ill News: Music & Politics

Model Fest Live

2007-01-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

One of my first projects for 2007 is Model Fest Live. This event will take place
in February 2007. We are in need of fashion designers, photographers, hair
stylists, make-up artists, and stylists for this project.

If you are interested in this project please visit http://www.modelfestlive.com
If interested please register through the website.
You then can contact me directly at 646-267-0095 or sa_faure@yahoo,com for the
following three documents:
1, The description of the event
2. The Sponsorship Packages for NYC &
3. The National Sponsorship Packages

Thank you for your time.

Martin Dunn, Editor In Chief; The New York Daily News

2006-12-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Mortimer Zuckerman, Chairman/Publisher and Martin Dunn, Editor In Chief; The New York Daily News

Re: Monday, December 12, 2006 and Tuesday, December 13, 2006 Articles On "City College & Assata Olugbala Shakur/Guillermo Morales"

I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank both of you for allowing the N.Y. Daily News Editors and, staff writers Mike Jaccarino; Karen Angel; Austin Fenner; Adam Lisberg; and Michael Daly to collaborate on the New York Post like "exclusive" regarding the Guillermo Morales/Assata Shakur Community And Student Center at City College.

Finally, Black/Latino folks in this city will hopefully can see that there is absolutely no substantial difference between these two "nonobjective" and "fact-less" publications.

First and foremost; the 12/12 front page photo was proven in your own U.S. court of law to NOT BE Assata Shakur. She was rightfully acquitted of every single false charge that was used by the U.S. governments "illegal" Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) in order to put her on the FBI 10 Most Wanted List.

(These acquittals and/or dropped charges also included the Catholic Priest "Bingo robbery" which appeared in today's 12/13 article by the "non-investigative reporter," Michael Daly.)

Once on this trumped up wanted list she, like so many other Black Panthers, became "posterized" and targeted by law enforcement for assassination. No where in your "reporting" is it mentioned that Assata was nearly shot to death while putting her hands up or; that one of the other Panthers with her, Zayid Malik Shakur was murdered during the N.J. State Police ambush as well.

Too, your so-called "balanced reporting" never mentions that fact that the third Panther who survived the police ambush, Sundiata Acoli; after 33 years, still remains in prison today as a result of these totally "political" operations against the U.S. Black Liberation movement. Prior to this 1973 New Jersey frame-up, Sundiata was also a 1969 political victim, who after 2 1/2 years was rightfully acquitted in the Panther 21 Conspiracy Trials. Nearly 36 years of false incarceration and not even a mention of his name in the N.Y. Daily News.

Reporter Michael Daly is however, absolutely correct in his statement that the murderers of NYPD officers Gregory Foster and Rocco Laurie "were never brought to justice"

Therefore the real question that I have for the "non-investigative" reporter Daly and The New York Daily News is:

Why are Black Panthers Jalil Muntaqin; Herman Bell and the late Albert Nuh Washington still being held and/or have died in prison for the murders of Foster and Laurie?

Unfortunately due to the poor medical care that is provided for Political Prisoners, Albert Nuh Washington died while in prison on these trumped up charges.

But after 34 years of unjust imprisonment is it not the duty of Michael Daly and the New York Daily News to come forward with the proof that the real killers of Laurie & Foster are still at large, so that Jalil Muntaqin and Herman Bell can be released?

Or, is this whole City College Assata issue nothing more than a media/police collaborated attempt to justify and bring about sympathy for the NYPD's continuing murder of unarmed people like Sean Bell.

I await an intelligent and "informed" response.

Sincerely,

Sadiki "Shep" Ojore Olugbala
Safiya Bukhari-Albert Nuh Washington Foundation

Funeral or Homegoing Service for Sean Bell, the young brother murdered

2006-11-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

Funeral or Homegoing Service for Sean Bell, the young brother murdered
by the NYPD. will be held

Friday, Dec 1, 2006 @ 7pm
wake is from 4-7pm
at the Community Church of Christ aka (and listed in Directory
Assistance as) Community Baptist Church
167-04 108th Ave. Jamaica, NY

Bishop Lester A Williams presiding
telephone # 718 523 2612

Call MTA for traveling instructions with starting and destination
points ready, have a pencil and paper handy 718 330-1234

Water For Life

2006-11-14T18:07:00.001-08:00

DIARY OF JAY-Z: WATER FOR LIFE" DOCUMENTARY SPECIAL ON THE DEVASTATING
WORLD WATER CRISIS SET TO AIR ON MTV2 ON NOVEMBER 19 AND MTV ON
NOVEMBER 24 President
and CEO of Def Jam Records Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Takes Viewers on a Journey
to Engage, Educate and Empower Young People to Make a Difference
NEW YORK, NY - November 10, 2006 - MTV: Music Television today announced
that "Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life" will premiere on November 19 at 2:00pm
EST on MTV2 and will air on MTV on November 24 at 9:00am EST. The 30-minute
special came about through a unique collaboration between JAY-Z, the United
Nations and MTV.
Announced in August, the documentary follows JAY-Z on his recent
international GLOBAL EXPRESS TOUR as he traveled to several regions around
the globe affected by the world water crisis. MTV's cameras followed JAY-Z
on his personal learning journey as he met children and families who suffer
daily and count among the more than one billion people worldwide who do not
have access to safe drinking water. JAY-Z also visited locations where
sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions are in place or being
developed to bring fresh water to devastated communities.
In support of "Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life," the think.mtv.com website
offers a comprehensive resource to educate young people about the world's
water crisis and provide additional information. Individuals can log on at
any time to learn how they can help through donating their time, money and
raising awareness.

OUR POSITION IS UNCHANGED

2006-11-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

MAE JACKSON, POLITICAL ACTIVIST, DIRECTOR,

CARING FOR CREATORS OF CHANGE IS A GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE LIBERATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR ALL OVER THE WORLD. WE SUPPORT THE "HANDS OFF ASSATA CAMPAIGN" IN ITS CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF SISTER ASSATA SHAKUR,

OUR POSITION IS UNCHANGED: ARTICLE REPRINT , 2004

Assata is my sister: An open letter to Mayor Doug Palmer of Trenton, NJ

by Mae Jackson

Dear Mayor Palmer:
Mayor Doug Palmer

Let me introduce myself by saying that Assata Shakur is my sister, friend and comrade in the struggle for human rights of all oppressed people. When three freedom fighters boldly took action in 1979 and entered the Clinton Correctional Facility and liberated Sister Assata from the chains and shackles of her jailers, I rejoiced. I was proud to be a part of a generation of young African Americans who were courageous and committed enough to go up against America and didn’t give a damn about odds.

Others and I, along with my late sister comrade Ann Evans placed a half-page ad in the New York weekly, The Amsterdam News, affirming our love and support for Sister Assata and the compatriots who risked their lives. We didn’t back down then, and we don’t back down now.

The advertisement in the Amsterdam News, a Black newspaper, read: “Run, Assata, Run, Stay Strong and Stay Free,” reflecting the slave song for those who had escaped.

Throughout the Black communities on the East Coast – Harlem, Bedford-Stuyvesant and New Jersey – the ad from the Amsterdam newspaper was cut out and taped to the windows in the homes of a generation of youth who were politically astute. The message was clear and concise, plastered on lamp poles and any other available space stating, “ASSATA IS WELCOME HERE.”

Now that you know who I am, and I certainly have a clue as to who you are, we can in the words of Brother Minister Malcolm X “talk shop.”

At the last annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in June, you stepped in on the International Affairs Committee discussion on the “normalization of relations with Cuba,” placing Assata Shakur on the agenda and opposing relations with “communist Cuba” until Assata Shakur (Joanne Chesimard) is returned to the United States of America.

You have taken it upon yourself to provide leadership by becoming the premier “Black Elected Bounty Hunter,” assisting the Justice Department in breaking its own laws. (Mayor Palmer is Black.)

You arrogantly and purposely ignore the fact that Assata was granted political asylum by President Fidel Castro 28 years ago. Are you aware that without interference, on any given calendar day, the United States of America routinely grants political asylum to those who defect from Cuba and other communist countries?

The illegal war that is being carried out by America in Iraq has led to the captivity and imprisonment of hundreds of Iraqi citizens, swept up – stolen – from their homeland. They are held in captivity in Guantanamo in the exact same manner that Africans were stolen from the motherland and held captive on plantations in the Southern states of democratic America.

Your willingness to “hunt” Assata down in light of this country’s history of “kidnapping” is reminiscent of those “house niggas” during slavery who loved their masters more than they loved themselves, or freedom.

Assata Shakur is no different than Sister Harriet Tubman. She did not ask to come here. In fact, if memory serves me right, it was the USA government that said to the young dissenting youth of the ‘60s who raised their voices in protest, “Love it (America) or leave it.” With a few good friends, Assata left it. What else is a slave to do?

I am not here to argue Assata’s case. I am here to say that with the many critical domestic problems facing the mayors of the USA, and especially Black mayors of urban cities, one would think the focus would be placed upon solving some of the more basic problems of the people you and others were elected to serve.

Assata Shakur is not your constituents’ problem. If Assata were returned from Cuba tomorrow – under your advocacy – it would not change the racist policies that rule the construction unions, among others, in Trenton, New Jersey, that keep people of color out.

Nor would the “return” of Assata have an impact on your city and state high unemployment rate among Black adult males and poor youth of every color or provide health care for the hundreds of thousands of uninsured Jersey residents.

Nor would her “illegal slave captivity” solve Trenton’s youth gang problem in your city.

You tell me what purpose would the illegal kidnapping of Assata Shakur serve and how would it benefit the people of your city. I do however suspect that it would benefit your political career.

A million dollar bounty split three ways between you, the USA government and a hired mercenary reminds me of the auction block: “Bid ‘em in, bid ‘em in ...”

I don’t have to wonder about how much they paid the slave to sell the slave. I think I know.

Hands off Assata!

Mae Jackson is director of Art Without Walls

PHOTOGRAPHER BEATEN BY POLICE

2006-10-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

AFRICAN AMERICAN HIP HOP PHOTOGRAPHER BEATEN BY TORONTO POLICE FOR
ALLEGEDLY CAUSING A DISTURBANCE OF THE PEACE
TORONTO, CANADA...Police brutality, according to the numbers, is
becoming rampant in Toronto. And now American tourists seem to also be
susceptible.
On October 16, about approximately 1:40 pm in front of the Econolodge
Hotel (335 Jarvis Street) in downtown Toronto, Tonye Allen and his
fiancée, Ann Brown, having just checked out of the hotel, were at the
curb attempting to hail a cab. While in the process, a police car from
the 51 st Division pulled over at started asking questions of the two.
When they answered, the officer said he didn't like their attitude,
especially after they sought to find out why they were being
questioned. Enraged the officer, jumped out of the car, grabbed Mr.
Allen and called for backup. When backup came, there was no
questioning. They immediately all descended upon Mr. Allen pepper
sprayed him, knocked him to the floor, hit and kicked him. Someone on
the street was videotaping the incident as onlookers were appalled.
The person videotaping was told he too would be arrested. They also
told Ms. Brown she was going to be arrested for disturbing the peace
when she sought to see what was happening to Mr. Allen and when she
went to seek help from bystanders. She was pushed, grabbed by the
throat and also subdued by another police officer. The police refused
to tell her or Mr. Allen the arrest charges. They refused to tell Ms.
Brown their names or badge numbers. They refused to tell Ms. Brown
what division they were taking Mr. Allen to. One of the witnesses on
the street told her what division the police were from.
After arriving at the police station Ms. Brown spoke with a Det. Moyer
who informed her: "We get all kinds of crap from the public everyday
and we don't have to take it," he told her. When she said they within
their rights to question the officer as to his reason for singling
them out, and that we were in a free country, Det. Moyer said, "This
(Canada) is not a free country."
Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown are both African American. According to a
former officer, the problem of police brutality has gotten worse in
Toronto. Sgt. Jim Cassells told CBC News. "police brass have covered
up, refused to investigate or buried cases of alleged police
brutality, public complaints and internal corruption for years." (
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2006/05/05/toronto-police-misconduct.html
)

4th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

2006-10-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Oct. 18-19: 4th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

The Reed Television Group invites you to a gathering of top level TV
executives to explore the most exciting developments in the Hispanic
TV market taking place at the Copacabana in NYC. This is a net-
working event that connects you with the top industry leaders who are
making money and shows you how they are doing it.

Info:
(646) 746-6740
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nov. 3: African American Magazine Summit

The fourth annual symposium examining the latest research, trends and
opportunities for African-American magazine advertisers and publishers
will be held at the Time & Life Building in New York City.

Topics to be covered include:
- Successful Start-ups Strategies
- Improving Advertising Sales
- Building Your Magazine's Brand
- Getting More Website Revenues
- Opportunities From Editorial
- Using Research Successfully

Info:
(http://www.targetmarketnews.com)

JAZZ ARTIST SONNY FORTUNE IN BROOKLYN

2006-09-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

THE SOUNDS OF SONNY FORTUNE
AT

Friday Night at JAZZ 966

The Finest Jazz and Comedy Weekly Featuring: Emmy Gay (Goin'Sane) & Jane Galvin Lewis ( Miss Willie) Hosted by Harold Valle The Keeper of The Secrets
JAZZ 966
966 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NYC
Donation $15.00 with
(Unless noted otherwise)
First Show at 8pm
C Train To Clinton & Wash...
For more information please call 718.638.6910 Ext #25

2006-09-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Bombshell Paula Martins joins www.AmericasTopUrbanModel.com Join her at Black Velvet Rope Tuesdays F.A.M.E.(Fashion And Music Entertainment) now at Wish 26, 765 6th Ave.(W.26th St.)NYC every Tuesday 5pm - 12am. For the 411 email info@AmericasTopUrbanModel.com

Come to My Joint in BROOKLYN

2006-09-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

Autumn Jazz Festival

2006-09-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Oct. 11-15: 17th Annual Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival
(Various venues--Rehoboth Beach, DE)

Performing at this year's festival are George Benson, Gerald Albright,
Kirk Whalum, Gerald Veasley, Kim Waters, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb
and many others. Check out the web site for complete lineup, venue &
ticket info.

Info:
http://www.rehobothjazz.com

R.I.P. O`Neil of the THE INVITATIONS

2006-08-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

To the Johnson family and dear friends, we would like to express to you all our
deepest sympathy at this time of O`Neils departure from the stage of life.

The Good Lord has reserved a very special place at the front of " HEAVEN`S
SOULFUL CHOIR ".

As a member of THE INVITATIONS O`Neil was without doubt one of Soul music`s pioneer`s in helping to bring the ever so sweet harmonies of four very
talented young men to the shores of The United Kingdom, for that we are forever in your gratitude.

We were not fortunate enough to meet O`Neil. But along with Wilson aka Gary,
Robert, Alvin, & Richie we learned of his writing & vocal skills last year.
When THE INVITATIONS visited England. The Guy`s all spoke fondly of the love they shared for "DUKE " aka O`Neil .

His LEGACY will forever live in our hearts, we owe a debt of gratitude to the DJ`s who saw the potential in a song co-written with his dear friend Wilson
Gant, to have the foresight to "flip" a 7" inch piece of vinyl with the A side
being " For Your Precious Love " to make the world sit up to the sound of
" They Say The Girl Is Crazy ". To this day you should be proud to know this
tune continues to be played in dance halls across The United Kingdom.

May God Bless You " DUKE " and Rest In Peace " Soul " Brother Amen.

With Love John & Lorraine Carrier. 16th August 2006.

"Sack Full Of Dreams"

2006-08-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

Onaje Allan Gumbs, Jazz Pianist composer-arranger-songwriter-producer
completes his NEW CD called, "Sack Full Of Dreams" featuring, George Gray
(Drums/Abdullah Ibrahim) and Marcus McLaurine (Bass/Clark Terry-Cleo Laine),
Gary Fritz (percussionist /Roberta Flack-George Benson), Mark Shim (Tenor
Sax/Elvin Jones), Bob Devoe (Guitar/Gene Ludwig) AND special guest vocalist
of Theater, TV & Film, Obba Babatunde.
-www.onajeallangumbs.com

Onaje Allan Gumbs has just completed his NEW CD called "Sack Full Of
Dreams" for release on Showplace Records (Allegro Distribution), this Fall,
2006. It's produced by Onaje and Grammy winning producer Jack Kreisberg.
It was recently recorded by Grammy winning engineer Ben Elliott at Showplace
Studios in Dover, New Jersey. The music will feature Brazilian,
Straight-ahead Jazz, Funk & Ballads. The title track of the CD "Sack Full
Of Dreams", features the guest vocal of *Obba Babatunde (*noted actor,
singer and dancer). Mr. Babatunde currently reprises his role as Billy
Flynn in the Broadway musical "CHICAGO". Here are some of Obba Babatunde's
Film, Television & Theater credits: (FILM)
"Manchurian Candidate"/ "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge"/ "Miss Evers
Boys"(TV) "Half 'n' Half"/ "The Temptations" -NBC Docu-Drama (Theater)
"CHICAGO" / "DREAMGIRLS".

Some of the songs featured from "Sack Full of Dreams" are:

1."Cantaloupe Island" by Herbie Hancock
2."Up Jumped Spring" by Freddie Hubbard
3."The Fishing Hole(Theme from "The Andy Griffith Show")" by Everett Sloane,
Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer
4."Try To Remember" by Tom Jones(from the off Broadway show,"The
Fantastiks")
5. "Sack Full of Dreams"* by Gary McFarland(sung by singer/actor Obba
Babatunde)

AND originals including, "Lament" & "People and Love".

Onaje was an NAACP Image Award 2006 Nominee for his CD "Remember Their
Innocence." He' performed for Standing Room audiences at the Kitano, Lenox
Lounge and St. Nick's Pub. Special guests for these shows have been
percussionist Gary Fritz, Legendary drummers Bernard "Pretty" Purdie and
Dennis Davis. Obba Babatunde was a wonderful special guest vocalist at
Harlem's Lenox Lounge shows of the recent Memorial Day weekend.

Onaje Allan Gumbs has been one of the music industry's most respected
and talented collaborators, having worked for more than 30 years with an
illustrious list of jazz, R&B, and pop artists. As a solo artist, Onaje has
developed a strong following amongst fans and critics. His composition
"Quiet Passion" and his rendition of the Delphonics classic, "(Didn't I)
Blow Your Mind this Time?" both from his project "That Special Part of Me"
have remained in rotation on the play lists of Smooth Jazz Radio Stations
around the country since February of 1988. Panasonic chose his song "Dare
to Dream", with lyrics by Charles Allen, as the theme for their 10th
anniversary celebration honoring their project: Kid Witness News.

Please get ready for a new music classic CD from a brilliant icon in Onaje
Allan Gumbs.

www.onajeallangumbs.com Media
Inquiries Please contact:

MABILI kregg Ajamu for FUNKSHUNAL ENTERTAINMENT.COM
kajamu@funkshunalentertainment.com
718-690-6071 -Cell

Seton Hawkins for JAZZANIA
jazzania@gmail.com
917-907-1200 -Cell

Harlem Tenants Council

2006-07-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Contact: Nellie Bailey 212-234-5005 Valerie Orridge: 212-368-5249

For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 3:30 PM in front of 55 West 125th Street, the office building that house the luxury office of President William Jefferson Clinton, hundreds of Harlem tenants and their supporters from across New York City protested against rising eviction and growing homelessness in Harlem. According to long time residents President Clinton, whom famed African American novelist Toni Morrison dubbed the “Black President,” appears to be oblivious to the plight of poor, working class and even moderate income Blacks being squeezed out of the historic community of Harlem.

Valerie Orridge, President of the Tenants Association of Delano Village, a sprawling 1,600 unit complex in Central Harlem, and an organizer of the event said, “ President Clinton needs to understand the tremendous pressures landlords are exerting against tenants in Harlem today, all of it designed to drive African Americans out of here but we have no place to go!” Orridge believe Clinton’s move Uptown exacerbated an already soaring real estate market for commercial and residential rentals. She said, “Just look at all of the small local businesses now gone from 125th! Street because they couldn’t afford the escalating rents. At this rate Harlem as we know is becoming unrecognizable.”

According to Nellie Hester Bailey of the Harlem Tenants Council a 2005 study released by the Vera Institute of Justice documented Central Harlem as producing the highest number of homelessness individuals and families than any neighborhood in Manhattan. Bailey said, “Not only do we have a housing crisis in New York City but the unemployment rate for Black men is also at a crisis level. How can it be that we have a former sitting President of the US with an office in Harlem but none of these critical issues are at the forefront of any public policy discussion in this world renowned historic Black community.” Bailey charged the established media outlets of largely ignoring the displacement and rising homelessness occurring throughout Harlem. She said, “The media apparently wants a sanitized version of Harlem’s so called second renaissance without the backdrop of African Americans being deliberately pushed out by greedy recalcitrant landlords who in fact dictate housing policy on both a city and state level.”

Tenants of Harlem along with the Harlem Tenants Council will release their People’s Housing Platform. The group is also asking to meet with President Clinton.

7th Annual Universal Hip Hop Parade

2006-07-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

7th Annual Universal Hip Hop Parade
7th Annual Universal Hip Hop Parade in honor of
Marcus Garvey, held in Bed Stuy Brooklyn, which will be on Saturday August 12,
2006. This year’s theme is “From the Pioneers to the Present-This is Hip Hop”. We
also have an underlying focus on health. The parade is open to organizations and
artists of all kinds. In the past, we have had Hip Hop artists, youth groups,
marching bands, sound trucks, graffiti artists, car and motorcycle clubs, and
elected officials, to name but a few. We invite groups to participate by
organizing their own resources to create a moving audio/visual component for the
parade procession with the option to creatively engage the community as they move
down the parade route.

Ali Santana's Directorial Debut

2006-06-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ali Santana's Directorial Debut

No Knock, a music video for hip hop artist Spec Boogie is a diorama style
montage of video and archival black and white photography. Using a variety
of compositing techniques and motion graphics, director Ali Santana
creatively tells a story of frustration, injustice and the issues
surrounding being black in America. Environments build and collapse around
Spec as he raps about the issues he faces in his community. The song which
samples the voice of revolutionary poet, Gil Scott Heron is visually
represented by the strong and emotional archival works of photographer
Marilyn Nance.

check out the streaming video on yourube at the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D--UTPlMuko

Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop

2006-06-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Plebiscite

11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jun. 24, 2006
Auditorium, Bessie Coleman Branch Library
371 E. 63rd St., Chicago

1. Call to Order.

2. Election of Permanent Caucus Chairs, Secretary (Messrs. Armstrong &
Muwakkil, Starks & Greenlee).

3. Report on Registration of Plebiscite Electors (Mr. Armstrong & Secretary).

4. Main Business (Discussing & Debating Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop
Plebiscite Resolutions, resolution by resolution).

5. Polling of Plebiscite resolution by resolution.

6. Ratification of entire Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Plebiscite Resolutions.

7. Declaration of Organization for Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Vigilance
Committee.

8. Nomination of Officers for Two-Year Term

9. Election of Officers to Two-Year Term

10. Reading & Signing of Certificate of Results (Messrs. Armstrong, Muwakkil,
Starks, Greenlee & Secretary)

11. Announcements

12 Adjournment.

"Save the Internet"

2006-06-18T08:59:00.000-07:00

House Rejects Net Neutrality

The First Amendment of the Internet â€“ the governing principle of net neutrality, which prevents telecommunications corporations from rigging the web so it is easier to visit sites that pay for preferential treatment â€“ took a blow from the House of Representatives Thursday.

Bowing to an intense lobbying campaign that spent tens of millions of dollars â€“ and held out the promise of hefty campaign contributions for those members who did the bidding of interested firms â€“ the House voted 321 to 101 for the disingenuously-named Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (COPE). That bill, which does not include meaningful network-neutrality protections creates an opening that powerful telephone and cable companies hope to exploit by expanding their reach while doing away with requirements that they maintain a level playing field for access to Internet sites.

"Special interest advocates from telephone and cable companies have flooded the Congress with misinformation delivered by an army of lobbyists to undermine decades-long federal practice of prohibiting network owners from discriminating against competitors to shut out competition. Unless the Senate steps in, (Thursday's) vote marks the beginning of the end of the Internet as an engine of new competition, entrepreneurship and innovation." says Jeannine Kenney, a senior policy analyst for Consumers Union.
In case there was any question that Kenney's assessment was accurate, the House voted 269-152 against an amendment, offered by Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey, which would have codified net neutrality regulations into federal law. The Markey amendment would have prevented broadband providers from rigging their services to create two-tier access to the Internet â€“ with an "information superhighway" for sites that pay fees for preferential treatment and a dirt road for sites that cannot pay the toll.

After explicitly rejecting the Markey amendment's language, which would have barred telephone and cable companies from taking steps "to block, impair, degrade, discriminate against, or interfere with the ability of any person to use a broadband connection to accessâ€¦services over the Internet," the House quickly took up the COPE legislation.

The bill drew overwhelming support from Republican members of the House, with the GOP caucus voting 215-8 in favor of it. But Democrats also favored the proposal, albeit by a narrower vote of 106 to 92. The House's sole independent member, Vermont's Bernie Sanders, a champion of internet freedom who is seeking his state's open Senate seat this fall, voted against the measure.

Joining Sanders in voting against the legislation were most members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, including its co-chairs, California Representatives Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey, as well as genuine conservatives who have joined the fight to defend free speech and open discourse on the internet, including House Judiciary Committee chair James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisconsin, and Intelligence Committee chair Pete Hoekstra, R-Michigan.

The left-meets-right voting in the House reflected the coalition that has formed to defend net neutrality, which includes such unlikely political bedfellows as the Christian Coalition of America, MoveOn.org, National Religious Broadcasters, the Service Employees International Union, the American Library Association, the American Association of Retired People, the American Civil Liberties Union and all of the nation's major consumer groups.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, opposed COPE, while House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, and Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, were enthusiastically supported it.

Among the Democrats who followed the lead of Hastert and Boehner â€“ as opposed to that of Pelosi â€“ were House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Maryland Representative Ben Cardin, who is running for that state's open Senate seat in a September Democratic-primary contest with former NAACP President Kweisi Mfume. Illinois Democrat Melissa Bean, who frequently splits with her party on issues of interest to corporate donors, voted with the Republican leadership, as did corporate-friendly "New Democrats" such as Alabama's Artur Davis, Washington's Adam Smith and Wisconsin's Ron Kind â€“ all co-chairs of the Democratic Leadership Council-tied House New Democrat Coalition.

The fight over net neutrality now moves to the Senate, where Maine Republican Olympia Snowe and North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan have introduced legislation to codify the net neutrality principles of equal and unfettered access to Internet content into federal law. Mark Cooper, the director of research for the Consumers Federation of America, thinks net neutrality will find more friends in the Senate, at least in part because the "Save the Internet" coalition that has grown to include more than 700 groups, 5,000 bloggers and 800,000 individuals is rapidly expanding.

"This coalition will continue to grow, millions of Americans will add their voices, and Congress will not escape the roar of public opinion until Congress passes enforceable net neutrality," says Cooper.

Cooper's correct to be more hopeful about the Senate than the House. But the House vote points up the need to get Democrats united on this issue. There's little question that a united Democratic caucus could combine with principled Republicans in the Senate to defend net neutrality. But if so-called "New Democrats" in the Senate side with the telephone and cable lobbies, the information superhighway will become a toll road.

Holla at your Senator before you holla back at me..
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Davey D
(thanks Davey D)

Brooklyn Hip Hop History

2006-06-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

The Underground Art Collective
presents
THE 8TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY CELEBRATION
“Art, Music & Battles”

The yearly assembly respectfully salutes the history, culture and integrity of Hip Hop with emphasis on Brooklyn's contribution to the ethnology. Brooklyn Hip Hop History Celebration '06 will esteem the classic Hip Hop artistry of Jimmy “Super Rhymes” Spicer, Newcleus, Count Coolout and Strafe during its opening day ceremonies. Jimmy Spicer released a number of old school rap singles during the late '70s and early '80s, including the epic "Adventures of Super Rhymes" (Dazz, 1979), "The Bubble Bunch" (Mercury, 1982), "Money (Dollar Bill Y'all)" (Spring, 1983), and the Rick Rubin-produced "Beat the Clock" (Def Jam, 1985).

Newcleus officiated their place in music history with they're hypnotic techno-fused groove,"Jam On Revenge” (The Wikki-Wikki Song) which has been
immortalized unfathomably on mixed tapes. When rap music was making its initiatory emergence, Count Coolout was one of the pioneering skills-men of the genre. His "Rhythm Rap Rock" pounced on the scene with fury; viciously igniting the dance floors and blazing a permanent mark on the major music charts like
Cashbox and Billboard. The boisterously funky party anthem "Set It Off" has been around for at least twenty years and is credited to the artist known as
Strafe. This monstrous club classic is still setting off parties today with its infectious eternal groove. These artists will be honored with a Brooklyn Hip Hop
History trophy during the awards ceremony.

A stunning urban fashion show will also grace the floor, along with a ferocious B-Boy / Mic competition hosted by freestyle champion Super Natural with breaks by King Uprock of The Dynasty Rockers. Guest DJ is Brooklyn's Jasey Jase on the remarkable wheels of steel. Opening day awards and kick off at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 10th at, 225 Adelphi Place in Brooklyn, New York.
A donation of $5 will cover the evening, of which proceeds will benefit the PS 20 School for the arts. Student discounts are also available.

Brooklyn Hip Hop History celebration also invites you to an Art, Music & Battles Exhibition featuring Duro, and The Odd Partners Brooklyn, New York.

For media passes to the events and more information
on 8th Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop History Celebration,
please call: 718.230.3320 /917.295.7772/

Art Without Walls & Acts of Art

2006-06-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

Rep. John Conyers
NEW YORK (FinalCall.com) - Michigan Congressman John Conyers (D) has been burning up his frequent flier miles holding nationwide hearings on the need for a national health plan.

On Apr. 24, a congressional hearing was convened by Art Without Walls & Acts of Art, The Musician’s Union, The Actors’ Fund, The Harlem Tenants Council, Physicians for Social Responsibility & Black Pride and Physicians for a National Health Plan. Although the hearing was slated as “Health Care and Affordable Housing,” the lion’s share of the testimony centered on health care.

“We come to this forum to say that the tax base we create should be used for health care,” insisted Russell Carmony, a member of Acts of Art. Artists are a main part of the economic engine of America, he further explained to the panel, which included Rep. Conyers, Councilman Charles Barron (D-Bklyn.); Assemblyman Karim Camara (D-Bklyn.); Minister Kevin Muhammad of Muhammad’s Mosque No. 7; Woody King of the Federal Theatre; David Lennon, president of Musicians Union–Local 802, actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild; and Dr. Jamie Torres of Latinos for National Health Insurance.

“What I am hearing from the arts community are pleas beyond health care,” Rep. Conyers observed.

Mr. Barron told the gathering that New York City has a budget surplus of $3.5 billion. “At least a billion of that should be set aside for health care,” he purported.

“We have a healthcare system that is rooted in capitalism,” noted Min. Kevin. “And as long as it is rooted in capitalism, someone will always be at the bottom of the system.”

He said that is why the Millions More Movement has come to birth, to awaken our people to the issues of health care, education, political advancement and artistic and cultural development. “But most important is the introduction of a new health paradigm that expresses the need for diet and exercise at the root of a health care regimen,” he told the audience.

“We want the word ‘profit’ taken out of health care,” insisted Rep. Conyers. “That is why the first issue on my agenda is a national health care plan.”

In 2003, the Michigan representative introduced HR 676, The United States National Health Insurance Act (USNHI), which has 37 > co-sponsors.

In a brief summary, posted on the congressman’s home page, it states: “The U.S. National Health Insurance Act (USNHI) is a single payer healthcare system. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered healthcare program that uses the already existing Medicare program by expanding and improving it and making it available to all U.S. residents and all residents living in U.S. territories.”

According to data provided by the congressman, USNHI would be funded by a modest payroll tax of 3.3 percent, with a five-percent health tax on the top five percent of income earners, a small tax on stock and bond transfers, closing corporate tax loopholes and repealing President George Bush’s tax cut. Furthermore, under HR 676, the average costs to employers for an employee making $30,000 per year would be reduced to $1,155 per year, less than $100 per month.

Rep. Conyers was headed for rural Michigan the following day meeting with farmer groups and senior citizens. “This is a political activity that is from the ground, up to the member of Congress, who may not be convinced that they should be at the table helping us get this bill passed,” he told The Final Call.

Some of the most compelling testimony came from poet/artist Amina Baraka, wife of Amira Baraka, who explained that after the killing of her daughter in 2003, she went into a deep state of depression, which then turned into a physical problem. She told the panel that had it not been for her husband’s health insurance from a previous teaching position, she would have not been able to get the care needed.

“I thought it important for me to be here today because we really do need a national healthcare program,” she told The Final Call.

The artist gives so much to the community, and the community ought to be able to give back to the artist, opined Woody King. “The community should have some sort of way to help the artist medically.”

Mae Jackson, of the Health Care Now Campaign, remarked that the hearing marked a grassroots movement of working class people. “This has been one of the few congressional hearings on health care in this area where most of the people testifying were Black,” she observed. “And the other key is that most of the people on the panel represent grassroot leadership in this city.”

PHILADELPHIA FATHERHOOD FESTIVAL

2006-06-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

PHILADELPHIA FATHERHOOD FESTIVAL Saturday, June 3rd 2006

EMPOWERING FATHERS TO CHANGE LIVES

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

* INSPIRATIONAL NATIONAL SPEAKERS
* SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS
* "FATHERS ONLY" WORKSHOPS
* PARENTING ORGANIZATIONS WORKSHOPS
* NEW DADS WORKSHOPS
* INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
* BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INCLUDED
* VENDORS SHOWCASE
* FREE LEGAL ADVICE

9:30AM to 3:30PM
HOLIDAY INN - Philadelphia International Airport
45 INDUSTRIAL HIGHWAY, ESSINGTON, PA 19029

THIS EVENT IS FREE FOR ALL

REGISTER NOW AT WWW.DADDYUNIV.COM

or Call 484-410-3227 for info package

Major Funding Provided by

Department of Human Services

Sponsored by

The Mayors Office of Community Service Fatherhood Initiative.

The Philadelphia Fatherhood

Practitioners Network.

MentoringWorks

Young Fathers United (IDAAY)

Impact Services

I remember that day

2006-05-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

I remember that day, 42 years ago as if it was yesterday. 16 years old-summertime, rolled up toilet paper in my bra. Smoking a cigarette, popping my fingers and singing the blues. Life was going to be sooo good.

“THIS STORE IS PACKED WITH ALL THE FACTS ABOUT ALL THE BLACKS ALL OVER THE WORLD.” That’s what the sign read outside of Micheux Bookstore. All you had to do was lift up your head and you would see…

on the corner stood a tall thin man with reddish hair. God, when he smiled he lit up the whole world- not in any sexual way. But in a way of beauty. The way someone who has entered the world just for the purpose of telling one truth.

This is not just any place this is HARLEM. This is the Black capital of the world and the man is Brother/Minister Malcolm X. Yea, that’s what we called him back in the day--Brother/Minister.

“Sister, my sister get rid of that swine. Stop eating that pork. Get yourself together now!”, the Negro man in the red bow tie instructed me.

I am 16. I’m not about to give up pork, cigarettes or thinking about older boys I am in heat for.

“Yea brother”, I agree. lying like a dog, keeping the piece of bar-be-que ribs hiding behind my back.

16 years old –almost grown. Old southern women say, “you smelling your draws.” At 16, what else is there to smell when you know you’re on your way to womanhood. I can’t wait until I’m 18. I’ll almost be one – a woman. Not just any woman, but a Black Woman.

Yesterday, I was sitting next to Jackie Robinson in Chock Full of Nuts, which was down the street from the Apollo Theater.
I could’ve been mad at him for being such a tom. I look at the creases in his face and the gray hair at his temple. He reminds me of my father.

All that history in such a short walking distance. Too much for a 16 year old to realize.

Thank God for memories. Do you hear me Malcolm? Do you hear me Jackie? I send my love to you.

RETURN OF THE ART, MUSIC & BATTLES

2006-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

ART, MUSIC & BATTLES
3:00 PM on Saturday, June 10th at,
225 Adelphi Place in Brooklyn, New York.
A donation of $5 will cover the evening, of which proceeds will benefit the PS 20 School for the arts. Student discounts are also available.
Newsite:Righteous cipher

Hollywood, Ca. – Feature film director Ivan Dixon will be the featured guest on a filmmakers forum this Monday May 22nd 2006 at 7pm on radio station WURD (900 am) with host David Barnes. You can listen to the show live from anywhere in the world via the Internet at: WWW.900amWURD.com

July 6-7: 7th Annual Black Consumer Research & Advertising Summit
This seminal conference event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel
Downtown Chicago. It is the only industry conference devoted
exclusively to African-American marketing, media and consumer
research. As expected, Target Market News will debut the 13th annual
edition of "The Buying Power of Black America," its report on black
HH expenditures, at the confab. In this report, the latest trends will be
offered in how African-Americans are changing their purchasing
habits on such items as cars, food, consumer electronics, clothing,
leisure activities & more. This is the nation's most widely quoted
source of info on where African-Americans' dollars are being spent.

Info:
http://www.targetmarketnews.com

THE 8TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY CELEBRATION

2006-04-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

NYC vs Japan Battle

2006-04-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

The Leaker-in-Chiefs

2006-04-13T04:19:00.000-07:00

The Leaker-in-Chief approval ratings hit a series of new lows in an AP-Ipsos poll that also shows Republicans surrendering their advantage on national security — grim election-year news for a party struggling to stay in power. Its predicted that Democratic will seize control of one or both chambers of Congress in November."These numbers are scary. We've lost every advantage we've ever had," GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio said. "The good news is Democrats don't have much of a plan. The bad news is they may not need one."By the way Alicia Keys is gearing up to run her first marathon. she's training to run a 26- mile race in Greece later this year, saying,its not as long s Puffy's 26 mile finish but she wanted to experience something in her life that she probably never would have before and that's one of them." Keys is slowly building up her endurance and recently completed her first 5K run. Also MTV must be feeling the playahata pressure they recently reworked their Top 10 Greatest M.C.s of All Time list its very close to Eyecalone list.Ha.Counting Backwards 10. LL Cool J, 9. Eminem,8. Ice Cube,7. Big Daddy Kane,6. KRS-One,5. Nas. Playahata.com
Please come and celebrate the 23rd Anniversary
of the Mehu Gallery with a Hip Hop Exhibit,entitled
"The First Element of Hip Hop" , featuring Graffiti
photos by commerical photographer Keith Major,
canvases by graffiti pioneer Duro Cia, and graffiti
video presented by Multi-media producer
Sidney "SidLocks" Mehu.

When - Sunday, April 23, 2006 3-7pm

Where - Mehu Gallery 21 West 100th street
New York, New York , 10025
(212) 222-3334
( Bet. Manhattan Ave and Central Park West)

Travel-info-( B or C to 103rd or 96street
and Central Park West walk to 100th street )
( take 2/3 or 1/9 train to 96th street
and Broadway walk to Central
Park West 100th street )

Peace, SidLocks "SidLocks" Mehu

Healthcare for Artist

2006-04-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

FROM: ART WITHOUT WALLS AND ACTS OF ART
CONTACT PERSON: MAE JACKSON, 718-852-8798

Websites: www.actarts.org
www.Healthcare-Now!

Members of the Creative Community from all disciplines of the arts have joined forces to organize a Citizens/Congressional Hearing on Healthcare for Artists. This hearing will take place on May 6th, 2006 at Brooklyn Borough Hall Municipal Building, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, located at 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, New York. This hearing will be presided over by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. of Michigan and Councilmember Charles Barrone.

Members of the creative community are concerned that many working class artists can’t afford healthcare and lack insurance.

Susan Brennan, President of Acts of Art and writer recently explained, “ Our artists are often low income workers and members of a non-traditional workforce struggling to keep up with sky rocketing standard of living.”

The USA is rated 37th by the World Health Care Organization in providing health care for its citizens. 50 million Americans, including children, suffer from a lack of insurance coverage, while 100 million suffer from inadequate coverage.

Artists are being encouraged to organize and come out on May 6th to give their personal testimonies about the lack of health care before Congressman Conyers,
Councilmember Charles Barrone, and a panel of other elected officials, artist and community activist.

Artist and /or Arts Organizations who wish to testify should contact Ms. Mae Jackson at 718-852-8798.

The healthcare movement for all Americans is a movement towards a greater humanity. As facilitators of the imagination, artist can play a crucial role in our nation’s healthcare history.

This program is sponsored and supported by grass roots organizations: Healthcare-NOW!, FEVA, and The Alliance for African American Artist, Rattapallax, Journal for the Arts, and the Physicians for Social Responsibility.

DYNASTY ROCKERS FAREWELL TO DUCE

2006-03-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

Conversations on race, identity, history

2006-03-28T05:56:00.000-08:00

Mar. 30-Apr. 2: 8th National Black Writers Conference
The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College (CUNY)
presents its annual conference. The theme is "Black Literature:
Expanding Conversations on Race, Identity, History and Genre." The
confab will bring together writers, readers, agents, editors, publishers,
booksellers, and the general public to hear black writers read from a
range of genres, raise awareness & consciousness about black literary
writers and black literary texts, and examine the ways in which the
themes and issues in black literature require us to expand our
conversations on race, identity, history, and genre.
Info:
http://www.mec.cuny.edu/nbwc
A wake for deceased X-Clan member Professor X took place Thursday (March 23) at the House of Our Lord Church in Brooklyn, New York.
Professor X, born Lumumba Carson, founder of the Blackwatch Movement, died in Brooklyn March 17 from spinal meningitis.
According to X-Clan frontman Grand Verbalizer Funkinlesson, aka Brother J, the group plans on relaying Professor X's message to the next generation of X-Clan fans.
"With regret, Professor X...was not previously recorded to include his energy on the [new X-Clan] project, but the blueprint to resurrect the efforts of the Blackwatch Movement of this millennium will be carried out," said Brother J. "We of the X-Clan sincerely hope that the efforts of Professor X will not be overlooked as the history of the original X-Clan has been."
17TH ANNUAL PASTORS FOR PEACE FRIENDSHIPMENT CARAVAN TO CUBA (HARLEM): 7 pm - 12:30 am. $10-$20 donation. Food & beverages on sale. Music by DJ Suena spinning Reggae, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, R&B and more. St. Mary's Church 521 W. 126th St. (Take the 1 to 125th). Advance tix at 718.364.0321.

Professor X Rest In Peace

2006-03-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

Professor X Rest In Peace

Illbrew.com sends our condolences to Lumumba " Professor X" Carson family and The Global Hip Hop community.
X-Clan is a Brooklyn based Hip Hop group originally composed of Grand Verbalizer Funkin' Lesson Brother J, Lumumba Professor X The Overseer (son of Sonny Carson), Paradise The Architect and The Rhythm Provider Sugar Shaft.

Known for their Afrocentrism and militant activism (they were members of Blackwatch), X-Clan soon gained fame for the controversy their music aroused, though commercial success was sporadic. Their debut was To the East, Blackwards (1990), followed by Xodus (1992) and a temporary break-up. Both albums peaked at #11 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip Hop Charts in the United States.

Other artists who were affiliated with X-Clan and Blackwatch include Isis, Queen Mother Rage, and YZ. Professor X released a solo album titled "Years of the 9: On The Blackhand Side" in 1991 and a second solo album titled "Puss N' Boots: The Struggle Continues" in 1993. Queen Mother Rage released "Vanglorious Law" in 1991. Isis released her debut "Rebel Soul" in 1990. YZ released his debut, "Sons of The Father" (noted for the song titled "Thinking of a Master Plan") in 1989 followed by "The Ghetto's Been Good To Me" (which included his modest hit "Return of The Holy One) in 1993

Professor X, was also founder of the Black Watch Movement. Professor X was a tremendous talent and will be strongly missed. Professor X, we salute you until we meet again at the Cross roads with a key..........................

The Civil Rights and Hip Hop Generations – Both Lost

2006-03-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Politrix: The Civil Rights and Hip Hop Generations – Both Lost In The Boondocks-By Bro. Tony Muhammad
Politrix2012@yahoo.com
www.uannetwork.com
In the most respectful and objective way, we must always analyze signs in history in order to know how to properly classify eras. Generally we regard people who lived through the struggling transitory period between racial segregation and integration as the Civil Rights Generation.
Young people that grew up and born in decades following this historic turn of events, beginning in the mid-70s, has been generally regarded as the Hip Hop generation. Even though academics usually present Hip Hop as being a spontaneous movement that has nothing to do with the political and cultural activism of the 60s, the work of leaders such as Afrika Bambaataa prove otherwise.
Since his early days as a Hip Hop activist, Bambaataa would incorporate the teachings of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and other Black scholars into his lessons which served to plant little seeds of knowledge, wisdom and pride into the minds of his Zulu Nation followers in the Bronx and eventually world-wide. This strong connectedness to Pan-Africanism and the Black struggle would later inspire artists such as KRS-One, Public Enemy and X-Clan in the late 80s and early 90s to fuse Hip Hop with social commentary on topics concerning race, culture and class that were still (and still are) highly unresolved.
Many Hip Hoppers, especially on the east coast, gravitated towards the teachings of the 5% Percenters (Nation of Gods and Earth) or The Nation of Islam. Black activism on college campuses was at its highest. Moving into the late 90s, the “gangsta rapper” and later the gold (now platinum) and apparel flashing emcee was taken and placed on a pedestal by corporate America and became the common face of MTV and the common voice of commercial radio. Yet and still, when a highly noted figure such as Nation of Islam leader Min. Louis Farrakhan would call a meeting inviting the Hip Hop generation, everyone from Chuck D to even Snoop Dogg would show up and respectfully listen (even if many of their music and videos would persuade you to believe otherwise).
Renowned scholar, Molefi Kete Asante, recently wrote an article that was published on www.blackelectorate.com in which he refers to the current generation as “The Post-Hip Hop Generation.” In it, he describes how Hip Hop music has lost its cultural purity as it has become increasingly corporatized, merging with pop culture. I, myself, who have lived through Hip Hop’s evolution understand Asante’s position. However, I don’t completely agree with it because I experience too many people day in and day out that express the culture in a positive way and strive to preserve it even though it is not in the limelight.
Where I do agree with the argument is that much of the respect for the foundation knowledge is lost. I took note of this when 50 Cent refused to meet with Min. Louis Farrakhan to end his beef with Ja Rule. If such a thing would have taken place 10 years ago, when there was still a certain sense of honor and respect for Min. Farrakhan and The Nation of Islam among Hip Hoppers, it would have been regarded as the highest of insults. Arguably, the rapper’s career would have ended.
Yet and still, it is not just young people who have distanced themselves from the elders, but many of the elders have not taken the time to reach out to the youth and plant little seeds of wisdom into their hearts and minds. Instead of acting like the elders that they are, many of them attempt to imitate the image and likeness of the youth. Others turn the other way (or simply look up). Many foolishly feel that their own positions in society will become threatened if they teach and train young people to become leaders. They pay no attention to the youthful leadership of the past in the forms of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, who they themselves were selectively chosen by elders to inspire and rally the people under the banner of truth and righteousness. The ones who behave like this the most are the ones who complain the most that young people today are lost and have no future. Overall, they have sold out young people.
The most recent and obvious incident that sheds light on this problematic generational gap involved Rev. Al Sharpton’s cultural crusade against Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim program The Boondocks. On national television Sharpton highly criticized a particular episode about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been treated by and would have responded to a post 9-11 America.
After being harshly criticized and booed for opposing the option of war, King regards the audience as a bunch of “lazy ni**as”, gets fed up with the United States and leaves to Canada. Truthfully, it is my opinion that King would have indeed been treated this way if he would have lived in today’s times, since he was looked upon negatively by the larger white society during his time for standing up and acting in the name of what he believed in. However, Sharpton noted it was the portrayal of King uttering the word “ni**a” that he had the most problem with. He then blasted the creator of the show, Aaron McGruder, for being an “Uncle Tom.” Truly, what does Sharpton seek to gain by making such remarks in front of the larger white society? Is he not violating his own principles of Black solidarity by taking his problem with McGruder and making a public spectacle of it, there by making himself look old and outdated as the grandfather character on the show? Could he have not sought to resolve the issue privately since McGruder, according to my own observation of television interviews, seems to be a pretty reasonable human being? No!
Sharpton instead made the decision to slam the door in his face and create an even bigger barrier between them, creating a less opportunity to dialogue about the detrimental affects of the use of the word “ni**a” on the show. Pay no attention that Sharpton back in his youth was probably laughing hysterically to Richard Pryor jokes which included a rampant use of the word “ni**a”. Pay no attention that Sharpton has repeatedly complained about how the Democratic Party is truly not addressing the concerns of Blacks and other minorities in this country and is not very well accepting of him as a leader, yet he continues to run for President under the Democratic ticket. Is this not in itself “Tommish” behavior?
Considering that slavery as a condition was partly meant to divide the young from the old, I pose the question, “WHO REALLY NEEDS TO GET OFF THE PLANTATION NOW?” Truly, as more and more legendary Civil Rights leaders pass every year, it is a growing sign to all of us that we are in the process of entering a new era. It is time to prepare!
More to come next issue ….
Politrix2012@yahoo.com

BBOY CONTENDER FINALS MARCH 18TH

2006-03-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

MARCH 18TH, B-BOY CONTENDER BATTLE SERIES (RIDGEWOOD QUEENS): 3 pm - 9 pm. Main Event: Foorwork Battle. Music by Sounds of Dynasty and special guest, The Beacon I.S. 93 @ 66-56 Madison Ave. Ridgwood NY 11385. $3 admission. Take the M to Forest Ave. One block away. Check NYC MTA for weekend service changes. Info courtesy of Pete Martinez PJAY71. www.BKNYC.com.

Fresh out of the gate is the brand new studio album by Public Enemy and Paris entitled Rebirth Of A Nation. It features production by Paris and guest appearances by dead prez, Kam, MC Ren, Immortal Technique and The Conscious Daughters. For free sample MP3 downloads, please visit here. It is available now at Guerrillafunk.com, online retailers and fine stores everywhere!

By Ooh Papi
A peaceful resolution between KRS1 and Adisa Banjoka took place on March 9th on the anniversary of what was the 9th anniversary of the tragic slaying of the Notorious BIG. According to journalist Daveyd “the two men agreed that there were some hurtful things they have said to and about each other. They also owned up to some of the actions they undertaken have reflected poor judgment and could’ve been done differently and more importantly, more respectfully. (more…)

SHE POWER

2006-03-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
SHE POWER
Personal and Collective Strength in Defining Your Professional Passion and Purpose Co-Hosted by COCOACHiC and FemaleThiink

Saturday, March 11, 2006
4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
South Oxford Space
138 South Oxford St (btw Atlantic & Hanson Pl)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
$15 Admission (incl. hors d'oeuvres and wine)
Students free with ID
$5 of each ticket sale benefits Dress for Success (www.dressforsuccess.org)

At SHE Power, You Will:

*
Get advice on your career path.
*
Network with women entrepreneurs.
*
Be inspired to turn your life's purpose and passion into something more.
*
Learn how other women have successfully combined their skills and passion to build their own businesses.
*
Speak with a financial officer to learn how you can obtain funding to start your own business.

(Click here to purchase advance tickets)

EVENT PROGRAM

SHE Power will encourage women to celebrate womanhood and empower them to discover, embrace and live their professional passion and purpose. This event will stimulate and inspire women to define their life's passion and purpose, and to take action by tapping into their personal and professional networks. The 2-hour event will feature businesswomen in the non-profit, social enterprise, fashion, beauty and small business banking industries describing how they financially and spiritually built and sustain business operations by living their passion and purpose. There will be a panel discussion, open floor Q&A and a display of vendors to promote women's entrepreneurship.

CHARITABLE PARTNER

$5 of every ticket sale will be donated to Dress for Success

Women's Jazz Festival

2006-02-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

Mar. 6-27: Women's Jazz Festival
(Schomburg Center--Harlem/NYC)

The Schomburg Center celebrates Women's History Month with a
concert lineup of extremely talented female artists:

Mar. 6: Tulivu Donna Cumberbatch
Mar. 13: Spelman Jazz Ensemble
Mar. 20: Sage
Mar. 27: Imani Winds

Info:
http://www.schomburgcenter.org

"Nets Song Contest

2006-02-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Jay- Z said Foxxy Brown just had the surgery done and her hearing should return in 2 weeks. Def Jam president Jay-Z, who is also part owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets, has launched a contest for amateur performers to write and record a Nets theme song. The contest is a partnership with Sprite and often protested New York radio station WQHT (Hot 97). Entries will be accepted through March 5 and must be recorded on a CD or tape, addressed to "Nets Song Contest," Nets Basketball, 390 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. Entries can also be uploaded via Hot 97's Web site
Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes may become the next Lil Kim if he continues his obstruction of justice behavior of ignoring police.New York's po po want him to discuss his bodyguard's slaying last week. New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly has slammed the rapper for refusing to talk to investigators probing the shooting death of Israel Ramirez during a Feb. 5 video shoot in Brooklyn."[Ramirez] worked for him," Kelly said at a scathing news conference Wednesday. "I'd think he'd be knocking on the door...if your employee's murdered in front of you, you think you might want to talk to police."
The commish groused that the hip-hopster's silence has made it difficult for detectives to solve the murder and may result in the case going before a grand jury, where Rhymes and other witnesses would be called to answer questions under oath. In that scenario, if the rapper decides to obstruct, he could face the same fate that befell Lil' Kim.This stop snitching madness is outta control. For the record if you kill one of my friends,I will be on the phone with authorities so fast, you will have to call the G Book of World Records.- Charlie the Moderator

Remarks of Ms. Jones on The Hot 97 Morning Show

2006-02-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

one year after airing the infamous Tsunami song, Hot 97 continues to air racially offensive remarks against Asians, African-Americans and Caribbean members of our community, which happen to make up the majority of their listenership. As members of the Hip Hop community, we were once again outraged to hear racially offensive remarks coming across the airwaves from Hot 97. This time their target was Transit Workers Union Local 100 labor leader Roger Toussaint. By calling Mr. Toussaint a "dumb coconut" it is clear that Hot 97 has no intention of using their airwaves for the public good. The increasing racism and hatred from Hot 97 comes under the management of program director, John Dimmick.

Rosa Clemente, spokesperson for R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop explains, "We can no longer tolerate these attacks against members of our communities. This is the second set of racially offensive remarks under the watch of program director John Dimmick and we will no longer let corporate interests and the need for ratings ruin the culture of Hip Hop. We are calling for the removal of Mr. John Dimmick and Ms. Tarsha Jones immediately. We are also demanding that Emmis Communications (parent company of Hot 97) CEO Jeff Smulyan and President Rick Cummings, meet with members of the R.E.A.C.Hip-Hop and members of the New York City Council to face the music and their radio listeners. We applaud Council Member Yvette Clarke's legislative initiatives and are happy to join forces."

Figures in Black History: By Playhata

2006-02-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

1) Carter G. Woodson
2) Narmer the Unifier
3) Benjamin Banneker
4) The Warrior Queen Gudit: Conqueror of Ethiopia
5) Blacks in the Revolutionary War: Patriots, Loyalists, and Maroons
6) Mansa Musa: Africa's Wealthiest King
7) Slave Revolts of the Antebellum South
8) St. Maurice, the Knight of the Holy Lance
9) Booker T. Washington: "The Most Powerful Negro in America"
10) Beyond The Mummy: Finding the Real Imhotep
11) Ida B. Wells: Anti-Lynching Crusader
12) Songhai: Africa's Largest Empire
13) W.E.B DuBois: The Souls of Black Folks
14) Great Zimbabwe: Houses of Stone
15) Marcus Garvey and UNIA
16) From Medieval Askum to Modern Ethiopia: Near 1,000 Years of Dynasty
17) Zora Neale Hurston - Novelist, Anthropologist, Folklorist
18) Africans in Medieval Europe: Part I Black-a-Moor Slaves, Soldiers, and Nobles
19) Elijah Muhammad
20) Africans in Medieval Europe: Part II - Perceptions and Legacy
21) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & The Civil Rights Movement
22) Kanem-Bornu & The Hausa States
23) Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)
24) Ta-Set: The World's First Monarchy? 3800-3100BC
25) The Black Power Movement: Daughters and Sons of Malcolm
26) Gallery of African Kings & Queens Gallery I
27) Independence Leaders in Africa and the Caribbean
28) Gallery of African Kings & Queens Gallery II
??) Cheryl Delaney

B-BOY CONTENDER BATTLE SERIES w/ AFRIKA BAMBAATAA

2006-02-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

B-BOY CONTENDER BATTLE SERIES w/ AFRIKA BAMBAATAA (RIDGEWOOD QUEENS): 3 pm - 9 pm. Main Event: Breaks Kru vs. RepStyles. Foorwork Battle. Music by Sounds of Dynasty and special guest, Afrika Bambaataa THE GODFATHER OF HIP HOP. The Beacon I.S. 93 @ 66-56 Madison Ave. Ridgwood NY 11385. $3 admission. Take the M to Forest Ave. One block away. Check NYC MTA for weekend service changes. Info courtesy of Pete Martinez PJAY71. www.BKNYC.com.

Black Family Technology

2006-02-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Feb. 12-18: Black Family Technology Awareness Week
(Various venues nationwide)

The BFTAW program is a national program initiated several years ago
by Career Communications Group (CCG). To assist local efforts
nationwide, CCG has made a wealth of planning, presentation, and
informational pieces available. This material, coupled with creativity
and unique ideas, will help to produce a series of inspiring and
beneficial programs and events.

Info:
http://www.blackfamilynet.net
Mar. 30-Apr. 2: 8th National Black Writers Conference

The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College (CUNY)
presents its annual conference. The theme is "Black Literature:
Expanding Conversations on Race, Identity, History and Genre." The
confab will bring together writers, readers, agents, editors, publishers,
booksellers, and the general public to hear black writers read from a
range of genres, raise awareness & consciousness about black literary
writers and black literary texts, and examine the ways in which the
themes and issues in black literature require us to expand our
conversations on race, identity, history, and genre.

Info:
http://www.mec.cuny.edu/nbwc
(718) 270-4811

Some of the biggest names in hip hop

2006-02-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

Busta & Co. should pay up by Errol Louis of NY Daily News
The death of Israel Ramirez, the 29-year-old bodyguard who was gunned down outside a Brooklyn film studio Sunday, spotlights the criminal irresponsibility of so many of the people who make money creating and marketing hip-hop music.
Some of the biggest names in hip hop were among the millionaires present at the Busta Rhymes video shoot that led to Ramirez's murder. Now they all need to step up, take responsibility and pay the price - not just funeral expenses, but a fund that will take care of Ramirez's kids.
But refusing to act responsibly or lawfully - or even intelligently - is a point of pride among performers who have discovered the financial benefits of turning their own careers into a bloodstained minstrel show.
I encountered the attitude during a recent Hot 97 radio talk about the state of hip hop with some rappers. My suggestion that performers exercise more responsibility drew a familiar, almost boastful response:
I'm not here to raise your children.
That's a riff borrowed from Charles Barkley, the often foulmouthed former basketball superstar. "Just because I can dunk a basketball doesn't mean I should raise your kids," Barkley once quipped.
Many hip-hop performers mouth the Barkley line, refusing to show any concern that children or other fans may be influenced by their violent lyrical boasts, sickening misogyny or arrests for real-world crimes.
Their Hollywood narcissism is the opposite of the famous African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child."
Rappers don't have to be role models, but they can't duck responsibility, either.
In this case, their carelessness set the stage for the murder of a man who was working to raise his own kids.
Exactly what happened at Kiss the Cactus studio during the video shoot remains unclear. Some witnesses reportedly said Tony Yayo, an ex-drug dealer and member of 50 Cent's G-Unit group, stomped out of the studio after arguing with producers over the fact he wouldn't appear in the video.
Witnesses also say that a man wearing a G-Unit jacket, who boasted of being an ex-con, got into an angry exchange when video crew members tried to clear nonessential people from the building. Shots rang out about half past midnight, according to cops. Ramirez ended up on the pavement with a bullet in his chest, dying as people fled past him.
In retrospect, it seems clear that making a video with hundreds of people in the middle of the night wasn't the brightest idea. Somebody also should have created and enforced a guestlist for the building - or, better yet, simply banned goon squads from the premises.
And the question remains: How many more shootings, killings and jail sentences will it take before corporate sponsors and the listening public stop showering money and airplay on marginally talented crooks?
The millionaire performers from the deadly weekend fiasco ought to break the Barkley rule for once, and set up a trust fund for Ramirez's three children, ages 1, 5 and 10. It's the least they could do.

The Beef

2006-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Biting beats
Last week a Houston Federal Court jury found Lil’ Flip and Sony Music Entertainment guilty of willful copyright infringement and were ordered to pay $150,000 to a Shreveport, LA producer over a cut called “Texas Boyz.”
The Game
Jimmy Henchman cant heed own advice.
The manager of the Game has been convicted of assaulting a Maryland disc jockey.A jury has found 40-year-old James Rosemond aka Jimmy Henchman guilty of the unprovoked beating of WKYS announcer “DJ Zxulu.” Rosemond, who lives in New York, can be seen on The Beef II DVD warning rappers to avoid beef.” They were at the hip-hop station’s Lanham studios last January. Prince George’s County prosecutor Glenn Ivey says the attack happened after the DJ made a joke about Rosemond’s cell phone earpiece. During the two-day trial, witnesses testified that Rosemond beat Zxulu, whose real name is Richard Dunkerson, badly enough to send him to the hospital. Rosemond faces up to ten years in prison when he is sentenced April third.

THE SUPER SLAM POETRY JAM
Thursday February 2, 2006
9:00 pm - 2:00 am
This event does not repeat.
Event Location: The Brown Bean Cafe 39 E. Adams off Woodward Detroit, MI 48226
Black History is every month...

Jamaican court clears reggae

2006-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Rapper Cassidy Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter
Rapper Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
By MARYCLAIRE DALE, Associated Press Writer
PHILADELPHIA - Baby-faced rapper Cassidy was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault Tuesday in what prosecutors called the planned ambush of a man who had argued with the musician’s friends.
The 23-year-old Cassidy (real name: Barry Reese) was grossly negligent for supplying the guns that killed Desmond Hawkins and wounded two of his companions, Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler Greenspan said at the end of a two-day non-jury trial.
Not Guilty: Jamaican court clears reggae megastar Buju Banton of assaulting six gay men
Reggae star Buju Banton is in high spirits after being cleared of assault charges in a Kingston court last week.
The controversial DJ was answering charges related to the alleged beating of a group of homosexual men at premises near his recording studio in Kingston, in 2004. The judge dismissed the charges against the star and three other men after the six complainants failed to make a credible case in court.
Speaking to The Voice from his Kingston Jamaica base shortly after the decision Buju Banton said he was overwhelmed to have been cleared. “I am happy to have been exonerated from these charges. I give thanks to know that justice was served because I never beat anyone.”
Buju’s manager Donovan Germain is demanding an apology from agencies and individuals who he said conspired to smear Buju’s name.

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

2006-01-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

Jan. 26-28: Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival
(Rose Hall Resort & Country Club--Montego Bay, Jamaica)

This year's event is a special 50 year anniversary tribute to Byron Lee.
Among the scheduled performers are Shaggy, John Legend, Al Green,
Bo Diddley, Patti LaBelle, James Ingram, Kem, Maxi Priest and many
more.

Info:
http://www.airjamaicajazzandblues.com
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Feb. 2-5: 10th Anniversary Black Fine Art Show
(The Puck Building--New York, NY)

This art show presents the unique opportunity to view as well as
purchase work by African-American, African and Caribbean artists,
both established and emerging. Thirty eight international exhibitors
will participate in the 2006 NBFAS.

Info:
http://www.blackfineartshow.com

Model Search;

2006-01-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Model Search
Tuesday.01.10.06 6pm - 8pm
Who: Music Video Live
What: Set If Off Video Promotion Model Search
8pm -11pm Fashion Industry After Party
Where: Fashion 40 Lounge
202 W.40th St.(btw. 7th & 8th Ave.)NYC.
NO COVER. Food & Beverages Available
How: 1,2,3,7,A,C,E,,N,R,Path Train to 42nd St./Port Authority

Comments:
Set If Off, the song produced,written and performed
by the world renowned artist Strafe was and still
is the most sampled song in music history! It
remains a staple in the remixes of todays hottest
clubs, r&b and Hip Hop mixes. Hard Soul Recording
has produced 6 international new mixes for this
song being released for 2006 and they are seeking
female models to star in the Remixed Videos.

Female applicants should meet the following
criteria:
1. 5'2" or taller
2. Females 18yrs+ of Age.
3. Attractive with minimum dance ability.
4. Vocal skill are a plus BUT NOT REQUIRED
5. Skirt, Heel or Cat Suit preferred during
interview.

Compensation: $$$ Negotiable.
Includes complimentary copy of video, $50 Set
Tee-Shirt, Press Release and International
exposure..

Saturday.01.14.06 - Sunday.01.15.06
Who: New Day Associates
What: 27th Annual International Model Of The Year Weekend

Where: Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott Hotel. Newark, NJ.
When: Saturday 01.14.06 - Sunday 01.15.06
How: CALL NOW: 908.925.8936 Use Code:BlackVelvetRope

Features:
Female & Male Model Contest for all expense paid
trp of their choice to Paris,London or Rome for
7 days/6nights.
Featured layout in Today's Black Woman or
Black Men Magazine(international editions)
Networking with today's hottest clothing lines.
Runway Shows featuring key designers.
Meet & Greet with fashion editors, publishers,
photographers & make up artists.
For Out Of Towners; New Day Associates $99
Room Rate(includes 2 persons). Hotel features
Sauna, Jacuzzi, Heated Pool, 3 restaurtants and
Fashion Parties. Call Marriott Hotel Directly
for room reservations at 973.623.0006

The Source Magazine already faded

2006-01-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

Fading Fast Award: The Source Magazine
We're probably a year late on this because The Source has already faded.
Come this time next year the magazine may have ceased to exist. The
self-proclaimed "Bible of Hip-Hop" is suffering from financial difficulties
of Biblical proportions. They're rumored to have lost more than $11 million
over the past four years, have failed to file state and federal income tax
for two years, have skipped mailing issues of its magazine, and was sued for
missing rental payments on its office space in addition to having eviction
proceedings begun against them. Last but certainly not least, the magazine
is being sued for sexual harassment and gender discrimination by former
employees Kim Osorio and Michelle Joyce who seem to have an armored vehicle
worth of evidence. In addition it's claimed that top executives at the
magazine have written nearly $3 million in bad checks over the past nine
months, had their Source Awards show canceled by BET, and worst of all
magazine President Raymond "Benzino" Scott is still trying to record albums.
If Benzino agrees to stop recording albums we will write him a check to
cover whatever money The Source Magazine owes, c'mon dog - you know we're
good for it.
Runner Up: G-Unit
People may not see it yet but the smart man's money says the G-Unit run is
coming to and end. 50-Cent is suffering from a severe case of overexposure
and the other members didn't have strong a followings to begin with. All the
hype and promotion in the world couldn't hide the weakness of Tony Yayo's
debut release and 50's movie tanked at the box office after decent opening
week. Many people are pointing to the signing of Mobb Deep, M.O.P., and Mase
as a sign of good things to come, but many previously hot labels sign a
bunch of artist at the end of their run, just take a look at Rocafella. All
of these late-to-the-party, new blood signings with G-Unit likely missed the
money train. The questions will be can these artists get an album released
with any decent promotion while on the G-Unit and what label/crew is goingvto take their place.
Queen Latifah officially a star
Queen Latifah has become the first hip-hop artist crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.“I think the reason I am here is to inspire African-American women who are rappers, full-figured women to know that they can do it, too,”
by playhata

HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL

2005-12-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL (LOS ANGELES): January 19th – 22nd, 2006 in Royce Hall 314 & 306 from 12 - 10pm on the UCLA campus. Admission is FREE and open to everyone of all ages! The festival will screen numerous feature films, shorts, experimental, and documentaries such as the classic Hip Hop films Style Wars, Wild Style, and Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme (www.organicfilms.com), while also premiering theatrical films such as Henry Chalfant’s "From Mambo to Hip Hop: Music and Survival in the South Bronx" and Doug Pray’s "Infamy". We hope that you’ll be able to join us and participate in this truly unique atmosphere celebrating film, music and Hip Hop culture. For more information go to: www.hiphopfilmfestival.com. To submit films for screening consideration, please send NTSC DVD’s or Mini-DVs to: The Hip Hop Film Festival 2629 Main Street #312, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA. Info courtesy of Kevin Fitzgerald.

Reverend Al Sharpton all Souled Out?

2005-12-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

www.Playahata.com -Interesting Quote of the Day-"Some people have mistakenly thought that Kyle was the reason the book did not happen. That’s not true. Kyle’s my man, he’s a dope MC and a dope producer. Jack Canfield killed the book. He never believed in us, nor did he believe in the power of Hip Hop. The truth of the matter is that no one in that company took the time to learn anything about Hip Hop. I can compare it to being a rap act signed to a classical music label."-Adisa Banjoko telling why his book never materialized.
Reverend Al Sharpton is catching heat from consumer groups who question his starring role in commercials for LoanMax, considered by many fair lending experts to be a predatory lender, reports New York's CBS-2 News. Keith Corbett, senior vice president of the Center For Responsible Lending, in Washington, told CBS-2, "They charge triple-digit interest rates and the terms are so that the person can't really pay the loans back without doing harm to themselves."

Evidence in -Bush approved SNA to spy on Americans-NY Times reports-Bush Secretly Lifted Limits on Spying in U.S. After 9/11

Secretary Of State Rice Urges US Congress To Fund Dafur Peacekeepers

- Head Of UN Peacekeepers Warns Of "Crisis" In Horn Of Africa's Eritrea

-AL SHARPTON unde more fire for promoting predatory lending *

-' Kong' conks out on Day 1 at box Office only 10 million

- US Offers African Nations Duty-Free Access To American Cotton Market

- Jamaica & Cuba Strengthen Technical Development Ties On Infrastructure

- FOXY BROWN hopeful that she will regain her hearing **

(1)Playahata (n) - One who offers truthful constructive criticism that is in opposition to popular opinion or the status quo.

JAZZ NEW YEARS EVE GALA

2005-12-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

JAZZ 966 NEW YEARS EVE GALA
SATURDAY DEC 31
"JAZZ LATIN CLASSIC SOUL PARTY JAM"
PUCHO & HIS 8-PIECE LATIN SOUL BROTHERS
Featuring PUCHO
Afro Cuban Dance team Pedro & Laurett Carrol
Advance Tickets $50, $60 at the door
Includes Dinner, Desert and Champagne Toast

JAZZ 966
966 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NYC
718.638.6910 Ext 25
www.jazz966.com

Welcome To Jamrock tour

2005-12-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

X Clan Returns
Brother J & X Clan have joined Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's Welcome To Jamrock tour. Visit www.xclanmusic.com for tour dates and updates on X Clan's music.
What's that Smell?
NEW WHIRL ODOR Explodes Whirlwide via World Distribution.
Public Enemys studio album NEW WHIRL ODOR is landing on many platforms of distribution. The physical album amist controversy was released in 700 Best Buy stores in October. REDEYE www.redeyeusa.com has spread the cd/dvd version all accross North America.

White Lines
Singer Lumidee, whose real name is Lumiana DeRosa, was arrested at Laguardia International Airport on Friday November 25 after the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.) was tipped off that she was smuggling drugs into the United States. Police reportedly recovered over $1 million of frozen cocaine and over 7,000 exstacy tablets worth more than $500,000. DeRosa is reportedly involved in a suspected $50 million bicoastal drug ring, that also includes model Gloria Velez, who was also arrested on drug charges in 2004. Velez, was promoting the release of her calendar & DVD when she was charged after police seized 200 pounds of cocaine, $800,000 in cash and four other vehicles, where nearly $1 million cash was found. It was unclear how much money or drugs allegedly were pulled from Velez's bus. Lumidee enjoyed a brief but successful stint in the music industry in 2003. Her single "Never Leave You (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" topped the Billboard charts for 2 weeks that summer, and a remix featuring rapper Busta Rhymes enjoyed a substantial amount of chart success. The album failed to create any other hits, but the Recording Industry of America certified it gold with sales of over 500,000 copies

BLENMAN STEEL SOUNDS

2005-11-29T15:20:00.001-08:00

CARIBBEAN NIGHT Friday, Dec 2nd,AT Jazz 966 Fulton, Brooklyn, NYC, featuring: BLENMAN STEEL SOUNDS PLUS ALSTON JACK, Doors open at 7pm $15.00
Did Nation of Islam ransack Arab stores that sell alcohol?
About a dozen African-American men wearing suits, white-collared shirts and bow ties — a trademark of the Nation of Islam — entered the store on San Pablo Avenue and West Street around 11:30 p.m.At New York Market, a busy corner store that offers fortified beer and wine but no hard liquor, the owner, Tony, who just took over the store three months ago and did not want to use his last name, said the group was targeting alcohol when it should be after drugs. “Before they talk about alcohol, they should talk about all the drugs and heroin on the street,” he said. His cousin was minding the store when the men came in at 11:40 p.m. At one point, his cousin reached for a shotgun behind the counter, but the men took it away from him, Tony said.
“I’m not worried. Let them come back,” he said. “I’m not chokin’
Canada may bar 50 cent from touring- “to protect Black males”In Bowling For Columbine, Canada became synonymous with anti gun and low crime but that may be changing.Today the Canadian government had a high ranking official offer the idea thay they should ban U.S. rapper 50 Cent from touring Canada later this year because he has a criminal record and glorifies gun violence, a legislator from the ruling Liberal party said on Wednesday. Junior Foreign Minister Dan McTeague said the rapper’s message was inappropriate at a time when Toronto, Canada’s largest city, was experiencing a surge in shooting deaths.“I do want the laws of Canada to apply to anybody who is a criminal, an admitted criminal, as Mr Curtis Jackson — known as 50 Cent — is. Under our laws … he would be deemed criminally inadmissible,” he told CBC television

we organized ,we gathered & we delivered…

2005-11-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

We watched, we cried, we shook, we raged, we called ,
we organized ,we gathered & we delivered…
In response to Hurricane Katrina, Meet the Need – Community Collective organized as a grass roots coalition of local organizations, faith groups (with an interfaith core representing Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Yoruba & others) small businesses and concerned individuals. We have provided immediate direct relief to people in the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Our first truck departed fully loaded with supplies, clothing and food on September 18th from Common Ground Church in Bushwick - a Brooklyn community some have called the 9th ward of NYC. We made stops in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Slidell, Louisiana.
Meet the Need is preparing to deploy our tenth truck with cleaning supplies, equipment, tools, non-perishable food, and a team of volunteers before the Thanksgiving holiday. Many of the earlier sites had not received any help: no FEMA, no Red Cross, no Salvation Army. Too often we found ourselves as the first responders for people in overwhelming need. And we made connections: we listened, we cried and we hugged. We have first hand accounts from folks who tearfully told of spending days on the one working telephone calling 800 numbers and getting automated messages, but no help. Grounded in faith, Meet the Need – Community Collective has made a long term commitment to help. Our motto is “hand to hand, the best way we can!”
Meet the Need – Community Collective
c/o Common Ground Church of God in Christ
19-21 Bishop Hudson Blvd. (Covert Street)
Brooklyn NY 11207
718 573-5625

PARIS BURNING

2005-11-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

PARIS (AP) — Ten nights of urban unrest that brought thousands of arson attacks on cars, nursery schools and other targets from the Mediterranean to the German border reached Paris where at least 28 cars were burned overnight in the French capital, government officials said Sunday.Some 2,300 police poured into the Paris region to bolster security on a restive Saturday night while firefighters moved out around the city to douse blazing vehicles.

Buy Now
32ND UNIVERSAL ZULU NATION ANNIVERSARY (HARLEM): Doors at 9 pm. Show at 11 pm. Hosts: GrandMaster Caz & Jerry Blood Rock. Feat. The Original Jazzy Jay, LuvBug Starski, DJ Rockin’ Rob, Divine Sounds, Dynamic 3, Stik-e & The Hoodz, King Kamanzi, Jaz'o, Bronx Mob, Cyphalliance (Seattle), Elefaders (Seattle), G-2, King Tone & Crew (Japan), Supa Nova, DJ Supreme (NMS Champ) and DJ Power. More to be confirmed. *Schedule subject to change. The Kennedy Center Ballroom 34 W. 134th St. (between Lenox and 5th) Harlem. Enter on 135th. $10 with flyer before 11 pm. $25 without a flyer. ALL AGES. Take the 2 or 3 to 125th. Download the flyer at zulunation.com/ events.html. Info courtesy of Yoda and Lucky Strike. See Nov. 12 & 13 for more events.
50 Cent will release the Get Rich Or Die Tryin' soundtrack on Tuesday (November 8th). On November 22nd, the rapper will release his new video game, 50 Cent: Bulletproof, for PlayStation 2. The new video game will include three new songs by the rapper as well as several exclusive remixes. MTV.com reports that in all, the new video game will include 53 songs from 50 Cent, 20 from G-Unit, 10 from Lloyd Banks, 10 from Young Buck, and four from Tony Yayo, plus 47 tracks from Sha Money XL and 15 videos from 50 and G-Unit. The entire collection is available to players at any point in the game; all gamers have to do is have 50 Cent access his G-Pod.
Statement of Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
On The Upcoming March to Gretna
Capitol Hill Press Conference with the Hip Hop Caucus
Wednesday, November 2, 2005

The Greatest Civil Rights Tragedy Ushering in the 21st Century:
American racism exposed on a Louisiana bridge

A judge signed a death warrant

2005-10-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES - A judge signed a death warrant Monday for Stanley "Tookie" Williams, co-founder of the notorious Crips gang, rejecting his attorneys' request for a delay in the execution date to give them more time to seek clemency from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Williams is scheduled to die Dec. 13 at San Quentin prison. He maintains he is innocent, and supporters cite his renunciation of his past and his efforts to curtail gang violence, including a series of children's books he co-wrote in prison.

His lawyers had asked that the execution date be set for Dec. 22, a nine-day delay. The Dec. 13 date means they have only until Nov. 8 to submit a clemency request to the governor. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider Williams' case earlier this month.

"This case has taken over 24 years to get to this
point," Superior Court Judge William R. Pounders said. "That is a long delay in itself and I would hate to add to that delay."

Williams, 53, was sentenced to death in 1981 for fatally shooting Albert Owens, a Whittier convenience store worker, in 1979. He also was convicted of killing two Los Angeles motel owners and their daughter during a robbery that same year.

The U.S. Supreme Court turned aside his case earlier this month.

Williams and a high school friend started the Crips street gang in Los Angeles in 1971.

Supporters have nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize and the Nobel in literature, and a cable TV movie of his life last year starred Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx. Dozens of death penalty opponents demonstrated outside the courtroom. Among them was actor Mike Farrell, who said the proceedings failed to consider "his value, his change, his transformation."

It’s official

2005-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Grammy award winner, GrandMixer DXT, owner and creator of "Transfer Master," specializing exclusively in forensic editing was hired recently to remix the found "lost tapes" of the infamous Thelonious Monk Quartet featuring John Coltrane. These tapes date back to 1957 and have never before been released to the public. Stereophile Magazine's October issue named it "Recording of the Month." It's the #1 download on I-Tunes.
UTFO REUNITES: It’s official! The original members: Kangol Kid, Doctor Ice, Educated Rapper and DJ Mix Master Ice) of The Untouchable Force Organization (UTFO) have reunited and are ready to entertain true Hip Hoppers! Info courtesy of Kangol from UTFO.
Looking for one Chris Rock sound alike any age
for large voice over part.
To see the style and pace of the voice over that we
are looking for watch "Every Body Hates Chris" on
the UPN Network this Thursday (Check local listings
for air times).
Send audition CD's only to:
Mrs. Amy Wiseman
Tim Greene Films.com
Box 20554
Phila,Pa 19138
Representing for the big boys classic ill Brew T-shirts $19.99

3xl Buy Now

Community Vision

2005-10-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Community Vision Council Harvest Day @ the CVC Farmers Market

Wednesday October 26, 2005 3PM - 8PM

(Our regular market hours will begin at 9AM)

Hecksher Playground - Linden Street (Central & Wilson Aves)

Vendor/ Exhibitor Spaces are available for a $25 Donation paid by October 19th; $35 thereafter.

Complete & Email this Vendor Form:

Name_________________________________________________________

Organization/Business____________________________________________

Product/Service_________________________________________________

Address__________________________________phone#_______________

Email__________________________________

Web Site?:______________________________

Much thanks!
Asantewaa -

TelcoTV Conference

2005-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

POLITICS
?New Orleans - The city water in most of New Orleans is safe for drinking for the first time since Hurricane Katrina laid waste to the city more than five weeks ago, the mayor's office said Friday.
BUSINESS
TelcoTV Conference & Expo - Focusing on the IPTV
Opportunity for Telecom Service Providers
November 8-10, 2005 - San Diego, CA
TelcoTV has become the premier IPTV Industry event. Speakers include execs from Fox, NBC Universal, Scripps Network, SBC, Bell Canada, SaskTel, Manitoba Telephone, Qwest, Microsoft, Alcatel, Motorola, and more. A sold out exhibit floor of 135 vendors highlights the latest technologies and solutions for IPTV ? and the Interoperability Showcase demos live IPTV Networks right on the show floor. (800) 608-9641.
MUSIC

Relentless album Cd Produced by DJ University Holding the 313 area code down.
Detroit Hip Hop at it's best!!
Featuring Detroit's Most wanted: D-Luvly, Vansetti, MR.Sinns, Raina Nicole and more
Now Shipping for $9.99 Buy Now

The INVITATIONS –1960’s R&B group are currently in London performing some of their greatest hits like ”They Say the Girls Crazy” and “ Come Together”.
Bangkok, Thailand (10/1/2005)-- DJ Domination, Asia's # 1 Hip-Hop DJ, Today Launched “102.75 FM,” A New Hip-Hop, 24 Hour FM Radio Station That Will Cater To Bangkok's Hip-Hop Fans In The Highly Sought-After Asian FM Market And The 18-34 Demographic.
The Man Dirty Harry who brought you the Rap Phenomenons biggie and pac discs, has now done it with nas. All crazy remixes and blends. Dirty Harry's joints are always on point. This CD is a Banger no doubt.

Washington D.C. ’political hip hop activism

2005-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Congresswomen Cynthia McKinney in Washington D.C. ’political hip hop activism

Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney Invites You To Join Her, Afeni Shakur, Ward Churchill, and Cedric Muhammad For Her CBC Braintrust Forums (Thursday, 9/22 and Saturday, 9/24), “Countering Culture: COINTELPRO Attacks On Political Musicians” .

On Thursday, September 22nd and Saturday September 24th, I have the honor and privilege of serving as MC for two of Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney’s Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Briantrusts. The two sessions are part of the annual Congressional Black Caucus Convention in the nation’s capitol.

As many may know, Congresswoman McKinney has been the foremost member of Congress to explore, investigate, and educate the public regarding the FBI’s Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) infamously run by former FBI head J. Edgar Hoover. And for the past five years BlackElectorate.com has been publicly making the case that the COINTELPRO paradigm may be at play in the treatment of leading Hip-Hop artists and Hip-Hop culture, by both the government, interest groups, and media.

The Congresswoman and her staff have outdone themselves with the subject matter and focus, and in the caliber of the panelists - including Afeni Shakur, Ward Churchill, Davey D. and Rosa Clemente - scheduled to participate.

Below is a more detailed information outlining both forums which feature more than just the usual and increasingly tired format of individuals simply speaking and conference attendees asking questions. Uniquely at this forum, music will be provided by the talented Two Tone Jones & Victor Harris of WPFW - Pacifica Radio. And A DVD presentation of “Scandalize My Name” - a documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman, focused on the McCarthy-era campaign against athlete, scholar, and artist Paul Robeson and others, will be featured.

The sessions will be held at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place, Washington, DC.

****

Thursday, September 22 – Room 144-A

COUNTERING CULTURE: COINTELPRO ATTACKS ON POLITICAL
MUSICIANS

4:00 – 5:50 pm

MC: Cedric Muhammad, Black Electorate

Music: DJ Two Tone Jones & Victor Harris (WPFW - Pacifica)

Panel One: The Covert War Against Black Musicians

Paul Robeson and MKULTRA
- Paul Robeson, Jr., son

Operation CHAOS: War Against Rock – Hendrix & Marley

- Alex Constantine, author of The Covert War Against Rock

The Hip-Hop Generation – Tupac Shakur
- Afeni Shakur, mother

****

Saturday, September 24, 2005
1:50 – 2:50 pm – Room 209-A

COUNTERING CULTURE: COINTELPRO ATTACKS ON POLITICAL
MUSICIANS

1:00 – 1:50 pm

DVD presentation on Countering Culture

“Scandalize My Name” - documentary history narrated by Morgan Freeman of the McCarthy period attacks on Robeson and others

MC: Cedric Muhammad, Black Electorate

Music: DJ Two Tone Jones & Victor Harris (WPFW Pacifica)

Panelists:

COINTELPRO: The Legacy of Abuse
- Ward Churchill, author of The COINTELPRO Papers

The Future

- Davey D, Hip-Hop Historian and Opinion Leader, DaveyD.com

- Rosa Clemente, Co-founder National Hip Hop Convention, grassroots organizer, Hip Hop activist, journalist.

****

New school explosive creative minds::Kc &JayZ

2005-09-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

"The chance to record with Jay-Z and Punjabi was an opportunity of a lifetime," an elated KC Jockey said during an interview recently.Coventry-born Punjabi MC created pop history with his bhangra-infused track that shot to the top of the charts. Mundian To Bach Ke - currently one of the biggest anthems in clubs across Europe - was the first bhangra single released on a mainstream label to enjoy chart-topping success.VinylBuy NOw
George Clinton and Hank Shocklee team up for this year's future of music policy summit September 11 - 13 in Washington, DC GEORGE CLINTON the single most influential figure in the history of funk,and mastermind behind both PARLIAMENT & FUNKADELIC and HANK SHOCKLEE one ofthe most influential new school explosive creative minds, innovative soundsculptor and mastermind behind PUBLIC ENEMY team up for a live engaging discussion to take place on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, at the 2005 FUTURE OFMUSIC POLICY SUMMIT at George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium In Washington D.C. KRS- Well, I’ll play God’s advocate. I don’t think that this is the time for benefit concerts; THIS IS A TIME FOR REAL LEADERSHIP! We are experiencing matters of life and death! In my opinion a concert is extremely out of context. This is not the time to be shaking our asses!Demonizing the Victim: Media Reports Rumors and Lies in New Orleans By now” the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Witt reported, “local TV and radio stations in Baton Rouge…were breezily passing along reports of cars being hijacked at gunpoint by New Orleans refugees, riots breaking out in the shelters set up in Baton Rouge to house the displaced, and guns and knives being seized.”The only problem–none of the reports were true

"This is our community,

2005-09-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Duro The King, The legend, The Icon "In the Trains yards" poster Only $19.99!!

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Public Enemy frontman Chuck D has written a new song addressing the natural disaster in New Orleans, Alabama, Mississippi and the issues that surround the region ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. In “Hell No We Ain’t Alright,” Chuck D sends a barbed message to government officials, the media, the military and even the Hip-Hop nation.
Representing for the big boys classic ill Brew T-shirts $19.99

3xl Buy Now
NEW YORK (AP) - Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z have pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The two rappers announced their joint donation Thursday, saying they hoped to inspire others, especially blacks, to give.
"This is our community," Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, who is also president and CEO of the Def Jam record label, told The Associated Press by phone. "When I turn on CNN, I see a lot of black people on the streets. I know it's other people too, but those projects have been hit hard."
A message from the people at PrisonPlanet.com - You may want to consider before you spend

Every time there is a major catastrophe the Red Cross and similar organizations like United Way are given all the media attention while other charities are left in the shadows. This is not to say that the vast majority of Red Cross workers are not decent people who simply want to help those in need.

But what the media fails consistently to remember in their promotion of the organization is that the Red Cross have been caught time and time again withholding money in the wake of horrible disasters that require immediate release of funds.

Help Katrina disaster refugees Volunteer

2005-09-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

ILL BREW WANTS YOU TO VOLUNTEER
STAND UP HIP HOP COMMUNITTY!

The Hurricane Katrina disaster has displaced families across the Gulf Coast region. In cooperation with Reach Media Inc., The Tom Joyner Morning Show and BlackAmericaWeb.com, the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund will accept donations to provide resources to support families who are assisting those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. These funds will go to individual families who have opened their homes to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, to supplement their personal households as the recovery efforts continue.

Volunteer
at
http://www.americorps.org/

www.salvationarmyusa.org

Riddim: WE GOT WAX FOR SALE

2005-08-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Riddim Driven (www.riddimdrivenclothing.com) a division of VP Records (www.vprecords.com) has launched a reggae inspired lifestyle collection of contemporary sportswear that will be shown at Project Show taking place at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

REGGAE SELECTION: Elements/Banana Clip Music $5.99

Buy Now
Beware of The Boys(Panjabi M.C./K.C. Jockey & Jay Z) (Remix)$5.99
Buy Now

Rapper and producer Kanye West hits cover of Time magazine this week. In a story titled, "Why You Can't Ignore Kanye," West discusses how his GQ meets prep school style almost kept him from landing a deal with Roc-A-Fella Records.West told the magazine, "I'd leave meetings crying all the time. It was a strike against me that I didn't wear baggy jeans and jerseys and that I never hustled, never sold drugs."Former Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash explained, "Kanye wore a pink shirt with the collar sticking up and Gucci loafers. It was obvious we were not from the same place or cut from the same cloth."
Jay-Z chimed in "We all grew up street guys who had to do whatever we had to do to get by. Then there's Kanye, who to my knowledge has never hustled a day in his life. I didn't see how it could work."

August 31st
HIP HOP ALL-STARS TOUR (MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA): Feat. Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow and Big Daddy Kane. Hosted by DJ Peril. Also feat. Suburban Interlect, WeaponX, Ken Hell, DJ J Red and Excel. The Metro Nightclub 20 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000. 18+.

Sept 1st,
HOUSE DANCE CONFERENCE (NYC): Check out the best Poppers, Lockers, House dancers and more in NYC. Shelter (club Speed) 20 W. 39th St. between 5 & 6th Ave. DJ True spinning House. Doc spinning Hip Hop, Funk, Breaks, Hip-Hop and classics. $12 admission.

Universal Hip-Hop Parade

2005-08-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

August 12
FRESH FEST 2005 (NYC): Doors @ 7 pm. Show @ 8 pm. Featuring Performances by Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Chubb Rock, Whodini, Nice & Smooth, Biz Markie, Dana Dane, and Big Daddy Kane. Hosted by Ed Lover and Monie Love. Also feat. DJ Scratch, Brucie B and more. Jamel Shabazz book signing too! Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34 St. between 8th & 9th. For more information please visit www.freshfestonline.com. Info courtesy of Brian Ward and Ms. Rosen of powerHouse books.
ROB SWIFT (Portland OR): Holosene @ 1001 S.E. Morrison. www.DJRobSwift.com
Live at the world famous Garage Dance club NYC $9.99 Buy Now

August 13
Brooklyn stand up! On Saturday, August 13th the “Universal Hip-Hop Parade” will take place in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. The parade will start at 12:00 noon and last until 5:00pm. Starting at the intersection of Marcus Garvey Blvd. and Lafayette Avenue, the procession will go straight down Marcus Garvey Blvd. to Fulton Street and make a right turn and proceed to the end point at the intersection of Fulton Street and Bedford Avenue. Participants must pre-register by Friday, July 18th. For more information or to register contact the UHHP 2003 Organizing Committee at info@nychiphopparade.com or call (347) 232-6148.

Push Fiction Album Cd: Percee P, Ragga Lex, Everlast (House of Pain), Junior Mafia, Brother J (X Clan), Divine Styler
Bonus Cd includes Interviews & Freestyles: Fabolous, Fat Joe, G Dep, & Cuban Link$9.99 Buy Now

Missy is in talks with to appear in commercials for Chrysler after featuring the Commander in her "Lose Control" video, according to Brandweek. • Snoop has recruited Ice Cube and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to join him at a benefit concert for his Snoop Youth Football League. The concert will also include some unannounced artists. It all goes down at the Greek Theater (LA) Aug. 25th
SEPTEMBER 11 - 13 (DC)
FIFTH ANNUAL FUTURE OF MUSIC POLICY SUMMIT
Moving into its fifth year in 2005, the FMC Policy Summit is a forum
For musicians, lawyers, academics, policymakers and mu

SALES RACK

2005-08-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Relentless album Cd Produced by DJ University Holding the 313 area code down.

Detroit Hip Hop at it's best!!

Featuring Detroit's Most wanted: D-Luvly, Vansetti, MR.Sinns, Raina Nicole and more

Now Shipping for $9.99 Buy Now

Duro The King, The legend, The Icon "In the Trains yards" poster Only $19.99!!

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Representing for the big boys classic ill Brew T-shirts $19.99

3xl Buy Now

Muasia 101 Ill Gossip

2005-07-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

Murder Inc's Princess Ashanti is being sued by producer, Genard Parker for $630,000 in back royalties. He produced Ashanti first disc and claims they had a verbal agreement that he would be paid all that was due to him.

Late last week I gave you all my option on Lauren Hill being doped up while performing at the BET Awards. Well, add this to my theory she showed up three hours late for a performance in London, last week. She blames her lateness on her uncertainness on which outfit to wear for the show. Yeah! Fans were furious with Ms. Hill, she sounded terrible. Reports are that Ms. Hill was singing off key and forgetful of the words to her own songs. Fans started to boo her and throw food on to the stage.

Remember the chick Omarosa from The Apprentice? She and her hubby of five years are calling it quits. For the life in me, I cant figure out why this woman is till around. She's now on VH1's show, The Surreal Life. She's been pitching her talk show around Hollywood.

My assistant, Gwen hauled me to the movies to check out Hustle and Flow. I hated it all together. John Singleton should have the shit kicked out him for producing such garbage.

Lil flip cant the peace. He and T. I. have squashed their beef. Cool! Now Flip has brought some heat towards my man Slim Thug. I don't have much info other Slim Took offense to some lyrics Flip said and felt he needed to deal with it on a mix tape track Boss Basics.

Fast forward to the NBA. NY Knicks head man, Isiah Thomas offered Coach Larry Brown $63 Million Dollars to come coach the NY Knicks. This would great for Knicks fans. Coach Brown is the only coach to win both NBA and NCAA Championships.

Free from 106 & Park will have the next cover of King Magazine. She'll be part nude. Her new album on Elektra Records is under way. Good for her. Her CO-host A. J. is weird. Which way does he go?

Before I go, I must respond to he rapper who placed a call to me last week whom was not pleased with something I said about him in my column. Like I told you over the phone I'm telling you again, your not all you claim to be. Stop flossing the rented jewels and rented vehicles. Love yourself.

Takes for checking Muasia 101,
Muasia Shakur
muasia101@illbrew.com

Muasia 101 Ill gossip

2005-07-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

Thanks for checking my columon Muasia 101 on Illbrew.com. This one will be brief and filling. We all know Lil Kim is going off to serve federal time in prison. Now, remember not long ago she was all about Junior Mafia.... Anyway, Kim has smacked her once play brother James "Lil Cease" Lloyd with a six million dollar lawsuit for using her name in his upcoming DVD, "The Chronicles of Junior M. A. F. I. A. Part II: Reloaded." Come on, Kim knows theses guys don't have 6 mil nor will the sales from this DVD bring that amount in. Her silly lawsuit is fueled by bitterness and the fact that her ass is broke. Rumors of her cocaine addiction is costing thousands of dollars per day.

Can things get worse for Damon Dash? Rumors are the he is no longer wanted at Rocawear Fashions. Dash is a Harlem cat, he aint going out easy. You saw Jay Z face up front, but Dash was the muscle behind Rocafella Records.

Cuba Gooding Jr. and wife Sara are expecting their third child this fall Congratulations!

Venus & Serena: For Real aired this evening on ABC. I was not impressed to say the least. Yeah, having their own reality shows brings publicity towards them, but the show is corny and dry.

Thanks For Checking,
Muasia Shakur
muaia101@aol.com

Muasia 101 Gossip

2005-07-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,
Thanks for checking into Muasia 101. IllBrew.com's Gossip and News. Biggie Smalls unsolved murder is about to turn into an HBO feature movie. Sylvester Stalone will be directing the film. I do question Sly's motive. Time will tell!
Eminem's tour smashed into a Mack truck last week. 11 members of the Hip Hop's Elvis's crew were injured. M&M was not on the bus. The tour bus was departing from Denver and headed towards Chicago. I got some comp tickets for his show with 50, I tossed them in the damn dumpster.

Keith Sweat is set to drop another disc. Who cares? Oh my Gosh, have you seen the Being Bobby Brown Show? He and Mrs. Brown act like two rich fouls for the cameras. The show is a disgrace. Whitney looks bad and I hear she's back in rehab. Her record company shelved the disc she was planning to be her come back. Record executives were totally disappointed by the entire product.

Xzbit has inked a sneaker deal with DADA. Good for him, He deserves it.

Lll Jon has decided to protest against his record label, TVT Records and has stopped recording for the label. Rumors say Jon is unhappy with the promotion of his music. Sound similar to what DMX went through Def. Jam. Guess these Rappers are feed up being recording slaves.

Before I sign off. LL Cool J as signed a lucrative deal to star in the remake the classic film "Fatal Attraction." No word on his co-star.

My pal, boxer Bernard Hopkins lost His championship fight over the weekend. Hopkins is a smart brother, he had a rematch clause in his contract. I checked out his new Benz in Philly the other week. It's hot too def.

Everybody's up in arms about this chick calling herself Superhead whose written a book about all the celebs she's bedded. She names Shaq, Bobby Brown, and Puffy and many more in her book. For her to play herself this way I hope she got a juicy signing bonus and held on to the rights of her work.

Oprah is being linked to Jamie Fox. Isn't Raven Simone who played Olivia on the Cosby Show beyond chunky? Her show on the Disney Network it's suburban cute. I saw the Fugees reunion on the BET awards. Lauren Hill looked like she was on some strong medication. Her voice was murder. Her eyes were glossy. The Feds have begun an investigation on Ja Rule for his alleged involvement in a shooting outside of an NYC Night club in December. What else? Nothing else.

Take Care,
Muasia Shakur
muasia101@aol.com

Lolla

2005-07-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 23rd, 2005 at 5 pm at Lollapalooza, taking place in Grant Park, Chicago IL, four of the top b-boy/b-girl crews including The Brickheadz, Chicago Tribe, Motion Disorderz and Sick "6" Syndrome will compete for the winner-takes-all grand prize of $5000 cash! Alternate crews include Chapped Lips and Self-X-Planatory, both from Chicago.

July 17

2005-07-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

ALCHEMIST & STAT QUO Injured but Alive (Tour Bus COLLIDES W/2 TRACTOR TRAILERS)
Producer Alchemist, who is Eminem's tour DJ, and newcomer Stat Quo were among several people injured when their tour bus collided with a pair of tractor trailers just outside of Odessa, Missouri, on Wednesday night (July 13th). The tour bus hit two 18-wheelers, causing a six-vehicle pileup. Eleven people on the tour bus, which was part of the Anger Management 3 tour, were rushed to nearby hospitals by ambulances and a helicopter.
Announce - There is a meeting this Sunday, July 17 at 1:00 PM at the Southern
California Library, 6120 S Vermont near Gage, called by the Jericho Amnesty
Coalition-LA to plan an event -- tentatively scheduled for Saturday August 27
(during Black August activities) -- on the theme of Hands Off Assata Shakur,
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal and all political prisoners.

The film Eyes of the Rainbow by Gloria Rolando will be shown at the
August event - See http://www.afrocubaweb.com/rainbow.htm for more info on the film.

Hopefully, a strong grass-roots coalition can be put together to
sponsor this event, build support for Assata as attacks on her increase, and
then continue to work together to free all political prisoners and exiles.

July, 19 2005 at The Grape Street Philadelphia
4100 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Cost: $6...21+ a must....9pm (WE GO ON AT 11pm) tell them at the door you're for S&S
Doing it again for another Tuesday night WMMR rock show at the Grape St.....S&S will hit the main stage at 11pm sharp!

Uncle Jam Wants You

2005-07-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Headline: Rush hour attacks
July 7: Multiple blasts hit London's transport system. Alexander Thompson of Britain's ITN news service reports
"Uncle Jam Wants You"
In a sweeping decision on Thursday, June 2, 2005, United States District Court Judge Manuel L. Real returned to George Clinton possession of four master recordings. The four albums, produced and recorded by Clinton under the name of Funkadelic, are "Hardcore Jollies," "One Nation Under A Groove," "Uncle Jam Wants You" and "The Electric Spanking of War Babies."The decision gives George Clinton sole possession of the masters, returning them to their rightful owner after more than 15 years, and Clinton has no obligation to lien holders.Judge Real concluded that George Clinton had been defrauded of his creative works, which involved the complicity of his former employees, a member of his former management team and his lawyers.

Hip Hop dance pioneer young Supreme set to release his new Dvd "Supremes Street Adventures", August 2005. The ill Brew host tours New Yock City's hot spots with Wu Tang, Gangstarr, Mack Mama and more. Sorry kids this DVD is rated Extreme.
Stands Up -To the cheers of thousands of librarians, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama on Saturday called for the Senate to rewrite the USA Patriot Act to prevent investigators from scanning library records and bookstore sales slips. Libraries should be "sanctuaries of learning where we are free to read and consider what we please without the fear that 'Big Brother' may be peering over our shoulder," Obama said in the keynote address at the American Library Association's annual conference. Last week, despite a White House veto threat, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to restrict investigators from using the anti-terrorism law in libraries and book stores. Obama said he hopes the Senate follows suit
Police Called to O.J. Simpson's Fla. Home
By LISA ORKIN EMMANUEL
MIAMI (AP) - A neighbor who went to O.J. Simpson's home on the Fourth of July to perform a favor ended up calling police to report a fight. Police responded, but said no one was arrested and no charges will be filed.

Simpson was at his suburban Miami house with girlfriend Christie Prody when he asked the neighbor, Steve Dockendorf, to come over and jump start Prody's car.
Dockendorf said he summoned police because Prody was beating him and Simpson.
``I figured if I called the police, at least he has a record'' of the disturbance, Dockendorf said Wednesday. ``He said he should have done that with Nicole.''

Vandross Remembered

2005-07-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Illbrew.com sends our condolences to the Vandross family. Luther Vandross was a tremendous talent and will be strongly missed. Luther, we salute you. Rest In Peace.

Luther Vandross Dead At 54

2005-07-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (July 2) - Luther Vandross' style harkened back to a more genteel era of crooning, with songs that spoke to heartfelt emotions and gentle pillow talk rather than explicit sexuality.

"I'm more into poetry and metaphor, and I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it," the Grammy award winner once said. "You blatantly state stuff sometimes when you can't think of a a poetic way to say it."

Vandross, whose deep, lush voice on hits such as "Here and Now" and "Any Love" provided the romantic backdrop for millions of couples, died Friday. He was 54.

The singer died at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., said hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh. He did not release the cause of death but said in a statement that Vandross "never really recovered" from a stroke two years ago.

Since the stroke in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003, the R&B crooner stopped making public appearances - but amazingly managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the bittersweet "Dance With My Father."

Vandross, who was in a wheelchair at the time, delivered a videotaped thank you.

"Remember, when I say goodbye it's never for long," said a weak-looking Vandross. "Because" - he broke into his familiar hit - "I believe in the power of love."

Vandross also battled weight problems for years while suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

He was arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeer of his generation. He made women swoon with his silky yet forceful tenor, which he often revved up like a motor engine before reaching his beautiful crescendos.

Jeff O'Conner, Vandross' publicist, called his death "a huge loss in the R&B industry." O'Conner said he received condolence calls Friday from music luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.

Singer Roberta Flack, on tour in Japan, said she was mourning the loss of her friend of more than 20 years.

"He was a musician who couldn't help but give you all he had," she said by telephone. "He was the kind of guy who was born to do what he did musically and let the world know about it. He was not born to keep it smothered in the chest."

Vandross was a four-time Grammy winner in the best male R&B performance category, taking home the trophy in 1990 for the single "Here and Now," in 1991 for his album "Power of Love," in 1996 for the track "Your Secret Love" and a last time for "Dance With My Father."

The album, with its single of the same name, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts while Vandross remained hospitalized from his stroke. It was the first time a Vandross album had topped the charts in its first week of release.

In 2005, he was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for a duet with Beyonce on "The Closer I Get To You."

Vandross' sound was so unusual few tried to copy it; even fewer could.

"I'm proud of that - it's one of the things that I'm most proud of," he told The Associated Press in a 2001 interview. "I was never compared to anyone in terms of sound."

A career in music seemed predestined for Vandross; both his parents were singers, and his sister, Patricia, was part of a 1950s group called the Crests.But the New York native happily toiled in the musical background for years before he would have his first hit. He wrote songs for projects as varied as a David Bowie album ("Fascination") and the Broadway musical "The Wiz" ("Everybody Rejoice (Brand New Day)"), sang backup for acts such as Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand, and even became a leading commercial jingle singer.Vandross credited Flack for prodding him to move into the spotlight after listening to one of his future hits, "Never Too Much."

"She started crying," he recalled. "She said, `No, you're getting too comfortable (in the background). ... I'm going to introduce you to some people and get your career started."'

Vandross' first big hit came as the lead vocalist for the group Change, with their 1980 hit, "The Glow of Love." That led to a recording contract with Epic Records, and in 1981, he made his solo recording debut with the disc "Never Too Much." The album, which contained his aching rendition of "A House is Not a Home," became an instant classic.

Over the years, Vandross would emerge as the leading romantic singer of his generation, racking up one platinum album after another and charting several R&B hits, such as "Superstar," "Give Me The Reason" and "Love Won't Let Me Wait."

Yet, while Vandross was a household name in the black community, he was frustrated by his failure to become a mainstream pop star. Indeed, it took Vandross until 1990 to score his first top 10 hit - the wedding staple "Here & Now."

"I just wanted more success. I didn't want to suddenly start wearing blond wigs to appeal to anyone," he told the AP.

"This is the same voice that sang Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, NBC 'proud as a peacock,' ... America, the world, has heard the voice, so there's no reason that that music shouldn't have gone the complete distance, I mean, to number one."

Another frustration for Vandross was his lifelong battle with obesity. Health problems ran in his family, and Vandross struggled for years to control his waistline. When he first became a star, he was a hefty size; a few years later, he was almost skinny. His weight fluctuated so much that rumors swirled that he had more serious health problems than the hypertension and diabetes caused by his large frame.

Vandross' two sisters and a brother died before him. The lifelong bachelor never had any children, but doted on his nieces and nephews. The entertainer said his busy lifestyle made marriage difficult; besides, it wasn't what he wanted.

NYC Police Arrest 181 random Black Males-

2005-07-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Police Arrest 181 random Black Males-You could B next!

On the morning of June 14, a Queens scooter cop was shot in the leg with his own gun while trying to arrest a man he found smoking marijuana near the Laurelton baseball fields in Cambria Heights, Queens.
Officer Christopher Wiesneski of the 105th Precinct told investigators that his assailant - described as a black man in his early 20s, with a medium build and a medium complexion - had struggled with him for his service weapon, then escaped after the gun went off.

Police immediately launched a massive dragnet throughout Cambria Heights and nearby Laurelton - both quiet, middle-class black neighborhoods of single-family homes near the Nassau County line.

During the next three days, 181 black men were arrested on misdemeanor charges and quality-of-life violations by cops from the 105th Precinct, and every one was fingerprinted, sent to central booking and spent 24 hours or more in the court system, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.

There were 93 misdemeanor arrests the first day alone. That’s 10 times the daily average for that precinct. There were an additional 36 arrests on June 15, and 52 more on June 16.

Many were for marijuana possession, others were for urinating in public, drinking alcohol, suspended driver’s licenses and disorderly conduct.

One of those arrested the first day was 20-year-old Hason Joseph, who is light-skinned, stands 5-feet-6 and weighs barely 100 pounds.

He was grabbed by plainclothes cops around 2:30 p.m. on 121st Ave. near Laurelton Parkway. Hason told me yesterday that he and three friends had gotten out of a car to talk to three other black youths when cops suddenly appeared from an unmarked car, drew their guns and handcuffed all of them.

“They wouldn’t tell us why they were arresting us,” said Russell McKee, 20, who had been in the car with Joseph. McKee is 6-feet-1, about 220 pounds and has a much darker complexion than Joseph. Then there’s Donald Young, also 20, who is about an inch taller than McKee and heftier.

All said they were taken to the 105th Precinct, questioned about the shooting and then transferred to Queens Central Booking, where they finally learned the charge: disorderly conduct.

Francis Payen, one of the three young men they stopped to talk with that day, also was arrested for disorderly conduct.

But Payen was lucky to have a family friend as a lawyer.

“When I got to central booking, someone had already written ACD [adjournment contemplating dismissal] on his file,” the lawyer, Sonia Metellus, said.

“He told the judge he didn’t want an ACD, that he’d done nothing wrong and was pleading not guilty.”

Nicole Navas, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Richard Brown, confirmed yesterday that “quite a few of the people arrested” during those three days had received ACDs, but she couldn’t say exactly how many.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne denied there were wholesale bogus arrests.

“We made numerous arrests ranging from marijuana to gun possession,” he said. “And we sought to determine whether the persons arrested would have any information about the shooting, and that’s what we should be doing.”

Norman Siegel, former head of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said that normally, people arrested on minor charges would be given a summons or desk appearance ticket.

“Whenever these young men apply for a job in the future,” Siegel said, “they’ll have to answer that question, have you ever been arrested before?”

Leroy Comrie, the local City Councilman, says he has gotten more than 20 calls from parents furious that their children were grabbed in mass roundups. Comrie said he has “no problem with a total lockdown and sweep when a cop is shot” but that arresting scores of young men who bear no resemblance to the suspect is going too far.

Along with Queens Rep. Gregory Meeks and Democratic mayoral candidate Fernando Ferrer, Comrie has demanded answers from police and City Hall.

But so far, our top city leaders keep acting as if this injustice to an entire community never happened.

Originally published on June 30, 2005
Juan Gonzalez is a Daily News columnis

WIN TICKTS TO MELBA MOORE’S PERFORMANCE IN

2005-07-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

WIN TICKTS TO MELBA MOORE’S PERFORMANCE IN
“SWEET SONGS OF THE SOUL”

(Brooklyn, New York) On Sunday, July 3rd, Inspirational Vybes (iVybes)
presents a music special on entertainment legend Melba Moore
(www.melbamoore.com). Shot on the magnificent island of St. Lucia during their
10th Annual Jazz
Festival, we’ll be spotlighting music from her DVD “A Night in St. Lucia”.
Experience the majestic “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, an exhilarating
rendition of “Blue Skies” and a graceful mini-tour of her first Broadway musical
“
Hair” and more. Catch exclusive footage of Melba vybin’ about her career
and latest stage play “Sweet Songs of the Soul”; plus, we’ll also be giving
away complimentary passes to the Sweet Songs production, to a couple very
fortunate iVybes viewers.
iVybes (positive-spirited music videos) is a unique blend of urban Gospel
with a prismatic mix of inspiring mainstream hip-hop, R&B, reggae, pop and jazz
inspirations. The program airs Sunday evenings at 9:30 PM on channel 35
(Time Warner Cable) and channel 68 (Cablevision) in Brooklyn, portions of
Queens and simulcast worldwide on the web at _www.bcat-tv.org_
(http://www.bcat-tv.org/) (click BCAT, then channel 2). The show is hosted by
pop-savvy
inspirational broadcaster Stephen Powell, former Station Voice Announcer for
CD101.9 FM (New York Chill). “Melba is an absolute gem” says the popular
broadcaster, “and it gives me great pleasure to have this opportunity to share her
extraordinary talents with our viewers”.
Melba Moore’s current one-woman stage play “Sweet Songs of the Soul”
musically chronicles the life of the vivacious entertainer; candidly tracing both
the highs and lows of her personal life and career. Premiere theatre critic’
s has touted the production as “Brilliant”, “Inspiring” and “Buoyant”.
Sweet Songs of the Soul runs for a limited engagement through July 30th at the
Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre in New York City. Get your tickets
today; call the box office at (212) 279-4200.
Melba watch continues on Inspirational Vybes - July 10th; in addition to our
polychromatic mix of inspirational videos, we’ll feature the live version of
Melba’s “Lean On Jesus”, an interpolation of her classic hit “Lean On Me”,
which is found on her new Gospel CD “Nobody But Jesus” in stores
everywhere. We’ll also be giving away more tickets to “Sweet Songs of the
Soul” and
give you privileged information pertaining to upcoming performances by Melba
Moore.
For iVybes contact:
Melba Moore contact:
Richard Dale
Ron Richardson
Media Relations
Manager
Inspirational Vybes
(917) 353-0840
(718) 623-2732
www.melbamoore.com_ (http://www.melbamoore.com/)
ivybes@aol.

Don't know whether you heard

2005-06-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

Don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troups at Brook Army Medical Center, in San Antonio,Texas (BAMC) the other day. This is where soldiers that have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the States, especially burn victims. They have buildings there called Fisher Houses. The Fisher House is a hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the hospital. BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base but as you can imagine, they are almost completely filled most of the time.

While Denzel Washington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the Fisher Houses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his check book out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.

July 15-17: Ribs 'n' Soul Festival
(Hart Plaza--Detroit, MI)
Festival attendees, who annually number in the thousands, will have
an opportunity to partake of the latest grilled sensations and plenty of
other food highlighted by the Rib Cook-Off Competition. There will
also be an "Art on the River" component, a health expo and plenty of
entertainment. The Chi-Lites and Midnight Star will perform.
Info:http://www.ribsnsoul.com
July 16-17: Old Pasadena Jazz Festival
(Brookside Park--Pasadena, CA)

Artists scheduled to appear at this year's event:
Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and
Peter White; Will Downing; Brian Culbertson; Marion Meadows; the
Kevin Toney Band; James Ingram; Groovin' featuring Gerald Albright,
Jeff Lorber & Kirk Whalum; Lalah Hathaway; Triple Threat - Everette
Harp, Paul Jackson Jr. & Bobby Lyle; Marcus Johnson; Mike Phillips;
The Unwrapped All Stars and more.

Info:http://www.omegaevents.com
Aug. 1-6: National Black Theater Festival
(Various venues--Winston-Salem, NC)

An international celebration of reunion and spirit. There will be 100+
performances by 32 of the best Black theater companies from the US,
Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Info:
http://www.NBTF.org

21ST Century Men

2005-06-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

21ST CENTURY SOLUTIONS
CONQUERING THE FAMILY COURT SYSTEM
By Eric Legette
President/Founder of
Fathers With Voices
CEO of Legette Consulting Services

Helpful Tips on Ways
To be successful in Family Court
And Parenting Conflicts
21st Century Solutions is a booklet/manual directed towards men. Fatherless children and men experiencing difficulties within the family court system is a serious social problem that is impacting the lives of countless numbers of men and families all over the world. Many in mainstream society are oblivious to the financial and emotional suffering of this population of men.

Due to the lack of available resources and lack of knowledge pertaining to paternal rights, many men are often victimized when they finally appear in family court. Other repercussions that affect men is, separation from their children, loss of employment due to lengthy court cases, unfair child support judgments, exhibiting periods of depression and finally suicide.

Since 1996 Mr. Legette, President/Founder of Fathers With Voices has assisted countless numbers of men involved in the family court system. He has observed when men received the proper information/resources many enjoyed successful outcomes in family court and stayed connected to their children. There is a need for men to become educated on the inner workings of the family court system and their rights before problems arise.

The manual provides helpful and basic information pertaining to navigating through the often-difficult family court system and parental conflicts. It is no longer enough for men to guard against the deadly disease HIV and AIDS. The time has come for men to take proactive measures before becoming a victim to this 21st Century problem.

Chapters include:
· Ten examples of baby mama drama and solutions
· Courtroom behavior and dress
· How to educate yourself in family law
· How to write a Petition
· How to avoid orders of protection
· How to choose an attorney
· What to request in a visitation case
· Things you need to know in child support cases
www.fatherwithvoices.net

LIVE AT TEDDYS

2005-06-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY

2005-06-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Muasia 101- Ill News

2005-05-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Multiple shots fired in Harlem shootout

May 29. 2005

Five police officers fired at least 25 times at the man killed in Harlem Friday night, after he shot multiple times at them and refused to drop his gun, police said.

Richard Gooding, 53, is believed to have fired at police five times before they ultimately shot and killed him on W. 126th Street about 6:30 p.m.

Police said yesterday they had recordings of radio transmissions during which officers loudly asked Gooding to drop his gun, and he refused.

The wild shootout took place within minutes, and began when a man who believed he was recently robbed by Gooding flagged down a patrol car on W. 125th Street.

The patrol car did a U-turn, followed Gooding as he ran to Lenox, made a left onto Lenox and a right onto W. 126th Street, where two officers got out of the car, police said. At that point Gooding, who was running up the block in the middle of the street, fired at the two officers from a .380-semiautomatic handgun, according to police.

The officers then ran to the south side of the street for cover and fired back.

Within seconds, another officer on foot patrol on 126th Street and 5th Avenue came running down the street from that end and exchanged gunfire with Gooding, police said. Finally two more officers arrived from the Lenox Avenue side and joined the original two officers on the south side of the street, again exchanging gunfire, police said.

It remained unknown yesterday how many times Gooding was hit, nor was it any clearer how two innocent bystanders on the block got hit. Tammy Johnson, 39, who lives on the block, got hit in the arm, and Garnold King, 78, also a block resident, was hit in the left side. Yesterday afternoon, both were released from Harlem Hospital, but King still had a bullet lodged in his side.

Both Johnson and King were discovered with their wounds on W. 126th Street and Lenox Ave., police said. King had been seen crawling down the block after the gunfire erupted, and said yesterday he was standing on the same side of the street as Gooding when the shooting took place.

The bullet that hit King will undergo ballistics test if and when it is removed from his side, police said.

Gooding's weapon was empty when it was found at the scene. He had $1,800 on him when his body was discovered. A search of his West 153rd Street apartment revealed a set of plastic handcuffs and a starter pistol, police said.

Yesterday Gooding's family and friends said they were angry about the shooting, but more than anything surprised that the father of three was involved.

"It's unbelievable, his personality was out of this world," said cousin Ramona Jennings, 44. "I'm still stunned."

Family members said Gooding did construction work in the Harlem River Houses and is a U.S. Navy veteran who often takes neighborhood kids to Yankee Stadium to play handball.

"It doesn't make sense, it doesn't add up," said co-worker Loring Quann, 36. "This was a great guy, down to earth, always talked to everybody. I never heard him raise his voice."

They said Gooding's sons, ages 30 and 22, and his daughter, age 17, live in South Carolina. They also said they were unaware of his arrest record.

Police pointed to Gooding's criminal past, in which he was arrested a handful of times in the 1960s through the 1980s.

According to police reports, Gooding had been arrested eight times on assorted charges ranging from drugs to robberies, and in neighborhoods ranging from Harlem to East Flatbush to Greenwich Village to Jamaica.

"That's a pretty unusual record," a high-ranking police source said.

Brooklyn Hip Hop History Celebration Kicks-Off on June 10th

2005-05-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

For immediate release May 24, 2005

NSPYouth.org and Educated Voices of Hip Hop presents

The 7th Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop History Celebration (BHHHC).

The yearly assembly respectfully salutes the history, culture and integrity of Hip Hop with emphasis on Brooklyn's contribution to the ethnology. BHHHC '05 will esteem the classic Hip Hop artistry of Newcleus, Count Coolout and Stafe during its opening night ceremonies. Newcleus officiated their place in music history with they're hypnotic techno-fused groove, "Jam On Revenge (The Wikki-Wikki Song) which has been immortalized unfathomably on mixed tapes. When rap music was making its initiatory emergence, Count Coolout was one of the pioneering skills-men of the genre. His "Rhythm Rap Rock" pounced on the scene with fury; viciously igniting the dance floors and blazing a permanent mark on the major music charts like Cashbox and Billboard. The boisterously funky party anthem "Set It Off" has been around for at least twenty years and is credited to the artist known as Stafe. This monstrous club classic is still setting off parties today with its infectious eternal groove. These artists will be honored with a Brooklyn Hip Hop History trophy during the awards ceremony.

A stunning urban fashion show will also grace the stage, along with a ferocious B-Boy / B-Girl competition hosted by recording artist Sonja Blade with breaks by King Uprock. Guest DJ is Brooklyn's Jasey Jase on the remarkable wheels of steel. Opening night awards and gala kicks off at 8:00 PM on Friday, June 10th at BRIC Studios, 57 Rockwell Place in Brooklyn, New York. A donation of $10 will cover the evening, of which proceeds will benefit the Educated Voices of Hip Hop Summer Youth Academy. Student discounts are also available. Brooklyn Hip Hop History celebreation also invites you to an Art Exhibition featuring Duro, Jamestop, Doms, Meres & Stem on Saturday June 11th, 7PM (free) at Solomans Porch, 307 Stuyvesant Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE:TOP BK KINGS

2005-05-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

RIP JUSTO- FOUNDER OF THE MIXTAPES AWARDS

2005-05-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

We would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Justo Faison.
Justo Faison got an early start in the music industry while studying Telecommunications and Radio Broadcasting and working the radio station at Auburn, New York's Cayuga Community College. From there, he catapulted into the majors as Atlantic's National Director of Marketing and Promotions, where he claims he created the first street team back in 1995, worked on projects from Junior M.A.F.I.A., Lil' Kim and Aaliyah and started the Mixtape Awards.

BROOKLYN B-BOY BATTLES

2005-05-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

Ill Gossip Muasia 101

2005-05-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

FBI Will Exhume Emmett Till's Body

50 years later, there may be justice for Emmett Till. The FBI has agreed to exhume the body of the brutally murdered 14 year old to determine his cause of death.

Emmett, who was raised in Chicago, was kidnapped, beaten, shot to death and dropped in the Tallahatchie River in 1955, reportedly after he whistled at a white woman in Money, Miss., while visiting relatives. Two white men who were acquitted in the case by an all-white jury and later confessed to the crime in a magazine interview. Both are now dead.

Major credit for the FBI decision goes to documentary filmmaker Keith Beauchamp, whose film and life were the subject of a lengthy New York Times article that I quoted here.

Beauchamp grew up in Lousiana and when he was 10 or 11, he found a picture of the mutilated body of Emmett Till. He has been obsessed with the case ever since, spending the last six years filming and tracking down witnesses.

The trial took place in Tallahatchie County which at that time only had all white juries even though the population was two-thirds black.

"In the minds of many Mississippians in 1955, a black man could justifiably be lynched even for looking at a white woman. Emmett was tortured and killed for allegedly "wolf whistling" at Mr. Bryant's wife, Carolyn, a storekeeper in Money, Miss. One of the tragedies of this case is that the so-called "wolf whistle" was probably a misunderstanding. Emmett had a speech impediment. When he got stuck on a word, he would stop speaking and abruptly whistle, as a way of untangling his tongue."

"Over the last several decades, Hollywood has turned away even famous producers who wanted to bring this story to film. As an unknown, working quietly on his own, Mr. Beauchamp has succeeded where others have failed, casting new light on a crime that many thought would remain forever unpunished. The information in this film could conceivably change that, allowing law enforcement officials to achieve justice at last for Emmett Louis Till. "

Mr. Beauchamp believes that as many as 10 other people, 5 of whom are still alive, might have taken part in the killing and could still be prosecuted.

Ill Gossip- Muasia 101

2005-05-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Saying he believes the man presumed responsible for most of the 29 Atlanta-area murders of boys, young men and two girls between 1979 and 1981 is innocent, a police chief plans to reopen four murder cases.

"Quite frankly, I don't think Wayne Williams is responsible for anything," DeKalb County Police Chief Louis Graham said. "I don't think he did anything. I made up my mind with that 20 years ago, and I still feel that way."

Graham has formed a cold-case squad to look into four young men slain in DeKalb County, east of downtown: Patrick Baltazar, 11; Curtis Walker, 13; Joseph Bell, 15; and William Barrett, 17. They were all killed between February and May 1981.

"At this point, there are just too many open questions," said Graham, who was a member of the multi-agency task force that led to Williams' arrest. "And all I'm trying to do is answer those questions as best we can."

In 1982 Williams, then 23, was convicted and given two life sentences for murdering two men. Afterward, police declared Williams responsible for more than 20 others but never charged him.

Williams, still in prison, has never wavered from his stance that he is innocent of all the killings.

His conviction was controversial, partly because the case against him was circumstantial except for highly technical fiber evidence. Some Atlantans believed Williams was railroaded just to close the case.

Jack Mallard, a former Fulton County assistant district attorney, questioned whether Graham's cold-case squad can objectively investigate the cases, given his pronouncement that Williams is innocent.

"There's no harm in reopening or continuing the investigation of any unsolved murder," Mallard told CNN. "That's done every day. It's just interesting to note that he would come out and eliminate the only person who has ever been convicted in the murders at the same time he's opening up the case."

Mallard remains convinced Williams is guilty.

"There is no doubt whatever -- there was no doubt with the jury, there was no doubt at the time with most everybody in the Atlanta area, including the media, and everybody that was directly involved in the case."

Former assistant Atlanta police chief Chet Dettlinger told CNN he was glad the cases were being reopened and sided with Graham.

"I do agree with Louie that Wayne Williams didn't kill anybody," he said. But Graham, he said, believed at the time the Ku Klux Klan may have been involved, and Dettlinger disagreed.

"I don't know if Wayne Williams is innocent or not," he said. "I just don't think they proved him guilty of anything."

Former Williams prosecutor Joseph Drolet said reopening the cases might yield some additional information, particularly regarding the participation of others, but "I'm not sure it's going to change anything in regard to the evidence against Wayne Williams."

Dettlinger said he wasn't sure exactly what the cold-case squad members planned to do, other than look through old records. Many of those who may have played a role in the case could be dead now, he said. Applying new technology is one technique, he said, but "I don't know how DNA would help.

"Wayne Williams was not convicted of killing these four people," Dettlinger said, referring to the boys. Instead, the cases were "administratively cleared." Still, he said, "it may find some answers, because there are answers out there."

SAVING DETROIT'S HIP HOP SCENE

2005-05-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Who?
DJ University ! The Original U -N –I- Verse- City
DJ/ Producer and Artist
Album:”RELENTLESS”

Release date: June 13th, 2005
Origins:
The D (Detroit, Mi)
After Along my journey
Who inspired you as an Artist?
I had the pleasure of working with so many different artist, musicians, producers, and engineers. They have all played a major role in the development of my music career. Here is a name of some of these people I have work with: Push, DJ Kwest, Jamestop (Graffiti Artist for a Positive Cause), Mental Supreme, Chico Delvec of Junior Mafia, Mobile DJ Founding Father Pete DJ Jones, DJ Uneven, J crush, icast and,the whole illbrew Fam.

What about your local artist in Detroit?
Here’s a few people I worked with in my area—The D!: Boss “Def Jam’s first Gangster female artist”, Bizarre, Sun, Mr. Sinns, Illuno, Wolf pack, Bitter Sweet, Proof, Tre from Wall Street, IV Duncan @Nation studios, Paradime, D-luvely, Reignman, Black, Executive Board, Skyler Jackson, Vansetti, Boom, DJ King David, Mountain Climbers, Khec, Circular Flow, invincible, beekey, the Funk Messiah, Detroit’s Most Wanted, Slum Village, Blackrose Society Derek Ireie, and The Echelon Dynasty.- Oh yeah I just completed a all Detroit artist show.
I also spun in a few clubs in my area; club 2000, Kings and Queens hall, Summer Jams, Hart Plaza, African Music fest, Salvation Army, St. Andrews hall, and Heidelberg, Malone’s Hip Hop Shop back in the days and the State Theater In Michigan. My focus is community events, and teaching these babies—Right now Rap radio is out of control and it’s up to the DJ to fix the problem.
What keeps you going as a producer?
Love! I love what I do; plus I ‘m very excited about my position at Illbrew.com.
Last words:
Peace and prosperity to the real cyber heads that support righteous underground Hip hop throughout the universe. Cop My album i am preparing big things for 2005!

Assata Shakur

2005-05-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Feds are offering a $1 million reward to snare Assata Shakur, now in Cuba
The U.S. Department of Justice has posted a $1 million bounty for the capture of New Jersey's most-wanted fugitive: Assata Shakur, the former Black Liberation Army member who escaped a state prison a quarter of a century ago.

The reward announced by Attorney General Peter Harvey and State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes at the State Police headquarters in West Trenton today, -- the 32nd anniversary of the slaying of state Trooper Werner Foerster during a gunfight on the New Jersey Turnpike. Chesimard was convicted of murdering Foerster by shooting him twice as he lay wounded.
The $1 million is the largest reward ever set by the federal government on a New Jersey fugitive, state police say. Police had offered $150,000 for Assata's capture since 1998.

Authorities know Assata is living in Cuba under political asylum. They hope this new reward will provide more incentive for bounty hunters.

"She is now 120 pounds of money," State Police Superintendent Rick Fuentes said. "It is going to exert pressures that weren't in place nationally and internationally before. And we're going to follow up to make sure everybody is aware of this both inside and outside of Cuba."

Harvey and Fuentes also announced that the Justice Department has placed Chesimard on a variety of international terrorist watch lists for the first time.

"We owe it to the family (of the slain trooper)," Fuentes said. "We owe it to the New Jersey State Police and we owe it to every citizen in the state of New Jersey to bring her back and we will."

Harvey and Fuentes last Friday were on hand with troopers and Foerster's family to name a Route 18 bridge in East Brunswick over the Turnpike the Werner Foerster Overpass.

Chesimard, now 57 and living under the name Assata Shakur, was convicted in 1977 by a Middlesex County jury of murdering Foerster during a gunbattle on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick. A second trooper, James Harper, was wounded.

The 1973 shootout began minutes after Harper pulled over Chesimard and two companions for a faulty tail light, according to State Police files. Foerster, patrolling nearby, responded to provide back up.

The troopers asked the driver, Sundiata, to step out of the vehicle after his license did not match the sedan's registration, the files show. As Foerster questioned Sundiata, Harper walked around the car to speak with Assata and her brother-in-law, Zayd Shakur.

That's when shots were fired from within the car and both troopers returned fire, according to police. A bullet struck Foerster, knocking him to the ground and leaving him incapacitated.

"Assata aledgely then took the weapon away from Foerster and shot him in the neck and head," Fuentes said. "This isn't the result of a toe-to-toe exchange. This is an execution and there's a clear distinction."

Assata's attorneys denied she shot Foerster, saying she was too seriously wounded to pull a trigger after being struck twice by shots from Harper's gun.

After the vehicle drove away, Harper, dazed from a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, staggered to a nearby State Police barracks.

Within minutes, police found the vehicle abandoned on the side of the road five miles south of the shooting, the files show. Troopers arrested Assata after she walked toward them with her hands in the air. The body of Zayd, who died in the gunfight, was found near the car.

Sundiata, whom troopers saw running from the car, was captured the next day in a wooded area in East Brunswick. Now 67, he remains in a Pennsylvania prison serving a life sentence. Last August, a state parole board panel denied his request for release.

In 1979, Assata escaped from the Clinton Correctional Institution for Women in Hunterdon County -- now known as the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women -- when three gunmen posing as visitors took two guards hostage and drove her out of the facility's maximum-security unit in a van.

Three months ago, State Police sent Lt. Col. Juan Mattos to an international policing conference in the Dominican Republic to ask Caribbean, Central American and South American authorities for help in arresting Chesimard.

"We want to make sure she does not have a way to escape from Cuba and we want to apply pressure to her while she is in Cuba," Harvey said.

About a year ago, Harvey and Fuentes approached Joseph Billy, then Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Newark office and now deputy assistant director for counter-intelligence in Washington, D.C. Billy helped them apply to the FBI to increase the reward. Harvey and Fuentes presented their arguments directly to FBI Director Robert Mueller, and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales signed the order last Thursday.

Ill Gossip Muaia101

2005-05-02T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,
Welcome to Muasia 101 on Illbrew.com. Real quick, Foxy Brown got her azz stomped in Miami’s Circle House Studios by local rapper Jacki-O. I’ve gotten several calls and emails tipping me to what went down. Apparently, the two sisters were recording for big time producer, Gravy. Everything was cool until Foxy arrived at the studio and was intimidated by Jacki-O’s presence. Foxy felt that Jacki-O should be bowing down to her because she is Foxy Brown. Please, when was the last time Foxy had a hit on her hands? Foxy had a hell of a time finding a label to sign her last year. Foxy doesn’t even write her own lyrics. Dudes have been ghost written her material for years. Reportedly, Foxy continued to verbally attack Jacki-O and finally she tore into Foxy something deep. Foxy lost some of her hair in the brawl. Enough of the bull between the two ladies. Let me tap into this sista calling herself Jacki-O. Why? I know for a fact she’s dubbed herself after the beautiful and legendary Ms. Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Homegirl, the rapper from Miami who dusted off Foxy Brown, you should of chosen to name yourself after someone who represent you as a Blackwomen. Um, Winnie Mandela or Shirley Chisholm.

Rapper Game was hit up for a 300 million dollar lawsuit from a assault on DC radio personality Kwasi “DJ Xulu” Jones. 50 Cent, Aftermath and Shady Records are also named in the law suit. Game was being interviewed DJ Xulu and he supposedly made some ill comments on Game’s homie cell phone’s ear piece and Game and his crew beat him down for it. As a result from the spanking his ribs were broken and his teeth were left lying on the studio floor. He claims he’s been under emotional distress and from the beating. The Game denies any wrong doing.

Finally, Memphis Bleek was arrested and charged with second degree assault after a fight in a New York City’s Club, NV. No charges have been brought yet. Around 2 a.m. he got into a brawl with a guy outside the club.

Um, Whitney Houston is home from rehab. Good luck to her. Kobe Bryant and his wife just renewed their wedding vows. What ever! New Edition will appear on VH1’s Behind The Scene. Oprah is being linked to Jamie Foxx these days. I don’t see the two of them together.

Sports shorts. NBA Finals. The NJ nets went home packing. The Miami Heat blew them 4-0. The 76ers are down 3-1 in the series with the defending champs Detroit Pistons. Kobe Bryant is at home watching the Playoffs. HA! Terrell Owens was threaten by the Eagles to have 1.2 Million taken back from a signing bonus. He reneged on a portion of his contract.. He been barking that he wants to be paid more. He should get more money. What else?

It’s A Wrap,
Muasia Shakur
Muasia101@illbrew.com

IT'S WHATEVER

2005-04-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

ITS WHATEVER

It's whatever, ho!" From the first lines of Ms. Cherry's "It's Whatever," her new single on Streetwize Recordz

Ms. Cherry has been performing for more than six years. In Junior High she was winning school talent shows with her mature lyrics and personal style. Her intense energy, lyrics and domination of the stage rocked crowd after crowd, and she won every competition she entered. Along the way she got the attention of Streetwize Records for her singing. Soon she started turned heads and got 'em noddin' to her raps during a freestyle session. Ms. Cherry's style is hardcore in the true sense of hip hop; for the old school knowledgeable, think Cool G Rap or C.L. Smooth-type hard. No guns, no threatening people's kids, just pure rhyming.

Iramosh EMedia Acquires Reggae Muffin Inc
Iramosh eMedia® a growing online publishing and interactive company and unit of HinesCom Inc. today announced it has successfully acquired all assets and trademarks of Reggae Muffin Inc. Reggae Muffin Inc. which operated as a music and merchandise company will be transformed into an online brand where it will operate as a separate entity under the newly formed Iramosh eMedia E-tail and Services Group.
Reggaemuffin.com will operate as an online destination for reggae culture enthusiasts seeking to purchase related merchandise and services from airline tickets, books, clothing, music, DVD’s, concert tickets etc. The company will also specialize in brand marketing and consultation for companies seeking to tap into the growing popular reggae culture.

WAVEWORKS MUSIC DIRECTOR LAUNCHES NEW MUSIC COMPANY
Patrick Smith, long-time music director for Waveworks Digital Media has launched is own music production company, Electronic Philharmonic. The company is dedicated to the composition and production of highest-quality music for films, television, and other types of media. Mr. Smith has achieved a reputation for quality and service over his past 20 years of producing music in the Washington, DC market.

Mr. Smith's music has been featured in episodic television, documentary films and videos, exhibits and installations, and advertising for over 20 years. His current music library lists over 1400 titles. His past clients include Discovery Channel, Fox Television, NASA, The Smithsonian Institution, NBC, ABC, PBS, and many other commercial, corporate, and political partners. His music has been used extensively in the hit Fox series, "America's Most Wanted".

FYI

2005-04-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

After a 5 year old black girl was arrested and the face shown all over the news. People should be outraged but while you talk about that here is a Follow up on Haitian children story:School investigators have ruled that a Queens assistant principal did force Haitian students to sit on the floor and eat with their hands as she called them "animals."

Ill Brew Radio DJ’s gear up for the 7th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop history
Friday, June10th, 2005

Time: 8pm Sharp
@ 57 Rockwell
Brooklyn, NYC
2,3,4& 5 to Nevins
Donation $10/ $8 Students
Proceeds to benefit the EVHH/NSP Summer Youth Academy

Fyi:
Chuck D says he was not fired by Air America

U.S. Prison Population Soars in 2003, ‘04
50 Cent and The Game Sued

Source Falling off
Ray Benzino would come up to the office and be taken aback by all of the new faces. The Source was about to make the big jump and again Ray felt he was being left behind. Plus, he felt that the new staffers – most of them not knowing anything of the Boston days — didn’t respect him and he started to pick these really childish kinds of fights in order to test hearts and boundaries.
(I’m almost ashamed to talk about some of this stuff, because looking back it is so silly, and I’m sure that folks reading this will be like, wha – this is what all the fuss was about? But like everything else in life, big events have small origins.)-Reginald Dennis former Source Music Editor with Hiphopdx

playahata.com

Around Town
April 27, 2005: Join REACHip-Hop at 11 am to confront urban
broadcasters and advertisers at The 7th Annual Power of Urban Radio Symposium being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Park Avenue at Grand Central Station in Manhattan, NY 10017.

April 30th, Fox Creations in association with I.C.E. Entertainment and Radio Boyz will be presenting their "Short Pants vs. Mini Skirt" Event. This takes place on Saturday, April 30th at the T&T Clubhouse on Georgia Avenue, NW in DC

May 19: Branding in Multicultural Markets
This one day seminar in LA is part of the AMA's "Hot Topic Series."
Attendees will hear and learn what is similar and dissimilar when
building brands in the dynamic multi-cultural marketplace. Seasoned
professionals in marketing, sales and communications will discuss
marketing that works within these ever more important populations.
Info/Registration:800.AMA.1150
MarketingPower.com/amaevents

INTERMEDIA ARTS PRESENTS
JUNE 2–5, 2005
B-GIRL BE SUMMIT
A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN HIP-HOP :
art . dance . dialogues . dj . fashion . film . graf . history . media
. poetry . rap . b-girl bbq
INTERMEDIA ARTS (612) 871-4444
bgirl@intermediaarts.org
www.intermediaarts.org Minneapolis, MN

7th ANNUAL BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY

2005-04-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Art, Music & Battles
Friday June 10th, 2005
B-girl Battle
Come join us as we salute: Newcleus, Strafe, Count Coolout, Jimmy "Super Rhymes" Spicer, The Dynasty Rockers & T.O.P.

The origins of Newcleus lay in a 1977 Brooklyn DJ
collective known as Jam-On Productions

Last year's Throw down(2004) T.O.P.

Shani the model In 2003

Honored Grandmaster Dee of Whodini

GOT NOTHING BUT LOVE BABY

2005-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

From day 1 DJ Jeff Love, Rhaz & Strawberry, DJ Nyce, JamesTop, Keo and the whole T.O.P, Dahza, DJ Ceno, Chain3 and The Death Squad, King Just, Dante, LadyRose, E grand, DJ IncogNeedle, Gee Hyperculture., Suspect Entertainment, StrongHold, Percee P, Set It off Dirty Denim, DJ Inf and Infinite Loop(Washington DC),Queen Earthly Embrace, Junior Mafia, Nduro, Dynasty Rockers, Fast Break, B- Boy Omega, Urban Expose, The God “Forever”, DJ Everlast, Big Wally Wall, Big Foot,Toby, Big Just, The Ex-Vandals, Mama Asantawaa, E Money, James & Mike fromBrooklyn in da House Productions, AfrikanStudios.com, Non Stop Productions,
More Love
Criss Cross (Brooklyn Street Dancers), DJ A Vee, MochaSunflower, Poppy Perez,Big Kev, Writers Bench, J Grande, Cuban Link, Pras, Slum Village, Mos Def, Justo, Dante, Frosty Freeze, Mr Complex, Jade Moore, Cell B, Brick Face, Yazmine, Mizz Beazzly PR,
Tulio, Camelle(One LOVE), Sam lord, Papa Wu, Half Pint, Guka “Bruknam Wear”,
Wise, DJ Lazy K, Heavy Hitters New Jeru, The Beatminors, Grand Parents, Boom,
King David Detroit( Whut Up Duh?), Mental Supreme, Sexy Blu Jones, Kc & Pete DJ
Jones, Niko, Almitra, Red Bandit, M.O.P., The Rum Replublik, Lady Saw, Imani, Super
Natural, DJ Tone Def, DJ Blues, Headley, PMD, 8 off, Medina Green, Rico
Henderson, DJ Hiro, China, Shani The Model

Ill Gossip

2005-04-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

It's me Muasia Shakur, Welcome to Muasia 101 @ Illbrew.com. First up to bat is the man I can’t stand, Mr. Sean Combs. This week he sold half of his Bad Boy Company to Warner Music Group for a chump $30 million dollars. This is a sign of the end for Diddy. He money is short these days. He also handed over publishing rates to Warner. The catalog Sean bragged about having total ownership of is no longer. He even handed over Biggie's publishing as well. I'm really happy to hear this. Let me take you back some. Biggie was new in the game and Sean took total advantage of Big and faked B.I.G. to sign over the publishing rights to his own rhymes for a gold chain and about $10 thousand dollars. What goes around must come around. Ha!

Sex and Herpes! Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick is being sued by an ex-girlfriend who claims that Vick knowing infected her with the Sexually Transmitted Disease, Herpes. Sonya Elliot claims the two dated for a couple of years and now she has Herpes and wants to get paid. Think about it, that’s comical. Getting paid for having Herpes.

Um, my girl J-Lo's album is not dong good. Her record company has stopped promoting on her CD. J-Lo has not paid her dancers. She’s on the current cover of Cosmo Magazine and looks good. Later this Spring she stars in the movie. Mother in Law with Jane Fonda.

Denzel and Spike again? That's the rumor to be true. Washington will star in the Spike Joint, “Inside Man”. Denzel will play a cop trying to nab a serial bank robber. Denzel gave Spike his biggest hits with Malcom X, Mo Better Blues and He Got Game.

Usher's dad was arrested this week for shoplifting and fighting with Tennessee police. Usher Sr. is a crack addict. He walked out on Usher and his mother when she was pregnant with him. Usher's camp has not released a statement on his fathers arrest.

Thanks for checking in,
Muasia Shakur
Muasia101@illbrew.com

7th Annual BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY FESTIVAL JUNE 2005"Don't Stop The Body Rock”
**Everyday is Hip-Hop Day In Brooklyn**
**Happy HIP-Hop Day**

JAM ON IT!

2005-04-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY April 17th
V.SMOOVE & SERG SNIPER
@ SAM & DAVE #1 (FUKUOKA, JAPAN)
TRIBUTE TO REGGAE RECORDING ARTIST TENOR SAW
Tenor Saw followed it up with Fever, an LP that -- while it didn't contain his signature song -- proved to be a minor classic of early dancehall, full of simple, catchy melodies, synthesized rhythm-section parts, and Tenor Saw's floating vocals. (The CD reissue of Fever also appended dub versions of most of the original tracks.) With such a promising start to his career, it seemed Tenor Saw would be around for quite a long time; sadly, his life was cut short in August 1988, when he was hit by a car in Houston, TX, and killed. The album Wake the Town was released posthumously in 1992.

887 Fulton Street
Corner Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn, NY
Men Free B.4.10pm $5 B.4.Midnight.
Ladies FREE Till Midnight

Wyclef Jean ~ Lauryn Hill ~ Boyz II Men Mike Epps ~ Alex Thomas ~ Lakeside
Dazz Band ~ Brandon T. Jackson ~
Horace HB Sanders ~ CoFunkshun

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

HeatWave FunFest
c/o The NetLinkz Group, Inc
Reservation/General Information
917-691-8598

7TH ANNUAL BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY

Art Music & Battles

JUNE 11th,2005

Salutes: Newcleus, Strafe, Count Coolout, Jimmy "Super Rhymes" Spicer, The DynastyRockers & T.O.P.

Newcleus contributed one true electro classic in "Jam on Revenge (The Wikki-Wikki
Song)," which has been immortalized on hundreds of hip-hop mixtapes and often
included in even techno DJs' sets. The origins of Newcleus lay in a 1977 Brooklyn DJ
collective known as Jam-On Productions

For More info contact Dmv@illbrew.com

Inspirational Vybes Video Playlist

2005-04-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Vybes
Video Playlist – April 2005

Sunday, April 3

There Will Be A Light
Ben Harper f/Blind Boys of Alabama
Virgin Records
Wake Up and Live
Bob Marley
video courtesy: Trojan Entertainment
Todos Juntos
Tonex f/Sheila E
Verity/Zomba Recordings
Glorious
Martha Manuzzi
MMM Music
I Won’t Worry
Shadrach
Juana Praise/Malaco Records
For My Good
LaShaun Pace
EMI Gospel
Give Him All The Praise
Gary Anglin & VCCC f/Salt
CCC Music Group/Eagle Vision
· Gary Anglin & Salt video liners. Footage was shot by Stephen Powell
Productions

We are all Documentarians

2005-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

We are all Documentarians
By: Hadji Williams

Back in 1999, I taught a college class on marketing and pop culture. I asked
every student to bring in their favorite CD because music is a major gateway
into a people’s culture; and in order to market to a people you have to
understand them and understanding their music is a great place to start. The
plan was for everyone to bring in something they were into—ideally
everyone’s tastes was a little different—and we’d all learn a little bit
about each other then discuss how those insights could apply to marketing.

As the teacher, I brought in my favorite CD at the time—Slick Rick’s The Art
of Storytelling. When it was my turn to play my CD I rushed to the end and
cranked up the live version of Lodi Dodi and let it bang. As Rick flowed
eccentric, the entire class just gawked at the speakers like it was alien
talking. Out of about 25 students around 20 were white and all were under
25. They had no clue who or what they were hearing. Not one of ‘em.

About halfway thru the cut “Kelly”, this little blonde girl who couldn’t
have been more than 20 smiles all knowingly then screams out, “That’s the
‘Snoop Dogg song’!” A couple other kids chime in with “oh yeah, she’s right”
and a couple knowing head nods. She continues, “Why is this guy singing
Snoop Dogg’s song?”

I tried explaining that Snoop Dogg’s Lodi Dodi was a cover (a bad one at
that) of one of the 3 or 4 greatest songs in the last quarter century but
they weren’t hearing it. They knew what they knew and they knew Lodi Dodi
was Snoop Dogg’s. Period. And what’s worse is they were then and now, no
different from millions of folks who are filled with misconceptions about
our culture and communities. Anyway, that’s when I first realized that black
folks and the hiphop community at large has to be responsible for
documenting and preserving its culture and artforms itself.

“We have an overarching goal--the world of
manifold civilizations animated by the vision of cultural equity.’’
—Alan Lomax, 1977

Last year, I dropped a joint called, “Will the real Documentarians please
stand up?” I spent much of that piece complaining about how mainstream
America and corporations were misrepresenting our culture and communities.
Well, this year I’d like to try something different.

Number One: Stop blaming the obvious. As people of color we (myself
included) have to stop blaming white people (or most of them), corporations
and the mainstream media for portraying our cultures and communities in
negative light. Why? Because for the most part, they’ve established a good
600-year plus track record of marginalizing and commoditizing communities
and cultures of color at almost every turn; and that’s just on this
continent alone. At some point, being surprised or just angry about
something that’s par for the course just becomes a waste of energy.

Number Two: Define yourself first. As black folks, Native Americans and
Hispanics, we should all be able to agree on at least one thing: If you
don’t tell your story someone else will tell it for you; and if they’re not
part of your community and don’t respect your community, they will tell your
story wrong until you force them to do otherwise. Consequently instead of
waiting for Viacom, Condè Nast, Clear Channel, Rolling Stone, etc. to get it
right, we need to commit to getting it right ourselves and stop relying on
them to do something they have no interest in ever doing.

Number Two (a): Stop supporting those who co-opt and misrepresent us. This
one’s easy to me. When we see niggers, bitches, hoes, pimps, etc. in the
media, we need to stop supporting those outlets. We need to take our dollars
and patronage to outlets willing to portray us in three dimensions, just as
they do with whites and other communities.

Number Three: We need to demand better of ourselves as artists, as consumers
and as individuals. One of the reasons you see a lot of clowns in the media,
is because unfortunately, we keep giving them a lot of clowns to choose
from. When you drop that 16 filled with negativity or that video filled with
hoes, you give everyone that’s against you an opportunity to say, “See, I
told you so… That’s how they are!”

Number Four: Educate. We have to commit to educating those outside of our
communities about what we truly are. And most importantly, we have to refuse
to accept their ignorance or arrogance for getting things wrong. Teach those
who want to learn and destroy the lies of those who want nothing more than
to spread them.

The kids in my class lacked knowledge because of the ignorance of their
community. They spread their ignorance because some people just arrogant
enough think they have the right to speak for everybody, hence, most of the
crap you see in the media and history books, etc.

As people I believe that our first mission is to love God, next-- love each
other; and lastly: love our culture and communities. So my mission for 2005
and beyond is to respect, embrace and document my culture and wherever the
opportunity allows, help others do the same. As a writer and author, my
contribution will obviously start with my pen. But whether you’re a DJ, an
emcee, a B-Boy/B-Girl, a graf writer a fashion designer, a writer or
whomever, we all play a role in documenting preserving and elevating our
culture. And again, because all of us are consumers each and every one of us
can play the greatest role in this by simply supporting those who are doing
it right and refusing to support those who do otherwise.

Don’t sleep; we are all Documentarians. We are all vessels for our
heritages. We are all contributors to our culture. We are all recipients of
those who came before us and struggled and sacrifices. We are all part of
the same family. Consequently, we all have a responsibility to make sure
that we as individuals and as communities are portrayed properly. We are
responsible for what we leave behind. We’re the only ones that will ensure
that our respective cultures, artforms and heritages are properly preserved
and passed on. If we don’t take control of our culture and tell our stories
someone else will—and it will be same folks who think Snoop Dogg wrote Lodi
Dodi.

“Practical men often regard these expressive systems as doomed and
valueless. Yet, wherever the principle of cultural equity comes into play,
these creative wellsprings begin to flow again…even in this industrial age,
folk traditions can come vigorously back to life, can raise community
morale, and give birth to new forms if they have time and room to grow in
their own communities. The work in this field must be done with tender and
loving concern… This concern must be knowledgeable, both about the fit of
each genre to its local context and about its roots in one or more of the
great stylistic traditions of humankind.”
—Alan Lomax

Hadji Williams is author of KNOCK THE HUSTLE: HOW TO SAVE YOUR JOB AND YOUR
LIFE FROM CORPORATE AMERICA,

Johnnie Cochran Remembered

2005-03-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

Illbrew.com is sadden by the death of Lawyer Johnnie Cochran. Attorney Cochran died in his Los Angles home of a brain tumor with his family by his side on March 29, 2005. He was 67 yeaars-old. Some of his clients were Geronimo Pratt, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Michael Jackson, Jim Brown, Sean Combs, and O. J. Simpson. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Johnnie Cochran, he was a kind and gentle human being. Rest in peace, Johnnie. Thank you for all your great work and services you provided to American society.

Muasia Shakur
Muasia 101@illbrew.com

Muasia 101- Ill Gossip

2005-03-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody,

Welcome to Muasia 101, Gossip and News on Illbrew.com. I’ve been in Aspen, Colorado all week. The get away was totally relaxing. My assistant, Maurice and I found some striking fashions and top quality jewelry. Anyway I’m back,let’s get at it.

Condolences to Rap Superstar Nelly and his entire family. Nelly’s sister, Jacqueline Donahue, lost her battle with leukemia this week. She was 31-years old. Nelly has cancelled his tour thus far. Leukemia is a on the rise in the African American community.

It was brought to my attention that Suge Knight is back in jail. A traffic violation turned up marijuana in his black SUV. Death Row offices were shot up a few weeks ago. Real quick, Death Row Records was once hot and now it’s not. Bad Boy Records was once hot and now it’s not. Cash Money Records was once hot and now it’s not. Murder Inc. Records was once hot and now it’s not. No Limit Records was once hot and now it’s not. Roc A Fella Records was once hot and now it’s not. Did I leave anyone out? Read between the lines and get my point. Let’s focus on obtaining distribution companies. That's were the real power and money is at.

Whitney Houston is back in rehab. I think my viewers are pretty youthful, but I swear Whitney Houston is today’s Billie Holiday.

Jadakiss was given 3 months probation in a North Carolina court this week for marijuana and gun possession. Speaking of Jada, I love his new single aimed at 50 Cent. I didn’t know Jada had the ability to battle in him. His work with The Lox did nothing for me. But, this track is a banger.

What else is happening? Oh, did yall hear that Damon Dash is broke? Dash isn’t paying his bills or his employees. He was evicted from his home in Chelsea. He hadn’t paid the rent for months. He owes $52,00.00 in back rent.

Eazy E died from AIDS 10 years ago, today on March 26, 1995. Let’s remember Eazy for his work and contributions he made in the music industry.

Bye for Now,
Muasia Shakur
Muasia 101@illbrew.com

7th Annual BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY FESTIVAL JUNE 2005"Don't Stop The Body Rock”
**Everyday is Hip-Hop Day In Brooklyn**
**Happy HIP-Hop Day**

Muasia101-Ill Gossip

2005-03-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody.

Welcome to Muaisa 101 Gossip and News on IllBrew.com. Why is everybody up in arms about Lil’ Kim facing 20 years behind bars after being found guilty on three counts of perjury and one count of conspiring with a co-defendant. The stupid bitch should of copped a plea. I swear, Kimberly Jones (her government name) is an example of “Black Girl Lost”. Those blue contacts she’s so happy to sport have totally blurred her vision.

Source magazine owners Dave Mays and Ray Benzino have teamed with Rev. Al Sharpton for a 90-day radio/TV ban of music artist who engage in violence. This is very interesting to me. One, The Source profiles rap artist who do nothing but spit violence. This is their bread and butter. Two, where does Al Sharpton come off with his tuff talk after he left his wife of twenty years and his beautiful children behind for a much younger women. Yeap, Al hangs out in the Hamptons these days, stays in the most expensive hotels, limos, furs…. The whole nine. I don’t know what to call Sharpton anymore. Reverend, Actor, Snitch, Activist, Politician, Snitch. You go figure. Whatever he, Mays, and Benzino are cooking up, lets hope it turns out something positive. Time will tell.

Applauds to Ms. Ashanti for continuing to stay focus on her career despite the wall her record has ran into. Murder Inc.’s Princess will promote her role in the upcoming ABC movie “Muppets Wizard of Oz”. She’ll be featured in a flowered window display in New York City’s Herald Square this weekend.

That tramp Mariah Carry is trying her hand at acting again. She scored a part in an upcoming film, “Ladies Night”. Now that she has Benny Medina back as her manger things may pick up for her. Her new single is not doing good at all, it’s trash. Mariah needs some new material. The songs she’s singing don’t felt her voice.

“Who Loves Ya Baby”? Kojak is back. Ving Rhames is starring in USA Network’s series Kojak. Some of you may remember the show from the 1970’s. You had Telly Savalas as a cop, with this shinny bold head walking around town sucking on a lollipop, locking chumps up in NYC. I know Ving is going to milk this character. It premieres this coming Friday, Mach 25 on USA Network.

Missy Elliott is about to drop something new. Her friend Ciara is on a few the disc’s songs.

Hip Hop needs DMX right about now. Now that’s one cat 50 cent would never jab at. Nope! Have you been watching VH1 lately? They’ve been putting out some real good specials on Hip Hop. Kudos to VH1.

Bye for now,
Muasia Shakur
Muasia101@illbrew.com

MUASIA 101- GOSSIP

2005-03-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody,

Welcome to Muasia 101, the Illest Gossip on the web. Wow, I got tons of Emails asking me to comment on the noise surrounding The Game, 50 Cent and Hot 97. Here you go, this is what I have to say about the fall out," NO COMMENT."

UPN Network has given Chris Rock a series based on his childhood in Brooklyn. "Everybody Hates Chris Rock" will be produced and narrated by Rock himself.

Has Oprah dumped her long time beau Stedman Graham? Rumors are flying that Oprah has told him good-bye. Ms. O has swung her body into shape and her eyes are roaming. Good for her.

Well wishes to Quincy Jones, Q had surgery on his knees and is in rehab. I just finished reading his autobiography. It's a good read. In the book Quincy is open about his heavy drug abuse and his love for white women.

Brooklyn is heating up Hip-Hop. Watch out for IllBrew to do big things over the Spring and Summer in 2005.

Actor Robert Blake was found not guilty for the murder of his wife of four years, Bonnie Lee Blake. Blake may face a civil suit.

Erykah Badu is starting her record label. Who the hell cares? She cant sing. I swear that chick is depressed. Can you picture her and Lauren Hill on a track together?

LAPD has closed the case of Biggie Smalls murder. The murder remains unsolved. Rest in Peace Christopher Wallace.

Thanks For Checking In,
Muasia Shakur
Muasia101@illbrew.com

7th Annual BROOKLYN HIP HOP HISTORY FESTIVAL JUNE 2005"Don't Stop The Body Rock”
**Everyday is Hip-Hop Day In Brooklyn**
**Happy HIP-Hop Day**

DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT

2005-03-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

DA Infamous DJ KG to drop his new Mix CD
, While DJ University Plans too broadcast a special Ladies show live from area code 313 The Power Base- Whut up Doe?

Where is Lady Rose?
Bigg Flava hold it down in Afghanistan, SONJA BLADE IS HOT TOO DEATH! SHOUT OUTS: DJ Nyce, Blackev-NC, Nubia, the Lunatics Bike Club L.E.S., DJ Inf say's Peace to all the Gods & Earths and all the positive people, On the Flip Tip Then get ready for Friday March 18th...Simple & Supreem live at the Pontiac Grille...This is another Songspot.org funk fest featuring Diatribe, Disciples Of Groove and The Subliminal Orphans...This will be one for the history books so come party with band you all know and love...One love supreem!!!
SIMPLE & SUPREEM
March, 18 2005 at The Pontiac Grille
304 South Street, Philadelphia , PA 19147

Soundwave Entertainment Presents... A Night Called "I WANT YOUR BODY" Saturday April 2nd. 2k5 Location: Caribbean Crew Hide Out 7922 Flatlands Ave. Btwn E.79 & E.80th St.