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Blog / Journal Entry: Don't believe the hype

There aren’t too many movies that make me want to go home and write about them. Forbidden Kingdom is one of those. Then again, I am procrastinating from grading. But that aside, I really didn’t like this movie. I guess I should’ve read the reviews or gone to the site and at least got some background information. I knew it starred Jet Li and Jackie Chan so I really looked forward to its release.

Academic Writing: The Rap on Mr. Duey

Michigan-based teacher puts together a CD to help students learn basic skills and as a teacher and hip-hop fan, it's good! My boy Brandon Greene of Las Vegas shared this piece about Mr. Duey's efforts to educate the youth!

Blog / Journal Entry: Rapper talks about something important!

In a message that has been circulating for the past few of weeks Talib Kweli explains why he quit voting and why he supports Obama. (Note: This is a repost as I had problems with my site for a couple of weeks and I’m slowly readding content.)

Hip-hop Book Review: Locke 1928

I remember walking in Oakland, CA during the 2006 May Day protests against anti-immigration legislation. Never before had I seen so many Latino people waving the U.S. flag. In that moment I realized that the traditional American symbols don’t define us. We define the symbols and places in which we live. The protest was a moment that shifted my perspective from being one of, “Only old U.S. vets wave the flag” to “This country should be proud to see such individuals and families carrying its flag”.

Reading Ryan’s book reemphasized the lesson I learned in May 2006. Not because the characters are exceptionally heroic but because their story is unique and specific to California in the early 1900s. Ryan is able to portray the depths to which the characters need one another, even as they seek self –determination. While her book is not politically motivated it is a contribution to the ever involving understanding of our culture and history.

Identity/Culture Journal Entry: Laying claim to the throne

Often compared to Chicago’s more widely known jukin’ or footwork, jittin’ actually has deep roots firmly set in African-American history. Until recently, this Detroit style of dance has not been known to the masses, although websites such as youtube have done wonders to spread the word of this frenzied, highly skilled form of expression. Yet as its popularity continues to grow, will it become another fad that gets exploited, used up, and discarded? Does it have the potential to even go mainstream? Unlike L.A.’s crumping, which caught the attention of a high profile director, Chicago Steppin’, which benefited from being highlighted in R. Kelly videos, or breakin’, which was birthed in the media center of New York, jittin’ hasn’t had a major outlet outside of the Detroit. But whether it goes pop or stays underground, the main groups holdin’ it down are putting out DVDs, traveling overseas, and basically, trying to make some money and maintain control of their art! While there are many crews in Detroit, I was fortunate to connect with one of the best, the X-Menn, due to our mutual connection with Submerge Records. They took some time out to share their thoughts on the state of jittin’ and its extensive history. Be on the lookout for upcoming music video “Foot Wars” by Underground Resistance, which will feature the fellas at their best.

On a broader note, to the youngsters busy hating on each other’s crews and cities, your focus is on the wrong place! You all need to be having fun and there’s too much money out here for ya’ll to be fighting over crumbs. Different doesn’t mean garbage, and when it comes down to it, all of your dances, whether it’s jukin’, jittin’, poppin’, turf dancing, or whatever, have common roots. Learn your history and promote your craft so everyone can benefit!

OK, enough lecturing. Check out the interview you came to read!

Blog / Journal Entry: Full Circle

This past weekend found me in L.A., catching up with good friends and handling some business while I was at it. The catalyst for this entire trip was that some good friends of mine from Detroit were in town for a series of dance events. However, my social justice mindset kicked in and I skipped out on pretty much any party that was in “honor of Dr. King’s dream.”

Blog / Journal Entry: Home is where the heart is

I recently returned from a week long visit back to Detroit, my former home town, and it was a mixed bag. With the economy the way it is in Michigan, it’s no wonder that it’s an easy target for the detractors. Yet I also left Detroit reminded of why I miss it so much.

Curriculum: Hip Hop High

The musical language of the street has new fans: teachers, who are using it as a classroom tool. A feature article in the August 2005 edition of the George Lucas Foundation's magazine Edutopia. On a side note, the intro says that we're new fans of hip hop. The thing is, hip hop is old enough that many of us teachers were fans before we were even able to be teachers! All images taken by Noah Webb.

Identity/Culture Journal Entry: Does hip hop hate women?

Recently, Barkari Kitwana’s “Rap Sessions” panel came to Stanford University to discuss gender-related issues. This panel brings together some of the brightest minds in the hip-hop world for dialogue on contentious topics in a town hall-style setting. For the Stanford panel, authors/professors Dan Hodge (Auzusa Pacific University and Citrus College), Marcyliena Morgan (Executive Director of The Hip Hop Archive), Mark Anthony Neal (Duke University), artists/activist Invincible, and author and former Executive Editor of “Essence” magazine, Joan Morgan participated. Kitwana hosted the panel. I jotted down key points from the panelists and the crowd, which included noted journalist Davey D, Dr. Dawn-Elissa Fischer, and author Adam Mansbach (Angry Black White Boy). Some panelists spoke quite a bit while others listened and reflected. Some great points were made and while the following aren’t direct quotes, I think it’s good for more people to have a chance to know about these dialogues. On a side note, Invincible later came to conduct workshops at my high school and Kitwana and I are working on bringing Rap Sessions to our school.

Blog / Journal Entry: Sports talk

While I don't write about them much, sports have played a huge role in my life. For those who watch college football, you already know that Michigan beat Michigan State this past week, which brought some joy into my life. When I was picking a college I chose U of M over MSU because of their football team. I know; that’s a stupid reason. But coming out of high school I was pretty clueless. At any rate, I was embarrassed by Michigan’s two losses earlier this year. However, I’m just about equally embarrassed by U of M running back Mike Hart’s comments after this last game since he apparently never doubted the outcome.

Mix: The Voices in My Head Are Aguing Again

Techno, bass, ghettotech, electro, and more!

Playlist: Super Bowl Weekend

I was back in Detroit to do some DJing, namely a couple of corporate events co sponsored by ESPN, Cadillac, Gilette, and Miller Lite. I pride myself on being a more grassroots-oriented dude, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't mind doing events like this from time to time. It was pretty fun as the crowd was just looking to enjoy themselves. I'd almost compare it to a happy hour.

Playlist: August 2005 Urban Picks

While there are countless jams hitting right about now, here a a few getting much play from me. In no particular order.

Gallery: Hip Hop Chess Federation Tournament-San Francisco

On October 13th, 2007 The Hip Hop Chess Federation brought together some of the sharpest hip hop artists, chess players, and martial artists to promote positive living, the youth, and of course, chess. Those who know the history of hip hop, chess, and martial arts understand the connections, which include an emphasis on discipline, self-awareness, and hard-work. Essays could be written on this topic, but let's just say that for many of us who grew up in the '70s and '80s, these three areas are intertwined. But that's for another day...

Celebrities in the house included Balance, K.E.V., Big Rich, Emma Bentley, the 10 year old world chess champion from England, and Josh Waitzken, who the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer" was about, although he's much more than that movie. Many others came out to support and compete, as shown below. Additionally, a number of youth from schools and organizations from around the Bay competed for scholarships and other prizes. My school, Oakland Unity High represented, coming in third place, while Leo Lopez of O'Connell H.S. in San Francisco took the individual championship and walked away $1,500 richer! Shout out to Youth Uprising and Muhammad's University of Islam for coming out, as well as the others who participated. In the celebrity tournament, Wu-Tang's RZA took the belt. Special thanks to Adisa, Me'ko, Leo, and others for making this happen! Check out this article and video from the Oakland Tribune.

Gallery: Oakland Black Cowboy Association

This past Saturday saw the latest rendition of an Oakland tradition 33 years in the making. Unfortunately, most people are not aware that many cowboys throughout the history of this country have been African American, up until this very day. As one way to keep awarenss of this rich history alive the OBCA holds an annual parade in downtown Oakland that starts and ends in DeFremry Park. It was my first time attending and I'll definitely be back! Check out the Oakland Tribune article.

Gallery: First Annual Oakland Hair and Fashion Show

More details coming soon. Just wanted to get the pics up! Apologies for the quality as I was using a lower-end camera. Then again, a poor artist blames his tools. Maybe I should read the manual...

Education Event: Beyond Beats and Rhymes-St. Louis, MO

This documentary takes an in-depth look at the machismo in rap music and hip-hop culture, where creative genius, poetic beauty and mad beats collide with misogyny, violence and homophobia. Produced in association with ITVS and NBPC.

Music Event: New Year's Eve Party-Rex Club, Paris

It's been nearly two years, but your boy finds himself in Paris at another gig for the ages ;)