Canibus is Back?

Canibus is Back and Ready to Rhyme…’Til the Meter Says 9-9-9-9
AMW i.e. Talent: DJ single Handed]
June 15, 2007

The man who was supposed to be hip-hop’s lyrical savior and flew off the radar just as quickly as he arrived is back again with another offering. Canibus’ new album, For Whom the Beat Tolls, has been released through 101 Distribution and his own imprint, Mic Club Music.

According to Hiphoppress.com, guest appearances include Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind-Tricks, Wu-Tang brethren GZA and Killah Priest, and former EPMD-led Hit Squad member K-Solo. Production duties will be held by Scram Jones, J. Wells, Moss, Zinn Deadly and the Capital Gang Movement.

I am willing to give this album a shot. That’s something I haven’t done since his first album was released.

Way back when I was an 18-year-old obsessive advocate of all things hip-hop, I was looking forward to the album to end all albums. Canibus had showed his extreme lyrical dexterity on several other artists’ offerings, such as “Making a Name for Ourselves” by Common; “Desperadoes” by The Firm; “Beasts from the East” by A+, Mr. Cheeks, and Redman; and “4, 3, 2, 1” by LL Cool J featuring everyone and their grandmother. Not to mention the fact that Canibus had a few songs of his own, such as “How We Roll” and “Second Round Knockout” A.K.A. “Screw LL Cool J.”

The album dropped, and it was plagued with two large problems. Wyclef’s production fit Canibus’ rhymes as well as my shoes would fit Shaq (I’m a size nine-and-a-half). Some of the concepts and lyrics behind the songs were, for lack of two better words, out there. While I found it quite creative when Canibus rhymed from the point of view of a sperm getting ready to fertilize an egg, that sentiment wasn’t shared by many of my peers. Mathematical and extra-terrestrial musings littered the album and turned it into a snooze-fest for many.

The title of the new album’s first single, “Secret of the Cosmonauts,” likely proves that Canibus hasn’t changed a bit.

I will gladly give it a listen. Due to my disappointment in his initial release, I never listened to much of his subsequent material. What I did hear wasn’t as thrilling as when he first came on the scene. I give him credit for not giving up despite minimal mainstream success. Perhaps this is what I need simply due to the fact that there isn’t much else out there right now. I need something to hold onto. To believe in. Or at least listen to without cringing.

I hope Canibus is back to his old form of being an “animal with a mechanical mandible, ready to damage you, spittin’ understandable slang at you!”

Nickelodeon Hero keeps making strong moves

Cannon Takes Home Cannes Film Festival Honor
AMW i.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
June 1, 2007


It seems as if our little Nickelodeon Hero keeps making strong moves throughout the industry. One of the four events of the Cannes Film Festival, STUDIO Magazine/Chopard Revelation Awards, presented Cannon with the highly recognizable and prestigious "Breakthrough Actor of the Year Award" for his groundbreaking work in the critically acclaimed film "BOBBY," directed by Emilio Estevez. Nick Cannon has made history as the first African-American actor to receive this honor.

Jude Law presented the award to Cannon who will be sharing his impressive honor with James McAvoy (The Last King of Scottland.) Cannon in his speech stated,

"I am humbled and grateful to have received such a coveted award by STUDIO Magazine and Chopard at this prestigious event at the Cannes Film Festival" said Cannon. "It was a great privilege to have been a part of the amazing ensemble cast of "BOBBY" and now, to be recognized amongst such tremendous talents as Evan Rachel and James is truly an honor."

For those who may need a little schooling, the Cannes Film Festival receives over 30,000 actors, directors, producers, etc. throughout the film industry along with over 4000 journalist, making it the largest and most acclaimed film festival worldwide. The festival is an annual event held in Cannes, France. What makes this affair such a big deal is that it not only evokes the honor and pride of being nominated, but it also creates a wide-spread sense of prestige throughout the world for all recognized with a Cannes honor.

Cannon, professional comedian, youngest executive producer of his own Nickelodeon show, film star, oh yeah – of course he’s a rapper too, who has also signed the largest production deal in MTV history – this guy is like stealth, it seems like he came out of nowhere and he continues to recreate himself with each step. For all those who ever thought this guy was corny, just watch his resume and take notes.

Lyrics as Evidence in a Courtroom?

Lyrics as Evidence in a Courtroom?
June 1, 2007
AMW i.e. Talent: DJ single Handed

Earlier this month, Allhiphop.com reported on a multi-million dollar civil lawsuit filed against “This is Why I’m Hot” rapper Mims. A young woman named Marquita Blair filed suit when Mims failed to show up for a scheduled concert after receiving a $2,500 down payment from her to go towards his appearance that night. Blair cites his misogynistic attitude towards women as the reason for his absence, accusing him of a “pattern of conduct involving the belittlement and degradation of females as 'b***hes and hoe's." Mims’ lyrics are quoted in the lawsuit as well.

As a famous line in many hip-hop songs goes: HOLD UP, wait a minute!

I seriously hope Ms. Blair has more evidence to back up her accusation than his song lyrics. Did they have face-to-face or phone contact when Mims belittled her? Does she have witnesses to back up her claim? Is there any other reason at all to believe that he snubbed her because he looks down on women?

Are any of Mims’ degrading lyrics even admissible as evidence in a court of law?

Lyrics have been on trial before with little to no success. Tupac’s lyrics incited a teenage boy to kill a Texas police officer. West Coast rapper C-Bo was arrested for violating his probation by releasing his album “Til My Casket Drops.” The lyrical content was said to be in violation of part of his parole, which stipulated that he may not promote or encourage violence in any manner. Even beyond the hip-hop scope, lyrics from a song by heavy metal band Judas Priest were said to have caused the suicides of two young men. The whole defense was built around a perceived subliminal message in the song which urged listeners to “do it,” meaning to pull the trigger.

The charges were dropped in all three cases due to lack of merit and first amendment protection.

The aforementioned cases dealt with extremely serious issues, two of which had grave consequences. Using lyrics to prove misconduct due to misogyny is frivolous and shows more than just a bit of greed. This woman wants $7.5 million? I could understand if she wanted to recoup the expenses that it took to put together the concert, which I doubt cost nearly that much. Charging Mims with not fulfilling his part of the contract has enough merit by itself.

I’m guessing the other $7,450,000 is for “punitive damages,” “pain and suffering,” and any other terms synonymous with “extra stuff to tack on to the lawsuit that I learned while watching the ‘People’s Court.’”

If Ms. Blair does truly have a case with enough supporting evidence, then I stand corrected and wish her luck. If she’s just extra salty about Mims missing a concert date, then I urge her to not let vindictiveness cloud her better judgment. As a DJ, I’ve opened up for other DJ’s and artists who have not shown up to the gig. Wait a minute, I guess that means I didn’t actually open up for them, did I? The point is, it happens. Deal with it and go for what you’re entitled to and not a penny more.

Then again, I must admit that this young lady is doing something I’ve wanted to do for a while now: suing Mims over his lyrics. I’ve wanted to sue that guy for lack of evidence to prove why he’s actually hot. The fact that I ain’t cuz I’m not just isn’t good enough for me.

Bush Officially Recognizes Black Music Month

George B Officially Recognizes Black Music Month
AMW !.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
June 1, 2007

We have breaking news...This just in (haven’t you always wanted to say that), President George W. Bush has just released a proclamation announcing that the month of June will now and forever more be recognized and acknowledged by the country as Black Music Month.

Yes, I know what you are thinking, all the BET commercials, and all the radio promos??? Yes we have been recognizing June as Black Music Month for at least the last five years. Well today you can put a stamp on it and make it official, because today marks the federally recognized first day of Black Music Month.

For those of you who may need to write a term paper on the subject, or perhaps you make an appearance on Jeopardy, here is the official proclamation from GDub:

During Black Music Month, we recognize the outstanding contributions that African-American singers, composers, and musicians have made to our country, and we express our appreciation for the extraordinary music that has enriched our Nation.
The music of African-American musicians has helped shape our national character and become an important part of our musical heritage. Often born out of great pain and strong faith, that music has helped African Americans endure tremendous suffering and overcome injustice with courage, faith, and hope. By speaking to the human experience and expressing heartfelt emotion, African-American artists have inspired people across the generations in America and around the world with their vision and creativity.
This month is an opportunity to honor the men and women who have created some of the best music America has ever produced. Great musical talents such as Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and James Brown have enriched our culture with innovative talent and artistic legacies that continue to influence musicians today. We remember so many wonderful artists and celebrate the achievements of black musicians whose work reflects the diversity of our citizens and lifts the human spirit.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2007 as Black Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of African-American musicians.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Man, if he had only read that proclamation with UGK/Outkast’s “International Players Anthem” playing in the background, it would have made it a lot more meaningful. Oh Well, Happy Black Music Month to everyone!

Ms. Carter Receives Early Mothers Day Gift

Ms. Carter Receives Early Mothers Day Gift
May 15, 2007
AMW !.e. Talent: Andrea M. White

Although Mothers Day is a few days past, this story is a great sentiment for one of hip-hop’s moms. Gloria Carter, the mother of Shawn “Jay Z” Carter was honored three days before Mothers Day by the New York City Council with a proclamation for her “outstanding contributions to the community.”

Ms. Carter heads the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund for High School Students. Started in 2003, the program assists disadvantaged youth, non-traditional High School graduates, GED recipients, and those who have been formerly incarcerated, an opportunity to fulfill their desire to attend college. Ms. Carter and her organization also traveled to Houston after the Katrina disaster to distribute food, and clothing to the victims of the Hurricane.

On Wednesday, Ms. Carter received a framed proclamation from Queens Councilman Thomas White Jr. during a meeting at City Hall. AP reported that Jay-Z hugged his mother and stated that he was, “Very proud of her” as they departed from the small ceremony.

This is a great story and a tremendous accomplishment, especially for a woman who is not as widely known as some of the other famous rapper-moms. This is a woman who has pushed aside the glitz and glamour of attending NYC parties that other famous rapper-moms have become known to embarrassingly attend. Instead, this famous mother is giving back to a community that has helped to launch her son into stardom. Kudos!

Hip-Hop Can Do No Right...

Hip-Hop Can Do No Right
May 15th, 2007
AMW !.e. Talent: DJ Single Handed

The stigma attached to hip-hop and its artists has gotten in the way of rappers giving back to the community. The celebrity basketball fundraiser which was supposed to take place in Stamford, CT is the most recent example of this phenomenon. The reason for its cancellation: D-Block member Jadakiss was scheduled to make an appearance, and because of that, a high risk of violence at the event was present. An outcry of protesting from church and community leaders caused the event organizer to cancel the affair.

Among several e-mails that were written, some of them categorized rappers as “criminals” and “the worst of the worst.” One community leader called for the cancellation of the event or to have “‘clean’ entertainment” from “artists with ‘clean’ reputations.”

Last I checked, not all rappers have rap sheets (pun intended). If you ever have the need to make yourself look uneducated and unable to think for yourself, then generalizing a group of people using a negative connotation with no basis of truth is a great way to do just that.

Because of widely expressed negative opinion, the community missed out on a potentially great event which would have more than likely been an alternative to violence. I’m assuming the funds that were to be raised would have gone towards the community that the protesters claim to hold in such high regard.

This event reminds me of the time Nelly cancelled his bone marrow drive at Spelman College due to protesters. Violence was not the issue; misogyny was the topic at the forefront, specifically Nelly’s music video for his song “Tip Drill” and its degrading and overtly sexual portrayal of women.

I admit that I can see why the image of a credit card being swiped through a scantily-clad woman’s rear end would make people mad. I think the protesters had a legitimate issue with him, and their opinions deserved to be heard. However, the bone marrow drive did not deserve any action that was taken to prevent it from happening.

If a high-profile person that hasn’t hurt anybody (the music video pissed people off, but it did not hurt anybody that I’m aware of) chooses to use his/her money, connections, and other resources to give to those who need it, then let him/her do it! If we concentrate so much on the negative that it winds up hindering the positive instead of facilitating it, then how is necessary good work supposed to get done?

Regarding the Jadakiss issue, the main theme of all the protesting is that hip-hop brings violence. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Poverty brings violence. Lack of opportunity brings violence. Hopelessness with no foreseeable “bright future” brings violence. Hip-hop merely points it out. It reports on the violence that goes on without sugarcoating it.

Actually, hip-hop used to report on violence. Now it reports on Chevy’s with butterfly doors and Cadillacs with D’s on them. Boy, do I miss those days when hip-hop used to bring violence (to the masses via the words to its songs). There is still much to report on, and all of it deserves to be heard.