Blood Complicated
Submitted by Southern Shift on Thu, 2010-08-19 15:52 Authored by Christina Pesoli“What do you do for a living?”
Not exactly a trick question. Still, I stood there speechless. The clerk at the Verizon store looked up from his computer screen and stared at me with a puzzled expression. When he asked me the question, he probably didn’t even really care about the answer. He was just trying to be friendly while I waited for him to activate my new phone. But since there was a delay in my response, now he was curious.
“I…uh…have a couple of properties I look after.”
He kept staring at me, his brow furrowed. I stammered around some more.
“I mean, I have some rental properties that I take care of.”
“Okay,” he said, looking back at his computer screen and giving a little shrug, as if to say, “Was it really that hard of a question?”Should Wyclef Run for President of Haiti? The Pros and Cons
Submitted by Southern Shift on Wed, 2010-08-11 09:23 Authored by Davey DBy now everyone has heard the big news about singer/humanitarian Wyclef Jean running for President of Haiti. It's got everyone talking including many within the Hip Hop generation. For them the thought of a Hip Hop artist of Wyclef's stature becoming President of Haiti on the heels of Barack Obama becoming president of the United States is beyond exciting.
Do Marriage and Monogamy Still Make Sense in 2010?
Submitted by Southern Shift on Thu, 2010-07-22 18:26 Authored by Christina Pesoli & Dan SavageHere are links to two different authors thoughts on the subjects. Enjoy and let us know what you think!
The Relationship Model for Modern Couples
(Lifetime Commitment Not Included)
What if the Tea Party Were Black? Jasiri X Drops Hard Hitting Song & Video to Underscore the Insightful Article by Tim Wise.
Submitted by Southern Dave on Wed, 2010-07-14 14:28 Authored by Jasiri X and Tim WiseJasiri X has released a video called “What if the Tea Party was Black?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtH7vH4yRcY
The Hip Hop artist says that he got the idea when Paradise Gray, a member of the pro-black rap group X-Clan, forwarded him a copy of Tim Wise’s article. “I saw the article and I liked the concept,” says the rapper. So Jasiri hit the studio with producer Cynik Lethal while Paradise grabbed his video camera and they went on their mission to defeat the Right Wing propaganda machine.
Healthy is the New Happy
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-07-05 18:02 Authored by Christina PesoliMy boyfriend and I recently watched the movie “Away We Go.” Toward the end of the movie, main characters Burt Farlander and Verona De Tassant, who are expecting their first child any second, exchange some impromptu vows. One of the vows Burt pitched to Verona was this:
“Do you promise to let our daughter be fat or skinny or any weight at all? Because we want her to be happy, no matter what. Being obsessed with weight is just too cliché for our daughter.”
“Say no!” I wanted to yell. But instead I hit the pause button and editorialized for a while. (Just a little service I provide for free to my family. They love this about me.)
On its face, these two sentences sound innocent enough. I mean, who wouldn’t want their daughter to be happy no matter what? And only the most shallow, pageant-pushing mom would want her daughter to be obsessed with her weight, right?Danny Glover Breaks Bread w/ The Southern Shift at USSF 2010
Submitted by Southern Shift on Wed, 2010-06-23 16:44 Authored by Davey DLong time actor/activist Danny Glover is here in Detroit at the US Social Forum making the rounds and showing support. We sat down with him along with our radio colleague Nora Barrows Friedman and got his perspectives on the city of Detroit and it's important history in the Freedom and Labor Struggles.
Art as a Political Tool : A conversation w/ Favianna Rodgriguez & Cesar Maxit
Submitted by Southern Shift on Wed, 2010-06-09 07:27 Authored by Davey DLong time artists Favianna Rodriguez who hails from Oakland, California and Cesar Maxit, originally from Houston and now living in Washington DC, came togther for a special exibit in the nation's capital where they talked about the intersection between Art and Politics.
Scarface Reminds Us Houston Rappers Are No Joke-He’s the Latest to Speak Truth to Power-Turns Down VH1 Honors
Submitted by Southern Shift on Fri, 2010-05-14 13:41 Authored by Davey D & Ozone MagazineBut this year, I totally disagree with how they’re trying to categorize us. You know how they make us look on TV? Like we live on the front porch with flies and shit flying around us, with our stomachs all big eating watermelon rinds? That ain’t us, man. -Scarface-
Trae Tha Truth Stands Up for Artists & Launches lawsuit Against Houston Radio Station
Submitted by Southern Shift on Thu, 2010-05-06 11:16 Authored by Davey DTrae the Truth deserves major props for doing what far too many rappers won't do. He was willing to stand up and smash on a local radio station that decided to ban his music over some petty nonsense. He filed a lawsuit against Radio One's KBXX the Box in Houston.
"By the Time I Get to Arizona" -- This Discrimination Must Stop Chuck D Drops New Song Him & His Wife Respond to New Arizona Law
Submitted by Southern Shift on Tue, 2010-04-27 10:16 Authored by Chuck D & Gaye Theresa JohnsonThe Arizona immigration bill -- which Governor Jan Brewer has decided to sign into law -- is racist, deceitful, and reflects some of the most mean-spirited politics against immigrants that the country has ever seen. The power that this law gives to police to detain people that they suspect to be undocumented brings racial profiling to a new low. Brewer's actions and those of Joe Arpaio, Russell Pearce, the Arizona State Senate are despicable, inexcusable, and endorse the all-out hate campaign that Joe Arpaio, Russell Pearce, and others have perpetrated upon immigrants for years.
An Open Letter 97.9 FM The Box-Don't Ban Trae the Truth
Submitted by Southern Shift on Fri, 2010-04-23 11:56 Authored by Matt SonzolaFirst we have to give props to Matt Sonzala for doing what so many in his position don't do speak up for the artist in his area and step to an institution that could potentially be a future employer. Matt as well as being the man who heads up the Hip Hop potion of SXSW is first and foremost a radio cat... So while many remain silent, he at least is willing to speak up and call crap, crap..
VH1 Honors Set to Honor Southern Hip Hop-Will UGK & The Geto Boys Be Among the Honories?
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-04-19 06:13 Authored by Davey DEvery year the VH1 Honors pay tribute to Hip Hop pioneers from various aspects and eras of its musical culture. Last year they paid tribute to Def Jam records.. The year before they gave dap to West Coast artists. In other years they paid tribute to many of the early pioneers out of New York.. The show brings forth a unique mix of Hip Hop elders to be honored while some of today’s most popular artists pay tribute by re-doing one of their popular songs.
Chamillionaire: Hustling and Grinding in a Hi-Tech World...
Submitted by Southern Shift on Thu, 2010-04-08 11:05 Authored by Davey DWe caught up w/ Houston rapper Chamillionaire who has been making a lot of noise as of late, not just for him reuniting with childhood friend and fellow Paul Wall after 7 years and going on tour, but also because he’s been making some behind the scenes moves into the tech world.
Dallas Police Mull Charges Over Erykah Badu Video
Submitted by Southern Shift on Wed, 2010-03-31 04:51 Authored by Davey D/ Makeda CraneBy now everyone has seen or heard about Erykah Badu’s provocative video for her song ‘Window Seat’. It’s the first single off her album ‘, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh,’ in which she visits Dealey Plaza where President John F Kennedy was assassinated back in November 1963. Here Badu walks around the plaza and in front of unsuspecting tourists she strips her clothes and while completely naked mimics getting shot by an unseen sniper.
Why Hip Hop Won't Tangle w/ the Tea Party
Submitted by Southern Shift on Sun, 2010-03-28 23:27 Authored by Minista Paul ScottIn breaking news, two of Hip Hop’s most popular artists died today. In what was the culmination of a year long beef, an altercation in the middle of 52nd street has left both men dead. No, they didn’t shoot each other. As they stood arguing in the middle of the street, they were run over by a Tea Party Express bus that was running late for a rally…
Hip Hop is Worldwide-Meet Chilean Emcee Anita Tijoux
Submitted by Southern Shift on Wed, 2010-03-24 06:37 Authored by Davey DWe caught up with Chilean emcee Anita Tijoux who made lots of waves during SXSW 2010. It was her first trip to the US as she celebrated the release of her new album 1977. The title represents the year she was born along the pioneering days of Hip Hop in the Bronx.
Legendary Rapper Bun B drop Jewels at SxSW Noisemaker Forum
Submitted by Southern Shift on Fri, 2010-03-19 13:46 Authored by Davey DLegendary rapper Bun B of UGK came through SxSW's Noisemakers show case for a candid Q&A with Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97 radio in New York. Bun talked about the humble beginnings of UGK starting out in the small town of Port Arthur. He noted that his early influences were Kool G Rap and members of the Juice Crew. He said KRS-1 had the biggest influence on him as an emcee.
Detroit Artist Invincible Returns to Austin & Gears up for Southern Shift SXSW Panel & People's Party
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-03-15 05:45 Authored by Davey DDetroit Rapper Invincible rips some dope verses from her song 'Emperor's Clothes'. It deals with the plight of Palestinians and the border wall Israel is building there. When Invincible touched down at a recent show in Austin she connects their struggle with the 'border wars' and 'border wall' being built in Texas.
Women Roc the Mic & Hold up the Sky Celebrating Women's History Month
Submitted by Southern Shift on Thu, 2010-03-11 11:15 Authored by Davey DIn celebration of International Women’s History Month we decided to highlight the voices of many who are often overlooked, taken for granted or forgotten about. Those are our sisters in Hip Hop. Women have always been on point from day one when it comes to architecting this culture called Hip Hop. We can start with Cindy Campbell - the sister of Hip Hop’s father Kool Herc. Had it not been for her suggesting and ultimately setting up the now landmark party on 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in August of 1973, we might not be on the mic, yes yes y’alling at all today in 2010. Here’s a rare interview w/ Cindy Campbell...
Legendary Rapper Guru of Gang Star in Coma from Sudden Heart Attack
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-03-01 12:06 Authored by Davey DUpdate: According to AllHipHop.com as of this morning March 2 2010.. Guru Surgery Successful; Full Recovery Expected- this comes in the wake of the widely spread stories about him passing away last night which left many devastated. many are rejoicing this morning Remember prayer works
Former Rivals Chamillionaire & Paul Wall Re-unite-Set to Kick Off Tour at SXSW
Submitted by Southern Shift on Tue, 2010-02-23 12:12 Authored by HipHopDx Original ArticleChamillionaire and Paul Wall have had a tumultuous relationship, one that has been filled with ups and downs over the years. After becoming rhyming partners, they were a staple in the independent album circuit, releasing such underground classics as Get Ya Mind Correct.SXSW is Coming-We Interview Hip Hop Director Matt Sonzala
Submitted by Southern Shift on Fri, 2010-02-05 08:26 Authored by Davey DMatt Sonzala is a long time fixture in the Texas Hip Hop scene. He started off doing a popular radio show in Houston on our sister station KPFT called Damage Control. Him and co-host Zin who now does SOS Radio were key in granting many of Houston’s now big time stars from Paul Wall to Bun B to Chamillionaire crucial exposure when many were overlooking music coming from Texas...
Professor Cornel West Goes In on Brack Obama-Expresses Disappointment
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-02-01 13:33 Authored by Davey DScholar, author Dr Cornel West, Professor at Princeton, University has gone in on President Obama. Shortly after last week’s state of the union speech West released a video where he questions Obama’s commitment to poor people. He points out that the improved economy the President touts still has an un-employment rate of 10% and that 10% is made up of real people who are in dire straits.
How Music Videos Are Changing the Game: Interview with artist Hasan Salaam,director Mark Carranceja, and model Ameena Dove
Submitted by Southern Shift on Mon, 2010-01-25 15:27 Authored by Rebecca McDonald of B FRESH Photography and Media Original ArticleThe underground Hip Hop video genre has been quite disappointing lately- forgettable, in fact. Now that video equiptment is affordable, and rappers have aspirations of becoming actors, everyone and their mamas think they can shoot a quality video.
Obama’s First Year in Office: Rapper NY Oil Squares Off Against Conservative Carol M Swain
Submitted by Southern Shift on Fri, 2010-01-22 16:44 Authored by Davey DToday Live on the BBC’s program, “World Have Your Say”, Hip Hop Artist/Activist and the I.B.W. Ambassador to Hip Hop NYOIL faced off against conservative Carol M. Swain (http://www.carolmswain.net/biointro.html) in a discussion on Barack Obama’s first year in Office.
