|
|
THROUGH THE WIRE
Spreadin'
some of that BK love at a recent Kanye West
record release party are left to right:
Memphis Bleek & Crisis from CT's
Phar-City. |
 |
WE'VE GOT THE
FUNK!
Celebrating 15 years on NY's WRPI is our
dawg, DJ Toast (right) with the King Of
Funk, George Clinton (left). |
|
 |
L.A. NEVINS |
|
 |
[[ February 16, 2004 ]] |
|
What's upper! This NBA All Star weekend was a
blast with the West beating the East, 136-132! A lot of
Hip-Hop related events was keeping a lot of Hip-Hop
heads busy out here in Floss Angeles from SONY's
bowling party with Cypress Hill & Lil Flip
in the house, the special screening of the motion
picture documentary "Hip-Hop Immortals" with old school
O.G.'s like MC Eiht, the Boo-Ya Tribe,
Daddy-O & Eric Sermon in the house, Tony
Touch throwin' down a phat party & a grip of
non-stop parties rollin' non-stop with R. Kelly,
Lil' Kim, Vivica Fox, P.Diddy, Jay-Z, Lennox
Lewis & Jermaine Dupree to name a few. The
event over the weekend that caught my attention the most
was the "L.A. Hip-Hop Summit" hosted by the
Hip-Hop Summit Action Network who has to date
registered up to 60k voters. This event, chaired by
Roc-A-Fella's Damon Dash, attracted over 40
artists & was held at the University Of Southern CA.'s
Bovard auditorium. I felt it was very important
to fill you in on what took place at this important
event. It is my pleasure to introduce to you my good
friend, L.A. Nevins from Lady Luck Mngt.
who I strongly felt would be the best person to give you
the best details on what took place at this event.
L.A. Nevins has contributed to the foundation
of the Los Angeles local organizing committee for the
National Hip-Hop Political Convention, she's also a
strong supporter & former leader of "Rock The Vote's,"
Los Angeles street team, a UCLA graduate & is
guiding the career of Oakland's next Hip-Hop sensation,
artist RIO who's about to release his debut
single this year.
The City of Angels: We’re Not Like the Rest
Russell, Ben, and Damon, welcome to Los
Angeles. Two years ago the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network
(HSAN) held the first Los Angeles summit catering to an
exclusive invite-only crowd within the city limits of
Beverly Hills. The central theme was “conflict
resolution” and the end product was absent from the
mainstream press. The HSAN came back this past weekend
to open up their gathering to the community and
emphasize voter registration. Yet, it was easier said
than done.
The formula is simple, yet effective in drawing in
thousands of attendees. First, secure a location. Major
cities complement the plan quite well. Identify, build
relations, and invite a corporate sponsor, a major radio
station, local and state politicians, community
organizers, and the key to drawing in a large crowd,
celebrities such as hip-hop artists and sports
professionals. For the past three years this formula has
been executed successfully in major cities across the
United States like New York and Detroit, registering
thousands upon thousands of new voters while informing
the hip-hop generation of important issues. However, the
Los Angeles summit didn’t follow the familiar formula
that equaled an easy success.
On February 11, 2004 a press conference announced the
plans of the upcoming HSAN Summit. Set to convene at
USC’s Bovard Auditorium, the theme was noted as “Taking
Back Responsibility: Youth Voter Registration and
Empowerment.” Sponsored by the Black Student Assembly (BSA)
of USC, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
(ASCAP), the African American Voter REP Project, and
Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas, it was scheduled during
NBA All-Star weekend on February 14, 2004. The announced
corporate sponsor was Anheuser-Busch, Inc. and the radio
partner, KKBT-FM 100.3 The Beat. Among invited guests
were Roc-A-Fella recording artist Kanye West, WWE
professionals, and the BIG ANNOUCEMENT: Michael and
Janet Jackson.
I arrived several hours prior to its scheduled opening
to be greeted by the African American Voter REP Project.
Immediately you were asked several times to register to
vote and if you were registered, to fill out a contact
sheet. Attendants were a mixture of USC students,
hip-hop legends such as Daddy O and Dana Dane, ASCAP
employees, community activists, and a multitude of
generations from toddlers on up. Dr. Benjamin Chavis,
President/CEO of HSAN lead the summit with his
cross-stage energy and call and response technique.
The Los Angeles summit was sparked by the familiar Long
Beach native, Snoop Dogg. He confessed to recently
becoming a registered voter but noted was now as
“Official as a referee with a whistle,” and stressed to
the youth, “If you don’t say nuthin’, you ain’t goin’ be
nuthin.” The following panelists were members from Bone
Thugz and Harmony, Outlawz, Suckafree Records, Digital
Underground, Roc-A-Fella, World Wrestling Entertainment,
and 100.3 The Beat. Other panelists included Michael
Eric Dyson, infamous hip-hop professor and young actor
Malik Winfield. However, missing from the participants
were the “confirmed” Jackson siblings.
Introduction and the Importance of Voting
Captured by celebrity status, the audience sat and
listened as introductions were made while jewels of
knowledge were simultaneously dropped. Napoleon from the
Outlawz stated, “I'm 30 and never voted in my life. But
GUESS WHAT, we gotta get Bush out of office!” Kanye West
addressed the issue of social consciousness and music,
“We need to restore that feeling where people put that
social consciousness into the lyrics while people are
trying to look nice and everything.” Chavis added, “If
you want to change the lyrics, change the social
conditions in the community.” Back to voting, Dash added
the idea of “How we can stick together in every state,
come together in all votes, so no one can take advantage
of us.” Congresswoman Dianne Watson highlighted the
positivity in mobilizing through music. Then came the
surprise guest, Loon.
Days before the summit, Loon was thrown
into jail on charges of stabbing a security guard at the
House of Blues in Los Angeles. The night before the
summit, Chavis bailed the Bad Boy recording artist out
for 1 million dollars. His introduction illustrated a
new perspective in the push for youth voting. “My
grandfather, the moment I turned 18, snatched me , made
me register to vote. At first I was a little resistant
because I didn’t understand. But when I got to the
voting poles, I didn’t see nuthin’ but adults, so I felt
like I was a part of something a lot more major besides
all the things I was doing with my peers at the time,
like hanging on the block. . .To see that I was in an
arena with nuthin’ but responsible adults, it made me
feel a lot more mature at the age of 18. I’m 28 years
old now and have been voting for the past 10 years. Last
election I made it my business to vote for Al Gore. .
.” Loon’s story was simple, but easy to identify with.
It was fresh, but genuine. As a teenager you can arm
yourself with a weapon that is often used only by old,
wealthy, and white adults.
Actor Malik Winfield brought up the
historically racist past of voter registration. “The
majority of African American people, we look at the
constitution and we was 1/8th of a man.
Everytime we walk out there and look at the next man, we
go ‘You look the same to me.’” History is a necessity in
being able to reinforce the importance of voting and
Winfield articulated it well.
Initial Questions
After introductions, the forum was opened up to audience
questions. Issues of film representation, hip-hop
communication services, and the militarization of
schools were topics posed to the panelists. Professor
Dyson addressed the topic of militarization of schools,
“The critical importance for young people to understand
is often our schools are being turned into wherehouses
for people to go juvenile detention centers until they
get into the real university for people of color, the
prison industrial complex.” Dyson stated that there is
too much money being spent on jails than schools and
California is a prime example. He also noted that there
is a “Difference between schooling and education. You
might hate school, but don’t hate education. Schooling
is an institution that houses the ability for youth to
engage in lesson plans. Education is about the ongoing
process where you inform yourself and enlighten yourself
about what the consequences of your choices are and
about the world in which you live. How the folk who are
politicians are responsible for you and as a result of
that you have to step up.” After the first few
questions, a young male in the audience stepped up to
the mic and planted the seed that would grow into a
heated discussion.
Los Angeles Street Soldiers Speak Out
UCLA Ph.D student of History and hip-hop
activist, Rob “Biko” Baker, posted a question about the
present location of the HSAN Summit being held at USC.
He asked why they didn’t choose a more accessible
location for the community and suggested that the money
to rent the venue could have been used to provide lunch.
“Cash rules everything around me,” now became the hot
topic of discussion.
A male audience member representing
Watts continued the dialogue questioning what the
artists were doing for their communities now, targeting
their financial status. Loon replied, “There was a lot
of people who were supposed to come and they probably
didn’t do nuthin with themselves last night. Probably an
artist whose album YOU bought. . .Ones who are here are
attempting to make change.” He adds, “My power is not
money, my power is my presence.” Loon stated a partial
truth. Oftentimes popularity is equated with large sums
of capital, when in reality jewelry, cars, and homes are
RENTED! But that is no excuse not to work other
strengths such as “presence” to help marginalized
communities. Damon Dash further noted, “If I got $50,000
I can only help one person. If I have 50 million, I can
help 100 more people. What you’re saying is right, but
you’re attacking the wrong people.” Then came a loud
reaction from the crowd.
What started as a couple questions from
the audience turned into a shouting match between the
Los Angeles street organizers who face daily adversities
and celebrities who were attempting to provide
solutions. T.J. Crawford, National Hip Hop Political
Organizer and member of the Hip Hop Political Action
Committee stated, “When the fantasy of hip hop meets the
reality of street life, you’re going to see conflict.”
He also added that he was impressed with the way Loon
And Lazy Bone responded to the audience’s commentary.
The tension in the audience escalated as Chavis and Dash
attempted to cut the heated debate short. Spectators
became frustrated feeling as if the celebrity panelists
were not listening to what was so important to them.
Most of the audience were having their own conversations
or attempting to exit the building. Then the empowering
voice of a woman came from the audience.
Watts Organizer, “Sista,” captivated the
attention of everyone in the auditorium. Chavis then
decided to invite her on stage. Sista took the mic as
onlookers gradually started to sit back down in their
seats. She boldly proclaimed, “I don’t care who don’t
like it, but we’re tired. I just got paid yesterday and
I’m broke today. Feeding kids all night. Ya’ll don’t
hear our struggles. We fight for peace everyday. We go
to funerals three or four times a week. We need some
money in our hoods. We’re not mad at ya’ll, just bring
it to the hood!” What panelists may have interpreted as
an attack on their wealth, Sista explained after,
members of the community wanted attention and services.
She noted that big corporations and record labels make
money off the community by glorifying it. She argues
that there are so many kids who know how to make music
and films, but powerful people don’t recognize it. Sista
is tired of people coming into the community and using
them. She wants celebrities to pay attention to the
street soldiers more so than the politicians. She urges
that Def Jam West be established in Watts and pushes for
the recognition of west coast artists. Sista also asked
“Where was Russell? I wanted HIM to see and hear us! We
buy your clothes, why not?”
After inviting Sista on stage and
calming the crowd, time was cut short for the questions
waiting. Chavis announced that answers would now be
pushed to the end, after all questions were posed. Yes,
questions were asked, but due to time constraints,
answers were never given.
We’re Not Like the Rest
The city of Los Angeles, including organizers from
various parts of South Central were able to illustrate
the depth of racial, social, and economic hardship to a
panel of entertainment industry heavy-hitters. While the
past summits have followed a particular formula that
included fans in the audience who digested every spoken
word out of an artist’s mouth, Los Angeles turned the
table. Celebrity panelists did drop jewels. They
underscored the multiple reasons registering to vote,
getting informed, and going to the polls were
significant at this time and for our future. Yet while
voter registration was emphasized as the focal point, it
was placed on the back burner to the seriousness of the
Watts raids, three-strikes law, and ignorance by
government officials to tend to communities in need.
Outside organizers must not mistake Los Angeles as a
city like the rest. Although we face similar racial,
social, and economic conditions in comparison to cities
across the United States, we also drastically differ in
our problems and communities based on a unique history.
Our city is as segregated as ever while oppression
worsens with police raids, the cutting of necessary
social services, and the destructive three-strikes law.
What may work in cities across the United States, I have
personally learned as a Los Angeles activist, may not
work within these city limits. However, these problems
can be helped with the summit’s central theme, “Taking
Back Responsibility” by registering to vote, informing
yourself about the candidates and issues, and taking
that small moment out of your day to contribute to the
voting process.
By: L.A. Nevins
Mobilized 4 Movement
NHHPC LOC Organizer: Los Angeles
My1stlLoveHipHop@aol.com
Chicago's back in the Hip-Hop effect as artist Twista
continues to dominate the Billboard charts &
national retail sales. Get ready for another Chi-town
emcee who's about to make noise. Produced by R. Kelly,
get ready for artist Static to heat up your one's
& two's with his debut single, "Toot-Toot Beep-Beep"
featuring R. Kelly on Third Millenium Records. I
got the exclusive first hand listen to this joint & it
is on FIYA! Log onto their website to learn more about
Static at:
WWW.3RDMILLRECORDS.COM. I've been in meetings
with that label & our Rap Attack panel will be
one of the first to exclusively get serviced with the
Static vinyl within' the next few weeks. You heard it
first rite here!... Our homegirl, Fiona B. will
be representin' at Las Vegas' "MAGIC" show this year
promoting a new clothing line launched by Cadillac,
a name associated with the best in automotive luxury &
celebrated in urban/Hip-Hop car culture. Cadillac has
teamed up with the clothing label "Official Apparel"
featuring hoodies, caps, polo's, t-shirts & velour
suits! They're debuting this at Magic & word is, "It's
Gonna Be HOT!" Fiona B. & I are in the talks about
lacing some of our Rap Attack dj's with some gear
too. Their booth will be located at: ST 32625 LVCC this
February 23-26th in Las Vegas. For more info, please hit
up Fiona at:
FIONA@OFFICIALAPPAREL.COM & tell her
Rap Attack sent ya'!... Be sure to check out
our Rap Attack MixTape Reporter, DV-One
outta Seattle featured in this months Rolling
Stone magazine!... On the mixtape reporter tip, our
own DJ Nick Nack outta Austin, TX has been busy
on the road but is back at home & back in his lab doing
what he does best! This just in from Nick Nack, " I want
to apologize to all of you promoters for the lack of
feedback, chart reporting and overall contact over the
past few weeks. I have just returned from a European
tour this week, so things are still a bit hectic, but
they will be back to normal shortly. Holla at me if you
need anything. In other news, I made the cover of the
Austin Chronicle this past week. It's a
pretty cool story on Austin deejays. Check it out at:
www.austinchronicle.com . Also, let me know if any
of you guys have groups or are coming out to Austin
yourselves for this year's SXSW Festival (www.sxsw.com
). I will make sure to hook up with you if you are out
here"... The Wonder Twinz continue to lock down
30 hours of hip-hop devoted to their SIRIUS
Satelitte Hip-Hop show & I've been hyping you up about
their new record pool! Here's the latest lowdown. If you
join "The WonderTwinz Record Pool" before March 1st,
2004, they'll will give you FREE shipping (U.S. address'
only). They we will NOT charge you any additional costs
to ship the records to you. Therefore, all you will have
to pay is $100 per month. Now that is a great deal, but
you have to sign up before March 1st. So if you wanna
join their pool, please email them back at:
wondertone@wondertwinz.com so they can give you all
the payment info and can get you started. You can also
reach the WonderTwinz for more info, toll free at:
1-800-994-8946. Here's the 411:
As a member of our record pool you will be serviced
with all the Hot new singles from all the MAJOR labels,
as well as singles from Indie labels from all over the
country. Having all the new singles on a weekly basis
will allow you to expand as a DJ. It’ll bring in more
club and party gigs, cause you’ll have all the right
music. Plus, its also great for ya mixtapes.
The pool will be based out on Long Island, NY. However,
we are looking for DJ’s from all over the country, no
matter where you live. We will deliver the records
directly to you.
There will be a monthly fee for joining the pool, which
is standard with all pools. However, instead of paying
$7 per record at stores, you will now only be paying
around
$2 per record. That’s crazy right!!!!!!! Peace from
The Wonder TwinZ"...
Philly's own Suspens from Suspens Recording
is about to drop his new single, "The World Is Not
Enuff" which I just got a chance to peep & is straight
up some dope, underground Philly ish. Also featured on
his new 12" is a tribute to the NBA players "Ya'll Can't
Ball Wit Us." Stay tuned... San Diego will be
representin' as HE-U Records releases their
debut artist, Ramsey with "Wuts My Name" b/w
"What U Say." Vinyl coming soon... With Planet Asia
"Right Or Wrong" (Avatar) single about to drop, I'd
like to invite my Southern Cali Hip-Hop DJ's to the
Planet Asia Studio Listening Party for the DJ's. The
place to be is at SONY Studios in Santa Monica on
Monday, February 23, 2004 at 7:30pm. Hit me back on my
email if you're down to party with Planet Asia & I at:
NASTYNES1@AOL.COM
...
Coming soon, "The
RapAttackLives.com" exclusive for dj's only double vinyl
-Volume 1...
SHOUT OUT TIZIME:
Happy
B'days to Lyne Jones (GrandMixer GMS' mom)
& to my boy reppin' SONY & L.A.'s KOXY
radio, Nick Huff (you startin' to make noise out
there homie & I am very proud of you). To Peter
"The Militant-PMD" Rosenberg from MD's
WMUC & Critically Acclaimed (thanks for
rollin' through my crib. I'm so proud of you too Peter.
You've come a long way as a dj & makin' moves as a well
respected promoter). This year marks the 5th anniversary
of Big L's tragic death (R.I.P.). David
Leonard at JMA Mktg/McClusky Promotions
(good lookin' out), condolences goes out to SONY's
Nathan Sheard who recently lossed his grandmother
(I'm very sorry to hear the bad news but our prayers are
there to put comfort in your heart & that your
grandmother is resting in peace now). Props to
William Hung who's reppin' us Asians! Even tho'
William didn't make the finals of "American Idol 3," he
is probably now one of the biggest celebrites nationwide
as his rendition of Ricky Martin's "She
Bangs" becomes a cult classic! To those non-believers,
ya' need to peep his official website at:
www.williamhung.net.
Mike Nardone at L.A.'s KXLU (thank you for
taking care of my boys homie!). Jody L. Miller &
Ellen Zoe from JLM PR, Inc. (you both are
the best & thank you for lookin' out).
PEACE, LOVE & HIP-HOP UNITY (God Bless & Isa Mahal),
Nasty-Nes
(Pinoy
Pride4Life / John 3:16) |
