Black Male Achievement, Hip Hop in the Academy; 2 Educators Speak Out

Brenden Anderson

Brenden Anderson

Hard Knock Radio: 04-08-14 We speak with local community activist and educator Brenden Anderson about Black Male achievement, effective teaching methods, the school to prison pipeline and the upcoming Black male Achievement Man Up Conference. We talk about the obstacles that are in the way preventing effective methods from being implemented in schools. We talk about the way economic incentives around mass incarceration and private prisons. play a role in keeping education underfunded. We talk about how the programs Brenden is involved in have become a model currently being looked at by the Obama administration for their My Brother’s Keeper program.

Mazi Mutafa

Mazi Mutafa

Later on in the show we talk with educator Mazi Mutafa about his Washington DC based organization Words, Beats and Life. We talk about Hip Hop in the academy and how its grown over the years and the various approaches many are taking to enhance their teaching and excite students. We talk about their peer reviewed magazine and the significance of having scholars directly interact with practioners, artists and pioneers vs being detached and ‘studying them’.

We talk about the on going One Mic Festival in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center in which WBL is participating . We talk about How Hip Hop has spread globally and the steps folks here in the US must take to become a better participant in Hip Hop’s global conversation.

Critical Updates on the Alex Nieto Killing by SFPD | Special Election in Jackson, Ms

Alex NietoHard Knock Radio 04-07-14: Today we sat down with local activist and Professor Ben Bac Sierra, who was best friends to Alex Nieto. Alex was the honor student and security guard at El Toro Nightclub was slain by SFPD as he sat eating in a park in neighborhood in Bernal Heights..

According to police, they were responding to reports of a man acting ‘erratically’ carrying a gun. Alex was in the park walking back and forth, praying out while carrying his job issued taser which strapped to his side. Police showed up, stood 75 feet away and shot Alex after he pointed the taser at him.. That’s according to their reports. That account has been widely disputed.

Ben gives us a blow-by-blow account of the incident following the timeline put out police. He also explains that the caller stayed on the phone with police dispatchers as they approached Alex and noted that he was sitting on a bench eating when police approached him..

He also talks about how the SFPD visited Alex’s parents hours after he was killed and attempted to get information about his mental well-being in the past. The parents were unaware their son had been killed. They were under the impression Alex was in some sort of trouble with the law which in itself was shocking because he had whistle clean record. They cooperated with police as best they could. His parents do not speak English. The police demanded to search the house, Alex’s father refused. It was after the police questioned the parents that officers informed them they had shot and killed Alex…

Ben also relayed how SFPD Chief Greg Suhr publicly promised to pay for Alex’s funeral during the widely watched police town hall. After the cameras were gone Suhr called up the family the next day and reneged on his promise. The family had to hold a fundraiser to get money for Alex’s funeral.

Ben concluded our interview by noting the support they have been receiving by hundreds of residents all over Bernal Heights and the Mission as well as by local supervisors David Campos and John Avala.

In recent days SFPD have announced they are on high tactical alert because they had received an anonymous death threat. Local organizers feel this is the police’s way of demonizing Alex’s friends and family who have been peaceful in all demonstrations and outings.

Chokwe Antar LumumbaLater in the show we talk with longtime activist and Malcolm X Grassroots leader Kali Akuno about the special election in Jackson, Mississippi for Mayor that’s scheduled for Tuesday April 8th. He talks to us about the political landscape in the wake of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba’s death. His son Antar is running and trying to succeed his father and continue implementing the Jackson Rising people’s plan…

Kali noted that many of the candidates initially had pledged loyalty to the late Mayor’s historic Jackson Rising plan. Its enormously popular among Jackson residents. Once Antar entered the race, those same candidates have been working overtime to dis it.

In the wake of last week’s Supreme Court ruling where campaign contribution limits have been lifted, millions of dollars from outside the city and state have poured into the election making it the most expensive in Jackson’s history. The bulk of the money has been coming in from developers and republicans in the overwhelming Democratic City. Kali noted that there is a strong push to gentrify Jackson.

Jordan Miles who was Beaten By Police May Have to Pay Their lawyer fees

Jordan Miles

Jordan Miles

Once again an all-white jury found ruthless police officers ‘not guilty’ of egregious actions. In this case we are talking about honor student Jordan Miles out of Pittsburgh, Pa.  A couple of years ago Miles while en route to his grandmother’s house 3 white plain clothed officers who call themselves the ‘Jump Out Boys‘ ran up on him demanding he hand over all his drugs and money..

Fearing he was about to be robbed, Jordan ran, was swept down and pummeled by 3 martial arts expert cops.. They beat Miles so badly he was unrecognizable by his mother. Adding insult to injury they tore his dreads out.

Keep in mind, Miles had never been in trouble with the police ever. His neighborhood, Homewood is notorious for people getting jacked so it wasn’t an out-of-pocket reaction for Miles at 11pm at night to run from perceived danger..He was going to stay with his grandma because she doesn’t like being alone at night because there is crime in the neighborhood.

Miles who is top-notch violinist had recently performed for the first lady Michele Obama.. Lots of protests ensued after the incident, but there was the refusal of DA to criminally prosecute the cops.. The Black police chief at the time, Nate Harper who was recently sentenced to jail  for conspiracy and tax evasion, callously stated said Jordan shouldn’t have run. Not only did he justify the horrendous beating, he gave the cops a promotion.

A civil trial was had and concluded the other day.  The all white jury said the police falsely arrested Jordan, but saw nothing wrong with Miles being beat. They said the police did no wrong and while the awarded Miles 119K dollars when all is said and done, Miles will receive 3k.. Yes you read that right, he will get only 3 grand and because of the jury’s verdict he will now likely have to pay for the officer’s lawyer fees.. You can read about that HERE

God Bless America and her inability to see wrong doings at the hands of out of control police…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONPo-wslB40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5jfy3W_ry0

 

The Eviction of Sabrina Carter-SF’s Privatization and Negro Removal Plan

 

Sabrina Carter

Sabrina Carter

Hard Knock Radio (04-02-14) Co-Host Anita Johnson speaks with Tiny Lisa Garcia of Poor News Network and long time resident Sabrina Carter about the ongoing privatization and gentrification that is unfolding in urban areas, in particular San Francisco…They talk about the large numbers of Black families being forcibly moved out of San Francisco

In the case of Sabrina Carter she is the latest person to come under the scourge of San Francisco’s Negro Removal Program where large numbers of Black people all over the city are being evicted for a variety of nefarious reasons. In this case , she is being evicted because she is unable to control the actions and behavior of her adult son. This eviction would leave Carter homeless…

Sabrina carterBelow is an excerpt from a recent SF Baview newspaper article penned by Lisa Garcia explaining the plight of Sabrina Carter and a recent protest that took place at City Hall..http://sfbayview.com/2014/the-new-freedom-ride-black-families-youth-elders-and-ancestors-sing-spirit-into-sf-city-hall/

“You can’t sing in here; you are constituting an unlawful assembly!” As we walked 30 deep – youth, adults, elders, singing the spirit of our African ancestors, our indigenous ancestors in resistance into City Hall – we were stopped by three sheriffs who said we were, in fact, an unlawful assembly because we were singing.

“I thought this was our constitutional right to free speech, to free song,” I said.

“No, you are protesting; therefore you are an unlawful assembly.”

“We aren’t protesting; we are singing,” I continued to say.

Then more sheriffs came. They talked among themselves. They had guns and batons. We had our voices. We were walking spirit of our ancestor freedom fighters inside the politrickster-infested walls of soul-ed out peoples of color, trying to get mines, capitalist pawns and apologists of the ruling class.

“Where are you going?”

“To see the mayor.”

“Well, you can’t see the mayor if you are singing. You can’t protest in this building.” As the men with the badges and the guns spoke, the walls shook. The floors trembled. The statues of politricksters past shook slightly on their marble podiums. Mama Sabrina’s face shook with tears. Her strong young 10-year-old and 19-year-old sons looked down as they stood valiantly by her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkEMA6UaINE

Pro-Football Distancing Itself From Gang Affiliation w/ New Campaign

Desean JacksonLast week football fans all over the country were stunned when the Philadelphia Eagles suddenly released Pro Bowl widereceiver DeSean Jackson. What was officially stated as noted in a recent article on NJ.com was DeSean had a ‘bad attitude, an inconsistent work ethic, missed meetings and lacked chemistry with head coach Chip Kelly‘. That was the public face of his release, what was going on underneath the surface was Jackson’s alleged ties to gangs in his native Los Angeles.

Gang ties is something Jackson has vehemently denied, but its something Professional Football has increasingly been concerned about.  Over the past couple of years we seen a number of high-profile NFL players in serious violation of the law. Its ranged from DUIs to gun possession.

For example San Francisco 49er Pro Bowler Aldon Smith was arrested and charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon after a stabbing at his house party in 2012. He’s currently awaiting trial.  Former New England Patriot Pro Bowler Aaron Hernandez is currently in jail accused of several murders. It’s alleged he too had gang ties.

The NFL after meeting with top officials at the Justice Department have embarked on a campaign to clean house  and publicly distance itself from anyone and anything that may suggest gangland affiliations. Some of these high-profile criminal cases have made key advertisers skittish and even more importantly many cities where the league is pushing for expansion teams, new stadiums and the hosting for future Superbowls are fearful pro football will attract ruthless street gangs. All the stops are being pulled out to protect the leagues image.

In addition to clamping down on players and working with the DOJ to make sure their tatoos or hand gestures are not rooted in gang culture, the league is taking the extra step to distance itself from entertainers, in particular Hip Hop that have associated themselves with certain players and certain teams.

Macklemore

Macklemore

Rod Francisco, assistant league spokesman, said they are developing a culture department that will vet artists, record labels and promoters who are attaching themselves to professional football to make sure they don’t have any gang ties. He noted the Rap industry is cesspool of dangerous criminal types that are bad for business.

In the upcoming 2014 season the league will do a total entertainment makeover by contracting artists who have clean record and wholesome image to record theme songs for various teams. Francisco said its a surefire way to shed the negative image attached to teams by gangster rappers and gangster activity. Music is the ultimate cleanser.

Francisco noted they were impressed with 4 time Grammy winner Macklemore. “He’s what the league is looking for in an entertainer. He’s a big hit with kids and he’s appealing to parents”, Francisco said.  “He’s not out there catching cases  or scaring potential sponsors with unsavory language.”

Macklemore is being tapped to do theme songs for the NY Giants, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans the and of course his home team the world champion Seattle Seahawks.

Long time journalist and die-hard Houston Texan fan Roland S Martin of TV One said he thinks the campaign is splendid and feels that his team will be inspired by a theme song penned by Macklemore. “Our image needs a facelift and artists like Macklemore bring the funk in a whole different way” said the veteran newsman.

Drake

Drake

Drake is another artist who the DOJ said has a clean record and wholesome image. He’s being tapped to do theme songs for the Dallas Cowboys, the New Orlean Saints  and the San Franciso 49ers.

Francisco noted initially they were going to assign Macklemore to do a theme for the 49ers but they feared the intense rivalry between the two teams would be enhanced with a Seattle based rapper doing music for a San Francisco based team, so they assigned Drake.

Other artists approved to do team theme songs are the Black Eyed Peas and Young MC who wrote the hit single for Wild Thing for Tone Loc in the late 80s. The league is still soliciting rap artist who have clean images and catchy songs..

For any rap artist who is interested in penning a theme song for an NFL Team, reach out to Rod Francisco by filling out an application HERE

 

 

 

The Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles Has Passed-He Will Be Missed

Frankie KnucklesI’m at a loss words as I’m just getting word that House Music pioneer Frankie Knuckles has passed away..Man this hurts my heart. Known as the Godfather of House,  Knuckles who was originally from the Bronx, New York moved to Chicago in the late 70s (1977) and started deejaying at a club called the Warehouse.

It was here that Knuckles introduced a style of deejaying accompanied with emerging uptempo soulful disco. This is not to be confused with the John Travolta/Bee Gees sound popularized in the movie ‘Saturday Night Fever‘ that led to the infamous slogan ‘disco sucks‘ and ironically a disastrous Disco Demolition Night by a notorious rock jock Steve Dahl in Chicago at Comiskey Park. The outcome of that event led to record companies abandoning disco and dance oriented music. The music being pushed by Knuckles survived and prospered.

What Knuckles highlighted was classic Black, urban, Philadelphia (Gamble and Huff) style R&B. It was disco as defined  by artists like First Choice, Loletta Holloway, Barbara Roy and MFSB. In fact many considered the drum patterns used in MFSB’s ‘Love is the Message‘ as a primary building block around House.

Knuckles brought his New York style mixing and sound to a city that was already into cutting edge music. This sound became popular and picked up by other deejays like Kenny ‘Jamming’ Jason, Chip E, the late Ron Hardy and Keith ‘Funkmaster’ Farley to name a few and paved the way for what initially was known as ‘Warehouse music‘ and was later shortened to ‘House’.

Knuckles deejayed at the Warehouse up until the early 1980s and then later his own club called the Power Plant. He also started producing his own records. What really helped put him on the map was the release of an underground classic that was only on tape of one of House music’s early anthems ‘Your Love‘ by Jamie Principal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOLE1YE_oFQ

By the late 80s early 90s House music started to explode worldwide and Knuckles was a key reason as he started to travel and do residencies in cities like London. he also developed his skillz not just a producer but as an incredible remixer. He touched everyone from Michael Jackson to Chaka Khan to Diana Ross to the Pet Shop Boys to Janet Jackson on down. There are simply to many to name.  One thing was certain a Frankie Knuckle’s remix was almost always good to go. His own projects released on Virgin records like the Whistle Song and Rain Falls are classics 20 years after the fact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXatWr1JJ5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIdimVDuSEU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC0iX_JvYaE

Since its humble beginnings House music has evolved and splintered into numerous sub-genres with its history so distorted in terms of its history that many forget its a Black music genre rooted in deep soul and was the heart of the Windy City Chicago with Frankie Knuckles was the center piece. So admired was Frankie Knuckles is that he has a street named after him in Chicago, Frankie Knuckles Way.

The Godfather of House will be missed.. With his sudden passing I only folks all over the planet are stunned. Today House is a multi-billion dollar a year industry under the umbrella of what people called EDM (Electronic Dance Music). Names like Dave Guetta and  Deadmau5 are the big names that everyone likes to mention, but make no mistake there’s none of this EDM stuff if it wasn’t for the groundbreaking, pioneering efforts of Frankie Knuckles. He transformed music for the better.

RIP Godfather

Below is our HKR Interview and tribute to Frankie Knuckles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1HpY65cXDA

500 Female Emcees: Meet the Cookie Crew-Hip Hop Pioneers from the UK

Cookie Crew (South London)

Cookie Crew (South London)

When we talk about Hip Hop  and its history its good to not only know the pioneering figures in New York where the music and culture was born, but its good to know who were the pioneering figures in other places. When we talk about the vibrant Hip Hop scene in London, you can’t talk about its early beginnings without noting the music accomplishments and social and political advocacy of MC Remedee (Debbie Pryce) and Suzy Q (Susan Banfield) collectively known as the Cookie Crew.

The duo formed Clapham, South London in 1983 which was about 2 years before  groups like Salt-N-Pepa formed. Their career took off after winning a national rap championship and recording two sessions for the John Peel BBC Radio 1 show. They gained a recording contract from the UK dance record label Rhythm King and were put in the studio with the production trio Beatmasters, who put them in a house music direction.

In July 1987, the resultant single “Rok Da House” was popular in the nightclubs. many consider it one of the first Hip-House songs. Their follow-up single “Females” also was a minor hit in October 1987. The continuing popularity of “Rok Da House” in nightclubs eventually renewed interest in the track and garnered a couple of television appearances on the No Limits programme.

The record was re-issued at the end of December 1987 and crossed over into the mainstream. The song became a Top 5 hit in the UK Singles Chart at the beginning of February 1988, and was even used for an advertising campaign. The track is often quoted as being the first hip house record.[who?]

Cookie CrewThe duo moved on to another record label, FFRR and different producers, resulting in a string of hit singles in 1989, with “Born This Way (Let’s Dance)“, “Got to Keep On” with Edwin Starr and “Come and Get Some“; plus the album Born This Way! which reached number 24 in the UK Albums Chart. “Got to Keep On” also reached #33 in the U.S. Dance chart.[2]

By 1992, there were differences of opinion between the duo, who wanted to pursue more of an orthodox hip hop/rap style, and FFRR’s parent label London Records, who wanted to steer the duo towards more of a pop oriented style of rap. This resulted in the duo parting company with FFRR and retiring from the hip hop/rap scene. Despite this, Pryce and Banfield have remained involved with other projects within the music industry.

The two continued to perform and travel the world. Banfield is the sister of The Pasadenas’ singer Andrew Banfield, and Pryce was formerly a chef for the Ministry of Defense.

Reach Debbie Pryce on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cookiepryce

Check out the full list of 500 Female Emcees Everyone Should Know

Cookie CrewFemales’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIUMP9xdpGg

Cookie CrewBorn this Way’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LQILQHUBOM

Cookie CrewSecret of Success’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ18sAU44wk

Cookie CrewHow Long has This Been Going On?’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-IW9zo4Sbk

Cookie CrewRok the House’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEgJv4Qn1JM

500 Female Emcees: Meet Alika from Argentina

Alika (Argentina)

Alika (Argentina)

Based on his early days of hip hop, Alika has become one of the leaders of the world reggae-dancehall-speaking After joining Attitude Maria Marta (one of the first hip hop bands Argentine)

In 1999 decided to start their own project based on the Rastafarian culture. Alika has gained recognition as a highly conscious voice emanating from Latin America, direct and clear writing lyrics that speak of respect, dignity, and self-confidence at the same time recounting situations and common problems in neighborhoods in the Third World.

Her charisma and stage presence have allowed you to take your music to festivals, theaters, clubs, schools, hospitals, prisons and even in different cities around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Venezuela , Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Spain and Andorra, Building an incredible race for whom, to this day, remains an independent artist.

Alika has 5 studio albums to date and is credited with creating some of the great hymns of Reggae in Spanish. Songs like Ejercito Despierta, Do not be sad, Galang, Lighters, Custom and kill you Hey my friend, have helped to establish Alika as an international reggae star and have helped put Latin Reggae on the world map. An example of this is the 5th. Alika in claborcion album with world renowned dub producer Mad Professor. This 2009 album titled Mad Proffesor meets Alika was entirely produced by the genius of dub.

Alika Dem Gots No Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHh8kIEV5H4

Alika Galang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw4rtERX0zw

Alika Todo Lo Negativo 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNKN_ibe9OY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr08Cl5QeJA

Check out the master list of 500 Female Emcees Everyone Should Know

When will the FBI Take Down Corrupt Police Like they do Corrupt Politicians?

Police warriorsGlad to see the FBI has been hot on the case, spending 2 years seeking out corrupt politicians who are gun trafficking and bringing them down. For that they should be applauded. With the recent take downs of Cali state Senators Leland Yee and Ron Calderon, some might want to ask when will the FBI spend a couple of years going undercover and rooting out rogue police who shoot, kill and beat people with reckless abandon?

Will the FBI be infiltrating the ranks of the Sonoma County sheriffs (Sonoma is North of San Francisco) to find out why 13 year old Andy Lopez was really killed? Will they investigate the writings and behavior of deputy Erick Gelhaus the officer who shot him who wrote an article explaining how to protect yourself from an egregious/wrong shooting?  Will the FBI investigate and find out why Sonoma County deputies have shot and killed 57 people in that small area over the past 10 years?

Will the FBI be hidden within the rank and file of Oakland Police  to find out why they killed Alan Buford? Will they find out why Oakland had to shell out 58 million dollars in settlement money over 10 years because of brutality incidents. Will they investigate to find out why its 2014 and OPD has still yet to adhere to the federal consent decree which was a result of the infamous Riders scandal? ?

FBIWill the FBI be undercover looking to see why  3 officers went and killed 28 year honor student Alex Nieto in his Bernal Heights neighborhood last week after gentrifiers ‘became suspicious’?  To the FBI’s credit they did open up an investigation after a local public defender released video footage was released showing officers storming people’s homes without warrants.. The end result was 57 cases had to be dismissed because of those actions along with falsification of  police reports?  is the FBI still investigating SFPD?

So yes the FBI took down Leland Yee, when will they take down rogue, out of control cops who have tainted law enforcement and terrorized poor and marginalized communities?

Keep in mind it was just 3 weeks ago that the FBI announced they would be investigating vandalism crimes in upscale Atherton which is 30 miles south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley. Someone had spray painted anti-wealth message on several doors and the FBI said they would investigate because they keep track of activist organizations. This means that there’s a likely hood the FBI will be out monitoring the March today (Sat March 29 ) for Alex Neito, will they be monitoring the SF police who are being protested?

 

http://bit.ly/1lqqMxZ

Queendom Comes Together | Sellassie Speaks on State of Bay Area Hip Hop

Jazz Monique Hudson

Jazz Hudson

 Hard Knock Radio (03-28-14), c0-host Anita Johnson chops it up with long time artist/ activist Jazz Monique Hudson about women in Hip Hop and the upcoming Queendom event featuring herself, Aima the Dreamer, Aisha Fukashima, DJ Zita, Queens D Light, Coco Peila and Shy An G to name a few

Jazz speaks about the current challenges of dealing with sexism within the industry as well as the power moves she and other women are making to remain independent and better equipped. Queendom is taking place on Friday March 28 2014 at Betti Onos and will feature women repppin’ all 4 elements of Hip Hop..

Later in the show,  Anita chops it up with SF artist Sellassie about the state of Hip Hop in the Bay Area. He explains the concept behind his upcoming unity summit he is organizing which is intended to bridge the gap between local artists and club and radio deejays.

He feels that many deejays are not supportive of the Bay sound.. Many deejays feel otherwise and hence this gathering Next Wednesday April 2 between 7-10pm at African American Cultural Center in the Filmore district of San Francisco..

Sellassie also talks about police brutality incidents and what folks should be doing to fight back.. On this show he reveals his new song ‘Cops Keep Firing.’

https://soundcloud.com/mrdaveyd/hard-knock-radio-03-28-14