A Day in the Life of a Hip Hop Heroine

Recap: 8/28/08 NO GUTS NO GLORY

2008-08-30T14:08:00.004-04:00

For the full recap of Thurday's competition visit:

www.nogutsnogloryonline.com

BIG UPS to SUGA BEAR for hooking a sista up with the slick azz dress. I'm sure you can't tell from the pics, but the entire dress was made from T-shirts of all shades of purple (my favorite color). Now if that ain't HIP HOP - I dont know what iz. Also....it's style that's GREAT for the environment. Please support the local arts. Not only music, but fasion and culunary. I soak it all up. Live life to the fullest yall. I try to everyday of my life. There was definitely much more action in the place, but unfortunately....I didn't get as many pics as I would have liked this month. My picture man got a new job and was unable to get off for the night. So I was snapping pics when I could. If any one is interested in taking pics or being involved in the event in any way, please let me know. I do this all for the love of music and culture. If you feel the same....we should most def link up.

I have to say it again......I had so much fun this month!

Its crazy - Im only now realizing how much I missed this HIP HOP stuff!

Hope I see ya round downtown.

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

Ima put up some new music real soon he he

NO GUTS NO GLORY 8/28/08 Featuring Ogun & SouthPaw Entertainment

2008-08-13T19:26:00.003-04:00

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

LIVE FROM THE 5 (Fresh Fest II Audition - Part I)

2008-08-13T17:47:00.006-04:00

Reporting Live from the 5 (Oh wow....I need to do a show or Radio program under that name...LOL!)

Big Ups to Cee of Charm City Records for inviting me to officiate the Baltimore Fresh Fest Auditions this past Saturday. Part II of the audition process will be held THIS Saturday @ the 5 Seasons (with Special Performances from the 100 Grand Man, Los, KG, Tonio Mr 22.5, & introducing Moochie). Part I showcased several of Baltimore's up and coming superstars. Though their sets were short (5 Minutes or less - some wisely opted to perform less), you could see the real potential. Big Ups to all the acts that gave it a go......I hope to see a few of them at the next NO GUTS NO GLORY: THE ULTIMATE SKILLZ CHALLENGE. Special shout out to Young Sac....this guy is everywhere. Check out the site for a video clip of him in action at the last No Guts competition.

Woods

Savage

Jimmy Bean
Young Sac

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

1st Annual Increase The Peace Celebrity Basketball Game (SAMOS vs KAOS)

2008-08-06T21:57:00.015-04:00

As a proud Saint Frances Academy graduate (Go PANTHERS Go!)....I take pride in writing today's post. This past Sunday I had the distinct pleasure of attending Samos and Chaos Clothing Line's 1st Annual Increase the Peace Celebrity Basketball Game held at the Saint Frances Academy athletic complex. ooooh that gives me goosebumps

Shout out to Fred of Samos
(Congrats on another successful event!!)

We didn't have a gym when I was a student. We would hold actual gym classes wherever (the teachers were creative). The guys teams (JV and Varsity) practiced at Madison Rec (or "The dome") if I am not mistaken and we (the girls team) practiced in the small gym of a now closed Catholic Middle school that was on the corner of Loch Raven Blvd and Woodbourne Ave. Those were the days..... Our girls team were Catholic champs (and probably a few other division) every year I was enrolled at SFA (Shout out to Coach Shelton, Kortni and Kristi, Jakia, Melba, Tee Tee, Tammy....and everyone else on on the team with whom I was cool) and our boys were no slouches either - despite our humble 3 story 18th century East Baltimore school building - with no HOME gym to speak of. Now we have a mansion (so to speak). I loved it. I know Im gushing. We were and will no doubt for along time coming be one of the best schools in AMERICA - though Saint Frances may not get the recognition. What other school can boast SFA's stats? - consistently - Best boys and girls Basketball teams and a 95% graduation rate and 85% of their graduates go to college..(this list is in no way all inclusive...so for the sake of time...) ....and what population do they pull from.....& where is it located....in front of the Baltimore City jail or Grey Stone University as it was always referred to when I was around....it nothing short of God's work. I love Oblates. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Saint Frances has come a long way baby. I haven't been inside the school (or on the grounds) in many years now. I actually felt kinda nostalgic walking the path from the front entrance on Chase Street around back (Forrest) to get to the gym entrance. They've added a beautiful mural to the wall.....that surely was not there when I was a student.

When I heard about the game, I didn't quite know what to expect. I went assuming that St. Frances (the school) was affiliated with the event. I was hoping that I'd get to see one of the nuns I remembered from my time there, but I did not. I didn't stay down in the dumps forever tho.....man oh man....there was plenty of eye candy in attendance (for the guys and the girls) to lift me up. One piece in particular........It was so nice to run into Mark Karcher.

When I was in school he was on most ladies "Top 10" list...he was super star! (to the 3rd power). Yall all know that one girl or guy - lol. He went on to play at Temple, then the NBA.....next he went off to play overseas and now it's full circle - he's the head coach at Saint Frances. I am very proud of him and all other SFA alum doing their thang. Big Ups to coach Wells who passed the torch on.....I saw coach Wells at the game too....even tho he didn't quite know who I was....LOL! I still love ya!

Another of my hooper pals that I knew would be in the building but wasn't....WHERE WERE YOU DEVIN aka Mr. Clemson aka Mr. Houston Rocket?

Look @ what I found in the trophy case - my man. Not in person, but always around in spirit....I see. This guy will probably go down in SFA history as the most loved athlete and most influential ub outting SFA basketball on the map.....& guess what...that's my homie.

Awwwwwww this is an awesome pic. SFA Basketball History - Past>Present>Future. My school is the BEST! Yes...once a SFA student - ALWAYS a SFA student.

Once inside....

DJ Dynasty holding down the ones and twos in between the pre games and throughout the finals.

Cee of Charm City Records out and about promoting his upcoming BALTIMORE FRESH FEST II

What would a basketball game be with out COMPETE (clothing that is.....)

Looks like they dressed D. Chase as well....me likey.

Who's that guy behind the desk? None other than the imfamous D. Chase .....whom I'd caught up with earlier in the eve.....check him out. Come to find out - he was the MC of the Main Event - now I'ma call him "Mr. Diversify". Look @ that million dollar smile. The girl behind me was like ooooh he so cute. LOL!

I was so glad to see that I was not the only Baltimore Hip Hop representer in the building. Big Ups to that ARAB .....Mr. Akbar to those that don't really know him like dat - SKARR AKBAR was up in dare.

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&........ just to show yall Ima good sport....I'll leave you with this one.....ha ha!

I know many people would not put their senior portrait out there like that....LOL! shucks I know its not the best "look", but it shows my evolution - Im all about evolution and growth. I didnt get to where I am today over night - like fine wine, I get better with time. Never be ashamed of your past - no matter how ugly it may be. Its the past. One can always re-invent themself. I would never ever wear my hair like that again in a million years (OMFG!) and you can't tell by the the pic above (its sepia), but my lipstick was 14k....LOL! now ya know you went to high school in the 90's if.........

Toodles yall~

C

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Video footage courtesy of digitalsports.com
(please note: Chaos is a Mens Clothing Boutique not a beauty salon)

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

What's HAPPENING!!! State of Black Baltimore & Baltimore Fresh Fest II

2008-08-05T15:01:00.003-04:00

ALSO......I will be on the panel selecting 6 acts to perform at the Baltimore Fresh Fest II (click link for more information).

It's going down THIS SATURDAY 8/9/08 with doors opening at 6:00 PM

Please note: This is the 2nd Baltimore Fresh Fest organized and promoted by Charm City Records. This show is continuing the legacy of the BFF re-incarnated by Star Status Entertainment and Mr. Wilson.

Please some out and support E the Poet's Emcees efforts to open up the lines of communiation regarding issues that particularly affect Baltimore's Black/African American community. The first was an impressive display of concern (by Bobby Marvin) as evidenced by the over 60 people of varying ages and backgrounds that assembled to voice their concerns about the direction Baltimore and it's black residents, in particular, are going. I was asked to be part of the panel for next month's discussion on Senator Obama's presidential run. This should be an extremley informative discussion. I look forward to offering my perspective. I also expect a good deal of controvery to arise as well. If you pride yourself on being socially and politically conscious, have some time on the 7th and looking for something OFFICIAL to attend, come on out.

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

The Ultimate

2008-07-30T08:14:00.006-04:00

Wassup yall,

I know its been a minute. In addition to all of the non-rap related projects I've taken on in the last almost year, I've developed the early stages of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In an effort to slow the onslaught, I had to chill with all the typing. My bread is buttered (day job) by typing so unfortunately the moonlighting as a Baltimore Hip Hop beat reporter had to stop.

I may not be able to update you daily as was my previous modus operandi, but I promise when I do- it will be a good one - worth the wait.

Now- I'm doing real good. No pain - No tingling - No numbness - keep your fingers crossed. I hope you all have been progressing as well.

Since last we spoke:

I've ended my addiction to processed and commercially grown human hair. Ours is now a tenuos relationship. I am not criticizing my sistren who love their yakky 1B ...cause I am not above throwing on a sassy wig, but from now on - Ima natural gal ( I got that soul glow). Also, I lost around 25 pounds (the healthy way). If you are interested in walking with me on the weekends holla. I walk about 7 miles on Sunday mornings. Its a very scenic stroll....I usually stop through the Farmer's Market under the Jones Falls to get mint for my Mojitos. AND..... I've more than half way finished writing a book. Yeeaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Thank you to everyone that has acted as my sounding board and cheering section (most definitely - what up B-Fly!!) AAAAAAAAAAND I started this new Hip Hop game show I hope you've heard of by now called NO GUTS NO GLORY: The Ultimate Skillz Challenge

So much has happen since last we spoke.....I am not sure where I should begin. I think I'll simply begin on a high note. As we hit the midway point of summer....I find myself reminiscing about the earlier part of mine. I wish I could go back right now. I need another vacation already. May these pics bring you as much joy as taking them brought me. I'll be back to fill you in with everything else that's been happening, but for now ......Enjoy Paradise:

Beaches with almost white sand & clear aqua-green water.....

Dole Pinapples

Beautiful Mountains ranges

Can you guess where I am?
still can't?

Give up....

Hawaii doh doh....Aloha

I went to the beautiful island of Oahu.

This is the world famous Waikiki Beach (sunny side of the island)

So many movies were shot from these shores in addition being the location of numerous yearly world class surfing tournaments.

The surf was crazy! Hang 10, dude.

They have their own Rodeo Drive of sorts.....

It aint hard to tell why Hawaii is the playground of the rich and famous.....I mean they most certainly cater to them.....

...Dior.... Cartier....Fendi....Louis....

You know ya gurl couldnt even afford a designer keychain......

The one (& only) purchase I made in Honalulu (the capital, main tourist destination and hottest side of the island) and probably the best meal I had my entire time in Hawaii that I didn't prepare myself......LUNCH @ my old faithful favorite The Cheesecake Factory.

I dont know about you but I found these clouds to be magnificant.

One cannot visit Oahu and not visit the site of the Pearl Harbor Massacre. The museam was beautiful. We were shown a short film about the day the Japenese launched a surprise attack against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by the Japanese navy, on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, resulting in the United States becoming involved in World War II. We were then taken by boat out to the actual site of the memorial.

The shrine was very moving.

The oil/fuel from the engine room still periodically rises to the surface - tres bizarre. The ship is the finally resting place for over 1000 servie men who lie entombed. The Arizona was the only ship the goverment left in place. I heard George Bush wants to m ake it a National Monument like the National Parks or monuments in DC - I can support that.

I wouldn't be me if I didnt get a picture with a man in uniform....its so much like me that my picture featured 3 of them. They sure look like they wanted to be in the picture....lol. In their defense (and mine) the first one was too dark. This was a re-do.

Now that I look at my pics....looks like I picked the youngest enlisted soldiers in the whole US military. They were great sports!

God Bless the Troops! Bring them all home soon.

More beautiful beaches..... EVERYWHERE

On my last day on the island, I ran around a snapped up a few more shots. I wanted to soak up as much of it as I could. Who knows the next time I'll be back in this neck of the woods. Below are some of a botanical garden I visited as well as some more of the beautiful coast line. I loved it ALL. The older I get the more I am really diggin nature. I love being out in the grass under the trees with the birds chirping all around me. This place and its view of the majestic mountainesque scenary were one of the best part of my entire trip.

Look at those clouds....I love it.

Did you know that cashews are not really nuts?

Water water every where & ya know a water baby like me was in Ecstasy.

Although I didnt get a chance to partake....Hawaii has an extensive Mass Transit system. You can take a bus around the whole island for like 3 bucks- niiiiiiiice. I had the previledge of pushing a brand new midnight blue beemer around for my 10 days in paradise. I loved that car - Im getting one!

Turtle Bay is home to some of the most prestigious golf tournaments. Tiger Tiger Woods Yall!

The houses in the area where I stayed are all built into the mountains. You are literally living on a cliff. Depite the apparent danger, I could get use to the breathtaking views of mountains and clear water. There was very little direct sunlight - I enjoyed the constant 75 degree weather. I could see the small island the local's call "China Man's Hat" from my house's veranda....& on my last day I drove out as close to it I could get by land. It was well worth the drive. Found a nice young couple to snap this shot for me. It is my favorite. I says "I WAS HERE". This beautiful beach is not a tourist destination, but it is no less gorgeous.

Not sure if it goes back to my days as a Catholic School girl, but I am always fascinated by renditions of Madonna and Child. This one was very nice -Polynesian style. Special Shout out to Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

And while I loved all of that (traveling is my JUMP OFF - you buy clothes, I buy airline tickets)......I am very much a BMORE BABY! at heart - all day every day. I am so glad to be back on the mainland. We take so many things for granted here. After one of my solo vacations (I could write a whole book on the pros and cons of traveling dolo), I always return understanding the importance of friends, feeling rejuvenated and hopeful about what I can accomplish if I put my mind to it. It is only when you start to REALLY see the world that you begin the recognize the endless potential all around you.

Check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

How do I explain.........

2008-07-30T01:09:00.004-04:00

Finding something very REAL in both:

some times I feel like a nut............

sometimes I just don't

Holla black........

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

Today is a GOOD day..........

2007-12-21T14:04:00.000-05:00

City anticrime march draws unlikely recruit
Beanie Sigel joins Cosby, Qayyum in N. Phila. event

By DAMON C. WILLIAMS
Philadelphia Daily News

williadc@phillynews.com 215-854-5924

Philadelphia's two crowned kings of peace - actor and philanthropist Bill Cosby and Bilal Qayyum, co-chair of Men United for a Better Philadelphia - were joined yesterday by a most unlikely recruit: rapper Beanie Sigel.

Yes, there was Sigel, walking arm-in-arm with Qayyum and Cosby down Susquehanna Avenue as they led a spirited march through some of the most crime-infested blocks in North Philadelphia, all trumpeting the universal call to end violence in the city.

"Here is a young man from the streets who came back to the streets as a man," Cosby said, nodding towards Sigel. "This is what we want from our young boys, to go from boys to men."

Sigel, trailed by a swelling group of adoring fans, said he has lived on both sides of the fence, and believes that the youth may not get the message if it's coming from teachers and other authority figures.

"I come from these things, the streets," Sigel told the crowd gathered in the yard at M. Hall Stanton School, on 16th Street near Huntingdon. "I'm at a time in my life where I'm trying to make the transition from something negative to something positive."

Sigel can be seen on public-service anouncements decrying the violence in the city and particularly urging young black men to not reach for a gun at the first sign of conflict.

Cosby, for his part, said he was "proud to see" so many black men with their children, but urged more commitment from parents.

"Mothers, you need to take your child to their father," Cosby said, adressing the crucial need to fix broken homes.

"If you loved him or didn't, take the child to the father so he can be in the child's life."

The march capped "Peace Week 2007," and Qayyum thinks the message is getting through to the youth.

"I'm sensing more young people are coming around" to nonviolence, Qayyum said.

"Beanie clearly has a message . . . The new message is that he's willing to change directions and we have to embrace him. Because if we don't embrace him, who will?"

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If this is PART 2 in Bill Cosby's strategy to help.....I'M Lovin IT!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

BALTIMORE HIP HOP RELATED EVENTS: MONDAY (11/5) AND TUESDAY (11/6)

2007-11-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

PLEASE REPOST

THE BALTIMORE HIP HOP COMMUNITY WILL ASSEMBLE @ 92Q TONIGHT

MONDAY NOV. 5TH FROM 7-8PM

IN THE SPIRIT OF SOLIDARITY AND UNITY
THIS IS NOT A PROTEST OF 92Q.....

.... WE ASK THAT EVERYONE BRING AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AS WELL YOUR CAN GOOD GOOD DONATION FOR THE UPCOMING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!!!

ITS OK ......IF YOU MISSED THE FIRST TOWN HALL MEETING - JUST SHOW UP!!!!

ITS OK........IF YOU MISSED THE RALLY ON CITY HALL{NO EDUCATION! NO LIFE!} - JUST SHOW UP!!

THIS EVENT IS ABOUT US!

THIS IS US SHOWING OUR STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!!!!

1705 Whitehead Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207
NOV. 5TH, 2007 ---- 7PM-8PM

BRING AS MANY CAN GOODS AS YOU CAN SPARE

THE CAN GOODS WILL BE DONATED TO THE BEA GADDY FOUNDATION ON BEHALF OF THE BALTIMORE HIP HOP COMMUNITY.....

AFTER THE RALLY:

NOVEMBER'S BALTIMORE HIP HOP TOWN HALL MEETING

WHAT'S NEXT?

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2007
6-8 PM @ THE 5 SEASONS
830 GUILFORD AVENUE
BALTIMORE, MD 21202

FREE FOOD

PLEASE BRING YOUR ACTION PLANS!

JUST SHOW UP! THAT WOULD SOLVE SO MANY OF OUR COLLECTIVE PROBLEMS!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

New Video: Brown F.I.S.H. (F.I.S.H.bowl) LIVE on the VERGE

2007-10-20T10:16:00.000-04:00

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove or www.myspace.com/itsbaltimorebaby

Throwbacks: Sad that both are STILL relevant and timely

2007-10-20T10:04:00.000-04:00

East Coast Rap All Stars - Self Destruction

We're All In The Same Gang

Thanks Mediatakeout.com

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

America the great!

2007-10-19T08:52:00.000-04:00

This has been an awesome week!

On Tuesday [10/16/07 @ 10:00 AM], Dr. Marcus Allen (Mt. Vernon Spine and Rehab), Jewel West (The Jewel Salon), Ogun (Real On Purpose Entertainment) and I were invited in-studio guests of the Doni Glover's Empower Hour (WOLB 1010 AM). The topic was "Supporting Black Owned Businesses". Thank you Mr. Glover for the opportunity to come on the show and contribute. It was interesting to watch the host mold all our varying points of view and perspective into one cohesive discussion. Everyone bought something totally different to the table and from the amount of people calling into the program...I'd say the synergy was good. The questions were all over the place. Thanks again!

I'd been in the 92 Q studios before, but after Tuesday, I realized I'd only entered through the back door. I was so impressed with the Radio One Baltimore Headquarters set up, especially the entrance - WOW! I also found the vibe of the the studio comfortable and relaxed. Big Ups to Marc Clark, Konan, Sonjay, Pork Chop, Nikke and all the other Q-jays I saw in the building.

Later that same night, I attended the Maryland Humanities Council's Martin and Malcolm: One Vision-Two Voices: A Living History Panel Discussion. The discussion was moderated by one of my favorites Baltimore's Marc Steiner (host of the Marc Steiner Show on NPR)

Veteran performers Bill Grimmette as Dr. King and Charles Everett Pace as Malcolm X lead a discussion on race in America. Unlike the previous Living History Panal Discussion , where the panal stepped in a time machine and ended up in 2006, this audience was taken back in time to 1965 (Malcolm had just returned from Mecca).

I must admit......while I've grown up knowing who Dr. King and Brother Malcolm were....I never really understood what each individually stood for and what made them dynamic men. I knew that MLK's motto was "non violence, non violence" and I knew that Malcolm as a Nationalist stood for total Black independence....but what made Malcolm's approach wrong and Martin's so right? As a result of this talk....I now understand better than ever before not only why these men inspired African American people so much (and why their untimely demise was so unsettling), but also why they were killed (but that is a whole notha discussion). This was a truly moving experience. The interactive portion of the panel (Q&A) was very entertaining. The audience was able to ask them question about the past as well as their hopes for the future. I loved hearing the black guy somewhere in the audience behind me everytime Malcolm X said something profound. I was not the only person that was truly into it. I wish that I could have recorded the talk and post it on here. I'd like to watch it again myself. I found it be a great example of EDUTAINMENT! This talk was part of the "Free Fall Baltimore" campaign. I really love this Free Fall concept. Thanks to a series of grants, this program allows for Baltimoreans of all socio-economic backgrounds to take part in the rich culture that envelops this great city we all call home. I've more than taken advantage! Thank you Baltimore.

For those of you that missed the panel discussion on Tuesday.....there is another opportunity coming up where you interact with MLK:

Oct 27, 2007 @ 2:00 "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Living History Performance"

This interactive, living history performance with veteran scholar/actor Bill Grimmette appearing as Dr. King and the after school students at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center will be a high-energy afternoon of dance, music, and theatre.

This event is part of MHC's One Vision ~ Many Voices series of fall programs and is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Maryland Division of Historical and Cultural Programs, Maryland State Department of Education, David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, Walters Art Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art .

This event is free and appropriate for the whole family, but reservations are required: www.eubieblake.org

This interactive, living history performance with Dr. King at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center will be a high-energy afternoon of dance, music, and theatre. Open to all. Reserve your seat at http://www.eubieblake.org/ or 410-225-3130.

In addition....there are several ways that you can GET INVOLVED! and make some $$ for your organization:

Would you like to plan a community conversation? Contact Lydia Woods, Grants and Community Outreach Coordinator, at lwoods@mdhc.org to discuss your ideas for a conversation in your community.

Looking for program partners? Click here for a list of interested cultural organizations, museums, libraries and community and civic groups.

Looking for a grant for your organization to plan a humanities program? Click here for grant guidelines.

Want to see what is already planned? Click here for a schedule of programs and events.

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Wednesday (10/17) was life altering! For the first time in my whole life I truly felt PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. As an avid NPR listener, my knowledge of world news and global politics has grown 10 fold over the last several years. Several weeks ago the monks of Burma took to the streets to protest what they perceived as the militant government's starvation of the people. They were only asking for PEACE LOVE AND TRANQUILITY and after several weeks of civil unrest, followed by several days of sterns rebuffs...the government stepped in to squash the opposition PERMANENTLY. Some reports estimate that several hundreds civilians were killed by gun fire directed in to the crowds. They did this to MONKS. I truly value the freedom to protest and assemble....this was the first time that I understood what FREEDOM means. We could have been killed for expressing outrage over injustices perpetrated against us by the government. I know that word "freedom" is open to so many interpretations and if I wanted to get philosophical about it....I could come up with a million reasons for why one could say I'm not free, but for now....I just want to continue enjoying my time in the Matrix. smile

It was so great to see that quite a few members of the Baltimore Hip Hop community (FAMILY) showed up to support the courageous young people and adult mentors of the Baltimore Algebra Project. The main student spokesperson (SUN PAPER: pictured below) and member of conscious hip hop group, Sons of Naat, really made me proud to walk with him. All the talk about the people that terrorize our communities and we have young people asking us (ADULTS included) to stop being numb to what is going on around us. Baltimore has so many young revolutionaries in her arms....I sure wish she'd (Baltimore) embrace them. We all want a better Baltimore! We all want a better Baltimore!

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Big Ups to First Fam Ent. (Chopper, Dave the Barber and Sonny Gramz - please peep the Baltimore Sun Video below), Orphan (Mr. Hip Hop and Politics are my life!), Verb (Major League Unlimited) Ike Carter (Head Nod Ent), Yance, Buck Jones, Snapz, BmoreHH.com (Please check out their video pod cast below : Love it! Q.O.D. "Wonder if Shelia is Home?"), Ogun, Tislam, Rip the Ruler (THIS BROTHER WAS AMAZING!!! NEVER EVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER, PEOPLE!!!), Ike Carter, EZ Jackson, Patrick Parents, Ty Gudda, Mic Viper and Lil Purp (Welding Productions), Sport Mills, King David, Kessino (P.M.G.), Gambit (I love that he bought his daughter out. Way to inspire the babies), DJ Jabril and Fam (Again......I think you two are exceptional parents. I love that you are exposing the children to the concept of REVOLUTION- early!), Proton (of Pro & Reg), Big Patch, Shaka Pitts and Crew, Kelly Connelly (Music Monthly), Cee (Charm City Records), Rulah Ra (Very nice to make your acquaintance)....and everyone else that SHOWED UP for something righteous! I am so inspired by seeing you guys standing up and speaking out like the men and women I know you all to be. This was a proud day in not only Baltimore Hip Hop History, but American History as well. Its almost as if the Sun paper staff could not believe the demographic of people that showed up for the rally. NOTICE: Their idea of keeping the camera on the "young black men clad in Hip Hop gear" in the crowd was on one hand comical, but on the other very profound. Were they trying to use the image to spread a message or were they surprised. Was that like a Jerry Springer moment or something? No conspiracy theories...just wondering out loud. Subliminal messages maybe?

In the hearts and minds of even the most "undesirable" of our society.....lies genuine concern for the next generation. Often times....its the manner in which "the required contribution" is presented that makes many feel like they can't do anything to help. IMO its sort of like church....everyone knows they need the "good word", but until something clicks in your mind that makes you realize that you can't live without the word....most will not go consistently and mean it. The slogan "NO EDUCATION. NO LIFE" seem to easily roll of the tongues of everyone.....some because they are fighting for a CHANCE and others because the message rings so true. There are movements occurring all over America....it makes me feel so good to know that I am one in my hometown. I often used to look at the problems facing my community and get overwhelmed.....but now...I see that I too can make a difference by simply showing up. Now....how can we take this message global? mmmmmmmmmmmmmh I have an idea - RAP MUSIC or Hip Hop!

Shout out to J5 (bmorehh.com). Phenominal Work!

found this one on Youtube.com

Thanks Shaka Pitts for the link (courtesy of King David):

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I was interviewed for Baltimore.IndyMedia.org by Ron K. Williams. Shout out to that brother for reaching out! I am not sure when they will publish it, but I can't wait to see what he does with the audio he captured. The air was electric and oftentimes this can be captured a lot better with sound compared to video. In the mean time...please check out this article they wrote on the Baltimore Algebra Project.

Big Ups to Rev. Huber Brown III! Great seeing you!

the pics . Please enjoy...

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Baltimore Sun (article and video):
Baltimore students protest a lack of funding

yup that's me in blue......

(October 17, 2007) Chanting their familiar refrain, "No education, no life," an estimated 300 city students and supporters met at City Hall and marched along downtown streets Wednesday demanding that the governor pay the school system $800 million from a court decision.

The video that accompanies this story is awesome! Big Ups to the Sun Paper, FOX 45 NEWS @ 10 and WJZ for covering this worth while story. Its time for all of us with the power and influence to take a stand for our children. Im so proud of these young people....I am so inspired.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Parents. BMORE Hip Hop Represent! Represent!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

I couldn't have said it better: Bill Cosby's New Book Full of Racial Stereotypes

2007-10-16T16:45:00.000-04:00

Bill Cosby's New Book Full of Racial Stereotypes

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson, AlterNet. Posted October 15, 2007.
Cosby's new book continues to tar black communities and the black poor as dysfunctional, chronic whiners, and eternally searching for a government hand-out.

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More stories by Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Comedian Bill Cosby is the walking and now writing proof of the ancient adage that good intentions can go terribly awry. That's never been more painfully true than in Cosby's latest tome, Come on People.

Cosby and his publisher boast that the book is a big, brash, and provocative challenge to black folk to get their act together. That's got him ga ga raves, and an unprecedented one hour spin job on Meet the Press.

In the book, Cosby harangues and lectures, cobbles together a mesh of his trademark anecdotes, homilies, and personal tales of woe and success, juggles and massages facts to bolster his self-designated black morals crusade. Stripped away it's the same stock claim that blacks can't read, write or speak coherent English, and are social and educational cripples and failures.

Since Cosby's much touted tirade at the NAACP confab a few years back, and on countless talk shows, and at community gatherings, he has succeeded marvelously in getting the tongues of blacks wagging furiously and their fingers jabbing relentlessly at each other's alleged mountainous defects. They stumble over themselves to hail Cosby as the ultimate truth-giver.

He isn't. While Cosby is entitled to publicly air black America's alleged dirty laundry, there's more myth than dirt in that laundry. Some knuckleheads in black neighborhoods do kill, mug, peddle dope, are jobless untouchables, and educational wastrels. They, and only they, should be the target of wrath. But Cosby makes a Grand Canyon size leap from them to paint a half-truth, skewed, picture of the plight of poor blacks and the reasons and prescriptions for their plight. The cornerstone of Cosby mythmaking is that they are crime prone, educational losers, and teen baby making machines.

The heart wrenching and much played up news shots and specials of black-on-black blood letting in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and a handful of other big cities and the admission that blacks do have a much higher kill rate than young whites tell a tale of out-of-control, lawless blacks. The truth: homicides and physical assaults have plunged among black teens to the lowest levels in the past two decades. The rate of drug use among young blacks is no higher than among young whites. Blacks are more likely to be arrested, convicted and imprisoned than young whites who if arrested at all are more likely to get drug rehab, counseling, and treatment referrals, probation or community service. This horribly distorts the racial crime picture.

Then there is the black teen girls as baby making machine myth. The truth: The teen pregnancy rate among black girls has sharply dropped during the past decade. And they continue to fall.

The biggest myth that young blacks empty out the public schools, fill up the jails and cemeteries, and ridicule learning as acting white has risen to urban legend rank. The truth: The U.S. Dept. of Education found that in the decades since 1975, more blacks had enrolled in school, had improved their SAT scores by nearly 200 points and had lowered their dropout rate significantly. It also found that one in three blacks attended college, and that the number of blacks receiving bachelors and masters degrees had nearly doubled. A survey of student attitudes by the Minority Student Achievement Network, an Illinois-based educational advocacy group in 2002 and confirmed in other surveys, found that black students were as motivated, studied as hard, and were as serious about graduating as whites.

Cosby publicly bristles at criticism that he takes the worst of the worst behavior of some blacks and publicly hurls that out as the warped standard of black America. Cosby says that he does not mean to slander all, or even most blacks, as derelict, laggards and slackers. Yet that's precisely the impression he gives and the criticism of him for it is more than justified. Even the book title, Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors (a hint they're all losers) conveys that smear.

He did not qualify or provide a complete factual context for his blanket indictment of poor blacks. He made the negative behavior of some blacks a racial rather than an endemic social problem. In doing so, he did more than break the alleged taboo against publicly airing racial dirty laundry; he fanned dangerous and destructive stereotypes.

This is hardly the call to action that can inspire and motivate underachieving blacks to improve their lives. Instead, it further demoralizes those poor blacks who are doing the best to keep their children and themselves out of harm's way, often against towering odds, while still being hammered for their alleged failures by the Cosby's within and without their communities.

Worse, Cosby's blame the victim slam does nothing to encourage government officials and business leaders to provide greater resources and opportunities to aid those blacks that need help. Come on People, intended or not, continues to tar the black communities and the black poor as dysfunctional, chronic whiners, and eternally searching for a government hand-out. Come on Cosby.

See more stories tagged with: bill cosby

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His new book The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation between African-Americans and Hispanics (Middle Passage Press and Hispanic Economics New York) in English and Spanish was just released.

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Cummings to Host "How to Pay for College" Fair

2007-10-12T14:35:00.000-04:00

Cummings to Host "How to Pay for College" Fair

On Monday, October 15th, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings will be hosting the 11th Annual “How to Pay for College” Fair, a free event for students and their families to learn about the financial aid processes to pay for higher education.

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College and scholarship organization representatives will be present to provide information about their institutions and programs, and an expert panel will discuss important issues related to college, including state scholarship and grant programs, the college admissions process, and how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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WHO: U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
WHAT: How to Pay for College Fair
WHEN: Monday, October 15, 2007, 6pm-8pm
WHERE: Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore, Md. 21201
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FMI: please call Jennifer Kohl at 202.225.4289 or 202.225.4025 or Trudy Perkins at 410.685.9199 or 202.225.4641.

Source

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Thank you and you and you and you...................

2007-10-11T21:36:00.000-04:00

Tuesday night's town hall meeting far exceeded many's expectations, but not mine. From day one....I've always said that Baltimore's Hip Hop community is comprised of some of the realest, most insightful people I've ever met and you did not let me down.

For me....and hopefully you....Tuesday night demonstrated the fact that you are not alone. By you ....I mean those of you that have been ready to do something but afraid to jump out there "commando-style" for fear that you'd be alone or that no one would respect your efforts.

I've been there too.

We are all in one way or another connected. We are all in one way or another concerned about the same issues.

Now....we must start thinking and living in that way.

An altering of our individual and collective thinking will go a long way to improving the standing and influence of our city.....particularly it's arts community (Hip Hop music included).

If I had to define the collective thinking of those that assembled last night (though expressed differently by everyone that spoke):

Let's work together to create a Better Baltimore

If I had to express the collective solution proposed by those that assembled last night:

The first step and biggest testimony to your committment is showing up.

No one is going to make any one of you do anything. The only thing that is going to be asked of you is to be present. Not just at a Town Hall Meeting, but in life in general. Baltimore needs us all to grow up. Baltimore's problems did not arise over night. Nor can they be fixed over night. No one is more to blame - those causing the "problems" vs. those who do nothing at all, but constantly complain.

*
We must feel "something" about the condition of our city....and not just disgust. The "I Don't Care" attitude has gotten us no where...real slow.

Im sorry that the minutes are still not ready......just need a lil more time. Anyone that wants to volunteer to take some of the burden off of me.....holla. In the meantime....check out Shaka Pitts Recap program that aired on his blogcast the same night. He and his callers will give you a good sense of the tone of the discussion. I want to publically thank Shaka Pitts and everyone else (G Major - THANKS a million!, Wildchild DNA, Verses.com, etc.) for your selflessness. Your efforts no doubt went a long way towards making this event the monumental occasion it turned out to be.

Special thanks to all of the members of the Hip Hop generation (particularly the non rappers) that came out and supported this very worthwhile cause despite your reservations. I can't remember everyone...nor did I know everyone (which is a good is a good sign - for now) ....... if I forget to name you specifically blame it on my memory...not my heart.

Special thanks to Ogun......thank you for listening to me rant over the last couple of years.....and especially the last few weeks. Your advice, support and extra "efforts" did not go unnoticed. You always come through for me.

Thank you Mr. Doni Glover of BMORENews.com (publisher//radio host//political analyst) for your enthusiam and optimism. Thank you so very much for your support. I look forward to the opportunity to build with you. Please check out the site for his recap.

Solomon of the 5 SEASONS is such a great friend of the Baltimore Hip Hop scene. His unwavering support of this movement does not go unnoticced. It is always a pleasure to work with the 5 Seasons mgmt/staff. Solomon was the gracious host .....served us a very tasty Morracan meal.

Rev Heber Brown III it was so nice to finally meet you. Thank you so much for coming and blessing us with your divine energy. It meant so much that you stayed until the end. I admire and respect many of your positions and much of what you say on your blog is on point. I Look forward to the opportunity to work with you - What ever I can do to assist.

excerpt from his blog post regarding the meeting:

"As we left the 5 Seasons, lightning and torrential rain showered the city as if to water the budding seeds of revolutionary ideas and cultivate the continued growth of necessary alliances. The thunder served as divine war drums announcing the onset of a new generation of activists who will earn their scars while battling injustice in the suites and streets of Baltimore"

Big Ups to city council members that sent representation:

Brandon Scott - Youth Community Liaison for City Counsel President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The Youth Outreach Coordinator from the office of counselman James B. Kraft (District 1)

Big Ups to youth action networks that sent representation:

Mark Hart, community contact, for BEN (for Baltimore Education Network).

Jill Warzer (Baltimore Creates Campaign to Restore Arts Education to Every Student)
*

COR - Munir (Metal attuity - Men's group that meets every Saturday Morning at Lake Montebello Resorvoir @ 8:30 AM sharp for intense workouts)

Maryland Shaw and the other dynamic young people of the Baltimore Algebra Project. Thank you for showing us a thing or two about fighting for something you believe in. I did a little homework on them.....WOW! it is an honor to assist you all in anyway that I (personally) can. I so appreciate and admire them for coming out and letting us know of ways that we can lend our support.

Big Ups to various crews/squads/labels/etc that spoke from the heart:

Sonny Reddz (Hip Hop Artist representing BALTIMORE AS A WHOLE!!)

Kimberly Sellman (Media Maven representing TOP OF THE HILL RECORDS//BMOREHH.COM// www.myspace.com/businessadviceplusmore)

Killah Kab (Hip Hop artist representing "F.M., C.B., Welding Ent")

Midas (Hip Hop Artist representing Team Green)

Yonte (Producer representing Groundbreaking Ent)

Raf (Hip Hop Artist representing Dirt Platoon)

Rip the Ruler (Hip Hop Artist representing Derylic Ent)

Cee (Label Head representing Charm City Records)

Mr. Wilson (Label Head//Hip Hop Artist//Promoter representing Star Status Ent)

Shaka Pitts (Engineer//Label Head representing The Spitters Club Network//Baritones//Organized Music Fam)

Mic Viper (representing Welding Productions)

Big Patch (representing Golden Boy Productions)

Rahsaan (REPRESENTIN! made some of the most poignant comments of the evening - "No child is lost.....someone left them")

Ike Carter (Representing Head Nod Ent)

MO Hammond (Representing Mo Hammond Productions)

Special shout out to all the good folk I saw in the audience, including:

Ms. Tris Beats

Beloved (DC transplant)

Kelly Connelly (Music Monthly)

Raw DOC Ent.

B.O.M.B.

Pop (Invisible Set Ent)

Chin-Yer (Please come out and support this lady's next project:

The Baltimore Scene

connecting the underground

PRESENTS

The Baltimore Crown 2007

November 2, 2007@ The 5 Seasons

Party and network with Bmore and help us choose and crown a winner)

The Lengendary DJ Rod Braxton

Bunny and Tim of TOP OF THE HILL RECORDS

Gambit

Ray Victory (Nitelife Ent. Happy B-Day, silky!)

Torcha (Dirty Nation//Streetz Magazine)

The Profitt

ONLY

Jade Foxx

OOH and B-Fly of Brown F.I.S.H.

Civil Jones (Deleware Radio personality and creator of "Even a Man Can Do It" DVD)

Dave the Barber

Tislam the Great

First Fam Ent's Chopper and Sonny Grams

Bar Kardi (Kartel Ent)

Chris B (Southpaw Ent)

DJ 5 Starr

B.O.M.B

DJ Jabril + His Family

Kita Murae Adrian Miller
Ave Perry
Brandon Bealack Lackey Stefon
Ebony Lawson (Hey Eb, I Saw You, But Didnt Get To Speak....Thanks For Coming!!)
Antonio Carpenter
Serena Holland
Block Hugga
Kemberly Kem
Mack Houston
Snapz
Joe (From Myspace)Eze JacksonSoul Cannon Tamika Thaniel Anthony Foster Modebiasi
Ben Forglener
Genny
Navy
Lucky Hands
Von Varcas
Sport Mills Blackroot Walid
Tonya T.Gunthrop Stephan Jones
Jaremiah The Last Prophet
Mexillence
Agent Orange
Rayvictory
Wigg(G.H.G.H. Music)

I will post the minutes as soon as they are typed up.

None of the pics are flattering...LOL! chiiiile.....that's what I get for going to work on the same day as an event. Im not feelin em.....not feelin em. its all good....next meeting I may come in a ball gown and full make- up. Gotta see it to believe it....hoollllllllaaaaaa!

Check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

Thank You (Town Hall Meeting 10/9/07)

2007-10-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone that came to the first Baltimore Young Adult Town Hall Meeting. Tuesday's Think Tank was a great exchange of ideas and a real testament to the passion and enthusiam of Baltimore's teens and young adults. It is time for those of us that are committed to living/working/prospering and raising children in a Better Baltimore to come together and put in the work.

The meeting was a GREAT step #1.

The comprehensive post I am putting together to recap the event and speakers will take a while longer to complete, but I will try my best to finish it and post a few pics along with it this evening. In the meantime.....check out what someone else had to say about the event. BRAVO BMORE! You really STOOD Up!

BMORENEWS.COM

(L to R): "C" of Charm City Records & "Moe" of Moe Hammond Productions

(courtesy of BMORENEWS.COM)

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ALSO.....I'd love to see some of you on 10/17/07 outside of City Hall at 3:30 PM.

Think: If WE want the kids to show up for you......WE must be willing to show up for them.

"NO child is lost....we simply leave them"

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

10/9/07 Baltimore Town Hall Meeting

2007-10-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

(feel free to use the logo. If its relevant to YOU....claim it!)

Thank you so much for your interest in the Baltimore Young Adult Town Hall Meeting. This will be the first of many. We plan to announce the date for the next meeting on the 9th. Ultimately, we'd like to hold these monthly and air the meetings on cable access.

This town hall meeting is designed to give the hip hop community the opportunity to talk about their (our) unique issues. My team will be taking notes and then we will use that information to plan the course of action. Once we establish an agenda (what we plan to address).....we plan to use our unique creative abilities to make incremental changes to our environment(s).

We are painters, writers, musicians, clothing designers, community activists, gardeners, former gang bangers and drug dealers, preachers, educators, etc - Baltimore has a rich multi-disciplinary team that they are
NOT tapping into.

No one has asked US what can be done to improve our city. Who better to offer insight into a problem "the powers that be" obviously do not understand? The Mayor and/or Police commissioner cannot do it on their own. I think it would be in their best interest to work with us because if they fail...everyone will blame them (including us) for not doing ALL in their power.

In talking to many people....We've found that most people are in need of guidance and help. People often forget that we all need a helping hand. And....we are not talking about people on welfare or drugs.

Baltimore's public school system has failed us all - the youth and adults who went through the same system. Even those of us that went to private or catholic schools are affected because we live in a city with a high number of uneducated and hopeless people.

We are not animals...we have hearts, feelings, dreams and ideas that will greatly aid Baltimore moving forward. Believe it or not...many of us that are active in the Baltimore Hip Hop community are college educated. Hip Hop is 30 years old....we've grown up. Its not our fault that the industry has not. Many artists make great and uplifting music ...it is time for us to get powerful people to start countering the negative that surrounds this rich and uniquely American culture/artform. So many negative stereotypes exists that we want to change or abolish.

We are the first generation to truly grow up in a multi cultural society. Its time that we use all of our gifts to help mankind. The new motto is I AM THE REVOLUTION. For too long we have been waiting for this leader to emerge...that has been problem #1. He/she is not coming. We must motivate one another.

We have several individuals that have asked to come and speak, but we've not announced a panel in any of the materials we are disseminating. BUT.....truth be told..... many more people have told us that they just want the opportunity to talk. The 5 Seasons has graciously allowed us the use of the venue for 2 hours so.....there will be no long speeches or rambling.

Through our talks we've learned that the most pressing issues for young Baltimoreans are (including but are not limited to the following specific issues):

Employment (particularly for young ex-offenders, resumes, interview
skills)

Access to higher education (what programs are available for low income people to better them selves, are ex-offenders allowed to get financial aid grants, pro/cons of financing education with loans)

Crime prevention (so much energy is put into fighting crime that has already occurred. What can WE do to help the powers that be....how can we use our voice to assist the fight.......what can the city do to make all of us feel safer? What can we do to feel safer in our communities.......& more willing to stand up to the terrorists in our own neighborhoods? What can we do to not be viewed as criminals?)

POLICE/YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY RELATIONS - is there any thing we (17-30 year olds) can do to improve community police relations? What can we do to avoid getting shot? How best to communicate with an officer that is profiling you or stopped you for no reasons? What can we do to make our suggestions/views relevant?

ATTACK ON THE HIP HOP CULTURE (from all angles) - We are very tired of being portrayed as violent thugs when the reality is we are only reporting on the conditions in our community. We love Baltimore too. We want to be part of the development. The city of ATL (( http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5358910 )) embraces its hip hop community. They recognize the potential. When will Baltimore recognize the potential of its young and most vocal people?

If these issues or any other inspires you to ACTION.....please make plans to attend:

BALTIMORE TOWN HALL MEETING
October 9, 2007
6:00PM-8:00PM

Location:
5 Seasons Restaurant & Lounge
830 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202
Info: synergizehiphop@yahoo.com

For whom:
Members of the Hip Hop generation

For what:
To bring the community together around a common goal.

SOLIDARITY = SUCCESS
Are we all on the same page?

How do we best address issues related to:
EMPLOYMENT
ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
CRIME PREVENTION
POLICE/YOUNG ADULT COMMUNITY RELATIONS
ATTACK ON THE HIP HOP CULTURE

FREE TO THE PUBLIC
REFRESHEMENTS WILL BE SERVED

Moderated by "Bmore's Hip Hop Ambassador" C-Love
(Style Warz// www.itsbaltimorebaby.com //ItsBaltimoreBaby LIVE!)

Instead of waiting for the revolution.....BE IT!

I AM THE REVOLUTION!

Feel free to forward to anyone you think may be interested in a BETTER Baltimore.

YOU ASKED FOR IT! WE NEED IT!

2007-09-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

Calling all my 20, 30 and 40 somethings! Calling everyone with a vested interest in the FUTURE!

Baltimore Town Hall Meeting

Topic: Solidarity = SUCCESS

Are we all on the same page?

Date: Tuesday 10/9/2007

Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Location: 5 Seasons

830 Guilford Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202

(Guilford & Madison Ave. @ Mt. Vernon Shopping Ctr. near the Dunkin Donuts)

FREE FOOD!!!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!

PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY!
LET'S MAXIMIZE OUR ALLOTTED TIME

Moderated by "Bmore's Hip Hop Ambassador" C-Love

(Style Warz// www.itsbaltimorebaby.com //ItsBaltimoreBaby LIVE!)

Bought to you by concerned members of the highly influential, but often forgotten and/or overlooked Baltimore Metro community - Its Young Adults!

Dedicated to promoting the ideas, principles and visions of Baltimore's hip Hop generation.

Instead of waiting for the revolution.....BE IT!

I AM THE REVOLUTION!

More info: synergizehiphop@yahoo.com

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! INFORMATION AND DIALOGUE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES, RACES AND PERSUASIONS!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

SAMFORD & SON REMIX (BMORE BABY!)

2007-08-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

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Farrakhan: Hip Hop & The Power of Cultural Expression

2007-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

Mama Africa

2007-07-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

Bought tears to my eyes...........

let them know that they missin out

Black American ppl....Ive seen it with my own eyes! Africa is nothing like we've been lead to believe.

Thank you, Akon

What do you do to get motivated?

2007-07-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

have you ever had a moment in your life where you felt.....uninspired?

Nothing is wrong.....your blessed....but oh ~ nothing is RIGHT?

Anyone that knows me personally knows I love Hip Hop...

by our ...I mean who ever loves it truly ...like a friend

is being bastardized. She is being pimped out.....workin the chitlin circuit after years of sell our tours all over the world. Have you seen the numbers for album sales?

Rusell Simmons made a comment ...something like..."Hip Hop is reflective of our society....if you want to fix Hip Hop....you have to fix society"

well.....while I thought that was a lame thing to say

...particularly when you are making millions off of it....also because you were on Oprah.....

I can understand what he was saying. ....when you look at Hip Hop.... the state of it...either mainstream (celebs, MTV, XM radio programs) or Local (Big Ups BMORE!).....its very reflective of our disfunction as a society. NO one knows what is going on in the world. See SICKO Michael Moore demonstrates how Americans are some of the most passive ppl in the world. Hip Hop music used to contained elements of social consciousness...and you couldn't get on...unless you had a different perspective. Now almost EVERYONE is a carbon copy of someone else. Even when they think no one at a show knows they are bitin....I know.

If I were a rapper....I would be all over the fact that.....

We are at WAR right now....no one is talking about that!

Stop Snitching...everyone wants to come down on guys in the street .....and the president gets his boy off for lying to cover his and presidents' (yes GB and Chaney are co-presidents) a55es.

In Africa....black ppl are starving and being massacred in large numbers everyday. The natural resources are being drained. We talk about our oppression....could we (AA) endure that?

There are prolly more AA men in the 18-24 age range in prison than walking the streets in my city right now. Some body is making money off of this fact.

People are killing each other left and right in my city....none of these rappers is talking about that. That is wack! what else is there to talk about. You a55 going to be singing the blues when they enforce marshall law if this crime rate keeps going at the pace its on. NO is talking about that!

We have a Mayor and city counsel who appear imcompetant (not saying they are).....no one is talking about that.

There is waaaaay more stuff going on in the world than half the crap out here on the radio....on these cheap ass bootlegged CDs...any thing else produced after ....a long time.

DO you not see that this music is designed to make you a drone. I know we make it, but....the whole lifestyle that is being publicized is defeatist.
It is pushing slavery.......on so many levels.

Consumerism is going to sink this country....and I see how this music (tho it has made lots of young entrepeneurs very wealth).....is damaging. The minds of the youth already have so much information to process....we must become waaaay more responsible.

Its so crazy to even say this...because I love rap. I do so very much. I listen to it....I go out to shows....but this new stuff....man....its really terrible.

I watched 6 little girls dance around in a circle the other day singing the words to NEYO's buy you a drink song.....the were especially loud and enthusiactic during the part of the song...that goes "we in the bed like uh uh uh!" SAD! not one was over 10.

And dont get me started on the N-Word!

The radio companies do not care. DO you care? I care so very much.

And some point...it has to mean more than money again....
Talk to me!

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

What LIFE is missing

2007-07-02T15:31:00.000-04:00

Rap music used to contain elements of social consciousness. What happened?

Does anyone watch the news anymore? Id love a song that shows me someone knows WTF is going on in the world.

Most rap is soooooo freakin Wack!! When it gets some of its gumption back....It'll be on the map.
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check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove

2007-06-30T18:25:00.000-04:00

I AM THE REVOLUTION

www.itsbaltimorebaby.com

2007-05-18T23:27:00.000-04:00

music:

NOE

f/ J. Jones

Produced by J-Funk

Mixed by Shaka Pitts

check me out on MYSPACE @ www.myspace.com/clove