When it comes to incorporating Christ into their hip-hop music, Bizzle is one of the most popular artists. He not only does that but he challenges the likes of Jay-Z, something even our homie Dee-1 did with his Jay, 50, & Weezy track. Hip-hop is the best ways to reach young people and if there is a message with a mixture of a lil bit of swag, you might be effective in reaching them.

Bizzle just came outta nowhere with this “25 Bibles…” record. For those that aren’t familiar with the original DJ DMD “25 Lighters…” track, you’re gonna have to re-visit to appreciate how Bizzle flipped it on em. From what I was taught, God can use any of us, even our music, to get the glory!

Glad to see they’ve finally released the visual to one of Dee-1′s popular records off the second installment of his “I Hope They Hear Me” mixtape series. I was actually right there in LA when they shot this video, some five months back. Shouts out to the homie Colin Pierce for the Director’s credit!

Kendrick Lamar is on everybody’s radar these days. The Compton emcee adds his Cali swag to the soundtrack of the forthcoming game Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. I’m not a big video game fan, but it would be pretty gangsta to play a shooting game with some West Coast rap in the background. Less war, more love!

The 2010 case of beating victim, Chad Holley, has received its first verdict of four. Texas police officer, Andrew Bloomberg, was found not guilty by an all white jury for his role in the arrest and beating of Holley. Is this just another case of racially-motivated, police-sanctioned violence or did Chad Holley really deserved to be restrained and beaten?

Read the story and share your thoughts on the verdict of this trail.

Well, I hope this video inspires someone. Browsing through World Star Hip Hop, I saw this video and this kid, Alonzo Jones, also known as Turf, was kicked out of the house after he graduated high school when he told his mother he wanted to be a dancer. He danced on the street for two years when he was homeless and then got his big break on America’s Got Talent. Check him out!

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

• In 2012 news, GOP presidential nominee, Ron Paul announced this week that he would stop campaigning in the future primary elections but will continue to work behind the scenes. Dr. Paul could still have a vocal presence at the Republican National Convention at the end of August in Tampa. This news now means that Mitt Romney, the presumptive nominee, has no rivals left running against him. Romney currently has 989 of the 1144 delegates needed to secure the nomination. (WSJ)

• The Senate Homeland Security Committee announced this week that there will be a public hearing on May 23 on the recent prostitution scandal involving U.S. military and Secret Service agents in Colombia. The committee will ask Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan if he is satisfied with the investigation into the scandal, if there were indications before the scandal something like this could happen, and what is going to be done to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again. The scandal involved roughly 20 alleged prostitutes, and has so far resulted in the dismissal of nine Secret Service members. Three members have been cleared of serious misconduct, and the military is looking into the involvement of 12 service members.   (CNN)

• In light of President Obama’s recent announcement supporting same-sex marriage, America seems to be split over the decision. According to a recent ABC/Washington Post survey released on Tuesday 46 percent of Americans say they had a favorable impression of the president’s announcement, with 47 percent saying they had an unfavorable impression. It is still unknown whether President Obama’s support will hurt or help him in the 2012 general election.

• On Thursday, House Democrats introduced legislation that they say is needed to ensure all eligible voters have unrestrained access to vote. The Voter Empowerment Act would allow same day registration online, require schools with federal funds to have voter registration drives, and gives states money to train poll workers. The three key aims of the bill, say Democrats, are access, integrity and accountability.  (CNN)

There are many young girls all across the country that know how it feel to live without a father in their life due to incarceration. This morning I was looking through my Facebook news feed and stumbled across this video of Iviona Hatch excited about her “Pops” Lil Boosie’s pending release date.

Watching this video was literally like watching a Mini Lil Boosie. Be on the lookout for Iviona Hatch, she has a few songs on iTunes. She has been working hard and rocking the mic, stuntin’ like her Daddy. It felt great to see Iviona proud to know her Dad will be returning home to soon. This made me think how many young kids out there who have a parent(s) in jail or prison and how they are dealing with it. Iviona was blessed to find out that her dad is coming home because millions of children who didn’t and will not get that exciting news. 

There are things good and bad that take place in our lives and we have no control over them. Idk about you but I was taught not to question God. At the same time, the (wo)man upstairs is so big and the happenings of this world are so mysterious, you just might get caught asking, “God, is that you?”

Thank God for the Goodie Mob! They just released this soulful and insightful record, which is one of the tracks from the highly anticipated film, ‘The Obama Effect,’ which is set to release July 13th.

Damn, Donna Summers was cold talent-wise and physically! Her voice was crisp but she was stunning at the same time. Ms. Summers, who didn’t put up much of a fight climbing the charts in her 40-year career, battled with cancer, as a lot of people her age are. At the age of 63, she succumbed to the disease. I wish we could lock cancer up in jail and throw away the key because it’s taking more lives than gun violence.

Donna Summers will be missed by many. There’s no doubt that she probably has inspired music by some of your favorite artists/groups. Below there are five artists that have benefited from her talented life. Peep!

 Sampled by Neyo & Fabolous “Ms. Independent”

Sampled by Beyonce “Naughty Gir”, Timbaland & Magoo “Luv 2 Luv Ya”, & Digital Underground “Freaks of the Industry”

Boxer Manny Pacquiao was recently denied access to a scheduled-interview at the Grove Shopping Mall for his remarks about same-sex marriage, prompted by recent comments made by President Obama. Pacquiao stated that “I am against gay marriage, but I am not condeming gays.”

Unlike Pacquiao, many stars have recently come out not only in support of Obama’s statements, but also for same-sex marriage. Most notably, rapper Jay-Z publicly stated this week that it’s an issue of “discrimination, plain and simple.”

Boxers, hip-hop stars and incumbent presidents: these are not the usual suspects in the conversation about same-sex equality. Have LGBT rights gone mainstream in America? What do you think?

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.