MOVIES: "AWAKE ZION" Explores the Connection Between Rastafarianism, Reggae and Judaism

PRESS RELEASE:

Zion – It’s closer than you think…

Awake Zion is a documentary that explores the surprising and unsuspecting connections between Rasta, Reggae and Judaism - through one woman’s beat-laden adventure into the meaning of identity.

All the way back to the alleged sultry affair between the Jewish King Solomon and the African Queen of Sheba, Jewish influence is evident in the spiritual history of Ethiopia - turning up consistently in Rastafarian lifestyle and, inevitably, Reggae.

Uniting Jewish and Jamaican musicians, scholars, and historians in a celebration of roots and culture - Awake Zion travels from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where Caribbean and Jewish cultures share a history of adversity - to Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae - and ultimately to Israel, where a sizzling reggae scene thrives today.

Awake Zion challenges our shared preconceptions of what it means to be Jewish, to be Rasta, to be white or black - and, most importantly, the universal search for “Zion”, and what it means to be "home".

More info HERE

VIDEO: REEF THE LOST CAUZE speaks on his new album "Fight Music"

Hacked Emails Exposes Guru's Former Partner Solar

A blog on villagevoice.com published an investigative report earlier this week that exposes hacked emails from Guru's former partner, Solar, prior to his unfortunate death. There has long been talk of shady business dealings, abuse and unprecedented control over Guru's life by his former partner and self-proclaimed "super producer". The emails reveal degrees of deception and misinformation that was allegedly perpetuated by Solar. The article reveals, "...anonymous hacker made public emails sent between Solar and various parties, including documents that seem to indicate that Solar is more evil than anyone could have even guessed. The emails appear to show that Solar forced Guru to tour instead of seeking medical help; that he controlled Guru's access to his own email account and various other web presences; that Solar owed money to multiple parties; and, perhaps most chillingly, that Solar attempted to pimp out unreleased music from Guru after the rapper's death." There was an update to the article published the following day that provides more insight. You can read more HERE and the link above. Hip Hop is waiting for the truth and it will be revealed..

VIDEO: MARCO POLO & RUSTEE JUXX- "Nobody"

I love this video. You know when you have those days where you walking through the streets and you want to smack the sh!t outta somebody or destroy property just because? Marco and Rustee do just that in this cartoonishly violent music video. LMAO at the dude getting his water bottle smacked from his face!

Beloved Entertainer LENA HORNE Dies at 92

Acclaimed actress and singer, Lena Horne, died Sunday at 92. Lena Horne helped break down barriers for generations of performers. In an era of extreme racial intolerance, Horne still managed to break through to the mainstream - that is, before she began to express her political views (she was extremely active in the Civil Rights Movement). Ms. Horne, a publicly known favorite of comedian Bill Cosby, embodied gracefulness and strength of character. Her star in Hollywood could have shone brighter if she would have emerged in another era or compromised her beliefs. As a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ms. Horne will be remembered as one of the finest to ever hail from BK.

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will dedicate the Friday, May 21, prime time lineup to paying tribute to legendary singer-actress Lena Horne, who passed away yesterday at the age of 92. The night’s collection will feature three films with defining Horne performances. Also included is one of Horne’s favorite films, the 1943 John Garfield drama The Fallen Sparrow.