Rev. Yearwood: Another Victim of Democracy

Rev. Yearwood: Another Victim of Democracy
AMW !.e. Talent: Single Handed
Sept. 15, 2007


On Monday, September 10, the current version of “democracy” in this great country of ours scored another point by breaking the legs of and arresting a voice of peace.

A Congressional hearing on Capitol Hill took place, and one of the attendees was Rev. Lennox Yearwood, the president of the Hip Hop Caucus. According to a televised interview conducted by activist organization Democracy Now!, Rev. Yearwood explained that he was there to report back the results of the hearing to his community. His overarching goal was to make the actions of the government visible to his younger constituents to encourage them to get involved and work within the system, such as registering to vote. He pointed out that many of his younger supporters don’t trust the system to begin with.



YouTube displayed the results of his actions for all to see: he was wrestled to the ground by Capitol Hill police, which resulted in him tearing ligaments in his legs, arrested, and charged with “assaulting an officer.”

The video showed Rev. Yearwood repeatedly asking the police officers who confronted him: “why am I being singled out?” His conduct was not what could be considered by any means of the word “disorderly.” He did not use any form of violence, and he was not showing any form of resistance even when the police repeatedly told him to “stop resisting.” His only resistance came in the form of questioning why the officers were doing this to him to begin with.

I can tell you what he did wrong. He was a familiar face to the police, which he admitted during the aforementioned interview, and known to them as a peace activist. He was wearing a white button that read “I love the people of Iraq.” He is a black man. Let’s put that all together now: a black man known for expressing dissent towards the government. Peaceful tactics or not, that’s still illegal in today’s version of democracy.

Normally, I would feel slightly redundant since this apparently happened almost a week before I’m reporting on it. I just flat out didn’t find out about it until today, Saturday, September 15. I’m a regular viewer of the news, mostly from the networks and newspapers, and I searched on Google for this story. I only found coverage on independent media outlets and people’s blogs. I find it amazing that this injustice didn’t get the widespread coverage that it deserves, but on the other hand, I’m not naïve enough to be surprised.

One thing that I noticed in the video that hasn’t been pointed out in other articles was the arrest of someone else while Rev. Yearwood was on the ground. People started yelling out “Arrest Bush, not the Rev.!” After a few rounds of chants, the camera cut away to a woman in a yellow shirt with a big peace sign being taken away in handcuffs. Though I can’t substantiate it for sure, it looked as though another woman was handcuffed as well.

So folks, this is what democracy looks like. I’m sorry I was unable to bring myself to cover the 50 Cent vs. Kanye West phenomenon (even though I’ve been rooting for Kanye). I just don’t care anymore. There are more important things to worry about. Spread the word, and feel free to leave a comment on this article.

Sources: Democracy Now, Hiphopdx.com, YouTube

The Most Disgusting and Embarrassing Beef of All Time

The Most Disgusting and Embarrassing Beef of All Time
AMW !.e. Talent: Andrea M. White
August 15, 2007


A few weeks ago I wrote and article expressing my admiration for rapper David Banner and the work that he has done and is currently doing for the youth in his Mississippi hometown. And although I do not wish to retract that statement, I do wish that I had known about the statements made between the rapper and political activist and pastor, Rev. Al Sharpton.

Apparently, during an interview with SOHH.com, Banner was asked to comment on the civil rights leader’s plan for protests, calling for public divestment from the music industry until rappers stop using the words “bitch,” “ho” and “nigger” in rap lyrics. This is direct backlash from what I call The Imus Effect and it seems to be turning our political activists against our rappers and entertainers.

In response to Sharpton’s plan for protest, Banner was quoted as saying, “The next time you see Al Sharpton, tell him I said f*ck him and he can suck my di*k, I might change the name of my album from ‘The Greatest Story Never Told’ to ‘F*ck Al Sharpton.” What?! Is he serious? I’m scratching my head as I read on. He continues to talk about how they’re trying to crucify rappers and how Sharpton is a ‘permed out pimp’, etc, etc. The more I read, the more my stomach curls into a knot; and just when I think I can’t take anymore, someone from Sharpton’s camp issues one of the most ignorant responses ever recorded.

Kirsten John-Foy, a self-proclaimed leader of Sharpton’s National Action Network refers to Banner by his real name, Levell Crump, in the following:

“From time to time we do encounter people that have sexual fantasies about Reverend Al Sharpton, but they are always women and Crump’s proposition is a first,” says Foy. “However, in keeping with the National Action Network’s Decency Initiative, I am sure Rev. Sharpton would not call Crump the “N” “B” or “H” word. And, despite Crump’s personal request, I am sure Reverend Sharpton would not call him a f-g--t. He would just pray for him. We at NAN are pro civil rights for everyone, even Levell Crump who has not had a banner year since his debut album in 2003.”

Did I really just read this? Is this a lame joke? This is not only an intellectually weak response, it is an embarrassment that THIS statement is coming from a Civil Rights Organization whose role should be to rise above any naysayer and not wallow with them in times of ignorance.

It’s amazing that African Americans have such a hard time combating crime, violence and poverty but we do such a great job combating ourselves. We are our own worse enemy. We are our own dirty laundry.

Music artists and civil rights leaders and politicians are some of the black community’s most influential communicators of today; and until WE all get on the same page and move in the same direction, 20 years from now they’ll be calling my daughter a ho and we will continue this road to destruction; then who will we blame?

Rock the Vote….Somewhere Else

Rock the Vote….Somewhere Else
AMW !.e. Talent: DJ Single Handed
August 15, 2007

As much as I can’t stand continually writing about this issue, I feel a responsibility to keep on bringing it up since something has to be done about it. Another rapper has caused a show to be cancelled because of a “blanket condemnation of hip-hop” (words used by author of The Hip Hop Generation Bakari Kitwana on a segment with Bill O’Reilly).

Nas was supposed to headline a Rock the Vote concert in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada which was to encourage attendees to vote in the October 10 Ontario elections. The concert was scheduled to take place October 1 at the Ottawa Congress Centre. However, Rock the Vote and student sponsors from Carleton University and the University of Ottawa are looking for a new venue since the Congress Centre no longer wishes to host the event.

Conflicting stories have been given to student representatives from the universities. Spokeswoman Lynne Martichenko said the centre is designed for meetings, trade shows, conventions, and congresses of that nature. A concert would not be suitable for the set-up of the building. This explanation makes the most sense.

Peter Seguin, the vice president of food and beverage, spoke of the Congress Centre’s internal policy banning rappers altogether due to them bringing “an increased security risk” and “a vulnerability that the Congress Centre was not willing to take on.”

Paul Keogh, vice president of client services, reasoned that because Nas’ lyrics “promote gun violence,” the centre could not hold the show. I know that somewhere right now, Bill O’Reilly is smiling. Obviously somebody not only heard his tirade about Nas’ scheduled appearance at a concert at Virginia Tech honoring the shooting victims, but also took it to heart.

Banning one of the most positive rap artists left in the industry is a fantastic idea. O’Reilly cited the songs “Got Urself a Gun” (which was all braggadocio and no actual encouragement of violence) and “Ether” (a battle rap which by nature is all braggadocio and contains no actual encouragement of violence). This type of song makes the occasional appearance in a catalog filled with positive, uplifting songs (see “Black Girl Lost”, “If I Ruled the World”, and “I Can”) and compositions painting unbiased pictures of life on the streets (see “New York State of Mind”, “One Love”, and “One Mic”).

So, where are the songs that actually encourage gun violence? And why on earth would anyone think Nas would be dumb enough to perform “Got Urself a Gun” at a memorial to shooting victims?

Rock the Vote organizers are currently looking for another venue to hold the show in Canada, and Nas is still scheduled to perform at Virginia Tech despite complaints to university officials from families of the shooting victims. Score two victories for the Illmatic one.

The next time a rapper gets banned from a show due to lyrics that promote gun violence, I hope the rapper actually spits lyrics that promote gun violence. Gangsta rap has been out of the mainstream for quite sometime now. Hopefully anti-rap protesters and conservative pundits alike will leave that issue alone and complain about crass commercialism in hip-hop. Now that’s a constructive idea!

Wyclef Jean – Back for Another Carnival

Wyclef Jean – Back for Another Carnival
AMW !.e. Talent: DJ Single Handed
August 15, 2007

Look who’s dropping an album during an era where a lack of creativity equals immense popularity and radio and video play. That’s right, folks….one of the most creative and musically talented envelope-pushers on the planet: Wyclef Jean.

The Haitian-born rapper/singer/songwriter/producer/ambassador to Haiti/whatever-other-hats-he-can-possibly-wear is dropping his first album in four years entitled The Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant. The album, slated to hit stores this fall, features production from Jean and his long-time partner Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis.

Jean states that he focused “a lot on the songwriting” and that this album “is a continuation of ‘Gone Til November’,” one of his hits from his first album, The Carnival.

The album’s first single, “The Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)” featuring Akon, Lil’ Wayne, and Nia, sounds like vintage Wyclef (which means it sounds great!). From the beat to the concept all the way down to how the supporting cast complements ‘Clef’s vocals, this song shows that the man is back!

Contributing vocals to the album will be T.I., Shakira, Norah Jones, Serj Tankian from System Of A Down, and Paul Simon. Yes, I said Paul Simon. The same guy who sang “You Can Call Me Al” and “Graceland” which I heard over and over again on every single road trip I ever took with my mother.

If Wyclef can do a song with Kenny Rogers and make it come off, then I trust his ability to collaborate with Paul Simon and anyone else in the world for that matter.

I’ll be looking forward to hearing Wyclef’s new carnival of sounds. I’m not one to start up speculation as to whether or not it will be as good as the first The Carnival album. As long as the music is good, then that’s all that matters. I hope to get another reggae-tinged song sung in Creole like “Jaspora” from his first album. That’s all I would need; the rest would be a bonus.

Oh, and so far it doesn’t look like any of his former Fugee group-mates will be on the album. Every time I hear Lauryn Hill’s name come up, it’s because she’s acting wacked out again. Every time I hear Pras’s name come up….oh wait, I don’t hear his name come up anymore. Maybe once John Forté comes home from prison, he’ll bring the group back together in typical “oooops, we nuts, baby!” fashion. Until then, it will just have to wait.

Source: Allhiphop.com

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.