My name is Assata Shakur, and I am a 20th century escaped slave. Because of government persecution, I was left with no other choice than to flee from the political repression, racism and violence that dominate the US government’s policy towards people of color. I am an ex-political prisoner, and I have been living in […]

I am truly interested in making our community a better place, therefore I do use rap music to inform me of the lives of the unfortunate youth that are being deprived in the Black community. The problem I have with rap music is the manner in which this information is delivered. The lyrics are laden […]

I’m letting you all know – shadows no longer exist. It’s common knowledge that we are being watching and monitored like never before, whether its your Ez Pass, instant messenger conversations, email, 2way pagers, “security” cameras and most of the other modern conveniences we enjoy these days. But, since Hip-Hop is the new “mafia” to […]

“Like the n***as who own the liquor stores/ crack, cocaine, pimps, ‘n w#####/ livin’ up on this earth before/ a n***a like Daddy was born/ but they be makin’ it seem/ that my music ‘n crime a team/ but I’m speakin’ the truth not dream/ so what in da f### they mean?/ my lyrics ain’t […]

“Like the n***as who own the liquor stores/ crack, cocaine, pimps, ‘n w#####/ livin’ up on this earth before/ a n***a like Daddy was born/ but they be makin’ it seem/ that my music ‘n crime a team/ but I’m speakin’ the truth not dream/ so what in da f### they mean?/ my lyrics ain’t […]

Just a day in the life of “Hip-Hop Eshu: Queen B***h 101” could’ve answered all the questions posed about the course last semester, including whether or not it would deal with the upcoming trial of Lil’ Kim. Somewhere along the line, someone decided to simply re-title this course that developed out of my on-going research […]

The following is an educated opinion with a few references of common sense so if you are offended…you should read it twice. I am responding to the article, “Lil’ Kim: The Ladies Speak up on Verdict”. While the well written display of solidarity is pleasing and Lil’ Kim’s situation may provoke sympathy, we can not […]

When Black blood soaks into American soil, money sprouts up. Since America was first created, much of its wealth has been rooted in Black Death. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade, made this nation stronger than it could have ever imagined and is the base of all the economic success it achieved since 1865 (when slavery was […]

Has the American Dream for cream been masked over top of Dr. King’s? These days unity between the races is easy to see, but is it truly the vision of he who gave his life for the civil rights movement? Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see White and Black hands held together… only they’re clasping […]

I always thought it was interesting that with all of the discussion about Jay-Z taking over the helm at Def Jam, that there was so little talk about how odd it was that J was picked for that post and not Damon Dash. Wasn’t Dame the ‘sword’ of the ROC, the business yin to Jay’s […]

In 2005, many political minded folks in the Hip Hop community are still spinning from the results of the 2004 elections. Many cats are still walking around depressed and angry. I see people talking about quitting. Politics is long term, and if you thought Hip Hop folks would change the world with one election- you […]

Below is my official response to many ‘questions’ or rebuttals emailed to me.  As of now, I’ve received over 800 emails of varying thoughts and opinions on my article.  I appreciate all of them regardless of their content.  The public debate has begun and that’s most important. In order to respond to ALL of you […]

While “Ants at Nas’ Coon Picnic” raises some thoughtful and persuasive critiques of the rapper’s diatribe against “sellouts” in media and entertainment, the author’s fundamental premise is flawed, his opinion misinformed, and his tone quite elitist. Morris O’Kelly deserves kudos for pointing out the factual errors in “These Are Our Heroes.” Nas, by saying on […]

Very recently, I asked the question as to what is a “sell-out” in today’s world. The premise of the article was to find a common ground as to the moral center of the African-American ideology and also expose the historical double-standard of how the term ‘sell-out’ has been applied over generations. In the end, I […]

I decided to suggest some resolutions to Hip-Hop’s biggest wigs starting with… Jay-Z, president of Island Def Jam “The industry shady, it needs to be taken over.” Well, Hov my first resolution is for you, because you seem to be the most powerful rapper in the industry. It’s time to put your supremacy where your […]

I wonder if anybody else has this problem I’m driving down the street listening to Youngbloodz "Damn", a musical masterpiece in my mind, at extraordinarily loud levels. After all, this song is just perfect for riding down the block and knocking pictures off a wall. I’m cruising along, then I notice the street light turns […]

"We should be ashamed of ourselves," he said. "Rockefeller drug reform – ha! – I don’t think so." State Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan) While many are praising the recent reform of the Rockefeller drug laws, many more are not. Although the reform bill will reduce the most severe mandatory sentences for drug offenses, according to […]

So what’s the formula for success these days for young rappers trying to make a name for themselves? Is it being able to lyrically finesse and good looks or being politcally correct with good hooks? Nope. Maybe it’s having heavy bass lines laced with lines about leaving the crack game. That’s it – nowadays it […]

Everytime I turn around now, I see someone bashing another persons faith, race, country or culture. People really think "the world would be better without the Muslims". Or, "The Jews are really trippin’ right now and they are shady". Other times it’s "Whitey’s on a world wide rampage right about now"!!! The next one is […]

When Jay Z said back in the day “Streets Is Watching,” obviously beyond the metaphor, he knew that there are few black named streets and cats own no blocks. Surely the fact of the matter he could’ve used when it comes to the rap game the “Kids Is Always Watching” regardless. Now the youth is […]