I had to take time out to pay tribute to an amazing writer, activist, and person. Though I never received the chance of meeting Beauty Turner I have come across her story through the many people she touched while working at the Hyde Park Herald/Lakefront Outlook Newspaper. The goal of Turner's writing was to tell the looked over stories of many down and out Chicago Housing Authority residents. As a resident herself of The Robert Taylor Homes, Turner described herself as a "writer and a fighter."
The news of Turner's death came last week as she suffered a coma due to an aneurysm. With her many years of battle within abusive relationships Turner used that same relentless spirit to get her voice heard on many public housing issues. Curtis Lawrence a former writer for the Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper gad this to say about Turner.
"Officials at the CHA tried to ignore her, and she just demanded to be heard," Lawrence stated.
Turner was survived by two sons Larry Jr., Landon, a daughter, Latanya, and a twin sister Daisy.
I have featured audio and other posts on Immortal Technique before so it seemed only right to try and get an interview with the lyricist. What made me start listening to him is the single that he put out with Joell Ortiz called, "Modern Day Slavery." Since that day I started to appreciate how he used his lyrics to tell true life stories of what is happening in the world. As it states on his Myspace page: Rebellion is in my blood and Hip Hop is the heart that pumps it.
In your single, "3rd World," you talk about a lot of real things. The state that hip-hop is in do you think that will make people shy away from your music?
IT: I think it's a matter of whose opinion you want. Will it have me break through the mainstream market? Probably not. But will it expose people who are looking for more information to a world of new understanding about the world they live in? If they can read between the lines. Will it stir up debate and enable conversation? Absolutely. I think that Street Hip Hop is still very much in support of Revolutionary Hip Hop and since my music has an aggressive nature to it, it's even more accessible to the way that they see the world. The urban society of the USA prefers it's music un-diluted, no matter what sells in the mainstream. If you measure success by record sales then you'd have to sell a million units in the mainstream, but in the underground if you sell about 15- 20,000 people see that as a great achievement. "The 3rd World" has been out for 4 months and has already sold over 55,000 records. I don't think people were terrified by the reality exemplified in the music.
How did the collaboration with DJ Green Lantern for the new album come about?
IT: Ever since we did that cut "Bin Laden" with Mos Def it was just waiting in the works to happen, we had kicked around the idea and finally made it happen. We have very different schedules but eventually we both happened to be in NY for about 2 months and we got the last of the production and studio stuff finished. Green Lantern is a long time supporter of not just the Hardcore Street Stuff but the Revolutionary music with a message. With what I do he has a chance to embrace both.
What do you say to the people who say that your music is depressing?
After yesterday's decision on the President of the United States, I have to post something regarding Senator but now President elect Barack Obama. When I woke up this morning I still didn't absorb the fact that we now have a Black president starting on January 29Th. Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to see the speech that Mr. Obama gave in Grant Park yesterday. So for me and everyone else who missed it I have posted it below.
Artist Busta Rhymes will be holding a free concert at New York City's Knitting Factory. The show will be held on Oct. 29th with doors opening at 8 p.m. The concert will also feature DJ Mick Boogie and Pacific Divison. To RSVP text BUSTA or PACDIV to 66937 and the first 300 people are in for free.
When I was shown this video I was cracking up. Take a look for yourself.
There is a documentary that is now playing here in Chicago at the Landmark Century Theatre and it is called "Trouble the Water." The film takes a look inside the horrific tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The story is told by a husband and wife duo that films the events leading up to the storm. This film takes a first hand look inside the storm and the people who stayed in their houses.
I must say that I was touched by this film which is executive produced by Danny Glover. I gained another viewpoint after watching this. One common misconception that I shared with a majority of people is that most of the victims from the storm stayed there because they were to foolish to leave. This point is quickly dis proven by the couple as they show that most people had no way of leaving. The truly sad part is that in the documentary, a year after the hurricane touched down a big majority of New Orleans has not yet been built back up.
I strongly recommend everyone to take a look at this film.
I recently learned of a international poet by way of Chicago. His name is Kevin Coval and some may have seen him featured on the show, Def Poetry Jam on HBO. Well he has a new book coming out entitled, "Everyday People." The book takes a look at ordinary people through Coval's eyes. Learn more about the poet, mc, and author at http://www.kevincoval.com/
This video is funny and mean at the same time. It makes fun of rapper Rick Ross but hey it's funny. See for yourself.
Wow it looks like O.J. Simpson has finally gone down. The verdict in his case were he was accused of robbing two sports-memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel. The 61 year old Simpson was convicted of all 12 charges by a jury that took more than 13 hours to deliberate. I wonder what the Goldman Family is thinking right now?
Political radical Michael Moore has a new video out. This time he is spreading the message of getting out to vote. Slacker Uprising is the name of film and it is free for viewing through the site
A brief trailer for the upcoming Notorious B.I.G movie is available. You can view it below.
It looks like Hip- Hop artist Q-Tip will be having a free show in NYC on Sept. 29th. The show will be held at The Knitting Factory on the 29th at 8 p.m. To get into the show just text QTIP to number 66937 to RSVP for the show.
Also on Sept. 29th clothing line Live Mechanics will be throwing a bash for their upcoming Fall/Winter '08 line. The event will be held at the Los Angeles nightclub Area. Guests will include producer Will.I.Am, Travis McCoy, and Jennifer Freeman among others. Rsvp for the event at rsvp@livemechanics.com.
Blood Is The New Black is a clothing line straight out of the City of Angeles. Unlike any other tee-shirt label, Blood Is The New Black takes emerging underground artists and puts their creativity out to the public. The line has unveil their Holiday '08 collection, click on the link below to go to the website. http://www.bloodisthenewblack.com/
I came across this article in the Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper, where high school students will be receiving monetary compensation in exchange for getting good grades. The theory behind this plan is by putting money over students head this will make them strive to get better grades and stay in school. The pay rate for the grades are as follows; $50 for an A, $35 for a B, and $20 for a C. I guess with the high dropout rate among Chicago Public Schools paying kids to actually care about grades is not such of a bad idea. Apparently this idea has already been tried in New York City without any glitches. Click on the link below to read the full story. http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1159086,CST-NWS-grade12.article
Today I am featuring two NYC natives that are doing their thing in their respective fields. Fokis who is the rapper is the CEO of Loyalty Records and Focus is a rising producer over at Aftermath.
How did both of you guys get the name focus?
Focus: When I first started in the industry I was young and I was always trying to find a tag name because I was always using my name. And my dad is in the industry as the bass player for Chic so he didn't really want me to get into the industry so he was like "if you want to get into the industry you need to start focusing," " you need to focus on your schoolwork you need to focus and stop the b.s." My dad used to come at me like that but he would always use that word focus. Then one day I was walking in Brooklyn and I looked around and I just saw the word focus in an advertisement or something and just for some reason what my dad said to me kind of echoed in my head. So when I went back to the block with my boys I said, "yo my name is focus."
Fokis: For me I got to that because I have always been in group, after group, after group and every time I have always been the hungriest one in my team. So the last group that I was in before I became a solo artist and we had like 18 songs done and then my partner didn't want to do it anymore. So I came up with that name in the back of my head but I didn't want to move with it and then one day I was like "if you really want to do this music thing you really need to focus," and that was it.
So how did you start Loyalty Records?
Fokis: It was about creating my own. I know the sound I wanted to hear and what I want to represent as a brand.
What was the sound you wanted to hear?
Fokis: Just good music with some content, something with some substance. A lot of the stuff that's going on now we're like forced to hear it. The Internet gives people a lot of options. so I'm just trying to make some good music
So is that why you guys decided to release the album digitally over the internet?
Focus: We just decided to release it just because when we release it when we release it online you're able to reach a wide audience. You know that's a maximum, that's the main objective trying to reach as many people as possible. So give it to them free with some good music and hopefully get them hooked and they'll keep coming back for some good music.
So how does it work can they download the album from a site or something?
Fokis: Yea, it's an EP. It will be available for free on http://www.myspace.com/fokis2k and a slew of other websites. 20/20 coming September 16.
How long have you guys known each other?
Fokis: Definitely two years, I want to say close to three years.
How did you guys meet?
Focus: The funny thing about it is we met on the Internet. I was in a really bad place as far as my career was concern and I would hear stuff with other kids biting my name. And my people was telling me about a kid named Fokis from the Lower East Side and you need to check this kid out because he's biting your name. I was like no I'm not having it, so I looked him up and I heard his music and I liked his stuff and I noticed that he spelled his name different. So when we finally connected he was like man I been trying to get with you and I was like word? He wasn't trying to get notoriety off my name and there were a lot of kids taking a lot of meetings just saying that they were Fokis and cats thought they were me because I didn't put my face out there. So me and him started connecting and I saw his grind I had to have mutual respect.
I read that you have a reality show coming out?
Fokis: Yes, it's a reality show called "Road to Riches," the whole show is basically about an artist that is trying to get a record deal, so I documented the whole thing. I'm converting it to a documentary style to accompany with my "Road to the Riches" album. The album is crazy it has Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Benie. It's perfect because that music was made during my market grind so it shows everything, me going to Florida, Atlanta, going here going there and it just really shows you what it takes to make it happen. I definitely recommend check that out. You can see it on my Myspace page www.myspace.com/fokis2k or on www.youtube.com/fokistv
Married to the Mob is back with their Fall '08 selection and it looks pretty hot!! The label is dedicated to women and is even owned by a young businesswoman from New York who is doing her thing. For this reason she is mentioned under Who & Why. Check out more at the website mttmnyc.com.
My friend Nykeya forwarded me the pics below of these little kids dressed up. After I seen them I had to post something about them. I have never seen anything like this in my 20 years of being on this earth.
This is the finding according a new government projection that has been released. By the year 2042 the world will be more diverse. I still don't believe that this will help Black people climb the ladder of prosperity in America but hey you never know it might be a start.
I have to show love to my friend Raphel Young and the rest of the Live Mechanics team for helping the world get closer to God. They do something that is kind of different for a regular clothing line, which is every Friday they present "Fellowship of the Word." The event is held in both New York or at the clothing label's main office in Los Angeles. It features readings from the good book along with group testimonials. If you are in the LA or NYC area it's definitely worth checking out. visit http://www.livemechanics.com/ for more info.
Former Democratic Presidential hopeful John Edwards cheated on his wife and also may have fathered a child by his mistress. Edwards claims that he did lie about having an affair with with 44-year old Rielle Hunter. The most disgusting part of this whole story to me is that he cheated on his wife who was later diagnosed with cancer. At least he was quoted as saying he didn't love her.
R.I.P: Bernie Mac (October 5, 1975-August 9, 2008)
The comedian, actor, and Chicago native, Bernie Mac died today at Northwestern Memorial Hospital at the age of 50. Mac's publicist confirmed that his death was due to complications of pneumonia whiched he was hospitalized for a week ago. Mac born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough will be remembered by many for his brash humor and nononsense attitude. He acecomplished a lot throughout his career including roles in "Ocean's Eleven," "Bad Santa," and "The Bernie Mac Show," which produced more than 100 episodes from 2001 to 2006.
The number of new HIV infections in the United States are on the rise. The new figures show an 40% increase between the updated amount of 56,300 and the original amount of 40,000 cases reported in 2006 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To read the full story click on the link below.
So I ran across this article and the topic was is bottled water better than tap water. Now me personally the only way that I can drink water is if it's bottled but there are some people out there who do not care. Well according to the article tap water is just as safe as bottled water depending on the person. If you have a weak immune system or take steroids then you may want to stick to bottled water. I took the liberty of posting a link to the complete article below. Symptoms of Health Tip: Bottled or Tap?
"Being Black In America," will be televised July 23rd and 24th on CNN. The two day series is being hosted by reporter Soledad O' Brien and will take a look at the Black race as a whole. I strongly suggest taking a look at this documentary which may bring a new prespective to people. I hope that reporter Soledad O' Brien brings a different spin to the story besides the usual drugs, crime, and violence topics that are always reported on in the African-American community. I can't wait to see.
To my surprise and excitement Yonkers rapper, Dmx is back out. His new single, "I Wish," marks the upcoming release of his two new albums on Bodog Records. Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later which are scheduled to be released on the same day. One album, Walk With Me Now, will include traditional Hip-Hop songs while the other disc, You'll Fly With Me Later, will be comprised of mostly Gospel melodies including the newly released track, "I Wish."
DMX- I Wish feat. Seal
I was not the biggest Lil Mama fan but her new single ahs changed my view on her. Her new song is called, "What It Is (Strike A Pose)," and is featured on her album, Voice Of The Young People.
I had to feature this video after I was given the link. The song is by an Atlanta songwriter A.P.T. On his Youtube page he says that he makes interesting songs with interesting content. The song is called Obama Obama.
I. C. Stars is a non-profit organization based in Chicago. They assist adults who have earned either a high school diploma or GED in developing their business and technology skills. The company was founded in 1999 for the purpose of turning young adults into community leaders by the year 2020. The project works by creating teams consiting of three to four individuals working on three different client programs over the 16-week training course. Once the 16-week is trial is over, careers in Information Technology and other computer professions will be open to the young professionals. Also once the program is completed the graduates will automatically be accepted into Depaul CTI or School for New Learning bachelor's program.
The numbers do not lie and I.C. Stars has a 100% placement rate for their graduates once they complete their process. Northern Trust, PepsiCo, Microsoft, Exelon, Loyola University, and Siemens include some of the companies that volunteers have been placed with. On average all i.c. alum make between $34,000-60,000 which is an increase from the $11,000 that is their reported income at the start of the program.
Now I know that the flood that devestated the state of Iowa was also a major tradegy by itself but I must admit I was somewhat angry when they compared it to the disaster that took place in New Orleans. I am aware that they are similar events but the major difference that I see is that the people in Iowa were immediately overloaded with help and aid.
I have learned that the United States government is one step closer in collecting data on people on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The government will look at private information such as: credit card transactions, internet browsing habits, and travel history. They claim that this will be one step closer of getting rid of terrorism but it sounds like an excuse to spy on people.
The Thunderkatz is a group straight out of Atlanta that is trying to explode on the music scene. They have accomplished the first step by getting signed onto Irv Gotti's The Inc record label. The group which consists of, O80, Ginger, Jus Jon, Mel, Juno, and Benjjive is trying to add a new spin on today's hip and rock music. Member O80 gave me the opportunity to ask him what makes the T. Katz different from anybody else.
Descibe The Thunderkatz for me.
DH: Simply said The Thunderkatz, now The T.Katz due to the powers that be, is the future. When I started The Thunderkatz I wanted it to be a hybernation of music that I loved and listened to. At that time it was rock, hiphop, and pop, shit like that. Now my musical taste has changed a little bit and so has The Thunderkatz. The movement is to take different mentalities swirling them together rather than "hybrid" music. Me being a song writer and Ginger being an ill song writer we just let composition speak to us and say, alright what type of kids are we trying to reach with this one. One joint might be for the hipster kat, the other joint might be for the younger more impressionable kid, and another just might be something selfish and completely for ourselves. So rather then the movement being hybrid music it's morphed into a soundtrack of music for peoples lives.
How did the group form?
DH: The group didn't really form it grew and it wasn't really created it was birthed. Basically friends that did music seperetely decided to do it together. Out of that song writers mentality a really ill band formed that is a whole other force and intity itself.
You were a production assistant so what made you want to step from thebackground to into the studio?
DH: I basicly grew up. Almost instantly after being told what to do I realized I was terrible at taking orders and was more like Carnage Mellon than Bently Fansworth (not a dis at bently cuz he's dope he just had the band on his show from g'z to gents.)
What was your backup plan in case this music thing didn't go the way you wanted?
DH: Well I kinda always worked in the music business so my back up plan was working in the business in some other capacity. But my manager BJ called me hot dog man because I had a hot dog and smoothie spot in union new jersey while I was saving up to move to atlanta. The place was owned by my pops and my aunt.
What makes the group any different from other artists we read aboutand never hear from again?
DH: Well you don't really read about us much cuz T. Katz is a buzz word so kind of having no success yet is dope cuz you only have up to go. I know I didn't answer the question right, but what is right anyway and why does it sound the same as write and have a completely different meaning? Now that's wrong!
Why are The Thunderkatz "on the verge?"
DH: T. Katz are on the verge of shooting a music video for our single called "Anything". Why? Cuz our pedal is stuck to the floor even with at a red light my instick is to floor. I instill that in the rest of my band members.
Some people may remember Ray Lavender from the catchy song, "My Girl's Gotta Girlfriend." Now the Atlanta native is gearing up to release his newest album which features the single, "Stay."
Underground artist Tame One is set to release his new album, "Da Ol Jersey Bastard," on June 29th, which features a guest appreance by Sean Price. His new single is "Catch Me" featurine Del.
Team Blackout, which consits of Reggie, Joey Simmmons, and Zach. Their new single, "Lights Down Low." is produced by Rockwilder and will be featured on their debut album, "Lights Out" on Aug. 19th.
When I first learned of Mickey Factz I thought that he was another New York rapper that was using clothes and money as a way to break into the industry. After reading more about him I realized that I was wrong. Mickey Factz is actually a emcee with a message. He gave me the opportunity to ask him about his image, and why he is "on the verge."
Who is Mickey Factz?
MF: Mickey Factz is the embodiment of Hip Hop in the world. The sound of 2016 and the reason your ear drum was created.
On your Myspace page you say that you can move New York hip-hop forward, how would you say you are accomplishing that?
MF: I'm doing a damn good job by releasing great music weekly. I'm preparing my Ep and Album. Not to mention I'm creating a culture within the realm of music. That is assisting me big time as well. It's deeper than lyrics and rhythm. It's lifestyle and culture.
You have a lot of acclaim surrounding you right now from the media, do you look at that as a good or bad thing?
MF: Its an excellent thing! They know what's about to come forth when it comes to music. I'm creating a mass hysteria via online, television, performing and very soon radio. Press can never be bad.
For little kids growing up that are looking at music as a outlet how would you say that they can relate to you?
MF: I'm what they wanna be when they grow up. I talk about things that affect people my age, younger and older. Its about connecting with the listener. By any means neccesary.
How was it like working with Lauryn Hill?
MF: Amazing. That's the only word that can be used.
What is the best advice you have received so far?
MF: No matter who tries to kill your dreams, you keep going to sleep and living them - LL Cool J You are known for releasing songs weekly, how many songs do you record on a regular basis?
MF: As many as possible before the engineer gets tired. I have toooooooo many timeless, classic songs, that will never die.
Who would you say you look up to, or are you in a class by yourself?
MF: My style is like resource room, I'm in a class by myself baby. But my inspirations are Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z and myself.
Why are you "On the verge?"
MF: I'm on the verge cause really I'm the best at what I do at the present time. I'm bringing dignity and respect to the forefront of Hip Hop once again.
What is up next for you?
MF: More music, more videos, more hits, more supras, more shows, more interview. Everything that a superstar in the making is supposed to receive. Guggenheim.
Mickey Factz feat. the Cool Kids, "Rockin N Rollin"
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