Monthly Archives: February 2008
Harvard Heavyweights Weigh In On Hip Hop’s Holiness
Source: World Cypher
The beats and rhymes of Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Lauryn Hill found an attentive audience of religious and intellectual leaders in the halls of Harvard University last night. The Harvard Divinity School and Harambee, an organization for students of African descent, presented “The Hip-Hop and Religion Forum” as its final event to celebrate Black History Month. Six panelists from Islamic and Christian backgrounds discussed the effect of hip-hop on youth culture and perspectives on hip-hop varied from critical to enthusiastically supportive. Continue reading
Weezy Advised To Lay Off the Syrup
Courtesy: MTVNews
Lil Wayne’s Styrofoam cup is practically the elephant in the room. Journalists and fans alike have speculated about just what Weezy is downing every time we see him in public with one of those cups. They know full well that Wayne has thrown us plenty of hints through his verses. “I like my Sprite Easter-pink,” he rapped on DJ Khaled’s “We Takin’ Over.” More pointedly, he declared “weed and syrup till I die” on “Duffle Bag Boy,” a collaboration with Atlanta’s Playaz Circle. On Sunday night, during a concert in Newark, New Jersey, Wayne explained to the audience that sipping syrup – a combination made up chiefly of promethazine and codeine, which is supposed to be prescribed by doctors for severe colds and pneumonia – is a part of the culture in the South (although Philadelphia is also notorious for syrup). He also talked about how he gets flak for it.
Jay & Mary Speak On Tour
Courtesy: RealTalkNY
Audio from Jay and Mary’s interview with Cipha Sounds about upcoming tour. Jigga torpedoes several rumors.
“Your Welcome”- HOV & MJB prod by Swizz Beatz…Jay spazzed on this!
CLICK HERE for audio
I REPEAT! Do Not Try This At Home
The Roots-75 Bars
I might not know karate but I know ka-razy…and this is a dead ringer!
Artists Want Slice of P2P Lawsuit Dough
After the dust has settled on massive lawsuits targeting P2P sites such as Kazaa, settlements estimated to be in the 400 million range, none of it has been handed out to the artists who these lawsuits were supposed to protect. Now lawyers are asking big questions about where the money is and seem to be getting the runaround from the labels (as if the labels holding money from artists is something new). More at Torrent Freak
Neverland Ranch to Auction if MJ Don’t Pay..
Neverland Ranch is set to be auctioned off unless Michael Jackson can pay the 24 million dollars owed on the property. With MJ bolting for Dubai after his much publicized child molestation trial(for which he was acquitted), he seems to have to abandoned it for good. Conflicting reports have surfaced saying he has secured a loan to save the property but no official reports from his camp has confirmed this. Read the[ full story here]
Porn Star Jenna Jameson’s Comic Book
It was seems to be a serious uptick and revival in the genres of comics and graphic novels, super pornstar Jenna Jameson along with Virgin Comics have come together(sorry no pun) to release the Shadow Hunter. With a story line that centers around JJ finding out her parents are from Hell(dont we know that already!?). Any way check out the trailer below..
One in 99 are in Jail in US
A disturbing report has come out that the U.S has 2.3 million people in jail and it does not seem to getting any better. One in 99 Americans are behind bars and is the highest incarceration rate in the world. Billions of dollars are being spent to house offenders, and jail privatization.
Rapper Salutes Dilla With New Mixtape
Up and coming rapper Rob Grimes and DJ Ease salutes reverred producer J Dilla with his new mixtape titled the Dillathon.
Check it out and [download here]
Flo-rida Goes Postal With New Album
Flo-rida who is rding the wave of having a chart topping single for ten weeks in a row, is set to release his album called “Mail on Sunday”. I really don’t understand the title’s tie in to his music, but with new single “Elevators” with Timbaland he seems bent on delivering another hit. We’ll see..
Pic from Crunk and Disorderly
Attack Of the Clones! Robot Soldiers On the Way
Source: Gizmodo
UK robotics professor Noel Sharkey is raising a fuss over the US Defense Department’s intention to put $4 billion into “unmanned systems” in the next year or two. One fear is that spillover from all that R&D will give terrorists new ways to build effective GPS-guided suicide bombers for $500 or less.
“How long is it going to be before the terrorists get in on the act? With the current prices of robot construction falling dramatically and the availability of ready-made components for the amateur market, it wouldn’t require a lot of skill to make autonomous robot weapons.”
But Sharkey has other more philosophical issues, ones that echo Isaac Asimov’s own concerns of more than a half century ago.
Nielsen Merges Media Divisions Into One Big Unit
Source: ProHipHop
Nielsen Business Media today announced the creation of a new Entertainment Group that brings together the company’s leading entertainment brands into one powerhouse unit. Award-winning media industry veteran Gerry Byrne, who has been named Senior Vice President, Entertainment Group for Nielsen Business Media, will lead the new division beginning March 1st. Byrne will be based in New York and will report to Greg Farrar, President of Nielsen Business Media, who made today’s announcement.
Previously, the company’s entertainment properties existed under two separate market groups — Film & Performing Arts and Music & Literary. The creation of the Entertainment Group is another step in Nielsen Business Media’s integration strategy. It allows the company to take a more comprehensive approach to serving the entertainment industry and more effectively harness the resources of its entertainment brands. The new division sets in place a more unified editorial approach across entertainment properties to provide audiences with the most inclusive, in-depth access to news, data, analysis and insights on every aspect of the industry. In addition, the comprehensive strategy offers advertisers in the film, television, music, theatre and literary industries enhanced, integrated opportunities to connect with their target customers across all of Nielsen’s entertainment media platforms.
Rakim Releasing Live Album on March 4th
Source: Sucker Free
Rakim, perhaps the best lyricist of all time, will be releasing a collection of his live performances entitle Live, Lost and Found on March 4th. The album, which is dropping on Koch Records, will include four previously unreleased tracks, including the new single “It’s Nothing,” and 17 Rakim favorites performed live in concert.
Not exactly The 7th Seal album we’ve been waiting for since forever. Plus if you’ve ever seen Ra live, you know it’s pretty underwhelming (I will hear no arguments on that). I can only hope just listening to live tracks will be a better experience.
CLICK HERE for related posts
Andre 3000 Returns To Finale of The Shield
Source: SOHH
Rapper/actor Andre 3000 will reprise his role on the hit FX drama “The Shield” this summer, as his character hits the campaign trail.
In 2004, the multitalented entertainer (nee Andre Benjamin) played the owner of a comic book store who took matters into his own hands as drug dealers and prostitutes overtaking his neighborhood. Now, Benjamin’s character will be running for mayor in the season’s last episode.
“I’m actually playing a guy running for mayor in the show finale,” he told Blackfilm.com. “My character was first introduced years ago in a small role.”
This will be the seventh and final season of “The Shield.”
Judge Not Feeling Ja Rule’s Philanthrophy
Source: XXL
A New York State Supreme Court judge expressed concerns on Wednesday (February 27) about Ja-Rule putting up thousands of dollars in bail money for two co-defendants in his gun possession case. According to the Associated Press, Justice Micki Scherer feels that the rapper has “put himself in the position of perhaps controlling the outcome of the case. I think the potential for it is a big problem.” The case stems from a July 22 arrest following a Lil Wayne concert at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan. The NYPD stopped Ja’s Maybach on West End Avenue and 78th Street and searched the car after smelling marijuana. The rapper and his two companions, Mohamed Gamal and Dennis Cherry, were taken into custody after the officers uncovered a .40 caliber handgun. Weezy was also arrested on similar charges about an hour later. Ja later put up his Saddle River, NJ mansion as collateral for their combined bail of $320,000. The rapper’s attorney, Stacey Richman, told the court that the defense will now come up with separate bail packages for the other two men. Scherer is expected to rule next month on the prosecutor’s request for DNA samples from the defendants. Although nobody in the car claimed the handgun, police reportedly found DNA evidence on the weapon.
“Money” Mayweather Goes for Big-ger Money in WWE
Floyd Mayweather has tossed his hat into the ring of Vince McMahon and the WWE. After a pretty good showing on ABC’s hit Dancing with the Stars, and some talk of MMA(mixed martial arts) fighting, Mayweather has found some solice in the WWE. After making some noise last week, by socking The Big Show in the nose, a formal match has been set up for a reported 20 million dollars. More at Sports Illustrated.
note: Don’t be surprised if 50 cent finds his way into this, well on second thought he already has enough WWE experience in the music industry.
American Kids Pressured to Look “Fly”
A recent study has come out and suggested that todays kids are pressured into having expensive clothes and items. These unrealistic goals are seemingly giving alot of children psychological problems that effect their ability to feel acceptance based on character alone. This report speaks to a society that puts a premium on material items. How can we in America prove to children that having a new pair of Jordans does not make you any better than a kid with a pair of rejects. Very tough job indeed. Read more…
A PSA From the Good Folks Over At ProHipHop
As I was trolling through the web looking for news to post I came across this rant posted by our homie over at ProHipHop and I couldn’t resist sharing this with the community. Do I smell Hip Hop blog beef brewing?
Update: Apple Ships 2GB iPod Shuffles
Source: Engadget
In accordance with Apple’s announcement that it was repackaging the 1GB iPod Shuffle for $50, Apple doubles up with offering a 2GB iPod Shuffle for $69. Hey now you got options…pick one!
CLICK HERE for related posts
Will Smith Wins Defamation Lawsuit
Source: XXL
A judge in London has awarded Will Smith an unspecified amount of damages in a lawsuit brought by the actor and rapper against entertainment news agency World Entertainment News Network (WENN). According to Reuters, Judge David Eady agreed that WENN had “wholly misrepresented” Smith’s statements and caused him “acute embarrassment.” The suit stems from a story printed by the agency in which it was claimed that Smith had praised German dictator Adolf Hitler as a “good person.” Smith’s actual comments read as follows: “Even Hitler didn’t wake up going, ‘let me do the most evil thing I can do today.’ I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was ‘good.’” Although WENN later printed a retraction, Smith’s attorney Rachel Atkins contended that it went largely ignored by most media outlets. John Melville Smith, the attorney representing WENN, offered apologies on behalf of the agency and accepted that the story was misleading and erroneous. Atkins stated that the monetary compensation awarded by the court will be donated to charity and cover the legal costs of the lawsuit.
Legislator Proposes Donda West Law
Source: XXL
California assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter on Friday (February 22) proposed the “Donda West Law,” a measure that would require prospective plastic surgery patients to receive medical clearance before undergoing any elective cosmetic procedures. According to the Associated Press, Carter says she was asked to push the law by the niece of Kanye West’s late mother, Dr. Donda West. The rapper and producer lost his mother to a heart attack on November 10 after she underwent tummy tuck, breast reduction and liposuction procedures in Beverly Hills. The coroner pointed to an existing heart condition and complications following the surgery as contributing factors in Dr. West’s death, but was unable to determine a definitive cause. According to Anderson, Kanye is enthusiastic about the proposed law.
Studies Show Rap Linked To Sexism
Source: Hip Hop Galaxy
Does rap trigger sexism? That’s the conclusion of a North Carolina State University study that examined rap music’s effects on sexist attitudes among college students. Many critics claim that rap music causes sexist beliefs, but the study’s authors suggest the connection they found between rap and sexism is unlikely to be a direct cause-and-effect.
“It’s like hearing the word ‘chocolate’ and suddenly having a craving for a candy bar,” says Dr. Michael Cobb, assistant professor of political science, who conducted the study along with Dr. Bill Boettcher, associate professor of political science.
Cobb and Boettcher’s findings – titled “Ambivalent Sexism and Misogynistic Rap Music : Does Exposure to Eminem Increase Sexism ?” – were recently published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology.
The study found that college students who were asked to listen to rap music had significantly higher levels of reported sexism. In the study, males who listened to any rap music were more sexist than those in the control group even though sometimes the rap lyrics did not include sexist language. Females in the study also reported higher levels of sexism when rap music was not sexist in its language, but their endorsement of sexist beliefs was the lowest after listening to rap with overtly sexist language.
“Sexism is imbedded in the culture we live in, and hearing rap music can spontaneously activate pre-existing awareness of sexist beliefs,” Cobb says. “We feel it’s unlikely that hearing lyrics in a song creates attitudes that did not previously exist. Instead, rap music, fairly or unfairly, has become associated with misogyny, and even minimal exposure to it can automatically activate these mental associations and increase their application, at least temporarily.”
Kanye Unveils Exclusive Line of S Dot Reeboks
Roc-A-Fella recording artist Kanye West is following in the footsteps of his Big Brother Jay-Z by releasing a line of footwear. These won’t be a full-fledge release though, they’ll be a limited edition exclusively released under the banner of the pre-existing “S. Carter” Reebok line. Its fair to say Ye’ can finally walk a day in Jay’s shoes.
Editor’s Note: If Jesus walked would he have a pair of these on? Just a question.
Dr. Dre Develops Line of Beverages
Source: SOHH
Dr. Dre will be mixing more than tracks thanks to the latest venture he’s signed on to endorse. In conjunction with Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd Dre has assumed responsibility to market and develop his own signature line of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. According to J. Patrick Kenny, President & CEO of Drinks Americas said, “We are thrilled to be working with Dr. Dre, a true icon, as an owner and our partner in brands that will reflect his tastes and personality. Unlike hiring a celebrity to help grow an existing brand, Dr. Dre is an equity owner of the brands and will be involved as our partner at every stage of the process.” Only in Hip Hop can you endorse an alcoholic beverage while the world awaits the release of the long awaited album “Detox.” Ah, gotta love the irony. In addition to this new venture Dre has also signed on this year to endorse his own line of heaphones via a deal with Monster and he has partnered with New Line Cinema to form his own film company called Crucial Films.
VH1 Brass Under Fire for Racist Rants
Recent comments made by a VH1 executive have members of the black media in an uproar as they say the statements point to the biased sentiments that media brass have about minorities, black women in particular. Apparently in a confidential meeting VH1 Senior VP Jim Ackerman said “viewers are more interested in seeing black people in a ghetto role, black women are looked at as being ghetto and not educated” in response to the argument that VH1 should have more diversified programming. In light of the fiasco which is Flavor of Love, women protesters are looking to seize the opportunity to bring balance to the network. Stay tuned for further developments.
Common Tapped to Play Green Lantern
Common is at the top of his game in both Hip Hop & Hollywood. In addition to prepping the release of Street Kings, scheduled to drop in theaters on April 11th alongside The Game & Keanu Reeves the Chi-Town wordsmith has been tapped to play Green Lantern for the upcoming Justice League movie. He had this to say to MTV News,
“It’s a blessing really, to know that I could potentially be this superhero… Justice League itself is an honor, and Green Lantern is an incredible character to play. It’s a blessing to be associated with it.”
Never one to forget his roots, Common is also prepping another studio album, scheduled for release in November. The set will be named The Believer. He also confirmed to MTV News that he is working to get the Q-Tip album finished as well. This joint will be named “The Standard.” He said this:
“We been conceptualizing, but we just gotta continue to work on it. We will. I look at it like two jazz musicians getting together, the way Charlie Parker and cats would get together and do work. I feel a lot more free with my music now that I’m doing films and stuff, because I don’t put as much pressure on the music. It ain’t my only source of income and way to make a living.”
Also, watch out for those Common sponsored Lincoln Navigator’s to be rolling out in a hood near you!
Flav Looking For Tracks to Sprinkle Some Flavor On
The Return of Flavor Flav season is in full swing over at VH1. In conjunction with his new show, which debuted earlier this month, the good folks over at VH1 are extending an opportunity for producers to submit what will become the next track Flav will be rapping on. Tracks should be submitted to FlavorOfLoveWorld.com by March 13 and Flav will pick three finalist out of the lot. Fans via online voting on April 1 will pick the best of the three producers. The contest is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years and older. This contest is reminiscent of VH1’s “The Score” which was a tie in to “VH1’s Hip Hop Honor.” The contest allowed participants to enter original tracks that would be used to scored the hit awards show. Apparently both contests are part of a bigger initiative rolled out by MTV Networks called “Addicted To Noise.” More details on this platform will be available shortly.
Street Fighter 4 Trailer Its Bonkers!
Nokia Unleashing a “Mean Green Machine”
Nokia, the world leader in cell phone technology is ahead of the curve again with their newest concept phone, the Morph. This device, powered off of nano technology will enable the user to bend the phone and twist it into various shapes. The color scheme gives a nod to “all things green” tapping into a shifting global consciousness that is rapidly embracing a eco-revolution. The innovative technology is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air x Puma Bel-Air Clyde Pack
Source: HypeBeast
In a foil between the ghetto of West Philly and the swankiness of Bel-Air, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air x Puma collaboration looks to both locales to accentuate the differences often seen on the popular TV show. The recently seen West Philly First Round is emblazoned with graffiti while the Bel-Air Clyde offers a different approach with high quality Italian croc skin leather and gold highlights. The pack also includes a gold Forcer watch. The whole Fresh Prince of Bel-Air x Puma pack will release May 17th.
dead prez Concert Erupts Into Mini-Riot in Washington
Honestly earlier in the week I overlooked this link because I just thought it was re hatched footage of the riot (fracas) that dead prez sparked over in Africa, but when I finally slowed down and read the thread I realized this was something entirely different. In honor of Sean Bell and the countless others who will never have live footage as their testament to the unlawful practices of “law” enforcement we post this YouTube click of police attacking a crowd of protesters in Washington State after a dead prez concert.
The God Rakim Is Back At It
Its been a long time, I shouldn’t have left you, without some strong rhymes to step to…so goes the immortal words of the immortal MC, the God Rakim. Well, he’s back at it with two bangers that are supposedly off his long-awaited LP, The Seventh Seal. Judge wisely.
CLICK HERE for “It’s Nothing”
CLICK HERE for “Hip Hop”
Sean Bell’s Wife Lets It Be Known She Will Not Lose…
On the eve the Sean Bell murder trial, slated to go to a bench trial starting Monday Feb. 25, the wife of Bell is coming under fire by the President of the Detectives Endowment Association who is accusing her of exploiting the tragedy by agreeing to become a paid spokesmodel for Rocawear’s “I Will Not Loose” Campaign. Nicole Paultre-Bell will appear in the ad with her two daughters, Jada, 5 and Jordan, 1 and embody the spirit of resilience, hence the theme “I Will Not Loose.” Michael Palladino is saying she is prejudicing the jury pool, even thought the trial will be heard before a judge. Apparently the police take exception with Nicole using Hip Hop as a platform to voice her resolve, especially during this most trying time, when she seeks justice for her fallen husband. Note to Palladino; this is what Hip Hop is at its essence, the “CNN” of the hood and the campaign being spearheaded by Jay-Z’s Rocawear is highlighting those who use any and every means to gain victory in adversity. Above the photo reads “We are going to be here to the end, ’til justice is served.” Jamal Spencer, the chief marketing officer over at Rocawear says this campaign fits Nicole’s plight perfectly and the company seems to be sticking by their decision.
“Nicole, she really embodies the overall spirit of that. She’s someone who’s suffered a great loss. When that happens, you want to curl up in a ball and die. That’s a tough thing. The day you’re supposed to get married and something horrible happens.”
For the rest of this story CLICK HERE
How Rotten Is The Big Apple?
Forbes magazine recently released the Most Miserable Cities list with the Motown city of Detroit topping out at number one. No surprise there, but three ticks down after Stockton, CA and Flint, Michigan New York City ranked in at number four. Analysts have cited the disparities between income and costs of living as reasons why New York ranked so high on the low list. They also dumped on public transportation saying the commute time was amongst the worst. The list is itemized out of the 150 largest metropolitan cities in America. For the full list CLICK HERE
Hillary Looses Her Cool, Starts Unraveling At The Seams
As the end draws near a visibly irate Hillary Clinton took the gloves off and went for broke against Senator Obama on Saturday, accusing him of falsifying her positions via mailings on healthcare and her involvement in NAFTA, the hallmark legislation passed by her husband while he was the HNIC on Capitol Hill. Obama fired back, calling the outburst a ploy, saying Clinton must have had advance knowledge that these mailings were in circulation. The infamous line “Shame on you, Barack Obama” became Hillary’s new battle cry, (CLICK HERE to see video) as their Ohio debate approaches. Tuesday (2/26) is the big showdown and the vote resumes on March 4, with delegate rich Ohio & Texas up for grabs.
Street Knowledge Oscar Night Special
Africa calls Bush “President King”
In one of our most shocking blog post’s yet, our naive brothers and sisters in Africa have totally flipped their headress and annointed George Bush a “President King” to rule forever . Though our brothers and sisters are all smiles in these staged photo ops, this is truly a sad story. I believe this shows the disconnect between American blacks and the homeland.
Do they not know about the rampant corruption and murderous regime of George Bush and his family?
I would like any of the people who read this blog to please chime in with some answers cause I am totally lost. As my partner P Moor would note, How ironic is it that this is all happening during Black History Month?
For more of this abomination [read here]
Prince Slowed by Painful Dance Moves..
To the dismay of millions, Prince needs hip surgery to thwart years of acrobatic and painful dance moves. The iconic singer will clear his schedule for two months to recover fully and return to the stage. We wish him a full recovery.
Full story at News of The World
STREET KNOWLEDGE 
