Rockie Fresh is one of the newer artists hailing from Chicago. With less than three years in the game, he has already established a presence in hip-hop that seems to only be getting stronger. If you’re an early adopter, you’ve checked Fresh out at SXSW and AC3 and can vouch that homie has been putting in work.

The Midwest emcee teams up with his partner from DC, Phil Ade, whom has contributed on joint records in the past. This specific collaboration is off of Rockie’s most recent project, “Driving 88.” On “Where I Wanna Be,” the two go back and forth about being at peace with their decision to follow their aspirations. This ain’t no Donnell Jones record!

An old classmate recently leaked a home video from 1990 of The Throne’s Kanye West reciting an MLK-dedicated verse from a poem entitled, “His Name Means Love.”

Read more: HERE

Here’s another dope artist to add 2 the collection. Pun intended! The Chicago native, @ADD2theMC just recently released a new visual and it’s deeper than rap. We’ve come along way from the cotton fields or have we? You’d think we were still in them if you knew the alarming statistics that describes the African-American presence in prison. #Add2That

Head Coach Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings waived former Eagles and Redskins 13-year quarterback Donovan McNabb yesterday.

With McNabb going 1-5 in a Vikings uniform and the emerging success of Christian Ponder, Frazier commented “this was the best decision for both parties” and that he believes McNabb can still be a starter in the NFL.

If Donovan clears waivers today, I could easily see him in a Bears uniform. With the recent injury to starting QB Jay Cutler, McNabb would seem to be a perfect fit. When McNabb was a Eagle, there were rumors about McNabb wanting to return to his hometown and finish his career in Chicago.

Whether or not Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears will attempt to claim McNabb remains to be seen, but the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans are also in need of a quarterback and could be on the hunt. No matter where McNabb ends up, this will be his fourth team in two years and may very well be his last stop.

Chicago is the hub of the Midwest. It’s a city where you find people from all over the country, and ideas from all over the world. Did you know that Chicago is one of America’s cities embracing urban agriculture and renewable energy? In every section of Chicago, urban gardens are budding.

How did Chicago become “green,” and how has the urban agriculture movement affected Chicago?

In 2001, Chicago’s green movement started with then Mayor Richard Daley Jr. installing a 20,300 square foot garden on the roof of the city hall. Daley wanted to set an example and aimed to make Chicago one of the greenest cities in America, by promoting the energy cost saving value of rooftop gardens. With the initial motivation to save money, $5K in government grants and tax breaks, rooftop gardens began to appear in Chicago’s middle class neighborhoods. It would take another 10 years before the city would again take radical action toward urban agriculture.

The green movement slowly continued to grow, and in 2002, Growing Power, an organization started in Milwaukee specializing in sustainable agriculture, traveled to Chicago. Founder Will Allen decided to change the face of urban farming, by promoting the values of youth involvement, education and community empowerment.

Allen’s mission was to transform communities from food deserts, to places were people could connect with their food and themselves. They have since established five gardens in some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods, not only transforming the people but also the landscape. The Lights Urban Farm in the former Cabrini-Green projects features city light poles adapted for growing flowers and plants with the use of UV lights. Allen’s method of using worms and aqua-ponics, a system using fish to filter water and grow food, became widely used in Chicago. However, his greatest impact was bringing food and agriculture to some of the poorest communities in Chicago, providing education and volunteer experience for diverse populations. Organizations like ‘Growing Home,’ have since used urban farming to rehabilitate homeless and unemployed people. Urban agriculture was no longer just about saving money, but about saving people’s lives.

Without a doubt, Chicago’s green movement has become an act of revolution.

On Chicago’s south side, one community used their garden space to build relationships and support the elders of the neighborhood. Neighbors came together to clean the land and grow on a small plot of land, transforming it from a drug dealing corner, to a place for community building. As ordinary citizens began to clean up empty lots and start gardens, it became clear that Chicago zoning codes were behind the times. Community gardens were not to exceed a certain size, and restrictive retail laws in residential areas prevented farmers from opening markets. Mayor Daley, was quoted stating “farming was not an urban activity” and “that people would not buy food grown in cities.” Organizations like Advocates for Urban Agriculture decided to respond to the policy concerns of urban farmers. After nearly two years of zoning disputes, there appeared to be progress.

In July 2011, Mayor Rahm Emanuel held a press conference at Growing Power’s Iron Street Farm to discuss the city’s commitment to urban agriculture. He stated that urban farming could be seen as a revenue generating endeavor, allowing for empty and abandoned spaces to be turned into taxable, job-creating urban farms. On September 9th, the Chicago City Council approved a zoning code allowing space for more urban farms, and increasing the allotted size of farms to allow for commercial production. This momentous change in law may help to transform abandoned and neglected land into space for growth and transformation.

While it is extremely encouraging to see the city take proactive steps toward job creation through urban farming, it is really citizens whom benefit from having increased access to locally grown food. We know that going “green” can save you money, and rebuild communities, but can it really create jobs? And can the empty buildings left from the recession be utilized in a green economy?

Organizations like “The Plant” offer a solution. The plant is a sustainable non-profit brewery and vertical farm. The dilapidated meat factory is currently being remodeled into a commercial beer brewery in which an anaerobic digester is used to convert the grain used in brewing into “380 kilowatts of electricity and 2.1 million BTU of heat – enough to meet the full energy needs of the 93,500 square-foot facility.” The Plant was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economics for its work in renewable energy sources.

This grant will provide 125 “green-collar” jobs, in a very economically depressed area, providing training and experience in renewable energy. The design is constantly being improved on and newer, more efficient models are in the works for commercial food production in urban buildings. The Plant not only offers interior and exterior urban farming, but also a non-profit revenue-generating business model that proves that making green, not just saving it, is the future of urban agriculture.

Standing in the crowded club, I couldn’t help but wonder what all these people had come to hear. I came to take pictures, and had no idea what I was about to see. I expected to see a jazz band called Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, but as the stage filled up with seven young men, I started to feel confused. And then I saw the brass. As they started the driving melody, the harmonies reminded me of the Afro-Pop I grew up with. I was instantly transported back to Nigeria, to Fela Kuti shows complete with drums, horns, and dancers.The show intensified as the Chicago natives began to rap and rhyme. One even jumped from the stage and walked across the bar while he rapped. And it’s no wonder, with the over saturation of auto-tunes on the radio, that real music would sound so wonderful. But it was more than good music. It was authentic, modern, cultural, and soulful. It was the type of music that made me feel warm and proud from the very pit of my stomach.

This music was Chicago. This band of men all hail from Chicago’s South Side. Trained by jazz legend Brother Phil Colan, these young men have become masters in their own right. Performing internationally for more than five years has transformed them from raw talent to true artists. They not only play notes and perform well – they open up their hearts and play the music as only people who love their art can. They are creative and daring.

The shrine was alive with dancing people, cheering them on, glowing with positive energy. Hot and steamy, the men were thirsting for water. Sweating through their shirts, they soon removed them. Fashionable even down to their shorts. They all sport the same G-STAR RAW briefs in various colours.

After an exhausting crescendo, they began to slow down. Catching their breath, and putting their shirts back on. Regaining composure, and resting, before going at it again. Ending the show on a high note, I could not help but want to hear more. Without a doubt, I recommend purchasing this album. You will not be dissaappointed.

Words and photos by Ife Olatunji
Edited by Jai Hayes
Featuring Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

If you ain’t know, Get Familiar!

#NoChurchInTheWild Is trending on Twitter and the people have spoken early about their favorite song on #WTT. Murder to Excellence is arguably the realest. On this track, Kanye & Jay Z paid homage to the victims of gun violence in their communities, more specifically, 48 shootings in 48 hours #PutTheGunsDown

(JZ)Bloody Murder, murder murder(x4) (KW)The paper read murder/Black on black murder/The paper read murder/Black on black murder

(JZ)This is to the memory of Danroy Henry / Too much enemy fire to catch a friendly / Strays from the same shade / Ni**a we on the same team / Giving you respect / I expect the same thing / All black everything / Ni**a you know my fresh code / I’m out here fightin’ for you / Don’t increase my stress load / Ni**as watchin’ thethrone/Very happy to be/Power to the people/When you see me,see you

(KW)And I’m from the murder capital/Where they murder for capital/ Heard about at least 3 killings this afternoon / Lookin’ at the news like damn I was just with him after school / No shop class but half the school got a tool / And I could die any day type attitude / Plus his little brother got shot reppin’ his avenue / It’s time for us to stop and re-define black power / 41 souls murdered in 50 hours /

The paper read murder / Black on black murder / The paper read murder / Black on black murder again / Murder again… /

Is it genocide? / Cause I can still hear his momma cry / Know the family traumatized / Shots left holes in his face / Bout piranha-size / The old pastor closed the cold casket / And said the church ain’t got enough room for all the tombs / It’s a war going on outside we ain’t safe from / I feel the pain in my city wherever I go / 314 sol- diersdiedinIraq/509diedinChicago

(JZ)I arrived on the day Fred/Hampton died/Real ni**as just multiply/And they say 21 I was supposed to die/So I’m out here celebratin’ my post demise / If you put crabs in a barrel to insure your survival / You gon’ end up pulling down ni**as that look just like you / What up blood?/What up cuz?/It’s all black/I love us

(KW)Thepaperreadmurder/Blackonblackmurderagain

(JZ)It’s a celebration of black excellence/ Black tie,black Maybachs/Black excellence, opulence,decadence /Tuxes next to the president, I’m present/I dress in Dries and other boutique stores in Paris / In sheepskin coats, I silence the lamb / Do you know who I am Clarice? / No cheap cologne whenever I “shh-shh” / Success never smelled so sweet / I stink of success / The new black elite / They say my black card bear the mark of the beast / I repeat / My religion is the beat / My verse is like church / My Jesus piece / Now please, domino, domino, / Only spot a few blacks the higher I go / What’s up to Will / Shoutout to O / That ain’t enough / We gon need a million more/Kick in the door/Biggieflow/I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go

(KW)Yea it’s all messed up when it’s nowhere to go/So we won’t take the time out til we reach the T O P / From paroles to hold G’s, sold keys, low keys / We like the promised land of the OG’s / In the past if you picture events like a black tie / What the last thing you expect to see, black guys / What’s the life expectancy for black guys? / The system’s working effectively, that’s why / I’ll be a real man and take care of your son / Every problem you had before this day is now done / New crib, watch a movie / Cause ain’t nothin on the news but the blues / Hit the mall, pick up some Gucci / Now ain’t nothin new but your shoes / Sunday morning / Praise the Lord / You the girl that Jesus had been saving me for/So let’s savor this moment/And take it to the floor/Black excellence /Truly your

Murder to Excellence

The President will be partying with the people of Chicago today as he reaches the big Hawaii 5-0! But I’m curious to know if he will be allowed to have his cake and eat it too…

Will Smith’s “Summertime” was cool but it wasn’t as in depth as it could’ve been. The summer madness Common is referring to is the kind that I can, unfortunately, relate to. Last April, the sun peeked out and there were 41 shooting victims within 50 hours and 31 incidents. When the sun comes out, my people can’t wait to act ig’nant.

Getter better, bro. Festival…The struggle continues and you’re not alone! Lil Boosie, Ghostface Killah, Phife Dawg, Shawty Lo, are amongst the select few familiar faces in hip-hop that are affected by diabetes.

Either we live right or we’re gonna die. It’s that simple. Us black folks really need to start paying attention to and taking care of ourselves because we’re apparently culturally susceptible to some of these things that are taking us out.

Read up on a bunch of interesting facts about diabetes by clicking HERE.

Collins Academy gets a surprise visit from Nicki Minaj as she takes on the role of Principal. School has never been this cool.

A classic debate about the accountability in Hip-Hop and lack thereof. Imma have to go with Lupe on this one! “Miseducation is Miseducation, no matter if it’s coming through the radio out of a book or from a teacher.”

Superbowl conversations are fading in the distance and not too much talk is filtering over from the Grammy’s. It’s apparent that All-Star Weekend is close-by, right around the corner to be exact. Personally, I’m more of a skill fanatic than an analyst. Defense wins games, but offense wins my attention. If I could, I’d have the Lower-Merrion Kobe and Tarheel Jordan on the same team w/ damn near 6 ring Champion Jordan and 6 ring Champion Kobe & then just throw Orlando Shaq in the mix.

Raekwon The Chef of the Dream Team Wu-Tang sits down and elaborates on his favorite players as well as the line-up he’d prefer to see in the league. I wouldn’t mind seeing the WU play a 6 on 6 with themselves, lol.

When I worked for The Source, I use to consistently pitch Mick Luter to the bosses. To me, he is a more street, more conscious, and a more lyrical Kanye West. And not the crazy, your sorta worried about him, Kanye West. Mick is the Kanye West that made you want to go take a hike with the messiah. He challenges the world’s problem, while admitting that life is filled with contradictions. Check out his new mixtape, The Myth.

Download the mixtape here.

“Jennifer Hudson & Terrence Howard as Winnie & Wilson Mandela in the biopic ‘Winnie’ the story of the life of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela; here is the first official movie trailer for the upcoming film.”

Unfortunately, some people have already leaked it to YouTube and it isn’t the best quality. If you sneaked & peeked at the leak, make sure you go and spend a few bucks and go and learn to inspire or be inspired.

S/N: ‘Winnie-the pooh-Mandela’ had to be the one of funniest insults i’ve heard from Will Smith on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

On October 8th, 2010 Kanye West released a new Child Rebel Soldier track entitled “Don’t Stop” as a part of his G.O.O.D. Friday track releasing day but since we’ve been so caught in this election campaigning, I almost didn’t notice. And I would’ve been very pissed if i would’ve missed this. Enjoy!

“That song is like a song that we did in the midst of being CRS when we were actually going to put out an album and just really wanted to test records and see if we should do more records like that, or should we do more records like ‘Us Placers’ or … more down-low records, up-top records. We were just trying to figure out what should we do and that was one of the experiments that was bananas.”

-Lupe Fiasco, on “Don’t Stop” being 2 years old

Teen Involved In Derrion Albert Beating Pledges To Turn Life Around

This is an interesting perspective.

Deanna Bellandi

@

Assoiciated Press

- The city of Chicago says it’s ready to hire firefighters in a long-running discrimination case if it’s ordered to do so now that the U.S. Supreme Court has found a group of black applicants didn’t wait too long to sue.

The Supreme Court’s decision Monday sent the case back to a lower court. Mara Georges, the city of Chicago’s corporation counsel, said the city plans to hire the would-be firefighters, if the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago determines it should.

“We stand ready and willing to do so, but we need some ruling from the 7th Circuit first,” Georges said.

The city estimates damages and pension obligations in the case could be as high as $45 million.

The court action is the latest in a case spanning 15 years and challenging a 1995 test that was used to cull applicants who hoped to one day become firefighters. It’s also the latest episode in a department with a history of acrimony over racial issues in hiring.

In 2001, a group of white firefighters lost a Supreme Court appeal that challenged an affirmative action plan to promote minorities in the department. In the 1970s, the federal government sued the city alleging the department discriminated against blacks and Hispanics.

In this latest case, officials told applicants who scored below 89 but above 64 on a 1995 test that they had passed but likely wouldn’t be hired as firefighters because a large number of test-takers had scored 89 or above. The majority of those in the top-scoring group were white; only 11 percent were black.

The city’s firefighter applicant test is now pass/fail, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said.

“For decades we have tried to diversify the Chicago Fire Department,” Daley said. “But at every turn, like most cities, we have been met with legal challenges from both sides. Still, this administration remains committed to ensuring that the department more reflects the racial makeup of the city.”

People are supposed to sue within 300 days in an employment action, and Chicago claimed that clock started ticking when it announced how the test scores would be used in January 1996. The first lawsuit wasn’t filed until 430 days after the test results were announced.

The plaintiffs argued there was a new act of discrimination whenever the scores were used in hiring firefighter trainees between May 1996 and October 2001.

“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed that jobseekers should not be denied justice based on a technicality,” said John Payton, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc., who argued the case. “This victory goes well beyond the immediate results in Chicago. It should ensure that no other fire department or employer uses a discriminatory test, and LDF will go the extra mile to make sure that they do not.”

A U.S. District judge had agreed with the plaintiffs and ordered the city to hire 132 randomly selected black applicants who scored above 64. The court also ordered the city to count up the back pay and divide it among the rest of the applicants. But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision.

City officials say they would have to hire about 111 applicants because a statute of limitations means one pool of applicants is no longer included. The city also has since hired others who were originally told they wouldn’t get the chance to be firefighters.

Georges also said an age restriction won’t be in place for those who might be hired because there wasn’t one when the test was administered. Georges said applicants, who may now be in their 40s, would still have to attend the fire academy.

Gerald

yo

9:39amDjWillieShakes

whats poppin boss

9:39amGerald

i got this joint where i went in on the 40 people shot in 50 hours, bro!

9:40amDjWillieShakes

send it thru, dont talk about it, be about it!!!

9:40amGerald

lol
Killer Season (Prod. By Kev Brown) <<<<<<<<

9:42amDjWillieShakes

can i post it on my blog?
9:42amGerald

oh yeah of course!