s like, he wanted to make sure that it is clear that he is just joking. The problem is, the joke is not funny…it’s just sick. …Pedophilia (or implying pedophilia) is not funny in any way, shape, or form…whether it is in reference to Jackson or not. That was just in poor taste. I mean hell, he may as well have had a Kobe look-a-like raping a girl in his video.â€?
(Gail)
Come on, you offended people need to relax. Of course, pedophilia isn’t funny. But you cannot close your eyes and do as if pedophilia didn’t exist.
I find Eminem’s intention to humor what happened to Michael positive. You cannot see everything in a negative light. I am even sure that Michael Jackson himself isn’t against the video, maybe it has even made him laugh.
A good laugh is well known as the best therapy against any hard situation in life.
Let Eminem say what he has to say and if you can’t stand him, then switch the channel.

Contel Bradford: « The Breakdown »
Contel Bradford’s story
Who is Contel Bradford? Ask me and I will tell you: he’s a skilled Detroit writer, a scenarist and also a novelist.
As I started reading his novel entitled « The Breakdown », I was positively surprised by the great quality of his text. “The Breakdown” is one of three stories. The trilogy can be considered as a novel or an anthology.
Contel is a great narrator who allows you to penetrate into his world, the Detroit ghetto.
D12 fans may be familiar with the background described in « The Breakdown ».
There are references to many Detroit areas and streets. There is also a reference to Livonia which is a neighborhood that is well known for its racism towards black people.
« If you are black–you dont drive thru Livonia at night–you will be arrested for one thing or another. » (Backstab the Kingpin)
But most of the references are taken out of East Detroit (8 Mile Road, Wayne county) where crime rates are very high.
Contel introduces you into a world of gang wars, sex, alcohol and drugs.
Dave Johnson, the hero of the novel loses nearly everything within one single day: his car breaks down, he catches his girlfriend cheating on him, young thugs start attacking him in the hood because of the color of his bandana, his cousin Boo gets killed by rival gang members…
It seems like Dave has been caught into an unlucky trail: during Boo’s funeral, his untrustworthy girlfriend Tiffany gets murdered. This tragically event is just another example of gang vendettas, which belong to the every day ghetto life.
Followed by an amazing misfortune, Dave suddenly notices that he caught a venerian disease from his unprotected adventure with Brandy, a young girl pretending to be a virgin.
As Dave and Shawn climb into their car with a non hidden intention to get revenge from their family members’ bloody murders, they have no idea about what kind of trouble is waiting for them.
More problems on their road: the police arrests both men and finds out Shawn was driving with a revoked driving licence. Soon they will also know about Dave’s criminal past.
Things start to worsen when the cops discover that both young men are high after smoking their blunts and that they are carrying an illegal weapon.
The idea of spending around 5 years in jail was unbearable in Dave’s mind. Even his cousin Shawn couldn’t stop him while he made a desperate attempt to get free. Dave shoot two times in direction of the female officer. Himself got shot directly in the forehead. Picture of death and silence. Dave is leaving earth. He has lost everything, including his life.
« The Breakdown » is a dark drama who shows people about the fragility of our condition, which is certainly an invitation always to stay humble. You might win everything within one single day and lose it next day as well.
It is a well written story that will make you fully understand the context of the Detroit ghetto, a place where you have to struggle if you want to survive.
I particularly appreciate Contel Bradford for the realness of his story, his undeniable narrative skills. Check out this passionate writer‘s story, he belongs to the generation of Detroit’s new writing talents.

Those who don’t know him are probably curious to know who he actually is. His name is Devon Sawa. He’s an actor. He perfectly fits into his role and manages to create the atmosphere of Stan’s drama.
Eminem and his crew had different people in mind to be Stan, but Eminem says that Devon was perfect as « Stan »:
“We were looking at a few different people to be Stan. We were looking at Macaulay Culkin to be Stan, but he ended up having prior arrangements, I guess, so he couldn’t do it.
“But Devon is actually perfect for the role, now that we’ve watched him do his thing,” he continued. “He fits right into it. We were doing something on camera yesterday, and we were watching a tape back, and it was him, and then it was my take to do the exact same thing, and we couldn’t tell through the camera which one was my take and which was his.”
In fact, Dr Dre thought about Devon Sawa because he had watched « Final Destination » and liked it.
A website: reminds us of interesting details we might have missed while watching the « Stan » video:
1. The date of birth on the headstone, seems to be Eminem’s!!!
2. At the end, while Slim is writing to him, Stans body is levitating at the window!!!
3. Stan only ever refers to Eminem as ‘Slim’. This means he was relating to Eminem’s evil, alter ego, Slim Shady, and not the real Marshall Mathers.
4. Although Stan is played by an actor, he does in fact have a very similar tattoo, as Marshall, at the top of his left arm.
5. The news Broadcaster describes the accident as, “Double Murder”! Although it wasn’t murder and one of the victims was a foetus.
6. Stan’s little bro. Matthew. Bleaches his hair like Eminem’s, at the end.
7. The News Reader is the same as the news reader in the “Forgot About Dre” Video!The info was found here:
http://www.annegray.com/abbeyworld/eminem/emstan.htm
More about Devon Sawa
Devon Sawa was born on September the 7th in Vancouver.
He started acting in a school play in kindergarten. Devon Sawa has played in many movies like « Little Giants », « Now And Then », « Final Destination »…
He has also participated to Canadian Shows like « Kid Zone » and « The Odyssey »
People who have watched Stan probably know that Devon Sawa has tattoos: a cartoon devil on one arm and a cross on the other arm.
Although I haven’t watched Devon Sawa’s movies, I must give him full credit for acting as « Stan » in Eminem’s video. He was convincing in the role of an obsessional and crazy fan.