Ben Ali, co-founder and namesake of Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., died Wednesday night at the age 82. Thursday morning, his joint — the one that he has run for 51 years with his wife, Virginia, and their extended family, the one that has fed everyone from politicians, actors and rock stars to all the regulars it has collected over the years — opened as normal, serving half-smokes, chili dogs and coleslaw to the crowds that came to pay their respects, to remember Ali or just to have lunch.

Ben’s Chili Bowl was founded on August 22, 1958, by Ben Ali, a Trinidadian-born immigrant who had earned a degree in dentistry at nearby Howard University and his fiance, Virginia-born Virginia Rollins. The two were married seven weeks after opening the restaurant. The building they chose was that of Washington’s first silent movie house, the Minnehaha, which was established in 1911. The building is a contributing property to the Greater U Street Historic District.

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, painter, poet and latter-day disc jockey who has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was, at first, an informal chronicler and then an apparently reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of his songs, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” became anthems for both the civil rights and the anti-war movements.

Amazing talent! Love the music, love the woman!

Wow back in DC from Miami! Got a little set back with the blog! LOL But it was so relaxing, I suggest everyone take a vacation every chance you get! But fuck all that tho…BACK TO BUSINESS!!
Here’s my first “Awesome People” blog! I dedicate this one to ZOE KRAVITZ! Not only is she the daughter of one of my favorite musicians ever but she is a very dynamic young woman. She’s a Singer, Actress, Fashionista, Rock Royalty and all out cool chick! She’s the shit , check her out…enjoy!

DC’s own Petey Greene Dropping Jewels over a Beatjunkie produced track! And I thought Jay-Z was the first person to say Hustlin’ Backwards LOL check out this video… very cool, educational and funny…enjoy!

We lost an amazing Talent today…One of the GREATEST ENTERTAINERS EVER! Most albums sold of all time! THE KING OF POP! THE ICON! And a Great Human being, period! Wow, still can’t believe he’s gone. I used to listen to him as a kid and try to do all the dance moves LOL (I need to find that pic with my MJ t-shirt lol)! But life goes on…He lived a full life and did everything he could possibly do in his 50 years living, He made HIStory. His music will live forever in my heart and soul just like the rest of the world. The whole world is mourning his death even tho we all didn’t know him…My prayers go out to his family, he will be missed but never forgotten. WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!