"The District of Columbia is home to our nations politics and some of the wealthiest African Americans in the country. It is also home to one of the nations largest income gaps with some of the highest crime, murder and STD rates. It is the culmination of these statics that defines DC Hip Hop. Oddisee (producer/MC from Prince George’s county, Maryland) formed this group with solo artist, XO and YU. The idea was to create a mid-90’s boom-bap themed record for the DC, Maryland & Virginia metropolitan area. XO, (born & raised in North West DC) defines what it is to be a black male raised in the district, with lyrics that have a way of philosophizing that street life. Oddisee defines the experience of growing up in black middle class Maryland. Bordering the poverty his and many other families fled to escape, they found the troubles of the inner city came along with them. YU, having been raised in the district, Maryland & Virginia, shows that DC culture exceeds it’s 10 mile radius. “In The Ruff” is the DMV’s soundtrack. its street savvy, politically conscious lyrics and grimy beats depict life in and around our nations capitol"
A group outta DC that took the elements of music back to the essence..not only an era i relate to and grew in, but unadulterated music minus the exploitations of capitalism. A group worth putting on blast for the people..currently spun on the urban plight show, "in the ruff" is one of the classic underground albums of 2009. Travel in they world for a min..real to life as we know it..salute the district..
1974 Interview of marvin gaye by don cornelius. My older sibling said at one point when asked" times were just simpler then". We settle in this week with the legendary show "Soul train" still going strong today. Alot of times cacthin these old throwbacks help put todays generation in perspective..peep marvin breakdown his musical role in that era..give thanks for milestones in history..
ALSO: GOOD CONSCIOUSNESS FROM THE NO PRISONS SERIES..IF IT FED U .. PASS THE WORD..
Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970),[1] better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, singer, model, actress and CoverGirl. Latifah's work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination.- SOURCES-WIKIPEDIA
La's struggle and career speak for itself..still a thriving legacy today. Both emcees and femcees alike pay homage to the queen. We jumpoff this week with a 9-3 throwback, part of the golden age of hip-hop. Off the classic "Black Reign" album, i believe a good number of us vibed out to this one. She 39 yrs strong..Big La my thank generation and this one thank you for the contribution..
"Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones (pronounced /nɑːˈsɪər/; born September 14, 1973), who performs under the mononym Nas (/ˈnɑːz/), formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. The son of jazz musician Olu Dara, he was born and raised in the Queensbridge housing projects in New York City. Although he dropped out of middle school, he managed to attain a high degree of literacy which is prominent in his lyrics.[1] His debut album Illmatic, was released in 1994 on Columbia Records. Illmatic was critically acclaimed and would go on to be widely hailed a classic."
-SOURCES Wikipedia
A rare interview from the early 90's, when the queensbridge rapper first emerged on the scene, from the N.Y.C. based underground show video music box. In spite of the tragic reality of streets, heavily illustrated by nas, he managed to give the generations a sense of consciousness pollitically, and spiritually..nas not only being honored and respected for his talent but his ability to do this. Since he has matured, and seeks to give the world back material to open minds and hearts, as we are in an age where older artists are taking responsibilty for their work.. and many artists are making efforts to help this generation. Both mainstream gangsta, and sub-culture gangsta artists and affiliates even see its way more than music. Its life. peep the hip-hop legends early days..
One of the realest songs ever written, and performed by one of the greatest singers of all time. A soul throwback to jump off the week, aretha's name spell longevity..establishing herself as legend in soul music. Enjoy a change of pace from today's industry capatilism music.. my hats off aretha..
Some of the greatest leaders to pass through the world held to the same principles of survival, to acknowlegde not only needs met for themselves, but for a people, and their posteritys. This week we close with a throwback from malik el-hajj shabazz, known to the world as the late Malcolm x. The famous "By any means nessacery" speech is known as the call for freedom by the world over. It now only extends politically, but in evry aspect, especially for the coming generations sake. Good dose of reality..peep..
One of the generations leading men, eminem represented the plight of an underdog to a king.. armed with experience, and remarkable talent. Though much of his material was stamped vulgar, offensive, and his plight in the industry was controversial, the integrity of his music was and is always true because he spoke from his heart. In beautifull the latest song from his newest project, he eloborates on his relation to society, the industry, and the value of personhood. Honest song from slim shady himself..give a listen..
In closing of this week the theme is fatherhood. i believe fatherhood is 100% important. A father.. is a cover, for the son or daughter in a world that wants to literally eat them alive. Without one a young man reaches for manhood clinging to guides, reaching to find purpose as an adult. Without one a young woman has a rougher road finding her true worth, and pulls on the strength she has to stand on her own two. Selah. Fatherhood is a responsibility, if you are one treat it as a gift, that many children dont get to experience. Peep the flipside of late Tupac Shakur..
We jump this week with a host of celebrity's, their role and what they do to stay spiritually grounded. It keeps in perspective the balance of life, at the end of the day we still human, and we have to reason with our soul, no matter how much prestige, fame or money you have. There is still a hunger in the human soul. Peep their perspectives..
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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