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!

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?

Doc Franchise has been making music for Chicago hip-hop artists for a few years now. Always an individual, this self-proclaimed “nerd” drops his new EP this month. His music is eclectic, classic, and futuristic all at the same time. Watch this exclusive interview with his message on education, style, and hip-hop after the jump.

Last night, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre brought back 2Pac, who was literally in rare form. I would’ve loved to have been there to personally witness the reaction of the Coachella attendees when Pac entered the stage, greeting the thousands upon thousands of patrons that frequent this event each year.

It could easily have freaked out a bunch of people if they weren’t sober. I’m pretty sure someone still believes that he performed last night. However, there was very expensive technology being used to produce such a high quality 3D image. At the same time, even though we know we were watching a holographic image, it just felt good to bring back 2Pac in good spirits..#PunIntended

Artist, poet, writer, musician, MC, rapper, and Chicago native, Malik Yusef is no stranger to success. This year, he won a Grammy with Kanye for the writing of “All of the Lights,” but this poet didn’t always have it so good.

Malik dropped out of high school because he had difficulty writing and speaking aloud in class.

“I used to crack a lot of jokes, distract the class, and get sent out all so I didn’t have to read out loud,” he said.

After dropping out of school, Malik decided to educate himself by spending a lot of time in the library. He started to write poetry about growing up on Chicago’s South Side as a coping mechanism.

“I had to learn ways to deal with people,” Malik said. “[young people should] figure out how to learn. They need to understand environmental literacy, and use context clues to inform themselves.”

Malik is now a successful writer and musician. In fact, he is currently recording with Kanye West and Jay-Z. He still makes time to engage in current events. As a Huffington Post weekly blogger, Malik has gained a significant readership. I asked him what he thought about the case of Trayvon Martin, and others like him.

“There have always been negative stereotypes,” he said. “Everyone makes generalizations, black and white people. Our current media, (like reality TV) contributes to it. We don’t have to love each other with perfection, but we can respect one another.”

In only a few short minutes, I felt enlightened. No wonder this man is making a career as a spoken word poet and writer. He is working on his new project Nat Black right now. He plans to release some live recordings this summer. He is also the spokesperson for this year’s Hip Hop Caucus, “Respect My Vote” Campaign, proving once again that the core of hip hop is in the history of politics.

Photograph curtesy of Good Music

This female duo out of Pittsburgh has been sending us some awesome music for awhile now. Their new song just dropped, spreading the message of empowerment and positivity.

Hit us up in the comments and let us know what you think:

Check out their Facebook page to learn more about the talent behind the music.

Hip-hop artist Blaise B. is known in the underground Chicago scene for his eclectic instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics. Having worked with countless independent and mainstream artists, Blaise B. prepares to bring a little Midwest flavor to Texas. Check out this exclusive interview and original music from the Chicago native!

Blaise B. @ SXSW
Check out the official music video for  The Same Blaise B. – The Same.

Tweet your questions @TheLeague99 using the hashtag #RapSessions.

The homie Dee-1 continues his mission and never fails to provide us with the visuals. I was on the set of the unofficial video he did for this song, which was featured on Uncle Snoops GGN Network. I also remember when he spit this verse in the cypher that was held in Milwaukee. I like how he incorporated the audience into his flow. One of the comments that stood out to me the most on YouTube was, “this dude deserves millions of views, gotta make it happen.” They’re right!

The homie from Detroit, @SoFowl flips the classic Minnie Riperton, “Loving You” record and explains why loving isn’t as easy as Minnie made it seem. Valentine’s Day has come and gone and some relationships strong and fortunate enough to make it to the 15th. Sure, it may be difficult, as most relationships are, but we’ve gotta make it work!

Loving You by illRoots

Shouts out to @ArcaneofTCS for sending over the very inspiring bootleg artwork to he and his partner, Young Focus’s new collaborative project, “Paranormal Karaoke” which is set to be released on the 1st of February. The duo has come along away from their Sex and Pencil Shavings days. While their music has definitely matured, it’s safe to say they haven’t…which is what makes the Cranberry Show the indigestible group that they are! See below for their newest single release, “Traffic Lights.”

I see you strapped up
ready to let your pistol loose
Jump out boys
In the black navi taking pictures
Life’s a marathon
young soldier, not a race.

What you need to do
is slow down your pace
and just listen
Ya missin the whole world
Settling for chump change
That shyt is Crumbs
And what’s even more strange

I see you influenced by others
I  see you posted on the block
Think these ya guys ya boys
Well they not!!!

You think they care
they don’t
And they won’t
Come see yo ass in jail

I’m in these prisons everyday
I see young black males

WHO LOOK JUST LIKE YOU
DID WHAT YOU TRYING TO DO
WISH THEY HAD ANOTHER CHANCE
DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCE

Wish they didn’t live as animals
Locked inside a cage
Didn’t you read about them indictments
On the front page?

HE LOOKED AT ME
AND SAID “SO, THAT’S NOT ME.”
I SAID
YOUNG SOLDIER “IT’S NOT NOW
BUT ONE DAY IT COULD BE.”

I had that conversation with a young man, standing in front of a murder shrine on the block he hustled yay. Even though he sold dope and was armed, what you see as a thug I saw as my child. Your answer is to lock him away, my answer is to find a way so that he may live in peace and become a stakeholder of his community.

We need schools not jails because being young is not a crime. However, denying them the opportunity to reach their greatness most certainly is!

One of the dopest, most respected elders in hip-hop, Paradise Gray is featured on “The Angle,” a documentary focusing on subjects affecting American culture. In this installment, Paradise reflects on the foundation of hip-hop, in addition to introducing the concept of Muhammad Ali being the originator of the swag that Jay Z took ownership of. He does a damn good job of making his point. Paradise Gray’s perspective on hip-hop is very important.

It’s a pleasure and an honor to be affiliated with ‘Dise. He knows everything about the game and has possibly mentored your favorite rapper. He has so much knowledge and I, personally have absorbed a ton just being in the same room with him.

Paradise Gray: Hip-Hop (commentary) from Park Triangle Productions on Vimeo.

Springfield is the capitol city of Illinois. It makes sense that the protesters of Occupy Springfield would set up protest lines at the Capitol building. Drew D. and JJ  K. decided to use performance and hip-hop to gain the attention of the General Assembly. Following the example of the Chicago 8, Youth International Party (Yippie) founders, who used theater to protest the Democratic National Convention and Vietnam War.

Like the Yippies, Drew and JJ have decided to use hip-hop and art to spread the #Occupy message.

“The hip-hop community of Springfield has always been involved in political action, but the community around hip-hop has been slow to get involved,” JJ states.

Drew, who has been one of Occupy Springfield’s motivators, has been trying to bring different groups together.

“Occupy should bring together all types of people to organize,” Drew said. “We need to reach out to people of color, LGBT, and women with the hopes of changing society to be more diverse and inclusive.”

Drew states the #Occupy movement is familiar with the Springfield hip-hop leaders and have welcomed artists to the protest.

JJ, a shameless self-promoter always hustling to get people to the meetings, knows that hip-hop can bring people to the table and that rappers can help by speaking about issues.

Recently, the group put on a performance inside of the capital to protest SB397, which gave a $120 million tax break to Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Sears Corporation. Drew helped write the script and performed as Santa Clause. Check out Occupy Springfield Christmas.

Like the Chicago 8 of 1968, Drew believes you can use art to “interject awareness into the public discussion,” and that awareness can lead to public action. Drew is ready to travel and bring this theatrical form of political action and hip-hop to capitol cities across the country.

The F.E.W. Collective, a group of breakdancers, rappers, and musicians was asked by the U.S. Embassy to perform in Pakistan recently. They made headlines when they were briefly detained by Pakistani military last month.

“The U.S. Embassy wants to show we can have a relationship outside of top-down military strategy,” said Asad Jafri, the director of the Inner-city Muslim Action Network for 4.5 years.

Although Jafri had been to Pakistan before, several members of the collective had not. He wanted to take the trip to “learn what’s going on in their music, dance, and spoken word. Art is a universal language for us all to connect.”

IMAN has been in Chicago since 1997, providing direct social services, community organizing, and arts and culture. The organization is known for participating at the South Side Chicago Bazaar. In Pakistan, the group held performances and workshops at almost 30 high school and colleges, reaching nearly 800 youth and adult people.

“The people liked to be engaged, and they really loved it. We gave performances in English, Urdu, and Arabic. We even got the U.S. ambassador to dance.”

Not all of the experiences were so pleasant though. The group was stopped and detained once, for taking pictures outside of an official building. Their phones and cameras were collected, but they were soon released. One of their shows in Lahore was canceled, because proper paperwork wasn’t filed.

Even with a few minor challenges, Jafri believes that the collective really learned that the media blows things out of proportion.

“Life in Pakistan is different from what you think,” he says, “We really loved the culture, food, and music. We have a better understanding of how difficult life can be there.”

Soon after they left, more violence began to break out between NATO and Pakistani soldiers.

Jafri hopes that their actions will be remembered as a positive representation of multicultural America.

“There are so many tensions, but doing these things are small steps to a long-term relationship,” he said.

Perhaps hip-hop can continue to mend these tensions both at home and abroad.

Damn! It’s a sad day in hip-hop. Canibus, who is easily noted as one of my favorite rappers of all time, just recently issued a diss record calling out J. Cole. When I saw the headlines, I ignored them because I assumed it was a slight jab and nothing to really pay attention to. However, after listening – it’s a direct diss and as a Canibus fan, I’m ashamed. I’m not ashamed of the terrible diss record as much as I am of the embarrassing apology that accompanied it. This doesn’t appear to be the same Canibus that went at LL and Eminem. But now that I think about it, even if it were the same Canibus, he’d be no match to the ever-so-relevant J. Cole.

I’m not sure if it was Cole paying homage to Canibus in the interviews that set em off (which makes no sense) or ‘bus feeling he could “make a livin off of dissin.” At the end of the day, the big homie is coppin pleas like he had a cup of humble juice. Coincidentally, he starts his apology with two rather long burps. Oh and get this, he repeats the apology more than Jay and Ye repeats N****s in Paris during the #WTT tour!

Diss

Humble Apology

Speaking of Generation Next, DJ Absolut gathers up a few of hip-hop’s influential artists to discuss the harsh realities that we face on a daily. What better of a time for this track to be released as we all are witnessing uprisings from fed-up citizens – the majority of which are young people. My generation has came, saw, and is attempting to conquer! We call that operation #UnFuckTheWorld

Working in education can have its exciting moments. For Georgetown sociology professor, Michael Eric Dyson, class has become a space for discussing the legends of hip-hop. This year, his very popular Sociology of Hip-Hop course takes on Jay-Z. Dr. Dyson is famous for his class, which seeks to place hip-hop in the realm of academia as a social phenomenon of urban culture. He hopes that the discussions held in his class will allow students to see how hip-hop is used to describe social conditions and create a record of the urban experience. Since the first class in 2007 at Georgetown, Dr. Dyson’s course has been one of the most popular and multicultural classes on campus.  Dr. Dyson hopes to make the class about more than just beats and rhymes, but rather about “the intellectual, theological, philosophical predicate for Jay-Z’s argument?” 

Students are able to question the motivation behind the music as well as the implications of it. For some students, this may be their first time critically analyzing the lyrics. One can’t help but question why examine the work of Jay-Z and not other more socially-conscious artist such as Dead Prez or Common?

Although the music of Jay-Z has changed and he has become one of the most popular artists in the world, I rarely think of Jay-Z when I think about some of the most meaningful and thought-provoking hip-hop in the world. Is there something we don’t know about Jay-Z? Although he has grown from a self-proclaimed drug dealer, to being a UN ambassador for water, I think that his current album lacks the depth and reflection necessary to make it a socially-relevant piece of art. I question if there are not other artists presenting more complex representations of urban social culture.

As hip-hop has become a popular genre, it has affected political and social movements worldwide. Hip-hop, and even American hip-hop can be heard everywhere from Africa to New Zealand. Imagine the impact that music created today will have on future generations, the way the music of the ’60s and ’70s affected our generation. Hip-hop has certainly become a mirror of urban culture, reflecting our values and experiences – and on rare occasions giving us insight into the human experience. The implications of some parts of hip-hop culture are tangible with teenagers nationwide dropping out of high school in hopes of becoming famous drug dealers turned rappers. It may be more important now than ever to examine the impact of hip-hop on American culture.

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers Mally Mel & Kool Herc brought forth a new genre.” Wait no – maybe that’s too far-fetched. “I have a dream that one day… I know it ain’t heaven-sent/ we ain’t ready to see a black president.” Maybe even that’s too harsh.

I’m looking at the world currently, both globally and nationally, and we are entering one of our most critical times in the history of our civilization. I’m wondering, who can save us from us? With one million and one questions about who will take over the throne in 2012 and what our country’s success will look like, who can weave out the truth? If you had a gut check now and BOOM the world as you know it changes, would you be ready?

I ask myself all of those questions and the one common factor I see is you. Yes, you, reading this story. You with your 9-5  job then 6-10 family time. You, who has never punched any clock but now owns the clocks which are being punched and of course, you. You, who left the inner city lifestyle to live in a more peaceful and quiet setting filled with singing birds, Sunday afternoon tailgating and desperate housewives. Somehow, 8 out of ten of us all fit into one of those lifestyles and the two that don’t – God Bless You. I ask you one more question. What do we all have in common?

HIP-HOP!

There was a time in hip-hop when lyrics weren’t just chess moves; they told stories. Words gave birth to movements, habits and a new culture. Racism, sexism and thug life were discussed and debated and lives were saved. You could listen to your favorite track and the entire load sitting on your shoulder suddenly would disappear. Those who didn’t make it to see graduation found ways to make a honest living and leave our generation the blueprint on how to change the game.

As the world turns and times change more than Nicki Minaj’s hair color, it’s time that we demand more and go back to what helped us in the first place. Hip-hop’s impact is no longer just an urban inner city culture, it’s worldwide. Forbes 500 companies, sports venues, even our political officers are using hip-hop to connect and market to our world. If they are smart enough to see the light, why can’t we do the same? When Sam Cooke said “A Change Gon Come,” he didn’t mean it would just fall from the sky, we must create change.

It’s time for us, as a people and culture, to mold the future. Music has always been an outlet for emotions, beliefs and informing others of our social status – both mentally and financially. It’s time we #OccupyHipHop. Let’s get away from downgrading our people and glorifying nonsense and reach those who need to be saved. The time is now. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!

As most of you know, I am a visual anthropologist. I not only study visual representations of culture, but I am also an ethnographic documentary filmmaker. That being said, I love films. I grew up making films with my father, attending international film fests, and I currently intern for Chicago’s International Children’s Film Fest. I believe films have the power to change our lives. At this critical time in American culture and politics, I think it’s a good idea to reflect on some great films that never go out of style. Check out this list; then go check out these films, and tell me what you think. It just might change your life!!

10) V for Vendetta  2006 Director: James McTeigue Stars: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman and Rupert Graves

“Remember, Remember the 5th of November.” Not only is Guy Fawkes day an actual British holiday, but over time, it has become a symbol of resistance. V for Vendetta reminded us of this failed attempt to bring down the monarchy in an ingenious story about self-determination, freedom and justice. Not only does it have a grade A cast, but an amazing story line that reminds us that anything is possible if we believe.

 
9) Sisters in Law 2005 Directors: Florence Ayisi, Kim Longinotto Stars: Vera Ngassa and Beatrice Ntuba

This award-winning, groundbreaking observational documentary by Kim Longinotto has gone mostly unseen by the general public. This film is a must-see if we are to better understand the injustices girls and women face around the world. Through its observational lens, the audience feels as though they are right there witnessing the cases managed by an all female court in Cameroon. This amazing film shows us how everyday life can change when women are involved in the political structure of the society.

8) Rabbit Proof Fence – 2002 Director: Phillip Noyce Stars: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury and Kenneth Branagh

This is a docudrama, a fictional film based on historical events and first person ethnography. This story informs us of the little known Australian apartheid system that occurred from 1869-1970. Yes, in 1970 Aborigines (native Australiana) were still being colonized by the British and living under apartheid. This film follows the story of three children, all sisters, kidnapped into slavery. Not only will it inform you of this relatively unknown history, but it will remind you that slavery continues around the world to this day.

7) Equilibrium – 2002 Director: Kurt Wimmer Stars: Christian Bale, Sean Bean and Emily Watson

The only other fictional film on this list, Equilibrium takes us into the future, in which everyone is controlled by an omnipresent father. This sci-fi thriller follows one man, on his quest to free himself from a life of servitude where art, expression, and love are outlawed! Everyone should see a bit of themselves in this film.

6) Amandla! Revolution in Four Part Harmony  2002 Director: Lee Hirsch Stars: Duma Ka Ndlovu, Vusi Mahlasela and Walter Cronkite

This film documents more than 50 years of music used during the marches and protest to end apartheid in South Africa. Taking nearly 10 years to document, this film features interviews from Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa), Hugh Masakela, and many more on the frontlines. It exposes the core of the revolution, and shows us how music can be used to unify people and end oppression.

5 Born into Brothels – 2004 Directors: Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman Stars: Kochi, Avijit and Shanti Das

This film takes us to the red light district of Southern India, were we explore not the lives of sex workers, but rather the lives of their children. This touching documentary is made through the photographic lens of the children, who show us their daily struggles to overcome poverty, drug addiction, and a life in sex work. This film shows us how self-expression and education can often be the first step to changing one’s life.

4) Rize – 2005 Director: David LaChapelle Stars: Tommy the Clown, Larry Berry and Dragon

Remember when Krumping was big on the West Coast? Well you don’t have to, you can watch this movie. One of the first films shot in HD, this beautiful film takes us behind the scenes of Krump dancing, and into the history of African culture and dance. This film shows us, that everything has its roots in the past, and no movement, small or large, is meaningless.

3) Youssou N’Dour: I bring what I love - 2008 Director: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi Stars: Youssou N’Dour, Peter Gabriel and Moustapha Mbaye

Another great film about music, this film follows Senegalese pop sensation Youssou N’Dour as he creates his first religious album, entitled Egypt. Youssou N’Dour is meet with great opposition from the Muslim community, but believes he can spread understanding and respect cross-culturally through his music. I argue that he does that and more! If you know nothing about Islam, this is the perfect film to start you on your way.  Check out this video:

2) Tupac Resurrection 2003  Director: Lauren Lazin Stars: Tupac Shakur, Rappin’ 4-Tay and Conrad Bain

I find Tupac Resurrection to be the second most powerful film on the list. Why some of you might ask, because this film was made after Tupac’s death, uses Tupac’s own voice through archival footage, interviews, and previously recorded poems. This brilliant film takes all the hype and propaganda surrounding Tupac out of the picture and introduces us to the man, the poet, the activist, the child of revolutionaries, Tupac Amaru Shakur.       Watching this film gives me chills every time.

1) Life and Debt- 2001 Director: Stephanie Black Stars: Belinda Becker, Buju Banton and Horst Köhler

Now if none of the other films thus far have made you want to take to marching in the streets, this film certainly will. This documentary by Stephanie Black, features the effects of post-colonial capitalism in Jamaica. Life and Debt shows us how America became the largest economy in the world on the backs of African descendents in the Caribbean, Americas and Africa. Writer Jamaica Kincaid narrates through centuries of economic policies pushed by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to keep poor countries poor, and rich countries rich. She exposes the racist system, as one that will never benefit the poor or colored of the world. She is so smooth in her delivery  that anyone can understand. Using amazing film work and gripping interviews from some of America’s highest officials, you can’t help but want to go out into to the streets and fight for social justice. This film is a MUST SEE NOW!

Bonus: Dave Chappelle’s Block Party
2005 Director: Michel Gondry
Stars: Dave Chappelle, Mos Def and Lauryn Hill 
So Dave Chappelle’s Block Party didn’t quit make the list, although this one of my absolute favorite observational documentaries because it takes us on a journey from Dave’s hometown where we experience racism and poverty, into the bountiful art created from that black experience. For anyone that loves comedy, and hip-hop music, this is a light-hearted introduction into hip hop culture, that may change your mind about what it means to be young and black in America.

So now that you know better, you can do better, by sharing your knowledge and working together. Be sure to post your response or tell us if we missed any films on FB, Twitter and 99problems.org! Peace and blessings ya’ll!