Guru Talks New Album, Gang Starr

Author: Paul W Arnold

The first emcee to introduce the nation to Hip Hop from Boston, and founder of legendary rap group Gang Starr, Guru recently spoke with HipHopDX to share some details on his forthcoming third post-Gang Starr project (and eighth overall non-group release, including his four Jazzmatazz efforts), Guru 8.0 Lost And Found. The superb storyteller who authored gripping cautionary tales like “Just To Get A Rep,” and suavely showcased his player side on songs like the Jazz-Hop gem “Ex Girl To Next Girl,” also explained why he doesn’t need to keep talking about whether or not fans of these undisputed classic tracks, and the dozens of other standout selections he and former musical partner DJ Premier made together, will ever again hear new collaborations from one of Hip Hop’s most impressive tag teams.

Since Guru and Premier split roughly five years ago (for reasons that still remain unclear), following the release of Gang Starr’s sixth studio album The Ownerz, “Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal” has been churning out music with a new beat supplier, New York-based producer Solar. The new pair are now preparing to release their latest unified effort, the follow-up to 2007’s Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures.

HipHopDX.com

Obama, the nation's CEO

President Obama, with seven days of unprecedented market intervention capped by Monday’s ultimatum to U.S. automakers, has made one thing emphatically clear: He is the most powerful player in American business today.
politico.com

Ya Boy!!! Rollie G

Ya Boy....Rollie G
Photo by Price Williams
atlpics.net

J. Ivy will be appearing on B.E.T.'s "Harlem Heights"

J. Ivy will be appearing on B.E.T.'s "Harlem Heights" tonight (March 30th, 2009) for a cameo guest performance.

Russia, China cooperate on new currency proposals:

Russia and China are coordinating proposals on a new global currency that could replace the US dollar as a reserve currency to prevent a repeat of the global economic crisis, the Kremlin said on Monday.

"We have received proposals from our colleagues in China, detailed proposals," President Dmitry Medvedev's top economic adviser Arkady Dvorkovich said. "Our positions are very similar.

"We have similar positions on the development of the international financial architecture," he told reporters.

Ahead of the Group of 20 summit in London later this week, the Kremlin has published a raft of proposals to overhaul the global economic order, including plans for a supra-national currency that could replace the US dollar.

China has come forward with similar ideas.

US President Barack Obama has said he does not see why the dollar should be replaced and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the summit would have more immediate issues to discuss.

breitbart.com

"PSYCHEDELIC TRIP" Concert Series Featuring Brimston @ Apache Cafe 4/25/09

For ticket info email us @ info@48Bars.com

My Sneaks 4 Tha Week

Now these at first glance are just plain "SICK"- it wouldn't matter what kind of jeans u rocked with these boyz ...all would equal fresh! Peep out the color scheme. I'm already about to place my order for the summer.. summer... summer-time.
-Adero Dawson

Fling (internationally titled Lie to Me)

For all of you out there that want your cake & eat it too", you should checkout this movie..here's my advice...save the drama & go to Magic City and pick you two....hell even let her pick.... Fling (internationally titled Lie to Me) is an independent film about a couple navigating the hazards of an open relationship. It is the feature directorial debut of director John Stewart Muller and stars Brandon Routh, Steve Sandvoss, Courtney Ford, Nick Wechsler, Shoshana Bush and Ellen Hollman. It is the first feature from Santa Monica-based Steele Films and was written and produced by John Stewart Muller and his partner Laura Boersma.


flingmovie.com

Ain't No N***a Like...Dame Dash

Submitted By Russell Simmons | globalgrind.com

Sitting in the audience last night inside the crowded 37 Street Arts Theater in Manhattan Off Broadway, I witnessed another great Damon Dash contribution, one that takes hip-hop culture to another significant level of accomplishment.

Sony Entertainment and Damon Dash produced, "Hip-Hop Monologues: the Life and the Mind of Jim Jones." It was a fantastic show that portrays the evolution of hip-hop through the life Jim Jones.

I have to say, Damon Dash is a hip-hop genius who should never be underestimated. I have watched Dame's growth, development and entrepreneurship over the years--not from a distance but from first hand observation. He was one of the creative forces behind Rocafella Records, the architect of Rocawear Fashions, he's made significant culturally relevant films with Dash Films and made other creative cultural installments thru Dash Enterprises.

On another great note... He's the only husband beside one other that I know, who spent a small fortune developing a major talent and women's brand by supporting his women to the hilt!!

Read More

Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes: Remembering The Life of a Supernova

Tonya Raymond & Anne van de Sande

A star to many, gone too soon. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes is known as the lyrical genius that exploded onto the music scene alongside Chilli and T-Boz in 1992 to form one of the greatest female R&B groups of all-time: TLC. With Ooooooohhh ... On the TLC Tip, CrazySexyCool and Fanmail under their belt, TLC was literally blowing up the charts, airwaves and even at the Grammys. Snatching the Best R&B album in 1996, Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, and Best R&B Album in 2000, TLC was on top of the world. Compelled by necessity, the group's success ended with Left Eye's tragic death.

Read More

COM, YE' & E. BADU Freestylin @ SXSW 2009

Okay.... so here's some exclusive footage taken from the SXSW 2009 Fader/Levi's Showcase that went down a couple of days ago in Austin, TX. My home boyz Com Sense and Yeezy did their usual sets... but then came the surprise- "Erykah Badu" in the house! She sang "The Light" w/ Com and then went in. If yall look closely I saw a lil "weird-yet still cool energy" between the 2 right B4 she hugs him. Look at Com... "I reminisce ..I reminisce on the love we had!" -lol.

Moulin Rouge.... I Desire?

I can't deny it... even if I wanted to. I can remember when I first started liking girls. I was 10 or 11 and I attended Charles P. Caldwell -a pretty well known grammar school nestled on Chicago's southside (off 87th and Cregier to be exact). There were a few honeys at my school, most of them were even in my actual classroom at the time. There was grown & sexy looking Carla Neely, we had lil' cute ass looking Jori Ross, and then there was the "end-all beat-all" for me and so many other dudes on the entire southside of Chicago -tha fine ass & sexually attractive -Skye Thomas.

Now there's one thing that all these young tenders had in common with one another... they were ALL "Light-skinned Redbone Beauties." The irony here is... the 3 baddest chicks in school would never be anything more to me than just friends. I wound up dating a dark-skinned, pretty lips, pretty eyes, fresh 2 def, thick in the thighs (even @ that age), lil' ole-lil' ole named Rhemeecka Johnson -and yet I had all 3 redbones pegged as the measuring stick to what I thought "fine" truly was and what I ultimately was looking for in a girl.

I can remember very vividly ..the women of those times in entertainment that I really had a thing for. In music there was (all of whom I had pictures on my wall by the way)- Vanity, Shelia E., Appolonia & Lisa-Lisa. On TV it was all about Lisa Bonet', Jasmine Guy, Karyn Parsons (Hilary on Fresh Prince), Linda Carter (bka Wonder Woman) and last but definately not least... yall might think I'm buggin on this one but Moms used to watch "Days of our Lives" and there was this chick named Hope (Kristian Alfonso).... oooooweeeee! Then of course.. I can't forget Porn -even though I was waaaaay to young to be watching- I can recall this Latin bombshell whose name definately rings bells as one of the all-time greats... I'm talkin bout none other than "Vanessa Del Rio." Every last one of these females were fine as hell, light-skinned, long flowing hair and diversely mixed. These were my own personal images of what I thought pretty was.

Those images definately stayed with me... imprinted in my mind I carried it with me to high school and then onto college. Looking back now I think that my overall "dating -track record- ratio" is probably somethin like 70/30 okay ..okay maybe 80/20 in favor of the "Redbones." Now before my beautiful brown and dark-skinned sistas started letting loose on me and sending me hate mail let me just say ...I have dated all shades, shapes and sizes (well not too big.. lol) -the point is I don't think its necesarily an issue of discrimination. If it is infact an issue of discrimination then it is a condition that has been conditioned. Ladies... I want yall to peep this little statistic that I came across while researching my condition for this "Moulin Rouge" feature article -A study done at the University of Toronto showed that men of all races subconsciously preferred lighter women, and women of all races preferred darker men. They determined that aesthetic preferences reflected moral preferences…because men equated lighter skinned women with innocence and purity, and women equated darker skinned men with virility and mystery.

-Adero Dawson

Joni Mitchell Never Lies .....

On some confession shit, I have been on some bullshit lately. I have immersed myself into the grind. With all the talk about the recession, money, blackberry’s, blogging, politics, etc…somewhere along the way I forgot to value what is real. I forgot how to take a deep breath, how to listen to the birds, how to see sounds, how to laugh, how soft my wife's skin feels. Somewhere I forgot how to let children be children, I forgot that when it’s all said and done…the only thing that matters is life itself. "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till its gone?" Joni Mitchell never lies....

Life has a way of reminding you what is “Real”…and life has a way of “slowing you down”. A few weekends ago it rained for a week straight…I can’t describe how I felt when I saw the sun come out.

So now maybe I can be a little bit more patient, maybe I can be a more considerate, and maybe I can live in the now instead of living in the past and rushing to the future.

"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot"

Rollie Gray

Official Keri Hilson Cd Listening Party

Tue Mar 24 Official Keri Hilson Cd listening party Pearl Bistro and Bar $2 tuesday $2 drinks all nite ladies free till Midnite 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy

A Shout Out To DJ Incogneedle

Everybody knows that the cornerstone to hip hop music is the DJ. Quick pro quo.... which DJ is credited with originating hip hop music over all others? I'll give yall a hint ...he was a staple in the classic hip hop movie "Beat Street." I would just personally like to say thank you and BIG UP to "KOOL HERC" (godfather of the breakbeat) for not only paving the way for a DJ like my guy DJ Incogneedle but hip hop music on a whole!

DJ Incogneedle an Omaha native moved to the ATL in the late 90's and has been Deejaying ever since he was a pre-teen. He has a knack for manipulating music and is a true B-Boy who is truly a technician on the techniques ya dig? Each and every time he spins at a party in tha A Town I try to make sure that I am present. As you all are aware -or should be by now-vinyl is dying or rather dead. But being the hip hop music connoisseur that he is -Incogneedle (or Jay as we call him) has one of the biggest vinyl collections that I have seen as of late (w/ the exception of DJ Pocket). Jay takes diggin' in tha crates -his favorite pass time very seriously. He doubles as a "Master Chef" as well, but best believe that this dude is in the lab every chance he gets spinnin nothin but that classic tru skool shit! I can remember being over this dude's crib and he would let me spin... sware to God I felt just like a kid in a candy store! Every classic joint imaginable from "Criminal Minded" to "Resurrection" to "tha Carter III" ...Incogneedle has it all.

So for all your music and DJ needs ..please reach out and holla at my guy DJ Incogneedle he has done it all from Deejaying parties, weddings, banquets to live sets and performances. He also hosts and mixes mixtapes. Even though DJ Incogneedle isn't a popular radio personality around town, he is still on the verge of breakin through -just tell him to "put the needle on the record!"

-Adero Dawson

Keri Hilson knocks down Kanye and Ne-Yo

Chicago expected to replace some police patrols with private security...

As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports, the private security officers now on patrol on the city's Far South Side are expected to have their powers expanded as part of a citywide ordinance now being prepared.

But officials are questioning whether this means public safety is being outsourced.

Mayor Richard M. Daley has already privatized many city functions. The Chicago Skyway has been leased to a Spanish conglomerate. Midway Airport is run by a Canadian company. The parking meters were sold to a firm run by Morgan Stanley, and as a result, the cost of parking in the city has skyrocketed.

cbs2chicago.com

Rachel Roy Tells Dame It’s Over

He's got no money, but he sure does have mo' problems.

Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear co-founder Damon Dash has been slapped with divorce papers by wife Rachel Roy, the Daily News has learned.

The stunning fashion designer piled onto Dash's already sizable stack of lawsuits when she filed for divorce from her husband of four years this month in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Ed Hayes, a lawyer for Roy, declined comment, and a Dash spokeswoman did not return calls or e-mails.

An electronic record of the case says the divorce is for "nonmonetary relief" and should be resolved by February.

Dash and Roy, who put her own name on a women's fashion line, got hitched in Mexico in January 2005. They met when Roy was working at Rocawear and have two daughters.

newyorkdailynews.com

AIG is now AIU Holdings, Ltd.

Following up Ryan Grim's report from Congress last week that AIG chief Edward Liddy was looking to change the company's "thoroughly wounded and disgraced" name, it appears as though words are being put into action.

The massive insurance operation will henceforth be known as AIU Holdings, Ltd., a process that began this past weekend with the removal of the large, front-end AIG sign from the its Manhattan office.

huffingtonpost.com

Kanye West: 'People Tune Into Me For Escapism [From The Recession]'

Everyone's affected by the economy these days. Rappers and other celebs are getting their houses foreclosed on, while others are getting in trouble for non-payment on taxes. Despite it all, Kanye West claims glimpses into his life offer an escape from hard times for his fans.

In Complex magazine's brand new cover story on West, the rapper explains, saying people can live through him to "get their mind off the recession."

"People tune into me for escapism," West tells the mag. "When you went to the Glow in the Dark Tour, you were literally transported to another planet.

NO KANYE....YOU ARE NOT ESCAPISM....THAT'S WHY WE HAVE PORN!!!!
Read more

Jordan's son wins state championship

PEORIA, Ill. - Michael Jordan celebrated another Chicago basketball championship - his son's.

Marcus Jordan, son of the Bulls' six-time champion, scored a game-high 19 points to lead Chicago Whitney Young to a 69-66 victory over Waukegan in the Illinois Class 4A championship Saturday.

As Marcus Jordan and his teammates celebrated on the court after the final buzzer, Michael Jordan stood quietly, clapping his hands with tears in his eyes.

"Crying?" the NBA great said in response to a reporter's question. "I'm not crying. Not for me, anyway."

The younger Jordan was key down the stretch after two teammates fouled out, hitting four of four free throws in the final 3 minutes to seal the victory.

"Awesome," Marcus Jordan said. "Just awesome."

Michael Jordan, part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, skipped his team's home loss to Indiana so he could attend his son's game. Another son, Jeff Jordan, plays basketball for the University of Illinois.
Associated Press

My Sneaks 4 Tha Week

So buss it... these joints right here are a brand new pair of Vans. Not just any pair of Vans but a fresh new limited pair known as "Half Cabs Vans." Now I must confess... I kinda -sorta hopped on the Vans bandwagon myself about a year ago. At the time I just really seemed to notice that the sneaker trend was really shifting. More katz began rockin more skateboard kicks -(i.e. DC's, Vox, Ed Hardy, Ice Creams, Zoo York and of course Vans.)

I must admit I didn't think that I would ever leave my Nikes and Adidas alone for a pair of skater shoes?? -But it's like my lil white homie Eric used to tell me back in high school -(Vans was all he wore by tha way -everyday all day)... he said -"hey Dero these boys right here are the single most comfortable kicks you could ever wear period!" FFWD like 15 years and I finally cop a pair... boy he wasn't lying at all! Those Vans were some of the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn bar none!

-Adero Dawson

How Fresh is She? Megan Fox

Megan Denise Fox (born May 16, 1986) is an American actress and model. She is known for her roles on the television series Hope & Faith (2004) and in the 2007 live-action film Transformers.

ANY DAY DRE?? (or maybe year) -We're Still Waiting!

Okay, seriously though... when in GOD's name is the greatest music producer of our time going to finally drop this freaking "DETOX" album? I mean don't get me wrong, I completely understand that with the recent loss of his son (my heart & prayers go out to Dre), and givin other catz like Game, Em and 50 joints that may have been slated to be on there -but its Dr. Dre- this dude can make a hit song in his slumber!

I think that we all as fans and supporters of Dr.Dre have all grown accustom to his track record. We know that he only puts out albums like Sade' or Anita Baker -once every 8-10 yrs and all, but DAAAMMN!!! Come on B... you really got us out here in these streetz fiend'n like "Pookie" or "Tyrone Biggums" and shit. We're gonna actually have to go to Detox fo real -out here overdose'n on all the bullcrap in tha world and on the radio. So Please ..PLEASE!! Doc if u listenin... come on big homie.. WE NEED U!!! A.S.A.P. like T.I.P. say ya dig? I don't know ...how much longer do yall think we're gonna have 2 wait???

Adero tha Social-Lite

A Shout to EZ EDDIE D

I think it was early 2000 when Tony Cohiba sent me a cassette of “City Hall Infallible”...featuring AftaDef and Phlustee Jonz.….about a month earlier he sent me a tape of AftaDef's " A New Beginning"…..there was so much heat on A.N.B..... I eagerly anticipated "City Hall’s" new joints. I had to get in my mode….I rolled me a fatty…grabbed a wide mouth 22oz of Budlight….burned an incense…and popped it in the tape deck….the first song I heard was “Building”…I instantly knew I had to get that one on the radio!!!!

At the time I was living in Dallas, TX. Me being the true B Boy that I am...I would listen to the only “Real” hip hop show in Dallas…which was “EZ Eddie D on 89.3 KNON…"Knowledge Dropped, lessons Taught"…every Saturday 5 to 7pm. I didn't know the politics on how to get a song on the radio…but I knew "Building" was good enough to get played.

I got to the studio around 4pm…I figured I would have a better chance if I got @ EZ before all the "heads" got there. He finally arrived around 4:50pm….I greeted him and EZ was real “PG”. He played the song…he was diggin’ it…in short he put “Building” in heavy rotation.

I learned a lot from EZ….a true people person & a lover of hip hop…..he’s been on the Radio for over 25 years!!!!! I often wonder how many people he’s given an opportunity???? After "Building" with EZ....I would say -many!!!! For more info about EZ Eddie D…click on the link……….
undevco.com

Rollie Gray

Keri Hilson and Kanye West on the set of “Make Love”

Kanye I see u touchin' on my girlfriend......

Big Boi is sportin’ the “ATLien” hoodie that Chilly-O Clothing

I got this from Chilly O....

Caught Out: Mr. and Mrs. Patto

March 16th, 2009 by Chilly-O

Can’t thank these two enough, "Mr. and Mrs. Patton aka Big Boi and Cherlita," hanging out at Pure prior to ripping the stage at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Big Boi is sportin’ the “ATLien” hoodie that Chilly-O Clothing dedicated to Atlanta and Purple Royalty!!! Only a handful of people in the city have this hoodie, so if you see them floating around, make sure you check for the shiny safety pin!

ChillyO.com

AIG CEO: 'High point of public anger'

By LISA LERER & MARTIN KADY II

With voters and politicians consumed by populist outrage at his company’s $165 million in bonuses, AIG CEO Edward Liddy acknowledged a “high point of public anger,” saying he found the payouts “distasteful.”

In an effort to quell the uprising against AIG, Liddy told a House committee Wednesday afternoon he had asked employees who received bonuses over $100,000 to return half of that money, and some executives had already volunteered to return 100 percent of their payouts.

politico.com

This is a lesson if u guessin? -if u borrowin?

Are you a leader? or Are you a follower? What exactly are you teaching your children? Are you teaching them to lead -and lead by example? or Are you teaching them to simply fall in line and conform with no individuality of their own?

I can remember (very vividly I might add) the impact that a man by the name of Rakim -along with his incredible DJ Eric B had on my entire life! I mean..... I had already gotten a dose of Run DMC, LL Cool J, Dougie Fresh & Ricky D. But nothing could have prepared me... not even KRS (BDP), Gangstarr or Public Enemy for the albums "Paid In Full" and "Follow tha Leader". These monumental staples in the art form and culture at large known as hip hop -set a precedent for incorporating knowledge of self into rhyming. Rakim would paint the most vivid images while delivering mathematics through precision rhyming. His vocal tone and cadence was unmatched and far ahead of its time! With "bone chilling" runs in verses like -"Follow me into a solo...get in tha flow...and u can picture like a photo-"

At the time (mid 80's).... by this being such a new and lively form of music and self-expression, no one rapper wanted to burden the responsibility of the teachings of the 5% nation and Islam in rap music period. It had never been done before we "Followed tha Leader" into this new realm of education, history and awareness. Of course throughout the late 80's and early 90's we saw a resurgence in the popularity of the Nation Of Islam. Most followers of the NOI had gotten pass the internal controversy looming around Malcolm's death and had since looked forward to a new leader in the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He would now be the central voice for people of color throughout the country.

Now don't get me wrong, in the late 80's hip hop saw a lot more Black Awareness rappers and groups emerge. Kats like Big Daddy Kane, Guru, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz and King Sun to name a few. Another significant album during this period for me was Public Enemy's sophomore offering -"It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back!" By the time the 90's hit we as a people were well on our way to becoming not just more informed about our own heritage and culture as African Americans, but we were becoming a community of leaders. You had X-Clan, Nas, Brand Nubian and Ice Cube & Paris out on the left-coast. These were the new leaders for our children... more Black men embraced the importance of being in their child's lives and keeping the family foundation and structure strong. There is no doubt in my mind that even the greatest leader of my generation and in this nation's history -President Barack Obama undoubtedly listened to some of these profound lyricists -orators in their own right. I can hear Barack back then mimic'n lines after Rakim -talkin bout'... "I can take a phrase thas rarely heard- flip it... now it's a daily word!"

-Adero

The Obama Deception

Click on the link below,very interesting stuff.
To borrow a quote from my 2nd oldest friend
Tae...



"Sometimes we have to stop drinking the Kool-Aid"

theobamadeception

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

Now I've already told yall that I'm a "Nike Freak" every day of tha week so don't mind tha fact that these will be one of many pairs of Nike selections. Whether SB Dunks, Air 1's, or Air Max -I just simply prefer these types of kicks. Not to fret 4 all u other sneaker freaks out there in sneakerville.... I still got yall faded in the upcoming weeks. Till' then... here are some eye-catchers I call "Oriole Crocs" - it's time... to get fresh for summer 09'.

-ADERO

How Fresh is She? Meagan Good Begins Recording Debut Album

by Ronnie Gamble

Although Meagan Good's main profession has been acting, it was recently revealed that she's been hitting the recording studio in-between long days on set.

The actress -- who's most recent films include "The Love Guru" and "Saw V" -- told Rap-Up.com that she's been recording for her debut album. However, she admitted the album is in the experiment stage.

"I've been recording some stuff here and there -- just experimenting, really focusing on getting up to par vocally," she said.

To get to that level, Good has been working on her voice, with a very high-profile producer -- The Dream. She says she's been working with the singer/songwriter for about two months.

BallerStatus.com

Sears Tower name to change to Willis Tower

Sears Tower will change its name to Willis Tower this summer, under the terms of a lease signed by global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings.

Willis Group plans to consolidate five area offices and move nearly 500 associates into Willis Tower, at 233 S. Wacker Drive, initially occupying more than 140,000 square feet on multiple floors.

London-based Willis said that its move to the new space, at $14.50 per square foot, will reduce its real estate costs significantly and that there is no additional cost associated with renaming the building.

"It was part of our negotiations," said Willis spokesman Will Thoretz. "We are actually not having to pay anything for renaming the building."

chicagotribune.com

Erykah Badu Teams Up With Artist Steven Lopez For Limited Painting

by Allen Starbury

Erykah Badu is the subject of a new art piece by respected Los Angeles artist Steven Lopez, who will feature the soul singer in the latest piece in his "After Midnight Series."

The series has already featured musical greats such as Chaka Kahn, Sade Adu, Aretha Franklin, India Arie, and Jill Scott. Now, it's Badu's turn.

To work with Badu is an honor says the artist, "Erykah is one of my favorite artists of all time and I've been looking forward to interpreting her music, since I saw her perform in 2005 during the 'Sugar Water' tour stop at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles."

ballerstatus.com

Madoff Pleads Guilty To Massive Investment Fraud

Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty to 11 criminal charges. Thursday's plea means Madoff could be sentenced to 150 years in prison. Former investment manager Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday to 11 criminal charges for allegedly scamming thousands of investors in a Ponzi scheme that spanned at least two decades.

He could be sentenced to as many as 150 years in prison, according to prosecutors. At least 25 investors who lost money to Madoff have asked U.S. District Judge Denny Chin to be allowed to speak.

Obama To Name Hamburg To Head FDA

NPR.org, March 11, 2009 · Former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret (Peggy) Hamburg is President Obama's choice to lead the federal Food and Drug Administration, sources tell NPR.

Hamburg has a long and diverse history as a public health leader and bioterrorism expert. She's currently a senior scientist at the Nuclear Threat Initiative in Washington, D.C.

Yo thas tha sh#t God!! -"Pennies"-COOL KIDS

- Yo ....so wus happenin? Aiight yall, I know by now everyone out there in "rap music limbo" has been waiting on some real B-Boy hip hop ventage shit! Well I know I have... Anyway, I'm sure that all u so call "headz" are familiar w/ my hometown faves right now... them "COOL KIDS" and guess what?? they got it.

-Stay Tuned .....I hear that album is about 2 drop anytime now entitled "When Fish Ride Bicycles" -(The Bake Sale was only an EP)- can't wait ...big up 2 dem youtz!

-A. Denero

KANYE TO APPEAR ON AMERICAN IDOL

KANYE TO APPEAR ON AMERICAN IDOL

Kanye is set to take the stage TONIGHT (March 11) on American Idol, performing "Heartless"! Check your local listings and be sure to tune in to Fox! CLICK HERE for details!

New iPod Shuffle Unveiled

By Sam Grobart

Apple pulled the covers off its newest iPod today, the tie-clip-sized iPod Shuffle. The new music player is half the size of its predecessor, but ups the memory capacity to 4GB (about 1,000 songs).

The new Shuffle gets its small size, in part, from placing the controls on the headset cord, as opposed to on the iPod itself. Like all previous Shuffles, there’s no display, but Apple has added VoiceOver, its new synthesized-speech feature, that tells you what song is playing, who is singing it, or what playlists you have.

Available for $79 in silver or dark gray, the new Shuffle is available now at apple.com. Of course, at this size, Apple may want to consider adding another feature: a locator beacon. The new Shuffle’s so small, it’s only a matter of time before you lose it.

gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com

Everything… including life is a Risk

Risk ……the possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger….. a factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger; a hazard……

Calculated Risk is a risk that has been given thoughtful consideration and for which the potential costs and potential benefits have been weighted and considered.

When I took a precious moment out of my hectic & chaotic life… I had what alcoholics call “a moment of clarity”...I realized that everything...including life is a Risk. The only thing that is guaranteed is our physical becoming one with the Earth. It’s a risk when we go to sleep……it’s not a given that we will wake up….it’s not a given that the automobile will start….not a given that we will have that job when we get to the office…not a given that lady/man will be at home waiting on us when we return.

I guess one could reply to the above mention by stating that there are those that take “Calculated Risks”….those that assess the situation prior to entering an agreement ....I would reply by stating that some don’t have that option….many have to do things at times even if it’s not the best choice.

So how do companies continue to sale and market their product with the consumer “knowing that there’s a risk”. Companies use the “Guarantee and the Warranty”. Everything is re engineered to mimic the functions of life and the human body…. i.e a car….blood is the oil…… food is the gas….the engine is the heart….Your car is backed by a ten year warranty….what is life’s warranty??? Believing is a being greater then yourself ….this is how we can go on with our lives regardless of the risk…..…..but like Kanye say……”what do I know”……

Rollie

Bob Marley: The Man, The Myth, The Brand

By Katia Dunn

Morning Edition, March 11, 2009 - More than 25 years after he died, Bob Marley is still the king of reggae — and a counterculture icon. Now, his family is looking toward its own legacy. Last month, family members announced an ambitious plan to capitalize on the Marley legend by introducing a line of Marley-branded products, including salad dressing and a video game.

On a sunny afternoon in Washington, D.C., people stroll through an art gallery in the Georgetown neighborhood. Portraits of Bob Marley hang on the walls. Photographer David Burnett took them more than 30 years ago, and many of the fans here never saw Marley alive.

Tarren Queen, 18, says she's been listening to him since she was 10 — and so have all her friends.

"You can walk into clothing stores that sell band T-shirts and stuff, and there'll be just as many Bob Marley shirts as there are bands that just came out," she says. "He's still popular, and people still love him."

Marketers have been trying to take advantage of Marley's multigenerational appeal for years. Many of those T-shirts and posters for sale are technically counterfeit. But, until now, the Marley family resisted contracting with other companies to sell the name. Marley has long been considered so potentially profitable that getting his account qualifies as the holy grail of advertising.

npr.org

Ice Cube, Xzibit, Others To Perform In Amsterdam For First West Coast Hip Hop Festival

by Anne van de Sande

Several west coast legends -- including Ice Cube, Xzibit, Too Short, Tha Dogg Pound and E-40 -- have recently signed on to perform at the upcoming West Coast Hip Hop Festival going down in Amsterdam next month.

Organizers 1st Priority, in a collaboration with popular west coast-focused hip-hop site DubCNN, have managed to pull together a huge west coast line-up, which will be held on April 1st at Amsterdam's Heineken Music Hall.

With other festivals such as Rock the Bells and Check the Rhyme still fresh in their minds, European fans can expect yet another day of good ole fashioned hip-hop from vets who have consitently churned out hits over the years.

"The idea of putting an all-star line up together was with me for some years," says Kenneth, CEO of 1st Priority. "It finally came together when me and my French partner had a chance to put an European Ice Cube tour together. We were like, 'We need to do something special around it and bring some more artists from the West, they need a platform in Europe.' Artists like E-40, Too Short, DJ Quik and many others never came here and by doing this festival, we hope to open doors for established and new artists in the future.

Ballerstatus.com

Common Provides Youth With Online Book Club

Author: Edwin Ortiz
Chicago rapper Common has time and time again done his part to help the youth through writing and community service. In 2005 for instance, he wrote and released three books for elementary age children that received warm praise from parents and teachers alike. Now, with a new online venture, Common is hoping to inspire teens through the art of storytelling with The Corner book club.

Launching yesterday on commongroundfoundation.com, The Corner book club is described as an interactive medium to engage high school kids in reading, specifically with their book-of-the-month selections.

hiphopdx.com

STAR HOUSE ENTERTAINERS Presents: "WE R MY PEOPLE" starring Ivy Marie

If you look closely...checkout baby girl with the Purple Scarf rebelling with a raised fist....that's my daughter Ivy Marie...(I'm so proud) she will be performing in the play "We R My People"...... A riveting musical production that navigates the story of the African American experience. From the holes of slave ships to President of the United States. This harrowing tale is told through the SENSATIONAL performance of STAR HOUSE ENTERTAINERS' SUPERSTAR KIDZ! You won't believe your eyes as they take you on an emotional yet triumphant journey! Come out and FEEL THE EXPERIENCE!!

Where: Star House Entertainers Rehearsal Hall

1979 A Parker Court

Stone Mountain, GA 30087

**************************************

SHOW TIMES: 2pm & 7pm

Advance Tickets available for $10.00 (adults)

$7.00 (children)

on payment page!

Reserve your seat now!

$15 at the door (adults)

$10 (children)

Tickets will be available at will call for those who purchase online!

starhouseentertainers.net

Obama will use spring summit to bring Cuba in from the cold

Rory Carroll

President Barack Obama is poised to offer an olive branch to Cuba in an effort to repair the US's tattered reputation in Latin America.

The White House has moved to ease some travel and trade restrictions as a cautious first step towards better ties with Havana, raising hopes of an eventual lifting of the four-decade-old economic embargo. Several Bush-era controls are expected to be relaxed in the run-up to next month's Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago to gild the president's regional debut and signal a new era of "Yankee" cooperation.

The administration has moved to ease draconian travel controls and lift limits on cash remittances that Cuban-Americans can send to the island, a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families.

guardian.co.uk

Major N.W.A. Biopic Reportedly In Pre-Production

After success from the recent Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious [click to read], New Line Cinema reps announced to Entertainment Weekly's "Hollywood Insider Blog" that N.W.A.'s story is in development to become a theatrical release. Tentatively titled Straight Outta Compton, the film is presently seeking a director, after Eazy E's widow and Ruthless Records CEO Tomica Wright, Ice Cube [click to read] and Dr. Dre are all said to be producers.

According to the source, the director is mind is to be similar to 8 Mile's Curtis Hanson.
hiphopdx.com

Where Were The Media As Wall Street Imploded?

by David Folkenflik

Morning Edition, March 9, 2009 · There are plenty of people to share the blame for the collapse of the nation's financial system. Greedy speculators, mortgage executives and banking chiefs; pliant credit rating agencies; and absentee government regulators come to mind.

But what about the self-described watchdogs in the media? As a consistent consumer of newspapers and TV news, and a frequent reader of magazines, I didn't have much sense that the nation's financial system could implode until it was starting to do so.

NPR.Org

A SHOUT OUT TO THE "MIGHTY CENTRAL DIVISION"

Question? ..Is it possible to mix and combine the griminess of the streets with scientific rap? ..and with the state of hip hop being so party oriented with very few artist taking the social awareness approach -is it possible for today's rap music to have a message in a way that's not preachy?? Well, just ask a trio of Chicago bred emcees what they think and I'm sure that they all would respond like ...."yo just go cop our very first album!"

Enter tha "Central Division" -rap music's true "Triangle Offense." Starring: from (L) to (R) - "BENNIE FRANK"-aka tha General, "LOCK" -aka Sage, "BIG A.D." aka AFTA DEF and of course "RO GITTY" aka Rollie Hardware. The individual and distinctive style of each member coincides very nicely. First emerging on Atlanta's hip hop scene in late 2003 tha Central made an impressive introduction for themselves. They put out their very first self entitled album the following year which had (13) bangaz -pure "Street Science." At the time the underground hip hop scene in Atlanta was already poppin off with an array of talent and diversity.

For the next 2-3 years the talented trio really went hard on the daily grind of the conventional "starvin artist." After grabbing the attention of a well-known host/hip hop personality -Dres tha Beatnik (World Famous Mic Club)-who is actually more like a permanent fixture in the underground Atlanta hip hop scene, they watched themselves gain acclaim fairly quick having performed at most if not all major venues for hip hop throughout tha ATL. With feature write ups in several different magazines and publications, postings on endless websites and music that sees a good amount of air time especially on college radio ( big ups to- 89.3 WRFG)- tha Central is poised to put out not only the illest mixtape series around (dubbed-"Bootleg B-Sides"), but they are also in the studio putting the finishing touches on their second album simply entitled "US."

Each member -a hip hop super hero in their own right- are all currently working on solo projects respectively. Bennie Frank is droppin joints for his upcoming solo debut: "Street Copy written", Lock is slated to release his solo debut in early May entitled: "Street Science" and AD is finishing up his sophomore solo offering: "Tha Grammys." Once the three unite like Voltron and administer that "Triangle Offense" -no rappin evildoer is safe.... so yall better guard ya grillz and keep them boyz outta tha painted areas ya dig!

Stay tuned 4 future music and live show performances.
Big Ups to all who have shown us Love,

-Adero

My Sneaks 4 tha Week

So this week I had to hit yall with some str8 up classic joints! Now I must say that I am personally a "NIKE FREAK" every day of tha week, but I have owned enough ADDIDAS in my days to know a pair of gemstones when I come across them.

Now I promise yall..... I am gonna do my best to keep this new section as diversely intergrated as possible, but I must warn yall.... I ain't really down with all these bullshit nuvo kicks thas out here ya dig? So for all you "tripp deez" - outerspace shoe wearin mofo's guess what?? -This section is not for u! So behold the "ADDIDAS SUPERSTAR VULC" - reminiscent of tha "Kings Of Rock" themselves.... shout out 2 "RUN DMC."

Talib Kweli Raises Money For Chicago Schools

Author: Salima Koroma

As the son of two educators and an advocate for positivity in his music, Talib Kweli [click to read] is using his voice to help create social change. He is all set to perform two back-to-back Dare 2 Dream charity events at the House of Blues in Chicago to help promote reading and literacy among Chicago's youth. Non-profit organization, Working in the Schools (WITS) will use benefits from the event to provide students with one-on-one tutoring and mentoring programs.

CNN Cancels DL Hughley's News Show

Author: Omar Burgess

Four months after his satirical approach to news coverage aired, D.L. Hughley's CNN show, "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News" [click to read] is going off the air. Initial reports cited an unnamed inside source close to CNN who said the show was being canceled due to "budgetary constraints."

HipHopDX.com

Banks' Fifteen-Year Winning Streak Snapped: House Passes Mortgage Relief Bill

The House on Thursday passed bankruptcy reform legislation that dealt the banking industry its first major defeat since 1994. The bill, passed 234-191, largely along party lines, encourages lenders to renegotiate mortgages with troubled homeowners. If they can't, the bill allows bankruptcy judges to modify the mortgages, a reform that bankers have argued undermines the sanctity of a contract and rewards bad behavior.

But their arguments fell on deaf ears in a chamber that has appropriated hundreds of billions of dollars in bailout funds for major banks.

"There are some people who said during the debate, 'Well, this bill rewards irresponsibility or bad choices.' Well, my goodness," said Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.). "Many people in my district feel that those [bank bailouts] rewarded irresponsibility and bad decisions, but they were done in the name of a broader interest. So on this issue, frankly, the banks were out of touch with the American people."

thehuffingtonpost.com

Geithner Alone: Top Two Treasury Nominees Pull Out

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is two steps further away from filling the ranks of his senior staff.

As markets quake and Treasury confronts the worst economic crisis in decades, Geithner has seen two people he had hoped to name to key posts withdraw from consideration.

Annette Nazareth, a former senior staffer and commissioner with the Securities and Exchange Commission, made "a personal decision" to withdraw from the process, according to a person familiar with her decision.

The decision followed more than a month of intense scrutiny of her taxes and multiple interviews. No tax problems or other issues arose during Nazareth's vetting, said the person, who requested anonymity because Geithner's choice of Nazareth was never announced officially.

"She did put a great deal of consideration into the potential of taking the position, and she concluded that she really enjoys what she's doing now," this person said.

thehuffingtonpost.com

Unemployment Hits 25-year High

The U.S. economy continued to hemorrhage jobs in February, bringing total job losses over the last six months to more than 3.3 million, and taking the unemployment rate to its highest level in 25 years.

The government reported Friday that employers slashed 651,000 jobs in February, down from a revised loss of 655,000 jobs in January. December's loss was also revised higher to a loss of 681,000 jobs, a 59-year high for losses in one month.

Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast a loss of 650,000 jobs in February.

"The economy is headed south with a vengeance," said Kurt Karl, head of economic research for the U.S. unit of insurer Swiss Re.

The unemployment rate rose to 8.1% from 7.6% in January. It was the highest reading since December 1983 and higher than economists' projections of 7.9%.

cnn.com