David Banner Asks: Are You Dead?
The following editorial originally appeared on The Alumni Roundup:If situations dictate actions, what are the consequences of inactivity? This question is more relevant today than it has ever been for the Black community. Heres another pertinent question, are we a dead people? How can a people be dead you may ask? If by dead we […]

Black History Month Fashion Tribute: Kanye West
Love him or hate him, Kanye West‘s keen fashion sense has made him a style icon. The rapper/fashion designer is fun, fearless and unpredictable with his ensembles. You never know if he’s going to step out in some fresh sneakers and a white tee, all black, or statement making furs. He may have created some […]

I Am The Epic Beard Man
“Showing these young punks what the business is.” – Jay-Z I am the The Epic Beard Man. I am standing on the road of life and I am looking in both directions at the same time. I am roughly half the age of the 67-year-old man that beat the hell out of a young whipper […]

Find Out What Flud Watches Has In Store For Spring 2010
Since 2007, Flud Watches have been making their mark in the streetwear industry with bold, bright and innovative ways to tell time. Launched in 2007, the company has released heavy hitters like the “Boombox” and the “Big Ben” which have made celebrities like Keri Hilson, Trey Songz and more to hop on board. […]

The Free Era: Music As Ingredient, Not Main Course
If one ever wanted to see the business model those of us in the music industry are leaving behind whether we like it or not check out the recent Starr et al v. Sony BMG Music Entertainment et al, U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 08-5637. Its the decision of a federal […]

Black History Month Fashion Tribute: Kelis
Anything goes when it come to Kelis‘ unpredictable style. On her latest silver-ish mullet, “Oh, I dont know, I just feel like an animal. I kept thinking of a wolf or a husky and thats what they look like”. Along with others, she herself takes the credit for being a style […]

On Lil Wayne, Jail Time, Private Time, and Public Time
This language is so captivating/ When we lose a rap ni**a, the news is devastating/ Whether to the prison or grave/ You know this rap sh** was built from the strength of those that hunger and crave/ DJ Muggs vs GZA, General Principles, Grandmasters (2007). Im not a Lil Wayne fan. I used to […]

Black History Month Fashion Tribute: George Clinton
George Clinton‘s goal with each outfit choice is seemingly to be as innovative, colorful, larger than life, and of course as funky as can be. With his multicolored wild locks still in tact at the age of 69, George never left his P-Funk style behind since he first broke out in the 70s, where he […]

Wednesday Fashion Feature: Find Out What G-SHOCK Has In Store For 2010
G-SHOCK is a watch brand that has truly stood the test of time – no pun intended! Launched under Casio in 1983, the shock resistant watches “shattered the notion that a watch is a fragile piece of jewelry that needs to be handled with care”, as stated on the company’s official website. Since then, […]

How To Market (and Protect) Jay Electronica (Part II)
Continuing from last weeks part one, its important to understand where Im coming from on this. I appreciate Hip-Hop lyricism and am a strong advocate of consciousness in rap. When that consciousness includes any of the Six Written Lessons that Registered Members of the Nation of Islam receive, out of which come the 120 Lessons […]

Hip-Hop for Educational Change: We Are the Ones Weve Been Waiting For
[This piece comes in lieu of Tolu Olorundas weekly column. He returns next week.] The current public school system in America is in a state of emergency. Federal programs like No Child Left Behind, aimed at improving schools through standards-based reform, have caused many schools to focus on teaching the limited sets of skills required to […]

Black History Month Fashion Tribute:Grace Jones
Grace Jones was a triple threat in her heyday – a model, actress and singer. Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, she modeled in New York and Paris during the 70s, and soon after began her singing career. While she already possessed an eye-catching look, she began working closely with stylist Jean-Paul Goude who helped her […]

Superbowl Predictions and Revitalizing Miami
First things first, here is my Superbowl prediction: New Orleans Saints 31 Indianapolis Colts 28 Now, what’s your prediction? But, aside from the parties and shows in Miami, there is much more going on.When you think of Superbowl week, A-list celebrities, NFL player media days, over-the-top events like Rihanna rocking South Beach and bringing any […]

Superbowl Week at its best Revitalizing Miami
First things first, here is my Superbowl prediction: New Orleans Saints 31 Indianapolis Colts 28 Who is bold enough to make their prediction?But, aside from the parties and shows in Miami, there is much more going on.When you think of Superbowl week, A-list celebrities, NFL player media days, over-the-top events like Rihanna rocking South Beach […]

Knockout Nation: Mayweather-Mosley Promise Victory, Johnson Wins, DeMarco-Valero Shootout Tonight, Adamek-Estrada, Tszyu vs. Pryor Fantasy Clash!
Mayweather-Mosley Release First Statements Since Fight Signing Now that both men have officially signed on for their May 1 superfight, Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley have begun the inevitable subtle trash talk against each other. In the wake of his sensational knockout of Antonio Margarito last January, Mosley had launched a campaign to get Mayweather […]

Friday Fashion Feature: Black History Month Fashion Tribute: Andre Benjamin
In celebration of Black History Month, we will randomly be choosing African-American style icons to pay tribute to past and present. From actresses to rappers and political figures, we will recognize those who stand out in the world of fashion. We’re kicking it off with Andre Benjamin, aka “Andre 3000”, a man brought […]

Stroke Of Genius: The Return of Hexmurda
Whutupdoe…I’m back on some Lazarus s**t. Straight up. U n****s miss me? With every bullet so far, huh? Yeah whuteva. F**k you,too. For those of you who give a flying f**k, I have returned, at least until Raze or Jigsaw tell me to roll the f**k out. I’ve had a change of heart like Chuck […]

COMPASS Unveils What’s New In Footwear
The COMPASS trade show features the cream of crop when it comes to footwear. In its fourth season now, the show was launched by BPMW – the same fashion agency who brings us the fresh (capsule) show. Kiki got a chance to walk the show today, which took place in NYC’s Puck Building. Many […]

How To Market (and Protect) Jay Electronica (Part I)
I can count on one hand the number of times I have known I should write and build on something, yet didnt want to. This is one of them. I havent even wanted to discuss this subject on the phone with my inner circle. Only three people even know what is ultimately at the root […]

Is Kanye Being Lynched?
We have established that Kanye West was wrong when he jumped on stage last year and snatched the microphone from Taylor Swift, a pop country singer. We’ve established firmly that Kanye is a man of raw emotions and passion and that causes him to act on impulse…with mixed results. It has been five months since […]