The US Government and Honesty

I, like so many of you, have been extremely disgusted by many of the actions of people that represent the United States: the prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, consciously sacrificing the best interests of posterity for economic gain, lying under oath, and now this...The recent allegations of "secret prisons" being run by the CIA for torture are troubling to me. Of course, I never support the killing of innocent civilians, which is what terrorism is. I respect and support people who dedicate their lives to combating terrorism. However, torture is crossing the line, and I don't think the United States should be engaging in any sort of torture...Hopefully these allegations are false.

Is torture ever okay? For example, if there is a person who knows where a nuclear bomb set to explode is in Miami, would you torture them to find out where it is? I mean, you might be quick to say yes...But what if that person actually did not know where it is? What if you tortured them and that only made them stronger in the resolve to allow it to explode? I think there are much better ways to combat terrorism than torture...

Why then has the United States not come out and denied these allegations about secret prisons? Maybe it's because they don't even care to grace the accusers with an answer, but that doesn't make sense since one of the many questioning the US right now is the UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw! The United States really needs to answer these allegations. Unfortunately for the US Government, its record of honesty is not a strong one, and even if they say "No" to these allegations...A lot of people will doubt that that is the truth.

Read a little more about it right now.

Save Stan "Tookie" Williams

Stan Williams is one of the co-founders of the Crip gang. He's been in jail since 1981, as a result of testimony from other violent criminals who had nothing to lose by pointing the finger at him, i.e. some circumstantial testimonies. Since he's been in jail, he's done large amounts of work promoting peace and non-violence in our communities, and admitted he regrets his gang past. He maintains his innocence...The man is about to be executed, something that to me seems unjust given all he has done in jail. He was even considered for the Noble Peace Prize! C'mon, if this man is executed he will become a martyr. That is a small point next to the fact that it is unjust. Sign the petition to stop the execution!!!!

Save Tookie

You make Bryant Gumble look like Malcolm X

My main man, Adisa "The Bishop" Banjoko, putting an end to all the controversy surrounding his person. Set the record straight!

Thanks for coming to the party Adisa, we had a good time, and thank you for your nice comments. Best.

Holla at a Scholar!

This is Tragic

It's kinda crazy for me to hear about horrible things happening like this. I wish people were more aware of the consequences of their actions...We all makes mistakes, this one is truelly tragic.

San Leandro man killed at his 21st birthday party

Salamat Datang

I was in Malaysia this summer doing an internship getting my career on. It was a mind boggling experience...I was introduced to some new fruits, drinks, dishes, people, customs, I can't even tell you it all. I really appreciate the opportunity I had to go on a trip out there, I know not everyone can. It was the bomb.

Of course when I was there I kept my eyes out for evidence of Hip-Hop...there was a lot: I saw a a bit of tagging, some outlines and characters, three pieces along a river, heard a lot of rap, 50 was all over the TV, girls had Outkast songs for cell phones, etc.

Once I was driving on the highway with a friend, jungle and palm plantations all around, occasionally we'd drive by some houses or a resteraunt. We were knocking Illmatic.

You know how that go.

Check out this blog, one source to help keep you up to date on the some Malay Hip-Hop.

Malaysian Hip-Hop Portal (The Bazement)

Warriors Game

First of all, sorry I haven't been updating...been relaxing too much I guess. I went to the Warriors game last night, we won 100-97. Sent the Nets back to New Jersey with a Loss, yes. It felt so good to see the Warriors win against a respectable team in person. I also got an all white warriors jersey. I can't find a picture of it on the net though, so sorry.

Lids

Photo Credit: lids.com and yes, that is herringbone.

I'm sure most people already know this, but for anyone that doesn't, Lids.com has updated its SF hat collection. If you haven't been there for over a year, you'll be very impressed at how much the selection has increased...finally.

Respect Where Respect is Due: Sway

Straight from The Bishop of Hip-Hop, check out this interview with Sway, straight knowledge...

It's on the blog, posted on 11.14.2005

Holla at a Scholla

Just a couple thoughts I have in response...

People often believe that because of what commercial rap is today, Hip-Hop can't be politically effective. That is wrong, because there are so many other people who are working to have a political impact that look at themselves as being a part of Hip-Hop Culture, they often call themselves Hip-Hop Activists. There are some "commercial rappers" that make valuable contributions in this regard as well. In the political realm, for the most part, however, rappers are like cold frogs stuck in the swamp...

I agree that the lack of a common message creates a loss of power in the culture. However, if these individuals are truly as powerful as they claim to be, carrying a political message that is altruistic, that is honest, and that is common...there are so many people that need one it shouldn't be hard to create a following...

Respect Sway.

When Stereotypes *hard pause* Come True.

It was incredible, absolutely ridonculous. Background: I'm a student at a small New England D3 school. Story: My good friend and I are on the way to the Library at 7 at night on a path that is about four people wide. Coming from the opposite direction towards us is a group of male students wearing their school team sport warm up jackets. They are standing side by side. My friend and I move to the side, but they don't move at all. "Don't break the line". My friend moves out of the way, I move my limbs together to make a possible impact less damaging...they don't move at all and walk right into me. I hit their shoulders with my held up elbows (like I'm putting up my dukes, but with my elbows held up higher...so outstretched). They laugh and keep on walking.

I was so taken aback at how amateur that was I felt like I didn't even need to talk shit. It was amazing. These JOCKS were being BULLIES in COLLEGE? I'll tell you like this too, I could have talked shit and taken at least two of them down with me, but I didn't. I'm a nonviolent person. I don't appreciate their actions or the violent urge that overcomes me in reaction to their actions.

Have you ever experienced any situations *pause* When Stereotypes *hard pause* Come True"? Tell us about it in an email.
Email... ohiheardaboutthat@gmail.com

Country Fried Soul...IN YO' FACE!

Photo Credit: backbeatbooks.com, design by Paul Cooper Design

Today I just finished another great Hip-Hop book, it's well written by Tamara Palmer (who hails from The BAY) and titled "Country Fried Soul: Adventures in Dirty South Hip-Hop". Simply put, it's an entertaining, enciteful read. This book has interviews with so many well known figures in Southern rap, as well as some from Cali...

I guarantee you one of the people you just thought of us in the book.

Palmer leads the reader through a variety of subjects and in a way that feels like a discussion, but one that you really are INTO. It's like you're talking about religion with Cee-Lo, speaking about civil liberty with Luther Campbell, and breaking down linguistics with Charlie Hustle...and so much more. I appreciate the stories told, the honesty, and good feeling that this book has.

I'm just talking about a part of this book too, there is a whole B-Side...it's obvious a deejay wrote this book. It has so many resources to get your knowledge on with, as well as recommendations and reviews. Tamara Palmer did an excellent job...and I'm so happy because I bet she had a lot of fun doing it too!

Check out the book, it's a great read.

Buy the book here.

A History of the Hip-Hop Generation

Photo Credit: Cover by Brent Rollins Design Explosion, with Photos by Henry Chalfant, cantstopwontstop.com

It's unfortunate if you haven't heard by now, but Jeff Chang's book "Can't Stop Won't Stop" came out around the beginning of the year, and it is an amazing book. There is talk all up and down the culture...Personally, I really appreciate Jeff Chang's ability to convey the history and politics through stories off all different kinds. From Jamaica to Washington DC...Bam to Kam...Harry Allen to Polyculturalism...He took me places. I'm not the only one, I have lots of friends who have been involved with Hip-Hop for years, have read the book, and attended lectures and Q&As that Jeff Chang gave speaking about his book and the research he did for it, which took him about 10 years, they all had good things to say.

Simply put, it's a great history of our culture and one of the best Hip-Hop books available...check out Jeff's website below.

Jeff Chang

The Simpsons

I'm watching the Simpsons right now, on the East Coast, so all you West Coast heads...check it out. The new espisodes are hilarious. When this show stops running new shows it's going to leave a strange void in my life.

"you've got my teeth whitening stuff in your suitcase"

Trippers on the train

I was just on the train and I saw some dude who was on one!! He had some headphones on that said "DJ Nite Train" and was watching "Wild Style" on a little DVD player and was just bobbing his head, feeling it I guess. He also had this purple Tellatubby (sp?) hanging from his belt...at least he was having fun.

Fuck Bill O'Reilly

I never really paid attention to him that much, but he's taken it too far. Saying he wouldn't blink if terrorists attacked SF?!! What the hell is that all about...What an asshole.

Bill Shmill

Scape doing his thing...

Scape is doing some amazing things with walls and space. Check it...

Scape

Your Prof is a BBoy?

Check out the Soul Imperialist describing one of his recent experiences in academia, I love the fact that he started breaking during a panel...

Dr. Joe Twist

I Mean I'm Excited

Photo Credit: Gary Dineen/Getty Images from sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Warriors beat the Bucks 110-103!!! Yo, I don't know if all of you know this, but I expect the Warriors to show up this season...maybe even a playoff birth. I'm trying to be conservative because I want to see them accomplish something this season...right now they're 3-1. BD played tonight, he scored 20 and gave 15 assists.

94025!!!!

Neva Legal is pretty sick, I like a lot of songs they're on. This album, I'm not sure if it is self titled or called "Potnaz in Crime", but it's tight. "Lyrical Warfare" is a Bay classic, that piano, uh, with Chunk, what!? Check it out...got some pretty good vocal interpolation and if you like the Bay shit, which I hope you do, then you're going to like some tracks on this album. Also features some nice samples, "hating on playaz when you shoud be out there gettin' paper" or "tell me have you, seen my body? I think I lost it somewhere in the WEST bay" and some saucy guest appearences. Good luck finding it though....HAHA!!!!

Hoorah.

Photo Credit: Buy the book bitches and read.

I'll admit it, I only read parts of the book before seeing the film, but Sam Mendes (Director of film) is the man, he always leaves me satisfied after seeing a movie. First "American Beauty", then "Road to Perdition", and now "Jarhead". "Jarhead" just came out today, and is based on a book of the same title by Anthony Swofford. It's a film about a group of Marines, around the time of and during the first Gulf War. It took me places...if you're wondering if there are any movies to see in the theatre, this might be a good one to start with, unless you'd rather see "Saw II" or...I won't get started.

The Power of Music

As Ali G might say, "Music, what's it all about?" I'm sitting here listening to the Ohio Players album "Honey" and I'm reminded again of how wonderful music is. What other creation of man can stir up such a wide range of emotions, bring people together, serve as a tool, and be sold as a commodity generating income for thousands of people? It provides comfort for so many of us in times of desperation, acts as a shoulder to cry on, pumps us up before the game, soothes us while we hang, lets us get our groove on, the soundtrack to so many moments. I mean, to many of you this may be nothing new...but I guess I'm just appreciating how powerful music is.

You can talk about Fela Kuti and the meaning his music had to the people of Nigeria.

You can talk about Lil' Jon and his ability to make you move.

You can talk about Kam and the Gang Peace Treaty in 1993.

You can talk about how happy it makes me to find a sample.

You can talk about the woman singing the German national anthem to all the French soldiers in Kubrick's "Paths of Glory".

You can talk about my little sisters' smiles when pressing buttons on their play toys.

You can talk about Bambaattaa spreading the wealth...

And the beat goes on.

Music, it certainly is a powerful phenomenon, you "Sweet Sticky Thing" (making my own meaning).

"Say what!?"

It's the Ness y'all!!!!!

Alien Ness (middle) kicks it down under I assume.
Photo Credit: Australian BBoy, http://www.ozbboy.com/content/fernandez.asp
(It was hard not to start quoting Marc "Chopper" Reed there.)

I may be out of context, whatever "that" means, but today I had a great experience. I was able to attend a Q&A with two B-Boy legends. One among the first to bring the Hip-Hop dance to Boston: Lino Delgado el Presidente de los Floor Lords, and the other, the main event who hails from Harlem: Zulu King Alien Ness. The whole jam was organized by: the Professor Dr. Joe Twist, who deserves the utmost respect.

They talked about their experiences being part of the culture in the younger days, and then were quick to answer questions with answers that took you somewhere, if you know what I mean. We laughed, we were serious, we sighed, and we were happy. The only thing odd about it was that it was in the middle of the day (started at 10:30), a little early for Hip-Hop we always say...Haha. It was a great way to start the day...

Check out the Floor Lords signature Saucony...

Photo Credit: The Saucony website, http://www.saucony.com/originals/products_detail.aspx?type=m&id=196