VIDEO: Talib Kweli & Pete Rock at ONE STEP BEYOND

VIMBY - One Step Beyond: Talib Kweli

The American Museum of Natural History in conjunction with Flavorpill presents a monthly (Fridays) music event with live bands, DJs and VJs presenting the hottest music and projecting dynamic visuals at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The next event is not until September but check HERE for more info.

DMX Arrested At Phoenix Mall

DMX is continuing his spiral downwards and it is very distressing to see one of our greatest hip hop icons in this condition. I have a fear that his excessive arrest record will cause the authorities to spring a boatload of jail time on D. Many of the arrests were for both minor and felonious charges. I know his lawyers love him. We only know his public life and whatever personal turmoil he is going through, we pray that he can overcome...

From the AP:

Rapper DMX was arrested at a Phoenix mall Saturday on suspicion that he gave a gave a false name and Social Security number to a hospital to get out of paying for medical expenses. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that when DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, went to Scottsdale's Mayo Clinic in April, he used the name "Troy Jones" and failed to pay a $7,500 bill.
DMX's Scottsdale attorney, Cameron Morgan, declined to comment. Arpaio said his office began investigating the charge following an animal neglect investigation last year at the 37-year-old rapper's north Phoenix home. DMX was arrested in that case on felony drug possession and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after authorities seized 12 pit bull dogs and dug up the remains of three others. The musician/actor has had other recent run-ins with the law, including an arrest at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport earlier this month on outstanding warrants after he failed to appear in court. The week before, he was arrested in Miami on charges of attempting to purchase cocaine and marijuana. "He's back in jail again," Arpaio said. "I don't know why judges keep letting this guy out. Every time he goes in there, he gets out on bond. "I'm hoping this is the one time he's going to pay the penalty for his offense," he added. Arpaio said the bond had not been set in the recent arrest.

Release Party for RUGGED N RAW's New Album TRUTH SERUM

NYC's hardest working man in Hip Hop-RUGGED N RAW, is prepping the release of his new album TRUTH SERUM with a release party at the KNITTING FACTORY on Friday August 8, 2008. RUGGED N RAW is one of the best emcees/producers in this new era of independent Hip Hop. In addition to winning song competitions and emcee battles, he is also a 7-Time Beat Battle Champion and the current IPA Beat Battle Grand Champion and Newark's MTP Grand Champion, proving he is the most versatile unsigned phenomenon out there. I have personally witnessed several battles and showcases at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and the hype is well earned. Rugged N Raw has shared the stage with the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Serius Jones, Immortal Technique, Grandmaster Caz, C Rayz Walz, Eyedea & Abilities, Akir, 5 Ft. of Black Moon, Amanda Diva from MTV2, Poison Pen, Kevin Michael, Eternia, Mr. Lif, Polyrhythm Addicts, Dame Grease, RAMP and Rob Sonic. RNR's album release party will feature artists HASAN SALAAM (one of our featured guests on our upcoming anniversary show release), HOMEBOY SANDMAN, HICOUP and PHASE ONE. There will be a beat showcase by DJ STATIc, I.MPAQ and CAPTIN PLANIT. On the 1's and 2's all night will be DJ Phoenix Rizin.

Obama's Chocolate...Nuts?

Comedian David Feingold (aka Fat Jewish Guy), has launched a website selling chocolate covered and "salty" nuts with Barack Obama's face and name on the label. To be fair, Jesse Jackson opened up the floodgates for comedy after that quip about wanting "to cut Obama's nuts out" earlier this week. David Feingold jumped, and is selling merchandise and has video promos for it. Its kinda funny but I wouldn't be surprised to hear of a cease and desist soon..

MOVIES: Behind The Scenes of The Biggie Biopic NOTORIOUS

I am loving the look of this film and the production should shape up to be one of the most authentic hip hop films to date. Below are links to a trio of videos from the production diary/blog of producer Wayne Barrow (one of B.I.G.'s former managers). Stay tuned to NOTORIOUSBLOG.NET for more updates..

NOTORIOUS Video Diary #1: Cast & Crew Intros

NOTORIOUS Video Diary #2: Brooklyn

NOTORIOUS Video Diary #3: Production Design

THORTAKEOVER Presents VERBAL REVOLUTION @ The Knitting Factory 7/10

Through the voice of the people change will come...

If you are in NYC this Thursday 7/10, come thru the KNITTING FACTORY to witness the wrath of ThorTakeover onstage. Godhead The General along with Cee Knowledge (Doodlebug of Digable Planets), Division X, Magnum O and others are set to rock an explosive show. Visitors to THE ZRO HOUR should be familiar with Godhead The General's verbal dexterity and we showcased Division X on our indie show last year. Doors open at 9pm and for $5 it is the best deal in town to get your fix of the next movement. Check HERE for details..

COMING SOON: THE ZRO HOUR 4th Anniversary Show

EDAYE, MILK DEE & ALEXIE F.- Nuff said

Coming soon to a CD near you- THE ZRO HOUR ANNIVERSARY MIXTAPE! After 4 years of bringing you some of the best in hip hop old and new, we present a special release due end of July early August. This past Monday, The Cutting Room was taken over by THE ZRO HOUR and a roster of some of the illest, next level talent during a huge celebration of independent hip hop. These photos are just a preview of the vibe that night. It was very humbling seeing all the love and mutual respect that night. Many of these artists are now becoming our friends. I thank all for their great performances and staying true to their art. I was also blessed to share it with the closest and most important people- Staff writer Drea, Beth the Superfan, my boys Berto and March and of course my partners in ZRO, ALEXIE F. and DJ AMBUSH. From our family to yours, we are grateful for the support. Drea wrote a great piece on that night and it perfectly sums up the emotion and importance of that night. Stay tuned to the site for information and updates on the release of this project. T-shirts will be available on this site soon and the VIDEO?..Whoo...Take it away DREA-


THE REAL HIP HOP IS OVER HERE!!



ZEPS (l.) and CHESNEY SNOW said the shirt speaks for itself

THE ZRO HOUR just celebrated it’s four year anniversary and it was live and kicking. I was honored to be a witness to the magic that was happening. Most people who know me understands fully about my love for R&B music but most don’t know that I love other genres of music and Hip-Hop actually is high up on list for me. And no, it’s not just the cushy “Love You Better (LL Cool J)” or "Close To You (Father MC)" type of rap. I’m talking about the “Ya mom’s at home praying that you’re coming home but ya NOT. Cause you sittin’ up in a trunk startin’ to ROT (DMX)” or “Guess who’s back in da muthafuckin’ house with a fat dick for your muthafuckin’ mouth (Snoop Dogg...what an intro)”. I picked those two verses out of many just to prove my point of how deep in Hip-Hop I can get. I’m not into Hip-Hop but I do love and respect it to the fullest so I felt right at home that night. What was beautiful for me was to see all different ethnic backgrounds, all different ages, all different styles, and all different walks of life come together with one key thing that puts them all in the same category to make them all one. There's no male or female. There's no young or old. There's no Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, etc. Only the genuine love and respect of the music they do.




Jeff the engineer lovin' the chocolates-


I'm going to be honest. I had no expectations or preconceived ideas about any of the artists but I am overly critical when it comes to music so if you want to grab my attention, you have to be original and let's face it, talented. When I tell you I was blown away.... I was blown so far away, I became a teenager again listening to Rap Music (that's what it was called back then). The artist back then did it for the paper or dead presidents (term for money) but it was mostly a way to express themselves. It was pure and true and you will get that all of that when you listen to THE ZRO HOUR's Anniversary show.


DASHAH & KID NOVICE- power x power


HASAN SALAAM, ETERNIA & RANDY MASON

The infamous Milk Dee took some time out of his busy schedule to interview with Edaye and Alexie F. When he first walked in, I felt like breaking out the lunchroom table and start hitting the beat to "Top Billin" but of course I didn't. I feel like he added a special touch to the celebration and also what a way to start off the night. The Zro Hour is all about real Hip-Hop and the only way to bring the new is to celebrate the classic so thank you Milk Dee for stopping by. Also in the house (check me out trying to be all hip and cool LOL) to share in this celebration were Nucomme a neo soul singer (who was the first guest ever to be presented on The Zro Hour), Pri The Honey Dark & Big Tara (The Anomolies Crew), The Misnomers (Knewdle and Sos), Chesney Snow (human beat box), Eternia, Randy Mason, Hassan Salaam, Mike Swift, Zeps, J-Hon, Eturnal, Dashah, Kid Novice, and Monster. Lin Que and Aarophat weren't able to physically to join in the celebration but took time out to call in and show a lot of love for The Zro Hour.


AMBUUUSSSHHH!


AN UNFORGETTABLE CIPHER

Everyone was nice and gracious but when it came time to spit, all bets were off. They went in and just ripped the mic to shreds. Each of the artist came in there and was like, "Look, you are going to not only hear what I have to say but you will feel it as well" with their talent. What a beautiful thing it was to be there up front and center of a royal rap jam session. They each grabbed my attention so hard that I was disappointed when it was time for them to stop. It was like going to a concert and just as the artist have you all hyped up, they leave, someone turns the house lights on, and it's time to go home.
On a personal note, I happened to be a witness to a spark that slowly turned into a flame that is now becoming a roaring fire. I've always been around people who have big dreams but don't follow through or never take the time to make their dream a reality. This is proof that if you can dream it, you can be it. Anything that makes you emotional, that makes you think, makes you work hard for is worth having. I saw the results of that in all of the artist who helped to make The Zro Hour what is today. I especially saw that in the creators and mastermind as well. Being a fan from day one and now to be a part of something that I was satisfied with just supporting and believing in is so humbling. So to EDAYE, ALEXIE F., and DJ AMBUSH, congratulations on four wonderful years of bringing the true Hip-Hop back into the light. May you continue on this journey in a positive manner. Trust and know that ya girl Drea always have your back (it's been way to long fo rme to stop now) and still wearing my cheerleader's outfit and shaking my pom-poms to cheer you guys on. This dream is something I have believed in and to watch it become a reality is such a beautiful thing.


***And thank you so much Drea for your friendship, support and talent (you wrote the @^%@# out of that...Thank you for all the photos courtesy of Beth The Superfan, Eternia, Drea, and Dashah. More to come...

VIDEO: Parody Of Classic Hip Hop Films-BARACKIN'

Thanks to DAVEY D for the heads up on this one. This video is a parody of a couple of classic hip hop films- "Breakin'" and "Krush Groove" starring everyone's favorite Democratic nominee, Barack "B-Rock" Obama. Not really ...BUT you have to see some of the illest b-boy moves by "Condoleeza Nice", "McPain" and "Illary". Very funny, crazy-ass video with real hip hop. Check out KeithFromUpTheBlock.com and give this brother PROPS!

Jacob The Jeweler Gets 30 months In US Prison

From The Associated Press:

he New York businessman known in the hip-hop world as "Jacob the Jeweler" was sentenced Tuesday to 2 1/2 years in federal prison for lying to investigators looking into a multistate drug ring. Jacob Arabov, 43, pleaded guilty in October to falsifying records and giving false statements as part of a deal with federal prosecutors, who asked U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn to impose a minimum sentence of three years and one month. But Cohn decided to shave off seven months from that recommendation, citing Arabov's extensive charity work. Cohn also ordered the Russian immigrant to pay a $50,000 fine and to make a $2 million forfeiture payment to the government.

Arabov was arrested in 2006 at his Manhattan jewelry shop. Authorities accused him and others of conspiring to launder about $270 million in drug profits. Prosecutors dropped the money laundering charges in the plea deal. Authorities accused Arabov and others of conspiring to launder drug profits for the "Black Mafia Family," a ring that operated out of the Detroit area beginning in the early 1990s. The seven-year investigation resulted in the indictments of Arabov and at least 41 other people, federal authorities say. They say about 1,100 pounds of cocaine and $19 million in cash and other assets were seized beginning in 2000. Arabov, also known as the "King of Bling," became popular among hip-hop and R&B artists in the mid-1990s. Arabov will report to prison Jan. 15.

VIDEO: Shaq Fu Returns To The Mic, Smashes Kobe In A Freestyle

"Kobe- Tell me how my ass taste?!" No Homo..LOL!

ALMOST SEPTEMBER Featuring MC LYTE Drops New EP and Video Blog

MC Lyte's new group ALMOST SEPTEMBER, featuring Jared Lee and Whitey White has finally dropped their self-titled six track EP. We featured the group previously and after hearing the first single "Beautiful" I couldn't wait to hear more. Its a great return to form for MC Lyte. Independents stand up! Cop it at iTunes and hit their myspace up for more info. Almost September has also dropped a video blog which you can check out below:

Celebrate Brooklyn & Lyricist Lounge present CROOKLYN DODGERS REUNION June 28th

WOW. This summer is shaping up to be an incredible music filled season with a return to Hip Hop's glory. Here in NYC, there are a number of concerts and free events that will keep my neck snappin' for weeks. I reported earlier that there will be a 25th anniversary concert celebrating Video Music Box in Central Park (July 18), the 4th annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival headlined by KRS One & DJ Premier (July 12), MC Lyte's free concert in Brooklyn's Prospect Park (July 13th) and now the Reunion Of The Crooklyn Dodgers! The Crooklyn Dodgers were an all star lineup of Brooklyn's top emcees produced by legendary producer DJ Premier. The group came together for 2 classic singles inspired by Spike Lee's 1994 film "Crooklyn". "Crooklyn" was Spike's love letter to his youth and experiences growing up in Brooklyn in the 70's. The Crooklyn Dodgers expressed this same love for Brooklyn over 2 of the hardest beats Premo ever created. On Saturday, June 28th, come out to Prospect Park to witness Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Masta Ace, Jeru the Damaja, O.C., Buckshot, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and DJ Premier together on one stage. I am in the house for sure and will be on hand to capture this great moment. Check for more info HERE

DA KREEK Drops New CD STILL ILL This Friday June 20th

Our peeps DTown and Mello Dee drop their anticipated CD, STILL ILL Vol. 1, this Friday June 20th. I can't wait to check it and if you heard the joints the we played previously, GAME POINT and LEAVE ME ALONE feat. Aarophat, you know they are coming with the ill beats, rhymes and concepts. Cop the CD HERE

VIDEO: Stevie Wonder Sings “THAT GIRL” LIVE @ WONDER-FULL

Sorry Bobbito and DJ Spinna. I forgot to post this event last week..

I got the heads up from Bobitto Garcia about this video from the 10th anniversary of WONDER-FULL, a tribute to the genius of Stevie Wonder held at NYC Manhattan Center Ballroom on 6/14. Stevie surprised the crowed and perfromed an acapella version of his beloved classic, "That Girl":

MOVIES: Chinese hip Hop Documentary FOLLOW YOUR HEART

This year we are being treated to an incredible rebirth of the love for hip hop culture. I say this because the atmosphere is ripe for creativity and a return to the tenets of hip hop. Even more remarkable is how hip hop is thriving within other cultures. Struggle is a common language and hip hop is born from it. This year's PLANET B-BOY was a remarkable documentary (REVIEWED a couple of months ago) that offered a peek inside the lives of international B-Boy crews. The crews from Japan and South Korea were heavily featured. It was great seeing how their society receives hip hop and the frustration of their families. Many common struggles and a few cultural ones but the parental concern is universal. Thanks to a heads up by TWITCHFILM, another documentary is making the rounds of the festivals.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART: CHINA'S NEW YOUTH MOVEMENT takes you inside the hip hop culture in China. All elements are represented from the looks of the trailer and clips on the website. Just more proof that Hip Hop is universal. I can't wait for this to come to to NYC..I'll keep ya posted.