Tip is preparing to release, ‘Trouble Man’ as soon as Sept 5th. Take a listen to his latest teaser, “Like That”.
In this song he makes the claim that his fans want the old Tip back. Is that totally true? I mean, isn’t that what got em locked up in the first and second place. This song reminds me of the “Ignorant S**t” song Jay Z produced a few years back. What’s your take?

Toki Wright is one of Minneapolis’ most well-known activists and MCs. Featured as one of RhymeSlayers first spotlighted artists, Toki Wright, has been making music for more than 10 years as an independent artist. His new album, Faders Mixtape, has had such a positive response that it is currently available online for free right now!

If you have been following politics, than you know that Wisconsin is a major battleground this year. Well, Wisconsin isn’t the only state where voters are being challenged to get to the polls. Suppression tactics can be seen across the nation in places like Indiana, Kansas, and Georgia just to name a few. Recently the Fair Elections Legal Network and Campus Progress, have unveiled their interactive voter suppression map. This map shows us where voters rights are being challenged.

What does this mean for us, you ask?

Well, the Voter ID bill is deigned to disenfranchise the very young and very old voters who may not have state IDs, or who have recently moved and do not have a current ID with their new address. At first, I didn’t understand what the big deal was either, but I learned that in Wisconsin, that minorities, and poor and transient people are disproportionately effected by this law. If you’re a college student from Milwaukee, living in Madison, you may not be able to vote. Or if you are a homeless teenager, who wants to exercise your right to vote, you may be denied because you have nowhere to receive mail. These may seem like small problems, but when you add it all up, many people will lose the right to vote.

So what’s the solution? Well, in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin League has been mobilizing young people for weeks to get the word out that the current voter ID bill has been suspended, and you can currently vote without restriction in the upcoming election. They are informing the minority communities, that unless they get out to vote, bills like this may become laws! Not only are they informing people, but The League of Young Voters Education Fund is working hard nationwide to get young, new, and old voters registered.

Our best defense, may be our offense, and nothing will help get more voters out, than making sure they are currently registered at their correct address. Do it online here if you need to: bit.ly/99votes

Get involved in your area, because voting is your right!

We have all said it, heard it said, heard other people say it, and heard other people say it about us. “Use your common sense.” Usually when it is being said, it is in response to someone’s expectations not being met. “You should’ve known better, it’s common sense.” Am I the only one that seems to hear it being said at least seven times a day? Does anyone have common sense? To answer this question, first let’s get to the bottom of another question, what is common sense?

So first we have common, a pretty common word. But when we look it up, it turns out that there are actually six general definitions, some of them even seem to have conflicting meanings. I wonder if that is commonly known?

Okay let’s look at these three definitions:

1 occurring, found, or done often; prevalent: “salt and pepper are the two most common seasonings.”

2 showing a lack of taste and refinement; vulgar.

3 shared by, coming from, or done by more than one

             Okay this is getting sketchy. For the sake of time, let’s all briefly think of the meaning of common sense if we inserted definition 2….thinking…..okay moving on.

Now for the sake of addressing what people are trying to say when they use this now infamous term, let’s look at the first and third meanings. What we get from both is that common means something that is shared, maybe even by many.

Now how about the word sense? What do you know, five definitions! Is it just me or does a term that is supposed to indicate consistency seem to be made up of words that are pretty broad?

1 a faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch:

2 a feeling that something is the case: she had the sense of being a political outsider.

3  a sane and realistic attitude to situations and problems: he earned respect by the good sense he showed at meetings

So obviously, the third definition satisfies the meaning for the general use of the term; almost. When we say common sense we mean something everyone should posses, but in reality, not everyone responds sanely and realistically in the face of uncertainty. That is why people who can tend to be in high demand. Maybe we can learn from them. So maybe we should start saying uncommon sense, or challenge people to use common knowledge. One thing I am certain of is that you won’t hear me making a call to common sense, any time soon.

Just last week, North Carolina voters passed a bill strictly defining marriage as between a man and woman. The day after, President Obama stated that he personally agreed with same-sex marriage.

Last year, my friend, Tom Bridegroom, suddenly died. He was gay and had been living with his partner for several years in California. They had promised to marry as soon as it was legal. Tom’s family never agreed with his homosexuality, and after his sudden death, they decided to cut all contact with his partner, Shane. After an entire year, Shane decided to speak through a YouTube video, about his experience with not only Tom’s family, but with the laws as they currently are.

For some insight on the state of the marriage equality fight, I spoke with LGBT advocate with Milwaukee’s Pathfinders, Julie Brock, about her reaction to the ban in North Carolina, the President and the video, “It could happen to you.”

“I was sad North Carolinians passed the ban, but not surprised,” Brock said. “Oppression is institutionalized in America.”

For my generation, I think it is still a shock to see laws created, passed, and designed to hold people back. While the President’s statements may have been unsettling to some, for others, it is seen as a progressive move.

“I think it is a dramatic change for Obama and the White House, but I felt it could have been done sooner,” Brock said. “What Obama really did, was place himself on the side of oppressed people. This election will be about social issues, because if we don’t argue about the social stuff, we can’t get to the economic issues.”

While, for some, the debate on same-sex marriage may seem meaningless, for others, it has real life implications. Shane picked a very important time to share his personal story and help humanize the social issue.

“I think the video was incredibly colorful,” Brock said. “It’s important for individuals to find their power by speaking about it. Some of the most bigoted people are shifted through personal relationships. If we really want to address the power problem, we need to reach them, and a video like this has the power to do that.”

Each of us can play a part in ending oppression and creating equality every day. Julie says if you want to get involved, “find a cause you are passionate about, and be open to the diversity within that organization. People come from all kinds of backgrounds.”

Pathfinders is a non-profit organization in Milwaukee, that works with LGBT youth that are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

Please share Shane’s story with the ones you love: http://www.youtube.com/embed/pR9gyloyOjM

Mother’s Day has just passed and I can’t help but to reflect about all the single mothers that have had to sing sad songs to get through the pain of being abandoned by unfit fathers that fled. While you’re spending time with your mother, there are some that are spending time alone (for whatever reason) thinking about the time spent.

If you missed your weekend fix of fresh produced music, here’s something that’s guaranteed to get you going!

The first time I caught wind of the voice from the R&B songstress, Becca, I thought “OMG.” With no disrespect to Becca’s originality stemming from a not-so-easy upbringing in the Midwest, her presence on the Swag Boyz Production is reminiscent of a young Mary J and early Keyshia Cole. She does a damn good job at incorporating her pain into her music. “Come Back” gives you an up close and personal perspective about an unbalanced relationship due to the mate’s undying love for and dedication to the streets. Sounds familiar?

Our friends at Green For All just released this incredible video to celebrate all of the women who have influenced who we are today:

“7 Billion Strong” is an anthem about worldwide unity on behalf of mother earth and the women that have invested in and inspired us. The song came to us through our recent “movement” song competition, The Dream Reborn.  The song and accompanying video not only highlight the global nature of our struggle, but in light of Mothers Day, highlights the role of Women and Mothers as the backbone, brain and heart of our shared struggle for justice.

Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• President Obama said on Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting President to state that he is in favor of marriage equality. President Obama once opposed same-sex marriages, but previously said his views have been “evolving.” Presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, stuck by his beliefs on Wednesday saying, “I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.”

• Also in same-sex marriage news, North Carolina voters passed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships on Tuesday.  Amendment One says “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.” (Washington Post)

• In more Tuesday election news, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett won the Democratic primary to face controversial Republican Gov. Scott Walker in a rare recall election on June 5th. Also, Republican Sen. Dick Lugar, the longest-serving senator in Indiana history, lost his primary to Tea Party member Richard Mourdock on Tuesday. Lugar’s departure could further polarize a divided Congress since he is known for his extensive work on bipartisan foreign policy matters.

• Finally, Senate Republicans blocked a student loan rate freeze this week. The vote was 52-45 to take up the bill, which is six short of what is needed. Senate Republicans and Democrats are still trying to negotiate a compromise; at the center of discussions is how to offset the $6 billion it would cost to keep the rates low. More than 7.4 million students’ loan interest rates will double unless Congress acts before July 1st 2012. (Bloomberg)

The film, Think Like A Man is based on the book written by Steve Harvey titled Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. Since the film hit theaters, it has been quite the conversation starter. Some conversations are pertaining to the title, to the gender roles and to the actors/actresses. Upon reading those convos via social media, a fellow journalist, Terin, and I decided to speak about the movie and what we felt it entailed.

April: So Terin, what do you think about the movie breaking down the different genres of dating into the five genres (the Mama’s Boy, the Single Mom, the Player, the Strong Independent Woman, and the Dreamer)?

Terin: I thought the movie did a great job depicting the different genres (even though I believe there are plenty others they avoided). In most cases, women find themselves dealing with one of these five types. Terrance J played the mama’s boy who was over the top but still unaware of how intense his connection was to his mother. I loved it!!

Do you think they went overboard with how they presented these genres or did you find them very similar to the types of men you encounter?

April: I feel as though they portrayed the roles well also. I liked how they incorporated comedy with Kevin Hart also. I’m not a fan of generalizing, so it was pure entertainment for me.

How do you feel about the title “Think Like A Man?” I’ve heard many conversations regarding this title. Do you think the title was fitting?

Terin: For me, the title was a little too much. I honestly don’t feel women should have to “think like a man” in order to actually GET a man. I mean, what are we teaching our young ladies? In most cases, society has allowed us to continually break down the intellect of a woman. We’re made to believe that just being the beautiful creatures God made us to be isn’t enough, so we have to think a certain way or act a certain way in order to find love. That should never be the case.

Did you feel like the movie showed women in a bad light?? Like making them seem like they had to play games or trick a man into loving them?

April: I don’t believe it showed women in a negative light too much. I know and have met similar types of women in real life. However, I really liked how it showed Meagan Good changing her outfit before her date.

Okay one more: do you believe overall the movie was entertaining or had a message?

Terin: Oh I definitely think the movie was entertaining. Kevin Hart is a complete fool!!!

To me, I saw the small messages within the movie like “don’t settle for just any man,” “love conquers all,” “love can be found at any age.” and so on and so on. But I will say that the dynamics of the movie were interesting. Seeing the Dreamer and the CEO overcome situations like money (the route to all evil) and find love was a big. I think a lot of women are stuck on trying to be “Miss Independent” so much so that they quickly forget about love.

Ok, same question: do you believe overall the movie was entertaining or had a message?

April: I feel the movie was more entertaining and not to be taken as a blueprint to get a man so to speak. It touched on basics but in a light manner. Like you said, the Mama’s Boy, Dreamer and CEO were a great lesson!

Last week, Chicago hosted the Green Festival at Navy Pier. This two-day event featured some of America’s most progressive green thinkers such as Van Jones, Amy Goodman, and Naomi Davis – to name a few. The event featured 350 local and national businesses and organizations vetted by the Green Festival for either their organic, sustainability, or social justice practices.

Everything from food and body products, to compost toilets and consumer-ready solar panels was featured at the festival. Ford Motors even featured a new Focus made of organic materials such as corn husk, sweet potatoes, and wheat straw. My personal favorites were all the organic wine and beer but they were nothing compared to the Community Action Area where I met artist and musician Dan Bellini with Occupy Chicago.

Bellini is a Chicago artist who found himself promoting Occupy because of his Guy Faux masked cartoon drawings. Bellini was a long-time activist, who decided to occupy Facebook with his drawings, when the 99% protest began last spring. After making nearly 300 drawings, Dan decided to contact Occupy Chicago and get involved.

“Its therapeutic to march,” he said. ” It helps to get the anger out.”

Once Dan started marching and drawing, the next step was promoting the movement.

“The Green festival was just the next event, and it was really cool,” he said.

From Dan’s perspective, the most interesting aspect of the festival, were the people who attended. According to the Green Festival, the majority of attendees are females with higher degrees between the ages of 30-40.

“The people that I met were looking for ways they could get involved and get help out,” he said. “People are trying to be responsible, but its an uphill battle for them. And events like this allow them to come together. We may not be able to change everyone’s minds, but at least we can come together and do business.”

Check out more of Bellini’s work on Occupy.com and catch the next Green Festival in Washington D.C.

A recent CIRCLE study shows that 84 percent of 18-29 year olds that were registered to vote showed up on Election Day to cast a vote in the 2008 election.

So don’t wait til the last minute – register online TODAY.

– Milwaukee - The Milwaukee Branch of the NAACP asked the court today to direct County Executive Chris Abele to establish the Milwaukee County Advisory Commission Human Rights. In 1985, the county created a county advisory commission on human rights. The commission’s role was to receive reports on all matters concerning the equal rights of all persons within the county and, after due deliberations and open hearings, advise the appropriate department or division of county government of the proper procedures for preserving the equal rights of persons as guaranteed by the law. To these ends, it was to advise the county executive and county board of pending or prospective legislation or executive orders. It was, also, to advise administrators concerning proper policies, and was to act as a liaison with community groups and organizations. The commission was to refer, without comment, any and all reports to the chief judge.

Around year 2000, the county took action to cease implementing the commission activities but the ordinance that governs the commission is still in place but not enforced. We believe the charge of this commission is critical to ensuring equity and equality in the affairs of our county. We also believe that the absence of this commission has contributed greatly to the socioeconomic decline of the county and disparity gaps. We believe that since the removal of the commission many decisions have been made without consideration for civil rights compliance and equal opportunity.

NAACP President James Hall stated: “The NAACP’s 102-year mission aims to ensure that the fundamental rights of all Americans are protected and advanced.  Our request is being made out of that historical focus and concern.  Consequently, we emphasize that it is the responsibility of each political party, when leading the government, to ensure that regardless of its political persuasion, it upholds the federal and state constitutional rights of citizens and ensures that these rights are fully protected at all times.  We believe the court’s favorable ruling on our request will ensure greater compliance with civil rights and equal opportunity laws within Milwaukee County.”

A few of Milwaukee’s best kept secrets are being exposed. How do I know they’re Milwaukee’s best kept secrets? Well, I once kept them but now you’ve got the opportunity to be let in it. Gerald Walker, who’s possibly already on your hard drive now by way of one of your favorite hip-hop blogs (such as 99problems.org), is preparing to release his EP with Cardo (of Taylor Gang) & DJ Rockstar. This teaser should be enough to get you through til then. Shouts out to the lovely Kiara DuPree as well as Original Swag Boy’z very own Rell Beatz

Tune in live tomorrow starting at 9:30 a.m. EDT as the White House hosts a briefing on college affordability. “About time” is probably the phrase that is being repeated by many college alum as well as current students that are enrolled of whom are wishing for tuition relief or dialogue in depth about the debt they’ve accumulated. The event will include a panel, Q&A sessions and remarks by the Vice President Joe Biden on the importance of college affordability. To watch LIVE, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/live

When I see Ab Soul, I think of Eazy E. He has that “Straight Outta Compton” look down to a science! If you’re not hip to Black Hippy’s secret weapon, who’s also known as the Black Lip Bastard, here’s your chance to be. His unorthodox flow will hypnotize you and at the same time have you wondering if you should be listening. His music is captivating and provocative at the same time – but it gets the people going.

President Obama has made it very clear in a recent interview that he is in support of same-sex marriages, something that he once opposed. This recent change of heart was attributed to his forward-thinking views, which have very much so “evolved.”

More interesting is the fact that his Republican challenger has made it clear that he doesn’t support this large base of constituents. “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said while campaigning in Oklahoma.

President Obama will definitely get a lot of support for this announcement as well as much expected hate from the opposing party. Does this increase the chances of Obama getting re-elected? Where do you stand?

Seen on Los Angeles Times:

Pinpoint the moment cops killed Kelly Thomas, the defense argued. Prove it wasn’t just near-to-death assault:

“Is there a particular act that actually had the effect?” asked John Barnett, the attorney for Manuel Ramos, one of the two officers charged in the case.

Was it the fists that Officer Manuel Ramos (pictured at left, next to Corporal Jay Cicinelli, right) said “are gonna f*ck you up” when he first swung at Kelly Thomas, R.I.P.? Or the baton from the second cop that put Thomas to the ground? Or the flashlight assault from a third, the taser to the head from a fourth, the knees-on-chest from a fifth, the raw and unfiltered fury from the sixth police officer that a security camera caught on July 5th, 2011?

New video of the death of Kelly Thomas was released today, and the world wide web recoiled in horror. Hit the jump for what is, HUGE WARNING, one of the sickest and most depressing videos I’ve seen in a year that has already been marked by horrendous vigilantism and the kind of heinous police-on-public brutality that is slowly, surely, and seriously eroding any of the miniscule trust we still have in the Boys in Blue.

This past weekend, Milwaukee’s own Aliesa Nicole took part in a day long photoshoot for Elle Magazine. But when Aliesa Nicole, a burgeoning R&B singer and actress, planned her week-long trip to Los Angeles, she didn’t expect to be getting her big break as a model. A former contestant on The Voice, American Idol and Making the Band, Aliesa Nicole actually went to Hollywood to record music for her forthcoming EP entitled ’80s Baby, shoot virals for 99problems.org and record vocals for up-and-coming rap star Dee-1′s next mixtape, the Focus Tape.

But when internationally known photographer and producer Peter Mcclafferty spotted Aliesa taking pictures for her EP’s album art on the quirky Venice Beach, Aliesa was immediately given the chance of a lifetime.

“I still can’t believe it,” said Aliesa Nicole via the phone. “One minute I was taking pictures and the next these guys start asking us questions about my styling and who helped pick out my swimsuit. I was sort of embarrassed to tell them it was just me and my photographer, Monet (aka Nisha Martin).”

Twenty four hours later, Aliesa was back on Venice Beach surrounded by professional models shooting pics for an upcoming issue of Elle.

Although this isn’t Aliesa Nicole’s first brush with stardom, having made the television rounds of both American Idol and The Voice, the 22 year-old singer definitely feels that her modeling debut is a sign that her career is headed in the right direction.

“Come on,” said the obviously excited singer, “I wasn’t expecting all this attention when I came out here. There are so many talented and pretty girls in Milwaukee. I feel blessed. I just want to keep working hard so that I can keep making my dreams come true.”

Besides singing, Aliesa Nicole also hosts a weekly webseries,”Total Recall Live” with DJ Willie Shakes featured on 99problems.org.

Check out some of the Aliesa’s and Monet’s pics after the jump.

Cancer is a beast! The American Cancer Society has recently stated that cancer has already taken 577,190 lives this year. It nevers gets old and you don’t have to be old to get it. Forty-seven-year-old Adam Yauch, better known as “MCA” of the crew that brought you the new style, Beastie Boys, has also lost his three-year battle with cancer. Our prayers are with his family as well as the many others who’ve lost a loved one due to this disease.

This waggin movement is something serious in Minneapolis. I don’t know much about it but I know that it exists. When I first listened to their single, “Waggin on the Scene” a track that is featured on our new mixtape, it reminded me of something more H-Town than Minnesota, but out of respect, I won’t compare the two scenes.

Shots Paul and Wag Town is not to be skipped and overlooked. Get ya dose of the #WagLife below!