“Other People’s Property” is a very good book that is at its best when its author acts like a DJ. But don’t get it twisted: [Jason] Tanz sees hip-hop as text more than as sonic phenomenon or, for that matter, stone groove. “Other People’s Property” is made up of nine journalistic pieces, each a mix of reportage and personal reflection about race and the industry of hip-hop. It’s freaky, equally in love with Western philosophers such as Jean Baudrillard and the classic albums from hip-hop’s golden era. In a very hip-hop effort to get his shine on, the author mashes up his prose, cutting in and out of reportage and confessional styles.
This cutting edge documentary not only unmasks the faces of seven individuals addicted to graffiti, but it exposes their thoughts, feelings, faults and fears — an avenue unrivaled by any graff film to date[…]”Graffiti is like the United Nations. There is a representative from all corners of the earth. Black, white and the many shades in between, man or woman.”
During a recent humanitarian trip to Jamaica this month, Jimmy Rosemond, The Game’s manager and head of Czar Entertainment, contributed his time and efforts towards supporting “Upliftment Jamaica.” A non-profit charitable organization, “Upliftment Jamaica,” is dedicated to educating and raising awareness amongst youth in hopes of empowering a bright future for them and their homeland.
“We’re fishing,” Foster said after the performance at Divine Faith Ministries in suburban Jonesboro. “The bait youngsters are eating is hip-hop. So we take that music, dice it up, we put some Jesus flavor to it and save souls in Jesus’ name. That’s how we do it.” To its fans, crunk music, with its electronic drums and synthesized brass instruments, generates excitement akin to a religious experience. But the genre–most often associated with R-rated chants by hip-hop artists–is seldom heard in churches.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, comedian Paul Mooney and other African-American leaders held a press conference to encourage people of all ethnicity’s to avoid using the word.[…]”I support the NAACP in their cause,” Paul Wall told AllHipHop.com. “I think the word is offensive for anybody to use[…]Its meaning and definition have evolved, but its roots are still negative.”
Less than a week after cops killed an unarmed groom on his wedding day, a rap song condemning the controversial shooting - and the NYPD - has hit the airwaves. The rage-fueled rap “50 Shots” by an up-and-coming emcee, Papoose, has found airplay on satellite radio and is being circulated on the Internet.
Wood Harris and Clifton Powell have been cast in “Jazz in the Diamond District,” described as a candid drama set in the world of Washington D.C.’s thriving go-go scene. The story follows a D.C. native who joins a go-go band in hopes of becoming a star. Derailed by pressure from her family and the music industry, this young woman is forced to redefine for herself the true meaning of success.
Last weekend, several thousand people from around the world gathered in New York’s Harlem neighborhood to celebrate the 32nd birthday of hip-hop culture — and the 33rd anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation, founded by hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Since the Zulu Nation has declared November to be Hip-Hop History Month, we thought a look back was appropriate.
“Today is World AIDS Day and I am humbled to be present in Africa where the pandemic of HIV/AIDS is a deadly reality for millions of people,” [Russell] Simmons said Friday in a statement. “We need to increase public awareness campaigns throughout the world on this issue. We support the efforts of the numerous humanitarian and health groups, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, that are diligently dedicated in their response to this great human crisis. We add our voice and work in complete solidarity with all who are standing up and taking action on this day.”
