5/08/2007
FREE DOWNLOADS OF RARE TRACKS FROM THE WU-TANG ARCHIVES
Props to BROOKLYN VEGAN for this post. WUTANG CORP has an online collection of 215 rare singles and projects (all in mp3 format) from the archives of WU-TANG and their stable of artists. ITS CHRISTMAS IN MAYYY!!! Grab 'em HERE and expand your collection..
FIRST ANNUAL 24-HOUR RAPATHON
I don't know how I missed this...Yes I do. Its because Hot 97 in NYC is one of the main sponsors and I don't listen to terrestrial radio much (especially Hot 97). This Saturday, May 12th 2007, Hot 97 and the Global Artists Coalition is hosting the world's first ever 24 hour "Rapathon". This benefit and fundraiser is for the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem located on the second floor of the Magic Johnson Theater, 2309 Fredrick Douglass Boulevard. Here they will attempt a new Guinness World Record for the longest ongoing rhyme session. Today was the last day for tryouts which is unfortunate. Only 500 tickets are made available and I am not sure if they are all sold. Check HERE for more info.
5/02/2007
SESSIONS @ GUITAR CENTER NYC 04.26.07 Review
Last Thursday, April 26th 2007, Guitar Center on E.14th street NYC hosted an incredible seminar/showcase. It was completely free and attracted some of the best in Hip Hop. All those slated to appear did come through and show love. The event was co-hosted by Dj Hapa of Scratch DJ Academy (founded by Jam master Jay R.I.P.) & the legendary DMC. Throughout the night, DMC expressed his passion and love for the the real Hip Hop creators and fans. He stated that he thought Chuck D was the greatest rapper of all time. DMC revealed his admiration for Chuck D and both shared stories of RUN DMC trying to convince Chuck to sign to Def Jam. Everyone listened intently as Chuck D spoke about the ups and downs of the industry, the current climate in Hip Hop, and utilizing multimedia technologies to advance your art. He also had a few words to say about the future of the music and the recent statements made by Russell Simmons concerning a ban on certain words within the music-
There was a great panel discussion with (pictured left to right) Large Professor, 88 Keys, Dru Ha and Buckshot from Duckdown Records, and DJ Jab the founder of Fat Beats on the merits of being an independent artist with 88 and LP focusing on originality and putting time into your beat craft.
The highlight of the panels was the interview and live sets by the one and only Grand Wizard Theodore (inventor of turntable scratching) and Rob Swift, formerly of the X-Ecutioners/X-Men. Rob Swift has a new DVD out, ROB SWIFT: AS THE TABLES TURN so grab that. Here are some highlights from their sets:
GRAND WIZARD THEODORE
ROB SWIFT PT.1
ROB SWIFT PT.2
Alexie F. and myself were in the house reppin' THE ZRO HOUR and doing the flyer thing. Here are some pics-
DMC & EDAYE
ALEXIE F. & EDAYE
ROB SWIFT & EDAYE
ALEXIE F. & MARBLEHILL CREW
There was a great panel discussion with (pictured left to right) Large Professor, 88 Keys, Dru Ha and Buckshot from Duckdown Records, and DJ Jab the founder of Fat Beats on the merits of being an independent artist with 88 and LP focusing on originality and putting time into your beat craft.
The highlight of the panels was the interview and live sets by the one and only Grand Wizard Theodore (inventor of turntable scratching) and Rob Swift, formerly of the X-Ecutioners/X-Men. Rob Swift has a new DVD out, ROB SWIFT: AS THE TABLES TURN so grab that. Here are some highlights from their sets:
GRAND WIZARD THEODORE
ROB SWIFT PT.1
ROB SWIFT PT.2
Alexie F. and myself were in the house reppin' THE ZRO HOUR and doing the flyer thing. Here are some pics-
DMC & EDAYE
ALEXIE F. & EDAYE
ROB SWIFT & EDAYE
ALEXIE F. & MARBLEHILL CREW
4/27/2007
Please Support Internet Radio Equality Act Bill...
This just in from DAVEY D:
I'm not sure if all these new laws governing digital media (not just Internet Radio) means anything to folks. While we been debating Russell and Imus and all this is the real end game being played by those in power. As I noted in previous posts, they increased the Royalty fees by over 1200 (yes Twelve hundred percent). The rates are applied retroactively. This was a slick way for those who wish to shut down our ability to communicate to take away equal access (net neutrality). Again while many will find this boring and not as sexy as the Russell Imus debate, YOU WILL IF YOU DON'T ALREADY WILL NEED DIGITAL PLATFORMS to disseminate music and information. This includes podcasts, Internet Radio, Cell Phones and all the merging new ways that have served as an alternative to corporate radio.
The US Copyright Office along with the Music Industry and Corporate Radio lobbied and got these new rates passed which resulted in a royalty fee hike like this:. Soma FM Radio in San Francisco paid 5-10Gs annually. There rates went up to 600 thousand dollars and was due in full on May 15th. The Big radio giants cut separate deals with the RIAA (Sound Exchange) so they do not have to pay these fees.
As usual these guys have claimed they are doing this on behalf of the artists, but check people's contracts and see how much is really going back to the artists. Sadly there were some groups within the media reform movements that jumped in bed with the RIAA and basically sold us out for personal gain. They have put out this spin that they ARE REACHING OUT TO INTERNET BROADCASTERS.. That's a lie.. This my friends is the new Payola..
What has happened is that outlets like Clear Channel have already started unfolding their own Internet and HD radio stations to take the place of the smalltime Indy broadcasters that are being forced to close down and file for bankruptcy. If you listen you will hear many radio jocks feverishly pumping up their station websites. They have already cut a big deal with Google to do Internet radio ads
For those who don't think this applies to you.. trust me it absolutely does and will. Time and time again people have been pumping up the Internet as this viable alternative. Well these Music cats had all but gutted that with the new rate hike.. The Bill being proposed below is designed to overturn the ruling. Please take some time to read and do whatever you can to support this Bill.
Davey D
------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SUPPORT THE INTERNET RADIO EQUALITY ACT
http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/042607b/index.shtml
The Internet Radio Equality Act (.pdf) has just been introduced (in
mid-afternoon) by Representative Jay Inslee and eight cosponsors, with
more cosponsors on the bill expected shortly.
The bill's major provisions:
- Nullifies the recent decision of the CRB judges
- Changes the royalty rate-setting standard that applies to Internet
radio royalty arbitrations in the future so that it is the same standard
that applies to satellite radio royalty arbitrations -- the 801(b)(1)
standard that balances the needs of copyright owners, copyright users,
and the public (rather than "willing buyer / willing seller"). (For more
detail on this point, read the recent RAIN issue on "Copyright law,"
here.)
- Instructs future CRBs that the minimum annual royalty per service may
be set no higher than $500. Establishes a "transitional" royalty rate,
until the 2011-15 CRB hearing is held, of either .33 cents per listener
hour, or 7.5% of annual revenues, as selected by the provider for that
year. Those rates would be applied retroactively to January 1, 2006.
(The logic behind this rate, incidentally, is an attempt to match the
royalty rate that satellite radio pays for this royalty -- thus the name
of the bill.)
- Expands the Copyright Act's Section 118 musical work license for
noncommercial webcasters to enable noncomms to also perform sound
recordings over Internet radio at royalty rates designed for
noncommercial entities, and sets an transition royalty at 150% of the
royalty amount paid by each webcaster in 2004 for their "musical works"
royalty (i.e., to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC).
What can you do?
Now that the bill has been introduced, the www.SaveNetRadio.org "call to
action" is specific and direct: The site is now asking listeners to call
their Representative and ask him/her to "cosponsor the Internet Radio
Equality Act, introduced by Representative Jay Inslee."
Once listeners click the "Call Your Representatives" button on the site
and enter their zip code, they are given their Representative's House
office phone number and a list of "talking points" to emphasize.
I'm not sure if all these new laws governing digital media (not just Internet Radio) means anything to folks. While we been debating Russell and Imus and all this is the real end game being played by those in power. As I noted in previous posts, they increased the Royalty fees by over 1200 (yes Twelve hundred percent). The rates are applied retroactively. This was a slick way for those who wish to shut down our ability to communicate to take away equal access (net neutrality). Again while many will find this boring and not as sexy as the Russell Imus debate, YOU WILL IF YOU DON'T ALREADY WILL NEED DIGITAL PLATFORMS to disseminate music and information. This includes podcasts, Internet Radio, Cell Phones and all the merging new ways that have served as an alternative to corporate radio.
The US Copyright Office along with the Music Industry and Corporate Radio lobbied and got these new rates passed which resulted in a royalty fee hike like this:. Soma FM Radio in San Francisco paid 5-10Gs annually. There rates went up to 600 thousand dollars and was due in full on May 15th. The Big radio giants cut separate deals with the RIAA (Sound Exchange) so they do not have to pay these fees.
As usual these guys have claimed they are doing this on behalf of the artists, but check people's contracts and see how much is really going back to the artists. Sadly there were some groups within the media reform movements that jumped in bed with the RIAA and basically sold us out for personal gain. They have put out this spin that they ARE REACHING OUT TO INTERNET BROADCASTERS.. That's a lie.. This my friends is the new Payola..
What has happened is that outlets like Clear Channel have already started unfolding their own Internet and HD radio stations to take the place of the smalltime Indy broadcasters that are being forced to close down and file for bankruptcy. If you listen you will hear many radio jocks feverishly pumping up their station websites. They have already cut a big deal with Google to do Internet radio ads
For those who don't think this applies to you.. trust me it absolutely does and will. Time and time again people have been pumping up the Internet as this viable alternative. Well these Music cats had all but gutted that with the new rate hike.. The Bill being proposed below is designed to overturn the ruling. Please take some time to read and do whatever you can to support this Bill.
Davey D
------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE SUPPORT THE INTERNET RADIO EQUALITY ACT
http://www.kurthanson.com/archive/news/042607b/index.shtml
The Internet Radio Equality Act (.pdf) has just been introduced (in
mid-afternoon) by Representative Jay Inslee and eight cosponsors, with
more cosponsors on the bill expected shortly.
The bill's major provisions:
- Nullifies the recent decision of the CRB judges
- Changes the royalty rate-setting standard that applies to Internet
radio royalty arbitrations in the future so that it is the same standard
that applies to satellite radio royalty arbitrations -- the 801(b)(1)
standard that balances the needs of copyright owners, copyright users,
and the public (rather than "willing buyer / willing seller"). (For more
detail on this point, read the recent RAIN issue on "Copyright law,"
here.)
- Instructs future CRBs that the minimum annual royalty per service may
be set no higher than $500. Establishes a "transitional" royalty rate,
until the 2011-15 CRB hearing is held, of either .33 cents per listener
hour, or 7.5% of annual revenues, as selected by the provider for that
year. Those rates would be applied retroactively to January 1, 2006.
(The logic behind this rate, incidentally, is an attempt to match the
royalty rate that satellite radio pays for this royalty -- thus the name
of the bill.)
- Expands the Copyright Act's Section 118 musical work license for
noncommercial webcasters to enable noncomms to also perform sound
recordings over Internet radio at royalty rates designed for
noncommercial entities, and sets an transition royalty at 150% of the
royalty amount paid by each webcaster in 2004 for their "musical works"
royalty (i.e., to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC).
What can you do?
Now that the bill has been introduced, the www.SaveNetRadio.org "call to
action" is specific and direct: The site is now asking listeners to call
their Representative and ask him/her to "cosponsor the Internet Radio
Equality Act, introduced by Representative Jay Inslee."
Once listeners click the "Call Your Representatives" button on the site
and enter their zip code, they are given their Representative's House
office phone number and a list of "talking points" to emphasize.
4/25/2007
VIDEO: Joell Ortiz "Brooklyn Bullshit"
I am feeling this video and song like crazy due to the accurate representation of that Brooklyn, NY street life. I am a Brooklyn native for sure. Shout out to Breevort, Kingsboro, Brownsville, Flatbush, Fort Green and East New York! Joell Ortiz is a beast on the mic and his upcoming work with Dr. Dre is gonna be sick!
Just Hanging Out...
@ Crash Mansion on Monday 04.23.07 to celebrate my friend and mentor Kevin Myers' birthday. Kevin (pictured, right) is the CEO of HEAVYTONE RECORDS. Kevin and I met while I was interning at Wyclef's studio Platinum Sound where he was one of the lead engineers. In the middle is Dan Woodward another friend who is a great graphic illustrator. Check his site for examples of his work..
HSAN Issues Statement Calling For Removal of Derogatory Words
From ALLHIPHOP
I missed this one too..
By Alexis Jeffries
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, headed by Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, issued a statement today (Apr. 23) calling for the recording industry's removal of the words "b**ch," "ho" and "n***er" in all of its future recordings.
The statement contains recommendations after Simmons hosted a closed door meeting with various record label executives last week.
"We recommend that the recording and broadcast industries voluntarily remove/bleep/delete the misogynistic words 'bitch' and 'ho' and the racially offensive word 'n***er.'," Simmons and Chavis said in a joint statement.
The statement requests that the three words should be considered with the same objections to obscenity as "extreme curse words."
Simmons and Chavis said "the words are reminders of the misogyny that "African American women have experienced in the United States as part of the history of oppression, inequality, and suffering of women."
"The word 'n***er' is a racially derogatory term that disrespects the pain, suffering, history of racial oppression, and multiple forms of racism against African Americans and other people of color," the statement read.
HSAN is also calling for the formation of a new body called the Coalition on Broadcast Standards, which will consist of leading executives from music, radio and television industries.
The Coalition, the statement says, would be responsible for recommending guidelines for lyrical and visual standards within the recording and media industries.
Additionally, HSAN is calling for the creation of an artist mentoring program and forum to be established, designed to promote dialogue between fans and artists in order to work for positive change in the Hip-Hop industry.
"Hip-Hop is a worldwide cultural phenomena that transcends race and doesn't engage in racial slurs. Don Imus' racially-motivated diatribe toward the Rutger's women's basketball team was in no way connected to Hip-Hop culture. As Chairman and President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), respectively, we are concerned by the false comparisons some in the media are making between Don Imus and Hip-Hop. We want to clarify what we feel very strongly is an obvious difference between the two."
Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is a non-profit national coalition of Hip-Hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders.
The organization was created to harness Hip-Hop music for the purposes of educational advocacy and youth empowerment.
I missed this one too..
By Alexis Jeffries
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, headed by Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, issued a statement today (Apr. 23) calling for the recording industry's removal of the words "b**ch," "ho" and "n***er" in all of its future recordings.
The statement contains recommendations after Simmons hosted a closed door meeting with various record label executives last week.
"We recommend that the recording and broadcast industries voluntarily remove/bleep/delete the misogynistic words 'bitch' and 'ho' and the racially offensive word 'n***er.'," Simmons and Chavis said in a joint statement.
The statement requests that the three words should be considered with the same objections to obscenity as "extreme curse words."
Simmons and Chavis said "the words are reminders of the misogyny that "African American women have experienced in the United States as part of the history of oppression, inequality, and suffering of women."
"The word 'n***er' is a racially derogatory term that disrespects the pain, suffering, history of racial oppression, and multiple forms of racism against African Americans and other people of color," the statement read.
HSAN is also calling for the formation of a new body called the Coalition on Broadcast Standards, which will consist of leading executives from music, radio and television industries.
The Coalition, the statement says, would be responsible for recommending guidelines for lyrical and visual standards within the recording and media industries.
Additionally, HSAN is calling for the creation of an artist mentoring program and forum to be established, designed to promote dialogue between fans and artists in order to work for positive change in the Hip-Hop industry.
"Hip-Hop is a worldwide cultural phenomena that transcends race and doesn't engage in racial slurs. Don Imus' racially-motivated diatribe toward the Rutger's women's basketball team was in no way connected to Hip-Hop culture. As Chairman and President of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), respectively, we are concerned by the false comparisons some in the media are making between Don Imus and Hip-Hop. We want to clarify what we feel very strongly is an obvious difference between the two."
Founded in 2001, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is a non-profit national coalition of Hip-Hop artists, entertainment industry leaders, education advocates, civil rights proponents, and youth leaders.
The organization was created to harness Hip-Hop music for the purposes of educational advocacy and youth empowerment.
Jesse Jackson Criticized for Prior Support of Slick Rick
From ALLHIPHOP
Callin' a spade a spade, huh?
Things are getting out of control since the condemnation of Don Imus over his racially insensitive "joke" towards the Rutgers women's basketball team. Organizations and corporations are reexamining past/current relationships between themselves and Hip Hop artists and one of the people responsible for Imus' ouster-Jesse Jackson. Check it-
Jesse Jackson Targeted At GE Shareholders Meeting Over 2002 Slick Rick Appearance
By Roman Wolfe
Politician/activist Rev. Jesse Jackson has been targeted by the National Legal and Police Center (NLPC), a watch dog group based in Falls Church, Virginia.
Peter Flaherty, president of the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), is supporting a shareholder proposal, which is asking corporate giant General Electric to disclose its charitable giving.
Flaherty and the NLPC seek to know how much money has been donated to Jackson and The Rainbow/Push Coalition.
He claims that in the wake of the Imus controversy, Jackson has changed his stance on Hip-Hop music.
"Maybe it's Jackson who is changing his tune," Flaherty said in a statement. "In 2002, the National Legal and Policy Center asked Jackson to disinvite from his Wall Street conference a performer known as Slick Rick whose songs are characterized by vulgar and offensive lyrics. We even pointed to a song titled 'Treat Her Like a Prostitute.'"
Flaherty said that Slick Rick was allowed to speak and perform and Jackson refused to condemn Slick Rick during a press conference.
"GE is one of the biggest financial supporters of Jesse Jackson and his organizations," Flaherty continued. "Let's consider just what GE is subsidizing."
The NLPC, which was founded in 1991 organization that promotes ethics in public life. The group has targeted Hillary Clinton, Al Sharpton, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Nancy Pelosi and others.
The organization has targeted Jackson's business relationships with Verizon, Wal-Mart, NASCAR and others.
4/20/2007
IT'S 4/20...
..and THE ZRO HOUR is back with that "sour D". We revisit some of the best tracks in Redman's career along with a couple from his new CD, RED GONE WILD. Also on the show is a few from Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Big Pun, Wise Intellegent, Xzibit and KRS One. I reached into the vault and grabbed a live performance by Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh from '86-87. Also listen for tracks by Smile Rays, Magnum Dollars, and IAMISEE.
04.20.07
PLAYLIST
GONE (live)- Kanye West feat. Consequence
DA DA DAHHH- Redman
GIMME ONE- Redman
STUCK ON YOU- Prodigy
GENERATION 1- IAMISEE
BAM BAM- Wise Intelligent
ROCK THIS FUNKY JOINT- Poor Righteous Teachers
KEEP IT THORO- Prodigy
SERIOUS BUSINESS- Smile Rays
WE RUN NY- Redman feat. Hurricane G
KENNY PARKER SHOW 2001- Xzibit
KENNY PARKER SHOW- Boogie Down Productions
TREAT HER LIKE A PROSTITUTE (live)- Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh
THAT NIGGA SHIT- Big Pun
HOW TO ROLL A BLUNT- Redman
RITE NOW- Redman
NICKLE & A NAIL- Prodigy
VISIONS- Magnum Dollars
MONEY (DOLLAR BILL YA'LL)- Jimmy Spicer
4/17/2007
New Show This week..
Almost done on the mixdown. This show is crazy with gems from the vault and a couple of tracks from the myspace pool of talent. Alexie F. was out with pink eye and strep throat for this show but will be back for the next. Say tuned...
Large Professor Tribute @ Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn
Underground Exp Presents: GOLDEN A Monthly Tribute to Hip Hops Greatest-LARGE PROFESSOR. This Thursday April 19, 2007 will feature a tribute and live performance by the one and only EXTRA P at Galapogos Art Space in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The door is only $10 to see and hear from one of Hip Hop's most influential producers/emcees. Featured performances from Pumkinhead, Scienz of Life, and Beatboxer Entertainment are also on the bill. Come out and support..
The Honorable Louis Farrakhan Weighs in on the Use of The "N-Word"
Although I haven't commented on the Don Imus fiasco (his use of derogatory and racist language toward this year's Rutger University womens basketball team) that has been a national media event over the past 2 weeks, it does not mean that it has not been on our minds here at THE ZRO HOUR. The incident has fostered debate throughout America on the subject of free speech. With a man of Don Imus' position of influence and stature in the world of media and politics, he had to be held accountable for his unacceptable, flippant remark. I am still awaiting the arrival of Minister Louis Farrakhan's Saviour Day 2007 address on DVD. I am very anxious to hear what wisdom he has to share with the world. He rarely gets mainstream coverage and has been fighting a battle against prostate cancer for the last few years. I found this excerpt from an interview with Don Lemon on CNN (March 07, 2007) on THE FINAL CALL website. Here the minister speaks about the use of the "N-Word" amongst black people and the term of endearment "dog". Minister Farrakhan is a very well respected figure within Hip Hop and has always supported the merits of Hip Hop culture. He has always disagreed with some of the content when it pertains to violence and sexism in the music. This brief excerpt speaks volumes to those who are willing to take a look inside of themselves...
4/12/2007
SESSIONS @ GUITAR CENTER NYC
On April 26, 2007 from 6-9pm, Guitar Center (W.14th Street, NYC) hosts a hip hop showcase/forum featuring the likes of Buckshot, Chuck D, Large Professor, Rob Swift, and Grand Wizard Theodore among others. Looks like a must attend event and it is free. Be there and you just may run into myself, Alexie F. and Ambush..
4/09/2007
4/02/2007
UPDATE ON TONY YAYO RALLY
From ALLHIPHOP:
Russell Simmons and his Hip Hop Summit Action Network has pulled out of the rally citing that he wants to be a part of a peaceful resolution..
More here
Russell Simmons and his Hip Hop Summit Action Network has pulled out of the rally citing that he wants to be a part of a peaceful resolution..
More here
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