Random Videos...

Yo Vjay you may want to peep this....

The Roots in Toronto



Lupe performing @ MTV Spring Break




Snoop Dogg ft. Mister FAB & Too Short "Life Of Da Party"...I wasn't aware that they had a video for this. It's a little over a week old, but so what.



Preview for Infinite Undiscovery, a new video game coming out on 360

Random News...

Bush wants free trade with Colombia...NOW (via Reuters)

Newspaper ad revenue not cutting it...(via NY Times)

Scion supports Ghostface (viaHip Hop Press Releases)

The Dark Knight viral marketing campaign does not cease to amaze me....(via First Showing)...I really have to hand it to First Showing for tracking this stuff down and staying consistent with all of the marketing for TDK. If y'all get a chance check out TheHaHaHaTimes.com

Venezuela continues to fight the war on drugs (via BBC)...they're pretty serious...

RIP Sean Levert...(via LA Times)

Dell closing one of its plants...(via Wall Street Journal)

Dante to play Chuck Berry (via WoooHah)

RIP Dith Pran...(via NY Times)

Controversy over the Jay Electronica performance during Dante's show the other night...(Okayplayer Boards)

Estelle-"Shine" (produced by Swizzy)

Via U Heard That New

My Thoughts On The Kansas v. Davidson Game

(photo via ESPN)

So I just finished watching the Kansas Jayhawks beat the Davidson Wildcats, 59-57. It was one of those edge-of-your-seat games with turnovers left and right. I never really supported any of these teams (Kansas I did to some degree a few years ago), so I was really just watching it for the excitement of a good ball game. On one side I wanted Davidson to win being as how they were the underdogs, but I was also considering Kansas because their win would make it the first time in NCAA history that the Final Four was comprised of all Number 1 teams. So with tonight's win history has been made.

Hopefully, I'll have some videos up in few hours.

NY Times Article on Black Artists

There's an interesting article on Black artists in this Sunday's NY Times:

"Recently a new kind of Mythic Being arrived on the scene, the very opposite of the one Ms. Piper introduced some 30 years ago. He doesn’t mutter; he wears business suits; he smiles. He is by descent half black African, half white American. His name is Barack Obama.

On the rancorous subject of the country’s racial history he isn’t antagonistic; he speaks of reconciliation, of laying down arms, of moving on, of closure. He is presenting himself as a 21st-century postracial leader, with a vision of a color-blind, or color-embracing, world to come.

Campaigning politicians talk solutions; artists talk problems. Politics deals in goals and initiatives; art, or at least interesting art, in a language of doubt and nuance. This has always been true when the subject is race. And when it is, art is often ahead of the political news curve, and heading in a contrary direction.

In a recent solo debut at Nicole Klagsbrun Gallery in Chelsea a young artist named Rashid Johnson created a fictional secret society of African-American intellectuals, a cross between Mensa and the Masons. At first uplift seemed to be the theme. The installation was framed by a sculpture resembling giant cross hairs. Or was it a microscope lens, or a telescope’s? The interpretive choice was yours. So was the decision to stay or run. Here was art beyond old hot-button statements, steering clear of easy condemnations and endorsements. But are artists like Mr. Johnson making “black” art? Political art? Identity art? There are no answers, or at least no unambiguous ones."

You can go ahead and read the rest of the article over @ NYTimes.com (while it's still up. Just felt like spreading the word on this lazy Sunday afternoon (which reminds me, March Madness is on).

Gears of War: The Movie

For all my video game heads. Via First Showing:

"As was originally announced, the script was written by Stuart Beattie, who has penned screenplays for everything from the first Pirates of the Caribbean to Collateral to 30 Days of Night to the upcoming G.I. Joe movie. Also confirmed is that Cliff Bleszinski, aka CliffyB, the lead game designer for Gears of War and Epic Games, worked with Beattie on the original 21-page treatment. It's very likely that CliffyB, who is essentially the father of Gears of War, will be working closely with the production team throughout the entire process - which is a very good thing.

Gears of War is an incredibly popular Xbox 360 video game that has sold more than 3 million copies since its launch in November of 2006. The story focuses on a small group of ragtag soldiers being lead by Marcus Fenix who are fighting for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet."

Jay-Z + Mary J. Blige Performance Review

NY Times had this nice, little review of the Long Island leg of the Heart Of The City tour:

"Jay-Z’s set was a high achiever’s victory celebration. At one point Jay-Z moved alongside his disc jockey to spin his old tracks. Audience members immediately started rapping along, expecting him to step in, but he stopped each one short — more than a dozen — as a hitmaker with material to burn. He also did a string of songs based on his own nicknames: Jigga and Hova.

Jay-Z presented his inner-city credentials with photographs of the Marcy Houses project in Brooklyn, where he grew up, as he rapped his reminiscences in “No Hook,” and the rapper Memphis Bleek joined him on “U Know,” about the cocaine trade. But the present — wealth, fame, a few regrets about women but not enough to stop the party — was more on his mind.

For “Public Service Announcement” the video screen showed assorted presidents, and Jay-Z encouraged the crowd to curse George W. Bush. Then he rapped unaccompanied about his sympathy for soldiers at war and endorsed Barack Obama, taking care to say that Mr. Obama was not sponsoring or endorsing him."

Click the quote to read more.

Janelle Monae @ Blender Theatre April 3, 2008

So I was perusing the Wondaland Arts Society blog and came across this little tidbit:

"Yes ya'll, we are headed back to the Big Apple! JM will be performing LIVE at the Blender Theater this Thursday 4/3.

You can purchase tickets NOW at the Irving Plaza Box Office located at 17 Irving Place on the corner of E. 15th St. I strongly suggest you pick up those tickets now as we only have 100 TICKETS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC! Buy 10 and sell 9 for $100 each at the door...lol...this is a HOT ticket. You can also purchase tickets at the venue on the day of...GET THERE EARLY!

Doors open at 7pm and tickets are $1o.

See you there!"

Sorry for jacking the entire post, but I wanted all the details to be in there. Go check W.A.S. blog if you get a chance. I really want to check this show out, but that's a pretty limited number of tickets. What do y'all think? Go for it? Is anyone else down?

Almost 3 Years And Counting: More Hurricane Katrina-Related Woes

I found this on AM NY:

NEW ORLEANS - Imagine that your home was reduced to mold-covered wood framing by Hurricane Katrina. Desperate for money to rebuild, you engage in a frustrating bureaucratic process, and after months of living in a government provided-trailer that gives off formaldehyde fumes you finally win a federal grant.

Then a collector announces that you have to pay back thousands of dollars.

Thousands of Katrina victims may be in the same boat.

A private contractor under investigation for the compensation it received to run the Road Home grant program for Katrina victims says that in the rush to deliver aid to homeowners in need some people got too much. Now it wants to hire a separate company to collect millions in grant overpayments.

The contractor, ICF International of Fairfax, Va., revealed the extent of the overpayments when it issued a March 11 request for bids from companies willing to handle "approximately 1,000 to 5,000 cases that will necessitate collection effort."

That's pretty messed up. The folks over in the N.O. have already been through enough. Putting them through this is extra stress.

Grand Theft Auto IV: Escape From Stereotype Island

Aright I'm joking about the title, but that's really what GTA is in its bare essence. It's taking the most negative or extreme ethnic images and allowing you to go awry in an urban environment from the comfort of your living (or dorm ) room. Here's the trailer for GTA IV. I found it on Myspace TV (via IGN):

IGN.com - Grand Theft Auto IV Final Trailer

I guess on the cool side the sound track has a song featuring Mavado ("Gaaangsta for life..."). What do y'all think?

More Dark Knight Hype

Found these 2 articles today. One was from the LA Times in regards to Heath Ledger's performance (R.I.P):

"Ledger's performance floored two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine, who reprises his role as Bruce Wayne's butler, Alfred. Caine's first glimpse of the character came when Ledger emerged onto the set from an elevator; in an interview last September, four months before Ledger's death, Caine said he was so startled that he forgot his lines.

"He came out of the bloody lift like a whirlwind," Caine recalled. "They said, `It's your line, Michael.' I said, `What is it?' Extraordinary. It will be one of the characters of next year, the Joker as played by him."

Warner Bros. executives, who declined to comment for this article, have moved ahead with "The Dark Knight" and its marketing as planned. To do anything differently would have disrespected Ledger's memory, the filmmakers said."

The other is from First Showing bigging up all of the viral marketing taken place:

"I will admit that I am not a marketing professional nor do I consider myself to be the utmost authority on marketing, however that doesn't mean I still can't have an educated opinion. After observing this campaign for 8 months, both from the sidelines and in the thick of it, I've come to believe that it is both brilliant and effective. With the Joker focus all last year and the new Harvey Dent focus this year, there's a lot going for it. Let's take a look at the reasons why this viral campaign is brilliant.

It is allowing fans to become even more passionate and it's empowering them - pretty much as actual citizens of an entire working fake city. There are real websites for everything from the cab company to churches to TV stations to the subway in Gotham City. There's even a working newspaper that prints four pages of fake stories. It is essentially an "alternate reality game", but I still prefer the term viral marketing. It gives the fans something to embrace and love and even boast to their friends about. The entire idea of movies and video games is to be taken into a reality that isn't like our own. Here the viral marketing embraces the new medium of the internet and cultivates that idea further. It allows those fans to believe in a real Gotham City, right down to electing city officials."

Dag, 4 more months? I'm sure most of you are getting tired of me constantly talking about it. To be honest, I wasn't even thinking about the movie too heavily until the trailer came out. The trailer itself was so well done to me that it reinvigorated my interest in Batman in a totally new dimension. I was a surface Batman fan, but in the last few months I've been getting deeper and deeper into the comics.

Secret Invasion 4.02.08 + Jabbawockeez

For whatever reason when I was going through my reader and I clicked on a link at Miss Info's blog to watch the Jabbawockeez (you know I had to support), it brought me to this:

SECRET INVASION Animated Webisode!

And being a comic book head I couldn't resist the temptation of posting it. It's called Secret Invasion, and it's a Marvel comic storyline coming out in a few days.

Oh and here are the Jabbawockeez...an Asian dance crew.

Jabbawockeez Finale

(raises clenched right fist in the air...eerily resembling my profile pic)

New Penalty Hearing For Mumia Abu-Jamal

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court on Thursday said former Black Panther Mumia Abu-Jamal cannot be executed for murdering a Philadelphia police officer without a new penalty hearing.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Abu-Jamal's conviction should stand, but that he should get a new sentencing hearing because of flawed jury instructions. If prosecutors don't want to give him a new death penalty hearing, Abu-Jamal would be sentenced automatically to life in prison.

Abu-Jamal, 53, once a radio reporter, has attracted a legion of artists and activists to his cause in a quarter-century on death row. A Philadelphia jury convicted him in 1982 of killing Officer Daniel Faulkner, 25, after the patrolman pulled over Abu-Jamal's brother in an overnight traffic stop.

Read more over @ The AP

I got wind of this over @ Highbrid Nation and figure I share this with y'all. The Mumia Abu-Jamal case has been a storied case and has been very polarizing. In short, Abu-Jamal was sentenced to the death penalty for killing Philadelphia police officer, even though he was injured during the altercation. There is a lot more to the case, but it's too much for one blog entry. Check out the links and feel free to drop a comment.

New AZ ft. Jay Rush "What Would You Do"

Via Che Sing The Cool

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this is probably off of his upcoming Undeniable album. I was kind of feeling it. I mean artists can't put out the same type of music forever ( e.g. [insert name of your favorite artist here]). AZ's earlier work was some of the most underrated material.

Iraqi Pipeline Blown Up

"The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information, said the effect of Thursday's 10 a.m. blast could have an impact on Iraq's oil exports but the extent was uncertain.

It was the second pipeline bombing this week. On Tuesday night, a bomb damaged a domestic oil pipeline that links the Noor oil field in the southern Maysan province to the refinery in Basra, officials said. It was expected to take several days to repair the damage.

Iraq's oil exports have recently witnessed upbeat levels since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. An average of 1.54 million barrels were sent each day through Basra in February, according to the Oil Ministry.

Basra, 340 miles southeast of Baghdad, is Iraq's second-largest city and accounts for most of Iraq's oil exports.

Iraq's average production for February was 2.4 million barrels per day. Exports averaged 1.93 million barrels per day during that month."

Via USA Today

Crazy stuff.

Tibetan Protesters Beaten By Cops!

By now I'm sure many of you have at least heard of the tragedy going on over in Tibet. Well, some of that tragedy has trickled its way into the states. During a protest in front of the UN, some Tibetan protesters were assaulted by the NYPD. Professor P was actually the guy who put me onto this video. You can watch the video below. I must warn you some of this content maybe too extreme for some audiences. The actual website that it came from had a disclaimer. Consider yourselves warned:

Via Live Leak

Thoughts? Opinions? Y'all already know how I feel...

Gotham Times: Part 2 of The Dark Knight Viral Marketing Campaign

A few days ago I had a post in regards to the viral marketing campaign being waged as means of promoting the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight (the movie that I keep talking about over, and over, and over,and...you get the idea). After taking a look@ First Showing, I found out that the next phase of the campaign is online in the form of...The Gotham Times.



Sorry I had to jack the one from First Showing. I'm gonna try & snag another pic later. Anyhow if you peep the First Showing article, they mention that there are a few sites created by the good folks over @ Warner Brothers related to the movie (including sites for politicians running against Harvey Dent/Two-Face). This is eerily reminiscent of the Cloverfield viral marketing campaign. However, this type of creativity I respect and it boosts the hype even more for me.

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco Sneakers

Found on Sneaker Files by way of Complex

For those that don't get the title to this entry this is a collaboration between Converse Sneakers, Product Red and Lupe Fiasco. Some (or should I say most) people probably aren't feeling these, but I'd actually wear these. I feel if I owned these, I'd wear them with a black tuxedo and red bow tie. Interestingly enough, this would make the 2nd Chicagoan rapper to get a Converse Product Red endorsement. Sadly, according to the post, there is no release date on these. Click on the link for more pics.

Ladies & Gentlemen...Nina B. (The Bosstress)

For those unfamiliar, Nina B. is one of the many indie NYC Hip-Hop acts that has managed to cultivate their reputation on clever lyrics and hard beats. She released "The Bosstress" mixtape last year, and I actually met her at an "up and coming" event at Canal Room. She has pretty creative team on her side and she was even made a video remix of "I Get Money"...

Her new mixtape is coming out on April 1st. Here's the press release via Big Ced:

RAVENEL RECORDS NINA B PREPARES FOR THE RELEASE OF "THE ICON" MIX TAPE!!!!!!

Ravenel Records own Nina B is preparing to release her 6th and highly anticipated mix-tape, "The Icon". Nina B, whose last release, "Nina B: The Bostress" hosted by former Atlantic Records A&R Sicamore, received rave reviews amongst fans and the music industry alike. From her old school style to her lyrical flow, Nina B embodies and echo's the sounds of hip-hop legends like Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, and Salt n Pepa. Combine that with the swagger and dynamics of hip-hop's new era, and what you have is a street certified industry recognized hip-hop icon in the making. "The Icon", hosted by Hot 97's Dee Vazquez will be released April 1st. "The Icon" boasts 12 songs that undeniably merge the sounds of pop music and hip-hop to perfection. Nina pays tribute to Madonna, one of pop music's icons as she lays her versatile, one of a kind flow over some of Madonna's most classic tracks. Nina takes it a step further, displaying her raw talent with a remake of "Material Girl", one of Madonna's most popular and memorable songs. When asked about her new mix-tape and the concept of combining pop and hip-hop, Nina B explains "Madonna has always been at the top of the pop charts and has been looked upon as a musical icon since I can remember. I consider myself to be a female hip-hop icon in the making that will contribute to breaking down barriers for female artist in the music game. Being a female artist signed to Ravenel Records, a female owned independent label (Amber Ravenel) alone is a huge stepping stone to help pave the way. I also thought creatively it would be a wonderful idea to combine such dynamic genres of music as pop and hip-hop. The music world is in for a treat. The Icon is definitely not your average mix-tape!

"The Icon" mix-tape, which drops April 1st, will be available for FREE download at www.remembermeninab.com.



**Click on the link below to check out the trailer for "The Icon" done by super director Scenario.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0Zs1C87Ikw.



** For bookings and additional information, please contact Ravenel Records at ravenelrecords@gmail.com.

So definitely check her out if you get a chance.

NY Times vs. Island/Def Jam

Aright, it's more like NY Times City Room Writer vs. Rocko's Street Team, but I figure that title would pull you in:

"It is unlawful, the city’s administrative code says, for anyone to “attach or affix by any means whatsoever any handbill, poster, notice, sign” on lampposts, traffic signs and sign poles or “other such item or structure in any street.”

I began photographing the poster operation. After about two minutes, one man asked me why I was taking pictures. “Because what you’re doing is illegal,” I replied.

He answered, “Breaking cameras is illegal, too, but if you don’t stop taking pictures, I’ll break your camera.” He modified “camera” with an adjective I am not permitted to repeat here. I identified myself as a reporter from The Times. “I’ll break your camera,” he said, using that adjective again, “and you can print that in your paper.”

I distinctly remember thinking, “No, I can’t.” Then, rather than antagonize him further, I started taking pictures of the poster-covered scaffold pipes across Broadway."

I found this on Brooklyn Bodega (via NY Times)

So...what's my analysis here? Well let's face it, despite it's illegality, seeing stuff posted on lamposts, poles, signs, etc. is nothing new. Its like real-life ad-ware that despite how irritating it gets, we should get used to it. However, I can't blame this writer for his crusade against it, and I'm actually a little surprised as to how the street team responded. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure the guys putting up those posters weren't getting paid. So these guys essentially assaulted a writer for nothing.

A street team has long been considered a "renegade" form of grass roots marketing. However, judging by this writer's account, it seems to have been taken to another level. I rarely see street team people putting up stuff, which makes me assume that it's usually done mostly during the wee hours of the night. It must have been fairly early in the evening for all of this to have transpired.

Btw, has anyone heard any music from Rocko?

Random News...

Shani-O shouts out the Yellow Rebel...(via Shani-O's blog)...thanks Ms. O, I will be responding to your post soon...

Ice Shelf Crumbles in the Artic...(via NY Times)...um, I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing

Indian automobile make to purchase Jaguar...(via BBC)...They gets money!

SHOCKING NEWS: Politicians have used drugs! (via NY Times)...yeah I know, by linking this I'm feeding into the hype. Heck it's for my own bemusement...

Complete South Park is now online...and free (via Kung Fu Rodeo)

And then...there were 16 (via Yahoo!)...I know, I know I should be following March Madness a lot more. I been busy, but I try & stay on top of the brackets. I usually root for Kentucky, but they got eliminated early.

Barack Obama: Bridger of Gaps..(via NY Times)...interesting article. I think what caught me off guard was the title; "Can A Liberal Be A Unifier?" To be honest, I don't really see Obama as a conventional liberal; moderate maybe. I could be wrong.

For my last news bit, I found a blog entry over at Gorgeous Black Women that had some short profiles of some Black female soldiers who have died within the last year or so. I felt it would be appropriate to include this given the recent news that 4000 soldiers have died since the war began. Go check out the blog!

"Fanboys" Drama

I was looking at Hollywood Reporter and came across this article about a movie, Fanboys, that's been in release limbo for a while now. Apparently there are two versions and the Weinstein Company wants to release the version that the crew is against.

What made this story standout to me? Well for one, I am a Star Wars fan and I saw the preview for this movie on the Clerks II DVD. The DVD came out a while ago, and I was wondering why I haven't heard anything about Fanboys.


Two, I found it funny that they are planning a grassroots protest during the opening of Superhero Movie.

Anyhow peep the trailer to Fanboys:

Yellow Rebel Joins the Brooklyn Bodega!!!

Today is a historic day in Yellow Rebel history. Yours truly is now a writer/blogger for the Brooklyn Bodega. My first piece was a review of the new Snoop Dogg album Ego Trippin' (scroll down to check it out). Yeah I know I got the 2nd review, but who cares. I'm glad Brooklyn Bodega gave me a shot. The review was posted on Friday (unbeknownst to me), but I found out recently it was up--so please CHECK IT OUT!!!!

For those that don't know, the Brooklyn Bodega is the organization behind the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival in DUMBO, Brooklyn every summer. Since 2005, they've been holding it down with free outdoor Hip-Hop events and concerts. Last year they had Ghostface Killah as the headline act:

That was my second time seeing Ghostface at a concert (the first time was 2004 Hot 97's Summer Jam), but it was the first time I saw him do his own set. I definitely enjoyed the show and it's an honor to be blogging for the Bodega. Anyhow stayed tuned into Yellow Rebel, and definitely add Brooklyn Bodega to your blog roll.

AIR JORDAN III's COMING IN OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone I just got news from Sneaker Files that the Air Jordan cement 3's will be retroed as part of a double pack in October! That means the III's will be packaged with the XX's (another cool shoe)!

The Cast of G.I. Joe

IGN.com - Meet the Cast of G.I. Joe...


Found this on Myspace TV courtesy of IGN

This is breakdown of the cast of the upcoming G.I. Joe movie. Surprisingly, I didn't get into G.I. Joe was I was younger. I was a bigger TMNT fan. By the time I tried to get into G.I. Joe's I think the storyline was already deeply developed, making it hard for newbies to really break into it. The movie does look interesting though. I like how the video clip ends with "So now you know...and knowing is half the battle."

Gang Life Coming To A Theatre Near You....

So here's an interesting tidbit I found on First Showing. The guy thta brought us Hustle & Flow is set to direct Gang Leader For A Day, an adaption of a real life story about one sociologists venture into Chicago's gang controlled drug-trade. Take a look @ the link. The story looks pretty interesting.

Bun B- II Trill Coming April 29

Courtesy of Big Ced

Many of y'all are probably wondering why I chose to post this. I'm actually a growing UGK fan. I haven't bought any of their albums, but after downloa..I mean previewing some songs from them, I grow more and more interested in purchasing their music day by day. Bun B has one of the smoothest, laidback flows I can think of. I know I'm gonna catch heck for this, but in some ways it almost reminds me of Rakim's flow. Of course, the two are nothing alike lyrically.

I Believe In Harvey Dent For District Attorney!

The Dark Knight viral marketing campaign popped off this past weekend. Yellow Rebel's yellow younger sibling was in Union Square where they were handing out stuff. He managed to score me some pins, bumper stickers and a sticker. For those unfamiliar, Harvey Dent is the character in Batman who runs for district attorney but turns into Two-Face. Aaron Eckhart will be portraying Dent, and according to accounts, Two-Face does appear in The Dark Knight. For more info on the viral marketing campaign check out First Showing. Also peep the I Believe In Harvey Dent website.

NY Times Article on Haiti

NY Times has an interesting article on Papa Doc's legacy on the Western half of Hispanola.

'But Victor Planess, who works at the National Cemetery here, has a soft spot for Mr. Duvalier, the man known as Papa Doc. Standing graveside the other day, Mr. Planess reminisced about what he considered the good old days of Mr. Duvalier and his son, Jean-Claude, who together ruled Haiti from 1957 to 1986.

“I’d rather have Papa Doc here than all those guys,” Mr. Planess said, gesturing toward the presidential palace down the street. “I would have had a better life if they were still around.”'

Click here for the rest.

Super Powers Film Short

Shout out to Vjay for finding this on Myspace TV. It's a pretty funny film short about a couple trying to fix their problems.

3rd Annual Now Film Festival -Wk 22 Finalist - Super Powers

An Honest R&B Song

It's about a week old, but who cares. LOL. I found this on Myspace TV.

"Ooh Girl!" - An Honest R&B Song

Introducing Stone's War, A Nazi Zombie Movie

Yes you read that title correctly. I found this on First Showing. It looks like a pretty interesting movie. It takes place during World War II and after killing some enemy soldiers, they come back to life and attack Captain Stone's fleet. As a zombie movie fan, I think this is a nice spin. Check out the preview.

GET SOME ART IN YOUR LIFE!!!!: Takashi Murakami @ The Brooklyn Museum

The artist who provided the artwork for Kanye's latest album, Takashi Murakami, had an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA close recently. Don C., Kanye's road manager had some pics of the event posted on his blog (I guess they're old):




Since I don't want to completely jack this man's blog, go check out his if you want to see some more pics.

As title of his post implies, the Murakami's exhibit will be coming to Brooklyn. After doing a little research I found out it would be coming to the Brooklyn Museum on April 5th. Peep this excerpt from the press release:

"The exhibition © MURAKAMI explores the self-reflexive nature of Murakami’s oeuvre by focusing on earlier work produced between 1992 and 2000 in which the artist attempts to explore his own reality through an investigation of branding and identity, as well as through self-portraiture created since 2000. Two works examining these subjects were a part of a group show, My Reality: Contemporary Art and the Culture of Japanese Animation, presented at the Brooklyn Museum in 2001.

Among the works included in this large-scale survey tracing the trajectory of Murakami’s artistic development are many of his acclaimed sculpture figures including the 23-foot-high Tongari-kun (2003–4); Miss Ko2 (1997), a long-legged waitress who has become one of the artist’s signature characters; and Hiropon (1997), a Japanese girl jumping a rope created by milk spurting from her gargantuan breasts. Among the paintings on view will be Tan Tan Bo (2001), as well as Tan Tan Bo Puking—a.k.a. Gero Tan (2002).

Tickets for © MURAKAMI are $10 for adults, $8 for older adults and students with valid ID; children under 12 are free. © MURAKAMI tickets include the cost of general admission and are available at the Brooklyn Museum Visitor Center for the day of purchase."

Read the full thing here.

So if you're into funky, animated Japanese artwork, and you're in Brooklyn during those dates, definitely go check it out. Murakami was famous within the art circles before Kanye was famous and it doesn't hurt to expose yourself to something as diverse as this.

YES! CD Quality version of Big Boi ft. Andre 3000 & Raekwon "Royal Flush"

Once again courtesy of Nah Right. I bet Eskay hates me.

But the significance is pretty bold. You're talking about Outkast at it again. Even more interesting is them featuring Raekwon on the track. Like I stated in the earlier blog post, it's like "Skew It on The BBQ" 2008. And just to give you the heads up, Mr. Benjamin once again kills it:


According to Nah Right, this song is off of Big Boi' upcoming solo. Last I heard Andre is working on one as well....

Wu Tang Latino Still In Existence; Yellow Rebel In Awe

So I took a look @ Hip Hop Press Releases and found this:

The Latino counterparts of New York's infamous rap crew, Wu-Tang Clan, Wu-Tang Latino are readying a new album dubbed Wu Latino Presenta La Familia. The compilation, which includes tracks by Wu Latino artists, will be available on all major digital music stores starting April 29th. Lead single "Mama" by Boyz del Barrio (who have sold over 4 million copies worldwide of their past releases) has already hit the internet accompanied by the first of several music videos to come. Wu Latino Presenta La Familia will introduce these artists to new audiences worldwide and will set the stage for future releases from the Wu Latino camp.

Click here to read the rest.


In all seriousness, I thought this was one of those things that would never see the light of day. I heard about Wu Tang Latino like 3 years ago.

Fantastic Four No More?

(via First Showing)

"So is the franchise dying a slow, passive death? Sounds like Fox needs to step in and clear the air. And from the looks of it, it doesn't seem like the cast is interested in proactively seeking out a third go-around. Given the Fantastic Four universe of characters, it's hard to believe Fox can't drum up another film. At least we can look forward to the Silver Surfer spin-off and Galactus."

So no one's sure if there's going to be another Fantastic Four movie. Personally, I wouldn't mind if there was another one, but in all honesty, I'm indifferent. The movie franchise thus far has been cool, but it's nothing that gets me all that excited. Many have criticized it for being too goofy and cheesy, but as a comic book, F4 was always like that. Personally, I'm waiting for The Incredibles sequel (a movie that in itself took inspiration from the F4 comic).

Radio Rip of "Royal Flush" Big Boi ft. Andre 3000 & Raekwon

I Found this via Nah Right...I really hope a CDQ is up soon



Sounds as if they are trying to re-live the same magic created on this song...



I'd say they did a pretty good job (at least judging by the radio rip).

Friday The 13th Remake

Via Hollywood Reporter

"Paramount released the original "Friday" in 1980, introducing horror icon Jason with a brief appearance. The remake will focus on the serial killer, who will wear his now-iconic hockey mask. Padalecki will play the lead, who investigates what happened up at Crystal Lake."

To be frank, I'm really not all that interested in the Friday The 13th series, I just posted this for y'all. It seems like a lot of movies from the 80's are being remade, revamped or revitalized...

Tryna bring the 90's back.....

Sorry for the late post, I was kind of busy today. It was relatively uninteresting when it comes to current events. Some one mentioned to me today this little tidbit of information that I was able to find on the NY Times:

"...a low point of 34,624 officers is projected for the end of June

That is just below the 34,641 officers in June 1993, a time when a program by Mayor David N. Dinkins to pump up the police force was under way. That program, Safe City Safe Streets, instituted in 1991, was Mayor Dinkins’s answer to the rising crime rate and, in conjunction with a federal program to pay for police officers, prompted a steadily swelling force for several years."

So the cop quota is going under and you gotta wonder if that'll leave NYC in the same position that it was in during the early 90s. Folks it bad enough corporations are going under...but now public service jobs? (I should really put the word service in quotations given the public opinion on cops in recent weeks). Anyhow the news gets "better"...

"In New York, the incoming governor, David A. Paterson, a Democrat who takes over Monday for Eliot Spitzer, faces the immediate task of controlling state spending and finding revenues in the face of a projected $4.4 billion budget gap."

Also courtesy of the NY Times. So yeah folks we're looking @ some pretty critical economic times. I think it's safe to say we're in a recession.....

Images from Batman:Gotham Knights

(via Kung Fu Rodeo)

For those who haven't heard, DC is set to release an anime Batman cartoon on DVD about a week or so before The Dark Knight movie. The title is Batman: Gotham Knights and looks pretty interesting, at least from the pics. It sort of reminds of the Animatrix in some ways. The guy who voiced Batman in the Batman: The Animated Series is set to be reprise the role in this. You can find more info in the press release over @ Kung Fu Rodeo.

Will they please stop maing these movies already....

Aright I'll admit, I laughed a little watching this. And I might even give it a little bit more credit because it was produced by the same guy who wrote The Naked Gun. But come on--we get the idea. I really believe that parodies can be an effective tool to illustrate a point, but this is overkill.

Random News...

LA Times writer decides to take the SAT...(via LA Times)..very interesting read...

Justice League gets sonned by Australia...(via Screen Rant)...so yeah you know how I about the Dark Knight movie...I feel the exact opposite about a live action Justice League movie. That's way too many characters on screen at the same time.

Wall Street gets sonned by oil...(via BBC)

Starbucks sonned by economy...(NY Times)

Mike23 (potentially) sonned by Nike...(via Nice Kicks)...this is for all the sneakerheads/hypebeasts/indie streetwear fanatics....

Notorious B.L.O.G....(via Wooohah!)

Marvel Comics "doing them"...(AM NY)...aright that's not an actual quote. Marvel Comics is opening their own film studio, which is actually a cool idea. Hopefully they can put out quality work.

5 Years in Iraq...(NY Times)...I also saw this on the Dr Jay's Blog (of all places). To those reading, please check this out. I think this is an issue that effects all of us in one way or another. 5 years...that's half a decade. This war really is this generation's Vietnam.

Joell Ortiz @ SOB's April 8

You would think that with all of the posts/promotion I do on this blog for events @ SOB's, you'd think I'd been there. Interestingly enough I've never been in there. I was either too young (you have no idea how badly I wanted to go when I was 14 to see Blackstar perform) or too broke (see: Amanda Diva). That said I might check this joint out with Brooklyn emcee Joell Ortiz. My personal favorites by him are "Keep On Callin'" (ft. Akon) and "Ups & Downs." For more info click here.

Christian Bale Interview

Christian Bale speaks with Entertainment Weekly (saw this linked up over @ Slash Film)

EW: So do you think there will be a part 3 of Batman?

Bale:Um, look, let's wait and see...

Lupe Fiasco ft. Nikki Jean "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"

Peeped it over at Nah Right (courtesy of On Smash). This is a good look for Nikki Jean. Beautiful song. Probably one of my favorite off of The Cool.

New J Smooth Video over @ Ill Doctrine

Via Ill Doctrine

For those unfamiliar, J Smooth is a vlogger/radio host that drops online videos commenting on social issues/politics as it pertains to the music industry. Very interesting and very cool, make sure to add this to your blog roll folks.

Florida Senate Wants to Pass Law Against Baggy Jeans; "I'm So Hood" Artists Pissed

Okay I was kidding about the "I'm So Hood" part. But Florida is really trying to do this according to this Reuters article from Friday (sorry for the lateness):

Florida could join several southern U.S. towns and cities that have passed "saggy pants" laws aimed at outlawing what some teenagers consider a fashion statement -- wearing pants half way down their buttocks, exposing flesh or underwear.

This is kind of ridiculous. I mean...tax dollars going in to a legislation to prevent this:




SMH @ both the legislation & Jim Jones. This isn't the only time this issue has come up. Professor P had his own take on the whole issue a few months back....

AZ-Undeniable Video

Via OnSmash

Some may wonder why I chose to post a video by Anthony "AZ" Cruz, but the reality is I'm one of those heads that was put on to AZ after I heard Illmatic. Its good to see dude still kicking it in the independent scene.

Air Jordan I's Military Style

Via Sneaker Files

I need to stop this. I'm a grown man (more like a grown kid if you really know me, but whatever). I'm actually kind of digging these. Folks Air Jordan is releasing the 1's in this Military Walnut/Brown-Green colorway. As noted in a previous post I have this infatuation with the Air Jordan 1's (which is also where my infatuation with the Nike Dunks come from...despite every human being in a metropolitan area now sporting a pair, I still like them). Just look @ that colorway...it's perfect for the aspiring spoken word poet that wants to floss. Anyhow, comment and definitely check out Sneaker Files for more info.

A Blog is A Blog is A Blog....

...To quote Mr. Cuban.

Anyhow, I'm sorry for my lack of updates. I neglected to mention to people that I work now so you may not see as many updates as you did in February (unemployment and a declining balance can make Yellow Rebel a dull boy), but rest assured you will still hear from me. So instead of like 5-6updates in one day (which compared to some blogs is really nothing), expect like 3-4 on weekdays and 2-3 on weekends. Since I started working, I've come to appreciate the weekends more and find myself parlaying more with my OTWB fam (Pro P, Vjay, & Varyus whatup!)


Since I rarely get personal, I guess this'll be my chance to tell you guys what I did this weekend. Professor P, Vjay, Varyus Waise and I (including others but they don't have hip, superhero aliases like we do so I'll have to leave them hanging for now), went to watch (drumroll please)....

...Purple Rain.

Yes, we really had no other plans that night but to go to one of those theaters on the Lower East Side that plays independent films and old school movies, and watch this classic semi-autobiographical comedy by Prince. Of course it wasn't intended to be a comedy, but we couldn't stop laughing. Sure, we could've just bought the joint on DVD and watched it, but half the fun is watching it on big screen and cracking up at the ridiculous dialog:

So yeah, this is what we do. We chill, talk about comics, music, sports, current events, politics, movies, video games, and watch unintentionally funny movies (y'all shoulda been there when we watched Wicker Man..HA!). Anyhow feel free to leave a comment. Right after this your boy will be on his (partial) grind.

Update: I forgot to mention, I wore a Purple Rain t-making the outing extra funnier. Not that I got any props really, but I figure I be "that guy who wears the movie t-shirt to the movie" for once. Tell me what you think...

Captain Planet Saves The Proverbial "Ghetto"

My boy Mo sent me this last night on some randomness. It's an old episode of Captain Planet titled "'Teers in the Hood" (isn't that a nice play on word?...'Teers short for Planeteers). Anyhow it's an episode that seeks to explore the issues of gang and gun violence, Black-on-Black crime, and virtually every problem related to inner city communities of color (except for teen pregnancy) in the mid-90's. To be fair, it comes off as pretty cringe-worthy (at least it did for me), but it attempts to make a statement, and you can't be mad at them for caring. Anyhow, check it out and let me know what you think.

Rza ft. Monk & Thea "Drama"

Courtesy NahRight.com

This was actually added by most of the Hip-Hop blog-o-sphere like yesterday. Sorry for my lateness. My friends and I were out and about enjoying a midnight showing of Purple Rain on the Lower East. Anyhow, by all accounts this is the b-side to the other joint that I posted earlier. Personally, I like the other joint more, but this song is cool. If RZA keeps releasing music like this, Digi Snax might be the album to check for.

LOL @ Tracy Morgans

Tt
Uploaded by RealTalkNYnet

Found this @ Real Talk NY. Pretty funny. Courtesy of Daily Motion

Robocop Returns?

So I get an email update from First Showing that mentions word of a possible new RoboCop movie.

"Continuing the rather awful trend of remaking, rebooting, and rehashing dead franchises (Rocky, Rambo, even Terminator), MGM is considering bringing back RoboCop from the dead… again. Apparently MGM released a press release that AICN caught that mentioned they're entering its "new phase of evolution by focusing on its major movie franchises", one of which included RoboCop. How odd? Is RoboCop really returning?"

According to them it was mentioned in a MGM press release. It wouldn't be such a bad idea per se to bring back that franchise. I was actually put on to it when I was younger through the cartoon series.

I'm pretty sure I watched the first two movies on TV, back when WB used to play movies on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. As for a remake, they just need to get the right writers involved, and not let any creative clashing get in the way.

SMH...Spider-Man 4 Script Underway

I just read this over at Screen Rant:

"OK, so most of us hated and/or were insanely let-down by Spider-Man 3. We know it's a huge question mark as to whether or not Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi show up for Spider-Man 4 while James Vanderbilt (Zodiac) is currently typing away at the script."

*Sigh* I'm a huge Spider-Man fan, but as the quote implies, I was insanely let down by Spider-Man 3. To be fair, Spider-Man 4 could actually be a good movie but because of the third one, people would probably pan it either way. Personally, I feel as if they should wait like ten to twenty years, and revamp it much like the Batman or Superman series. That way we could forget about the dismal end to this trilogy and hope for a brighter future.

Also, if there are any Marvel Studios people reading, would it be possible if we could get more straight to DVD all-CG movies? I saw some stuff on MarvelKids.com (yes I follow that site sometimes), and thought that the Iron Man adventures was great. You know, it'd be nice if we could get a Spider-Man: Reign cartoon/CG movie.

The Last Straw.....

Why?

So I peeped this picture on the Dr Jay's blog and for whatever reason I feel like venting off now. For those unfamiliar the woman in that photo is Kim Kardashian--the same woman who became famous for making a homemade adult film with Brandy's kid brother and currently dating Reggie Bush. Anyhow, this blog isn't about her, it's about that bold "statement" on that t-shirt. For the past few months, Professor P and I have observed the Hip-Hop community endorse Senator Barack Obama's bid for leader of this nation. I'd like to think I was giving it the benefit of the doubt up until this pic. I was writing down some thoughts on the whole "Hip Hop for Obama '08" issue earlier today, after watching Professor P go at it with Deen over @ Amanda Diva's blog (props to both gentlemen for keeping things peace) because Green Lantern is apparently planning a mixtape in support of him.

I'm sure everything I'm writing has been said before. Let's not get it twisted; as of right now I do support Obama. I will admit my interest in him first came when Lonnie mentioned him on the "Why" Remix, but if I'm following his politics than I'd like to keep Common out of it. Let's be realistic--it's nice that Obama bumps Outkast but at the end of the day Obama will be remembered in the same professional context as Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell, albeit in a much more positive light (at least for now). If he can fix the economy, fix the environment, and the war and restore foreign relations, than I'd say he stood the test that he had too. Of course achieving any of those things is a lot (to quote Dead Prez) bigger than Hip-Hop.

I also feel as if Obama is also being positioned by the gatekeepers in Hip-Hop as the ideal candidate due to his ethnic background. Not that there's anything wrong with identifying with someone due to their ethnicity, but it's almost as if they've written off Clinton and Edwards off the strength of them NOT being Black. I mean, heck, John Edwards could've been the real Hip-Hop candidate for all we know, but we'll never find out now. As Professor P put it, "He sounded like a good candidate but, because he didn't have that rockstar quality, no rapper endorsed him and he wasn't on the cover of Vibe, we didn't pay attention."

***

I'm sure Obama enjoys the support--although I'm pretty certain he doesn't appreciate being referred to as a "homeboy"(holy crap, he's a Senator with a law degree from Harvard, like show some respect). At the end of the day if it takes Hip-Hop to bridge the gap and get people voting in November, by all means I'm for it. It helps make people more aware, and gets people into politics, G-R-E-A-T. But don't expect his decision making to reflect the Hip-Hop consensus and make diplomatic decisions with Hip-Hop in mind. Even as we speak Obama is steady trying to restore Black & Jewish relations and deriding comments made by his pastor. His campaign doesn't need to cater to a generation that refers to him as a "homeboy".

The Roots "Rising Down" ft. Mos Def & Styles P

Courtesy of the Okayplayer blog (first spotted on The Rap Up)

Like most bloggers who've peeped it, what caught my eye was obviously the accompanying artwork. I was also intrigued that they put Dante & Styles P on the track. I like the Roots, but I can't say I'm huge on their music and I'm one of the few people that's not anxiously awaiting their next album (sorry guys). I own Illadelph Halflife which is perhaps my favorite album by them. I have seen them at shows and boy can they rock!

The above image reminded me of this early 20th century caricature....

Talib Kweli Mixtape Preview+ Random Newshttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

Hey folks I felt like getting funky and mixing it up....

So first on this agenda is this:




For whatever reason when I uploaded this on to blogger it inverted the color scheme. It's the tracklisting for the new Mick Boogie & Taib Kweli mixtape "MCEO" that's been floating around. I saw the tracks on it through the Talib Kweli myspace and was like lemme take a gander. If you want take a little gander yourself, peep the tracks:

To get a copy yourself go to the Mick Boogie website.

Now on to some Random News...

Air Jordan IX/XIV coming out on Saturday...(via 23 is Back)

THE FIRST BLACK GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK...(via Blog Around Harlem)...I'm wondering why this hasn't lit up the blogosphere the way I expected. I peeped it yesterday. He's also the first legally blind governor of New York.

Ex-Liberian President ordered militia to eat enemies...(BBC)...this..wow...I'm speechless

Somali soldier beheaded...(BBC)......I know these last two news items were pretty graphic, but they caught my eye and I feel it's important to acknowledge world issues. Stuff like this happens and it's really easy to get caught up in other things (like AJ's). Part of the reason I started this blog was to acknowledge both daily stuff that distracts us and the worldly issues.

The (Music) Empire Strikes Back!

So I was perusing Mahogany Girl's Blog (whatup Latisha!) and found this interesting bit of information:

"Griffin's idea is to collect a fee from internet service providers -- something like $5 per user per month -- and put it into a pool that would be used to compensate songwriters, performers, publishers and music labels. A collecting agency would divvy up the money according to artists' popularity on P2P sites, just as ASCAP and BMI pay songwriters for broadcasts and live performances of their work," Rose reports."

(via Mac Daily News)

I know many would revile this idea, but it might actually work. Since it is the internet that's essentially making everything available, it would make sense that major labels would want to partner up with the 'Net in some way. Once again, corporate partnership to the rescue. I actually had some ideas myself in regards to the music industry. More on that in a later post....

Amanda Diva Diva Speak TV ep. 9

To be honest, I don't follow Amanda Diva's TV/YouTube show too closely (mostly in brief). I do frequent her blog. I posted this just off the strength that it's new and she has a show tonight @ SOB's with Kweli & Q-Tip. If anyone went, feel free to let me know how it was.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK TRAILER!

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

(courtesy Screen Rant, via MTV)

I was wondering why the film studios were taking so long with the preview. They had the Iron Man & Dark Knight previews waaay in advance. Anyhow, as much as I enjoyed the Hulk when I was younger, this preview doesn't quite get me amped the way the Iron Man or Dark Knight trailers do. We'll see though. Hopefully we'll an even more exciting preview in the coming months that doesn't give away the plot to the entire movie in the course of 2 minutes.

Lupe Fiasco ft. Young Jeezy & TI-"Superstar" remix

Found this on Che Sing the Cool.

This would be the remix they're hyping within the blog-o-sphere because it's Clifford's first appearance since that messy gun charges situation.

Peep Lupe's verse:

"I fell on purpose to stay a fresh man
I lose, but Lu went to a school for X-Men
So when I get my cap & gown, and put the rappin' down
I only know half my powers, but I spent half an hour
Like a senior citizen having a baby shower
Haters wanna budge it but my fans still love it
So you can ask them exactly who I are
9 weeks at number 1, I'm a SUPERSTAR!"

Mr. Jacu, you my have redeemed yourself for making me wait out in the cold for like 9 hours.

And yes TI & jeezy do get off on this track.

Big ups to Big Ced & NAMD!

Last night I attended a forum put together by NAMD (National Alliance of Market Developers) @ Fashion Institute of Technology.

I was invited by Big Ced, an industry maven/insider/guy-who-I-write-for-at-TheIndustryCosign.com. Definitely check out his site. He's been doing his thing in the industry for a fat minute and helped moderate the discussion at FIT. The forum dealt with the internet and how it can be used as a marketing tool to help advance oneself. topics that came up included social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Myspace, etc), blogs and the elements that are necessary for creating a successful site--stuff that I'm trying to learn in order to get more people interested in what Yellow Rebel has to offer.


I wanted to stay around and network a little bit, but your boy was feeling kind of exhausted from work so I dipsetted (typing that felt so strange...I should probably try and eliminate that colloquialism from my vocab). Today marks The Industry Cosign's fourth year in business. I know it's late but if you're reading this feel free to check out there party in NYC over @ M1-5 Lounge! I was trying to post this yesterday but I had to go to sleep.

Random News...

So what have we got tonight for the news....

Well this has been floating around. Elliot Spitzer and this prostitution thing...(AOL News)

Adidas releasing Gazelle II's...(via Hypebeast)

Queens get the landmark, long time no cash...(AM NY)

New York Public Library gets money...(via NY Times)

Hostages being held by Al Qaeda...(via BBC)...this is something people may want to pay attention to. This a very serious international situation.

Who's down for some March Madness...(AM NY)

Comic artist gets his own DKNY line...(Wall Street Journal)

Obama is officially the Hip-Hop candidate...(via Hip Hop is Read)...I dunno how I feel about that. I guess I'm cool with it because it's Q-Tip (a Queens landmark in his own right). I just feel politics is bigger than Hip-Hop so we should stop focusing on making Obama the "Hip-Hop candidate". Of course if that's what it takes to bring people to the voting booths in November, so be it I guess.

Fanning the flames of Heat...Dwayne Wade out for the season...(USA Today)...so no more Shaq and Wade out for the season...man o man

Nas rumored to play Kool G Rap...(via Wooohah!)...aiight, Mr. Jones, you're one of my favorite emcees, but you in no way shape or form bear any resemblance to the Kool Genius of Rap. I might cosign if you're dialog is reminiscent to that in Belly.

Eskay of NahRight.com says "Thank you and you're welcome"...(via Nah Right)...dag..first Sickamore, than Brett Favre, and now Eskay.

Alma Geddy-Romero of the Brooklyn Bodega says "Thank you and you're welcome"...(via Hip Hop Press Releases)...dag...first Sicakmore, then Brett Favre, the Eskay, and now Ms. Geddy-Romero?

Mark Cuban asks "Should I let Yellow Rebel interview Kidd?"...(via Mark Cuban's Blog)....ok, ok he really didn't ask that but he questions whether or not blogger should be allowed to interview players in the locker room.

Gulf War syndrome revisited...(via BBC)...I really hope those that follow my Random News take the time out to read this. The issue of the Gulf War syndrome/illness has lingered since pretty much the end of that war. Reading it on BBC made me remember the specials I'd seen on it on TV when i was younger. It's an issue now and it's an issue then. Please read and consider.

RZA ft. inspectah Deck "You Can't Stop Me Now"

Found this at NahRight.com. Sorry for the swaggerjack NR....but I was feeling this joint.

RIP NOTORIOUS BIG

I can't believe it's been 11 years....

RIP Christopher Wallace May 21, 1972-March 9, 1997















It was around '97 that I actually started listening to Hip-Hop. After the untimely deaths of 'Pac and Big was when I started listening. Of course I remember hearing some songs here and there, but the album that really put me on was No Way Out (I know some of you maybe shaking your heads right now).

Check It Out: Professor P on Jay-Z

My main man Professor P over at On The Writer's Block posted a new entry called "The F*** Jay-Z Complex"

"STOP.ASKING.HIM.TO.SAVE.THE.COMMUNITY.


It boils down to a few things for me when people not only want to ask him, but also criticize the man when he “doesn’t give back”; people are too lazy, people want to beg but not put in the work, and they want a drug-dealer (no offense Jay, I know you did what you did, even if I don’t agree) to save the community. I’m tired of the “Robin Hood” theory personally, but it’s as if we always need either an a) basketball player, b) rapper, c) entertainer, or my personal favorite d) drug dealer to save the community. Case in point; I once knew someone who wanted to “pass the revolutionary pamphlet” to Jay-Z while he was interning at Def Jam so that Jay can figure out what to do after he established this newfound “consciousness”. I sadly looked at a professor, a former activist of sorts who overheard this, say “that’s a good idea”. The idea of this let alone the encouragement of the idea was disturbing to say the least."

A lot of people may look at his as controversial, some may wholeheartedly disagree with the man. Despite that, I see where Professor P is coming from. There's this general consensus that because he's rich and he was able to leave Marcy projects that it's mandated that he come back and do just the same for the entire Bed-Stuy community. As nice as that would be if he did, I still don't believe he's required to do so. Keep in mind, Mr. Carter does do his share of philanthropic work. Check out the blog entry and comment if you can. Get back at me if you'd like.

IT'S RACISM....IT'S ALWAYS RACISM: Universities & Institutional Racism

I found this blog entry over at BlackProf.com. Peep this quote by Dr. Boyce Watkins:

"Is it not the right of students of color to have faculty (especially tenured faculty, not just soon-to-be-fired adjuncts and assistants) who look like them? Is it the presumed destiny of these students to feel that they are not worthy of the same rights as white students, who are more likely to have mentors, associates and individuals with a common cultural background and disposition? I never had a black professor in my class until I became one, and I took far more classes in my life than I care to admit. When I did meet one black professor (the only black professor in a business school faculty of 90), he became my mentor, changed my career path and became one of my best friends. To this day, he is, to my knowledge, the only black professor tenured in the 140 year history of the entire University of Kentucky School of Business. That’s a damn shame. The bigger shame is that this is actually the norm."

The entire passage essentially states that institutional racism has essentially created an uncomfortable atmosphere for Black students. If you continue on with the entry, you'll notice a lengthy response from someone by the name of DragonHorse, who takes a very conservative approach to what Dr. Watkins wrote:

"Have you ever thought that since blacks major disporportionately in things like psychological, sociology, black studies, that those fields already being highly competitive (due to how easy they are to major in) make it difficult for blacks to get into. Maybe stopped focusing on “racialism” and focused on core subjects of economics, hard sciences, engineering, etc they would be more competitive. I know from a fact, from friends who are doing post docs that some fields are much easier to get a position in than others just due to the fact, like every other industry, is very much a market place with supply and demand factors. Schools only need so many critical race theorist or sociologist."

Go ahead and check this out for yourselves. I don't have a concrete opinion on this as of now, but hopefully me (or any of my OTWB fam) will be able to revisit this. Comment away people.

Random News...

I was trying to post this in the morning but I had to get to work....

Two-Face confirmed for The Dark Knight; Yellow Rebel admittedly excited....(via First Showing)

Lieutenant in Sean Bell case catching heat...(via Daily News)

The United States stay losing...(via BBC)

Sin City Video Game to draw inspiration from the comic (via Hollywood Reporter)

Anti-whaling gets kind of crazy in England...(via BBC)

VH1 to produce even more outstanding reality TV show...(via Hollywood Reporter)...to anyone reading this, if you're truly tired of reality TV shows than please don't click on this link. It's hypocritical for me to even present the option, but out of blog-o-spherical ethics (wow I really made that up), I have to. If you're tired of seeing New York or don't care to watch Uncle Luke with his own show, than just leave it at what you just read. I just posted this to give y'all the heads so you can commence with complaining about VH1 in the next few months. Don't say no one warned you!

Dru Hill gets back together (via YBF)....not in a million years did I even think that this would happen...I wish Total would get back together...

IT'S RACISM....IT'S ALWAYS RACISM: Robert Downey Jr To Portray Black Man In Movie

"Downey Jr. plays overly committed actor Kirk Lazarus, a white man cast to play a black soldier in a satire of the performing profession. The film [Tropic Thunder] also stars Jack Black and Ben Stiller, who co-wrote, directed and produced it."

(Via LA Times)

Ok..ok...I made you look. This isn't Downey or Stiller out to offend people or anything (go ahead and read the article). I figured it would turn a few heads (especially since I throw out the "It's Racism...It's Always Racism" mantra far too many times). But you have to wonder, of all the ethnicities that they could have satirized, did they choose Blacks? I mean like the article said, it was really meant to satirize overly-zealous actors, but I mean despite all that it still stands that they choose a Black soldier? Of course maybe I'm reading too deeply into it. Maybe we should let pundits decide. Al, I'm waiting for you any minute now.

Pics from the Watchmen Movie

As I've already expressed before, I'm a big comic book fan with keen interest on the ones that are being brought to life on the big screen. By main home slice Neurotic Neuron the whole crew up earlier about some photo stills of the characters from the upcoming Watchmen movie.





You can check out the rest of the photos at First Showing.

As much as I want to say that I'm excited abut this project, I have a lot of reservations. Anyone that has read Watchmen, understands how multi-layered and complex the storyline is. Keep in mind that this is a product of Alan Moore's creative genius, so if not properly planned or put together, this could turn into a disaster.

For those familiar with the story, notice how there's no photo of Dr. Manhattan. For those unfamiliar, Dr. Manhattan, is a prophetic, deity-like hero who can predict outcomes and has been rendered superhuman and immortal due to a lab accident involving his body being irradiated. Oh yeah, he's also blue, can change size and walks around naked. I have no idea if they're going to include that character, and if they do, I'm not sure how they're going to handle it.

More so this is such a complex story!!!! This comic, excuse me, graphic novels has been rated in Time Magazine as one of the greatest novels...of all time! I've met people who had to read Watchmen for college!

Hopefully Zack Snyder delivers. I'd hate for this movie to suck.

Small Explosion in Times Square

"In Washington, a spokeswoman for the United States Department of Homeland Security said it was monitoring and investigating the explosion, Reuters reported. Asked if there was a link to terrorism, the spokeswoman, Laura Keehner, said, “At this time we’re still investigating.”

The explosion briefly disrupted the vital transit node at Times Square, but full subway service had been restored as of 5:39 a.m. A dozen subway lines — the A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S and Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 7 — run through Times Square. Subway service on those lines — along with the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 lines, which run through Grand Central Terminal — had been suspended at 4:24 a.m., with some lines restored soon after. The recruiting station sits almost directly atop the western terminus of the S, also known as the 42nd Street shuttle, which connects Times Square with Grand Central Terminal."

(via NY Times)

Random News...

My main man Neurotic Neuron has his own channel now...go check him out

North Koreans killed for trying to escape to China...(BBC)

The end of Black TV on networks...(via Blackarazzi)...real talk, TV One is the new BET

Fabolous is endorsing Crocs Shoes...(Dr. Jays Blog)...bruh that must have been one helluva check they cut you....

Cafeteria workers stick it to the Man...(via NY Times)

High death rate amongst Vietnamese migrant workers in Malaysia...(via BBC)

Dying in a French town is outlawed... (via Reuters)

My new "favorite" Southern act has a relatively solid chart debut (XXL)...and by relatively solid I mean 70,000 units

Jermaine Dupri purchases a blog...(via Big-Ced.com)...you know Jermaine, you can start your own for free....

Lauryn Hill's dream comes true...(via SOHH)...

AJ 1's COMING WINTER 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it's kind of early for me to be posting but I was checking out Sneaker Files and grew ecstatic when I found this out. According to their post, The Red & Black AJ 1's will be retroed this Winter! If you recall they retroed a double pack in Summer '07. This time they're dropping the classic joints. Some may recall that they came out once in like '02 (remember--the red/black, the silver 1's and the navy/white/silver 1's ?)

Amanda Diva (w/ Talib Kweli) @ SOBs 3/12

Amanda Diva will be performing @ SOB's next week. I swear this woman is constantly doing big things (it doesn't hurt that she's attractive too). From hosting events, hosting her on YouTube show, maintaining a blog and being an emcee, I'm surprised she has time to breathe. I recall seeing her host the 2006 AllHipHop Week concert, which is when i first heard of her. Anyhow, next week she'll be doing her proverbial thing with one of NYC's last non-fronting MC's hosting. I'm not sure of I'm going to be able to make that event (I rarely make any of the events I post on here...sorry, I got my priorities all screwy). I guess I'm leaving this in the hands of those that read this. Leave a comment as to why I should show up. Or not.

Random News...

Had to bring it back folks....

Brett Favre says "Thank you and you're welcome"...(via AM NY)

There's less homeless people in NYC...yeah that's cause we're all broke (NY Times)

Island/Def Jam wants Mr. Bridges to stay...(via Big-Ced.com)

It's Racism it's always racism: People in S. Africa arrested for protesting a racially offensive video (via BBC)...this was really appalling...

IT'S RACISM....IT'S ALWAYS RACISM: Chop Socky Chook on Cartoon Network

I learned about this via Angry Asian Man.

I typically like everything on Cartoon Network (yes, even the anime), but this is kind of offensive. They're kind of gutsy using a word that rhymes with a certain Asian racial slur in the title of the show.

Garfield Final Fantasy Video

Ok so I heard this isn't new, but I just found it and thought it was pretty funny.


Garfield Final Fantasy Spoof

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Back 2 Bloggin'

What's up folks.

For those that pay close attention to this blog, you'll notice I made no updates yesterday. Yellow Rebel had to make a trip to the alma mater to say what up to some people (whatup Vjay!!!). I really gotta thank everyone who held me down at my old college. Special thanks to MB, Vjay, G & Varyus Waise. I got to link up with a lot of friends and just hang out (sorry I didn't go to the party...c'mon guys you know I don't lead an exciting life). Surprisingly there were some people that weren't aware that I was done. Anyhow I'm back now. Let the posting begin.

-YR