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Lauryn Hill Drops a New Song.. Are You Feeling It? Lauryn to Do Jail Time

May 5, 2013 By

lauryn hillLauryn Hill is making moves.. She comes with a new song.. perhaps a teaser as to what we can expect in future offerings which will hopefully help her retire her tax debt.. What do y’all think of this new joint..

Important Update.. On May 6th 2013 Lauryn Hill was sentenced to three months in jail for  tax evasion’.. The song that is released below was supposed to help her stay out of jail, but apparently not..The judge wants the mother of 6 to spend 3 months in jail.. Not sure what that will accomplish.. Does the US want its money or do they want to disrupt someone’s family life?  When will some of these corporate tax cheats do time for not paying taxes? Thus far a slew of artists ranging from Wesley  Snipes to Beanie Segal to Ja Rule all have been sentenced for not paying taxes..The message should be clear.. If you’re not a rich white corporate CEO the government will come and get you..

If thats not enough Lauryn Hill is also being ordered to undergo counseling to deal with her ‘conspiracy theories’.. lauryn who recently talked about the music industry being overly commercial and part of the illuminati raised concerns and now they want her to do counseling on top of the 3 months jail time and 3 months home confinement read about that HERE

One would think some of these lawmakers who ran around with crazy theories like economic trickle down or rape having a variety of categories including legitimate rape would be required to take counseling, but alas such is not the case in America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl0u_m0TeB4

Filed Under: 2012 Daily News Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Wyclef Jean Takes Waka Flocka To School

May 1, 2013 By

wyclef-jean-takes-waka_floc1Rapper/producer/musician Wyclef Jean took a hiatus from music to take care of some very important work. Just over three years ago, an 7.0 earthquake shook the tiny island of Haiti, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving millions homeless. When news of the earthquake broke, Wyclef headed back to his home country to help out. The former Fugees member was very vocal about the rebuilding process and even threw his hat into the political arena to run for president in Haiti. Although he his presidential hopes were dashed, Wyclef still does what he can to help out his fellow Haitian brothers and sisters in the slow, pain-staking process of putting their lives and country back together.

Fast forward a couple years later and Wyclef, who also released an autobiography while taking a break, is back on the music scene with a brand new mixtape. Taking all of hip hop artist to school. Giving the heart of hip hop and music new life. Titled, April Showers, the Grammy-winning rapper and producer makes a triumphant return with a solid mixtape filled with club bangers, soulful hits and freestyles.
To mark the release of April Showers, Wyclef held an exclusive listening party for industry insiders and VIP guests. Held at The Spot located on the first floor of the luxe Trump Soho in lower Manhattan, the Haitian native moved the packed crowd with tunes from his latest project.

On hand were several artists featured on April Showers. Including Atlanta Georgia Rapper Waka Flocka Flame.

The rest is at 4UMF

 

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Editorial: N*ggas at the Grammys (Kanye and Jay-Z)

February 4, 2013 By

“They say money make a n*gga act n*gger-ish”
Problem- A$AP Rocky

Paul ScottConservative talk show host , Sean O’Reilly hated Hip Hop with a passion. Yet, there he was, sitting in front of his flat screen watching the Grammys, anxiously , waiting for the rap song of the year to be announced . When the winner was finally revealed ,he jumped off his recliner like this favorite team had just won the Superbowl. No , he hadn’t become a converted Kanye West fan, he was just happy that he could announce to his millions of listeners the next morning that the best rap song was “N*ggas in Paris…”

On February 10th, the world will witness the 55th annual Grammy award show and rap royalty will be in the hizzouse . This ain’t nuthin’ unusual. However, what is news is that for the first time, a song featuring the controversial “N word” is in the running for an award, courtesy of Kanye West and Jay Z’s hit “N*ggas in Paris.” And since the song is nominated in two categories, the odds are in their favor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_dA32oH44

Nas and KelisThe only other thing to come close to this monumental event is, perhaps, Nas and ex -wife Kelis sportin’ the N*gger T-Shirts on the Red Carpet at the 2008 show.

So the question is, if Kanye and Jay are successful, how are they gonna announce the winner and who is gonna do it ? Since the Grammy folks like to do the unexpected when it comes to announcing winners, I can’t wait to see Ted Nugent jump on stage and say “and the winner of the Rap Performance of the Year is “N*ggers in New Hampshire” …I mean “Coloreds Outta Compton”..Aw, shucks …”

Also, the fact that the awards are smack dab in the middle Black History Month makes matters worst.

If we look at the history of rap music and the Grammys, it is safe to say that the music was not always welcomed at the shows. Kinda like a thugged out version of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” Although the genre was finally recognized as something more than ghetto noise by the late 80’s, controversy was created when the show would not televise the new category, prompting a boycott by Jazzy Jeff and Will “Fresh Prince” Smith and others in 1989.

So while some will be proud of the fact that 24 years later, Hip hop can proudly boast that it has produced the first N*gga song that could possibly win a Grammy, other Black folks, like myself, look upon the possibility with utter disgust. Especially considering that more socially relevant groups such as Brand Nubian and X-Clan never won the award , even though they are considered legends in the Hip Hop arena.

Perhaps most disturbing is that by rewarding such ignorance , it helps to legitimize the usage of the work in the eyes of White Americans.

Droppin’ the N bomb in the presence of White folks was once seen as a cultural no no. I can remember the controversy that arose when “George Jefferson’s “ white neighbor “Tom Willis” called him a n*gger on national TV on the 70’s sitcom “The Jeffersons”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lji3kw7dLOQ

But thanks to Hip Hop groups, like NWA (Niggaz with Attitude) the word has , continuously, become less offensive, even though it is, technically, still taboo for white people to actually say the word.

Although, many point to Hip Hop for propagating the warped idea that the overuse of the word would take the power out of it, it was actually white comedian Lenny Bruce who suggested that back in the 60’s. It must also be remembered that John Lennon tried to universalize the term back in 1972 with the song , “Woman is the Nigger of the World.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5lMxWWK218

It is oft repeated myth that the N Word is hip because it is a term of endearment that all Black people use to express brotherly love and racial solidarity.

Uh, no we “all “don’t.

There are probably more African Americans who, vehemently, oppose the word than those who embrace it.

Jay-Z and KanyeFor instance Philadelphia social worker, Abena Afreeka , who recently started a “N*gga Recovery Program” to help those addicted to using the word, opposes it because it acts as a psychological trigger to subconscious memories of slavery which results in negative behavior. Thus creating the perfect Manchurian candidate.

Despite the false idea that we now live in a color blind society, racism still exists. And when Black rappers use the word they are like Beyonce at the last Inauguration, lip syncing what many white folks in this country wish they could say out loud.

Which probably explains the massive crossover appeal of rappers who frequently use the word like Kanye West and Jay Z’s fellow Grammy contenders former gifted college athlete turned ratchet rapper, 2 Chainz ,and former correctional officer turned “gangsta ,“ Rick Ross.

In a climate where people like Quentin Tarantino feel comfortable releasing N Word laden movies and reality shows that feature African Americans as over sexed buffoons, it is time that we flip the script.

Hip Hop artists must stand up and denounce the use of the word in the same manner that they denounce safer and non- race specific issues like animal cruelty and bullying.

We must realize that the use of the word is just a throw back to slavery and until we stop identifying ourselves as n*ggas, we will continue to be 21st century mental slaves. It is not only the word that must die but the pathological behavior that has been associated with the word courtesy of Holly ‘hood and the music industry.

Like that classic scene from the old school Spike Lee flick “School Daze” when Dap (Laurence Fishburne) tells some brothas “you’re not nigga’s,” this must be our message in 2013.

But truth is there is a trace of the racial inferiority complex ,a carry over from the enslavement of our ancestors, in all of us. And in order for our fullest self to live, that part of us must die.

So before we can change the world we must change ourselves

As Chuck D once asked on the Autobiography of Mr. Chuck, “Can you kill the n*gger in you?”

TRUTH Minista Paul Scott’s website is No Warning Shots Fired.com.. Follow on Twitter @truthminista To contact the Black By Nature/Conscious By Choice Campaign contact info@nowarningshotsfired.com or call (919) 972-8305

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Nas Nominated for a Grammy 18 times-Yet has never Won?

January 10, 2013 By
Nas has been Nominated for a Grammy 18 times

Nas has been Nominated for a Grammy 18 times

It was interesting peeping this Nas interview w/ Angie Martinez… Here it was revealed Nas has been nominated 18 times for a Grammy yet has never won.. My guess is Nas’s name is used as a way to suggest the Grammys are somehow creditable.. If you see his name on any list where they are talking about the best of, then as a Hip Hop head you are likely top give it at least a second look and some consideration because Nas’ name is on there.. Of course he never wins. Seemingly everyone else who is usually a few steps behind and leaning more toward the pop zone gets the nod..

This year Nas was nominated for 4 Grammy including Best album.. His joint Life is Good will go head to head with albums by Drake, Rick Ross, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco and 2 Chainz.

His song Daughters has been nominated as best rap song and best rap performance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP4_0z2M85Q

 

His song Cherry wine w/ the late Amy Winehouse has been nominated for best rap song/ collaboration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6903zFUIxoU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tpJZjZGDtXE

Filed Under: 2013 Daily News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Can We Honor Whitney Houston by Taking a Stand to End Addictions?

February 12, 2012 By

With the sudden and tragic passing of Whitney Houston, there’s no doubt there will be scores of tributes. There was a tribute last night at music executive, Clive Davis‘ famous Pre-Grammy Party. There will be one tonight at the Grammys.. Rumors are singers Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan will sing in her honor…

There are already tributes on various radio stations as we can tune in and hear Whitney Houston Music Hours… Many deejays are digging into their grates working on Whitney Houston mixes…

There’s no denying the artistic talents Whitney possessed.. If we had to take a poll and ask who has/had the best voice in music, Ms Houston would no doubt be in the top 10.. Songs like ‘I Will Love You‘ and  ‘Greatest Love of All‘ best personify her greatness.  She was a giant among giants who will surely be missed.

With that being said, as great as her singing has been. As inspiring and as jaw dropping as her songs have been.. As engaging as she’s been on screen and in concert we will have to do a lot more than a mixtape or Grammy tribute to honor Whitney Houston. We will have to do lot more than induct her into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame or grant her a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.. . Our honoring Whitney will be us taking some decisive action and making a long-term commitment to end the scourge and dirty little secret that has long plagued this entertainment/ music industry-Drugs and substance abuse. It’s hard pill to swallow. It’s an ugly truth.. But we all have to step up to the plate.

Atthe time of this writing, I along with most of us have no idea as to what ended Whitney’s life so suddenly at age 48.

Sadly as people came out of their initial shock, speculation of drug abuse was on many people’s minds and tongues’.  CNN’s Don Lemon said during his breaking news broadcast yesterday that we have to talk about Whitney’s addictions because it was such a big part of her…Correction Don.. Addictions have been a big part of American society. I’m gonna come back to that in a minute..

During various broadcasts about Whitney’s passing, we heard discussions about her losing her voice and making a comeback. A comeback from what? Her demons.. Eventually all conversations about Whitney came back to that infamous interview with 20/20’s Dianne Sawyer where she talked about drugs and how crack is wack…

Whitney & Bobby

Today everyone wants to honor Whitney, but yesterday she was the butt of jokes and comedic routines. While everyone pointed fingers at Whitney and acted all righteous about her abuse, many of us were ADDICTED to watching the train wreck that her life had become. We were addicted to the reality show with her and former husband Bobby Brown. We were addicted to the gossip around her. is she still dating Bobby? is she dating singer Ray J? Was she drunk or high at the last party?  How many times did we wake up and turn on some urban radio station to hear  a host getting their clown on about Whitney Houston..Now many of those hosts wanna lead the way to doing tributes for someone they routinely

She became the poster child for drug abuse and addiction in an industry that is chock full of people dead and alive who have all succumbed at one time or another to some sort of addiction. Over my 25+ years in this music industry I’ve seen a whole lot of ugly truths we like to keep hidden behind the glitz and glam. Anyone in the music/ entertainment industry can tell you stories of  executives & shot callers who routinely do lines of coke, pop pills, do speed, take ecstasy or drink themselves under the table while ‘moguling‘. Those abusive habits are far too often shared with the talent/ artists.. In a business where egos are massive and insecurities shallow, taking a ‘lil something something‘ to get amped up or ‘get you open’  is all too commonplace. People don’t wanna talk about it, but its true.

Even the King of Pop had addiction problems

If we look at the pantheon of great Black artists hooked on drugs of one type or another the list is long.. Billy Holiday, John Coltrane,  Jimmy Hendrix, Dorothy Dandridge, Dinah Washington, Richard Pryor, Ole Dirty Bastard, Sly Stone, David Ruffin, George Clinton, Frankie Lymon, DJ Screw, James Brown even the King of Pop Michael Jackson and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. Keep in mind these are just Black artists. If I start adding names outside our community like Amy Whinehouse, Kurt Cobain, River Phoenix , Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison to name a few, the list gets substantially longer…

Why are we not doing anything about addictions  in our community?

During the pioneering days of Hip Hop which is the generation many of us are a part of, many of those early pioneers who paved the way had serious bouts with an array of drugs.. cocaine, angel dust, freebase, sherm, alchohol etc..If you really look at the history you see by the mid 80s, many pioneering figures disappeared for time. Many had to deal with those demons. Some returned to the fold, many didn’t.  Many are still struggling 30 years later.

By the time the crack era hit in the early 80s all the way up to the 90s.. if folks weren’t hooked on taking it, they were hooked on selling it…A lot of that is outlined in the VH1 Documentary Planet Rock the Story of Hip Hop and the Crack Generation .

Our collective pride and addiction to looking good and being cool in the face of danger has not allowed us to even talk about this in any sort of honest way.. It’s not a pretty picture. But we lost another star way before her time and she was apart of that legacy-whether it was directly related to her cause of death or not..

Addictions are prevalent… They’re all around us and underscore the hypocrisy of America.. We got folks clowning Whitney for substance abuse problems while they sip syrup, shoot up, snort cocaine, do meth or literally sell their souls and their mamma’s soul for 15 minutes of fame..

Daughter Bobbi Kristina Lost Her Mother-Are we thinking about that?

So many of us our addicted to gossip, celebrity culture, living the fast life or a version of it. We’re addicted to money, cheating on spouses, material possessions. Many of us are addicted to high drama and raucous discourse. We’re addicted to shouting down one another, being vicious vs compassionate.  We’re addicted to pushing each others buttons. We’re addicted to wanting to know more about the drama behind Whitney’s death more than we are the state of her daughter Bobbi Kristina who just lost her mother. How many of us took a moment to say a prayer or reflect on what she might be going through?

Hell many of us are addicted to our iphones, ipads  and other gadgets that we feel we must have at all costs even as they make us go into debt to own them or give us brain tumors to use them..

Someone said Whitney represented a generation of people. Yep she sure did .. She repped the good, the bad and the very ugly and painful.. She was not alone in her addictions.. We all share them. Some minor some major.. In honoring Ms Houston will we talk about that or remain addicted to painting rosy pictures and acting like we aren’t touched by the scourge of addictions that’s systemic in our society? And if you don’t think our addictions are systemic, I suggest we take a long hard look at the so called war on drugs and the current carnage taking place South of the border in Mexico and Columbia.. Who do you think is the economic incentive for all the drugs being shipped into this country from those places? It’s us… Who do you think was the one behind funding secret wars ala Iran-Contra through the sale of cocaine?  Us again..

Heck if we really wanna get deep, lets talk about what our troops are dealing with on the battlefield and how they cope after 3 or 4 tours  and what many wind up doing to deal with life on their return.. No we don’t wanna talk about those addictions.. We wanna act like there’s no such thing..

In 2012 if the best we can do is a mixtape and few tribute songs then we missed the mark

If we wanna really honor Whitney, how about helping put an end to the demons that plagued her and so many others? If we wanna honor Whitney, how about us having a honest, impactful and earnest discussion about addictions and mental health so we can spare future generations of this pain.

Something to ponder..RIP Whitney Houston

Davey D

Filed Under: 2012 Daily News Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Roots Launch Record Label

January 26, 2004 By

The Roots Launch Record Label

By Gail Mitchell

The Roots

The Roots

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – Hip-hop act the Roots has formed a label, Okayplayer Records, in partnership with Decon, a multimedia design/entertainment company, Billboard.biz reports.

The label derives its name from the Grammy-nominated group’s popular Web site, Okayplayer.com. The Roots previously operated the Motive imprint through MCA.

Roots drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson will executive-produce the label’s inaugural release, a compilation featuring the Roots, Skillz, Jean Grae, Madlib, Aceyalone, Little Brother and Dilated Peoples.

The album also will include two unsigned acts; Okayplayer Records is accepting submissions until Feb. 13, with details available through the Web site. The album is slated for release this summer.

“There is an array of untapped talent out there, especially from the people who are members of the Okayplayer.com community,” Thompson said in a statement. “The Roots have always been a magnet for talented artists. This deal is important to us because we can now provide a vehicle for bringing deserving artists to the forefront.”

The group currently is recording a new album, “The Tipping Point,” for release on Geffen. It’s the follow-up to 2002’s “Phrenology,” which is nominated for the best rap album Grammy.

Reuters/Billboard

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