ZEPS & Mavric Present WILLIAMSBURGER w/CHEESE

If you are in Brooklyn tomorrow night, check out our peeps Zeps, Point Dot Period and Bekay at the Galapagos Art Space. They will be performing along with Wee Bee Foolish, Poo Face & Rutherford, Tha Freak Show and Lex & Tae One of N.Y.R.E. and others. Don't miss that true hip hop!

VIDEO: Buckshot & 9th Wonder feat. Talib Kweli- HOLD IT DOWN

VIDEO: Invincible's Album Release Party @ Southpaw

Earlier in the month, I rolled thru INVINCIBLE's album release party for her project titled "ShapeShifters". It was hosted by Eternia and Queen Herawin. The ladies ran the house that night and it was a great show all around. The Anomolies (Invincible's original crew) represented thoroughly and we were treated to all elements of hip hop featuring the female side of the equation. Props to all..

ANOMOLIES @ Invincible's Album Release Party


ETERNIA w/CHESNEY SNOW & QUEEN HERAWIN @ Invincible's Album Release Party


INVINCIBLE @ Release Party for "SHAPESHIFTERS"

MUSIC TECH: Nintendo DS Scratching Video Game

The culture of handheld gaming is at an all time high and many have designed and created "homebrew" games across multiple platforms. "Homebrew" games are created by fans and independents who use developer kits and other software hacks. The video above demonstrates one of the illest applications available- Protein DScratch. With this game, you can manipulate waveforms and create stutter (note repeat) effects and virtual scratching using just your fingers and the control buttons. Thanks to TUAW for the heads up to the original article posted on createdigitalmusic.com. Check out the developer's site HERE

Remy Ma Sentenced to 8 Years

From Tracey Ford at theboombox.com:

Remy Ma was sentenced to eight years in prison for shooting her longtime friend Makeda Barnes-Joseph in the stomach for allegedly lifting $3,000 from her purse. The 26-year-old rapper was found guilty of first-degree assault, criminal weapons charges and attempted coercion on March 27.
READ MORE HERE

Roc Raida's GONG DJ BATTLE 2008- NYC Heat

If you are in the NYC area tomorrow night and feeling like seeing some of the top scratch DJs battle for supremacy, roll through the Knitting Factory and witness Roc Raida's 2008 Gong DJ Battle. Established in 2006, Roc Raida's Gong DJ Battle is an intense competition that promises to showcase the most innovative talent. Hosted by Lord Finesse and Lord Sear, along with a set by the one and only Joell Ortiz, this is one not to miss..

Official Site for GONG DJ Battle

THE ZRO HOUR Podcast Update

We have been getting a lot of requests for the next show and as a few of you know we were planning to drop a special 4th anniversary edition of THE ZRO HOUR. We are still working on getting some elements and guests in place for that and I PROMISE it will be worth the wait. We will drop a new show or two as a set up for the anniversary within two weeks and bring you the big one early to mid June. Alexie F. and I appreciate all the support and visitors past and present. We are inspired by the talent that we present and will always deliver well crafted, engaging entertainment. Stay tuned...

Video Music Box 25th Anniversary Concert

Many of you outside of the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) know of Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. In New York, "Uncle" Ralph is one of the most revered figures in hip hop. Video Music Box, originally hosted by Ralph and Lionel C. Martin ("The Vid Kid"), was a pioneering hip hop/R&B video show waaaay before Yo! MTV Raps. It was the only outlet that featured music videos from local and independent hip hop artists as well as those who could not get placement on the major video shows such as Friday Night Video (NBC), Hot Traxx (ABC) and MTV network. Ralph and Lionel established Classic Concepts, a video production company that produced some of the earliest videos for some of the biggest stars in hip hop and R&B from the mid 80's through the 90's. Lionel C. Martin was the Hype Williams of his time. The show is regarded dearly due to the classic moments of hip hop pioneers and sincere artist interviews. Uncle Ralph used to (and still does) bring the camera to the clubs and show you all the party goers in their sweat induced glory. We all looked forward to hearing the screaming shout outs and dissected the scenes to see if we recognized anyone in the crowd. Video Music Box was must see TV and the streets were quiet when it was on. I have some history with VMB also. I appeared in a PSA one summer with a crew called Fresh Productions. We did a song called "Stop Cracking It Up" (EDAYE on the beatbox) and it ran for several months in 1986. Everybody in my hood gave props was expecting us to get a record deal. Needless to say, I enjoyed the attention. What was more important to me was the idea that I had a chance to be a part of one of the most influential and inspiring outlets in hip hop...



This summer, July 18 2008, Central Park's Summerstage concert series presents a FREE 25th anniversary concert celebrating Video Music Box and Ralph McDaniels. You can expect a who's who of hip hop to appear on the bill. I will be there and will post pics and footage of this important event in hip hop history..

Check the Summerstage link HERE

Happy Belated Birthday Godfather!

This past Saturday, May 3rd, was the birthday of the one and only Godfather Of Soul- James Brown. Its been two years since his passing and James Brown still continues to resonate in our hearts. Keep 'em grooving in heaven...

Eternia Hosts Release Party For Invincible @ Southpaw May 8th

5th Element and Emergence presents a showcase/album release party for Detroit emcee INVINCIBLE. Invincible, a member of the Anomolies (an all female collective) is celebrating the release of her album SHAPE SHIFTERS. The showcase will be held at SOUTHPAW in Brooklyn, New York and will feature performances from Anomolies, Wajeed, Wordsworth, Abeer, Indeed, Tiombe Lockhart and Jocelyn De Leon. There will be several DJs (Laylo, Chela & Flavorful) and dance crews in the house (Fox Force Five, MAWU, The Ingines and Rokafella + Full Circle. This dope female showcase will be hosted by Eternia and Herawin. THE ZRO HOUR will be in the house that night to report and cop some visuals..

MOVIES: The Latin Dragon- KILTRO and MIRAGEMAN star Marko Zaror

pictured above: MARKO ZAROR & EDAYE

Okay, I have to confess something. I am a NERD! A big one at that. But its cool because I am a nerd for all things martial arts, fantasy, comics, animation and of course HIP HOP! Now that you know this, I can openly admit that I spent this past weekend at the New York Comic-Con. It was my second year attending and I geeked out over all the artists, action figures, video games and movie buzz flowing through the Jacob Javitz Convention Center. As I trolled the isles scanning any and everything, I came across the booth for Magnolia Pictures. Many may not be familiar with this distribution company but I knew them as the one responsible for bringing Tony Jaa and his film ONG BAK (if the name is not familiar, Google NOW!) to the U.S. I was aware that Magnolia Pictures also copped the rights to two other independent martial art productions- KILTRO and MIRAGEMAN. After talking with the representative at the booth, he informed me that the Chilean star of KILTRO and MIRAGEMAN, MARKO ZAROR, was in the building and would be back soon. I was interested to meet Marko and give him props because I had seen KILTRO months ago in non-subtitled form and was heavily anticipating his followup MIRAGEMAN.

MARKO ZAROR Highlight Reel:



READ MORE..

MIRAGEMAN trailer:


DOWNLOADABLE VERSION
*thanks to twitchfilm.net*

Marko Zaror, born in Santiago, Chile, is a high caliber martial artist, actor and stuntman. Marko doubled Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the 2003 movie, THE RUNDOWN. He went on to win a top stuntman award for that very same film. Marko returned to Chile and produced KILTRO through Mandrill Films with his friend, Ernesto Diaz Espinosa, directing. KILTRO (2006), the first Chilean martial arts film, gave notice that a new action star was born. Although it was filmed on a lower budget, the action was very well produced and showcased the acrobatic and hard hitting style of screen fighting that Marko can deliver.

KILTRO was recently released direct to DVD and is available at AMAZON along with an earlier film from Mexico, CHINANGO. His next feature to be released this year is the vigilante/superhero themed MIRAGEMAN. MIRAGEMAN promises to showcase even more hard hitting, full contact action. Festival audiences that have screened the film have given strong thumbs up. When I did finally talk to Marko at the NYCC I told him that he is an inspiration to Latin people and others of color who refuse to wait on Hollywood to showcase their talents. Major stardom is around the corner for Marko Zaror and I look forward to his future projects.




pictured above: Director ERNESTO DIAZ ESPINOSA & EDAYE

Feds To Collect DNA From Every Person They Arrest

photo courtesy of REUTERS

With this news, I know the Illuminati and conspiracy theorists are feeling validated. Without even delving into the privacy concerns involved, the collection of DNA samples of every person "arrested" by federal authorities is the easiest way for the U.S. government to keep tabs and build a database on as many citizens as possible. The idea that you don't have to be convicted of a crime and still have this sensitive information taken from you is truly mind boggling. Do you know how easy it is to be arrested for any suspicion or intent of a crime? How many times have people of color been arrested for fitting a "description"? There are dozens of federal police agencies in the U.S. ranging from the D.E.A. to Library of Congress police. Under this new initiative, citizens can petition to have their DNA records destroyed if they are found innocent. That is not a sound solution either due to the long and arduous task of having any arrest record expunged when found innocent.

READ MORE..

Feds to collect DNA from every person they arrest
By EILEEN SULLIVAN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Apr 16, 7:39 PM ET

WASHINGTON - The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency — a move intended to prevent violent crime but which also is raising concerns about the privacy of innocent people.

Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained, whether they have been charged or not. The DNA would be collected through a cheek swab, Justice Department spokesman Erik Ablin said Wednesday. That would be a departure from current practice, which limits DNA collection to convicted felons.

Expanding the DNA database, known as CODIS, raises civil liberties questions about the potential for misuse of such personal information, such as family ties and genetic conditions.

Ablin said the DNA collection would be subject to the same privacy laws applied to current DNA sampling. That means none of it would be used for identifying genetic traits, diseases or disorders.

Congress gave the Justice Department the authority to expand DNA collection in two different laws passed in 2005 and 2006.

There are dozens of federal law enforcement agencies, ranging from the FBI to the Library of Congress Police. The federal government estimates it makes about 140,000 arrests each year.

Justice officials estimate the new collecting requirements would add DNA from an additional 1.2 million people to the database each year.

Those who support the expanded collection believe that DNA sampling could get violent criminals off the streets and prevent them from committing more crimes.

A Chicago study in 2005 found that 53 murders and rapes could have been prevented if a DNA sample had been collected upon arrest.

"Many innocent lives could have been saved had the government began this kind of DNA sampling in the 1990s when the technology to do so first became available," Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said. Kyl sponsored the 2005 law that gave the Justice Department this authority.

Thirteen states have similar laws: Alaska, Arizona, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

The new regulation would mean that the federal government could store DNA samples of people who are not guilty of any crime, said Jesselyn McCurdy, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union.

"Now innocent people's DNA will be put into this huge CODIS database, and it will be very difficult for them to get it out if they are not charged or convicted of a crime," McCurdy said.

If a person is arrested but not convicted, he or she can ask the Justice Department to destroy the sample.

The Homeland Security Department — the federal agency charged with policing immigration — supports the new rule.

"DNA is a proven law-enforcement tool," DHS spokesman Russ Knocke said.

The rule would not allow for DNA samples to be collected from immigrants who are legally in the United States or those being processed for admission, unless the person was arrested.

The proposed rule is being published in the Federal Register. That will be followed by a 30-day comment period.

VIDEO: Common Raps At Trinity United Church of Christ

Although this is from the beginning of this year (New Year's Eve to be exact), is is never too late to post as it represents unity and fellowship among the church and the Hip Hop generation. Thank you to Davey D for pointing me to the original article by Jawn Murray on BLACKVOICES.COM detailing Common's relation ship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Now the name should be familiar with those following American politics. This is the same reverend that formerly led the church that presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, is a member of. Over the last few months, Obama has been criticized for having Rev. Wright as his spiritual advisor in light of Rev. Wright's past sermons. In his sermons, Rev. Wright has made comments considered to be inflammatory in nature. Obama has since distanced himself from those comments but maintains a relationship with a man he considers as a fatherly influence in his life. In the article reprinted by Davey D., Common speaks on his long tenured membership at the same church, his respect for Rev. Wright and reveals he has dropped lyrics on stage at the church. Below is a video from this year's New Year's Eve service and you see the Reverend tell Common to kick a freestyle..

SPOTLIGHT: EDREYS

A quadruple threat (producer, lyricist, graphic artist and painter), EDREYS is our spotlight artist this week on THEZROHOUR.COM. Reppin' Buffalo, New York, Edreys has previously worked with groups SOULIVE, MEKA 54 and RAW INTEL. With his focus on a solo career in full swing, Edreys has opened for Ghostface Killah, Craig David and Slum Village. This summer, you can catch Edreys at select dates during the VANS Warped Tour. His vocal delivery and music illustrate the much needed comeback to the tenets of emceeing- confidence, delivery, and creative wordplay. We dropped a couple of cuts on THE ZRO HOUR recently (check the most recent podcast for the track "TROUBLE") and feel that Edreys' music evokes a time when hip hop was not constrained and sometimes misdirected by big business. Peep the cut SUPERMAN SWAG for a prime example of Edreys' flow and production. Hit him up on myspace and tell him what you think..

VIDEO: I LIKE IT- Edreys

THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/DASHAH

pictured above, L. to R.: EDAYE, DASHAH & ALEXIE F.

We are back with another great show featuring an artist that we had recently selected in the SPOTLIGHT feature- DASHAH. Besides the spotlight feature, we have long supported Dashah's music. Do a search through this site and you will see. Alabama born, Long Island raised and current Brooklyn resident, Dashah puts it down on the mic. His love and respect for lyrics hip hop shines through his music. Dashah drops in for an interview and freestyle and we play a couple of his hottest joints including the first single from ILL INSANITY's new album "Ground Xero", "Decorated Vet". The show is also laced with new music by EDREYS (more on him in a few days), MULATTO PATRIOT (check the VIDEO for the song "Showtime" HERE), PROSPER JONES (more on him soon too), KIDZ IN THE HALL, ESTELLE, DA KREEK (thanks DTown!), THE GAME & THE ROOTS. We take it back with rare joints by NICE & SMOOTH and GRAND DADDY I.U. Enjoy the show...

THE ZRO HOUR- In Studio w/DASHAH

DOWNLOAD (83MB)

STREAM

PLAYLIST

DOWN THE LINE- Nice & Smooth feat. Bas Blasta, Preacher Earl, Asu, Mello T & Gangstarr
BIG DREAMS- The Game
RISING DOWN- The Roots feat. Mos Def, Styles P. & Dice Raw
HIP HOP JAM- Prosper Jones
CHANGE (Work To Do) RMX- Kidz In The Hall feat. Talib Kweli & Bun B
360- Dashah
DECORATED VET- Ill Insanity feat. Dashah
DASHAH INTERVIEW
KARMA- Dashah
I KICK ASS- Grand Daddy I.U.
GAME POINT- Da Kreek
SHOWTIME- Mulatto Patriot feat. Prosper Jones & Mena Man
TROUBLE- Edreys
MY CRU- Kemo, Prosper Jones, Matt Flores & Ben Human
MAGNIFICENT- Estelle feat Kardinall Offishall