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..
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, 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
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.
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.
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..
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..
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...
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
My boy HeRBaN LyRiX dropped a series a great profiles giving shine to some of the best and groundbreaking females in hip hop- RAH DIGGA, B.W.P. (Bytches Wit Problems), and YO-YO. Each piece contains a great overview of the artist's work, impact and links to some gems. The Rah Digga piece is especially thorough as LyRIX drops several classic videos of her best features. LyRIX truly came through with the B.W.P. A lot of heads barely remember this female version of N.W.A. and predecessor to H.W.A. "Two Minute Brother" was the most popular single and was a statement of sexual empowerment. Much of B.W.P.'s album was so shocking to me at the time that I stopped playing it and threw it away. The sting is likely diminished due to the explicit nature of the world nowadays. Damn I miss Yo-Yo...
THE ZRO HOUR returns with a great show featuring one of Toronto, Canada's finest emcees- ETERNIA. We profiled Eternia in a recent post, SECRET WEAPON, in early March. This weekend she is hosting the Trinity College Hip Hop Music Festival in Hartford, Connecticut. Eternia was very laid back and gave us some insight into her career and her passion for the music. Here is a preview of the interview-
The show is laced with new music from AKROBATIK, TALIB KWELI, CL SMOOTH feat. SKYZOO, THE SMILE RAYS, AAROPHAT, VAST AIRE & VORDUL MEGA (Cannibal OX) and KRS ONE. We take it back to hip hop's golden era with music by YZ and HEATHER B feat. M.O.P. Speaking of KRS One, during our interview Eternia speaks on a recent concert that she was scheduled to perform at in her hometown. She was opening for KRS and things did not quite go as planned. Check the show for more on this and Eternia's DOOR KNOCKERS blog post about the situation, "The Demystification of our Heroes". Enjoy the show..
MY KINDA NI@@A- Heather B feat. M.O.P. PUT YA STAMP ON IT- Akrobatik feat. Talib Kweli THE TEACHA RETURNS- KRS One PERFECT TIMING- CL Smooth feat. Skyzoo CHICKEN- The Smile Rays EVIDENCE- Eternia MANY MANY- Eternia INTERVIEW w/ETERNIA THE MEGA- Eternia HOSTILE GOSPEL (RMX)- Talib Kweli feat Joell Ortiz, Blu & Nina Sky (SO FAR) THE GHETTO's BEEN GOOD TO ME- YZ U C. US- Aarophat MECCA AND THE OX- Vast Aire feat Vordul Mega (produced by Pete Rock)
The family of R&B singer Sean Levert wants the FBI to look into his death after a jail medical emergency. His cousin, Michael Gibson, said Levert never had any outburst such as the type described by Kevin McDonough, warden at the Cuyahoga County jail.
The 39-year-old Levert died Sunday night at a hospital after he was taken from the county jail where he was serving a one year and 10 months sentence for failure to pay $89,025 in child support.
McDonough said Levert was pounding on his cell door so guards strapped him in a restraint chair; Levert's breathing became shallow and he was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where he died less than an hour later.
An autopsy did not determine the cause of death. Toxicology tests are expected to take weeks.
FBI spokesman Scott Wilson says agents would meet with Levert's family.
My first article on The Zro Hour was about the great Teddy Riley. I decided that from time to time I will feature an artist or group who has not only impacted me but the music world. This time I'm going to speak about Levert. I can remember being at one of many of my aunt's house parties hearing "Pop Pop Pop Goes My Mind" and that being the first time I heard anything about Levert. She had the 12" single record and played it over and over again. The more I heard it, the more I wanted to hear it. Next thing you know, Levert had everyone bopping to "Casanova". We all knew then that Levert was going to be one of those groups that would become a household name.
I'm not going to go through the history of Levert because most of you all know it. I'm going to take this time and celebrate an era of great music by an even greater group. What I appreciated (and still do) about what Gerald, Sean, and Marc did in the late 80's and early 90's is how they were able to create music that reached out to all age groups. The music was real, it was raw, and it was oh so soulful. They sang about real emotions and things that we go through everyday in our relationships. What made them stand out even more was the fact they themselves was real. They weren't polished or made to be something they weren't. Their style made them appear more approachable than others. They also proved that you didn't need to be a certain height, a certain size, or have a certain look about you in order to be sexy. They not only "sang" but danced and stole so many female hearts (and collected many panties & bras) it aint even funny. Everyone has their favorite in a group and in this case, Marc was mine (something about the mystery behind those shades) but I have to say that when I saw Gerald in concert, I was able to keep my cool until he sang "Baby I'm Ready". It took me back to when I first heard that song and other great songs he sang with his group. That is just one of many... many songs I love by Levert.
I recently received information that a new Levert album/cd was in the works for this year titled, "Dedication" and they added Dwight Thompson who was a member of a group Gerald helped put on the scene, Rude Boys. It is too early to say what will happen now, but I will stay tuned to see. With the passing of both Levert brothers, I want to extend my heart and prayers out to their family and friends. Levert music has touched me deeply and the only thing I can do is keep their music alive. My dedication and personal way of honoring them is to continue to play their music and sing it loud and proud. I ask that all of you do the same. Dust off those records, go through your cd collection, look through your iPods (I sho nuff got them in mine) and listen to your favorite songs by them. I also have another tribute to them that is a memory I hold near and dear(thank your lucky stars that you don't have to actually hear me do the reenactment).... Think back to the movie "New Jack City" and the scene when the CMB (Cash Money Brothers) started to take over the projects. TROOP started out singing "For The Love Of Money" and Levert finished the song in their own way while standing in the snow being warmed by a fire in a steel drum. In closing, though both were taken away from us way too soon, I hope that there will be some peace in knowing that they are together in Heaven making glorious music together!
pictured from left to right, clockwise: ALEXIE F., J-HON, ETURNAL, EDAYE, ZEPS, MIKE SWIFT, MGEEZ & F-DUB
THE ZRO HOUR is back on that sh--! We return with a new show featuring the BKNY based collective POINT DOT PERIOD. We got familiar with Point Dot Period after seeing them perform at Southpaw in Brooklyn opening up for Bekay and recently at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. I connected with ETURNAL and asked if he could bring the crew through and he said, "You want the whole crew?". He later explained that Point Dot rolls more than 40 deep. I suggested he roll with some of the crew that we saw at Nuyorican and they lit the studio with tremendous energy. Eturnal rolled through with the inimitable Heez Hefner, J-HON, emcee/producer ZEPS, F-DUB, MGEEZ and underground veteran MIKE SWIFT! This multicultural collective grew up together before they started making music together and the unity shows. Of course we got that preview of the freestyle session...
I dropped classics by DAS EFX and HEATHER B and laced the show with new music form KRS ONE, IAMISEE, WILDCHILD, AKROBATIK, STYLES P., and TERMANOLOGY. Whatchu waiting for?? Download this now!
IF ONLY- Das Efx BE PREPARED- Akrobatik feat. Little Brother STAR OF THE STATE- Styles P. feat. Ghostface CHAOS- Iamisee feat. DJ Demon THREEWAY- J-Hon DEDICATION- Eturnal I LOVE NY- Zeps INTERVIEW W/POINT DOT PERIOD LIKE IT OR NOT- Eturnal feat. Dama Nilz BODY IN THE KITCHEN- J-Hon feat MGeez ALL GLOCKS DOWN- Heather B I GOT YOU- Krs One THE MUSIC INDUSTRY (Rmx)- Termanology feat. Consequence, Akrobatik, Royce 5'9" and Crooked I DAY N THE FUNK- Wildchild feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow
This week's spotlight artist is the dope Philly representative, emcee and producer- IAMISEE. IAM's commanding flow coupled with skillful, soul driven production puts the "Now School" on notice. Check my earlier review of his live show at NYC's Knitting Factory HERE. Hit him up and let him know what you think..
The NY TIMES has a good overview of the trial and conviction of former Terror Squad member and Bronx "femcee" Remy Ma. I heard the news several days ago but I put off posting about it. When the story came out about the shooting, I had hoped the incident derived from a "self defense" scenario. But when I heard that it occurred over an argument about $3,000 being missing from Remy Ma's purse, I immediately thought to myself, "For $3,000?" People catch bullets for much less, that is true but Remy rocks diamonds that cost way more than that. Factor in the close relationship to the victim (used to be a friend and babysitter for Remy's son) and I still scratched my head. If there was no gun accessible, Remy would have probably slapped her up or something. In Remy's defense, she said that the gun went off accidently during a struggle. The jury didn't buy it. She now faces the end of her recording career and may miss much of her son's childhood.
Was it worth it?
We have to keep our anger in check. $3,000 is a lot of money to the average person. For someone who rocks jewelry that represents a down payment on a house and rhymes about (and lives to a degree) the ballin' lifestyle, $3,000 is nothing, Money comes and goes. When someone violates or you suspect them of violating your property, they get handled accordingly. But many things are not worth a bullet. This period in our lives is so full of that "I'll shoot you" mentality. In the streets, you can't take any of this lightly. It seems like an overly simple solution. Too easy. No matter how cathartic the idea of shooting someone is, it carries the weight of destruction in the lives of the shooter also. Its rare that you can get away with that type of crime nowadays with the most accurate forensic science available to law enforcement. If only Remy used her head that night...
There is no joy in seeing another young, black woman or man being added to the ranks of the incarcerated. I just hope that this tragedy will help give pause to the next person and deter them from making a potentially regretful decision.
"Sean Levert, a third of the 1980s R&B trio LeVert and son of lead O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has died after falling ill while serving a jail term. He was 39. Authorities said Monday that an autopsy was inconclusive but foul play was ruled out.
Levert was sentenced last week to one year and 10 months in jail for failing to pay $89,025 in child support. He died at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland late Sunday, less than an hour after he was taken there from the jail, said coroner Frank Miller.
Levert was sentenced by Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo, who said a presentence report indicated he had been addicted to marijuana from the time he was 14 until recently. He didn't speak at his sentencing and gave no indication of any health problems, the judge said Monday.
His brother Gerald Levert, who had success as a solo artist after leaving their trio died in 2006 at age 40 of an accidental mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
The brothers had formed LeVert in the 1980s with childhood friend Marc Gordon. Their hits included "Baby I'm Ready," "(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind" and "Casanova."
"Casanova" was nominated for a Grammy in 1988 for best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal. It was also nominated for best R&B song."
Sean and original Levert member, Marc Gordon, were preparing to release a new CD with Dwight Thompson (formerly of the 80's group RUDE BOYS) as the new member of Levert.
Our hearts go out to Eddie Levert and family. LEVERT, the group, will always remain as one of the most influential R&B groups from the 80's to early 90's. It is devastating to realize that these young men barely lived to see 40 years old. Death can come at anytime but we still question the universe when our talented youth are taken.
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