Joe Jackson (All in the videos, All on the record)

I'm not going to say too much on this man because it's due to him that my favorite performer ever had a chance to have a career. HOWEVER if I ever see him in the streets...
And I'm not even a tough guy at all. I just don't appreciate him capitalizing off of his son's name and fame the way he is.

Understand me, if my SON dies suddenly I'm not going to ANY awards show to pay tribute. I'm consoling my wife and other children. I'm also not pluggin any of my business ventures while discussing my son. But then again I also wouldn't abuse while riding them as a meal ticket out of Gary, Indiana.

Ladies in gentlemen, Joe Jackson. (stay classy Joe)

Old School Mondays

Yall already know what the occasion is so lets get to it. The best to ever do it people.

May he finally have rest after a hectic life. We miss you.

J5 on Soul Train - I Want You Back


Ben..(damn he's got me tearing up)


Another Part Of Me (from the Bad Tour)
This is actually my favorite Michael Jackson record.


Beat It

Jay - Z DOA official video

You be the judge.

Jay-Z's "D.O.A" Video!

Lisa Marie Presley tells her story. (SWIPE)

I got the following from Lisa Marie Presley's Myspace (yeah she still uses it) blog. I have re-posted the contents here but the link in green is to her direct blog. Go check it there for yourself as well to leave her direct comments.

LMP's Blog

Friday, June 26, 2009

He Knew.

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "Normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I wanted to "save him" I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.

His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself.

He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.

When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying.

I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision.

The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret.

Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation.

At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him.

He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.

He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.





I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.


~LMP

Michael Jackson, The Best To Ever Do It.

I miss him. I didn't know him but I miss him. I've had entertainers a musicians die and I knew there was an impact however this is different. My boy Keith called me because he knows that I love Michael Jackson. He told me he heard that Mike was rushed to a hospital and that he died. I got a lil mad and told him not to joke like that. I heard nothing up to that point. Our call got cut off and my phone wouldn't go to CNN no matter how much I tried. Then the text messages came pouring in.

Annie are you ok?

I think about the countless Prince vs. MJ parties I've closed down under the guidance of DJ Spinna. I learned so much more about my favorite musician/entertainer ever by going to those events. My boy Murph made me a personal mix of MJ Vs Prince and with him being a HUGE Prince fan he hit me with a couple MJ jewels. Mike has had a career spanning 40 years. Nobody did it like him and there will never be another. From the days with the Jackson 5 when they were the biggest thing on the planet to his solo domination of music he's always been a bright star. Through the legal battles and body changes I always loved his music. Nobody could get me on a dance floor faster than MJ. I remember being out in Vegas at Magic in the middle of a Triple 5 Soul party and Don't Stop Til You Get Enough came on. I was top of a fixture going for it man. Mike had a way of making you feel invincible while dancing to his music. The spins, the popping...

Thriller mania is something that I feel for those that missed it, you missed an essential part of American history. Thriller brought the country together under a love of that record. Everyone had a copy in the house. We had two in my household. I remember when my aunt got Thriller on Beta and we watched it. It was the most amazing thing ever to me. I was scared and excited at the same time. Hell I remember my best friend in elementary school telling me the video for "Can You Feel It" scared him lol. My sister's had MJ dolls (I wish I had one now). The posters were up everywhere. We all had a pair of penny loafers just like Mike.

I can be here all day writing about my childhood idol. I will miss him.




Oh and Yahoo is doing a run through of a bunch of his videos. Peep Game.

The Best To Ever Do It

Is Burger King's Seven Inches Too Much?

(That's what she said)

I've worked in advertising for about 4 years now. Had my hands in both consumer and pharma type ads. I've never had an ad this racy come across my desk before. Now granted I'm not working on this Burger King campaign, I'm just saying this is really pushing the envelope in regards to decency standards. I already have my own Burger King boycott going that's been in effect for about 4 years now since their chicken fries commercial completely insulted me as a Blackman. In the commercial a super hero type of group (consisting of only black folk) are running around sliding over car hoods for chicken fries.

Now we have their new ad. I thought it was funny but also a little offensive. Maybe I'm a prude, but the ad is a lil much for me. What do you think?

Racism on Earth via Cybertron

Word on the street is the new Transformers is all blast and no brains (what a surprise). I have to admit I went into the first one thinking I would hate it and was wrong. Some of the fight scenes were down right outstanding. I did however have an issue with the Autobot Jazz. He was voiced by Darious McCrary and during his first apperance he cursed and did a break dance move. *blink* In my opinion this was unnecessary and a tad bit racist. AND he was the only Autobot to die!

So fast forward to 2009 and we have Transformers 2 on deck. Michael Bay has introduced two (imaginary) transformers who are twins. These "twins" talk with a black-cent and one has a damn gold tooth! I picked up the story from CHUD.com so you guys can go ahead and read up on it. As for me I'm keeping my 10 plus bucks in my pocket for Transformers 2. I'm good.


The Full Story w/ image

Kuntaw Martial Arts Grand Opening

Kuntaw is an ancient Filipino martial art which involves hand and foot fighting. I first started practicing Kuntaw when I was about 10 years old. After a TOO LONG hiatus I've been back training regularly for about over a year. My father who is my teacher (GURO) learned Kuntaw while he was stationed in the Philippines in the late 80s. Now with an official school location in Brooklyn the International Kuntaw Federation plants it's flag in NYC.

This Saturday we will be celebrating the grand opening of the school with some demonstrations, belt promotion of the current students and refreshments for guests. I have recently along with my fellow Kyuds gone through the test for my next promotion. On Saturday those who passed will receive their new belts. So please come out and see what the style of Kuntaw is like. It's hard to explain but easy to experience.

Peace, Dashaun

Place: 753 Flatbush Ave. 2nd Floor
Time : 4PM - 7PM
Also it's my father's birthday so make sure to wish him a happy one when you see him.

And here's a little video to get you familiar.

Al B Sure! Back on the Block

If you know what the term New Jack Swing refers to than you should be pretty surprised when I say the new Al B Sure album drops today on Hidden Beach Recordings. Al is the famed Unibrow brother from the days of the light is right movement (Drake is fighting HARD to bring lightskinned brothers back). While I always thought his dance movements were funny and awkward at best he knew how to make a dope R&B record. He wrote songs for R&B acts like Jodeci and Tevin Campbell back when they were HOT. Lets take a look at some of his bangers from the late 80's and then see what he's up to today.

Nite and Day

Al B.Sure! - Nite and day
Uploaded by welcomeback. - Explore more music videos.

Off On Your Own Girl Live at the Apollo



And OH YES... Al does the slow jams too people.

Secret Garden

Quincy Jones & Barry White - The Secret Garden (Video)
Uploaded by sagelion13. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

I Love It (The New Single)

Remember the 90s? Pt.1

Lately I've been rocking 90's hip hop albums to get me through the day. This morning I threw on the second Onyx album "All We Got Iz Us". This was the album to show some growth from the members Fredro Starr, Sonsee and Sticky Fingers (RIP Big DS). I still remember the feeling I had when this album originally dropped. I was in high school and dark production would get me geeked for the most part. This album is full of dark production but listening to the lyrics now you have to laugh. The content is SOO over the top though that it's ridiculous. There's a small skit where Fredro just chants "I'll murder you" over and over again. I guess this was the time but I can't stand all of their yelling for no good reason thought the album. It's just unnecessary. This was also a time when Onyx was a priority at their label Def Jam.

The singles on this album Last Dayz, Live, and All We Got Iz Us all still rock. The production was really REALLY good on this record as a whole and the features add to the albums polish. It's just weird after listening to the Tanya Morgan Brooklynati album cut "Hardcore Gentlemen" I can't take these dudes seriously. I'm kinda embarrassed that I didn't see the faux thug position of their music at the time. *smh* However I will say this, I did play the whole album through with no skipping. Well up to the next to last song at least. I didn't want to yell at my co-workers like Sticky Fingers so I threw on Casa Bey by Mos Def.

All in all I would say give it a listen, Purse Snatchers is still as good as you remember it...if you remember it at all.

Onyx - Last Dayz

Old School Mondays

Good Morning IRAN,

I wanted to put something on the blog besides all the pics, videos, of all the madness going on in IRAN. Let me tell you a lot of people all ages, but a strong young generation going through a TRUE REVOLUTION. NEDA (The divine calling) is just one that took a bullet to the head with her father standing next to her. So in support of the REVOLUTION.....HERE WE GO..

This was the NY movement in the late 80's, when hip hop was used for the freedom of speech. PE.

This video is in time capsule format so we can see how real history plays a role in our lives.

The Great Marvin Gaye.

For those that don't know of Ruben Blades, he's been a voice for many Latino countries through out the years.

This man has a long resume check it out. It was only right we play our design.(Pedro Navaja)

La vida te da sorpresas, Ay Dios.

I'm sorry but I got to give this one up to my pop's one of his favorite's.

Our own Revolution anthem...

In closing, we need to support those fighting for there equal right's. These artist here tell it all.

Peace...

Idle Hands

It' s always a good thing when you get to see brothers you haven't seen for a bit. We always like to compare works and show what new things we are developing. It's a great thing to bounce ideas off of people with like minds. Recently upon Bluster's return he brings back his new black book and then shows me this. I hate that dude!!! Nah, just playing I love his work. We'll keep you posted on more works in the future.

This is a piece that I was working on in the In4mation office. It was a mess and it wasn't anything really but just having some fun. We had 5 pieces of aluminum sheet metal on the wall and after time with us writing on it and heads copping tags that passed through we just kept adding on. It was fun especially since a lot of heads contributed to it and stuff. I wanted to polish it up some more but it was time to move on.

Subway Series

There is always something special in hearing the voice of the people. If we keep our eyes clear and open our ears we can hear what the city has to say. It can come in many forms but for this post it came to me one night waiting for the train and walking by some billboards. I stopped and walked back to take a second look and I loved what I saw. We will always find a way to express ourselves regardless to anything the city has to say.

When I saw the poster for HBO's True Blood the first thing that came to mind were all the "super heavy duty tough work" I saw put into the OSPAAAL posters. For more of that look check the link here.

This one poster for the showtime series "Weeds" of course will have controversy just because of the subject matter but I just love how aside all the "boycott", "boycott" someone added a small "mi amor" on her hip.

Ruck is running the label now! Ruck Down

On my way to work the other day I saw Sean P's younger brother Stutta across the platform on the Q. I aint seen the boy in years! It was a good run in. Then I get to work and see this video. If you like rap you need to peep the boy Sean Price. P!

Check the joint! Kimbo Price in stores soon. Brownsville baby!

Ruck Down

Are we in Seattle? Everyday It Rains (c) MJB

I'm sick of the weather, just like you are. I have things to do and I don't even want to leave the bed these days. *smh* This is the worst June I've EVER experienced in my life. The first day of Summer is a few days away and ...whatever man.

Here's a few songs.

MJB - Every Day It Rains



Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah - Rainy Dayz

Dashaun Simmons, Big In Japan

Konichiwa, Boku wa Dashaun desu. Genki Desuka?

About a month ago I got asked by a writer friend of mine Keiko to be interviewed for one of Japan's premier magazines BMR (Black Music Review). The topic of discussion was hip hop and it's influence on advertising and marketing. So for the folks out in Japan on that respect the MotherGreen / Dashaunworld Inc. movement go pick up the July issue of BMR.

Thanks to Shino Yanagawa for the photo which was used in the article and Keiko Tsukada for writing it.

Easy Mo Bee

(Photo by Shino Yanagawa)

Listening to 2 Pac celebrating the date of his birth I ran across Temptations off the Me Against The World album. Easy Mo Bee put his foot in this song right here. From his singing on the bridge to the layers in the track this is one of my favorite Pac songs. It's sad that he was locked up for the actual video shoot but the director did an excellent job in his absence.

Easy Mo Bee was one of the only producers (I think the only one) to work with both 2 Pac and Biggie. He's one of the unsung heroes of Brooklyn to me. I remember a group he was a part of back in the 90s called Rappin Is Fundamental (RIF). They did this rap/sing thing that was cool and reminisent of the Force MDs.

I want to take you through a lil retrospective of the man who is responsible for MANY hits but gets no where near the love and respect he deserves. Easy Mo Bee, a Brooklyn legend.

Flava In Ya Ear Remix (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

2Pac Temptations (produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Lost Boyz - Lex, Coups, Beamers, Benz (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Notorious B.I.G - Warning (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)

Happy Birthday Tupac Shakur. We Miss You!

Today is the birthday of the man I call my heart when it comes to hip hop.
"June 1 6 7 1, The DAY! Momma pushed me out her womb told me ni&&a get paid!" (c) 2Pac

Pac was taken from us at age 25 back in 1996. I miss the brother still. He was wild as all get out but his heart was golden. A complicated man who bore his soul for all to see. There will never be another like him as far as I can see. "East coast born but west coast raised" as he once put it Pac did some might say WAY TOO MUCH by age 25. However maybe he was just trying to fit in as much as he could for a life destined to be so short.

So lets take a look at the great work from this rapper/actor/poet. Today we celebrate the life of Pac.





2pac Tupac - So Many Tears

Hip Hop Karaoke is Back Again!

My favorite past time in this great city of New York involves taking a classic hip hop instrumental and tearing a down the stage. If you haven't been before, stop playing yourself and come out to Hip Hop Karaoke. After the first time I touched the stage back in the LES some years ago I knew I would never be the same. The energy of being up there with your favorite song blasting out the speakers is something that's hard to explain. Great MCs like OC, Rhymefest, Tek from Smif N Wesson and Big Daddy Kane have all come down to bless the stage and jam with us.

It's a family vibe and we normally do it every month. Now that it's back I would love to see all of yall come out and do your best Wu Tang song or maybe a little Salt N Pepa is what you need. Whatever your fix I'll see you on Friday.

Hip Hop Karaoke /www.hiphopkaraokenyc.com

Your Chance to Rhyme

Friday, June 19

Doors/Sign-up - 10:30 pm; Show - 11:00 pm

Mercury Lounge, 217 E. Houston St., Manhattan

$5 with printout of flyer, $8 without

As always, sign-up is first-come first-serve so get there early to ensure a spot on stage.

And if you are still on the fence peep the trailer.

Hammer breaks down Jay-Z's DOA record

I must admit I haven't thought about checking Hammer for hip hop commentary but the man is pretty on point here. Very insightful video done by allhiphop.com. Peep game.

Danny Krivit Master in his own right!

For those of you not in the know Danny Krivit is one of the remaining DJ's from the legendary NYC Paradise Garage era. He's been known to kill a dance floor or two in his decades of spinning. I've been to a few of Danny's "718 Sessions" and they always leave me with a soaked shirt and a smile on my face(pause). I've seen some of the best dancing ever at his parties. He's spinning tonight for Giant Step's weekly jam at the Hudson Hotel. If you know like I know go to their website and try to RSVP. His parties are not to be missed. See an example below of what how long he keeps the party going.

Giant Step

Old School Mondays

Peace Party People, I decided to take it to the west coast to show some love for my Brothers out there holding it down from San Diego to Los Angeles and then to the Bay Area. I got nothing but love when I first started making my way out there in the mid 90's. I got to see what the west was really about before it became polished, packaged and distributed to the masses. Anyways I know we like to keep it NYC all day long but had to show love for the left coast since there were so many groups with their own distinct sounds like Souls of Mischief, The Pharcyde, Hobo Junction, Liquid Crew and Cypress Hill just to name a few. So on that note i leave you the way I greeted you, Peace.

King Tee is a name that isn't mentioned enough when it
comes to greats from the West.


Man, when this came out I remember us runnin around with
our Columbia Bugaboo's and Villanova Starter caps.

This right here is a classic just cause of how all of those
beats were hot to death and used back to back.

DJ Quik has always been holding it down.

Ahead of his time, Del the funkee!! This whole crew
was putting it down for LA in such a way that fools
couldn't tell what city they repped.

Peace to one of my brothers out in Love Allah, ERule
I met back in the mid 90's when he was a part of
Pallas Records through Bilal. Peace to BornAllah,
Jakim, Brown Seed Gamar, Amaar, AKim and My King. Peace Gods.

Body Count seemed to have gotten shot
down for that Cop Killer song. They definitely had that
LA Punk sound locked! Ice T, one of the only dudes to
say he's rockin Slayer to PE outta his car system.

Shell Guilty, So are the rest of the 10%, Rich, Slavemaking Bloodsuckers of the POOR!

In the name of Mahdi, Peace...


Two weeks ago I saw a rally forming on a rotunda in downtown Manhattan. As I got closer I saw the "SHELL GUILTY" signs so I had to go find out whats going down, being that Shell is one of the most prominent gas stations in my neighborhood. Well as it turns out they been bugging out in Afrika for quite some time, lynching people and all... Do the knowledge.

In May 2009, multinational oil giant Shell stood trial in The United States Federal court to answer to charges that it conspired in human rights abuses including murder in Nigeria in the 1990s. ...

This is the rally I was blessed to witness and be educated by...

Latest News Update: VICTORY! Shell Forced to Settle Human Rights Case
Landmark Case Resolved in Favor of Plaintiffs as Shell Pays $15.5 Million USD Compensation to Victims of Human Rights Abuses, including $5 Million Trust to Benefit the Ogoni People and their Communities.
FOR MORE INFO, FOLLOW THIS LINK:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/08/nigeria-usa

Blackout Music

This edition of blackout music is brought to you by Madball. If you don't know who they are, let me tell you their history in the NYHC (New York Hard Core) scene goes way back. I remember when I was younger (mid to late 80's) I had to forge my birth certificate to show I was old enough to go to a matinee. Back then things were different but for me Madball and the rest of the DMS affiliates (Shouts to Jere, Mod, Ezek, MQue, Nark, Eli, Vanz, RIP Double O and the rest of the crew 145st Park) hold it down the same way today as it was back then, authentic NY Crew from Queens, Brooklyn and La Loisaida!!!

With their new release "Infiltrate the System" this album has been on heavy rotation for me and helps get my adrenaline flowing during late night sessions when I'm grinding.

I've selected their video from their previous album "Legacy" called 100% which was filmed in the barrios of Brazil and of course the follow up video is the title song from their latest release. If you're wondering how this relates to things, well Punk and Hip Hop were intertwined back in the days because both were the voice of the youth. For more on Madball peep the link here.

Juniper Gardens Boat Ride!

In the name of Mahdi, Peace to All the Human Families of the Planet Earth!

I want to send a special shout out to Jessie from Juniper Garden Productions,
for being loyal to the crew since the MEKKA days, that's what's UP!!!

Thanks for the invite Tah-Chizzy! Nutin' but love for ya' bro'!!

TALL BLACK GIRLS

Last Sunday at the Boat ride Party DJ Tahleim invited me to, I had the pleasure of experiencing this Dope ASS Band called TALL BLACK GIRLS. Here are a few flix from that night, an old performance that I found on youtube, plus a video my boy Mackenzee from VIOLENT SEX did with them... CRAAAZY BAAABY!.....(and DJ ITRUTH is in it)









Tall Black Girls "I Love the Way You Hate Me" Special guest... Charlene Live at The Annex 11/14/07



Music video by the illustrious NYC band, Violent Sex. The video also features the lovely ladies from the rock band, Tall Black Girls.

Mos Def Live on Jimmy Fallon

With the Legendary Roots Crew. What a performance!

Show and Prove Weekend 2009!

In the name of Allah, the true and living god, supreme of all beings. I Mahdi greet my universal family with a humble PEACE!  I would like to extend an invitation to all my peeps that come by and check out the intel to the 38th annual Show and Prove of the 5% Nation of Gods & Earths.  We have some special invited guest featuring, RAKIM, KSLAY, BUSTA RHYMES, PAPOOSE, FORCE MD'S, MOS DEF, JOHN FORTE and PLATINUM MUSTACHE.

The weekend is scheduled as follows:

Friday: June 12th, 2009, Meet & Greet at Allah School in Mecca 2122 7th Ave, Harlem NY.

Sat: June 13th, 2009, Family Reunion Cookout, Grecian Shelter

                                (Oceanside Avenue) Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY.

Sat: June 13th, 2009, The Bell Tower Tour by Wise Jamel starting at Allah School Mecca, Harlem, NY.

Sunday: The 38th Annual Show and Prove, Harriet Tubman Learning Center, 154 W 127th St. Harlem, NY

Peace, Hope to See you this weekend...

Some'mo flix from Shans' Memorial Day Weekend BBQ '09

In the name of Mahdi, Peace Party People!

Hope everyone enjoyed themselves this past Memorial Day Weekend, It definitely was possible...

Here go a couple of flix from my short stay at Shan's:

Save the Babies! Siempre en la LUCHA!

In the name of Mahdi, Peace brothers and sisters...

This message was passed on from two of my brothers IShine & Understanding Allah. I posted it here so that we can more easily share this information with the people.

Share with family and friends

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, and to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated money for scholarships to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest or awareness.

No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved.! Money shouldn't be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it.

Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be.
(If clicking on the link doesn't work, then type in the Web site address manually.)

1) BELL LABS FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITIES
http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html

2) Student Inventors Scholarships
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

3) Student Vi deo Scholarships
http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
http://www.coca-colascholars.org/programs.html

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

6) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
http:/ /www.aynrand.org/contests/

7) Brand Essay Competition
http://www.instituteforbrandleaders hip.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.htm

8) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major) http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12

9) Xerox Scholarships for Students http://www2.xerox.com/go/xrx/about_xerox/about_xerox_detail.jsp

10) Sports Scholarships and Internships
http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html

11) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
http://www.nabj.org/html/st udentsvcs.html

12) Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary) http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mb/mrphr/jobs/stw.html

13) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm

14) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships)
http://www.finaid.org/

15) Presidential Freedom Scholarships
http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/

16) Microsoft Scholarship Program http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp

17) Wired Scholar Free Scholarship Search http://www.wiredscholar.com/paying/scholarship_search/pay_scholarship _search.jsp

18) Hope Scholarships &Lifetime Credits
http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/

19) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students http://www.apsanet.org/PS/grants/aspen3.cfm

20) Multiple List of Minority Scholarships
http://gehon.ir.mia mi.edu/financial-assistance/Scholarship/black.html

21) Guaranteed Scholarships
http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com/

22) BOEING scholarships (some HBCU connects) http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/educationrelations/scholarships

23) Easley National Scholarship Program
http://www.naas.org/senior.htm

24) Maryland Artists Scholarships
http://www.maef.org/

26) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida) http://www.jackituckfield.org/

27) Historically Black College & University Scholarships http://www.iesabroad.org/info/hbcu.htm

28) Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students http://www.beanactuary.org/minority/scholarships.htm

29) International Students Scholarships &Aid Help
http://www.iefa.org/

30) College Board Scholarship Search
http://cbweb10p.coll! egeboar d.org/fundfinder/html/fundfind01.html

31) Burger King Scholarship Program
http://www.bkscholars.csfa.org/

32) Siemens Westinghouse Competition
http://www.siemens-foundationorg/

33) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds
http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html

34) CollegeNet ' s Scholarship Database
http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index

35) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
http://www.aflcioorg/scholarships/scholar.htm

36) Federal Scholarships &Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

37) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help
http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm

38) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)
http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

39) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form &Info)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

40) Aid &Resources For Re-Entry Students
http://www.back2college.com/

41) Scholarships and Fellowships
http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html

42) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm

43) HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships (for study around the world) http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/packard_nomination.html

44) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1.html

45) INROADS internships
http://www.inroads.org/

46) ACT-SO bEURoeOlympics of the Mind 'A Scholarships 'http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml

47) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships 'http://www.baeo.org/options/privatelyfinanced.jsp

48) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing 'http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html

49) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide 'http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIES< /A>

50) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD
'http://www.rhodesscholar.org /info.html

51) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund
'http://www.roothbertfund.org/schol

SIEMPRE EN LA LUCHA!

Big Apple BBQ Re- Up

It's that time again people. Last year we put you up on the huge event that is the Big Apple BBQ. It goes down every year in Madison Sq. park over by my alma mater Baruch College. When I went last year it was straight up hot, shorts weather. There were bands playing and plenty of eats to go around. The lines were kinda long so I suggest you get there at a decent hour for lunch. There were a lot of people out there. The only issue I had with this mass public bbq is I CAN'T EAT MOST OF IT! There's mostly pork and beef eats to be found. While they might be very tasty, I can't rock with it. So for those of you who indulge...enjoy. They need more chicken tho, but maybe that's not what BBQ is about to most Americans.

The event takes place June 13th and 14th from 11AM to 7PM. Peep the link for any other details. Big Apple BBQ

MG Fam up & at 'em on purpose...

In the name of Mahdi, Peace everyone!
I hope everyone is of sound mind and body.

I was at school when a brother asked the class to participate in the AIDS WALK. As he spoke, I thought of all the people I knew who lost their lives to this disease. There's a war going on outside no man is safe from!

Here are a couple of pictures from the MotherGreen Team that WALKED!








Total 2009 Funds Raised To Date: $5,603,409

Roots Picnic Recap

June 6th was a shining day in Philly. The legendary Roots Crew put together a smashing event for the people. An all day concert affair. The concert was headlined by a who's who in performance prowess. The groups ranged from new acts like Kid Cudi and Asher Roth to seasoned vets like the hosts themselves (The Roots) and Public Enemy.

There were two set ups for performances which included one main stage and an indoor tent stage. The first main stage act I saw after getting inside the venue was Antibalas which has my boy Marcus as a member. This is huge afrobeat band and they rock shocked the house. I wanted to dance on stage because they were killing it so much. The singer/cowbell player had a lot of energy and got the crowd moving.

After that performance my brother Just had a plan to keep moving towards the front after every act finishes. It worked pretty well as I didn't really want to see any of the tent acts. Next up on the main stage was Santigold (formerly Santogold). Her performance was full of energy and her dancers were really dope. If you haven't heard her album now (you are late) you should get it. While it seemed the she lip synced a few of her songs some were live and all were performed well.

Following Santi was the Black Keys who did the damn thing. With just a guitar and drum set they went in HARD! I had never heard their music before but I must say I was impressed with the show they put on. At one point the guitar amp was blown from just plain rocking too hard. While the crowd waited for the group to get their stuff together in impromptu chant of "DRUM SO-LO!" filled the space. The drummer just blushed and shrugged it off. The amp was fixed and the Black Keys finished their set.

Next up was Public Enemy performing their seminal album It Takes A Nation... and boy did they. With the Roots backing them and Antibalas on the horns this was a beast of a performance. Flavor Flav with his hair full out really went in on songs like Cold Lampin. Chuck D was still doing his mic acrobatics with Griff and the S1W's in tow. I could hardly contain myself during Rebel without a pause. That's a top 3 record of all time to me. I'm getting chills now just thinking about it. ?uestlove did a good job keeping the music direction as tight as possible with Flavor Flav going into rant mode in between songs asking for the crowds support on his "presidential campaign" and the like. Flav seemed to be of clear mind this sunny afternoon in Philly and he is without a doubt the best hype man ever.

This performance was followed by TV on The Radio who did the damn thing. They always give a good show though so there were no surprises for me there. By this time I was super tired and ready to go. The show was an hour behind and the Roots were taking the stage to close up the show. During their set my team made our escape to hit the road. We didn't miss much because about 5 minutes after we left the venue the show was done.

All in all I had a ball (c)Jalil. I was a little suprised by the amount of teenagers in the place to be. It felt like the Young Peoples Day Camp convetion at times. I did bump into a few cats from home like Rich Medina and Dallas Penn. This was a picnic I would go to again, I just hope next time they have chicken cheesesteaks on sell as well as the beef ones.

Roots Picnic Recap Pt 2

Santigold


The Black Keys


Public Enemy


TVOTR

Let's Rock Em This Summer

(Photo by Shino Yanagawa)

I've had my bike for a over a year now and I love it. I rock gloves and a helmet and once I hit the street it's over. There's been a huge boom in cyclist culture within NYC in the past few years. More and more bike lanes are opening up and the actual street structures are changing. I applaud the efforts by the city to oblige the cyclists of this city.

However one of the major pulls for me to get on my bike is the freedom it affords me. There's nothing like starting out in the morning and instead of getting on the train you make that first stride on a bike. When you have music in your ears going and the sun hitting down on you as you attack the city to beat your previous time of getting to work, it feels great.

One thing I like to do is yield when I get to a red light then go through leaving the cars behind, and myself one step closer to my destination. However I read an article in a local paper stating that the cops are cracking down on people like me. Folks are actually getting tickets for riding through red lights. So to my riders please be careful and watch out. And to you new riders out there looking for a bike whether is be fixed gear or single gear(free) check out this site my brother Tahlif showed me. The prices are good and designs are pretty dope. Check out Republic Bikes .

FOR IPHONE LOVERS ONLY

CLICK HERE

Young Chris - Promise Land (oldie but goodie)

Old video from an old favorite. I don't know why Young Chris from the Young Gunz isn't dropping his debut solo album yet. In my opinion he has a story that needs to be told. He has a way with words and flow that is one of a kind (although Jay Z took it as his own and ran with it). Peep this video Young Gunner did in Dec. of last year. Heartfelt song and video.

Old School Mondays

On this OSM we take a look at arguably the best singer/songwriter in the last 50 years. Amongst the likes of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder & Bob Dylan stands the good brother Bill Withers. His genius is simply, his simplicity. With the right amount of instruments, and the perfect assortment of lyrics he's formed classic song, after classic song, after classic song. His abrupt departure from the music business at the peak of his career is one of the subjects focused on in the new biopic "Still Bill". And just in case you have never heard Bill, I've included some videos below. Peace.

Brooklyn Pride!

In the name of Mahdi,
Peace to my Universal Fam here at MG & hkm and abroad!

I was feeling a little homesick today, so this post is made up of a couple of tracks that I listen to, as I reminisce on where I was raised from the dead. I appreciate you guys coming by and checkin my fresh, checkin-checkin my fresh, checkin-checkin my fresh!!!

The latest from the Big Brother, Hova!
You boys jeans too TIGHT, your colors too BRIGHT, your voice too LIGHT...


A little poetry from MOS DEF. BROOKLYN...
Speak on it GOD, What's today's Mathematics?


And here goes a lil' BROOKLYN We Go Hard MARATHON!
This Young Brother Punch, has a little something Wit'em!
Big Up DJ ENUFF! Good Work...


MOS DEF is always REPPIN, not only Brooklyn,
But the 5% Nation of Gods and Earths...


PAPOOSE, who's been building with my big bro Allah B,
and performed at the 2007 SHOW and PROVE...


UNCLE MURDA...


And last but not least FABOLOUS!


PEACE to my fellow MEDINIANS,
All Praises due to ALLAH's ABG, and the 1st Born of MEDINA. MAHDI

Were Religions the Gangs of Old?

As I exited the Q train this evening after a not so long days work I saw a young man with a blue rag under his NY fitted hat. This of course served as a reminder that yes there are people in NYC that claim the California based gang Crip. While I know people who are affiliated with both Bloods and Crips on the east coast and the west coast, I've always had trouble taking the east coast incarnation seriously. My main gripe has always been most of the young men who claim Blood or claim Crip have never even been to California. Some have gone to dressing up like people in California and appropriating their slang to seem more authentic. However they live in NYC. They have dreadlocks in their hair (which is RARE in Cali). They live up the block from rival gang members and on occasion wear the "enemy's" colors. These are things that just don't happen in California.

One main difference is California is spread out as far as land is concerned. You have to drive everywhere. So where as a neighborhood in San Diego can have a heavy blood presence and likely little to no Crips around, NY is different. NYC is too compact and you can't help but be around the rival gang. There is hardly any space to co-exist without constant clashing. Thus the two gangs must learn to live with one another.

Which brings me to the title of this piece. What about religious folks? Can I be a true Muslim without ever visiting Mecca? Can I truly know the word of God to be as it is told to me without ever visiting Jerusalem? The same way the bible speaks of Galilee, Blood gangs are named after Piru St. and the like. How can I claim a gang named after a place I've never seen. In Islam one learns of the story of Mohammad traveling from Mecca to Medina. While these stories can be valuable to ones life is it real if you've never seen these places to truly exist? They can be researched academically however this is a life decision. Can such a life decision be based on a mere story?

Then there's the built in religious conflict. There are Muslim people in the world who plain do not like Jews just because of what they "stand for". There are also Christians who don't like Jews for what they "stand for". (Man people really don't like Jewish people.) The same way that Bloods and Crips have long standing views regarding one another religions can be the same. There have been holy wars fought in the name of each nation's religion. People have been percecuted for not being down with the dominate program of the day. To be a Christian in the early times among a Hebrew population, you might have a hard life just trying to be who you are. Try being a crip living in the Jungle out in L.A. Let me know how that works out for you.

I suppose if you look at religious text as allegory then it works. The way that all stories have a meaning and message that you can extract the same can be said for ones way of worship. However if there is a literal take, I would think proper study and rumination is necessary for making such a decision. All of this can be put to the side when the trump card of faith is played. Once you put faith on the table all bets are off. At this point rational thought is placed secondary to feelings and gut reactions. If I wear this red rag and claim blood and do what I think bloods do then why shouldn't I be considered a true Blood, right? I believe in the codes followed by people Iv'e never met started years ago because when I apply them in this day and time I like the feeling associated with the end results. I guess in the end most go with what the feel and rationalize the rest.

You take what you want, and leave the rest. Just like a salad bar. (c) Egg Shen.

Searchin

Peace Party People, My boy Fuse Green hit me up to let me know about an event he is throwing weekly. It takes place at Rockwell's in "Brooklyn where the warriors dwell" (Just-Ice). Please take the time to come out and support another member of the MG Fam. If you haven't had a chance to check out who Fuse Green is check it out here. Also for more information on the place to be just peep the link to Rockwell's. Peace.

Birds With No Feathers

Here are 2 clips of the last part of the movie.

Cuban with the Jesus Piece, with my peeps

What are some of the perks of being POTUS? Air Force One private jet to travel in is a definite perk. Free housing for your time in office with a built in basketball court and chef also works. However I never heard about getting free jewlery. When President Barak Obama went to meet the Saudi King Abdullah he received the hottest chain in the Middle East. Peep his new long chain, heavy Jesus.

From New York to Copenhagen to Malmo back to New York

For the final day we all got a chance to finish up our pieces and make moves to rock another piece before we had to break camp and get ourselves ready for the trip back to the states. I would definitely do Denmark and Sweden again. Dope countries to go and experience. Look forward to more trips in the future.

Ket action shot

Wane action shot

Ket and Wane checking it out before adding the final izms

Ket and Wane burning

Rath progress shot. This dude was comic relief through out the trip.

Rath UPS Crew

While we were working on our pieces a dance troop in body paint stopped through. We were like WTF is going on?? Strange things a gowon out there.

Vins action shot

Finished Sye TC5 + Vins FC-EOS product

I was only able to get a few shots of this before it was finished because we had to make moves to the next spot but some hot work going on. Jame next to Mode2

Mode2 action shot

Hess out of Chile

Cider from Thailand

Zebster

We hooked up with Bates to paint at his spot and we had no idea how ill it really was in there. I still don't have no words that can describe that place but I took a couple of shots of the productions that were in there.

Another production

Daytime shot of Sye's piece. Finished shots to come. Photo courtesy of Pay2. You should peep Pay2's blog

Vins piece, photo courtesy of Bates. Big shout to Bates and Great for letting us rock at their spot! You should also check out Bates' blog. Check out another dope blog for Denmark.

Before boarding I stopped and decided to grab a beer. Jacobsen Brown Ale people, a great way to end my stay and start my way back to the illest city on the planet!

Rolling wit the lynch mob, down with the headbangers

Suspected rapist Jose Carrasquillo (if he didn't do it his name is mud) was caught up on the streets of Philly. Jose was suspected of raping an 11 year old girl on her way to school. Yet to be arrested, the people of Philly were apparently not pleased with his freedom. Started by a group of teenagers (like all things) a huge crowd put the hands of God on him.

I personally steer clear of angry mobs because I know how wild things can get. I believe we have a court of law for a reason (not just to railroad minorities and exonerate police officers). This man should stand trial for his alleged crime and be given the chance to be found guilty. What if it wasn't him? We've all watched enough Law and Order to know the suspect is hardly ever the first guy you think it is. You need at least ONE commercial break before the real suspect is introduced to you.

So read the story below and watch video footage of this man getting "washed" in the streets of Philly. I guess people can shoot each other all day with no collective outrage from the people, but if you put your hands on a child...

Street Justice

Weekend Warrior pt.2

When we last left off there was a happening BBQ taking place in the LIC. The ladies were in full effect and the music was bumping. All was good as the sun began to set on a wonderful three day weekend. Then the owner of the apartment got...THE CALL.

The music was apparently too loud and we were being shut down. Now for me this was perfect timing as I was on my way to the Blue Note anyway. Shino and I learned earlier in the day that my favorite pianist and Chicagoan Ahmad Jamal was performing at 10:30. So when we were saying our premature goodbyes the party was being shut down. There of course was an after party created at a nearby neighbor's place but we were already off to the city.

This was my first time at the historic Jazz club the Blue Note. The show was to put it simply, absolutely amazing. We sat at the bar and were able to witness one of the modern legends in Jazz live. There was a mixed crowd of people there. Mr. Jamal looks very good for his age and can still tear those keys apart! Shino was crafty enough to sneak into his dressing room and snag a few pictures of him and a short conversation with the great pianist. I of course was quite jealous.

After the Blue Note show we made our way over to Sutra for DJ Scratch and DJ Evil Dee's birthday party. There was actually a long line to get inside the small space that is Sutra. One cat on the line with us was being SHUT DOWN by the manager of the space. Just because he came alone the guy would not let him in. This is a policy I've seen used before, and I hated it then as much as in this instance. This brother just wanted to have a good time and because he came solo he has to wait outside? He was eventially let in by the owner (solo guy was a DJ who actually used to WORK at Sutra!).

Once we got inside we saw it was a packed house filled with a WACK CROWD. Scratch was killing the tunes, but the crowd had a couple of what I call hood boogers and drunk goofballs. I had to let a guy know that Shino was not open for dancing with his drunk a$$. I felt compelled to leave this place even as our friends Rich and Kris walked in. I'd bitten off more than I could chew for this evening and it was time to call it a night.

The following day there was a calming picnic birthday celebration for my friend Jocelyn in Prospect Park. I went with Shino and my nephew Nasir for a fun filled day. We played steal the bacon, water baloon toss and other fun games. This was just what I needed to wind down before heading back to work. There was a gang of food and snacks and everyone left with a smile on their faces.

What a weekend.
Images from Dance Africa and Shan's BBQ Pt.1 2009 below are courtesy of Shino Yanagawa.

GUMMI BEARS

For years I have noticed that the majority of pop music aka rap music is sugar coated. And during those years I have been determined to find the indisputable evidence which will seal my case against the music industry. Viewers discretion is advised....As the truth can be painful.



Now for the version you all know and love.

New York to Malmo, Sweden Day 1

After being awake for almost 40 hours because of the trip and of course all the fun things that go along with that!!! So the crew begins to set out to Malmo, Sweden which come to find out is only 30 minutes from Copenhagen. We all link up at the train station (which is kind of fresh being that 30 minutes and your in another country where as 30 minutes in NYC and your in another borough - same state - same country - wun-duh ful!!) and we begin to get certain treats for the ride.

7 Eleven is kind of ill, they don't have the normal junk that they carry here but I was able to see this which seems like a Tic Tac pack on steroids. Gigantor size pack, no normal size so I guess people really need to stock up on these bad boys.

This was a treat, I usually don't drink milk or chocolate milk but Sye and Wane aka Snack Man, were swearing by this and nick named it Fizzy Bubbly. No, no bubble guts here but more like in that movie "Don't Mess with the Zohan" starring Adam Sandler this stuff is amazing. So if you're ever in Denmark treat yourself to some fizzy bubbly aka Cocio.

After the quick ride and getting off the train this is one of the first things we see to let us know we ain't in kansas no more Toto. First great piece of art to see in Sweden.

We arrive at the center where the Urban Arts Festival will be held and walking into it we come across this piece from one of the Guys from Chile. You'll see another one in the final post from this trip.

After checking in and all that stuff they take us to where we will be staying. In a Hostel. Yeah I know most of us hear Hostel and bug out like "OH HELL NAWW" bunking with 20-30 strangers and sharing 2 bathrooms being all out in the open but uhmmm yeah my sentiments exactly "OH HELL NAWWW". The art in there was amazing in that place.

Now it's time to get busy. The trippy part is that its like almost 6 or 7 in the evening. The sun doesn't set till around 11pm and even still it doesn't get pitch black till about 3-4am only for the sun to rise around 5am. So while walking back to the festival and talking what do I see out the corner of my eye......zombies and vampires..where the hell am I??

We decide to go over and find out what this is all about..nice theme for a horror flick right?? A handful of Americans of different ethnicities go to a European country and stay in a hostle haunted by zombies and vampires...so anyways we find out that it's a special effects class for horror movies.

This was all we got to do before the night fell upon us (plug for a scary Vincent Price horror laugh)

Pop pop pop when it's shot who's to blame?

Hmm, another doctor killed for doing his job. Whether or not we agree with abortion or a women's right to choose, in 2009 we are still choosing violence to settle differences. This is a huge problem. If you have issues with abortion and see it as murder, I have to ask why would you think the answer...is murder. This man was killed at his place of worship. I don't have much to weigh in here regarding this matter. Read the article and form your own opinion.

The Full Story