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Hip-Hop Rumors: illseed’s Message to Bush, Obama, Biden, Black People and America
DISCLAIMER:
Illseed is about to act a FOOL!
TODAY’S MESSAGE!
BUH-BYE, MR. BUSH
This is illseed.
You aint gotta go, but you gotta get the hell outta here, Mr. Bush.
See I dont like you. I mean, I dont know you, but I can only judge a person based on his deeds and actions.
Isnt a person merely the sum total of all his actions?
I dont have to run down all that for you, my fellow human.
I wont do that in this time of positive vibes.
Allow me to be the first person to say:
BEAT IT!
NOW…ON TO THE GOODNESS – CHANGE, PROGRESS AND HOPE!To Joe Biden – Delaware! We did it! DELAWARE! WE DID IT! University of Delaware has a graduate in the White House!To my Black People: Be proud, but keep moving forward. We have to take it to the next level!To America: I have to say Thank you for this NEW DAY.
And, I have to say, as a Black person, I am HYPE that we have seen progress in America that has lead to this mighty day! The work starts now…
OBAMA, WE LOVE YOU!!! YES WE DID AND YES WE WILL DO!!!
They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!
-illseed
WHO: illseed.com
WHAT: Rumors
WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed
HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].
– allhiphop rumors
Barack Obama First African-American President Of U.S.; Rappers React
With sixty-percent of the votes counted, Barack Obama has made history, becoming the first African-American President of United States of America.
He is the 44th man to hold the highest office in American government. The Democratic candidate has carried at least 297 Electoral College votes, 27 more than needed to be declared President.
Within less than an hour, that projected number jumped to 338 votes for President-Elect Barack Obama, versus Republican candidate John Mc Cain’s 155.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dreams of our founders are alive in our time, who still questions the power of out democracy, tonight is your answer, the President-Elect stated to supporters who had waited for hours in Chicagos Grant Park for just this moment.
Shortly after the announcement, McCain addressed his supporters in his home state of Arizona, informing them that he had just concluded a conversation in which he congratulated his opponent.
I wont spend a moment of the future wondering what might have been, said Senator McCain during his concession speech. This campaign was, and will remain, the great honor of my life. My heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honor of leading us for the next four years. I wish Godspeed to the man who was my opponent, and will now be my President.
Exit polls across the country indicate that the largest constituency contributing to Senator Obamas victory are 18-35 year olds who are brand loyal to Hip-Hop culture.
The vision of the Hip-Hop generation and its young people is in full and glorious effect tonight, Russell Simmons told AllHipHop.com. While many older Americans, who marched and struggled so hard so Senator Obama could run for president of the United States never dared to believe in his candidacy’s real potential, young people, particularly the hip-hop community, had faith and their imagination became our reality.
The major television networks are all reporting that in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Connecticut, 18-29 year olds voted in record numbers, choosing Barack Obama as their next president.
“This is the proudest day of my life,” exclaimed Sean “Diddy” Combs to AllHipHop.com shortly after the announcement.
This year, first time voters made up 11% of the millions of voters who cast a ballot either way.
“I just thank God that I am here today to see this,” free speech/rap pioneer Luther Campbell told AllHipHop.com. “I knew this day was coming the first day I went to jail, when I was told white kids were buying my songs, I knew this day would come. I am so happy me and my wife gave to him [Obama] from day one. Today there is no more black and white in the U.S.A. We are one.”
Early poll results indicated that more than 45 million voters elected the new president.
Americans we did it, an excited Killer Mike told AllHipHop.com. We put aside fear, racist ideals and bigotry and we fulfilled an American dream. We fulfilled Martin’s dream, a dream in which a nation of one group [that] was brought here shackled in servitude [and] has produced a man with the character to unify a struggling nation. A nation of former slaves and slave masters, a nation of former and current immigrants. He will be what Roosevelt, Kennedy and Lincoln were: a unifier for this great nation we call America. In the words of that great American philosopher Don King, ‘God Bless America, Baby!’
Illa J: Yancey Boys (Album Review)
Often times its difficult for a youngster to let their star shine beyond that of their more celebrated and successful parent or older sibling without comparisons. Illa J, younger brother of the late MC/producer J Dilla, wants to prove that theory wrong with his Yancey Boys (Delicious Vinyl).
Consisting of fourteen tracks, the album is produced entirely by Dilla. Although Jay Dees legacy is heard and felt throughout the entire album, its sometimes difficult to tell if youre listening to Hip-Hop or R&B. Nonetheless, its still a fresh sound found on the disc.
The album opens with the jazzy Timeless followed by the more up-tempo We Here. One thing that is immediately noticeable on the album is that Illa does a lot of his own vocals which is complimentary to some of the tracks.
Narrated by Frank Nitti, Alien Family, introduces the young artist as well as points out that the Yancey family are natural born singers. He also describes Jay Dee and Illa J as both having an alien-like sense of rhyming.
Despite the fact that his brother produced the album made up of several uniquely orchestrated tracks, Illa adds his own flare which allows you to enjoy the album based on his own individual merits and not that of his brothers. The laid-back electric organs heard on Strugglin helps tell the tale of a struggling artist and how they must hustle the hardest to carve their spot in Hip-Hop. Other noteworthy titles include Showtime and Swagger which are both bump-worthy singles as the mellow vibes felt on each puts the listener in a mesmerizing trance.
Overall each track blends well into each other, and Illa displays his diversity from rhyming to vocals; which actually doesnt sound horribly bad. While Yancey Boys isn’t breaking any new barriers, it is the start of what might be a promising career.
Illa J
“Showtime”
Illa J
“Sounds Like Love”
Green Party VP Candidate Hosts Hip-Hop Event
Green Party Vice Presidential nominee/Hip-Hop activist Rosa Clemente will be joined by a variety of rappers tonight (November 4) in Manhattan, to celebrate her run for Vice President of the United States.
Clemente is a longtime journalist/Hip-Hop activist, whos name can be seen on ballots nationwide alongside Green Party Presidential nominee Cynthia McKinney.
Talib Kweli, Rebel Diaz, N.Y. Oil, Hakim of Channel Live, Immortal Technique and others are slated to attend the event, which takes place at bar SB3 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
The event starts at 8:00 PM, while performances start at 11:00 PM and close out Clementes celebration.
This journey would not have been possible without many of you, Clemente told AllHipHop.com. At 11:00 pm I will address all my supporters and we will have an old fashioned Hip Hop Jam, until the break of dawn!
The Green Party, which is the largest third largest political party in the United States, nominated the McKinney/Clemente ticket in July of 2008.
The nomination was also significant because it marks the first time two women of color led a major partys charge for the Oval Office.
U.S. Rep. McKinney (D-GA), is also a champion of Hip-Hop who once introduced a bill urging the government to release any secret files on slain rapper, Tupac Shakur.
12:37 pm: Bun B’s Election Day Blog
As special bonus coverage, the OG Bun B will be updating AllHipHop on his Texas travels as he does radio spots and appearances to get people out to vote. This will be updated periodically as Bun reports from the field. In this time of fake political rappers, Bun B has always had a legitimate presence and opinion on politics ans socio-economic issues. Peace goes out.3:30 pm in Houston Texas..in at the Shape Community Center in Third Ward. The Shape Center is a real hub for community outreach and activism in Houston and has been for many years. Today they’re offering free rides to the polls, which is a beautiful thing in this age. It’s still early but the first polls are about to close so we will have some numbers real soon. I’m headed to the next spot. Obama 08! I’ll holla back!-Bun B6:30 pm Just did radio interview with the party 93.3 whose listeners are mostly
Latino. Had some good back and forth with callers, some liberal and
some conservative. It’s important for both sides to be heard..that’s
what makes America great! Polls about to close soon so I’m stoping by
my church(which is a polling center)then I’m headed home to do a few
more call-ins and wait for results. No sleep tonight! Holla back soon!-Bun B8:48 pmJust got to the crib after a crazy day in the streets..been out there since 7 this morning! Being involved in this election is something to be proud of, considering the historical implications. People who never gave a damn about politics are asking questions about policy on both sides, and raising their concerns. Right now it’s 103-49 in favor of Obama. Still early though…so I won’t call anything…but it’s looking good for Barack! Stay tuned!-Bun B9:43 pmWell they just called Ohio for obama. With Ohio and Pennsylvania won it’s looking like Obama has a lead that can’t be beaten. They’ve also called the house for the democrats and I think they’re about to call the senate for them also. At this point experts don’t believe McCain can gain 270. I don’t wanna jump the gun so I won’t…but u can see where we are headed….stay tuned people!-Bun B
10:10 pmEarlier in Election Day: Bun B and Davey D in the street.
10:36 pmJust saw representative john Davis speak..he is an original member of the civil rights movement with Dr King and a congressman from Georgia. After personally seeing the civil rights act and equal voting rights bills signed by lbj in 64 and 65, he said that he has shed many tears throughout this campaign and that he never wouldve thought this day would come. For anyone who didn’t see it, it summed up how every person should feel today. Many people died and were falsely imprisoned for us to have the right and privilige to be a part of today. It’s something everyone should think about tonight, in a real way. The count is 207-138. Keep it locked y’all!-Bun B11:02 pmLadies and gentlemen we have a black president! My president is black! If u didn’t vote u missed out on a chance to be a part of history! Sucka!-Bun B
David Banner Warns Of Electronic Voting; Volunteers In Jackson
One hour after David Banner cast his vote Jackson, Mississippi, the rapper/producer is issuing a warning to the millions around the country who will be doing the same throughout the day.
The Jackson native, who remains an active political voice in the Hip-Hop community, wants to remind voters to be aware of possible malfunctions as they vote, especially in states with electronic ballots.
I got a report from a lady that Im standing by, whos like they got some screens thats sensitive, when you touch them, they come up Republican automatically, he told AllHipHop.com as he was leaving his local polling place. People need to make sure that they watch and make sure that when theyre voting, its going in as its supposed to go in.
While he did note that only one person had reported this problem to him directly, Banners caution echoes what several have been saying since the early voting process began two weeks ago in some states.
According to Virginia-based political consulting firm Election Data Services, Inc., electronic voting systems are being used in more than twice the number of counties nationwide, than in local elections in 2006.
This year, more than 55 million voters in 3,100 counties will cast their ballots electronically, representing about 33 percent of the 169 million registered voters.
With his own ballot cast, Banner will spend the rest of the afternoon delivering water and other comforts to those waiting in line with the help of his cousin, a first time voter.
Early news reports indicate that today is already shaping up to be one of the largest general election turnouts in Mississippis history, with lines at one Jackson poll backed up nearly 100 yards even before doors had opened.
Banner also urges citizens around the country to remember that Election Day is only one step in the process.
Barack put something in people that they believe [in], he told AllHipHop.com. And thats why its really, really important that we remember that this process is bigger than just one person. However this thing turns out, we gotta continue this fight. Its not just for today. Barack isnt going to be our savior. He is the door opener for us to be able to do what we have to do as citizens.
Just hours ago, both Presidential candidates exercised their rights as United States citizens and cast their respective ballots.
Senator John McCain returned to his home state of Arizona to cast his vote before continuing on a last minute campaign push across the Southwest.
Senator Barack Obama and his wife Michelle wear among the first to vote at their neighborhood polling place in Chicago this morning.
Banner urged people to continue to be politically active long after the elections are over.
The pressure isnt solely on him [Barack], its on each and every individual. Its on me, its on you, Banner continued. Even the whole tone of how I approach my music and how I approach my community and the things I want to do, it has to be taken to another level. People have to remember that Obama has eight years to clean up. So we just have to keep in mind that its gonna be a process. We already see what happens if a person like McCain wins. We been going through that for eight years.
Don’t Block The Vote #5
Block gives you advise on how to VOTE, go to it!
AHH Stray News: Jay-Z’s Rocawear Profitable During Tough Economy
Hip-Hop apparel brand Rocawear helped its parent company Iconix Brand Group post a better-than-expected quarterly profit, despite a sluggish economy and a tough U.S. retailing market. Iconix, which bought Rocawear from Jay-Z in 2007 for $204 million dollars, earned over $18.3 million dollars for the third quarter of 2008. According to Iconix CEO Neil Cole, Jay-Zs direct involvement with Rocawear helped boost the companys earnings, as did growing sales from the companys London Fog brand of clothing. According to Cole, the two brands were the two biggest standouts in the quarter. Iconix also owns brands like Candie’s, Joe Boxer, Starter and OP. and Rocawear. Rocawear also recently debuted its first fragrance, 9IX Rocawear.
Q-Tip: The Catalog
Today, November 4th, Q-Tip drops The Renaissance, his 8th in the new Tribe edition. Sure the album is only his second proper album, but anything Q-Tip affiliated is essentially A Tribe Called Quest. I would never put produced by Q-Tip on this even though I did all this, says The Abstract about his production imprint. I felt like I should never be bigger than the group. I really wanted to build something with the brand, with the Tribe. Make it feel like something you were a part of, everyone was a part of Tribe.If your math is still a little fuzzy, the eight total comes from five A Tribe Called Quest albums (including the astounding pair, Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders), his first solo, Amplified, the shelved Kamaal/The Abstract project and now the tardy, but nevertheless critically touted, The Renaissance via Motown/Universal Records.Much can and has been said about Q-Tip and his contribution to the Hip-Hop cannon. He and his Native Tongue cronies are certainly direct antecedents to the contemporary crop of genre advancing supa MCs. Whether established (Common, Mos Def, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco too) or fledgling (Pac D##, U-N-I, Blu), they all owe at least a nod to The Abstract.With that in mind, we handed Q-Tip LPs and 12 singles (yes, vinyl) from his sizeable catalog and asked him to expound on their creation. The result is anecdotes that include everything from connecting with J. Dilla to getting props from The Notorious B.I.G. to scheming on taking photos of Naomi Campbell in the nude. All in all, here, and surely on The Renaissance, we have a look at Tips continual devotion to the art of moving butts. AllHipHop.com: Alright, The Promo by The Jungle Brothers, was this your first time on wax correct?John Davis: Yeah, The Promo is my first time on wax actually. The b-side [to Straight Out the Jungle”] we did this at uh, Tonys studio and actually Straight Out the Jungle was the first record I ever was a mixer on. Me, Red Alert and umm, yeah we mixed that record. What year is this?The Promo – Jungle BrothersAllHipHop.com: Probably like 89.Q-Tip: Yeah I think this is 88, when we came out with this.AllHipHop.com: Were you signed at the time or were you just trying to get on?Q-Tip: We were just getting on. We all went to high school together. We went to Murray Bergtraum High School in Manhattan and it was just, fun times man. Red Alert was Mike Gs uncle, so thats how dudes got on, through him. It almost seemed like we was hanging out, then when we was rhyming, and we was getting high, doing whatever. And, n****s was f**kin around for a couple years, and then by the time we got to like 10th or 11th grade and Mike was like, Yo, my uncles Red Alert We was like, N***a what? What the f**k?! Why you aint say that s**t earlier?! Mike is a cool n***a, thats just how he was. He put Sammy on, the other dude, you know what Im saying, they just kind of like, did their thing. And I just came up, through them.AllHipHop.com: Now on your verse you mention Shaheed, but you dont mention Phife. Was Phife not in the group yet?Q-Tip: At that time, Phife was my man, and we were f**kin around. But he had went away to school, so at the time it was just me and Ali. But I had always had plans to like, Come get down n***a. But back in the day it was like; you have the MC and the DJ, so we were kind of working off of that dynamic.AllHipHop.com: Hows Phife doing by the way?Q-Tip: Hes doing great. He just had a successful kidney transplant so shouts out to Phife Diggity Dog. Thats my n***a right there. What else you got man?A Tribe Called Quest Can I Kick It? VideoAllHipHop.com: Thats vintage [hands over Peoples Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm album], so be gentle with that one. Ill hand you these too [Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It?].Mr. Incognito: Oh word, youve got the rare treats. Is this original?AllHipHop.com: Yeah, its original.Q-Tip: Yeah, it came out in the spring of 1990.AllHipHop.com: Was Bonita Applebum the biggest hit off of that album?Q-Tip: The biggest hit off this album was Can I Kick It? actually. The first song off this album actually was a song called Description of a Fool. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 11 songs on this album. Wow. So yeah, the first single on this albumoh no this is a re-issueyou know why, because Description of a Fool is not on it. The original, the first run of it had Description of a Fool, I believe. If Im wrong someone correct me. Because I know a lot of yall are going to see this out here. AllHipHop.com: You sure? Because I bought the re-issue with the double vinyl, thats re-mastered but the one your holding is a single record.The Abstract Poetic: Why isnt Description on it? I got to call f**kin Barry Weiss at Jive. The didnt put f**kin Description of a Fool on this record! What the f**k?! This is my magnum opus. AllHipHop.com: Tribes single were always real chunky with the remixes and b-sides, what was the motivation behind that?Q-Tip: Damn. You know I havent looked at this s**t in forever you know that right? [Starts reading liner notes] The eardrums and throats of Gracie, which was my girlfriend at the time. Shouts out to Grace Harry, whose running s**t over a Def Jam now. Malik, Brother J from X-Clan, before X-Clan jumped off. Who also went to our school, Murray Bergtraum. Lucky, which is Pos Dnous brother, Rosene, Mr. Lawnge from Black Sheep, Nyree was a friend of mine from high school, Rashad, which turned out to be Rashad Smith who works with Erykah Badu. Rashad did One More Chance for Biggie, the remixes, both of them. He did Dangerous for Busta, Woo-Ha for Busta, thats Rashad. We used to go get beats together. Kierna Mayo who was one of the first writers of The Source, who also went to my high school. She started Honey Magazine. My man Big Ro from Bed Stuy, my man Vaughn the Beatle, The Beatnuts. Uncle Mike which was Alis uncle. Stephanie which was Alis first girl. Native Tonguesits crazy man. Shwingalokate. We had a lot of inside s**t going on on this album. I would never put produced by Q-Tip on this even though I did all this. I felt like I should never be bigger than the group. I really wanted to build something with the brand, with the Tribe. Make it a part of the unit. Make it feel like something you were a part of, everyone was a part of Tribe. I wanted it to be like an everyman thing. Not one person shine out the group. A Tribe Called Quest Check the Rhime VideoAllHipHop.com: So was it a case where yall had joints, find another beat on there and were just like, Lets remix it?MC Rocko Ribtip (BBQ Crew): Yeah, we were like Yo! lets put this remix on it. It was just something that we all did back then. It was just fun. [handed a copy of The Low End Theory] Yeah, this is definitely a reissue because we were managed by Rush, Russell Simmons, at this time and it says Chris Lighty on here. Im trying to see whos the young lady on here. Well, my idea for this was, this lady you see right here, I wanted it to be Naomi Campbell naked. With the Tribe paint on her. In the city like right over by Broadway and 23rd, theres like a V. That splits 5th Ave and Broadway [Ed. Note: The Flatiron Building]. I wanted her to stand out there naked, with the paint on her. I was like Thats artistic. They were like, No, its horny. [Laughs] So they kind of voted against it. So they got some other girl, whos a nice young lady who I met. But they wouldnt let me watch her get naked. And they put this on her booty and shes naked. I want to get those original photos. And they put this on a black background. I just thought this was an ill little cover that fit the music. This was a cool album man.AllHipHop.com: Did yall feel on top of the world when yall dropped that? It certified A Tribe Called Quest.Q-Tip: I dont know if I felt on top of the world but I felt like when I heard this. We got something special with this. AllHipHop.com: A lot of producers go back to the album because of the way the tracks are put together. Like how the snares are hitting, the depth of the samples. It was like a step above everyone elses records at that time.Q-Tip: I know when I hear it now, I want to get back in and remaster this thing. I hear things on it that could have been better. I know the thing that inspired the sound on this album was Straight Outta Compton. We had heard that when we dropped our first one and they dropped their first one, N.W.A. We were like, Damn, we kind of wanted to go back.I was just like, okay, Ive got to approach this next album with the sonics to f**k with them n****s. Because it was just so hard and so dope. I mean we just used to bump Straight Out of Compton like crazy. That was the impetus for the sound on this. Its funny because when I saw Dre afterwards, he was like this s**t made The Chronic the way it did. It was interesting that it related to him that way. But this was good times man. We had a song that we did with Brand Nubian, the Show Business. It was called Georgia Porgie and they didnt want to put it out because it was this n***a frontin’ like he was straight, when he was gay. So, we had to flip the title and flip the song. AllHipHop.com: Nowadays, when remixes are put together its kind of artificial. Q-Tip: I feel like with Scenario we was definitely f**kin with each other. We was hanging out with each other. Today, I think when you hear collaborations, dudes look at it like a business venture. Dudes be in their studios, and they e-mail verses to n****s. So its no real studio time. Back then, we was in the studio together. Got like a dime bag, got an eighth of something, put it in the air, vibe in the studio. Just do it, thats how it was. A Tribe Called Quest Award Tour VideoAllHipHop.com: Now on Vibes & Stuff you call yourself the midnight marauder [hand over Midnight Marauders], that was the segue Q-Tip: Yeah, Q-Tip the midnight marauder, giving nough respects, to Afrika Bambaataa. Yea, I was listening to the rhymes I felt like that would be a dope title. I never heard that before, I just made that s**t up. A lot of my movement was nighttime so I felt like when I heard that, it made sense. When I heard that it just made sense because a lot of us was on there [looking at cover and name people on it]. Grand Master Flash is on here, Kool Moe D from Treacherous 3, Beastie Boys, Heavy D, MC Lyte, Whodini, Diamond D, Crazy Legs, Rocksteady Crew, Ice T, De La, Jungle, Large Professor, Chuck D, Too Short, Third Bass, Organized Konfusion, Cold Crush Brothers, Lords of the Underground, Special K, Teddy Ted, Ron G, Jazzy Ja, Black Moon, Pharcyde, Puff Daddys on here. Crazy. When we did this, I just felt like the music would definitely be listened to at night. I felt like, Nighttime is busy, its words to Aunt Kizzy til the time we get down. I would make beats all night. Crack morning. It just seemed, the ground for us to be creative. The singles off was Award Tour, which is still one of my favorite rap songs. Love this song. [looking Award Tour singles cover] This picture was actually taken at a showcase we did, it was us and The Beatnuts at the Palladium in New York City. And nobody had heard any of the new s**t. I remember Puff was there and Biggie was there. So, we were just, you know, good in New York. We were like, Y’all wanna hear some new s**t? It was like 2,000 people. They were like Yeah! And it got real quiet. I swear to God it got quiet. I was like, Aiight lets go. And we hit, Oh My God. N****s, was just like, Oh, S**T! I saw people in the crowd looking like, mouthing that. We mounted it, because we thought Oh My God was going to be the first single. We didnt even know this one [Award Tour] was going to make the album. At least for me, I didnt know how n****s was gonna f**k with it. I was like this would be a good place to perform it, and we did it after Oh My God and the crowd went bananas. And then these pictures were taken right when we were performing it. Yeah, live at the Palladium. We walked off stage and Puff and B.I.G. was right there. And B.I.G. was like [mimicking B.I.G.s voice], Yo my n***a, yo my n***a, that s**t is crazy my n***a. Yo yall n****s was crazy on that mothaf**kin stage my n***a. Imma see yall n****s in a minute. Ill never forget. Yo my n***a, yo my n***a, that s**t is crazy my n***a, Then after Award Tour we came out with Oh My God, which, I just said was probably going to be our first one. Dope song man. Really dope song. We shot this picture in New York City, in Chelsea at this studio on 25th St. We had a couple remixes on here. AllHipHop.com: The Know Naim Remix.Q-Tip: Know Naim Remix, where I put my boys from around my way on there. My man Snag right now, he f**ks with Swizz Beatz. Hes doing beats with him. Swizz used to be around my way a lot because he used to f**k with my man Snags sister Peaches. So I used to see Swizz as a little shorty, real quiet, f**kin around and s**t. Lyrics To Go was, was the b-side, that was my s**t. And then we had a song on here called One, Two S**t with Busta Rhymes, which is my s**t, I love that joint. Wild Hot – Q-Tip & Busta RhymesAllHipHop.com: You and Busta got an ill chemistry, with joints like Wild Hot [Rhymes & Reason Soundtrack], Ill Vibe [Busta Rhymes The Coming], the pair of joints on his last album [The Big Bang]. Seems like through the years, yall have managed to stay tight.Q-Tip: The thing about this song with Busta, One, Two S**t, was at this period he had broken up with Leaders [of the New School]. He was kind of like, floating, trying to find his identity. And I would always f**k with him, give him beats. He was in between his styles, and trying to figure out his style. Thats my man, you know what Im saying? He was a mainstay.Then the single after this, of course, my favorite as well, Electric Relaxation. A lot of people ask me, what are you saying in the hook? Relax yourself girl, peace out premiere? Thats what I got a lot. Peace out premier. But its actually, Relax yourself girl, please settle down. Produced by A Tribe Called Quest. I always would put that there. Raphael Wiggins appeared on Midnight which was the b-side, and Raphael Wiggins, for those who dont know is Raphael Saadiq, and he played bass on Midnight. A Tribe Called Quest Electric Relaxation VideoAllHipHop.com: Okay, heres a copy of 1nce Again and Stressed Out from Beats, Rhymes & Life.Kamaal Fareed: This was an important album because this was, right betweenat the end of Midnight Marauders. When we was on tour, I wound up in Detroit. I was on tour with these guys Funkadelics. And one of the guys in Funkadelic was this keyboard player named Amp Fiddler. He was like, Yo, I need you to meet this kid, he looks up to you. He patterns some of his s**t after you, and hes dope. When we get to Detroit, I want you to meet him. So we on tour, and then I meet this kid, his name is James Yancey aka J. Dilla. He had glasses on, big smile. Gave me his tape and I was listening to it and it was Slum [Village]. I was like, This s**t is crazy, I said, Yo whos doing the beats, this s***t is nuts. I saw Amp, the next day and Im like, Yo! He said yea, he sound like you, but hes some other s**t. I said, Yea, hes some other s**t. So I called him, I was like, Yo n***a, we gotta do something, n****s gotta hear you. So I introduced him to everybody. He also worked on this, the fourth Tribe album. 1nce again was one of his creations. I just thought he was amazing. [Pauses] Stressed Out, Faith Evans. [Pauses] Yes, that was one of my favorite songs too. A Tribe Called Quest 1nce Again VideoAllHipHop.com: On to The Love Movement, the last hurrah for Tribe.Q-Tip: Then we came to The Love Movementthe last ride for Tribe. Find Away was the single, and the b-side was Steppin It Up, with Redman and Busta Rhymes AllHipHop.com: I remember watching the BET Rap City special where yall were talking about this is the end. It seemed like yall were crazy fed up with the industry politics. Now today do you think thats changed for the better or are things the same?Q-Tip: I think that the industry is definitely worse. Because people are focused on spins and sales, and not like artwork, or the process of the music, or how youre gonna relate the music to the audience, s**t like that. This cookie cutter s**t that is set up that people try to follow, they try to be frugal about it and watch the bottom line. Its gotten a lot worse. But, I feel musically, theres an underground thats happening, an excitement thats going on where artists are trying to express in very creative ways and taking chances thats good for the music. [Its] starting to reverberate.Q-Tip Vivrant Thing VideoAllHipHop.com: The Arista era [hand over Vivrant Thing, Lets Ride and a Kamaal/The Abstract” sampler].Q-Tip: So, this is Vivrant Thing. Uh, ya boy got a lot of flack because of this. N****s was like, What the f**k! But, this was my biggest record and it still bangs. I broke up with Tribe at this point and I had a fire. I lost everything. And this was out and it started running. Like that whole time is really blurry to me. I remember this coming out, and just kind of setting off Chris Lighty and his whole Violator thing. I remember Lyor Cohen: [imitating his voice] If you put this s**t out, youre f**kin madman. This s**t is trash. We put it out and this s**t popped off. And the rest is history. At this time too, this is when they started really doing the BDS tallying. This record was the biggest record BDS record for Def Jam at the time. Then it was Thong Song. After that it became Can I Get A Then after that I lost track. But it was Vibvrant Thing that lead us into the Amplified album, and Lets Ride. Amplified was done primarily by J. Dilla and myself. And this is one of the joints that he did, I added little sprinkles but primarily its J. Dilla, be clear. We was just having fun with the beats, the s**t was crazy. This [points at Kamaal/The Abstract sampler] was with Clive Davis. Clive Davis and I was talking about doing an album together, live band, instrumentation and all this s**t. He was like, Aww man Q-Tip you know I put that album out with Miles Davis, B###### Brew. I think thats what we need right now, something like that. It would be amazing So I said, Alright. I started sketching things out. But then Clive got ousted, and he was about to start J Records. He wanted me to come, I wanted to go, but then Russell Simmons called me, and Lyor: Q-Tip, if you f**k with Clive youre crazy, you need to f**k with L.A. And then Russell Simmons called me like, L.A. Reid is the first black executive to run a major record company, I should stick there.So Lyor and Russell used to manage me, so I said ,F**k it, aiight, and did that. I started f**kin’ with LA Reid. I played him some s**t off this album and he really dug it. He was like, Yo, we gonna put this s**t out. So he sent it out to press, and we got great reviews. But he felt like he didnt hear no single. And he just got real weird. So I was like, Dude just give me a release and Im out of here. So he gave me a release and I was out of there.AllHipHop.com: You plan on finally putting it out right?Q-Tip: Yes, Im definitely putting this out. Definitely putting this out. I have the masters now, so now Im just negotiating with a couple people to figure out what Ima do. I have all the artwork, the reels, Ima definitely put this out.Q-Tip Getting Up VideoAllHipHop.com: Now, we have The Renaissance. Its been a bit delayed. Whats up with that? Q-Tip: Well because of what happened with Kamal the Abstract, that you know, I went to Dreamworks, recorded another album. That label, Dreamworks, folded and I wound up at Interscope for a month, and Geffen for a year. Now, Im here. It took a minute, but now Im here.AllHipHop.com: The Renaissance is definitely the type of album that should be taken in as an entire work, but considering todays individual single mentality, how do you deal with that?Q-Tip: The best thing I can do is just go out and perform and do dope shows. Let people know [and] see who I am as an artist and as a person and hopefully people will just buy into that. Thats all I can do. Cause all Im doing is expressing and talking and trying to relate some things to people. Thats my approach. Not really trying to look to have like all the accolades in the world. I just want to make music and talk to people.AllHipHop.com: It seems like you caught hella flack when you veered off course from your musical standard but, for example, Def Jam isnt going to tell Kanye were not putting out your album. Whats your take on that?Q-Tip: Yeah, no ones going to say to Kanye because Kanye represents so much money to them in the building. And theyve already put so much money out, and hes already had so much success that Kanye can basically sneeze on a record right now and people will go buy it, f**k with it. And thats just the truth. Theyre not really looking at Kanye at Def Jam as your musical exploration, theyre looking at his brand and how much money he generates. Theres no A&Ring or maybe you should do this with your record. Theres no counseling. No nothing like that, theyre just gonna put the s**t out. And just, work that wheel, and work it til it dont work no more.Q-Tip Move VideoAllHipHop.com: So your album drops November 4th, obviously Election Day, was that on purpose? Hopefully its a renaissance for the country.Q-Tip: Its definitely something I didnt plan, but its definitely something that I dig because of the serendipitous nature of it. The albums called The Renaissance, were talking about renaissance or a rebirth here in this country. Political and socially in an idealogical sense. And weve been speaking about that for Hip-Hop too. Ringtone rappers, dudes with their shades on when its three in the morning; all that funny style s**t n****s been talking about thathow can we circumvent that and get it back to the beats and rhymes and all of that. Its ill how theyre both kind of running the same course. The musical renaissance, artistic renaissance and the social and political renaissance. I had this album titled before that date. I had a song with Obama on their before I even knew that date, it just seems in the ethos. So, Im looking forward to it.Shaka – Q-Tip (feat. President Barack Obama)AllHipHop.com: Didnt you have to cut the song with Obama from the album?Q-Tip: Im gonna put it out. The song is on there but I had to take it out. But Im gonna leak it.AllHipHop.com: Thanks man. Appreciate your time.Q-Tip: Thats what it is. It was good, I liked that, more people should do that man.AllHipHop.com: One last question, if you want to strike it off the record cool, but word is that you ran up in Jive and started taking Tribe plaques down and taking them with you. True story?Q-Tip: Yeah, yeah I did that. They was wiling towards the end. You know, we had a big argument, and we was illin
Rap Hook Master Kokane Returns With New Album
West Coast hook master Kokane is preparing a brand new album featuring a number of notable artists, representatives for the rapper told AllHipHop.com.
The new album, titled Back To The Future, features guest appearances from Kurupt, Daz, Jadakiss, Bootsy Collins, Cameo, Tina Marie, Crooked I, Devin The Dude, Joe Budden and others.
For production, the rapper/singer has linked with Meech Wells, son of legendary Motown singer Mary Wells, Knucklehead, John Silva and A. G-Dub Geiser of from the famed High Powered Productions camp.
Kokane has been a part of the West coast rap scene for over 20 years and to his credit, has appeared on over 1800 songs throughout his 20-plus year career in the business.
The gangster rap crooner has roots in the music industry as well, as he is the song of famed Motown composer Jerry Long, who helped author hits like Ball of Confusion, Just My Imagination, “Still Waters Run Deep,” and others.
Kokane was also signed to Eazy Es Ruthless Records in 1991 and has contributed to albums from Eazy E, N.W.A., Above The Law, Snoop Dogg and many others.
He later went on to sign with Snoop Doggs Dogghouse Records and contributed vocals to nine of the 19 tracks on Snoops 2000 album Tha Last Meal.
No release date is available for the upcoming album.
50 Cent Teams With Bette Midler to Launch Community Garden
Despite their different styles of music, rapper 50 Cent and actress/singer Bette Midler have found a common cause.
According to reports, the pair have joined forces to open the Baisley Park Community Garden, a new outdoor childrens learning garden located in the rappers hometown of Queens, New York.
Midler and 50 Cent were on hand yesterday (November 3) to cut the ribbon for the garden, a joint project between the rappers G-Unity Foundation and Midlers New York Restoration Project (NYRP).
For 50 Cent, the motivation in using his influence and foundation to help Midler stemmed from providing a safe place for area youth.
“It’s exciting. It was an opportunity for me to do something for the kids in the community, the entertainer said about the garden, which will be located at 117-19 165th Street. “This is a hell of a opportunity, for me to collaborate with Bette. We’re gonna make it happen.”
Founded by Midler in 1995, the NYRP is dedicated towards reclaiming, restoring, and developing neglected New York City parks and community by partnering with various individuals, community-based groups and public agencies.
The opening of the 15,120 square foot garden comes more than two years after the nonprofit organization received a $150,000 grant from the G-Unity Foundation in July 2006.
Midler, an admitted 50 Cent fan, revealed how excited she was to have 50 Cent and the G-Unity foundation involved with the garden as she recalled how challenging it was for the NYRP to find supporters for the project.
We looked all over town for a group that was interested in these sort of things, Midler said. We found G-Unity, which is Curtis’ foundation. They were interested. This garden is mainly for kids, and they do a lot of things with kids.”
Located within a community that includes more than 52,000 children, Baisley Park features only five percent of the recommended amount of outdoor/open space, according to Community Board 12 in Queens.
The gardens launch is the latest community endeavor for the G-Unity Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for low-income and underserved communities.
Nappy Roots Ft. Sabrina
“Election Day”
Trick Trick Ft. Esham, Proof and Kid Rock
“2getha 4 Eva”
EXCLUSIVE: Rap Stars Make Last Minute Pleas For Fans To Vote
Nearly a year of debates, controversy, and unexpected twists has culminated with todays record-breaking Election Day (November 4), where millions of voters will decide the next president of the United States.
Despite living in the hotly contested battleground state of Florida, Rick Ross dismissed concerns that Republican nominee John McCain could pull an upset.
I dont even think its close this year, Ross told AllHipHop. Obama is gonna take it home!
However, Ice Cube and T.I. feel the election is far from being in the bag for either candidate, and everyone must brave the long polling lines to make sure they complete their civic duty.
Its a very big election and everyone should participate, Cube detailed to AllHipHop.com. And you better be voting for Barack!
Its still a tight race so everyone needs to fulfill their obligation to themselves and their country, T.I. added.
Rising Brooklyn rapper Maino, who has turned around his life and career around since a 10-year jail sentence in the 90s, learned that like T.I., he was still eligible to vote for the first time.
Im all into it [the election], Maino explained. Its my first time voting. Im off parole, [and] I just found out I can do it, and Ill be down there [voting].
For many, the fallout from the Bush administrations economic bailout is a topic that hasnt been discussed enough in the last few days.
Chicago star Common, one of the first rappers to express public support for Obama, feels that most undecided voters should look at the recent Wall Street bailout and what policies brought the country to this point.
This country needs help, Common reasoned. The economic bailout is just another example of how the corporations and rich people have exploited the country itself.
Big Boi from Outkast expressed disgust at how originally the U.S. bank bailout would have given the people culpable in the crisis free reign over $700 billion in taxpayer money.
You see they were about to go on vacation and get massages, Big Boi quipped. They shouldve given that money back to the people. And thats why we need a change in the new president.
Warner Music Group Vice President Kevin Liles cautioned people from putting too much emphasis on their personal opinions of Obama and McCain.
Instead, Liles emphasized that everyones vote should hinge on which candidate is better qualified to lead the country and reverse the extensive economic and foreign policies issues America faces.
Politics is one thing, but Im concerned about everyday people. This is about more than the election, its about every single day of your life, he explained. From gas to healthcare [and] Hip-Hip has done a great job [speaking on these issues]. We know what we need to do today and that Barack Obama is the best person for the job.
For information on polling locations and times in your area, visit www.voteforchange.com and http://truth.voteforchange.com.
November 4: Where You Want to Be
Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America’s improbable experiment in democracy.
Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.
The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation’s original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and brought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least 20 more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.
Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution — a Constitution that had at its very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.
And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who
were willing to do their part — through protests and struggle, on the
streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience
and always at great risk — to narrow that gap between the promise of
our ideals and the reality of their time. This was one of the
tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign — to continue the
long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more
equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I
chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I
believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless
we solve them together — unless we perfect our union by understanding
that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we
may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but
we all want to move in the same direction — towards a better future
for our children and our grandchildren. – Barack Obama
Sneak(er) Peak: Presidential Edition
Surely youre reading this while voting or while anticipating your voting or while reveling in the glow of that wonderful feeling that comes from voting and fulfilling your civic duties. Anyway, this column is about kicks and though sports figures arent the usual suspects when it comes to making political statementswho has MJ ever endorsed besides Phil Knight?Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett are kind of sort subtly making a statement people should get to the polls. During their games today (Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics) the perennial All-Stars will be wearing customized versions of their Adidas TS Commanders with messages on the side [Garnett: Embrace Change, Vote 08] and rear [McGrady Change Is Needed, Vote 08] of their respective sneakers. No, theyre not broadcasting who to vote forahem, Obama, ahembut are encouraging people to vote, period. Which you did/are going to do. Right?These Air Force 1’s with big images of Obama face splashed on both sides were designed by Van20 and the photos were floating around earlier this year. I aint mad at them, at all. Not too sure about these (must we be walking all over Obama already?) but I’ll post the pic off of g.p. On another note, Im still heated that Gilbert Arenas knee is still jacked up but hopefully hell be back on the court soon. Nevertheless. His Black President kicks are still officially official.
Jennifer Hudson Lays Slain Family To Rest
Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia were joined in mourning by close friends and family as they paid their last respects to their mother, brother and Julia’s son yesterday (November 3).
The private service came one day after a public memorial was held in Chicago for 57-year-old Darnell Donnerson, her 29-year-old son Jason Hudson and 7-year-old grandson Julian King.
Among those present were Reverend Jesse Jackson and Chicago mayor Richard Daley, who eulogized the singer’s slain relatives.
Multi-platinum singer Fantasia Barrino concluded the services with Gospel classic “Your Grace and Mercy,” singing directly to Jennifer at one point, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The most touching point of the ceremony came when Jennifer Hudson approached the caskets and kissed her mother, who the Secret Lives of Bees star credited as her biggest supporter that encouraged her to pursue American Idol.
On Sunday, South Side Chicago’s Missionary Baptist Church was the site of the public memorial, which neither of the sisters attended, Jennifer’s publicist said.
Authorities discovered the bodies of the mother and son on October 24 ago at the home they shared with Julia.
Her son’s body was discovered three days later, in Jason Hudson’s abandoned Chevrolet Suburban.
The Suburban was the SUV described in the Amber Alert that was issued for the child moments after he was reported missing and hours after the gruesome murders of his mother and uncle.
Late Friday night (October 31), the Chicago Police Department confirmed the .45 caliber Sig Sauer handgun discovered a block away from where Julian King was found was the murder weapon used to kill all three.
The gun was identified by unfired bullets, which matched the shell casings found at the scene of the crime.
JUST THE ISSUES: Obama Vs. McCain
FOR FULL ALLHIPHOP ELECTION COVERAGE CLICK HERE!!
Here we are citizens, at the moment of truth. This has been a very long road to the White House, and a very costly war of attrition will be over following November 4th. If you are a Democrat, you have seen this drawn out campaign of Change vs. Experience for over 18 months, from Hillary to McCain, using the politics of fear to motivate voters away from the candidacy of Barack Obama.If you are a Republican, you have probably been turned every which way during this run of the Phoenix-like candidacy of John McCain, rising and falling with each victory and loss. He has abandoned his right of center, original Maverick stance in an attempt to court the further right conservative base of his party, culminating with the much maligned (in hindsight) choice of Sarah Palin.You have seen negative campaigns and broken promises from both sides, twisting of truths, mountains of rhetoric regarding who will benefit from proponing each candidate. The poor have generally been ignored by both sides while rich poor and middle have been buried in bailouts, worn out by war talk, rangled by robocalls, and generally exhausted by event fatigued. So far the only real winners are CNN, MSNBC, FOX, and the general media.Because of the slanting and skewing, I’m going to give it to you raw and right down the middle. Below are both candidate’s stances on all of the prevailing issues. I’m sure that you may have individual issues to augment this list but que sera sera. Please read. Please arm yourselves. Please vote. Not because you are going to die, or because some rapper says so, or because some mogul who’s so rich it doesn’t really matter who wins wants to smother their promotion of misogyny and ignorance with a Obama flavored cherry on top like they give a f**k. But because your children will have to live with the legacy of what this election has wrought; because this country is in the deepest s**t it’s been in since the Great Depression and arguably the Civil War. Inform yourselves and live well-Bill ABORTIONMcCainWould seek to overturn Roe but not back a constitutional amendment to ban abortion. Rejects abortion litmus test for Supreme Court picks, but also vows to pick judges who would not “legislate from the bench.”ObamaFavors abortion rights, but says support for preserving Roe vs. Wade would not be a litmus test for Supreme Court picks.AFGHANISTANMcCainFavors unspecified boost in U.S. forces.ObamaWould add about 7,000 troops to the U.S. force of 36,000, bringing the reinforcements from Iraq.CAMPAIGN FINANCEMcCainThe co-author of McCain-Feingold campaign finance law is running his general campaign with public money and within its spending limits. He urged Obama to do the same. He applied for federal matching funds for primaries but later turned them down so he could spend more than the limits. The Federal Election Commission belatedly approved his decision to bypass the primary funds, but rejected McCain’s claim that he needed no such approval. He raised more than $160 million before having to stop to accept the $84 million in public money for the fall. McCain accepted primary campaign contributions from lobbyists.ObamaThe presidential campaign’s fundraising champion has brought in more than $450 million. He is raising private money for his general election, despite his proposal last year to accept public financing and its spending limits if the Republican nominee does, too. Obama refuses to accept money from federal lobbyists and has instructed the Democratic National Committee to do the same for its joint victory fund, an account that would benefit the nominee. Obama does accept money from state lobbyists and from family members of federal lobbyists.CUBAMcCainEase restrictions on Cuba once U.S. is “confident that the transition to a free and open democracy is being made.”ObamaEase restrictions on family-related travel and on money Cuban-Americans want to send to their families in Cuba. Open to meeting new Cuban leader Raul Castro without preconditions. Ease trade embargo if Havana “begins opening Cuba to meaningful democratic change.”DEATH PENALTYMcCainHas supported expansion of the federal death penalty and limits on appeals.ObamaSupports death penalty for crimes for which the “community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage.” As Illinois lawmaker, wrote bill mandating videotaping of interrogations and confessions in capital cases and sought other changes in system that had produced wrongful convictions.EDUCATIONMcCainHe is not proposing a federal voucher program that would provide public money for private school tuition, in contrast to his proposed $5 billion voucher plan in 2000. Only proposes expansion of District of Columbia’s voucher program. Sees No Child Left Behind law as vehicle for increasing opportunities for parents to choose schools.ObamaAn $18 billion plan that would encourage, but not mandate, universal pre-kindergarten. Teacher pay raises tied to, although not based solely on, test scores. An overhaul of No Child Left Behind law to better measure student progress, make room for non-core subjects like music and art and be less punitive toward failing schools. A tax credit to pay up to $4,000 of college costs for students who perform 100 hours of community service a year. Obama would pay for part of his plan by ending corporate tax deductions for CEO pay.ENERGYMcCainFavors increased offshore drilling and building 45 nuclear power reactors by 2030. Crystal Benton, speaking for McCain, said he proposes no federal spending to help in construction of the plants. McCain believes the goal can be achieved with loan guarantees in existing law, with resolution of the impasse over waste disposal and with financial advantages the industry would have as a zero-emissions power source under his cap and trade program, she said. McCain opposes drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Proposed suspending the 18-cent a gallon federal gasoline tax but idea got no traction. Global warming plan would increase energy costs.
ObamaNow would consider limited increase in offshore drilling. Opposes drilling in Arctic reserve. Proposes windfall-profits tax on largest oil companies to pay for energy rebate of up to $1,000. Opposed suspension of the gas tax. Proposed releasing 70 million barrels of oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve to boost supplies. Global warming plan would increase energy costs.GAY MARRIAGEMcCainOpposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Says same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legal agreements for insurance and similar benefits, and states should decide about marriage. Supports the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and gives states the right to refuse to recognize such marriages.ObamaOpposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Supports civil unions, says states should decide about marriage. Switched positions in 2004 and now supports repeal of Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and gives states the right to refuse to recognize such marriages.GLOBAL WARMINGMcCainBroke with President Bush on global warming. Led Senate effort to cap greenhouse gas emissions. Favors plan that would see greenhouse gas emissions cut by 66 percent by 2050.ObamaTen-year, $150 billion program to produce “climate friendly” energy supplies that he’d pay for with a carbon auction requiring businesses to bid competitively for the right to pollute and aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. Joined McCain in sponsoring earlier legislation that would set mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions. Increase federal fuel economy requirements beyond 35 mpg.GUN CONTROLMcCainVoted against ban on assault-type weapons but in favor of requiring background checks at gun shows. Voted to shield gun-makers and dealers from civil suits. “I believe the Second Amendment ought to be preserved which means no gun control.”ObamaVoted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to suit. Also, as Illinois state lawmaker, supported ban on all forms of semiautomatic weapons and tighter state restrictions generally on firearms.HEALTH CAREMcCain$2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals, $5,000 for families, to make health insurance more affordable. No mandate for universal coverage. In gaining the tax credit, workers could not deduct the portion of their workplace health insurance paid by their employers.ObamaMandatory coverage for children, no mandate for adults. Aim for universal coverage by requiring employers to share costs of insuring workers and by offering coverage similar to that in plan for federal employees. Says package would cost up to $65 billion a year after unspecified savings from making system more efficient. Raise taxes on wealthier families to pay the cost.HOUSINGMcCainOpen to helping homeowners facing foreclosure if they are “legitimate borrowers” and not speculators.ObamaTax credit covering 10 percent of annual mortgage-interest payments for “struggling homeowners,” scoring system for consumers to compare mortgages, a fund for mortgage-fraud victims, new penalties for mortgage fraud, aid to state and local governments stung by housing crisis, in $20 billion plan geared to “responsible homeowners.”IMMIGRATIONMcCainSponsored 2006 bill that would have allowed illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S., work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes and clearing a background check. Now says he would secure the border first. Supports border fence.ObamaVoted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions, including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines. Voted for border fence.IRANMcCainFavors tougher sanctions, opposes direct high-level talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.ObamaInitially said he would meet Ahmadinejad without preconditions, now says he’s not sure “Ahmadinejad is the right person to meet with right now.” But says direct diplomacy with Iranian leaders would give U.S. more credibility to press for tougher international sanctions. Says he would intensify diplomatic pressure on Tehran before Israel feels the need to take unilateral military action against Iranian nuclear facilities.SOCIAL SECURITYMcCain“Nothing’s off the table” when it comes to saving Social Security.ObamaWould raise payroll tax on wealthiest by applying it to portion of income over $250,000. Now, payroll tax is applied to income up to $102,000. Rules out raising the retirement age for benefits.IRAQMcCainOpposes scheduling a troop withdrawal, saying latest strategy is succeeding. Supported decision to go to war, but was early critic of the manner in which administration prosecuted it. Was key backer of the troop increase. Willing to have permanent U.S. peacekeeping forces in Iraq.Obama
Spoke against war at start, opposed troop increase. Voted against one major military spending bill in May 2007; otherwise voted in favor of money to support the war. Says his plan would complete withdrawal of combat troops in 16 months. Initially had said a timetable for completing withdrawal would be irresponsible without knowing what facts he’d face in office.STEM CELL RESEARCHBoth CandidatesSupport relaxing federal restrictions on financing of embryonic stem cell research.TAXESMcCainPledged not to raise taxes, then equivocated, saying nothing can be ruled out in negotiating compromises to keep Social Security solvent. Twice opposed Bush’s tax cuts, at first because he said they were tilted to the wealthiest and again because of the unknown costs of Iraq war. Now says those tax cuts, expiring in 2010, should be permanent. Proposes cutting corporate tax rate to 25 percent. Promises balance budget in first term, says that is unlikely in his first year.
ObamaRaise income taxes on wealthiest and their capital gains and dividends taxes. Raise corporate taxes. $80 billion in tax breaks mainly for poor workers and elderly, including tripling Earned Income Tax Credit for minimum-wage workers and higher credit for larger families. Eliminate tax-filing requirement for older workers making under $50,000. A mortgage-interest credit could be used by lower-income homeowners who do not take the mortgage-interest deduction because they do not itemize their taxes.TRADEMcCainFree trade advocate.ObamaSeek to reopen North American Free Trade Agreement to strengthen enforcement of labor and environmental standards. In 2004 Senate campaign, called for “enforcing existing trade agreements,” not amending them.