"The time has come that we choose hope, over fear"-
President Barak Obama
IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE- known for controversial socio-political content, immortal technique has gone beyond the norm with challenging governmental structures, laws, exposing the ills and dark sides of pollitical establishments. Noted mostly as an underground mc, he has garnered a following giving insight beyond the veil.
"It is truly rare to find an artist like Invincible. Her spitfire wordplay has gotten her acclaim from Hip Hop fans all across the world, while her active involvement in progressive social change has taken her music beyond entertainment, and towards actualizing the change she wishes to see. Repping Detroit, MI, many are already familiar with her work with Waajeed and the Platinum Pied Pipers, Finale, the all-female ANOMOLIES crew, Black Star, and many others. Dubbed by XXL Magazine as "every A&Rs worst nightmare" for rejecting major label deals and general industry politrix, Invincible started her own record label, EMERGENCE, self-releasing her long-awaited full length LP, ShapeShifters, June, 2008."
SOURCES-EMERGENCE.NET
One artist that will open the minds and hearts of many..peep her soundscape as she goes against the grain in both american and international isssues.
Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone (/ˈniːnə sɨˈmoʊn/), was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist. Although she disliked being categorized, Simone is arguably[who?] most associated with her performance of jazz music. Simone originally aspired to become a classical pianist, but her work covers an eclectic variety of musical styles that include classical music, jazz, the blues, soul, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop music. Her vocal style is characterized by intense passion, a loose vibrato, and a slightly androgynous timbre, in part due to her unusually low vocal range which veered between the alto and tenor ranges (occasionally even reaching baritone lows). Also known as The High Priestess of Soul, she paid great attention to the musical expression of emotions. Within one album or concert she could fluctuate between exuberant happiness and tragic melancholy. These fluctuations also characterized her own personality and personal life, worsened by bipolar disorder with which she was diagnosed during the mid-1960s, but was kept secret until 2004 after her death.[1] - SOURCES WIKIPEDIA
The last week of the year we showcase a throwback..the late great Nina..from her own struggles in life the winepress filtered a legacy for generations to eat..the sound speak for itself...
We close the week and jump off the holidays with the tri-states area's groundbreaking producers. Noted individuals that have been making credible stride throughout the industry, and have established ties and influence in both mainstream and underground functions. Bronx New York's Kay "killamessiah" mercer and Baltimore maryland's/philadelphia's "Street Orchestra". Moving with consistent ambition for ultimate success, but seeking to stay humble and in-tune with reality.
A bronx ny native, Kay mercer has been honing his craft since his early days, appreciating and aqquiring the elements if hiphop, from Dj'ing, Mc'ing, and production. Serving northeast bronx's unit paper $oilders, to groups as silent
rounds to Gunit's lloyd banks and Jersey city's Ransom. A unique sound grafted in soul, streets, & raw hiphop. Look for the name in the future, specifically on projects by Lloyd banks, and Ransom.
LLOYD BANKS THE RAW- PRODUCED BY KAY MERCER ____________________________________________________
Hailing from baltimore MD, an exclusive producer residing in the philadelphia area,
with contemparies such as the roots, hezekiah(rawkus)and many others. He has showcased much of his work in beat production venues as beat society, and many others. A highly coveted producer, his style rings as his own, equipt with signature symbols, jazz and soul samples and strong drums. Definetly look for street orchestra's movements in the industry, a sound reckonized on ear shot.
John Forte Concert Benefits L.A. Youth Organizations by ERICA LIEPMANN, Causecast Associate Editor
Singer and songwriter John Forté will be taking the stage at Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre over the weekend for a concert to benefit L.A. based nonprofit organizations. Although a New Yorker himself, Forté is bringing his show to the west coast and supporting L.A. organizations while he’s at it.
Forté broke on to the scene in the 1990s as a writer and producer on the Fugee’s Grammy winning album The Score, after which he released two solo albums. Personal problems kept Forté off the radar for a number of years – but now, he’s back with brand new music.
Just one of many artists that give back to the plight of the youth in america and abroad. With so many youth that has already fallen to the proverbial "wayside"..across the country there are many organizations and people sowing into the future of the youth. John is dedicated to the survival of the youth in future generations..a cause and purpose i also heavily believe in..in reflection of the plight i showcase one song off the "stylefree" ep "running up that hill".. a different appeal altogether..peep
Thursday's feature is Shawn "Da gif" folk's column..NY underground, a feature of artists and affiliates through NYC and the tri-state. Peep the humble bio of Da gif and the roster of NYC'S heavy hitter's.
I was born the sixth out of seventh son, twenty second day of the tenth month of the seventh sign in seventy-nine. Daddy wasn’t around, ain’t shed a tear, called him pops cause he popped in bout once every year.
Born in Bushwick Brooklyn and relatively raised in East Harlem, I never really felt connected to any particular part of town because I mostly lived in my head. Considered a rare breed cause I hardly if ever drink and find no need for weed. I remember a girl once told me, “You don’t drink, and you don’t smoke, what type of rapper are you?” Now before you think I’m a Gospel rapper, let it be known that I am flawed and can’t claim to have never indulged in the things prior mentioned in my past. I know it’s cliché to say you don’t write these days but I often don’t. I keep everything in my head. I work off of emotion and tend to rhyme more from my heart than my head and I like to move as creativity hits me and not take the time to sit down write it out.
My music is a reflection of me, maybe more so what’s going on inside of me. I’ve been told I’m much more passionate in song and debate than I am in general. Music, in a way, is like my psychiatrist. I pour out my soul lying on a couch in the shape of a cello to a note with arms and legs holding a legal pad and a pen. I’m passionate, I’m emotional, I’m philosophical, I’m sort of like an intellectual street dude so I guess you could call my musical intellectual street music.
People often ask, “What does Gif stand for?” They think I was aiming at Gift and just can’t spell, or maybe I was just doing that Hip Hop thing and spelling it how I say it. Really, though I don’t write in the form of an acronym, it stands for great influential figure. The concept behind it is that every minute of every day we all have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of those around us. As a member of society, I have the potential to profoundly impact the lives of those around me. My name represents that ability and stands in representation of the power of humanity rather than myself alone.
D-Nice is the stage name of beatboxer, rapper, producer and photographer Derrick Jones (born June 19, 1971), who began his career in the mid-1980s with the hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. -WIKIPEDIA
D-Nice grew up in the Bronx, hip-hops birthplace, and emerged as a rapper and producer in the late 1980s. The late Scott La Rock of Boogie Down Productions mentored D-Nice as a teenager and offered him a place to develop his talent alongside rap legend KRS-One. He began to expand into production, producing The Stop The Violence Movement's number 1 single, Self Destruction, and later working with Queen Latifah and Kid Rock on their early albums. Ultimately, D-Nice released two albums with Jive records, including the 1990 hit single Call Me D-Nice, which reached the top of Billboards rap chart.
During a musical hiatus in the mid nineties, D-Nice began to delve into the emerging Internet industry. In 2000 he co-founded Boom Digital, a web design firm that worked on sites for Aaliyah, Queen Pen and Reebok, capitalizing on the dot-com boom. Seven months later, he started his own company, United Camps, which has created the web presence of Alicia Keys, Luther Vandross, and Wyclef Jean, and is currently working with Violator Management on several projects.
This monday i note the progress of hiphop pioneer derrick "d-nice" jones. As you read its self-explanitory..I highlight journalism in all forms an important part of the industry, the behind the scenes, real to life we know and appeal to. Peep his movements then and now, and the current hiphop documentry projects.
Blacksmith Records is a record label headed by Harlem born Corey Smyth and Talib Kweli of Black Star. Signees include Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady, and Kweli has stated he hopes to sign Camp Lo and had expressed interest in Rakim. While Rakim has already procured a label release for his next album, he hasn't written off Blacksmith as a distributor. Hi-Tek is also signed through Aftermath Entertainment. Talib Kweli announced that there will be a 'BlackSmith TV' where people will get information about the label.-SOURCES WIKIPEDIa
-We go behind the scenes of Talib Kweli's Blacksmith label on thursday night. The makings,trappings, and the movement itself. A spinoff from monday's jean grae's feature, peep the world of talib kweli and the times of the some of the greatest minds/ artists of the industry.
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To jump off the week we pay homage to the femcees of hiphop music, and culture. First saluting the founding mothers..then a peak and exclusive into some of the new school that is making an explosive impact on the industry. Brooklyn native jean grae.. and detriot's own invincible.
Hip-Hop veterans KRS-One and Buckshot are set to release their collaborative album Survival Skills this September.
When asked how the two New York mainstays linked up, KRS, who recently signed to Buckshot’s Duck Down label, said the two were always fans of one another’s work.
“Ever since 1993 we’ve been passing each other on tour or in the studio saying, one day we should tour together, or one day we should do a record together,” KRS said in a press release. “Well finally myself and Buckshot have the chance to collaborate on a straight up and down MC’in project.”
The New York natives have recruited a wide range of guest appearances for the disc, including Mary J. Blige, Talib Kweli, K’Naan, Immortal Technique, Slug of Atmosphere and label mates Heltah Skeltah and Smif-N-Wessun. Havoc of Mobb Deep, 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Nottz, Marco Polo Ill Mind and Khrysis, are among the producers handling the album’s sounds.
KRS and Buskshot are currently on tour as a part of this year’s Rock the Bells roster.-xxl magazine
Survival Skills hits stores on September 15. –Elan Mancini
A simple reminder/announcement of the september realease of hip-hop veterans Krsone and Buckshot, highlighting this thursday with the preservation of the roots of a culture..in your free time give a listen to this innovative project..
John William "Trane" Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967[1]) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer.
Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz. He was prolific, making about fifty recordings as a leader during his recording career, and appeared as a sideman on many other albums, notably with trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk. As his career progressed, Coltrane's music took on an increasingly spiritual dimension. His second wife was pianist Alice Coltrane, and their son Ravi Coltrane is also a saxophonist.
He influenced innumerable musicians, and remains one of the most significant tenor saxophonists in jazz history. He received many awards, among them a posthumous Special Citation from the Pulitzer Prize Board in 2007 for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz."
The late great john coltrane inspired internationally..i wanted to highlight the new generation that sit under his mantle. Execptionally one group of youth i personally know... Zaire Darden(drummer)-18 Joshua Darden (keys)- 11 and Lawrence "Baby Giant"(trombone)-16 Darden of collingswood N.J. The brothers are personally like nephews to me, and have excelled musically in their league and sphere of influence. Peep the future @work in a performance.. notice Lawrence(lead trombonist) bears the very profile of John coltrane..this monday night see the face of jazz music revisted in the 21st century..
Sérgio Santos Mendes (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɛɣʒiu ˈsɐ̃tus ˈmẽˈdʒis]; born February 11, 1941[1] in Niterói, Brazil) is a Brazilian musician. He has released over thirty-five albums, and plays bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk.[1]
Mendes is married to Gracinha Leporace who regularly performs vocals for her husband and can also be heard on his 2006 version of the song Mas Que Nada with Black Eyed Peas.;
Timeless, one of his projects features a wide array of neo-soul and alternative hip hop guest artists, most prominently will.i.am and The Black Eyed Peas. It was released February 14, 2006 by Concord Records.[1]
It features The Black Eyed Peas, Erykah Badu, Black Thought, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, India.Arie, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Q-Tip, Stevie Wonder and Pharoahe Monch.
The 2006, re-recorded version of "Mas que Nada" with The Black Eyed Peas had additional vocals by Gracinha Leporace (Mendes' wife); a version that is included on his album Timeless. In Brazil, the song is pretty well-known for being the theme song for the local television channel Globo's Estrelas.
The Black Eyed Peas' version also contains a sample of their 2004 hit "Hey Mama". The re-recorded song became popular on many European charts. On the UK Singles Chart, the song entered at #29 and rose to and peaked at #6 on its second week on the chart.
In 2006 the masses was blessed with a project by sergio mendes, one of the fathers of latin music. Projects like these are just that:"Timeless". For a lil' cultural and music educstion, peeep the conscious and crossover appeal of "loose ends" feat. pharoahe monche.
In the history of abortion, induced abortion has been the source of considerable debate, controversy, and activism. An individual's position on the complex ethical, moral, philosophical, biological, and legal issues is often related to his or her value system. The main positions are the pro-choice position, which argues in favor of access to abortion, and the pro-life position, which argues against access to abortion. Opinions of abortion may be described as being a combination of beliefs on its morality, and beliefs on the responsibility, ethical scope, and proper extent of governmental authorities in public policy. Religious ethics also has an influence upon both personal opinion and the greater debate over abortion-sources WIKIPEDIA
A controversial but noteworthy subject..seeing the pro-life/pro-choice debates, whether in the pollitical forum, or right here in our communities made me think. Everybody has an opinion on this touchy subject, i personally have my views, what made me think is seeing the effects this subject has on the mother, and the families that have encounterd it. Whatever your views are on the subject..let your heart answer it. Here's a throwback from common's "one day it'll all make sense" lp.. the song & video still send me..
John Allen Muhammad (December 31, 1960 – November 10, 2009) was a spree killer from the United States. With his younger partner, Lee Boyd Malvo, he carried out the 2002 Beltway sniper attacks, killing at least 10 people. Muhammad and Malvo were arrested in connection with the attacks on October 24, 2002, following tips from alert citizens. Born John Allen Williams, Muhammad joined the Nation of Islam in 1987 and later changed his surname to Muhammad.[1] Drawings by Malvo describe the murders as part of a "jihad" (Arabic for "struggle in the way of God").[2] At Muhammad's trial, the prosecutor claimed that the rampage was part of a plot to kill his ex-wife and regain custody of his children, but the judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support this argument.[3]
His trial for one of the murders (the murder of Dean Harold Meyers in Prince William County, Virginia) began in October 2003, and the following month, he was found guilty of capital murder. Four months later he was sentenced to death. While awaiting execution in Virginia, in August 2005, he was extradited to Maryland to face some of the charges there, for which he was convicted of six counts of first-degree murder on May 30, 2006. Upon completion of the trial activity in Maryland, he was returned to Virginia's death row pending an agreement with another state or the District of Columbia seeking to try him. He was not tried on additional charges in other Virginia jurisdictions, and faced potential trials in three other states and the District of Columbia involving other deaths and serious woundings. Some appeals had been made and rejected, but others remained pending.
Muhammad was executed by lethal injection on November 10, 2009, at 9:06 PM EST at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia, and was pronounced dead at 9:11 PM EST
Fresh off the press, a couple days ago was this news article realeased. I highlight thursday's spot to keep the consciousness alive of the world around us. Seeing john muhammed's story shows the element and purpose of history..not to repeat it. Whatever convictions john muhammed had to do what he did.. the principle is he couldnt run from the accountability factor. As all of us, we still responsible for our descisions. Almost ten years later the reality of the incident still ring. Society is strugglin.. utilize wisdom as u livin..
www.thisiszionantoni.wordpress.com
NEW HOME WEBSITE ON WORDPRESS FOR ARTIST ZION ANTONI..Copy&Paste..PEEP..-Z.A
Harrison Ridley Jr. (1938 (?) - February 19, 2009) was a teacher and broadcaster on African-American music.
Ridley taught music history at Temple University and Villanova University, he was the host of a Sunday night radio show on WRTI (90.1FM) entitled, "The Historical Approach to the Positive Music." The "historical approach" Ridley took was to focus in particular on one artist, and use his entire four-hour (8pm-12am) program to give the listener a sense of that artist's contribution to the tradition. Often he would focus on a specific period in an artist's career, such as early (1920s-1940s) Duke Ellington or Miles Davis recordings from the 1960s. The show ran for more than thirty years and was very popular in the Philadelphia area. Ridley would often reference the fact that his phone lines in the studio were full of calls--local jazz celebrities had been known to call in during a show as well.
Ridley was also a record collector and archivist. In the course of fifty years of collecting, he ammassed over 8,500 LPs, 3,000 78s, 200 45s, 300 CDs, and 6,000 books on African American history and music. He specialized in Duke Ellington albums (of which he had more than 600), and was also an expert on Benny Carter (he had 200 Benny Carter albums).[1
This definetley hit home for me..due to the fact he was my teacher during the late
90's at temple university. Harrison always took the time to answer questiones to the best of his knowledge, and gave in depth lessons in class that always had you walking away with something. To jump off the week we wanna start with a lil' musical education..with what harrison said was "classical music" jazz. If you feel it.. zone out to a john colrane throwback..
James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006),[1] better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip hop scene in Detroit, Michigan. According to his obituary at NPR.org, he "was one of the music industry's most influential hip-hop artists, working for big-name acts like De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and Common."[2]
Yancey's career began slowly. He has now become highly regarded, most notably for the production of critically acclaimed albums by Common, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Pharcyde. He was a member of Slum Village for their acclaimed debut album Fantastic, Vol. 2.[1]
The legacy of dilla is still in rotation in the hearts and minds of all he touched.
Below is a 2006 interview shortly before he died. But if he were here he would look back the same on the accomplishments he made and give thanks..that he had time to do what he did. Salute the legacy of J dilla. Lets all learn from his life.
Thus its latter 2009. Seeing the strides and movements of industry artists throughout the last two years shows, as i noted before a great number of veterans taking more responsibility for their work. And in general perserving the arts themselves from the greed of capitalism, keeping the essense of music. We jump off the week with insight into the lives of some of these very artists. Many during the last several years exposed many truths, communicated the meaning and virtue of life, and sought their own spiritual groundation. Peep some examples..finally we showcase wu-tang's own rza discussing his transitions and views.
KRSONE
Gospel of Hip Hop comments
In an interview with AllHipHop about his book "The Gospel of Hip Hop", KRS-One said:
"I’m suggesting that in 100 years, this book will be a new religion on the earth... I think I have the authority to approach God directly, I don’t have to go through any religion [or] train of thought. I can approach God directly myself and so I wrote a book called The Gospel of Hip Hop to free from all this nonsense garbage right now. I respect the Christianity, the Islam, the Judaism but their time is up. ...In a hundred years, everything that I’m saying to you will be common knowledge and people will be like, 'Why did he have to explain this? Wasn’t it obvious?'"[9]
These comments have been referred to by numerous media outlets[10][11][12] such as the AV Club who comment that "KRS-One writes 600-page hip-hop bible; blueprint for rap religion"[13] and "KRS-One has never been afraid to court controversy and provoke strong reactions. Now the Boogie Down Productions legend has topped himself by writing The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument, a mammoth treatise on the spirituality of hip-hop he hopes will some day become a sacred text of a new hip-hop religion"[
LOON Amir Junaid Muuhadith (born Chauncey Lamont Hawkins, June 20, 1975 in Harlem, New York) better known by his stage name Loon, is an African-American rapper formerly part of P. Diddy's Bad Boy Records, where he released his self-titled debut album, Loon. He has also made many guest appearances on songs of the R&B and hip hop genres. In 2004, Loon left Bad Boy to start his own label, Boss Up Entertainment. Loon started his music career as a member of Mase's rap collective Harlem World (group). Along with his music Loon has also been featured in two movies directed by Damon Dash, State Property 2 and Death of a Dynasty. Loon is a convert to Islam.
Born in a Christian family, Chauncey Lamont Hawkins changed his name to Amir Junaid Muhadith after converting to Islam. He recently traveled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest and most sacred site of the Islamic religion, to perform Umrah. He has since quit rapping and now is focusing on seeking knowledge and giving Da'wa
One of the lost cities of america..and tragic stories swept under the rug of time. The plight of african americans in this country is self explanitory. If you never heard of the greenwood tragedy..take the time to peep. They say the point of history is for it not to repeat itself. Tonights blog is dedicated the scars and struggles of any oppressed peoples. Greenwood.. you not forgotten...
One of the nation's worst acts of racial violence—the Tulsa Race Riot—occurred there on June 1, 1921, when 35 square blocks of homes and businesses were torched by mobs of angry whites.
The riot began because of an alleged assault of a white woman, Sarah Page, by an African American man, Dick Rowland. This incident produced even more hatred between the whites and the blacks even though there was no proof of the assault. The case was simply a white woman’s word against a black man’s word. The Tulsa Tribune got word of the incident and published the story in the paper on May 31, 1921. Shortly after the newspaper article surfaced, there was news that a white lynch mob was going to take matters into its own hands and kill Dick Rowland. [5]
African American men began to arm themselves and join forces in order to protect Dick Rowland; however, this action prompted white men to arm themselves and confront the group of African American men. There was an argument in which a white man tried to take a gun from a black man, and the gun fired a bullet up into the sky. This incident promoted many others to fire their guns, and the violence erupted on the evening of May 31, 1921. Whites flooded into the Greenwood district and destroyed the businesses and homes of African American residents. No one was exempt to the violence of the white mobs; men, women, and even children were killed by the mobs.
Troops were deployed on the afternoon of June 1st, but by that time there was not much left of the once thriving Greenwood district. Over 600 successful businesses were lost. Among these were 21 churches, 21 restaurants, 30 grocery stores and two movie theaters, plus a hospital, a bank, a post office, libraries, schools, law offices, a half-dozen private airplanes and even a bus system.[7] Property damage totaled $1.5 million (1921).[7] Although the official death toll claimed that 26 blacks and 13 whites died during the fighting, most estimates are considerably higher. At the time of the riot, the American Red Cross listed 8,624 persons in need of assistance, in excess of 1,000 homes and businesses destroyed, and the delivery of several stillborn -
College Music Journal, commonly known as CMJ, is a music events/publishing company most famous for its annual festival in New York City, the CMJ Music Marathon, as well as a weekly magazine of and for the music industry and college radio stations in the United States and Canada. It publishes top 30 lists sent by stations which subscribe at a cost of a few hundred dollars a year. It is also sent to record companies and their public relations and publicity representatives as well as record stores. CMJ also publishes CMJ New Music Monthly, a magazine with interviews, reviews, and special features. SOURCES-WIKIPEDIA
Oct. 20- the 24 NYC resumed its annual college music marathon. As i heard this year was a success, with artists from all over showcasing their work. Both mainstream industry and underground. If you didnt make it peep some of the acts showcased.
THIS EXCLUSIVE BLOGSPOT FEATURE IS DEDICATED TO THE ARTISTS AND INDIVIDUALS/COLLECTIVES OUT OF THIS PARTICULAR SECTION OF N.Y.C.-
PEEP THE FORCES IMPACTING THE WORLD, AND INDUSTRY FROM MY HOMETOWN:
"THE FERTILE CRESCENT".
PREQUEL: THE PRODIGY-CHI-ALI GRIFFITH
"The Fabulous Chi-Ali" full-length dropped spring 1992, and was notable for two reasons: first, it would be the only LP Chi-Ali would ever release, and secondly, it marked the debut of the Beatnuts as a dominant production force. The highlights of "The Fabulous" are simple: the Beatnuts provide a hot beat, and Chi-Ali spits some hilariously high-pitched lyrics. Check out "Maniac Psycho" where Chi is a "14 year old lord on a skateboard/strangling suckers with mic chords" or the bordering-on-illegal ode to preteen sex on "In My Room." In fact, the Beatnuts don't drop a subpar track on here; from the slow thump of "Check My Record" to the spacey funk of "Roadrunner," the beats make Chi's squeaky lyrics tolerable
Like many groups, Chi was never able to release a follow-up LP. The rap world moved on, and people weren't checking for Chi-Ali's style anymore. Unfortunately, Chi's personal fortunes followed his rap career. After a series of dead-end jobs, Chi-Ali is accused of murdering a man in the Bronx in a dispute over $300 on February 14th, 2000.
It's hard to believe Chi-Ali, dancing happily in his videos, would end up a murderer. But before he joined Steady B as the butt of many jokes, Chi dropped a solid album, gained the adoration of thousands of preteen girls, and helped put the Beatnuts on. Ultimately, the latter was his greatest contribution to hip-hop.
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I. SEAN NELSON
Nelson was born in the Co-Op City section of Bronx, New York, of Jamaican/St. Thomian descent.[citation needed] He began his acting career at age 10 when he landed a role in an off-Broadway play Hey Little Walter. Sean Nelson turned 13 shortly before beginning principal photography on his debut film, writer-director Boaz Yakin's "Fresh" (1994). Prior to that, he had made his TV debut in a 1992 episode of the NBC series Here and Now and appeared off-Broadway in a production of "Hey Little Walter" at Playwrights Horizons, but neither of these efforts presaged the impressive performance to come in "Fresh". Though he had little dialogue as the savvy Brooklyn street kid who works after school as a drug runner, Nelson appeared in practically every scene, garnering rave notices for his harrowing portrait of an incredibly resourceful, tragically deprived child who applies the rules of chess to real life. A blank slate most of the time, Fresh finally cracks after enacting retribution against the system destroying the lives of those he loves. This haunting last image of lost innocence, shattered by the carnage he has precipitated, is what stayed with audiences, serving notice that this was an actor to watch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. BIG TIGGER
Morgan grew up in Co-op City and played basketball at the Bellamy Loop courts in section 4. He started out working as a DJ at the radio station WERQ, 92Q in Baltimore, Maryland, but his road to success began a few years earlier. While attending the University of Maryland, College Park, he interned at Washington D.C. radio station WPGC 95.5 FM. At WPGC, Morgan worked alongside popular host Albie Dee and was promptly recognized for his ambition and charisma. His college internship evolved into a flourishing career. Soon Morgan, with his innovative freestyles, gained popularity on night radio. When the Bronx native returned to New York City in 2001, he departed D.C. as the highest rated, six-year undefeated nighttime radio champion.[1]
He entered the television scene on voiceovers for BET in 1996, while still working the radio circuit. Within a year, fans were watching him on-camera, on Rap City's "Hip Hop News," and he advanced to become the co-host of Rap City in its tenth season, alongside Big Lez and Joe Clair. BET then changed the shows format, and Morgan became the lone emcee. He hosted the show from 1999–2005, before being replaced by Mad Linx.
Morgan hosted the BET shows 106 & Park until July 7, 2006 and BET Style until its final episode on July 6, 2006. Morgan also hosted numerous episodes of BET: Uncut. He also began rapping in 2003, when he was featured on R. Kelly's song "Snake". He is featured on a hidden track on Ginuwine's album The Senior. Additionally, every weekend, Morgan hosts Live In Tha Den with Big Tigger, a syndicated radio show. He replaced Star and Buc Wild with a temporary morning show, Live With Tigger with Egypt & Donnell Rawlings. On his show Live In the Den, hip hop stars such as Jay-Z have made guest appearances. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. JUS' ROLLE
Born and raised in Eastchester Projects, in the birth place of Hip-Hop, The Bronx, New York, Jus Rolle (Ro-Lay) established his love for music at the early age of seven when he first began developing his style of rhyme and performance on and off the streets. He has nurtured his style into a diverse, dynamic and unique sound that enabled him to perform in local neighborhood shows in and around the Bronx, to shows in Albany, DC, Atlanta, Miami, Virginia and LA. Jus has graced the stages of high school auditoriums to concert halls and arenas, which led him to performing in various shows with major artists across the country. Jus’ style has been widely recognized by many experienced individuals in the music industry including producers such as Soul Diggaz, who have produced records for Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliot. Charlemagne with production for Jay-Z, Talib Kweli and the Notorious B.I.G., as well as Brandon Howard, who has credited tracks for Gerald Levert, Ney- Yo, Lupe Fiasco and Marques Houston. Look up the true definition of the word Grind, and you will see Jus Rolle’s picture all over it. He is one of the hardest working unsigned artist with the passion to rise to the top of his career, and that was proven when Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box and Hot 97 named Jus Rolle as the Grind Artists of the Month.
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V. CLAP COGNAC/TEAM PAPER $OLDIERS
One of N.E bronx's leading artist's, clap's resume has extended tremendously. He has hit stages throughout the tri-state area and abroad. His witty and sharp delivery remain street conscious, and socially conscious of the world around him. He still hold to spiritual and economic principle as he navigate through the dog eat dog music industry. One of the greatest minds of northeast bx..fth city, welcome to the world of clap cognac.
TEAM PAPER $OLDIERS LLC
A collective of artists/producers N.E bronx(specifically sec 5 co-op city)
consisting of clap cognac,quickdraw,brigante,JK,teflon the X factor, silent murder,
killamessiah(noted producer of lloyd banks "the raw") krysiz kahn and a host of other associates, and conglamorates as Ress Connected, silent rounds(new rochelle) Angreemen Ent., Dj superstar J, and Dj Fiyaa. With the collectives based in streets genre, these brothers put together entrepenual visions, along with creative instinct
to accomplish their goals. Overstanding the harsh realities of urban life, allow paper $oilders to tell the story through the industry to the world.
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VI. ZION ANTONI
Hailing from N.E bronx, via washington heights Aritist/freelance writer/musician/producer Zion antoni honed his crafts from an early age. Coming from a african-american/costa-rican household, He was exposed to many different genre's of music. Living off the urban-experience from childhood to adulthood, aquiring knowlegde in adverse times, staying true to his spiritual and concrete roots, also hailing from the lccg family which includes paper $oldiers and noted afiliates, he discoverd through many harsh trials and tribulations his purpose was to communicate a spiritually conscious world view to the masses..having its roots in urban life. Through media, writing, non-profit works, activism such as mentoring at-risk youth, and music, he seeks to communicate a better consciousnes to the people in perilous times to preserve life. Often through the crucibles of his own life. He is often implementing and addressing urban issues, at work in non-profit movements, and communicating a spiritually conscious world view on an international circuit, to all walks of life.
A prolific film/music production company ran by engineer/artist/film director Jayonez, has been expanding borders throught N.Y.C and abroad. Working with artists both mainstream and underground, the film company has been praised and noted for its professional quality and prolific video editing production. Check the exclusives and the high quality of CEO jayonez work.
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VIII. BRONXRAP.COM/HOODHOLLYWOOD.COM
One of the leading blogspots on the net..first debut as Bronxrap.com, took the internet by storm with many hits, active members, and developing as an internet social site. Now with revisions they are Hoodhollywood.com, run by "L" and Dj voltron, with its foundations in "fifth city" NY- section 5 co-op city. Catch all the news, videos and latest industry and community information.
WWW.HOODHOLLYWOOD.COM
THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another week in october, jumpin' off this week with a term i call "minority genocide". In recent years in working in my career, in my studies i discoverd that in the music industry, ranging from all genres, but notably in hiphop/rap, that the highest production/distribution bred, and reflected one thing...DEMISE. In living in philadelphia after seeing countless youth die, and even good friends, i found poor class to middle, even rich developed a way of life the killed three ways..through the toungue, drugs, and the sword. Not only in urban social structures, but any society if you take away spiritual and moral fiber, the principle is your gonna have a decaying people.. altogether. The very vices and lack of standard will strip a society down to savage...clean. Granted there is entertainment.. but not everybody know the difference, they say art imitate life, but not everybody is ready for the two to run too close together. For real. Know yourself, know your environment, and the role the media, industry, and entertainment plays in relation to you. Food for thoughtz..peep a dose of reality from 94'...-
<Robert "Yummy" Sandifer (March 12, 1983 – September 1, 1994) garnered national attention in September 1994 after his murder by fellow gang members. He appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in September 1994.[1]
Nicknamed Yummy because of his love of junk food, Sandifer was a young member of the Chicago street gang the Black Disciples. After committing murder, arson and armed robbery, he was executed by fellow gang members who feared he could be turned snitch. Coverage of Sandifer's death and retrospectives on his short, violent life were widely published in the American media, and Sandifer became a symbol of the gang problem in American inner cities, the failure of social safety netting, and the shortcomings of the juvenile justice system. -SOURCES WIKIPEDIA
The story of "yummy" sandifer, although sevaral years published nationwide, im sure had an effect on the generation of that time. And possibly saved many from destruction. Thus its 2009, another generation in american inner cities. This the time of harvest, and seedtime, planting seeds to perserve a people, and posterities. Yummy's life is still relevant today, perfect timing to blog this throwback, in the words of my dude k.mercer, lets not forget...
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___________________________________________________________________________________ Below is a 2 part interview with artist "Maino", discussing his own life, industry exploitation, and realites behind the glamour. Do your math, everythin' aint always what it seem, although riches is the goal in a capitalistic society, money and fame dont always equal happiness..salute maino for speakin the real...
In this essay i coined the term "prophetic survival", the overall move of a people, a self-actualization to overcome obstacle's to move toward a goal, or greater purpose. In the ways, concepts and philosophies of the world, especially in a western world view, most overtly, or discreetly use the likes of greed, selfish ambitions, to pillage their way to the top, especially in a capatilistic society. From poor class to middle to rich, from spiritual oppressions to political, countless ills plague a society. To where one must reach to find his/herself, and reach even harder to find their purpose in this lifetime. In the case of self realization and pursuing goals i note some figures we all know. 1st is d-blocks jadakiss(jason phillips).
When asked asked about his hometown yonkers n.y he replied " its like a black cloud over there" he said in a spring 2009 interview. There's alot of love, but there also is alot of hate. You gotta get out of your hood, thats with anybody, mary j blige did it..you gotta go do your thing and then come back." Jada speaks in reference to though people applaud his accomplishments, in pursuing his career he had to leave due to those that were jealous, and carried hatred.. that may have killed him. In this point survival meant knowing who is who among him, staying aware of the challenges that may have held him back. Another the honorable Robert Nesta Marley O.M. In an 1977 interview, when asked about surviving the trenchtown settlement of kingston jamaica, he replied" well surviving was easy..the only thin you hafe' wacth fa is de police." Dey come and say whey ya from? .. you say trenchtown! ... ya gone". I also note the fact the marley's father was white, which was very unpopular in his day. Which caused him, in spite of his humble nature tranform to "lion" or his nickname "tuff gong" to survive the taunts and attacks of being racially mixed.
Below is an in depth interview of the late tupac shakur, which he covers everything in his life from the system, jail, and testament to his own prophetic survival, Through gang violence, the industry, and politics, after viewing his interview peep part 2 to the P.S essay, Divine intuition.
One example of prophetic survival for a people, was the civil rights movement of the sixties. During this time of segregation and political oppression for blacks in the south, leaders came forth, strengthening all points for the people to survive, and implementing change in so that future generations wont have to go through the same oppressions and conflict. Kwame ture and bobby seals had the black panther socialist political party which focused on protecting their people from political direct violence from the government. Martin luther king jr, medgar evers and malcolm focused on the spiritual aspect of it..the means of survival was to iradicate the social ills of the people, create more unity, improve the consciousness of the people and establish a better way of life. The ultimate roots of prophetic survival is always spiritual. In my own experience, i found its keeping a close ear to God, being in touch with your own spirit, and listening to one of man's greatest gifts, the conscience. I had to do it to survive the social ills of city life, from my youth till now, to survive the violence, drugs and strifes that many know and live with. This divine intuition, for me was even practised in the realm of religons, from me not only studying the nature of religon, but not clinging to the instutitions and social structures of religon, being as though i have experienced my own share of direct wounds. Instead i lock in to the spirit of God for guidance, not nessecarily the hearts of men. In our grassroots journalism/activism group, sha thomas, author and speaker stated "if i didnt listen to God coming this far, and listened to man i would have been in worse situations". I go back to the examples of Marley and tupac. There was an attempt on marleys life in 1976 due to political warfare that raged in this time. A perfect example of divine intuition, he spoke on the incident" I went home about t'ree o'clock in the mornin' to get some sleep at a place called putney..and at this time i saw a vision.. and i vision i was in barrage a gunshot, but some'ting in de vision say stand up..don run..and i see mi mother get hit..but i neva get hit". Nights later marley experienced the same situation, and he did jus that.. stood still while the gunmen fired in his house. The end result was marley suffered a graze, and his wife rita marley was hit near the skull area. They both survived the shooting. As tupac explained in the above interview, he seen, and spoke most of the things he seen come to pass. Even his own demise. Being as though he did see his death.. which he remarkably detailed in description, maybe he could have avoided it, maybe he was ready to go..only God know.
Nonetheless prophetic survival is an reality, whether practised on a personal or a grand scale. I hope more understanding is gained from this, you may have seen these movements in your very own life. If you have, keep in mind the roots of prophetic survival is spiritual, and its always towards a greater purpose.-
Zion Antoni
POST SCRIPTZ- WORDS FROM SOME OF HIPHOP'S GIANTS...
The following video clip is from a governer's island gathering, the "this is 50.com festival". Many names in the industry came out to support and also perform. Some ranging from members of dipset, dblock, red cafe, cory guns and more. I highlight the principle of unity in this feature blast, due to the nature and competition, specifically in the music industry. This was 1st featured on the actual site, This is 50.com, which is one of the leading blogspots on the net. The entire footage shows some feuds that raged no more than 4 to 5 years ago, and some as early as several months ago. To see groups as dipset and g-unit unite,as well as d-block and brooklyn's papoose, held more weight than most could think. In spite of their own grinds and careers, being as though they are in the spotlight, the level of influence they have is still effective. The fact that these brothers came together, show the industry and tainted media the streets can do the same.. and more.
The conflict between Jay-Z and Nas is one of the more publicized feuds in recent years.[3] Initially, the relationship between the two rappers was respectful with Jay-Z giving a shoutout to Nas on all his albums.[4] After the death of The Notorious B.I.G., the position of most popular New York rapper seemed to become vacant and fans were eager to see who would fill that role.[3]
In 1996, while recording his debut album Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z's producer Ski used a vocal sample from Nas' "The World Is Yours" as the chorus to his song "Dead Presidents". Neither party had asked Nas' permission which upset him. Jay-Z had invited Nas to re-rap the line and he had agreed but never showed up to record the line. After several no-shows, their relationship began to sour and the incident is seen as the beginning of the quarrel between them. The dispute was intensified when Nas assembled The Firm in 1996 with AZ, Foxy Brown and Cormega (later Nature). Jay-Z wanted to release their debut album on his label, Roc-A-Fella Records, but the group decided to sign with Aftermath without telling Jay-Z or Damon Dash, who described the situation in an interview with MTV News:
“ "Nas and AZ was supposed to be on "Bring It On" they kept not showing up. That's when we wanted to put out the Firm. They didn't show up. We was meeting and they was saying, "Yeah", but they wasn't showing up. We would be waiting and we would be getting offended." ” —Damon Dash, MTV News[5]
Jay-Z continued to show his respect to Nas in 1997 by referencing him on his song "Where I'm From"[3]. Nas responded to Jay-Z on his track "We Will Survive" in 1999 which criticizes several rappers, including Jay-Z, who claimed to be "New York's King" following Notorious B.I.G.'s death. This was seen as disrespectful by Jay-Z and was the spark that kicked off the feud.
SOURCES-WIKIPEDIA
06' THROWBACK..WE STILL CAN LEARN FROM MOMENTS IN TIME..
"THE QUESTION IS NO LONGER BETWEEN VIOLENCE AND NON-VIOLENCE, IT IS BETWEEN NON VIOLENCE AND NON-EXISTENCE"-
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
In closing the week, we peep the blend of hip hop and politics. In today's times the need for change is evident. Here are particular example's of the infiltration of hip hop amongst political matters, combining these two forces for greater change. First up is the teacha', KRSONE with the temple of hip hop movement, in actions with chicago's community leaders, ressurecting the "stop the violence" movement, to bring awareness amongst all inner cities. The second example is "the cornel west theory" out of our nations capitol, washington dc. Bringing culture to preserve the rudiments of hiphop, and socially conscious views challenging the realm of politics, religon, and the music industry. Its a big world we live in.. and as much manifold destruction we see, aint nothin' wrong with bringing things back to roots to save a people...
KRSONE AND THE TEMPLE OF HIPHOP
THE ALBUM PROMO FOR "2ND ROME"
The Cornel West theory is......the sonic fusion of politics, culture, spirituality, and philosphy. With the blessing of Princeton University professor, activist, and renowned author, Dr. Cornel West, the band's music draws influence from his philosophies, as well as many other prolific thinkers of our time. ....in 2004, there was a brief meeting between the chief spokesman ( T. Hicks ) and Dr. West. From this.....the Cornel West theory was born. " The mission of our music is to deliver hip-hop that contains deep substance and content. music which forces self analyis, and also creates the spark to open dialogue.....socratic questioning, as Dr. West would say. " - the Chief Spokesman
In today's concrete jungle's i deem it nessacery to highlight the diamonds in the rough, to combat the stereotype's our minortiy's blanketed with by media and industry. Im proud to present my family for monday's feature, bringing to light the principles of hardwork, loyalty and healthy ambition. Pablo "Esco" Santiago and close affiliates gathered their resources, talents and goals together to form "Pound 4 Pound DVD", a magazine showcasing the lives and latest news of todays and yester-year's prominent boxing stars. Esco, being a hard fan of boxing himself, pursued the vision with patience, ultimately praying to see the fruits of his hard work, which he did. A magazine dedicated not only to serve the community, but an international base, as hard work goes into the promotional, and national networking. Esco, utilizes the key of entrepeneurship, also an artist, expanding the borders through his team Paper $oilders, to work towards a brighter financial future for himself, his family and his people. This is my family from deep concrete roots, i say, power to you esco and the family.
Based off the afrikan/greek aphorism, when originally coined and written many years ago, it meant the depth of the human spirit, at the same time the author deemed the depths of the human spirit unsearchable. In today's terms i apply it to simply knowing yourself, your role, your heritage, what made you, your contribution. In today's pop-culture, integrity is not a popular thing, life still go on behind the glitz and glamour, and not only do we deal with the world, but ultimately ourselves. An 06' interview by photographer tao ruspoli, if u never caught it, peep stic-man of dead prez story..
From the N.Y. to L.A...since its early origins its clearly been a case of vandalism vs. art. As you see years later in 2009 its more than art is the voice of a people in many urban areas. An arena of expression, ranging from brilliant artists, legendary names, crews, and movements. As controversial as graffiti is, it is not only a facet of hip-hop culture, but another reflection of city life. Peep the 2 part series on its origins, and its specific movement in the city of angels.
"Homicide Statistics Rise For Black Youths December 29, 2008 The number of homicides involving black youths — as victims and perpetrators — surged by more than 30 percent from 2002 to 2007, even as overall murder rates across the U.S. have been relatively stable, according to a study released Monday by researchers at Northeastern University.
The study showed that the number of black murder victims rose by more than 31 percent from 2000 to 2007. The number of murders involving young, black perpetrators rose by 43 percent over the same period, according to the study by criminal justice professors James Alan Fox and Marc Swatt.
The report also noted that guns were the weapon of choice in most of the killings.
Last year, 426 black males ages 14-17 died in gun crimes — 40 percent more than in 2000; nearly 1,000 young black males used guns to kill someone in 2007 — 38 percent higher than in 2000.
Fox said the homicide rate for blacks — especially teenagers — has risen steadily and across geographic regions. He said one reason could be the profound shift in priorities since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which means police departments have taken on homeland security duties — often at the expense of community policing.
"Now, I don't want to weigh one life against another, but when you look at it, many more people are murdered every single year in ordinary street violence than were killed on Sept. 11, 2001," Fox said.-SOURCES-WWW.NPR.ORG"Divine Intervention Sought To Curb Youth Gang Violence Written by Thomas D. Segel Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:17 September 17, 2008 Increase in Gang Violence threatens our Homeland Security Thomas D. Segel(Harlingen, Texas) Gang violence is a rapidly growing cancer eating away at urban America. There can be no better evidence of this than a plea from a police chief in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas for the residents and churches of his city to "enter into their own time of prayer and intercession directed at the issue of gang violence, broken homes, and the deterioration of the family unit that is destroying our youth." -SOURCES -RIGHTSIDENEWS.COM
HK FONTAY
What led me to cover this is two fold..1st is what i call a "minority genocide" going on in todays urban cities, and 2nd the purpose of living: to have a good impact on somebodys life while your here. The current state of mind of todays youth, is obvious to see. On the face of fontay's life, though he left here in his early 30's, he was able to touch not only his family, but his environment with goodness, loyalty, generosity, at the same understanding the ills, pressures, pitfalls of his yonkers ny neighborhood. Understanding we are here but for a short time, its good to keep in mind to leave a good impact while you are here. From close sources of his family, in revealing his character it was stated " There was no such thing as if i have something, you dont have it, with him", says his cousin. "If i have you have, if i eat you eat". Also a man of faith, Fontay passed in spring of 2009, of gunshot wounds near riverdale yonkers. Since being laid to rest the family has raised the legacy he established just by living. Fontay's life is a two fold lesson, a ripple effect stemming from his life spreading throughout his whole influence:
1. To never let your living be in vain.. 2. To bring more awareness to the climate of our inner cities, and the violence thereof.
His family and the hash kings movement still carry on his legacy strong..being as tho i know some of his family, it still feel close to home. Peep some clips from fontay's life, the music..the heart, and the legacy..R.I.P. fontay, we'll see you in that day.
The A.L.I.H.S.T series or any publication of the Urban Cry LLC is soley to promote the greater awareness of diaspora's within urban communities, and global matters. Each publication released associates and highlights principles, solutions, and the general acknowledgement of code of ethics. Within the topics addressed. The Urban Cry LLC is an entity that advocates people to think for themselves.
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