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BLACK MUSIC MONTH: Book Notes – A Breakdown of the Latest Urban Reads
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas, it’s Black Music Month! Since its establishment in 1979, television channels, corporations, and consumers have acknowledged the contributions of African-Americans to the cultural landscape of this country through song.
There are any numbers of books that provide rich histories of music genres, as well as books that serve as great autobiographies of musical artists. This month, as AllHipHop.com celebrates Black Music Month, we want to share with you some of our Black Music book picks:
The Music of Black Americans (A History) by Eileen Southern
Nearing its 15th anniversary, and in its third printing, The Music of Black Americans (A History), weaves a fascinating narrative of intense musical activity. Singers, players, and composers, Black American musicians are fully chronicled in this landmark book. Beginning with the arrival of the first Africans in the English colonies, the author added a wealth of material covering the latest developments in gospel, blues, jazz, classical, crossover, Broadway, and rap as they relate to African American music.
Motown: Music, Money, Sex, and Power by Gerald Posner
Set against the Civil Rights movement, the decay of America’s Northern industrial cities, and the social upheaval of the 1960s, Motown is a tale of the incredible entrepreneurship of Berry Gordy. But it also features the moving stories of kids from Detroit’s inner-city projects who achieved remarkable success and then, in many cases, found themselves fighting the demons that so often come with stardom—drugs, jealousy, sexual indulgence, greed, and uncontrollable ambition. Motown features an extraordinary cast of characters, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder. They are presented as they lived and worked: a clan of friends, lovers, competitors, and sometimes vicious foes.
Jazz by Gary Giddins and Scott Deveaux
Emphasizing its African American roots, Jazz traces the history of the music over the last hundred years. They explain what jazz is, where it came from, and who created it and why, all within the broader context of American life and culture. Jazz describes the travails and triumphs of musical innovators struggling for work, respect, and cultural acceptance set against the backdrop of American history, commerce, and politics.
The History of the Blues: The Roots, The Music, The People by Francis Davis
A groundbreaking rethinking of the blues, The History of the Blues fearlessly examines how race relations have altered perceptions of the music. Tracing its origins from the Mississippi Delta to its amplification in Chicago right after World War II, Davis argues for an examination of the blues in its own right, not just as a precursor to jazz and rock ‘n roll.
Memoirs of a Super Freak by Rick James
There are autobiographies, and then there are books about a person that totally transform how you see them and builds the respect you have for them. Memoirs of a Super Freak is the latter. Written while James was incarcerated, this autobiography is a trip inside his creative and amusingly twisted mind. The book chronicles James early life, his musical career and achievements, his eventual unraveling, and his return to popularity shortly before his death.
Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles Cross
There are many books on this iconic guitar player – this is considered one of the best unlocking the mystery of who Hendrix was. From his difficult childhood and adolescence in Seattle, through his incredible rise to celebrity in London’s swinging ’60s, it is the story of an outrageous life – with legendary tales of sex, drugs, and excess, while it also reveals a man who struggled to accept his role as idol and who privately craved the kind of normal family life he never had. The book showcases never-before-seen documents and private letters, and is based on hundreds of interviews with those who knew Hendrix – many of whom had never before agreed to be interviewed.
Songs in the Key of My Life: A Memoir by Ferentz LaFargue
Songs in the Key of My Life is the book that we all would want to write, but LaFargue definitely beat us to it. Chronicling life experiences and interpreting them through some of his favorite songs, this book, and The Message by Felicia Pride are books that remind us how significant music can be in one’s life. LaFargue invites readers into his life via his playlist, and the trip is a good one.
FEEL RICH VIDEO: No Gym? No Problem! International Weight Lifting Team BARSTARZZ
Editor’s Note: “Feel Rich” is our partnership with QD3, the talented son of music legend Quincy Jones. “Feel Rich” is all about creating a healthy lifestyle for Hip-Hop culture – both the artists and the fans. Enjoy!
The amazing athletes of BarStarzz gave Feel Rich the skinny on working out and making due with what you have. Their no nonsense, no excuses approach to working out has made them an international sensation. Along with their ability to make calisthenics accessible and an art form in itself, the BarStarzz stand as a testament to true athleticism and have helped inspired people around the world.
Check out some dope video of the BarStarzz and a crazy military workout to try at home below:
For more tips and videos from Barstarzz, follow them on Twitter (@BarStarzz). Like what you’ve seen? Learn more at Feel Rich’s website. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Back to Basics: Bodyweight Workouts
No gym? No excuses! Body weight exercises are classics with good reason — they work. Push ups, pull ups, and sit ups are just the beginning — learn how to vary each exercise to pop muscles you didn’t know you had. Good enough for the U.S. Armed Forces, good enough for you — if you can take it. Man up and pull up to see how you would fare against Uncle Sam.
Good enough is never good enough when it comes to the military, so aim to double the minimum to keep from looking like a loser.
The Workout
Pull ups
Standard: Start with a straight-arm hang, elbows locked, feet off the ground. Arms completely straight between reps, chin must clear the bar every time. No swinging, just straight up and down.
Minimum: USMC: max (up to 20), Army Rangers: 6; Navy SEALs: 8
No time limit — you quit when you fall from the bar.
Mix It Up:
- Vary the width of your grip to work your back and shoulders from different angles.
- Extra-wide hands hit the back, hands-touching grips concentrate on the chest.
- Try an underhand grip to hit the biceps and chest.
Too Easy?
- Do it one-handed (yes, people really do that).
- Clip barbell plates to your weight belt. Do this one-handed.
- Raise your legs straight in front of you at the bottom of every rep to work your abs. With ankle weights. And one hand.
Pushups
Standard: Palms planted under shoulders, toes on the ground. Body should form a straight line — don’t stick your butt in the air, and don’t let your junk sag. Elbows must lock at the top, bend to 90 degrees at the bottom.
Minimum: Army: max in 2 min.; USAF: 33 in 1 min.; Navy 37 in 1 min.; Army Rangers: 49 in 2 min.; Navy SEALs: 42 in 2 min.; Green Beret: 100 in 2 min.
Mix It Up:
- Vary the width of your hands to hit the chest from different angles. Hands wide apart hits the outer edge of the chest, hands touching makes that deep cut between the pecs.
- Point your elbows in different directions — elbows straight back hits the triceps, elbows straight out to the sides concentrates the force on your chest.
- Do push ups on your fists instead of flat palms to put more pressure on the biceps.
Too Easy?
- Do it one-handed.
- Stack your feet.
- Bring a knee to the elbow at the bottom of every rep to work your waist.
- Push your body off the floor and clap your hands at the top of each rep.
- Put your feet on a chair and your hands on the floor to force all of your body weight toward your arms.
- Between reps, jump your feet to your hands and stand up, then jump back into push up position.
Sit Ups
Standard: Feet must remain flat on the ground, and hands must not leave the back of the head. Raise to a complete sitting position, lower only until the bottom of your shoulder blades touch the ground.
Minimum: Army: max in 2 minutes; USAF: 42 in 1 min.; Navy 46 in 1 min.; USMC: max in 2 min. (up to 100); Army Rangers: 59 in 2 min.; Navy SEALs: 52 in 2 min.; Green Beret: 100 in 2 min.
Mix It Up:
- Touch your elbows to the opposite knee to work your obliques for that V-shaped waist.
- Keep your upper body flat on the ground and raise your legs from the ground to over your head to hit the lower part of your abs.
Too Easy?
- Start laying flat on your back, then raise your straight legs and upper body at the same time to touch your toes straight up in the air.
- Do sit ups on an incline with your head lower than your feet to add intensity.
How do you feel? Tired? Well princess, now you have to run!
Army: 2 miles in minimum time (scored accordingly)
USAF: 1.5 miles in 13.36 min. max
Navy: 1.5 miles in 13.30 min. max
USMC: 3 miles in 18 min.
Army Rangers: 5 miles in 40 min.
Navy SEALs: 1.5 miles in 11.5 min. max.
Green Beret: 2 miles in 14 min. Max
Swizz Beatz, Nas To Mark Father's Day With Special "106 & Park" Appearance
(AllHipHop News) Producer Swizz Beatz and rapper Nas will make a special appearance during a Father’s Day special on BET’s countdown series “106 & Park.”
Nas will also hit the stage during the episode to perform his latest single “Daughters,” from his upcoming album Life is Good.
Ice-T will also appear on the same episode as Swizz and Nas, to promote his new movie “The Art of Rap.”
Swizz and Nas’ appearances are part of “106 & Park’s” June programming, which spotlights Black Music Month.
A number of popular acts will appear on the show throughout the month, including Waka Flocka, Anthony Mackie, Lil Scrappy, Chris Brown, Maybach Music Group, and actor/rapper Romeo.
“106 & Park” airs Monday-Friday at 6:00 PM/EST.
Check out the full line up below:
June 12 – Tyler James Williams to promote “Let it Shine” (Disney); Trey Songz World Premieres “2 Reasons” with T.I. via Facetime
June 13 – Teairra Mari co-hosts ‘Wild Out Wednesday’ with Terrence J.; B.o.B., Waka Flocka performance featuring Trey Songz
June 15 – Special Father’s Day Show featuring Swizz Beats; Ice-T to promote his latest film project “Art of Rap”
June 18 – Anthony Mackie and Benjamin Walker to promote “Abraham Lincoln: Hunter;” Music Matters Artist Jessyca Wilson performance
June 20 – BET alum Al Shearer (aka “Hitz from the Street”) to promote BET Awards Nomination Special; Appearances by J Wow and Snookie of “Jersey Shore”
June 22 – Justin Beiber to promote new album; Leah LaBelle with Pharrell & JD; Lil Scrappy and Cassidy are Freestyle Friday judges
June 26 – Maybach Music Group performance
June 27 – Childish Gambino performance
June 28 – Romeo to promote “Madea’s Witness Protection”
Jay-Z Partners with Duracell and Powermat to Create 'Wireless Power Nation'
(AllHipHop News) Just when you thought Jay-Z had done it all, the rap mogul is taking his entrepreneurism to another level.
In an unprecedented venture for rappers, athletes, and celebrity endorsers alike, Jay-Z is linking up with Duracell and Powermat to act as a spokesperson for “Wireless Power Nation,” a phone charging system that will be installed on tables and bars in coffeeshops, restaurants, clubs, gyms, and public venues across the country.
Currently, Jay-Z has the service available in his 40/40 Club in New York City.
The revolutionary technology allows patrons to charge their phones by simply placing their cell phone or wireless device on the table.
Duracell and GM have already used the technology on the Chevy Volt as well, so it is likely that consumers will see this technology in more and more cars in the near future as the technology becomes less expensive and demand increases for the convenience.
Ron Rabinowitz, Duracell Powermat CEO, told Mashable.com that there will be a Google app that will even display a map of hotspots near your location.
Duracell currently offers the 24 Hour Power System for $100, which can be used on the go. For more information, go to www.duracellpowermat.us.
19-Year-Old "Promise Ring" Singer Tiffany Evans Releases New Music; Married and Expecting First Child
Tiffany Evans has been flying under the radar since 2008, when she released her self-titled debut album with the Ciara-assisted first single, “Promise Ring”. Though it didn’t quite catch on, Evans has continued on, and she’s not a ‘kid’ anymore, sort of.
Now, the 19-year-old is back with “If You Love Me”, a song that really showcases the young songstress’ vocals. With the new song, she’s also revealed in a recent interview, she’s already been married for two years, and she and her husband are now expecting their first child.
When asked if she has a celebrity crush, the teen revealed:
“Well… might I say, I don’t have a celebrity crush considering I’m married! ][laughs] No one knows. I’ve been married for two years. He is the love of my life, and I love him very much. His name is Lorenzo. He’s a really a cool guy, and we’re expecting something else as well – our first child together. I am six months pregnant.”
It seems as if the world can’t handle such young vocalists like her singing mature songs – so Tiffany might need to link up with Justin Bieber, you know, in the meantime. Maybe not.
Grab “If You Love Me” on iTunes here.
EXCLUSIVE: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Set New Album For October; Talk Recording Process And Staying Indie
(AllHipHop News) After landing one of the much-talked-about spots on XXL’s “Freshman Class 2012” cover this past February, Seattle native Macklemore has been experiencing new successes in ways he once would have found hard to imagine.
With a number of festival appearances and a sold-out tour already in his rearview, the attention of both Macklemore and his producing partner, Ryan Lewis, are now entirely focused on the duo’s currently untitled new album which is set for a fall release.
“It will drop probably in October,” Mackelmore told AllHipHop.com at the Soundset Festival in Minneapolis last month. “Independently released at this point unless something crazy comes along so who knows, but at this point we’re going to put it out ourselves and that’s what makes the most sense to us. We’ll do a distribution deal with somebody but we’re going to do it ourselves and we’ve been approached by everybody, literally every f*cking major label,” he said.
When we pressed the MC for what was stopping him from inking a deal with a major label, Macklemore very bluntly told AllHipHop.com, “It’s just not right, man. I don’t want to feel that pressure. I want to make what we want to make without feeling like I have to create a certain song for the radio. And, you know, if it gets to that point someday, and I feel like I want to make that crossover, then I think we will. But I’m more than happy selling out shows across the world at the rate that we’re going, and the way that it’s progressing and building.”
He continued, “The fan base that we have and how loyal they are is all that we need, and the labels want to jump on it now ‘cause it’s popping and I understand the game but at the same time, as of right now I want us to continue to do it ourselves.”
As for how far Mack is into he and Lewis’ recording process, he responded, “The album is almost done, we’ve got about two or three more weeks of recording. I got a lot to record in the next few weeks and then we’ll go into mixing and mastering in July and then do some videos and kind of start the cycle in late August, early September and the album will drop in October.”
Known for their lack of collaborations, they were asked if there were plans for any of Macklemore’s fellow XXL freshman to appear on the duo’s album. “No we don’t,” he answered. “I haven’t really talked to anybody about it. I’d like to do something with Danny [Brown], I think that would be dope, but at the moment, there is nobody on that cover on there. We only have one rap feature as it is so far that I can’t reveal yet, and we’ve got a bunch of singers and sh*t, but I’ve got to keep all that under wraps for now.”
In the meantime, fans expecting something in the form of a mixtape or EP to hold them over until the duo’s album release in October may be disappointed. “I think that we’ll do it how we’ve been doing it. We don’t put out a ton of content but the content that we do put out, we’re really proud of and we’re try to keep that standard up,” said Macklemore.
“I could go and bang out 10 tracks and out out an EP or mixtape or whatever but to me, I’d rather give the fans 14 or 15 songs of the highest caliber that we can do and have some great visuals to back it. Of course, then go out on the road and murder a tour. That’s what we’re going to do,” he added.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ upcoming album will be released this October.
Check back later this week for more from Macklemore regarding his life post-XXL cover, the dynamic and working relationship between himself and Lewis, and his stance on a number of human and civil rights.
Former A&R-Turned Pastor Cole Brown's "Lies Hip Hop Told Me" Examines Slogans Like "B*tches Ain't Sh*t"
Cole Brown never imagined leaving his job in the Hip-Hop music industry – until he made a most unexpected career change and became a pastor. The transition between these two worlds forms the basis for his new book, Lies Hip Hop Told Me.
In Lies Hip Hop Told Me, Brown examines 14 slogans from the music he loves, in light of the teachings of the God he loves. Interfacing with rap lyrics, Christian scripture, history, and other data, Brown addresses such famous slogans as “Only God Can Judge Me,” “Christianity is the White Man’s Religion”, and “B*tches Ain’t Sh*t.”
Brown is the founding pastor of Emmaus Church in Portland, Oregon, where he has served for six years. He previously worked as an A&R for legendary Hip-Hop producer Teddy Riley (Heavy D, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg). It is his personal identification with Hip-Hop music and culture that makes his critique of it unique.
Brown provides a brief overview of the first chapter of Lies Hip Hop Told Me, releasing 0n July 2, and also put together a video of an excerpt from one of the “lies Hip Hop told him” – Only God Can Judge Me Now:
Follow Cole Brown on Twitter (@ColeBrownPDX).
Find more from AllHipHop.com contributor Chad Horton at Rapzilla.com, and follow him on Twitter (@chadhorton).
Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Announces More Artists; Busta Rhymes and Freeway Set to Perform
(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop and Brooklyn are nearly synonymous in this day and age, as some of the world’s greatest MCs cut their teeth on the streets of Brooklyn on the way to the top of the rap game.
With the borough’s rich legacy in mind, the 8th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BHF) will be held from July 9th-14th, and the organizers have just added more acts to the bill that will surely please the fans.
While YMCMB signee Busta Rhymes is headlining the festival, the stage will be warmed up ahead of time by Philadelphia’s legendary wordsmith, Freeway.
In addition to Freeway, the festival will also feature performances by hometown Brooklyn artist KA, Detroit’s MCs Clear Soul Forces, Jasmine Solano, and Melo-X.
And, as the BHF 2012 is clearly focused on performances, the festival also will be showcasing classic Hip-Hop films like Wild Style, which starred Hip-Hop pioneers Fab Five Freddy, The Cold Crush Brothers, Rock Steady Crew, Lady Pink, Lee Quinones, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz, and many others.
The film’s showcasing is part of the Inaugural Dummy Clap Film Festival, that will also feature the acclaimed documentary Big Fun in a Big Town by Dutch filmmaker Bram Van Splunteren, as he documented Hip-Hop for one week in 1986.
Organizers for the (BHF) are also part of efforts to coordinate the “Show and Prove” concert that will take place in the coming weeks on June 21.
The artists performing will be competing for a slot on the BHF’s final day of performances, and the winners of the competition will go on to compete in the “Show and Prove Super Bowl” on July 9t.
Already slated to compete are 85th (Queens, NY), Dom O Briggs (Baltimore/Brooklyn), Charmingly Ghetto (Boston,MA), and Red Pill and Hir-O (Michigan).
For tickets to the Show and Prove Concert Super Bowl, click here.
For tickets to the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival 2012, click here.
Previous performers at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival include Kanye West, Q-Tip, De La Soul, Lupe Fiasco, Black Thought of The Roots, Big Daddy Kane, KRS ONE, Ghostface Killah and more.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Did Meek Mill And French Montana Charter A Plane To Go To A Night Club?
MMG rapper Meek Mill instagram’d several photos of himself and Bad Boy/MMG artist French Montana in front of a private jet along with the caption, “Just to go to LIV on Sunday, to be continued.” So did the two artist charter a plane to go to the famed Miami club?! Well, sort of.
The two flew out to Miami to shoot a scene at LIV for Meek’s new single, “Amen”. Check out a few more photos below courtesy of Meek’s instagram:
Meek also shot a few scenes for “Amen” in his hometown of Philly on the steps of the famed Art Museum. Drake, Jeremih, and Travis Porter were also on deck. Take a look at a few photos from the shoot courtesy of Hip-Hop Since 1987:
“AMEN!”
Pharrell Discusses "Pink Slime" Album With Mac Miller
(AllHipHop News) Grammy Award-winning producer Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes spoke to MissInfo.tv recently about his upcoming collaborative project with Rostrum Records’ flagship artist, Mac Miller.
The project, titled Pink Slime, is set to drop later this month.
Some of the album has already been heard, in the form of Mac’s “Onaroll” record which dropped last week.
“It’s crazy and I know Mac is going to do great things,” Pharrell told Miss Info. “I’m happy for him. I was just looking at his movement and what he’s doing online. I feel like I haven’t linked with enough independent kids that are doing it for themselves.”
He continued, “I watched what he did on his own and thought that as interesting. I just felt like I had to do something with him. Pink Slime is his project, and I’m producing it but none of the records go on unless we’re both feeling it. Mac’s like a concert, festival centric kid. And we got them records, man, it’s that hype s###. I missed music so much. I was away for so long on the road. But I’m back in the studio now and wait until you see the artwork. Me and Mac did like 10 records.”
Big Boi Sets Nov. Release For "Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors"
At the end of March, Big Boi announced the title of his upcoming sophomore solo album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors.
Two weeks later, Big Boi took to Twitter once again to reveal the album’s release date.
He tweeted:, “BREAKING NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!! Brand New Big Boi Album in Stores November 13 2012 ” Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors RETWEET”.
The first single from Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors is “Gossip” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and UGK and will be released soon.
Other guests on the album are said to include Kid Cudi and possibly Theophilus London, who Big Boi released a song with last week titled “She Said Ok.”
Hip-Hop Rumors: Kanye West Puts Another Fan In Place: "Don't Throw No Hard Sh*t On The Stage"
While performing “The Good Life” in Dublin on he and Jay-Z’s “Watch The Throne” tour, Kanye West chastised a fan for throwing a coin onstage. The fan disrupted Yeezy so much that he forgot the next line in the song and told the DJ to stop the music. Kanye then calmly explained to the fan, “don’t throw no hard sh*t up here while we’re performing, seriously.”
“You f*cked it up for everybody, I was having a perfect show, a flawless victory”.
Kanye is funny. Check out the video below:
This is the second video that surfaces that shows Kanye going in on a fan. The first was last week during the tour stop in Paris. Yeezy tells a laser-toting fan to “chill the f*ck out.” Check out the video below:
Kid Cudi Planning Double-Disc Release Of "indicud"
(AllHipHop News) G.O.O.D. Music recording artist and self-proclaimed “man on the moon” Kid Cudi has revealed his plans to release his upcoming third solo studio album, indicud, as a double-disc.
Cudi took to Twitter to let the news be known, “indicud will be a double disc LP.”
News on the release of indicud broke last week.
“My new album is called ‘indicud’, it will be my version of The Chronic 2001, some songs ill produce, others ill feat &/or play songwriter,” the Cleveland rapper stated.
Currently indicud does not have a release date.
Hip-Hop Rumors: Canibus Chokes During Rap Battle – The Move "Disturbs" Talib Kweli
Oh, man, Canibus just went down in flames over the weekend at the Pay-Per-View event – Vendetta: Battle Royale. He was eaten up by battle MC Dizaster, who is a beast in the battle game. Canibus could not keep up with Dizaster, and at one point, ran out of rhymes and pulled out a notepad. Rapper Talib Kweli was disgusted, or in his words “disturbed,” by the move and proceeded to berate Canibus on Twitter, tweeting:
“Is mercury in retrograde or something? Just watched Canibus pull out a notepad during a battle. It truly disturbed me!,” he tweeted.
“I rarely get confused. But I can’t front right now I’m confused.”
Producer Alchemist was at the battle and said it was even worse from his ringside view:
“Canibus and boxing died on the same night.
“None of the clips ive seen yet are equivalent to what it was like watching Canibus vs Diz live. It was like being on the set of a s#### film”
Watch Canibus choke big time below:
Alternative Pick: The Weeknd "Our Love" [Unreleased]
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Floyd Mayweather Sues To Recover $4 Million Over Casino Deal
(AllHipHop News) A 90-day jail sentence is not stopping Floyd Mayweather Jr. from protecting his investments.
The boxing champ, who is currently incarcerated in the Clark County Jail for domestic battery charges, filed a lawsuit against financial advisor Jeff Rubin and Pro Sports Financial on June 6.
According to the lawsuit, Mayweather invested $4 million in the County Crossings Real Estate Entertainment and Gambling Development.
The boxing champ/entertainment mogul loaned the company $4 million, to build a resort in Houston County, Alabama which would include a casino, restaurants and other forms of entertainment.
But the lawsuit claims that Crossings Real Estate Entertainment and Gambling Development immediately defaulted and never made a payment on the loan.
Mayweather lost his entire $4 million investment in the business deal.
Floyd Mayweather claims that Jeff Rubin and Pro Sports Financial knew that the investment was not sound and that the casino was “doomed” from the start, because certain forms of gambling are not permitted in Alabama.