Suspect arrested in the murder of rapper Chinx Drugz

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Lisa Evers breaks news of one of Hip Hop music’s biggest unsolved murders. More details will develop during the day.

Meet Atlas, the backflipping humanoid robot.

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We are so f*cking screwed.

via Independent UK

Elon Musk has issued a new warning about advanced machines.

The Tesla founder, who has been highly critical of artificial intelligence developers over recent months, has revealed his thoughts on Atlas, the backflipping humanoid robot.

A video released by Boston Dynamics earlier this month shows the machine backflip off a raised platform, land perfectly on its feet and raise its arms in the air as if to celebrate.

“This is nothing,” Mr Musk tweeted in response to the footage. “In a few years, that bot will move so fast you’ll need a strobe light to see it. Sweet dreams…”

 

 

After being asked to clarify exactly what he meant by the strobe light comment, he added, “Otherwise you’d only see a blur.”

He then followed this up with an update calling for the regulation of AI and robotics, something he believes to be not only necessary but urgent.

“Got to regulate AI/robotics like we do food, drugs, aircraft & cars. Public risks require public oversight. Getting rid of the FAA wdn’t make flying safer. They’re there for good reason.”

As pointed out by François Chollet, a machine learning and artificial intelligence software engineer at ‎Google, Atlas isn’t an AI bot.

FULL STORY HERE…

 

[video] Prisons for Profit: Under Kasich, Ohio Becomes Laboratory for Privatizing Public Jails

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Ohio holds the distinction of being the first state to sell off a public prison to a private corporation. This happened in 2011 when Governor John Kasich oversaw the sale of Lake Erie Correctional Institution to the Corrections Corporation of America. The sale was promoted as a way to save the state money, but according to the ACLU of Ohio, the plan largely backfired. We speak to Mike Brickner, senior policy director at the ACLU of Ohio. The group released a report and short documentary film called “Prisons for Profit.”

via http://democracynow.org

[video]Flexiphone ‘Coming Soon’: Scientists Reveal First Bendable Smartphone

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After cracking my third screen in the last year and a half, this sounds like a good idea.

SMARTPHONES are getting slimmer, lighter and bigger – and in the near future they are set to become BENDIER too. The world’s first flexible smartphone ReFlex is as little as five years away from becoming a high street reality say its makers. Currently in development at Queen’s University’s Human Media lab in Kingston, Canada, the first prototype was recently unveiled to industry experts at a conference in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Calling it ‘revolutionary’, Queen University’s school of computing director Roel Vertegaal says the ReFlex will change how we use our smartphones in the future and make the current  ‘rigid’ smartphones seem out of date.

An Open Letter to ‘White Supremacy’: Sincerely, A White Male

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With the political and social climate in the U.S. being where it is today, I thought now would be an appropriate time to offer an alternative perspective on the concept of “White Supremacy”. This is a term that we hear thrown around a lot to describe the repressive power structure – if you will – that penetrates every facet of society in this country and abroad, and the reactionary behavioral symptoms of said system that are prevalent in much of the White demographic. That is an extremely condensed breakdown, but, hopefully, you get the gist. Now, let’s take a look at the textbook definition of “White supremacy”:

“the belief, theory, or doctrine that white people are inherently superior to people from all other racial groups, especially black people, and are therefore rightfully the dominant group in any society.” (SOURCE)

Let’s examine this more closely. Number one, are we using the term in an objective or subjective context? If one isn’t objectively superior, then are they REALLY “superior” at all (especially if the knowledge that provided them the means to accomplish, well, everything, came from the minds of people of color)? If not, should the name “White supremacy” be dignified with being the official title for this disease plaguing the world? To me, if one was “superior” or “supreme” in nature, it would be self-evident; likewise, it would be self-evident that others are “inferior.” Historically, has that been the case with us (Europeans) and Africans, Asians, etc.? Absolutely not. We are talking about an ideology that had to literally be imposed on and forced into the minds of the people, whether covertly or overtly, through a process that began in 1492 and into today. Late 15th-16th century European war propaganda did whatever it took to paint their enemies in a negative light to justify their reprehensible and rapacious deeds and motives, and we often overlook the contradiction in those accusations, many of which were going on right there in Europe and even the American colonies. We see those same propaganda tactics used in the mainstream media today against people of color. But, is cannibalism a trait of a “civilized” people or society? Have we forgotten that it was the Moors’ “superior mathematical knowledge and sailing technologies” that “resulted in a Portuguese fleet capable of negotiating the high Atlantic seas?” (SOURCE). Have we forgotten about Timbuktu? Take a look at Herodotus’ description of the Labyrinth at Heliopolis, in Ancient Egypt. Yes, that remarkable architectural feat from the Ancient World came from the minds and hands of BLACK PEOPLE.

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If ones TRULY felt superior, why would they have bombed Black Wall Street, a community that practiced Black economics and self-empowerment? Why would the Black Panther Party have been “the biggest threat to America’s national security” for, really, no reason at all? Would the CIA, FBI, and police have been so adamant about destabilizing and thwarting the growth and success of Black movements? If they were “inferior,” they would’ve inevitably failed anyways, right? Declassified government emails show that one of the factors in France’s commitment to attack Libya was to stop Gaddafi’s aspiration for a gold-backed African currency. Speaking of Gaddafi, would so many Black leaders over the years been assassinated or died under suspicious circumstances? How about the fact that Africa and many other “3rd World” countries are ground zero for chemical warfare? And, let’s not forget about the Tuskegee Experiment. Are these all indicators of a “superior” people? No. You know what that really is? FEAR. The FEAR of a BLACK NATION’s return to power.

You wouldn’t need to, nor allow someone to whitewash history. One would think the “superiority” of their own would be enough. You wouldn’t take the great Black civilization called Egypt and make it White. Everyone in the biblical histories wouldn’t be a damn European when that is not only impossible, but the biblical text doesn’t even support that. You wouldn’t keep showing Africans as “primitive” and “savages” and “slaves” in that Western region of Africa when that region alone has been home to NUMEROUS great kingdoms and empires, such as, Mali, Ghana, Dahomey (take a look at Benin’s bronze work below), etc. We can’t act like we don’t see the tremendous influence Black minds and ideas have over the entire world, and have had as long as man has walked this Earth. Yet, it seems the extent of Black History that makes it into these public school curriculums or on the big screen only goes as far back as slavery.

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Working Title/Artist: Plaque: Warrior and AttendantsDepartment: AAOACulture/Period/Location: HB/TOA Date Code: 08Working Date: 16th-17th century photography by mma, Digital File DT1231.tif retouched by film and media (jnc) 9_24_10

White people/European-Americans, if anything you’ve read here struck a nerve, then you are more than likely part of the problem. It doesn’t matter if one is an integrationist, separatist, nationalist, whatever…what this boils down to is respect for other’s human rights. Why must some of us withdraw our support and isolate ourselves from movements like Black Lives Matter as soon as we feel like they are “racist” or their choice of expression is “threatening” or makes us feel “uncomfortable.” Threatening and uncomfortable? Name just ONE instance where a Black group, movement, or organization targeted White people. Compare that to the countless instances where Black people have been beaten, killed enslaved by Whites simply based on the color of their skin and how the sight of it made us “feel” when we saw it. So, what REALLY is our problem with these movements? Because it seems whether your are the Black Panthers, the Civil Rights movement, or the Black Lives Matter movement, Black people are constantly met with resistance by many of us in their struggle for equality, justice, and empowerment.

We need to be more proactive in trying to gain an understanding of movements like Black Lives Matter and the circumstances and conditions that sparked it. It is the lack of understanding due to the contrast between the White and Black experiences in the U.S. that causes such division and opposition when Black people take to the streets or internet to let their voices be heard. Besides, most if not all Black movements in U.S. history were not anti-White. We also need to stop these reactionary, defensive, and, often, antagonistic tactics like the “All Lives Matter,” “White Lives Matter,” and “Blue Lives Matter” campaigns that do nothing but trivialize and take away from genuine movements with genuine causes like Black Lives Matter. Seriously. It is time for those of us Whites who proclaim we are not racist to prove it. We must be just as outspoken when one of our own makes discriminatory, prejudicial, and racist remarks in our presence or else we are racist sympathizers and thus no better than a racist, and should be held to the same level of accountability for passively allowing this B.S. to perpetuate. On another note, what right do we have to debate U.S. immigration laws and speak ill of the Latinos coming over here when it was European foreigners who conceived and ratified the damn “Naturalization Act?” Who gave us that authority?

In closing, one may choose to use whatever term to describe this system that they like. I just encourage all of you who read this to consider whether or not using “their” designated term for such a weak and pathetic mental illness that wrongfully places one race at the top and all others at the bottom is really the most ideal and accurate. It is through my experiences and what I’ve learned in my 22 years of life that I’ve reached this understanding. We should strive, through the close study of history, to properly diagnose this cancer and remove it at its root. Let’s, as one people, seek to unite beyond color lines under the banner of principle to bring about the change we need to see. Education is key, and knowledge is power. To my fellow ’90s and new millennium babies, we are the future.

I’d also like to thank Horace Butler for planting the seeds that have led me to reach this understanding.

[video] George Jackson: Releasing the Dragon (Preview) – Sun of Nun

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I saw this on my Facebook timeline earlier. Beautiful presentation visually, sonically, and lyrically–no qualms here.

Bonus: A tribute mixtape to George Jackson that I found on the same website. Very well put together, I highly recommend giving it a listen.

From the article’s description:

We’ll start our Black August celebration a little early this year by re-posting our 2006 George Jackson FreeMix Radio Mixtape.  This mixtape features DC-area artists and activists reading portions of Jackson’s work and a bunch of good music from folks like Public Enemy, Dead Prez, Blitz, Hasan Salaam, Asheru, Head-Roc, Black United Front, Wise Intelligent, Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Lil’ Wayne, RZA, Ghostface Killah, and many more.  We also borrowed of few minutes from the classic Freedom Archives audio documentary Prisons on Fire: George Jackson, Attica and Black Liberation and a Bay Area television documentary (below) Day of the Gun.

 

[video] Alex Jones interviews Minister Louis Farrakhan

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Alex Jones sits down with the Minister for an in depth interview about the state of America and the world at large.

In an exclusive interview, Alex Jones and Minister Louis Farrakhan bulldoze the hollow barriers of race and religion, and create a dialogue to merge the divide on the ultimate path to truth. If we exacerbate the separation of humanity, we allow the globalist’s tactic of divide & conquer to defeat us all. The time has come to look beyond our petty differences and strengthen the fight for freedom in this exceedingly authoritarian nation.

[video] How Despised Pharma Exec Martin Shkreli Became a YouTube Star

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This douche refuses to go away.

Martin Shkreli is probably best known for acquiring the license to manufacture an old drug used to treat HIV patients and then raising the price 5,000 percent. But he also live-streams his life on the Internet. In this video, Bloomberg tries to get to the bottom of why Martin Shkreli is posting his every move on the Web. (Video by Jed Rosenberg)

[audio] Good Mourning Black America – Add-2

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This is not exactly a new song, but still post-worthy, nonetheless. I’m not sure what type of following Add-2 has — all I know is, you all might want to get acquainted with the Jamla signee. I fortuitously stumbled upon him around the time he put out the “Death of Chicago” video which led me to his “Between Heaven & Hell” project and I’ve been a fan ever since.

This particular track is off of his debut album “Prey for the Poor” and is available now. I’ll definitely be supporting it.

[audio] Black Friday – Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole

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kendrick-cole

Update: WatchLoud.com snapped a screenshot of a Facebook post from Kayla Duckworth, who is alleged to be Kendrick Lamar’s sister, revealing that some type of collab IS on the way in February 2016.

Black Friday 2015 just got a little more interesting. Kendrick and Cole just took the Internet by storm with the release of two brand new remixes that have each MC going in over the other’s fan-favorite singles (“Tale of Two Citiez” and “Alright,” respectively).
Stream both songs below:

 

[Concert Review] Andra Day Rocks ‘The Casbah’ in San Diego

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What a night…

Before I go into my experience at Andra Day’s homecoming performance at The Casbah the other night, let me give a brief run down of how I discovered this budding songstress.

About a month ago, I had seen an ad on YouTube’s homepage that caught my eye. It was a “Beat x Beat” episode titled, “Andra Day ‘Rise Up'”. Unfamiliar with her at the time, a combination of the Beats by Dre stamp, the unique name and powerful song title is what, ultimately, baited a click from me.

“Before I record any and every song, I pray about every song, because my goal is not just to make music that makes people dance, which is fine, but my goal is to make music that moves people and resonates with them, spiritually.”  – Andra Day

After this fortuitous discovery, I immediately wanted to hear more. I then found her YouTube channel, which contained a few song covers as well as some offerings from her debut album, “Cheers to the Fall.” Once I heard “Gin & Juice (Let Go My Hand),” “Rearview,” and “Gold”…I was hooked. My love for her was cemented when I found out she was also a San Diego native (anyone who knows me will tell you I always support the home team).

Continue reading →

[video] Spike Lee Responds to ‘Chi-raq’ Criticism

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The trailer for Spike Lee’s new film has been taking fire from viewers and even “Chiraq” natives themselves for what many perceived to be a comedy or parody that makes light of the situation in the city of Chicago. Consequently, Spike took the time to clear the air and also released another trailer that seeks to appease those critics’ concerns and correct any misunderstandings.

Does Lack of ‘Enjoyment’ Make or Break ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’?: A Response to Justin Charity’s Complex Article

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Photo Credit: Jason Speakman

Photo Credit: Jason Speakman

My big bro, Majesty, here at Street Knowledge Media asked my thoughts on Justin Charity’s Complex article “Why Did Everyone Claim to Enjoy Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly'” yesterday. This was my response via text message, with a few changes that I made later upon further reflection:

“Exactly. I don’t understand why people can’t just let music be music. What is Charity’s criteria for ‘enjoyable?’ If he agrees that it was an important album, why critique it by how ‘enjoyable’ it is, months later? What may make it enjoyable to many people could be the fact that it is Black-centered, incorporated elements of jazz and funk, and had substance. I think this article was published strictly to generate traffic to the blog through controversy. The bubble gum bullshit is never critiqued in this manner, only the positive music.

Continue reading →

[video] Usher & Nas Require That You ‘Face the Victims’ to Watch Powerful New Music Video for “Chains”

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Simply incredible. Click this link to watch the interactive video on Tidal, or watch the video in its standard form below.

More information on the concept and technology, courtesy of EgoKick:

Internationally acclaimed artist Usher recently launched a powerful video project to accompany the release of his new single, “Chains.”

The empowering track, which features the talents of Nas and singer-songwriter Bibi Bourelly, highlights the prevalent issue of racial injustice and police brutality in America.

In collaboration with the release of “Chains,” Usher designed an interactive music video experience titled “Don’t Look Away.”

Instead of starring in the video themselves, Usher and Nas chose for the visual experience to focus on the faces and stories of different victims of extreme violence and racial injustice.

Using groundbreaking interactive technology, the video tracks the viewer’s eyes while they watch and immediately stops playing if they look away from the screen.

As the viewer focuses on the changing black-and-white footage, the lyrics “We still in chains, we still in chains, you put the blame on us” repeat in the background, creating a hauntingly powerful experience.

“I chose to introduce the song through the ‘Don’t Look Away’ experience because it is important not only to feel the issue but to face it,” Usher explained.

Usher continued, “The pain and suffering that these victims and their families have endured is something we must never forget. When we look away from this problem it gets worse. To fix it, we have to face it.”

The “Don’t Look Away” experience calls attention to the stories and faces of Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Caesar Cruz, Ramarley Graham, Kendrick Johnson, Marlon Brown, Andrew Joseph, and Sean Bell, who represent only a handful of victims of social injustice.

“The reality is that racial bigotry diminishes the lives of too many people in our country,” the R&B legend explained. “We have to come together as a country to solve these problems and this is one way I can contribute.”

Usher and Nas performed the empowering single at the recent Tidal x HTC concert in Brooklyn, where they shared the stage with fellow artists Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Jay Z.

“Chains” is the latest track from the Usher’s highly anticipated new album, “UR,” which is expected to be released soon…

[video] IP MAN 3 (Teaser Trailer) Donnie Yen & Mike Tyson

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Must see.

Ip Man 3 is an upcoming Hong Kong biographical martial arts film directed by Wilson Yip, produced by Raymond Wong and written by Edmond Wong. It is the third in the Ip Man film series based on the life of the Wing Chun grandmaster Yip Man, and features Donnie Yen reprising the title role. The film will also star Mike Tyson, and Yip Man’s pupil Bruce Lee, recreated through CGI. Principal photography commenced in March 2015. The film will be released in Hong Kong on December 24, 2015.