December 31, 2012
The Hunted and the Hated: An Inside Look at the NYPD's Stop-and-Frisk Policy
Yeah so, this can't continue in 2013. But how do we stop this?
December 27, 2012
December 24, 2012
The Horns from Penstroke Of Genius by @Mallz & @DrKhil
They always say give the drummer some. Sometimes you just have to let the horns play.
December 21, 2012
December 20, 2012
RAHIM SAMAD, "NOTHING TO GAIN"
If you need truth call on his name. He's Samad. Sounds better the second go around, especially the second verse. It's like they formatted this video for tv, circa Video Music Box era.
December 18, 2012
December 17, 2012
John Givez - Dumb it Down (@JohnGivez @KingsDreamEnt)
What yall think about this one? Check out the EP here.
December 15, 2012
Jemyle Jones (@JemyleJones) - Timeless Jones
On 12-12-12 Jemyle Jones dropped a mixtape on Datpiff.com the significance of that date still remains to be seen, I honestly think for some it just looked like a cool number. This black and white short music film if you will, is simple yet impressive, Jones' words sound sincere, he's talking about his real life. There's nothing cosmetic here. No asses shake. No dangling of ice to freeze the viewer, numbing them to a dumbing of lyrics. Nope. Just what some would call Hiphop in it's purest form. Jones with this tune and visual makes the case for the possibility it being a timeless piece. But, only time will tell.
December 13, 2012
December 12, 2012
Intelligent Hoodlum (Tragedy Khadafi) - Grand Groove
Was at PNC Radio today to make an appearance on The Company Man's show and got to sit in on a great interview with him and Tragedy Khadafi. Let's say the God dropped jewels ah many and of course there's footage. We'll toss it up soon. Until then take it back, way back and marinate in the Grande Grove.
Top $ Raz (@topdollagotit) - "No Patience"
One of the strongest songs on Top $ Raz's "Reign On The Parade" due to it's realness and relevance to most likely the majority of it's listeners. A very simple rap video of the artist basically rapping at a camera coupled with scenes of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy(already virtually forgotten) an numerous clips of dire circumstance as relayed vocally on the track.
Top $ Raz's "Reign On The Parade" is available now at http://www.topdollagotit.com
Follow Top $ Raz: Twitter: http://twitter.com/topdollagotit
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eMHlYX
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/topdollagotit
@SoulKhan - Speeding Bullets
Holy super-hero rap-video parody SoulKhan. Can good Hiphop stop a bullet even if it's speeding?
December 10, 2012
KRS-One - Exclusive Interview at STiKS Gaming Arcade Gala
A different and great look for Hiphop. All for Hurricane Sandy victims.
December 7, 2012
December 6, 2012
December 5, 2012
November 30, 2012
Substantial - See Hear
Substantial is a successful world traveled independent artist who hasn't ceased being a champion for BMore. With a warrior spirit and a poets distribution of words he captures the heart of a town that many will never visit in this song. A voice for the people indeed he is.
P.S. If you enjoyed this video. Take a minute to Like it and share it!
Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) - I Don't Like
Not too sure what to make of this one. Hopefully we'll hear something from Mr. Bey discussing what his intent was with this re-purposing.
November 29, 2012
Wise Intelligent I SAID IT Prod. by Masada
Intelligent Muzik proudly presents the next single from Wise Intelligent's NEW and highly anticipated 4rd solo album, "Wise Intelligent Iz...EL NEGRO GUERRERO" (The Black Warrior). This is 3rd Period in Wise's "Back to School" Box Set. The album is scheduled to be released EARLY 2013!!!
"I SAID IT" is Wise Intelligent doing the one thing that too many artists today are afraid to do, tell the TRUTH! New Jersey's own Masada has provided an extremely sinister and powerful sonic platform for Wise to lyrically destroy any and all opposition. "I SAID IT" is a giant middle finger to all those who tell us that in order to "get on" and "stay relevant" you must compromise your principles and your message. This visually striking and controversial video was directed by Jimmy Giambrone. It's a proven fact that whenever Wise and Jimmy collaborate on a project something very special happens, and it's guaranteed to leave the viewers amazed, speechless, and satisfied...
Holly's Hobbies by Holly Saucy (@HollySaucy)
This is real rap raw, not for the faint of heart. Add Holly Saucy to your now growing list of incredible female emcees. Yeah like this lady isn't another typical dope rapper that's really not. I suggest you check her discography. Go deeper than just this post. She's got some thangs floating bout the net. Oh yeah. She can sing as well. Solid voice as either emcee or songstress. Yep.
November 28, 2012
November 27, 2012
Sum - "Timeless" Produced by Ski Beatz
It's one slave for every two chains on the internet/ with three stacks I feed outcasts with these Benjamins. Andre Aggasi, agony when I'm spittin'em...
Dir. Dedeaux Haze - D/L DRAGON, VOL. I at http://sumkilla.com
Riff Raff McGriff ft. Georgia Anne Muldrow - Tell'Em (Remix)
Yeah they're tossing around a new buzz word 'Fiscal Cliff' these days. That's not real to us. What is real though, is every single word of this song
November 26, 2012
Mikey J & The UK Female Allstars - Rock The Mic
This is tough, innit? Dem ladies is all fit and they wicked with flow. No flesh exposed and no vulgar language just hard raps.
November 25, 2012
November 23, 2012
November 21, 2012
Significant (@SigNif) Wizdom II: Atypical
Milwaukee-bred, NYC-based emcee Signif presents: Significant Wizdom II: (Atypical), produced entirely by Baltimore producer Gee Wiz, who also produced the first installment of Significant Wizdom, released in spring 2011.
"On this album I choose to talk about issues like living a healthy lifestyle, being financially responsible, and being a positive voice for my community," Signif says of the album, which was inspired by the '60s/'70s revolutionary era. "I sprinkle this message throughout the project while also speaking on where I am right now and what’s going on in my world.”
November 20, 2012
"It's Bigger than Hip Hop: Art, Race and Politics"
Watch award-winning author and filmmaker M.K. Asante deliver Vanderbilt's annual Walter R. Murray Jr. Lecture. Hailed by the Philadelphia Inquirer as "a rare, remarkable talent that brings to mind the great artists of the Harlem Renaissance," Asante is the author of three celebrated books and films. Murray was the first African American to serve on the Vanderbilt Board of Trust and is a founder of the Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni.
Eleven (@eleventymillion) presents... M-Theory
"Wrapped in this world wide web, I'm a Spiderman..."
Dee-1 "Love Me Some You"
Yep it happens. Bad news. Trouble, trouble, trouble. And a teacher at that... smh
November 18, 2012
November 16, 2012
Sum [@sumkilla] - "Boom" f. Chris Clarke & JTHORNE
Yeah we're eagerly awaiting for Dragon to drop but until then the "Boom" has been offered up for free download... Enjoy.
November 15, 2012
Sav Killz - More Rice prod. by Madlib
Sav Killz spittin fiery darts, it's business as usual for this NYC underground hero.
November 13, 2012
November 9, 2012
November 5, 2012
October 31, 2012
Homeboy Sandman - Whatchu Want From Me
Boy Sand back again with another video, this one from his debut LP on Stonesthrow entitled, "First of a Living Breed".
October 24, 2012
October 23, 2012
October 17, 2012
October 11, 2012
Wi.Sh aka @WiShfulMusic - Cool Like That
A new twist on a Hiphop classic. Many often fail on the throwback attempts but Wi.Sh has a winner. Pays homage while giving us an introduction to a bit of his west coast style. Not a simple task.
October 5, 2012
Top $ Raz | On
Another tight song by Top $ Raz with Audible Doctor production. The dancing is funny for a moment while the Grand Theft Auto like screen animation is cool, after a minute you realize that's all you're going to get visually. Considering the short attention spans of most Hiphop fans and music listeners in general, this video as it stands leaves a bit to be desired as far as variation goes. It would have been nice to see some more cuts, a shot of the characters at perhaps a different angle or distance from the camera even. Let's hope viewers hang around long enough to actually catch a glimpse of who the masked emcee is. But what do I know? Not a hell of a lot. P.S. A definitely redeeming aspect of the video is the subtitling of lyrics. That was a good look.
September 26, 2012
Murs & Fashawn "This Generation" feat. Adrian [Music Video]
Cool. How often do you hear emcees going back and forth on a record these days. A hiphop track and video with crossover appeal. Nice!
September 25, 2012
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September 24, 2012
September 22, 2012
@PiKaHsSo THANK U2 PiDEO (Entire W.O.T. Version)
Thank you again PiKaHsSo for including us in your massive song of thank you shouts. Means a whole lot.
September 20, 2012
Eric Roberson - Male Ego feat Hezekiah
Speed dating. You see it on television and in movies. I do believe it does exist but I've never witnessed it in person. A few years back though I did build a site (Cocoa Singles) for some short lived project an acquaintance of mine developed and abandoned. Anyway, ego is definitely a big part of the problem with both men and women when it comes to relationships and in life in general. Cute video. Don't let your ego ruin the possibility of something great.
September 19, 2012
True 2 Life Music - Daily Math
Well someone studied the most effective way to keep eyes glued to a screen to watch an entire video. Now I have to download the song, I must admit I didn't capture anything being said the first go around.
Franz K - The Resurrection
Suspenseful indeed but what I hoped for did not come to pass. I thought perhaps we'd see at least one female at some point. Alas we didn't. But there was a doll in the dumpster. Surely I'm missing the depth of this song and video but I gottah be honest I wasn't so thrilled with all the shirtless dudes that looked alike walking around like zombies.
September 17, 2012
On Monday I was harassed by NYPD (@TahPhrumDuhBush
You've seen him on FreeHiphopNow before. He's one of Brooklyn's most creative artists when it comes to self-promotion. Today though we share with you his words and some video from a confrontation he experienced recently at a train station in Flatbush only a few blocks away from his home.
Peace y'all... Monday September 10th was a bit disturbing. In the last 6 months I have been harassed by the police in my neighborhood more than I have been harassed since I was harassed by bullies in grade school...
Someone sent me a video of the most recent incident. I also have video of part of what transpired beforehand... I will put that up soon.
A description from my point of view is below.
I asked the other cops if they thought I was disorderly and they all looked at the ground because I guess they didn't want to go against this guy. But they didn’t answer me. After a while I was speaking to the other cops who were actually level headed didn't want to have conflict with the other cop, they were like “why didn't you just go home? This guy has been on the force over 20 years and he's burnt out it’s not going to be a good look for you”.
The cop took my ID and left the building, I was very upset at this point and as I was explaining the situation to the other officers that were surrounding me one of the officers said, “you are speaking really loud and it is causing a lot of tension so please bring it down a little I know you are upset but this is just going to make it worse.” So I did.
The other cops told me it is best if I just don't say anything to him. Then officer Stines comes over with the summons and my ID and says, "I hope you have a good night", I’ll see you in court on December 6th, and asked me if I had any questions for him. I opted not to answer him as the other officers counseled me to do and he left.
I filed a report with the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
You know what?
Peace y'all... Monday September 10th was a bit disturbing. In the last 6 months I have been harassed by the police in my neighborhood more than I have been harassed since I was harassed by bullies in grade school...
Someone sent me a video of the most recent incident. I also have video of part of what transpired beforehand... I will put that up soon.
A description from my point of view is below.
I got off the train at Church Ave to
go home. The police were all running on the platform. When I get upstairs there
were approximately 20-30, literally 20-30 officers on top of one Black male, mashing
his face into the ground and holding him down. So I pull out my camera phone
and record until they drag the guy out of the place. The police are telling
people to keep it moving. So this one officer, (Stines) looks at me and says
something to the effect of "yeah, what are you looking at with your damn
video camera". He and other officers and several other people go through
the turnstiles and the open emergency exit gate to leave. I follow to go through
the emergency exit and he tells me to go around. I ask why and he points to the
sign that says "emergency exit" and says, "Do you see this? Can
you read?" So I go around and walk through the turnstile.
He turns around and looks at me and
I shake my head and said "This guy". He races back over and says,
"What did you say?" I said, "I said 'this guy.'" He then says,
“I should give you a ticket for walking through the emergency exit”. I said, “but
I went around as you instructed, it seems like you just want to find something
to hang on me.” He told me that it is illegal to walk through an emergency exit
in a non-emergent situation. I said that “30 cops were in a mêlée with one
person, that seems like an emergency to me, besides I walked through the
turnstile as requested”.
So he comes over and says let me see
your ID. I said for what? He pokes me in the chest and asks me what is my
problem. I asked him why he is touching me. He says get out of here before you
get locked up. So I sucked my teeth. He then says "your asking to get
locked up" I asked, "Am I being detained?" He says “Oh you want
to be detained huh?” and pulls out his handcuffs and starts reaching to grab my
wrist. So I ask, "What are you detaining me for?" and then I yelled
"Cameras out!" and a bunch of people in the train station started to
film.
So the cuffs disappeared but a swarm
of cops came inside and surrounded me. I said "Now you're surrounding me
like a gang, this is ridiculous" Stine says something like "yeah
we're a gang" (don't quote me on that one exactly but it was close).
So he says give me your ID again I
ask for what and he says I'm getting a summons. I ask for what... he pauses for
a few seconds and thinks and then says "for disorderly conduct" I asked
“are you serious?”
I asked the other cops if they thought I was disorderly and they all looked at the ground because I guess they didn't want to go against this guy. But they didn’t answer me. After a while I was speaking to the other cops who were actually level headed didn't want to have conflict with the other cop, they were like “why didn't you just go home? This guy has been on the force over 20 years and he's burnt out it’s not going to be a good look for you”.
The cop took my ID and left the building, I was very upset at this point and as I was explaining the situation to the other officers that were surrounding me one of the officers said, “you are speaking really loud and it is causing a lot of tension so please bring it down a little I know you are upset but this is just going to make it worse.” So I did.
The other cops told me it is best if I just don't say anything to him. Then officer Stines comes over with the summons and my ID and says, "I hope you have a good night", I’ll see you in court on December 6th, and asked me if I had any questions for him. I opted not to answer him as the other officers counseled me to do and he left.
I filed a report with the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
You know what?
Fuck the Police...
Comin' straight from the underground...
Jordan Knoxx - Big Dream (@JordanKnoxx)
I almost expect to hear Jay Z's voice over this soul interpolation with it's vibe reminiscent of the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes - I Miss You sample used on This Can't Be Life. The track is a lil less up-beat as the previously mentioned. It's more something you'd expect to hear on the Based God's two thousandth mixtape. Jordan Knoxx pours heart over the music, especially throughout the second verse her passion building to a head then slows to a gradual halt as if exhausted from the release. Nothing left to offer but the beat as it rides out.
September 15, 2012
Denzil Porter - On The Plains
Cruising Youtube and perusing Denzil Porter's channel (youngfizzle) I came across this vid. This one of a handful I started and stopped I watched all the way through. I can relate to it. What you known about White Plains road folk?! Personally I know some things. I can take it far as MT. Vernon and the border of New Rochelle. Yeah I dig this one. Tuesdays and Thursdays, are sweeps days. What yall know about that? Gottah love nearly all of the characters rhyming in this well organized piece of video work. The Bronx once again well represented. Don't sleep.
September 14, 2012
Dee-1 - Never Clockin Out (Remix) ft. Killer Mike (prod by DJ FU)
Would like to see Dee-1 in the spotlight where Lil Wayne is. Dee-1's devotion to the people is authentic. Comes from a real place. I met the man, he puts that righteous vibe out. And of course he raps well.
Christian x Muslim - @JasonChuMusic
I definitely would have never come up with this concept and formula for delivery.
Written, recorded, performed by jason chu (@JasonChuMusic) and Rah Zemos.
Breadman - Disabled (@itsbreadman)
Was led to the video "Disabled" after stopping Breadman's newest video, "Its on" mid-way through. Yeah wasn't feeling it. It was kinda the same ol' and in my honest opinion wasn't even average or good same ol' rap. But this one right here while not exactly spectacular, it's actually real. Shows Breadman being honest and sharing a message of empowerment, one that will stay in the thoughts of the viewer much longer I assume than the other. Yeah and the vocals being out of synch a bit in portions of the video is forgivable.
September 13, 2012
Mysterious Business (feat. Sleepy Will & Kamikaze)
Three emcees, three verses. Simple and to the point. What do you think about this song?
50 Cent Discusses Lupe and Chief Keef
Never-mind what the nasty old lady is talking about, was close to not posting this because of it but 50 Cent has an interesting and valid take on the situation.
Brother Ali - Only Life I Know
Brother Ali speaks for the down trodden and oppressed who unfortunately happen to make up a sizable portion of the citizens that live in America, one of the globes riches nations mind you. How do you like that? A story far of us know too well, depicted visually in high contrast but even still desaturated fashion. This song and video are proof that Hiphop is still the CNN of the streets. Don't let anyone tell you any different.
September 12, 2012
Oddisee "Let It Go Live" (Live)
Oddisee with live band performing "Let It Go" from his album, "People Hear What They See" out now on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/people-hear-what-they-see/id516330937
Sidewalk Kal, John Robinson & Invizible Handz - ASTRO
Sidewalk Kal, John Robinson & Invizible Handz take it to the cosmos will standing with feet planted on solid ground. Cool collaboration. Three emcees honestly spit their truths.
September 11, 2012
Lord Jamar - The Kid Magic Freestyle (Art of Rap Soundtrack)
The soundtrack to the highly acclaimed film, Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap is now available on CD and Vinyl. The 23-song set features classic and new freestyles from rap juggernauts including the film's executive producer Ice-T, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, MC Lyte, Q-Tip and more. Get into this venomous freestyle from Grandmaster Melle Mel on why he's a true leader of the Hip Hop movement.
Order CD (Available In Stores and Online): http://amzn.to/NqPWHr
Order Vinyl: http://amzn.to/OAvfvn
EARLY - TIMELESS produced by One Eyed Kings
If you were to close your eyes, your ears might capture the possible influences of Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Kanye; but you're supposed to watch videos. Eyes open you now see Early positioned in quasi Spike Lee Joint color and motion during this video for Timeless. With lyrics based on a true story, I'm sure that there a number of artists making their strides through modern Hiphop's treacherous terrain that can relate to and hopefully appreciate every word delivered in this song.
First Single from Early's High Noon. Directed by @Hightopbully
September 9, 2012
September 8, 2012
Youth (Gang) Violence, Black & Brown Power and Generational Oppression
M.C. K~Swift (Universal Zulu Nation/ New Rap Order)
This is About the Black Ghettoes of the USA
I’m writing this in the wake of
the murder of Chicago rapper, Joseph Coleman aka Lil Jo Jo. I’m not
going to go into the details of his murder, nor the circumstances
surrounding it too much. I will say that there is an important
intersection between youth (gang related) violence and the
hyper-masculine values set that contemporary rap music underscores. As a
Hip-Hop educator who works primarily with crime-affected youth, these
are things I think about often. However, what I see in both the
mainstream and independent media fail to analyze this problem from a
socio-political perspective. It seems that they would paint the rash of
violence of recent years among youth as a sudden, inexplicable
phenomenon. I have a problem with that.
The streets of Chicago are on
fire right now. In the summer of 2012, murders rose 60% from the
previous year. Over Memorial Day weekend, 40 people were shot. I
remember hearing that 9 people were killed over Labor Day weekend in
Chicago. The vast majority of these shootings are youth-on-youth. Two
questions jump into my mind; why are we killing each other and where are
they guns coming from?
Why Are We Killing Each Other?
In neighborhoods plagued by
violence, it’s clear that people are wanting for conflict resolution
skills. I remember growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn and being taught
by my peer group that if someone spoke to you disrespectfully, the
proper response was to punch that person in the mouth. It isn’t hard to
see how this same train of thought can escalate to gun violence,
especially when life isn’t valued. Young people are seemingly
desensitized to death, and consumed with their own immediate material
satisfaction. Major factors in this are bloody video games, gun-fueled
action movies, and hedonistic American dreams that are sold through
television and music. We’re taught that life is generally invaluable,
and that if anyone’s life has value, it is strictly our own.
“Those in the community who defy
authority and ‘break the law’ seem to enjoy the good life and have
everything in the way of material possessions. On the other hand, people
who work hard and struggle and suffer much are the victims of greed and
indifference, losers. This insane reversal of values presses heavily on
the Black community. These causes originate from outside and are
imposed by a system that ruthlessly seeks its own rewards, no matter
what the cost in wrecked human lives.”
- Huey P. Newton Revolutionary Suicide
We are living in a unique time.
The crack era ushered in access to riches in ways unimagined to
impoverished people in the USA. This introduced a generation gap.
Teenagers could become the breadwinners of their families, sometimes
losing respect for the adults who struggled to make ends meet. The
millions of dollars in street money also brought in higher-powered
weaponry. But this is the picture of the 80’s and 90’s. What’s happened
in the last 20 years to produce a generation of children that are armed
to kill and ready to die? My gut tells me that the corporate hijacking
of Hip Hop music has a lot to do with it. I am convinced that there is
an agenda to keep the masses poor and downtrodden, and racism is a
primary weapon to this end. There is a subplot to oppress Black &
Brown people (the Original Indigenous People of the Earth),
specifically. Arts are universal languages. They convey messages of
intellectual and emotional qualities beyond light speed. It only makes
sense that the elite would take control of an art form that was born to
liberate the people.
I hear rappers talking about
popping pills, sipping lean and murdering their enemies (or having
“shooters” do it). These messages come down non-stop over rhythms that
are hypnotic and undeniable. I almost found myself singing along to
these songs more than a few times. I was definitely bouncing to the
beats. I believe it is KRS-ONE who talks about Hip-Hop music containing
an automatic affirmative via the head nod. Furthermore, there’s
something in this music that feels energetic and warlike. These are
things that are embedded in the animalistic parts of the human psyche,
and reinforced by the machismo that US imperialism was built on. What’s
more “American” than standing with your soldiers, taking what you want,
and getting rid of anyone that stands in between you and wealth? That’s
what Manifest Destiny is all about. This is the backdrop to the worship
of the Almighty Dollar.
People want power. Truly, the
power to determine one’s own life is a baseline desire, maybe a need.
However, we’re largely taught that real power is power over others. We
don’t yet know how to (or even see a need to) dismantle the power
structure; we only want to occupy its positions. We have neither a true
concept of community, nor the resources to build it. For instance,
cities cannot function or thrive without food sources. Many
neighborhoods in Black ghettoes are food deserts. We don’t eat right, so
how can we think right? Furthermore, our schools are poor, and don’t
relate to our collective circumstance. We don’t have the proper fuel.
Those of us who are more right-minded have to compete with the mass
medias reinforcement of shallow, individualistic mentalities that
solidify large-scale hopelessness.
There’s also a perversion of what
(Black) Power means. I hear a lot of people use Malcolm’s phrase, “Any
Means Necessary” as a justification for being a terrorist to one’s own
community. This is nonsense. In the instances he used this phrase, he
spoke of respect, freedom, justice, equality, freedom and human rights.
He wasn’t talking about mere survival, and he certainly wasn’t talking
about individual success without regard for others. Unfortunately, our
people are caught up in pursuing the American Dream. To quote Method Man
and the Notorious B.I.G., “fuck the world, don’t ask me for shit, ‘cuz
everything you get you got to work hard for it.” That’s how this society
makes us think.
The devaluation of Black life is
paramount here. Even the word Black connotes degradation. The Black is
Beautiful movement has pretty much come and gone. The assaults of White
Supremacy are non-stop. TV, movies, magazines, literature, history
textbooks, advertising et c. constantly remind us that to be Black is
the worst of the worst. Black has become a synonym for “ghetto,” which
has been incorrectly redefined as impoverished by one’s own fault for
being lazy, stupid, dirty and unworthy. Still, I write from a
self-affirmed ghetto perspective because I know what the ghetto is. It
is a prison. It is where undesirables are economically quarantined. It
is what the USA wants to sweep under the rug. There is far more to
Blackness than the ghetto, but until there are no more Black ghettoes in
the USA, I have to fight.
I work with youth who are in
alternative sentencing programs, who are homeless, and who have
incarcerated parents. I am in close contact with some of the most
vulnerable youth in New York City and they are almost exclusively Black
and Latino (identities that frequently overlap). We already know that
there are cavernous gaps in education and employment along racial lines.
All of these factors negatively impact self-worth in communities of
color. So if the world-at-large tells you you’re worthless, and the
environment you live in offers little to no opportunity to counter that
assessment, you embrace it. Combine that with socio-economic factors
that often leave a child to fend for him/herself, and this condition is
exacerbated. Black boys and girls do not get to live as children. The
boys are viewed as menaces and the girls are objectified. All of our
children are sexualized prematurely. This easily leads to them being
characterized as thugs, whores and misfits, deserving of mass
incarceration. Quite naturally, this mischaracterization sticks through
adulthood. The problem is, we believe that this is who we are, and we
don’t actually like it. We want it to stop. We are collectively
suicidal. This frustration is built up in the ghetto and does not know
how to effectively strike out against the oppressive system, so the
anger and disappointment are aimed inwardly.
Where Are the Guns Coming From?
My guess is the CIA… like the
Columbian cocaine that flooded the hood during the Iran-Contra Affair.
If you watch the music videos coming out of Chicago, you’ll see that the
young people who are gang affiliated are being supplied with an arsenal
of weaponry that is flat out scary. Furthermore, this is overseen by
older people who do not cherish the youth, and choose to exploit them.
So where the guns are coming from is not that important to me. The
answer I’m searching for is how to keep our children from turning those
guns against themselves. Fratricide is a sickness. I’m only detailing
the problems, so that the solutions can be put together effectively.
Peace.
It’s bigger than Hip Hop. By Wanja
This week a 16 year old boy in Chicago was shot and killed. Because of some online “rap beef” he had with someone affiliated with rapper Chief Keef.
This child was shot 17 times. And not only that, but his murderer and their whole crew and followers made cruel fun of his death. “Jo Jo was 16.He got hit 17 times so dats a bullet fa each year he was on dis earth plus da 17th 1 which was at his forehead, rest in piss”
Chief Keef himself tweeted this: “HahahahahhahahahahahahahaahhAAHAHAHAHA #RichNiggaShit Its Sad Cuz Dat Nigga Jojo Wanted To Be Jus Like Us #LMAO”
Chief Keef just signed a major deal with Interscope. This is a person who, whether you like it or not, is the face of hip hop to the public. THIS is what outsiders affiliate with our culture, with our love. I’m not in the US but I bet on TV they say that someone got killed over rap beef.
And all those parents out there get scared of it.
Hip Hop saved my life. And now, it killed a child. A 16 year old, who hasn’t lived a life, who doesn’t know anything. By another child. Our children are KILLING each other because of rappers like Chief Keef. Because of a media & industry that chooses to promote Rap music that glorifies violence, ignorance, disrespect, drugs, miseducation.
This hurts me. This hurts my soul so much. Hip Hop saved my life.
And now it is being slandered and misused and manipulated and abused by money hungry people with power.
Many years ago I wrote a blog post stating that I believed the industry and government were pushing this type of rap music to make african americans look bad. To keep them down. This was when songs like “Chicken Noodle Soup” were popular. Intelligent rappers rarely make it on TV. And white people see the “Chicken Noodle Soup” image, the Waka Floka image. And they think that’s what african americans are.
My granddad (German) asked me a long time ago what my job was, I told him “Hip Hop”. He asked “Is that where they wear those pants that fall to the floor?”.
These are the images that are portrayed to outsiders.
But I could live with that.
What I can’t live with, is our children being manipulated into believing that killing another human being is normal, that drugs and disrespecting women is normal, even expected.
Hip Hop doesn’t want this. WE don’t want this. Rappers like Chief Keef are puppets. They are like actors, putting on a show. Like actors in a commercial promoting a product to the ones that are most easily influenced.
A kid won’t go online and dig for good music. Most likely they will listen to what’s served to them, on TV, radio etc. Yet music is one of the biggest influences on their lives and minds.
About a year ago I read an open letter by an anonymous source, claiming they were involved in a meeting in the 90s, of the music industry’s greatest influencers. At this meeting it was supposedly discussed how they were to push “gangsta rap” (like 50 Cent who was coming up at the time), in order to increase the incarceration rate of privately owned prisons. Because that is a huge market, with a lot of potential money to be made.
Obviously there was a lot more to this story, but it made so much sense to me, it was shocking. And then today, Rhymefest said this in response to the recent events:
“Chief Keef is a “Bomb”, he represents the senseless savagery that white people see when the news speaks of Chicago violence. A Bomb has no responsibility or blame, it does what it was created to do; DESTROY! Notice, no one is talking about the real culprits, the Bomb maker or the pilot who is deploying this deadly force (Labels, Radio Stations). Its easier to blame the bomb. Bombs are not chosen for their individual talents, they are tools used for collateral damage.
To think of the persona of Chief Keef as a person would be the first mistake, he will more then likely come and go without us knowing much of anything about his personal pains, struggles, great loves and ambitions beyond rap. He is a spokesman for the Prison Industrial Complex. Every corporation is expected to grow at least 4% each quarter, many prisons are privately owned with stock being traded on the open market.
If these corporations were to do commercials, jingles and promotions who would they hire? You got it, most of the main stream rappers we salivate over like Rick Ross the former correctional officer turned Drug Lord Boss rapper. Waka Flocka Flame gang bang “GO HARD IN THE PAINT” and Chief Keef the newest lottery pick in the “Get paid to destroy young minds, like we destroyed yours” Sweepstakes.”
And then I had to think of the story about that meeting again. This makes so much sense and is so scary. But also I think it should serve as a wake up call. To all of us who appreciate and love Hip Hop culture.
Are we going to let Hip Hop be used like this? Are we going to let our children be made into what we don’t want them to be?
I don’t want this for Hip Hop or anyone’s child. We need change. We NEED change!
And it needs to start with the kids. We can’t let our children be exposed to this music anymore. And we need to educate them about REAL music. About positivity. It is our responsibility to make a positive impact on the next generation!
Artists who make good music, that the radio is turning down, get it to these kids yourself! Don’t give up. Turn the radio off and say F*** em! Educate our children. Educate the adults if they don’t know better. Take good Hip Hop to the schools, invite kids for work shops, buy good music for your kids and make sure that’s what’s in their iPods.
The music a child, a teenager listens to is to the mind what the food is to the body. Letting them listen to this bullish** is like feeding them McDonalds every day.
Don’t let their minds starve.
I hope that this can make an impact on somebody. Even if it’s just one person.
Please share this with someone. Let this be the start to a revolution. Let us tell them that we are not gonna take this sh** anymore. Who are they to think that they can do this to us and our children, to our culture??
They don’t run this!
WE DO!
September 7, 2012
"Meet Me In Brazil" - Maimouna Youssef (Dir. Brian Kyle Atkins)
Yeah. I can dig it. Change of pace right. Always a good thing.
September 6, 2012
@STARPOWER "I WISH I HAD DRAKES PROBLEMS"
Yeah I definitely don't have Drake's problems... Someone actually articulated it in a song.
August 31, 2012
J-Live "As I Start (Over)" by @jlivemusic
J-Live is gonna keep going until you all take notice. End of story!
August 30, 2012
August 23, 2012
August 19, 2012
Tzo - Slang Enigma (Original) Over DJ Krust
This is a Bronx presentation. Tzo of Black Horde tackles a DJ Krust Drumb & Bass track to deliver a message. From this track we learn what Slang Enigma is.
August 17, 2012
WSSF Radio Vol. 1: The "She's So Fresh" Mixtape
If you're in NYC and don't know about She's So Fresh... Well I was told if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say nothin. I'll save you the berating. Just listen to what the ladies have to say alright. And share the music. Be proactive, it's the least you could do.
Sight for Sore Eyes REMIXES by @Likwuid featuring @Donwill and Adrienne Mack-Davis
After breezing through the summer airwaves, LiKWUiD returns with a few remix interpretations of the hit single "Sight for Sore Eyes" featuring Donwill and Adrienne Mack-Davis. Coole High of ReddOktoba Productions provides two smooth renditions of the 50's themed hip hop ballad, while newcomer, Gaijin (Kevaughn Nugent), produces an aggressive tweeter throttling crunk-inspired rugged bass rhythm for the record.
August 16, 2012
Early - Road to high noon (teaser) @Earlythemc
Teaser huh? Just a taste. A lil fix to get you hooked I guess. So are you hooked? Will you follow the breadcrumb trail and hear more now is the question.
Digital Diggin EP by Mazzi & S.O.U.L. Purpose
Mazzi is back with a solid EP of rhymes beats and conversations about life. He gets in and gets out. Introduces two partners in crime into the mix Chordz Cordero and Vicky Green as well. Yeah, pretty tight. Mazzi knows what he's doing. Take a listen. Tell us what you think.
August 15, 2012
Open Mike Eagle "Your Back Pack Past" feat. Has-Lo
Yeah so whoever disliked this on Youtube can go kick rocks... Mostly likely didn't comprehend...
THIS VIDEO IS BRILLIANT!
Bird's Eye View (Fly) By J. Stylez (@Mister_Stylez)
The BX has never stopped reppin with that real ish and with Bird's Eye View (Fly) By J. Stylez here's more proof of the fact that the borough where it all started is pumping out original sounding tunes that aren't regulated to only what's popular on the radio from every other region but the northeast.
August 14, 2012
A:)4U by CHAZ VAN QUEEN (@chazvanqueen)
Chaz Van Queen brings the real on A:)4U (Can You Hear the WOOP?! might be too real for some) This record has a whole lot of sooooul... Can you dig it? P.S. The album is name your own price. I suggest you put at least five or ten on it... Word. This wasn't free to create...
August 13, 2012
[NSFW] Top $ Raz - RACE
I see what you did right there but I don't really like it. Even as a fan of Adult Swim's 2007 twisted animated television series Superjail I'm not crazy about the marriage of visuals, which makes me wonder how those who aren't fans of the show will receive this representation of a song attempting to reveal the growth of an artist on his third forthcoming release. Instead of faster, better, stronger it's more so darker, grittier and vulgar. Now, what's the rest of the album sound like? If anything an attempt at being 'different' is rewarded, but to what cost?
Reign On The Parade will be released on September 18th with feature collaborations from producers such as J-57, 6th Sense, neo-soul artist Trezure Empire, Noise Maker Media and 808 Shirts.
August 9, 2012
August 8, 2012
Skyzoo "Jansport Strings" (produced by 9th Wonder)
The idea behind Jansport Strings is not based on it being literal, but more so in the figurative sense. As a kid in NY, the strings on your Jansport bag were a sign of power and presence. Kids would steal the strings off of each other's bags and burn the tips to prevent getting robbed of them once they got them. The song is a 3 minute auto-bio of me as a kid in Brooklyn and seeing more than my friends and I had bargained for. In essence, my Jansport strings tied it all together, seeing what we all saw and what it made us. The ending is a clip from Video Music Box, the legendary NYC video show run by DJ Ralph McDaniels. This episode in particular was the debut of Chi-Ali's 'Age Ain't Nothin But A Number'. Seeing that video that day on this episode of VMB made me start rhyming. This clip was literally the moment that changed my life.-Skyzoo
Method Man, Ghostface, Raekwon - Our Dreams
Yeah I know it's old, but guess what I'm just seeing this for the first time.
August 5, 2012
TZO - The Skitzofranic Bandit - Farwarned ft. David Savior
Tuff tune right here! Knowledge,wisdom and understanding.
August 4, 2012
Tori Nicks - Backlash Produced by Chef Warren
Mind Over Flesh: Tori Nicks - Backlash [Prod. Chef Warren]
Directed, Edit & Scored by Tori Nicks
@ToriNicksWho
August 3, 2012
August 2, 2012
gentle jones - rolling joints with my mama
Hadn't heard anything from Gentle Jone for years... Found this video via OkayPlayer, someone posted a link to Youtube in their forums. As usual Jones the superb teller of stories drops one very interestingly ill and special ode to his mama. You gottah love this one. After you watch this, go call yah mama,
August 1, 2012
First Date - Andre Darius Small (@Samurai_Dre)
No braggin or boastin, just a song about a guy and girl's first date. Yeah you can make a song in Hiphop abut that, you really can.
July 31, 2012
July 26, 2012
Homeboy Sandman - Brown (Produced by Jonti)
Mix purple and orange. What do you get?Homeboy Sandman, produced by Jonti. "Brown" was originally produced for Radiolab's Colors episode. http://stonesthrow.com/homeboysandman http://stonesthrow.com/jonti
def sound - Dance In OUR Minds
directed by Araeia Robinson ( http://shemovespictures.com/ )
fx's & editing by Anthony Brooks ( https://vimeo.com/inairfilm )
Make up by dev jop ( devjop.com )
Song produced by Young Zack Sekoff ( https://twitter.com/ZackSekoff )
July 24, 2012
F.Y.I. feat. Rhea Monet - Christmas In July
They used the green screen well in this one... Good looks... Christmas in July... Has ha. I see what you did there. This is July!
Behind the scenes below:
July 23, 2012
Water For Chocolate by @ToriNicksWho
You gottah have some nerve to jump on Mos Def's Umi track right? Perhaps you just gottah be pretty dope and moved by the production to share your feelings on it. Tori Nicks has definitely got something so don't just stop at this track. Explore that Soundcloud, you will not be disappointed.
July 21, 2012
JManifestO (@JdotOdot) (Mixtape)
It's Saturday evening and we just clicked play on this new JManifestO(Mixtape) streaming from a Soundcloud on the net. A far cry from the days when a mixtape was literally a tape that you'd pop in your boombox or Walkman. Listen up!
July 19, 2012
DJ Lord Ron & Wildelux "Negrophobia"
From east to west coast in America the story is pretty much the same, there are far too many people who suffer from Negrophobia. Who can blame them though? Consider the influencing mess of media from news to television and film that depicts a certain portion of the population as persons that should be feared. This video is loaded with powerful images both fictional and true to life all relevant in supplying a visual montage of the life of many who can not simply change their appearance in an effort to become less of a victim or a be perceived as a threat.
@NarubiSelah LIVE on WBAI Radio
We told you before about Narubi, but of course you slept. Here's your second chance to be anointed by the flow. Considering some of the stuff lottah yall think is 'hot' if you can't feel this, you're corny. Yep that's about it... Don't hate! (and what you know about your pineal huh? What you really know son?!)that's word life sometimes you need to to be schooled by sisters. Do the knowledge RIGHT NOW!
July 17, 2012
The Black Opera: "THE MAGICIAN" ft Vaughn G & Jade Lathan
Proof you can say a lot of things in rap without being vulgar and frivolous.
July 14, 2012
F*ck a job, Chase Dreams. Judah 1.
F*CK A JOB & CHASE DREAMS... A simple yet powerful statement by artist, activist, entrepreneur, and dream chaser Judah 1 as he shares the inspirational path that led to the birth of Machine Pomona. The video speaks for it's self and if you're someone with a dream larger than where they currently stand do yourself a favor and take a look and then get to work. - Shaylay Kimberly
twitter.com/ahurajudah1
Amazing Spider Man Who? Let's get familiar with Miles Morales...
An innovative group of self described "normal people trying to be
superheros" have created an amazing project introducing the world to
Miles Morales. And who exactly is Miles Morales well folks he is Spider
Man not the well worn Peter Parker we are still seeing movies about.
According to the comic series Parker is actually dead and Miles the half
Latino half African American teen is now the beloved superhero. The
group consisting of Wes Armstrong, Rita McMillin, and Donnie McMillin
are seeking funding via their rocket hub page in order to fund more
projects like "Miles Morales Ultimate Comics Spider Man". They may be
regular folks but the work they are doing is anything but.
http://www.youtube.com/user/
http://www.facebook.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/
http://www.facebook.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/
http://rkthb.co/9077 <------ Fundraising link
July 13, 2012
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