The Wu, A Beatles Son, and a Chili Pepper?

The Wu, A Beatles Son, and a Chili Pepper?
Andrea M. White
August 15, 2007

It’s hard to say if Beatles guitarist, George Harrison is looking down upon this with a slight grin of fatherly pride or if he’s rolling over in his grave, but it looks like his one-and-only son, Dhani Harrison has teamed up with the Wu Tang Clan to play acoustic guitar on the classic Beatles remake of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

The 29-year-old who is also the lead guitarist of a band that he started in 2006, Thenewno2, began his music career when he finished an album his father was working on before his death in 2001. According to an interview with Rolling Stone, RZA spoke fervently about the Dhani/Wu collaboration, “He's the biggest Wu-Tang fan in the world. He knew all the kung fu shit! That's deep! I told him I would be honored if he played his father’s song."

Just when you thought this group effort couldn’t get any better, The Wu also got John Frusciante, guitarist from The Red Hot Chili Peppers to play lead on the classic remake, which will be titled, “Gently Weeps.” Wu Tang will rap over the Dhani/John recording, which portrays a heroine user/heroine dealer relationship. RZA explains, “Method Man portrays the victim, while Ghostface turns in one of the best lyrics I've ever heard him say."

Whew! I can’t wait, but I’m definitely not making any plans based on the newest release date which has been pushed back from this Summer to November of this year, and will probably be pushed back again before I’m finished writing this sentence. Despite my whining, it sounds like it’s definitely worth waiting for. The Wu seem to be taking this album to another level, with the help of a Beatle’s son and a Chili Pepper. Fans are holding their breath and wondering can they really pull off a BEATLES REMAKE? Hell, I say why not? Why can’t one of the greatest rap groups of all time pull off a musical rendition from the greatest pop band of all time? Oh well, enough of the questions, I guess until the release I’ll just thumb through my Wu-Tang manual and wait for the killer bee’s to arrive.

Pop, Goes the Timbaland!?

Pop, Goes the Timbaland!?
AMW !.e. Talent: Single Handed
August 8, 2007

Rap and R&B producer Timbaland is shifting his musical direction due to his present dissatisfaction with the state of the game. He told music-centric website Gigwise that he was “ready to throw in the towel.” While that was easily misinterpreted as a call to retirement, he will instead take a break from his genres of choice to focus more on producing pop music acts.

Timbaland has been working with British rockers Duran Duran, who came to fame in the 80’s and have continued to make music ever since. He has contributed tracks to their Red Carpet Massacre Album to be released late October. Timbaland’s protégé Nate “Danja” Hills says that the group “sounds better than ever.” The band’s keyboardist Nick Rhodes claimed that they were “really inspired.”

He is also supplying music for Celine Dion’s new R&B album. I can only imagine tracks that like Aaliyah’s “One in a Million” over songs such as Dion’s hit “My Heart Will Go On.” Rapper/singer M.I.A., who Timbaland has collaborated with, told the Village Voice of her conversation with the super-producer: "He told me, 'I'm done being cool; I want to work with Celine Dion.'"

Sounds like an awfully backhanded compliment to me, but I get his point and I’m finished digressing.

Timbaland’s recent work with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake (and unbeknownst to me, songstress Bjork) should prove his ability to succeed in the pop realm. The man can attack any genre and infuse it with his signature sound. At this point, his contribution to the rap game can be limited at best. He has far too many successful crunk producers to compete with, and the crap producers account for most of the rest of those musicians who have the hip-hop world by its proverbial cojones.

Swizz Beats, if you’re reading this, I am not including you in this group of successful producers. Keep on shaking that tambourine!

Shifting his attention elsewhere is what Timbaland needs to maintain his interest in making music. Hopefully it will also be necessary for making good music so I don’t have to sit through another uninspired track like “She Wants It,” his recent collaboration with 50 Cent and a song I previously complained about.

Hopefully working with Duran Duran among others will make him “hungry like a wolf” again.

Rap Music is Lousy – What a Ludacris Statement!

Rap Music is Lousy – What a Ludacris Statement!
AMW !.e. Talent: Single Handed
August, 7 2007

I am absolutely thrilled to death about writing another article about a concerned citizen protesting a rap artist’s appearance at a concert (insert sarcasm here).

Ludacris is the latest rapper to be denounced due to his appearance at the Muzikfest concert in Bethlehem, PA on Saturday, August 4th. ArtsQuest, a local organization, is putting on the all-ages show with appearances by contemporary acts such as the Black Crowes and Lil’ Mama as well as legends B.B. King, Al Green, and Patti LaBelle among others.

Bethlehem NAACP president Esther Lee expressed her dismay about Ludacris’ appearance by saying: "All I know is he's a rapper, and rap music is lousy." She added: "The Bethlehem Area School District continually is trying to educate our youth, with student discipline being the greatest problem. Then on the heels of all the district's labor, Jeff Parks and Musikfest contracts with a personality who sings lyrics that add to parents' woes."

To address the rap music is lousy comment: I think the vast majority of country music is lousy. At the next opportunity, I will use my rights as a proud American to denounce the appearance of Garth Brooks at any festival in this country. Shania Twain is to be abhorred as well, because quite frankly, their music is lousy!

Now for the rest of her tirade: I would like for her to quote me any lyrics that add to parents’ woes. Has there been a study done amongst a group of parents that have added stress in their lives due to subject matter regarding licking women from their head to their toes? Did you know that the main cause of violence in this country comes from young kids exclaiming “Get back, motherf***er, you don’t know me like that?”

Oh, I know what’s getting her shorts tied in a knot: it’s the occasional appearance of meaningful material that addresses social issues, such as showing compassion for young abused women in the song “Runaway”. That has to be it!

(Abruptly end sarcastic rant here.)

Luckily, the show organizers have dismissed her claims. ArtsQuest president Kevin Parks commented that they “recognize that Hip-Hop is an important part of some people's culture. Our mission is to reach out to the entire community." Tom Kelly, ArtsQuest chairman of the board, added: “For several years, we have offered urban music, including rap and Hip-Hop, at Musikfest. There are many people in the community for whom this is an important musical style.”

I’m guessing that the powers-that-be will prevail and Ludacris will remain on the bill, for which I will be proud.

I do have to agree with one comment Ms. Lee made. Rap music is lousy, at least most of the music of today. Somehow, I don’t think she meant it in the same context that I did. From one old curmudgeon to another: next time, please come up with a better argument.

Source: Allhiphop.com

AGREE or DISAGREE...Let us know how u feel...comment if u please.

David Banner – The Philanthropist

David Banner – The Philanthropist
AMW !.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
August 1, 2007


Whether its the drama of Usher’s on-again/off-again engagement, the Mike Vick dog fighting controversy, or the competition for attention from Lindsey, Paris or Nicole, it seems like today’s young stars are competing constantly for negative press attention. This summer alone, there has been more than enough negative publicity from a variety of young actors, rappers, producers, etc; and the press has been diving into this pool of unconstructive behavior. Even the Fugees, everybody’s favorite rap trio, can’t seem to keep family business in the family. Amidst the controversies, back-biting, trash-talking and questionable celebrity relationships, it is always nice when we have a celebrity who defies the odds and does something encouraging and constructive that uplifts our community. My favorite rapper of the month has to be David Banner who constantly gives back to his Mississippi home.

Rapper/Producer/Composer, David Banner, who has contributed much of his time and money into rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, took 80 kids from Stewpot Neighborhood Children's program in Jackson, Mississippi on an all expense paid trip to Six Flags in Georgia. What makes this so special is that many kids, especially here in the south; rarely get a chance to leave their neighborhoods, let alone their state. According to Stewpot Community Services Counselor, Sherry Adams, “The children that we serve at Stewpot would not normally be able to go on an 'out of town' trip. Most of the kids in the community have not been out of Mississippi. Because of Banner's love for our community, he makes it possible for our kids to travel outside of Mississippi, on a fun and exciting summer trip every year. David made it all possible because these kids don't have to pay a dime.” Banner supplied the troop with a bus, food, t-shirts and tickets to the park.
Though this story may not be considered newsworthy, especially in comparison to today’s standards that define celebrity news, this story is extremely special. It shows a side of Banner that will never be displayed or reported through traditional news mediums. It is also an everyday example of what many of our rappers, athletes, and singers are doing everyday throughout communities all over this country that will never be reported or discussed.

I say kudos to Banner and all those who take time out of their celebrity lives to give back and make a difference.
According to Eurweb.com, Banner, whose next album “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is due in October, has been sponsoring these trips to Six Flags since 2005, hoping to introduce the Stewpot kids to different environments.

The Magic of a Civil Rights Award winner

Magic Johnson – Civil Rights Award
AMW !.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
August 2, 2007

On July 24, Magic Johnson was named as a recipient of the National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award. The museum holds this event each fall in honor of individuals who are significant contributors in civil rights and are future leaders for the fight for human rights. Individuals who have received the Freedom Award have had a global impact, or have impacted human and civil rights abroad. Some of the prior recipients of this award include Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Oprah and Bono.

Located in Memphis, The National Civil Rights Museum is actually the Lorraine Hotel, the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Magic was nominated by the museum for work he has accomplished since leaving the NBA, by promoting economic development, health care and education in low-income neighborhoods and “underserved communities.” Along with Johnson, other Freedom Award recipients include Dr. John Hope Franklin, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History, also the author of many books including his most famous, From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, now in its seventh edition. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, First female president of Liberia is also a recipient.

Magic’s resume is indeed impressive: Johnson Development Corporation includes Magic Johnson Theatres, T.G.I. Fridays, Starbucks, Washington Mutual (home lending), Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund (real estate), and the Magic Johnson Youth Foundation, which has established four HIV/AIDS clinics located in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Oakland, and San Francisco. For all of his accomplishments and his fight to overcome the pitfalls that have affected his life, Magic Johnson is an iconic symbol for our community and highly deserving of the Freedom Award. For more information about The National Civil Rights Museum and/or the Freedom award recipients I encourage everyone to visit http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org.


editor note: Magic Johnson is truly an example of what we consider Amerikaz Most Wanted (read below for what we believe AMW is or visit amwie.com) who do you believe should be a civil rights award winner? please feel free to comment...

50 Gets Pushed Back to the Future

50 Cent’s New Album Gets Pushed Back to the Future- An editorial
AMW !.e. Talent: DJ single Handed
July 20, 2007

Fans of the infamous marketing and money machine known as rapper 50 Cent will have to wait just a little bit longer (again) for the release of his new album. Originally scheduled for a Labor Day release, the album entitled Curtis is now being pushed back a week due to the holiday weekend. Even after being pushed back several times already,a representative from 50’s camp commented that the “decision was made to push the release one week so that it is available everywhere at 10 am on (the) day of the release.”

The new album is rife with super-producers such as Dr. Dre and Timbaland and includes guest appearances from Eminem, Akon, and Mary J. Blige. I’ve listened to two tracks off the album already. If those give any indication of what’s in store, then we should expect typical 50 Cent.

I just hope that typical 50 Cent includes at least one or two legitimate club hits. Between “I Get Money” and “She Wants It,” he certainly doesn’t have one yet.

“I Get Money” cleverly samples “I get money, money I got” from Audio Two’s 1988 rap hit “Top Billin’.” The drums have been shamelessly jacked from Cassidy’s hit “I’m a Hustla” and remain virtually unchanged for this track. 50 raps about the money he has and the things that money has gotten him. It will at least get radio burn.

“She Wants It” features a satisfactory Justin Timberlake performance on the hook, 50 rapping about women again (a by-product of the money he’s got), and the weakest production that I have ever heard from Timbaland. I never ever thought I’d hear a sub-par, “blah” sounding beat emerge from his studios. I was wrong, so I’ll strap on my ice skates and traverse through Hell frozen over.

According to an interview in XXL, 50 thinks that he can still sell eight million records. His previous two albums have sold tens of millions worldwide. Too bad he’s now selling product in a marketplace where having a gold record is the new platinum. I also anticipate rap artists being signed to five and six ringtone deals due to extreme decline in album sales.

Unless he can once again completely monopolize the market (saturate is not a strong enough word to describe what happened when the G Unit brand first hit the map), who knows if he’ll be able to sell 800K, let alone eight million? With the seemingly imminent dissolution of the G Unit camp, we’ll see how relevant 50 still remains in the game, and largely on his own.

Even if he’s never successful again, at least he got rich and didn’t have to die trying.