HIP-HOP TAKES OVER NETROOTS NATION

Brooklyn, NY (July 22, 2010) — On Friday, July 23rd, starting at 3pm PDT at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, many of urban America’s strongest young minds will come together to infuse the fifth annual Netroots Nation conference with hip-hop sensibilities. Cashmere Agency’s Director of Creative Strategy and former Executive Editor of The Source Magazine Ryan Ford, Vibe.com’s Managing Editor Chloe Hilliard, Bossip.com’s Senior Editor Janee Bolden and Allhiphop.com’s Co-Founder Chuck Creekmur will share the stage to discuss ways to engage the urban blogosphere in the civic process. Moderating the panel will be the League of Young Voters Education Fund’s Executive Director Biko Baker, a hip-hop journalist turned political activist who helms a national organization with a track record of organizing the civic power of young urban America.

“In 2008, young urban voters turned out in record numbers,” says Biko Baker, who prior to becoming LYVEF’s Executive Director served as The Source’s Political Correspondent. “But right now we aren’t claiming our power as a generation. We share a lot of problems across our communities and we need to stay engaged with each other, especially online.”
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The Editor

My favorite rapper is Rick Ross and my favorite color is aqua blue!

This is the real Rick Ross!

So, this past weekend I hung out with Cashmere Agency’s Ryan Ford (former Executive Editor of the Source), the League’s Fahiym Ratcliffe and Tarik Ross. Boy ol’ boy did I learn a lot about hip-hop. I mean, you guys might not know this, but I didn’t exactly grow up in a hot bed for rap music.

So in the spirit of sharing, I’ve documented the top 5 things I learned while hanging out with these cool boys.

1. Hip hop can be dead to you but not dead

Yes, lots of people think hip-hop sucks right now. But according to these hip-hop aficionados, the spirit of hip-hop is still alive, even if it’s not present in mainstream music. Young people are still motivated by the same need to express themselves.

2. Asking people who their favorite rapper is is like asking them their favorite color

I learned this one from Ryan Ford. There are so many rappers out these days, it’ hard to chose, and it’s not really all that important because next week another one will show up.

3. The Boss is really just a different Ross

We actually ran into the original Rick Ross, a former Los Angeles based drug dealer who the rapper Rick Ross named himself after. Apparently, the rapper Rick Ross’ whole image is contrived and based off another person. How weird is that?

4. A culture is more true without corporate intent

This one speaks for itself. According to these guys, rap music was a lot better before money got involved.

5. Outkast could be the new Marvin Gaye

As in they make classic music. 20 years from now, your kids are going to be listening to Outkast in the very same way that we we listen to Marvin Gay. Good music never dies.

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Heather Box