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Hip-Hop Rumors: The Neptunes Breakup? Lil Jon’s New Home! T.I.’s Book Deal? Maino Talks!
DISCLAIMER:
All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.
TODAY’S RUMORS!
THE NEPTUNES BREAKING UP?
When is the last time we heard the name The Neptunes as a production team? It’s definitely not like the days of Nore and Jay. Well, I am not suggesting they fell off, because clearly they haven’t. BUT, I was told that the crew might have broken up or something. I mentioned a week or so ago that Chad had missed a show date with N.E.R.D. I figured it was some family stuff. Then, I heard he’s missed several shows. Then, somebody sends me a “tip” and says that Chad and Pharrell broke up. Now, I cannot say this definitively it’s just a rumor. I hope not though. With P claiming to be a PC, I have to say that I have to side with Chad, assuming he is a Mac. LOL.
LIL’ JON FINDS A HOME!
No, Lil’ Jon wasn’t looking for a new piece of real estate. He was looking for a new recording home after the dissolution of TVT Records. Well, you can basically tell your favorite blogger that your favorite illseed said that Lil’ Jon has landed a new deal with Universal Republic. YEP. He is now under the umbrella that houses just about everybody, but it also represents Jon’s first foray on a major label. I guess all we can do is hope that people aren’t “over” Lil’ Jon, because it would seem that crunk had died down to a whisper.
SLIM THUG GETS TO FIGHTING?
I don’t know exactly what happened or maybe I do and just ain’t saying- but I heard Slim Thug got into some sort of fight in TX. Why? I’m not certain, but I heard it was fairly ugly. Not sure who would want to fight Slim, because he is a pretty big guy. I heard that some people at the event were trying to get into the VIP and didn’t get a wrist band so they just started trippin’- aka fighting. I heard, by then, most of the other acts had performed. Didn’t stop them from feeling entitled to the VIP section.
Here is a letter I got on the matter:
Dear AllHipHop.com,
Despite what the streets have said, no one was seriously harmed last night @ “The South Up Show.” One of the members of Boss Hawg Outlawz did receive a gash inside his mouth and there was some gunfire traded between rival gangs yet reports show no one was seriously hurt (despite the rumors). There was a certain artist who’s bus was shot at but fortunately there was no one aboard and we’re certainly thankful. We try our best to have safe and sound events and this just wasn’t one. Much respect.
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END!
I’m telling you, America, check yourself before you wreck yourself! Here is the latest depressing news! I’m sorry! I have to do it. When you get to be a senior citizen, you want to live your years in peace, right? Well, A 90-year-old Ohio woman attempted to kill herself after she was facing eviction from the home she lived in for 38 years. Addie Polk had fallen victim to some devilish predatory lending institution. Damn devils! She shot herself and, when she was found, she was lying on the ground. The police that found her were actually there to serve her an eviction notice. Ain’t that some s**t!!!!!! WHY are people so mean and evil? She didn’t die, thankfully and was being treated at a hospital. A 90 year old committing suicide like that? A true tale about the U.S. home mortgage crisis. Foreclosures are at a record high in America thanks to the banks.
THE GAME’S BROTHER IS BACK TO RAP!
From what I heard, The Game’s brother was the one that really had all the street stories, so why should baby bro get all the glory. Check out Big Fase100 as he gets back into rappin’ on the mic.
MYA + ILLSEED = MO CHARITY, MO CHARITY!
I’m telling you, I got this. Maino might have his sights on Mya but I’m like a GPS when it comes to her. I found out a lil’ charity works she’s into! She is making the animals happy ad I don’t mean me and Maino…lmao!
ILSEED’S QUICKIES
YO! If you are a felon with reasonable intelligence, you can get out and vote. Please check the laws of your state to find out the details.
Kanye West and Boy George are reportedly working on a song together. Sounds interesting.
I heard somebody had a Benzino diss coming. I don’t know who would bother, but that’s the rumor.
EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY
I was going to make Kimbo Slice as the epic fail, but I felt like he would turn me into an epic fail if I met him. So here is the Epic Fail of the Day. This has been on illseed before, but this is classic…sooooo classic.
ILLSEED VIDEOS
AFL-CIO’s Richard Trumka drops the wisdom when he talks about Racism and Obama.I think I touched on this last week. Yes, I did, but nobody cared. Trumka is the man!
DAME GREASE EXPLAINS THE DMX RUMOR
Last week, I told you about a rumor that Dame Grease, DMX’s longtime producer, wasn’t messing with DMX. Grease said its not the case…sorta. Check it out.
SHELZ TAPS IN WITH ILLSEED
Naughty By Nature in the Studio.
Looks like they are pulling it together. It’s only a few seconds and its only Vinnie, but it’s not bad.
Someone Got Lost On Their Way to the Fresh Fest.
So over the weekend San Francisco hosted the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass Festival showcasing artists like Emmy Lou Harris and Ricky Scaggs on aptly names stages like the Rooster stage, the Banjo Stage and the Porch stage. Somehow, in all this country glory, MC Hammer snuck in. Could we be seeing the beginning of a new Hip Hop hybrid? Maybe the “Hardly” at the beginning of the festival name was just for him. And according to Hammer y’all still Can’t Touch This.
Another Biography? Maybe. Maybe Not.
Since T.I. signed that 3 picture deal with Screen Gems, his life story on film might be right around the corner. T.I. told the good folks over at the Atlanta Journal Constitution that a story about his life is a consideration. Right now, however, he is working on his first project, Bone Deep, and focused strictly on that. The second of the three projects, Boulevard, is not a definite at this point. But he did say he is writing and the autobiography is amongst his many projects, including another movie called For Sale that Grand Hustle is doing in conjunction with New Line Cinema. Whew . I’m tired just thinking about his schedule. Get on your grinds folks. Get on your grinds.
Everyone I know can rattle this song off verbatim. I won’t even comment on its horrifically low ranking on VH1’s list. I guess I should just be glad he was incorporated and shut the hell up. Enjoy.
Jay-Z Rocks New Voters in Detroit
The show was Saturday and the price of admission was registering to vote. Needless to say, the Cobo Arena was sold out. While Jay made it no secret who he supports, he kept his distance from Obama as much as he could suggesting this was something he was doing on his own and any issue with his show should be aimed at him and not the Presidential hopeful.
“This is the most important election in your lifetime. Now, I’m really not a politician. I’m not running for president. What I say tonight cannot be held against Barack Obama. I’m just a free citizen exercising his free speech. I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. I’m voting for Barack Obama, but that’s just me.”
The concert goers stood in longs lines for the opportunity to see the show and to make sure they can cast a ballot in November. For some, it will be their first.
The Vice President has Been Chosen!
Well, at least the VP in Hustler Magazine’s world. Seems Mr. Flynt has confirmed that the film he was doing with Sarah Palin as his muse is done. He hasn’t leaked the title of the film yet, but it has been reported that adult film star Lisa Ann pulled the coveted lead role. Does she look like Palin; not really. But who looks at their faces anyway?
[Illseed note: that boobie bird looks nothing like Sarah Palin!!]
Who Won the World Series of Hip Hop? The World May Never Know.
The voting was supposed to close this weekend and a winner was to be announced. Well, according to the website, we have some hanging chads or better yet some hanging Oooo’s. Looks like the artists all had some sort of code assigned to them that the folks who voted were supposed to text to the vote counters or whatever. Well, the codes started with zeros which people thought were O’s (the letter) and practically none of the votes can be counted. If you are interested in casting a second vote, new codes can be found on the website.
Alrighty folks, that will be all. Shelz taps out!
BUSTA’S ARAB MONEY DANCE!
This sure is fun! Busta Bus getting his swagger back!
MYSTERIOUS GIVING OUT CAREER ADVICE!?
I don’t even know if the kiddies out there remember Mysterious! She was one of the rappers on Diddy’s first foray into reality TV. She got kicked off for some reason. When she did, she was like the Hulk stomping out of there breaking stuff. With that said, I’m not sure she’s the one to take advice from. My speakers are messed up so I can’t hear what she is saying. Anyway, apparently she just had a baby and lives in NJ.
MAINO SLAPS YOUNG BERG…MORE DETAILS!!
Okay if you haven’t heard by now Maino slapped a certaing yung man! Maino checked in with “Live with Kendra G and DJ Touchtone” to give the full details on why he had to hit him. He even talks about how the yung man called him the next day to apologize! Check out the video interview to get all the details and Maino even breaks down why ex-cons should and can vote come election day!
ILLSEED, WE LOVE YOU!
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 ah*******@***il.com.
– allhiphop rumors
JAY-Z LIVE FROM THE D: A Concertgoer’s Account
The below is a first hand account of the free Jay-Z concert in Detroit last night (October 4,2008). It is not intended to be an official concert review or an official article, but an attempt to bring some of your voices to the forefront to share with the world. Enjoy.
Hova ..Hova ..Hova are the screams of
thousands of fans chanting for an encore for the God MC. Jay-Z burst back on the stage like, I know
yall m******s aint ready to go, I aint ready to go, Detroit I got more
songs.
12,000 people packed the Cobo Arena, home of the
2008 Stanley Cup Champions the Detroit Redwings to see the iconic legend
Jay-Z. The city of Detroit proved,
Nobody got swagger like us. Beautiful
ladies and fly n****s attended the event d-boy fresh and swagged out. The cause for the concert was just and
necessary to make sure we know how important our vote is. Every person who attended the concert either were
or became registered voters. Jay-Z said,
I aint gonna tell you who to vote for, but Im voting for Barack Obama. OBAMA .OBAMA .OBAMA the crowd roared, they
know what time it is. Its time for a
change, REAL CHANGE.
The concert started off with a multicultural
vignette of Obama and the hope he provides all people. Then the DJ got the
females warmed up by playing Lil Wayne’s smash hit Lollipop, after which, Jay-Z
emerged from the dark to an incredible Light show with, Return of the Bad
guy, from American Gangster. He moved
through classic hits from Reasonable Doubt to current hits like his verse from
Swagger Like us, to Jockin Jay-Z. He
did at least 24 or more songs.
Hovs stage presence was larger than life,
he commanded that m*******a, his interaction with the ladies well say, he
swag splashed ’em. Jay gave tha D one of
the most important concerts youll ever see in your life, truly for all those in
attendance they were part of history.
Jay-Z said, being a kid, growing up from Marcy project this is the 1st
time I really believe we can truly be anything we wanna be.
There were a lot of classic moments especially
when he posted a hilarious picture of President Bush as he end of his verse
from, American Gangster s, Blue Magic as the crowd scream with him in
unison, F### BUSH!!!! Thats the
sentiment of the night, out with the old and in with Real Change, Barack Obama
for President of the United States of America. These are my opinions as free
citizens of the United States of America, Jay stated.
Jay encouraged us young Detroiters to not
just register, register a friend and make sure we go out and vote on November
4th. Its the most important event in
our lives and our parent’s lives.
Yes we can .And we SHALL CHANGE THE WORLD.
Sunday Selection: Nina Sky – “Curtain Call” featuring Rick Ross
Its been a minute since
Ive heard an R&B song that was just, SMOOTH. So smooth
that you wanted to hear it over and over. Well Nicole and Natalie, the
ladies of Nina Sky have crafted a collaboration with Rick Ross titled
Curtain Call that makes you feel good about R&B again. It’s
one of those songs you get excited about and immediately turn up when
you hear it on the radio or holler out – Thats my jam! when
you hear it in the club.
So many songs today are way
too blunt and have no finesse to them. Some artists dont extend their
creativity to talk about being intimate or sexual; they force it, which
in turn gives Hip-Hop and R&B music today a bad reputation. But
when I hear Curtain Call it resembles how old school R&B artists
used to be subtle and coined phrases or terms where you knew what they
meant, but it didnt come across so vulgar.
In Curtain Call the ladies
of Nina Sky sing about giving the signal to get it poppin and engage
in a steamy late night rendezvous. And how when you embrace that moment,
it’s time for your man to leave what hes doing, come home and give
ya the business. All while Rick Ross drops a swaggerdosish
16 that would make the average chick smile.
I dont know if its the
sweet sound of Nicole and Natalies voices that makes me fall in love
with this song, or its just how smooth they talk about a late night
hook up. Either way, its been a while since weve heard anything
from Nina Sky, and Im glad to see the ladies are making a come back. They’re putting the finishing touches on their new album The Musical.
Did I mention this week how
much I LOVE a good ol duet? Guess I just did! And I am definitely
putting this joint down as one of my all time favorites from Nina Sky.
Until next week, yall enjoy
this weeks Sunday Selection Nina Sky f/Rick Ross Curtain Call
Tupac Producer Johnny J Dead of Apparent Suicide
Producer Johnny Jackson aka Johnny J. died from an apparent suicide in the Los Angeles County Jail yesterday (October 3).
According to a number of reports, Jackson, who was incarcerated on a DUI charge, allegedly jumped from a tier in the prison, resulting in his death, although the official cause of death has not been determined.
Johnny J., who was born in Mexico and raised in South Central Los Angeles, is best known for the body of work he recorded with the late Tupac Shakur.
He started in the music business at the age of 16, but his first taste of success came in 1990, when he produced the Grammy nominated hit single Knockin Boots for pioneering Spanglish rapper Candyman.
Around 1993, Johnny J started an affiliation with Shakur, which would eventually produce hundreds of recordings land the producer work on a number of high profile releases.
He produced tracks on albums like The Above The Rim soundtrack, as well as Tupacs Thug Life album, Me Against The World and All Eyez On Me, which contained the hit single How Do U Want It, which was a Johnny J. production.
Johnny J. was prolific as well, having produced or scored music for movies like Blood Diamond, The Fan and The Big Hit.
Johnny J. also released a solo album in 1995 titled I Gotta Be Me and many of his productions on Tupac Shakur ended up on posthumous releases like Until The End Of Time, Better Dayz, R U Still Down (Remember Me) and others.
Johnny J. also worked with a number of artists, ranging from Tatyana Ali and The Outlawz to Lil Eazy Es group The Kings of L.A.
A documentary on his life was also being produced at the time of his death.
Johnny J place (2Pac’s Producer)
MOVIE REVIEW: Miracle At St. Anna
Spike
Lee has reached into his arsenal of heavy hitters with yet another story of
Black Americans enforcing truth and justice on the powers that be in Miracle at
St. Anna. This time, its a fictional story based on a novel and screenplay
written by James McBride about a small group of Buffalo Soldiers from the
infamous all-black 92nd Infantry Division, headed by Derek Luke (Sergeant Aubrey Stamps) with Michael Ealy (Bishop
Cummings), Omar Benson Miller (Sam Train) and Laz Alonso (Hector Negron) in
World War II.
Stationed
in Tuscany Italy, the infantry of twenty or more start to cross a seemingly
softly rippling river when a parade of deadly bullets engulfs them. The four
survivors who feverishly escape the Nazi attack are left to their own defenses
with little help from their white commander, who shouts to them over the radio
to stop lying about making it over the river. This is where the story
begins.
In
a spared Tuscan town, they meet a slew of memorable characters, including a
little eight-year-old Italian boy named Alonzo who has also survived a
slaughter of sorts. Alonzo becomes a symbol of hope for the four soldiers and
they immediately take him along for the ride. Along their search for refuge,
the five meet and settle into a devastated village where Germans have ravaged
and plundered their food and livelihood but not their dreams of freedom. Oddly
enough, the family of a father and his daughter and the other very few town
members, believe that the Sleeping Man, a mystical legend generations old, will
save them. They are a loving and happy people even through the war and take the
soldiers and the boy in for safekeeping.
Spike
Lee doesnt sugar coat World War II; depicting every bit of the death, vicious
chaos, and back stabbing behavior that both sides display. Blood is splattered,
throats are slit, and best friends seek revenge against each other, all in the
name of survival. In the end, truth and justice prevail, albeit in an unrealistic,
almost fantasy ending.
Hector
Negron is the only member of the Infantry to survive and carries the wounds and
secrets of his time spent in Italy well into his elder years, So much so, that
he commits murder to avenge his fellow soldiers in the opening scene of the
movie. This murder starts the drama and questions Americas ability to move
past the monstrous remnants of war.
Miracle
at St. Annaleaves you with many questions, but it is still a movie worth seeing and discussing. Aside from the
subtitles and unbelievable sequence of supposed endings and over two and a half
hour running time, youll be amazed at how Spike Lee continues to throw the
hardest punch to traditional America. Black men are portrayed as intelligent,
worldly, graciously patriotic, and beautifully noble in this film. If for no
other reason, take someone special to see Miracle
at St. Anna and remember that war doesnt end, even when you come home.
TECH TALK: Nintendo DSi, LG Renoir Phone, & PlayOn
Welcome to another edition on Tech Talk. This week we’ll bounce around the worlds of gaming, mobile phones, and new tv tech. Sit back relax and get ahead of the game. The future is now
As technology gets better, it seems like
they can stick a camera in anything. Nintendo figured, why should your
hand held video game be any different? Which brings us to Nintendo’s
fully backwards compatible DSi. At first glance, it doesn’t look
much different from the DS Lite, but they’ve added a few features
What’s new:
· Forward and rear
facing 3 megapixel cameras
· Slightly larger
screen
· No Game Boy Advance
slot (allows it to be 12% thinner)
· SD card slot
· Integrated
music player
It’ll
be hitting store shelves in Japan in November, but unless you got that overseas
hook up, you have to wait until 2009 to get one state side.
The
next gadget I got for you is more like a camera with a phone built in, rather
than the other way around. The Renoir for LG brings the camera
phone to another level. It’s an 8 megapixel touchscreen multimedia
phone. Their Touch Shot feature will make other companies follow
suit. When taking a picture, simply touch the object you want to shoot,
when u release, the object is focused and your pic is taken.Specs:
· Quad-band GSM, UMTS
(HSDPA 7.2 Mbps)
·WQVGA 240×400 touch
screen display
·Homescreen Widgets
(including online widgets that pull down real-time data)
· Picture-Based Speed
Dial
· 8 megapixel camera
· Xenon flash,
Schneider-Kreuznach lens, auto or manual focus, face, smile and blink detection
and digital image stabilization
· Dolby sound
· VGA video capture
up to 30fps, QVGA capture up to 120 fps
·DivX and XviD video
support
·Integrated GPS,
with support for geotagging and location based services
· Bluetooth 2.0
· WiFi
· MicroSDHC support
·TV-out
It
is a GSM phone, so if you’re a Sprint or Verizon customer, you’re out of luck,
but maybe next time around they’ll hook you up. It’s scheduled for
release this month in Europe and various countries from November through
2009. No news on a U.S release date.
Here’s
some bonus info. If you like web video content on your TV, you might wanna
check out PlayOn. It allows you to stream services like YouTube, Hulu and
ESPN to your PS3, XBox 360 and Hp Media Smart TV. They just released a
software update that adds Netflix to the list. It’s currently in public
beta so it will be free for the 60 days and $30 afterward. Could be worth
a look.
That’s all I got for this week. Let me know what you think, what’s what
not, and what you wanna see more of. And as always, feel free to show
some love at gadget-t.com
Get To Know: Myko
Artist: Myko
Location: Atlanta,
Georgia
Influences: The
Chi-Lites, The Stylistics and The Delfonics, The Manhattans
Why You Should Know Myko:
Ever wonder if new solo artists stepping into the music
industry feel like it’s their freshmen year on a high school basketball team? You
know, the butterflies you get when youre new to a bunch of people, who will befriend
you if you’re a star player, but shun you when youre on the bench.
Meet Myko. Yes, he’s from Hot-Lanta, the home of some of the
most well-known players in music industry, but Myko’s style of Urban-Pop is
sure to have everyone checking for him,
In recently attended an event where Myko sang and captivated
the audience, it was obvious that his voice takes you somewhere. The chills after
listening to him will further heighten the eagerness to see what this new
artist has planned for the music world.
It was only a year ago when Myko signed on with Outta Pocket
Entertainment, a budding entertainment company with an NFL superstar at the
helm. Now Myko is hard at work in preparation of releasing his debut album. The
LP features production from Static Major, who sadly passed away in February
2008, on the lead single Late Night Creep. Also adding to the roster are
producers B-Rock, Bink, Khao, Toxic and songwriting from Jason Desrouleaux. The
album also garners an appearance from Miami’s own Rick Ross on the record Spend
This Bread.
The name Myko, which is derived from his middle name Demetri,
was inspired by a nickname his grandmother would often call him. It was around
age eleven, in church, that this aspiring singer started to see his
vision.
As Myko sat and watched his father who was also a singer in
choir rehearsals, he realized his passion was in music. He is proud to say that
besides old school R&B, his music is highly influenced by the ole soulful sounds
of the church.
Let’s fast forward to the present, as Myko’s rise truly
began when he linked up with his manager Latwan Wolfe, who at the time was a
promoter in the Atlanta and Tennessee area. Latwan put together various shows
for artists such as Bobby Valentino, Trey Songz, Floetry, and Erykah Badu among
others and allowed the ambitious singer to showcase his talent as an opening
act.
Unbeknownst to Myko, his manager had a connection that would
soon change the shape of his career. Latwan and Thomas Jones, running back for
the New York Jets, had grown up together and considered each other like family.
In due time, Jones would eventually hear Myko’s music and everything else is
history!
Thomas heard the music and since then he’s been crazy
about it, says Myko. He flew me
down to Miami and he told me what he wanted to do. I was interested in the
whole situation and that’s how I got signed to Outta Pocket Entertainment. So
far it’s been a beautiful thing; everything is going great! A couple people
have come to Thomas with different business ventures, thank god that he was
interested and decided to try something with me.
Myko’s style of both urban and pop music is a blend that he
feels will take the game by storm. The urban side came a bit easy for him
growing up in the tougher side of Atlanta. He claims it came from just being in
the streets, the people he hung out with and his upbringing. The pop element of
Myko came a little later, as he began to broaden his horizons as far as
listening to different music. So he assessed the music scene and its present set
up and realized how the pop-ish sound is taking over.
I had to figure out my own sound, get my own chemistry
going and we came up with what we call Urban-Pop. Our formula is, I have that
raspy old school voice, that urban sound, but we would write the music
completely pop. Right now it’s working and people love the sound.
Currently, Myko’s first joint Late Night Creep, is gaining
momentum on the radio airwaves. He
feels blessed to have been able to work with Static Major before his untimely
passing and felt that he learned a lot from Majors production formula.
He taught me to let myself go everything
shouldn’t be so staged and sometimes you have to go off of the first thing you
think, Myko expresses. And that’s one thing that I’ve been learning a lot in
this industry, sometimes your first idea is your best idea. If you sit there
and cloud it up with different judgments, then youll start second guessing yourself.
Then it becomes one of those things where you’re not going to get the best
product.
It becomes work instead of something that you love to do.
So thats something that I learned; go with your first instinct. I just tried
to be like a sponge and soak up whatever I could while we were in the studio.
Thats one thing I picked up in that situation try to let it go and
open your mind up to whatever comes.
Though no release date has been set for Myko’s debut album Options, he’s anticipating the response, which he feels will
be great. The title for the album came easy to him, since that’s exactly what
he is offering to you in this effort. With a spectrum of topics and everything
from up-tempo, mids, and ballads, this is one album that he ensures men, women
and people from various genres will like.
When I say Options, I mean options. I started recording and
everything was coming off so diverse. There is something for everybody and
everyone is going to love it! The urban side, the pop side, its just that
simple!
We have variety of topics, but mostly I’m catering to
women. Most of my topics will be based around relationships. I have one song
called My Baby’s Got It [and] its pretty much saying that even though all
these other girls are chasing me, I don’t need them because my baby’s got it at
home. Another joint is probably my favorite, Is Anyone Listening. If a man
cried out to be in a relationship or to be in love is anyone listening, does
anyone care that hes asked for his angel?
Though some of the tracks on the album are life experiences,
he credits his ability to write and the help of other songwriters whom added more
creativity to the album. Myko realizes that music is going to be a stepping
stone, which will help branch off in sorts of directions.
I love fashion and I’m a tall guy, sometimes its hard
to find clothing, so maybe I’ll do a clothing line. I want to do some acting and
production, I feel like I have so much to offer. I’m focusing on this music
right now and I want to give it my all. I know by me giving this much attention
to my music, its going to do great and it will open up the doors for everything.
Myko is going to be a brand; yall don’t even know it.
Check out Myko at http://www.myspace.com/mykoatl
or http://www.tygereye.net/myko.
50 Cent Starring In New Flick ‘Dead Man Running’
Hip-Hop star 50 Cent will star in an upcoming movie titled Dead Man Running.
In an interview with the BBC, British actor Danny Dyer divulged details of the movie, which is described as a gangster flick.
Its about one guy who basically gets in a serious bit of trouble with a real gangster and hes got one day to live or hes going to get ironed out if he doesnt raise the funds, Dyer said. So, its basically about a dead man running, which is him, and I play his sidekick whos trying to get him out of trouble.
Also attached to Dead Man Running is Tamer Hassan, who has starred alongside Dyer in movies like Football Factory (2004) and The Business (2005).
The role is the latest for 50 Cent, who has a high profile role in the movie Righteous Kill, which stars legendary actors Robert DiNero and Al Pacino.
Dyer said that he was thrilled to be working with 50 Cent.
I don’t know about him as an actor. He’s definitely a presence We come from totally different backgrounds but he’s a great artist.
In more current 50 Cent news, the rapper is preparing to release Before I Self-Destruct, which will be accompanied by an album of the same title.
The album is due in stores December 9, while there is no release date for the movie, which 50 Cent wrote, produced and stars in.
Termanology: Politics As Usual (Album Review)
An unknown artist getting co-signed by Hip-Hops elite is like a well-known rapper marrying his childs mother; it rarely ever happens. Massachusetts MC Termanology has managed to do just that via his popular Hood Politics mixtape series.
Upon getting endorsed by DJ Premier, it was a matter of time before the underground Latino rapper made his proper introduction to the masses. With his official debut Politics As Usual (ST Records/Nature Sounds), he showcases his versatility and ability to hold his own with the likes of Mobb Deep, Bun B, Sheek, Freeway and others.
Sampling Jay-Zs Devils, the album opens strongly with Watch How It Go Down. Produced by Premier, Term likens himself as the holy resurrection of Big Pun. The jazz horn driven Respect My Walk falls a bit in the shadows but things piece back into place with Hood Sh*t featuring Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Terms raspy flow works well over the minimal beat provided by Alchemist.
Unfortunately the disc looses pace with the next two tracks both manned by Nottz. Float which samples The Floaters classic tune Float On; and the West Coast leaning Please Dont Go fail to stand out amongst the rest of the consistent material.
On Drugs, Crime & Gorillaz with Sheek Louch and Freeway, Term sounds very comfortable although he does sound a bit like Eminem on his opening verse. In The Streets featuring Lil Fame of M.O.P follows. By this point its clear that Term has a major New York influence to his delivery. Additionally The Bun B assisted How We Rock is probably one of the better collaborations involving two different spectrums of Hip-Hop.
Rounding out the album is So Amazing. Anchored by Premos signature boom bap production style, Term makes it clear hes the most underrated and underestimated new face in Rap. Lastly The Chosen brings things to a proper close as he positions himself next in line to B.I.G. and 2Pacs legacy. After hearing this album in its entirety, its inevitable that Hip-Hop may have found its new diamond in the rough. Termanology has proven that hes ready to give rappers a run for their money.
Termanology
“So Amazing”
Tour Log: Heineken Red Star Soul – Keyshia Cole and Raheem DeVaughn
Date: Wednesday, October 1stLocation: Mansion Nightclub, New York CityThis past Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to check out the New York stop on Heinekens Red Star Soul Concert series. The event, which took place at NYCs trendy Mansion Nightclub, featured DC crooner Raheem Devaughn and BET reality show star Keyshia Cole. Upon entrance, it was evident that inside the venue was just as busy and crowded as the outside. As many (including myself) scrambled to the bar to load up on free Heinekens. The DJ spun crowd favorites to get everyone ready for the shows headliners. First up was Raheem DeVaughn in what was a stirring approximately 30 min set of live music. Raheem sang with a vigor and intensity that was much bigger than the confines of the nightclub. He interacted with the women in the audience and at one point later in the set left the stage and performed amidst the crowd on top of a table. He closed his set with the crowd favorite Customer. DeVaughn left the stage to a rousing show of appreciation by audience. After what seemed like a short eternity, Ms. Cole finally took the stage. In Keyshias close to one hour set, she went through slightly abridged versions of all her hits. At one point during her set ,she took some time to speak about her upcoming third studio album. Keyshia alerted fans that they could expect a new single from her shortly. Keyshia looked and sounded immaculate. She gave an impassioned performance of her hit Let It Go to end the night on an incredibly high note. Even Kiko, the hater, has no choice but to award the New York stop on the Heineken Red Star Soul Series a huge A+.
Death Row Assets in Limbo, New Lawsuit Emerges
Venture capitalist Ron Goldberg officially filed suit Tuesday (September 30) against several former business partners, alleging they conspired with new Death Row owners Global Music Group to cut him out of the winning June $24 million dollar bid.
In the lawsuit, Goldberg claims that several investors he recruited, including the financing institution MicroBanc, LLC, conspired with other unknown parties to close the deal without his knowledge.
Death Rows valuable back catalogue went to auction this past summer due to founder Suge Knight filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2006.
Knights bankruptcy was primarily the result of losing a $100 million dollar lawsuit to Lydia Harris, who successfully argued she and her husband financed the companys 1991 launch.
The June auction sale is also being challenged by Suge Knights estate and the Death Row trustees, who filed a lawsuit in August claiming the sale was invalid due to Global Music Group failing to supply the $24 million sales price by the July 29 deadline.
Once resolved by the courts, the owners of Death Row will retain the rights to the labels entire back catalogue of albums, videos, and unreleased tracks from Dr. Dre, Tupac Shakur, Tha Dogg Pound, The Lady of Rage, and others.
To date, the fallen label giant has sold close to 50 million records worldwide and generated over $750 million in revenue.
OUT OF BOUNDS: Wayne Still Bloggin, Game of The Week, Prayers for Collier
Okay folks, we have gotten through the first quarter of the season and what a 1st four weeks it has been. If the 1st four weeks have been this crazy, imagine what is in store for the remainder of the season. It is enough to make a person drink.
Thankfully, I just stocked up the old liquor cabinet, so I am good to go for the remainder of the season. We have a lot to get into, so lets go.
Lil Wayne is up and running again on the online edition of ESPN the Magazine. This week he talks about his pick for the World Series, Brett Favres performance, and the Tar Heels.
Once again, it is a solid read and if you want to check it out, click here.
ALLHipHops NFL Game of the Week for Week 06
ALLHipHops NFL Game of the Week
Sunday, 10/05/08, 1pm
Washington Redskins (3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
I have been impressed the Redskins for the past two weeks. Last Sundays win against the Cowboys was big and it is exactly what that teams need to get their momentum going as the season continues.
The Eagles made to many mental mistakes in the Sunday Night game against the Bears. If you think Andy Reid will let their performance from Sunday Night slide, you are sadly mistaken.
The Redskins know that they have to keep that momentum going if they want to continue winning in the leagues toughest division, and with the Eagles hurting with injuries, the Skins look to be the favorite in this game.
My Pick: Redskins
Sunday, 10/05/08, 1pm games
Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-1)
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
The Chiefs won last Sunday, Yippee! I hope that they can use last weeks win to get things going and pile some more numbers in the wins column. The Panthers offense, especially their passing game, looks to be a monster this season. It definitely helped them with their win against Atlanta last Sunday.
As happy as I am to see the Chiefs get the win, it is sad to see this victory celebration cut short.
The Panthers offense is starting to click in the passing game. With the leagues 8th best defense and an offense that is starting to find its place, the Panthers look to be a hell of a test for the Chiefs. Then again, some of us thought the Broncos were going to be a test for the Chiefs last Sunday. How did that turn out?
For now, Ill take my chances a stay with the Panthers.
My Pick: Panthers
Tennessee Titans (4-0) at Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
The Titans keep winning with solid defense and an offense that does just enough to get by. The Ravens lost a rough one to the Steelers in the Monday Night game and are looking for redemption with a win this weekend.
Although the Ravens did not win the game, you still have to be impressed that the offense moved the ball well in the later stages of the game with rookie QB Joe Flacco.
The Titans have the 5th best defense in the league and with a veteran QB like Kerry Collins at the helm of their offense going up against a rookie QB like Flacco; the Titans have the edge in this game.
My Pick: Titans
San Diego Chargers (2-2) at Miami Dolphins (1-3)
The Dolphins went into their bye week with a solid win against the Patriots. Therefore, you know they are going to bring that momentum with them into Sundays game. The Chargers are winners of two games in a row and they are riding a momentum high.
As impressed as I am with the Dolphins win from Week 3, the Chargers offense is starting to find its rhythm. We have seen what that Chargers offense can do once it gets going; it is not a pretty sight. The Chargers will win, but I do believe this will be a close game.
The Dolphins are ranked in the top 15 in offense and defense statistically in the NFL, so theyre coming with some tricks up their sleeves for this Sundays game. However, their football wizardry will not scare the Chargers this Sunday.
My Pick: Chargers
Seattle Seahawks (1-2) at New York Giants (3-0)
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
With the Cowboys losing to the Redskins last Sunday, now is the time for the Giants to strike while the iron is hot and add some wins to their NFC East lead. Thankfully for the G-men, their next opponent is a banged up Seahawks squad.
The Seahawks may have had some time to heal during their bye week. It does not matter; the Giants defense is too strong. The G-mens defense is looking to add some more bodies to the Seahawks walking wounded. This game is the Giants to lose.
As long as they keep attacking the Seahawks on defense and the offense doesnt get too comfortable with their lead, the Giants should walk away with the win.
My Pick: Giants
Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-3)
I am going with the safe bet for this game and roll with the Colts. I have to be honest, the Colts are also suffering from the injury bug, but the Texans have done nothing so far this year to make me want to give them the edge.
The Colts had their bye last week; that gave them the opportunity to rest up some of their injured players. The only reason I am giving the Colts the nod for this weekends game is because they have the better personnel on the team and the Texans have not been able to piece things together so far this year.
My Pick: Colts
Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (2-2)
With Aaron Rodgers status up in the air, Ryan Grants rushing performance thus far, and the injuries in the Packers secondary, Im going out on a limb and take the Falcons in this game.
The Falcons can run the ball and are ranked 10th in the league on offense while the Packers are ranked 26th in total defense. The Packers defense is off track now and the Falcons offense may have their number this Sunday.
My Pick: Falcons
Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-3)
The Bears defense was on point against the Eagles and what better way to build on that confidence than to face the Lions.
The Lions are ranked 32nd on defense and 26th on offense in the league. Nuff said. Its safe to say that this game belong to the Bears.
My Pick: Bears
4 pm games
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (3-1)
The Bucs won a close game against the Packers while the Broncos handed the Chiefs their first win of the season. Do not worry Bronco fans; you will be fine this weekend.
Brian Griese is looking for a little revenge this weekend against his old team, but that will not happen because the Broncos defense will back up the leagues top offense.
This game will be close, but with the Mile High crowd backing them up, the Broncos walk out with the win this Sunday.
My Pick: Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
The Cowboys are not happy about losing last Sunday and you can best believe that they will take it out on the Bengals. The Bengals are going through some issues right now.
Between the injuries and the lack of effort from the players on the Bengals, the Cowboys should win this game. As long as there are no outside distractions, the Cowboys should put this away easily.
My Pick: Cowboys
Buffalo Bills (4-0) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
The Cards offense was hot for the first two games of the season. Then it just cooled off their last two games. The Bills have been finding ways to win games this year and are making a serious case for the AFC East title this year.
The Cards offense took a serious hit last week in the Jets game and thankfully, things are all right off the field. On the field, things will not be all right against the Bills this weekend. The Bills offense is doing well and with the Cards defense spotting the Jets 56 points last week; look for the Bills to come into Arizona hoping to double that score.
My Pick: Bills
New England Patriots (2-0) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
The 49ers could not move the ball on offense this past Sunday against the Saints. So do you think they have a chance against the veteran defense of the Patriots? I am going to have to say no to that one.
Bill Belichick will not allow his team to lose two games in a row. The Pats were off last week, so they are well rest and prepared for this Sundays game. Sorry Niner fans, this may be a bad weekend for us.
My Pick: Patriots
Sunday Night Football, 8pm
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
In a rematch from one of last years Wild Card match-ups, the Steelers roll in to Jacksonville after a great over time win from Monday Night.
The Jags rushing offense is beginning to step up at the right time. Their offense is ranked 15th in the league while their defense is ranked 18th. The Steelers defense is ranked 2nd in the league while their offense is ranked 29th. The Steelers offense is hurting in the rushing department and with the Jags having the home field advantage, I going to roll with the Jags in this one.
My Pick: Jaguars
Monday Night Football, 10/06/08, 8:30pm
Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-2)
The Vikes gave up 30 points to the Titans. That is something the 4th ranked defense in the league should not do. The Saints scored 31 points against the 49ers. That is something the 4th ranked offense in the NFL should do.
The Saints offense is too much for the Vikes shell shocked defense. The Vikes may have the 6th best defense in the league, but the Saints have the 3rd best offense in the league and is too much for the Vikes shell shocked defense.
My Pick: Saints
Prayers and Blessings
Before we get go, we want to extend our prayers to the families of Richard Collier and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant.
Collier and former teammate Kenneth Pettway was involved in a shooting on September 2, 2008. Collier suffered numerous injuries and his doctors reported that he is now paralyzed below the waist and has had his left leg amputated.
Before the Bucs took on the Packers last Sunday, Matt Bryant lost his 3-month old son last week Wednesday. Despite the lost in his family, Bryant played last Sunday and kicked an important field goal late in the game that helped the Bucs in their victory.
Both of these men and their families have a difficult path ahead of them during the healing process, but their strength will see them through and their story will be inspiration for all.
Once again, our hearts and prayers go out to Richard Collier and Matt Bryant.
Teams with Bye weeks: Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, New York Jets
You can always check out new and past posts on the Out of Bounds blog at: outofbounds-therowdyone.blogspot.com
Hip-Hop Rumors: Maino Slaps Again? Palin & Biden Rap Battle! Jay-Z’s Boo!
DISCLAIMER:
All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.
TODAY’S RUMORS!
MAINO SLAPS SOMEBODY?
Aw man. Maino is a mean guy, from what I heard. Plus hes trying to steal my wannabe girlfriend, Mya. But rumor has it, Maino slapped somebody that we all know and love New York. Now, I cannot say the persons name, because they are nice. When I say nice, I mean they are working with AHH on the College Tour and I just cannot report this news unless somebody like Maino wants to own up to it. Maino should just tell me directly. J Anyway, I dont know who would approach Maino with beef, knowing that he knocked out Lil Cease, but whomp, whomp? I dont know.
SPEAKING OF COLLEGE
Last night, Clark Atlanta University hosted a ball dance/concert that was put in conjunction with the AllHiphop College Tour. I wasnt there, but my CAU crew told me how it all went down. so I heard Yung Berg, Maino, Young Dro, Young L.A, Big Kuntry King, Yung Steff, Slim of 112, RIPPED IT! Now, on top of that, our good friends Killer Mike and Lloyd popped up as special guests for the evening. Did I mention T-Pain? Well, from what I heard T-Pain killed it and performed WAY over his time! He performed all types of songs, and brought out Taz Dizm & Dollar. Nice!
FRONTING ON DMX!?!
You all know Dame Grease, right? Grease is the acclaimed producer that truly helped bring DMX to the forefront at a rapper. Well, recently you know, the last few months Dame was reportedly going to work on DMXs new CD. Clearly, X is having some issues with courts, drugs and the police, but rumor has it Grease just dropped a bomb. The Vacant Lot producer has reportedly withdrawn all support for the Dog. This withdrawal comes mostly in the form of his beats, I heard. So, Dame won’t be around when DMX makes his big comeback.
MORE RUMORS ON BLUEPRINT 3
SOOOOOOO its official, that tracklisting for Jay-Zs new CD is wrong. I heard there might be some facts to the Coldplay song, but mostly its all off. Now, Kanye has as advertised most of the album. I heard Kanye really steps out of himself to offer fresh and new sounds. Timbaland was supposed to be doing it and then Kanye passes a beat CD with these incredible sounds and its game over. I heard a couple of different things. I heard the Blueprint 3 is finished or almost finished. Also, I heard Jay and Ye worked on both of their CDs while in Hawaii. Attempts to talk Kanye out of all the vocoder/autotune proved futile. Now, Jay is reportedly getting quite alternative with it as they are expected to feature Santogold, Cee-Lo (as a singer) and some other non-rappers on the circuit. From what I heard, the general tone of the CD isnt really reflected on jockin Jay-Z, but will be a genre bending, ground breaking experience.
JAY-ZS BOO WRITES A LETTER
I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album.
I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destinys Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. Its me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.
Love,
Beyoncé
BEANIE SIGEL BREAKDOWN
I can honestly say, I dont know where this originated. Beanie Sigel had a rumored breakdown. Beanie got the Holy Ghost, the rumors said. However, Beans let it be known that those rumors were just that rumors! The State Property rapper was supposed to speak to the Ricky Smiley Morning Show about a race. The only thing is, Beans didnt make it for family issues. When it all went down, Beans was asked about a religious breakdown that never happened. Beans did go to a religious event, but he didnt experience any breakdown. Beans doesnt break.
HIP HOP HONORS…RED CARPET STYLE
Okay so the taping for the 5th annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors took place last night in NYC…the show will air on Monday on VH1 and although from what I heard the show was only ‘okay’ the red carpet was poppin! The homey Kendra G and World’s #1 ‘Blind’ DJ Touchtone covered the red carpet and from what Kendra G told me it was like a class reunion! Kevin Liles, Busta Rhymes, Krs 1, Naughty by Nature, MC Lyte, Joi Bryant, Flavor Flav, EMPD, The Roots, Juelz Santana, Wyclef, Scarface, Fat Joe, Sugar Hill Gang, and more took over the red carpet. The red carpet ‘star of the night’ award according to Kendra G goes to KRS 1! He was the one celebrity most of the other celebrities were excited to see!
Again, from what I hear the show overall was ‘aight’ but there were some highlighted moments, like when Wyclef and Jules Santana did a tribute to Naughty by Nature and when Naughty by Nature hit the stage it was straight excitement and ruckus. They got the crowd amped up with their old classics! But hey you decide which moment was your favorite! The show airs Monday on VH1.
PALIN AND BIDEN DO A RAP BATTLE INSTEAD OF DEBATE
FOR BARACK? FOR MCCAIN? SPLIT OR BARACK!Look at how Faux News tries to spin…lmao. They are crazy!
To the idiots: I didnt say nor mean literally vote for Obama only because he is Black. If that was the case, wed be down with Clarence Thomas. The point: everybody isnt smart and ALL people vote for some reason or another. Judge everybody the same. Just as somebody (not me) is voting for Obama ONLY because he is Black, there are others voting against him ONLY because he is Black. There are others still votinig for McCain ONLY because he is White. We never have the conversations about those people that are voting for McCain based on HIS skin color, only people that are believed to vote for Obama based on his skin tone. Did you know that the majority of people in the US are unintelligent? They vote too and it counts the same as a smart persons vote.
ILLSEED’S QUICKIES
Sarah Palin did pretty good last night for an incompetent.
T.I.s Papertrail is expected to move 550,000 copies in its first week.
Now this is funny! According to Star Magazine, somebody in London saw Rihanna and thought she was PRINCE. They didnt realize it until they got up on her. Like Young Buck, thats just wrong!
Natalie Cole has been released from the hospital after being in the joint suffering from Hepatitis C.
Jay wants a family: “Most people dream of having a family someday. So I’m just a regular American boy.”
SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END
Now, this is crazy. Normally, kids go to the zoo to learn about animals. This Australian kid went to the zoo to be an animal, according to reports.
A 7-year-old boy broke into an Australian zoo and fed a bunch of live animals to a crocodile. On top of that, the boy jumped a fence, picked up a huge rock and bashed several lizards and animals to death. This all happened in a 30 minute timespan. Most of it was captured on security cameras. He killed a 20-year-old goanna and then fed it to 11-foot, 440-pound crocodile and threw other random animals into the jaws of the beast. The Croc was happy, I bet.
At the end of the day, the parents will pay because the zoo is going to press charges on then. When it was all said and done 13 animals where merked in this pre-teen killin spree!
TASERING GOES WRONG
This man was clearly disturbed and they tasered the man. He died when he fell.
CHECK OUT SHELZ!Maybe Ciara Should Just Stop Taking Pictures
So someone leaked those pictures of Ciara from her most recent video shoot. You know, the ones where she’s wearing the metal bra and boots; looking like an android stripper from the set of I-Robot. Yeah, well I guess she decided she doesn’t like them or someone in her camp figured out that it wasn’t a good look because they want the pics down. They have already contacted the fan site and told them to remove the pictures. The site complied of course, but I wonder if they will be contacting anyone else and if the sites will be that willing to remove their content. I’m thinking this girl might want to avoid nudity and cosmic shake dancer gear from now on.
Maybe Hollywood Should Just Stop Making Movies
Organizations who champion the rights of the mentally disabled protested Tropic Thunder because they don’t like the word “retard.” And they say the word “retard” a lot in that movie. Blind people are going to protest the movie Blindness because of the way blind people are represented in that film. Now we have Italian vets protesting Spike Lee’s new movie, Miracle at St. Anna. It seems they’re recollection of the event is different than what is in the film and they are angry about Lee’s artistic license. Spike Lee responded that no one can tell him what to do with his film, not even the President. I guess some people just like to complain.
And Maybe We Should All Just Stop Working
At least for two days. Enjoy your weekends folks. I will. Shelz is Out!
SARAH PALIN SCARES DIDDY!!!!
Diddy is nuts! Sarah Palin is nuts! Check this out: Sarah Palin Scares Me.
This is really funny! Sarah Palin is a trip and so it Diddy. On a serious note, Diddy, Jay-Z, Mary J and Kevin Liles urge everybody to vote. Click here to read the open letter to Young America.
ILL PICS!
Joe Budden’s girl and Ciara are the ladies of the day. Sorry, AJ!
DIDDY, JAY, KEV AND MARY, WE LOVE YOU!
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 ah*******@***il.com.
– allhiphop rumors
VP Debate Ignores Poverty and Underclass
Even with the candidates unable to give to a straight answer during Thursday’s vice-presidential debate, one point was made crystal clear—the candidates are wealthy, and Corporate America.For approximately 90 minutes while a lot of words were exchanged, they didn’t include poverty, homeless, urban, underclass, or minority. Those words and who they represent were never mentioned once by either of the candidates. However, the phrase middle class was mentioned 13 times, wealthy 6 times, and Corporate America and Main Street 4 times. For the record, the word poor was mentioned once, only not relationship to nation’s economic crisis. The word poor made its way into the conversation when Governor Sarah Palin responded to debate moderator Gwen Ifill’s question of which is the greater threat, a nuclear Pakistan, unstable Pakistan, nuclear Iran?Palin responded, “—and an issue like that taken up by a presidential candidate goes beyond naiveté and goes beyond poor judgment.”Add to that, maverick was mentioned 15 times and Wall Street and the state of Alaska were mentioned 12 times each.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007, 37.3 million people in America were in poverty, up from 36.5 million in 2006. In terms of race, the percentage of Blacks living in poverty was 24.5 percent, Hispanics 21.5 percent, Asians 10.2 percent, and non-Hispanic whites average poverty level was 8.2 percent.In 2007, the family poverty rate and the number of families in poverty were 9.8 percent and 7.6 million. Married-couple families had a poverty rate of 4.9 percent (2.8 million), compared with 28.3 percent (4.1 million) for female-householder, no-husband-present families.Among states and the District of Columbia, poverty rates ranged from 7.1 percent for New Hampshire to 20.6 percent for Mississippi. The only state where the poverty rate increased was Michigan where Detroit had the highest poverty rate at 33.8 percent.So why is this important?Ever since Senator John Edwards left the presidential race, there has been little mention of America’s poor—it’s all about America’s middle class and the vice-presidential debate was no different. In reality-why would it be? At the end of the day, when you add up the numbers, those living in poverty are more apt to look like me and you. And even though Senator Barack Obama is admittedly African-American, he knows like McCain knows, that the people who are currently engaged in the political process and are more likely to come out and vote in November, aren’t those living in the projects, cardboard boxes, homeless shelters, or on bus park benches.Why?Because if America’s underclass were more engaged in the political process that would change the entire landscape of this race-not to mention give Democrats the upper hand seeing as how this demographic would more than likely vote Democratic. It would also mean that the candidates would no longer have the luxury of just focusing on America’s middle class and wealthy, but would actually have to address issues like the rise in homelessness or risk losing votes. The middle class-for all they may be going through-aren’t homeless…yet. How do I know? Because America’s middle class wasn’t watching the debate from a homeless shelter or on the street through the window of an electronics store. They weren’t sitting on the stoop of a building, straining their ears to hear the candidates. No. Middle class America held debate watch parties or gathered their friends and families around the boob tube in the comfort of their homes-homes where the mortgage may be in default, but a home nonetheless.The candidates love to use the phrase “saving America’s middle class.” And for the record, I’m with that. We don’t need anymore families slipping into poverty. But what the candidates need to recognize and show that they recognize is that when we fall from grace-that coveted middle class into poverty-we’re still here and we matter. No matter if we have faith in the system or not. Even if we don’t exercise our right to vote. We matter. The men, women, and children living on Skid Row in Los Angeles, matter. The man sleeping in the doorway of the church across the street from my house as I write this, he matters too.America’s poverty is not invisible-even if the candidates repeatedly ignore it. Mostof us see it on a daily basis from the comfort of our cars heading to and from work. Even if those living in poverty are too distracted to hold the candidates responsible for addressing their issues, we, America’s middle class, have a responsibility to step in and do it for them.Hello there, can I call you Joe and Sarah? My name is Jasmyne Cannick and I am a 30-year-old, Black female who is registered Democrat (for now) living in Los Angeles. I just wanted to let you know that you overlooked about 37 million people in your debate tonight. How do you plan to fix that?
At 30, Jasmyne Cannick is a critic and commentator based in Los Angeles who writes about the worlds of pop culture, race, class, sexuality, and politics as it relates to the African-American community. A regular contributor to NPRs News and Notes, she was chosen as one Essence Magazines 25 Women Shaping the World. A former Congressional press secretary, Jasmyne currently works as a political consultant. She can be reached at www.jasmynecannick.com or www.myspace.com/jasmynecannick.
Biden, Palin Debate, Rap Community Reacts
As voters assess the impact of Thursdays vice presidential debate, representatives of the Hip-Hop community are sharing their thoughts on debaters Joe Biden and Sarah Palin and whether or not they helped or harmed presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and John McCain.
Opinions vary regarding who won the vice presidential debate as the candidates answered questions pertaining to the economy, defense, foreign policy and climate change.
“Sarah Palin did a respectable job in debating Senator Biden but in my opinion Joe Biden was a lot more polished and detailed with his answers in the debate,” Houston’s Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com “There were many times where I completely agreed with Joe Bidens stance against John McCains views on different issues. I don’t feel like she was as sharp in her defense of McCain’s views at certain points as Biden was defending Obama’s views. I feel Biden definitely made a better case of why America should vote Obama.
Senator Biden appealed to middle class Americans, as he aggressively linked McCains policies with those of President George W. Bush and his administration.
“The economic policies of the last eight years are the worst we’ve ever had,” Delaware’s Senator Biden said.
Palin countered her opponent by directly facing television cameras and addressing viewers as she touted herself and McCain as a team of mavericks and attacked Obama for wanting to meet with rogue world leaders without preconditions.
Legendary Hip-Hop mogul and activist Russell Simmons felt that Palin was given a pass and that her performance was less than stellar.
“I guess the bar was so low for Sara Palin that conservatives think she did okay,” Simmons revealed to AllHipHop.com. “The truth is that she’s an absolute disaster with no experience. Had she been a man Senator Biden would have killed her and made it even more clear what a lightweight she is. He’s a seasoned pro on the issues and she’s a programmed publicity stunt. Hopefully some of the independents could see what I saw.”
During the evening, Palin accused Obama of being inconsistent and claimed that there was too much finger pointing regarding the war, the economy and other critical issues.
She also said it would be a challenge for Obama and Biden to be taken seriously as an agent for change on the world stage, due to their policies.
“There have been huge blunders in the war,” Alaska Governor Palin stated. “There have been huge blunders throughout this administration, as there are with every administration. “But for a ticket that wants to talk about change and looking into the future, there’s too much finger-pointing backwards to ever make us believe that’s where you’re going.”
Outspoken Atlanta rapper Killer Mike shared his thoughts on the debate and disagreed with Palin’s take on Obama and Biden.
“Mr. Biden debated a woman who got her first passport in 2002 and ‘has her eye on Putin’ because Russia is across the river from Alaska? Don King has more foreign policy experience than Sarah Palin through the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ and the fights in Africa. So Maybe if Don King had debated Biden I would been more impressed or interested.”
The vice presidential debate comes amid political turmoil as the House of Representatives vote on the proposed $700 billion bailout package to save Wall Street and the nation’s financial system.
Senate leaders passed the bill on Wednesday (Oct. 3) with a 74-25 vote, thereby setting the stage for the House vote.
Biden, as well as McCain and Obama, were present Wednesday to cast their vote on the bill, which was filled with tax breaks and other provisions and supported by both Obama and McCain.
“Our country is going through the most difficult time in our history – we can not afford four more years of what we have had,” said TV personality Fonzworth Bentley, host of the hit series From G’s to Gents. “We can not afford a leader who is mediocre. We have to have excellence in our leaders. Leaders who are respected around the world and who have a sensitivity to the global needs that affect us.”
Both candidates heavily touted the merits of their running mates during the debate, which took place at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and was moderated by PBS’ Gwen Ifill.
“The debate was exactly what I expected,” added Mad Hatta of Houstons 97.9 The Box. “If you saw the Saturday Night Live Sarah Palin/Katie Couric skit, you know what I mean. After seeing this debate isn’t it easy to see who should be America’s next President and VP?”
Reviews have been mixed over the performance of the vice presidential candidates, but most pundits agree that Palins performance exceeded expectations.
Many doubted whether she could be a worthy running mate for McCain or a qualified successor as a president.
Still, Palin did not convince rapper Immortal Technique, who felt that Biden displayed more knowledge of national and international affairs.
“Joe Bidden had a much more firm grip on foreign policy issues that Palin,” Immortal Technique told AllHipHop.com. “She had a very contrived and condescending tone which when mixed with sarcasm played well to disguise her inexperience. Still though, I expected more.”
While most people were impressed with Palin, many people were praising Bidens strategy of concentrating his attack on McCain rather than Palin.
“Sorry Sarah, I will not cast my vote for a feisty old guy and a sharp tongued soccer mom, who uses a fake “Fargo” accent over an Ivy League-educated, world-traveled lawyer, who organized in his community [Obama] and a 30-plus year political veteran with real political know how and relationships [Biden],” Killer Mike said.
Obama and McCain will square off with each other again on Tuesday (October 7).
A Letter To Young America
The views expressed
with in this editorial dont necessarily reflect the views of AllHipHop.com or
its staff.Dear Young America,
WE ARE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY!!! YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008!!!!! We are only 31 days from the most important election of our lifetime. MONDAY OCTOBER 6, 2008 IS THE DEADLINE. We are at war, banks are closing, people are losing their jobs and houses every day. It is our responsibility to protect our futures. Time is running out. You must register by Monday October 6th. Barack Obama cannot win this election on his own; he needs our help. This election is about us. This election is about our childrens future. If you have not registered to vote, you are disrespecting everyone that sacrificed their lives for you to have this right. You are also disrespecting your future.
The time is NOW for us to use the voices with which God has blessed us. We need you to do all you can. Here is what we need to do:
Register to vote BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 6th 2008
Get as many people as you can to register with you
Go to the poll and vote on November 4th
Barack Obama said it best, Eight is Enough. No longer will we stand by and follow leadership with no regard for us and no accountability to us.
We can be the deciding factor in this election, but you must register to vote to make your voice heard. Who are we? We are young America. This is our moment of truth. Are you registered for change? October 6th is only a few days away.
Make sure that on November 4th, we are able to say that we did everything in our power to make sure that Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. We owe this to our children, our parents, our grandparents and ourselves. We need you to become a part of Team Obama. This is the most important election in our lifetime. REGISTER TO VOTE BY MONDAY OCTOBER 6th and VOTE TO MAKE HISTORY ON NOVEMBER 4th!!!!
Visit www.VoteForChange.com to register to vote TODAY
It is our duty to make our voices heard. STOP what youre doing right now and lets REGISTER TO VOTE. Time is running out!!!!!!!!!
God Bless,
Sean Diddy Combs
Shawn Jay-Z Carter
Mary J. Blige
Kevin Liles
VLAD TV: Ja Rule Pt. 3
Get to know Ja Rule’s new group, The Gwop Boys
Young Buck and Hussein Fatal
“Get Down”