Help Hip Hop Congress Go Platinum!

http://www.hiphopcongress.com/2010/10/support-hip-hop-congress-going-platinum-campaign/

To all the Hip Hop Heads, Organizers, Activists, Artists, Fans and Supporters of Hip Hop Congress

For years, members of Hip Hop Congress have discussed the strategic viability of making ourselves ‘go platinum.’ Now we are taking the initiative to do it, and we need your help. Our concept is simple: invest a portion of the resources we have committed to the hip hop economy (via music and show ticket sales) to community empowerment!

Please Donate $5 to $40 to Hip Hop Congress and help us ‘go platinum.’ This money will go go DIRECTLY back into your communities. Hip-Hop Congress will use your money to fulfill our mission of providing the Hip Hop and Post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources, and network to create political, social, and economic change.

What does your donation pay for?

* Funding of arts education outreach programs that will connect Hip Hop Congress members and chapters to local and regional schools, programs and youth centers

* Funding new operations and offices for Hip-Hop Congress and our cultural partners around the globe.

* Supporting our youth, high school and college chapters in their programming and event goals by funding entrepreneurial endeavors that will ensure a sustained independent Hip-Hop economy.

* Community organizing and education campaign efforts on issues that affect all of our communities like youth violence, police accountability, poverty, institutional racism, and diversity.

With just a small donation you can help fund a revolutionary economic act. We’ve all purchased an album that has gone platinum, but where does that money REALLY go? With your small donation, this year alone, we can fund a national movement of hundreds of artists and activists working on projects that will directly effect thousands on a grassroots level. Hip-Hop Congress does NOT care about being rich. But it does care about adequately investing in the future of culture, creativity, and independent economy. Donate today and see for yourself the power of YOUR people in full effect as we report all of our successful ventures and endeavors on www.HipHopCongress.com.

Hip Hop Congress - October Update!

Hip Hop Congress Monthly Update

October 2010

It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you, without an update to step to!

Well, we are back in full effect with our Monthly Update...and it is a big one. Check it out and pass it along. To all those who contributed, thank you! To all those who would like to contribute you are more than welcome!

View newsletter in its entirety at this link: http://bit.ly/dnzmZG

...and please report if you have any problems with the link, thanks.

Review - "Journey to Pro-Sperity" by Pro-Dash

Review- "Journey to Pro-Sperity" by Pro-Dash

http://prodash.bandcamp.com/album/journey-to-prosperity-2

written by Shamako Noble

Out of the lights,glitter and glam that are the slick veneer of America's premier public playground, Las Vegas, comes the one-man media conglomerate, Pro-Dash aka Brandon Greene. With his second release "Journey to Pro-Sperity," Pro-Dash takes on uson a journey; he takes us on a journey through his life, psyche, career,struggles and through the streets and politics of Las Vegas. Crafted and produced by Pro-Dash, "Journey to Pro-Sperity" is a landmark moment for independent Las Vegas Hip Hop, and one can onlyhope that the world take notice.

Boldly, Pro-Dash's"The Pro-Clamation" lays out his perspective on his origins quite clearly: "I'm from the 702 where they being trying to juice/The Mississippi of the West/where they be flying the noose." Pro-Dash addresses the forgotten nature of Las Vegas as a city, and Nevada as a state in the West Coast Hip Hop equation, and honors the Black migration from Mississippi to Nevada where blacks found the very thing they'd left.

The banger "Fresh Up out the West" featuring James Flye and C-Lown the King of Spades drives home deeply the first p oint. The tracks deep-voiced chorus, catchy West Coast anthem approach, and funky head nod beat leave no questions that Pro Dash is from the West, "Like he never took a step." Pursuing the second point in the cut, "Rock On," Pro-Dash sneaks into his true depth,reflecting on his desire to rock on as a reflection of a people who came to the West to escape the racist oppression of the South, "Just to find the west is still racist."

Of course, Pro-Dash stays diverse with tracks like "Ms. Senorita" and "Get ThatCash." His insight into the nature of a duality that pervades Sin City shines bright in the track "Night and Day. He big ups the world of emcee's and makes clear his place in it in the clever track "MC Squared."

He does a great job of keeping his eyes on the prize in tracks like "Poe Manz Ambition" and "Dreams"featuring the soul voice of Temphest Blue. All in all, this is a very well-thought-out, consistent, lyrically-strong, and catchy album. Pro-Dash keeps his level through and through, and that is –perhaps-- the album's greatest strength; that level could also be the album's biggest weakness. Again, Pro-Dash is responsible for 100% of the production on this album. I'll give him credit. At least he makes sure thatit's done. But the thing is, a versatility of thought and approach is clearly displayed on this album. In the future, I would love to see what Pro-Dash could do with a Traximillion or Rob Flow track. I would be interested to see how Pro-Dash could get down with a sound directly from Mississippi, or on some tracks with a Chicago or Detroit flavor.

The great thing is though, that this is his sophomore effort. I am eager to what his continued development and expansion in music will bring. I recommend checking out the album. You're guaranteed to diga few if not most. Pro-Dash has taken a great step for himself on the "Journey to Pro-Sperity," and might be taking Vegas with him.



Shamako Noble aka The Sword of the West

National Field Director: Hip Hop Congress

shamako@hiphopcongress.com

Citizen vs. Citizenship by Brandon Greene

Sharing a blog by Brandon Greene, Hip Hop Congress leadership council member.

The recent passage of the controversial legislation in Arizona along with the premiere of the History Channel series, America the Story of Us has gotten me to thinking about what exactly it means today to be a citizen in the United States.

From the beginning of our country we have depended on the talents of "outsiders" to make our country great. Long before there was an United States we were a community of immigrants. The gateway to citizenship in the context of the first years of our republic was simply hard work as expressed by a willingness to show a bravery and tenacity in seeking the very best life for one's family.

For full text:
http://changeworthbloggingfor.blogspot.com/2010/05/citizen-vs-citizenship.html

SUPPORT THE URBAN TEACHERS' NETWORK (UTN)!

Please share with teachers, youth mentors , and arts education advocates!

We want all teachers, youth mentors, and arts education advocates to support the Urban Teachers Network!




LINK = http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-Teachers-Network/10150095772260206?ref=ts


Supporters:
1. Become a Fan of Urban Teachers Network FB page!
2. Spread the word!

UTN active participants:
1. Become a Fan of Urban Teachers Network FB page!
2. Spread the word!
3. Start or join a regional UTN network.

We will also need regional facilitators to organize UTN support groups in their communities.

Regional Organizers:
Contact us at UTN@hiphopcongress.com to express your interest in organizing a UTN support group in your community.


INFO:
Hip Hop Congress (HHC) is a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit Corporation representing the merger of artists and students, music and community. The Hip Hop Congress mission is to use Hip Hop culture to inspire young people to get involved in social action, civic service, and cultural creativity.

As a national and international organization dedicated to its mission, Hip Hop Congress has chosen Education as a central initiative promoted by its artists, chapters, partners, and donors. As the educational system continues to fail American students (particularly low-income and students of color), alternative curriculum and solutions are needed.

From this emphasis, HHC is working to organize and support an Urban Teacher Network (UTN) where educators and youth mentors can form networks to share ideas, curriculum, and build after-school extracurricular and mentor programs for the youth they teach and reach. The UTN is also designed to be a space where teachers facing the daily challenges of their field can find comfort in the company and support of colleagues with similar experiences. UTN members will create regional support groups and meet regularly in order to build alliances and power in like-minded educators wanting to connect and build a movement to enrich the lives of urban youth inside and outside of the classroom.

Objectives include:
1. Creating an ongoing database of educators and mentors working directly with the youth in our communities.
2. Promoting urban arts education and hip hop pedagogy.
3. Sharing effective ideas: curriculum, extracurricular activities etc.
4. Creating digital classroom resources online where ideas can be shared with UTN members across the country.
5. Creating regional support groups where UTN members can meet on a regular basis.
6. Organizing UTN events outside of the classroom for
students’ enrichment and ongoing mentoring.

Our urban arts education and outreach program offers the following components:

1. Hip Hop History. Classes and workshops on Hip Hop history as well as the social and political importance of hip hop to youth of color and urban communities.

2. Media Studies. Classes and workshops on critical media analyses, examining the images of people of color and women in media, specifically the hip hop industry. In analyzing media carefully, educators teach youth to be more critical consumers of media.

3. Performances and Interactive Workshops - Hip Hop Elements. HHC artists perform shows for youth as well as offer instructive workshops in various hip hop elements (emceeing/rapping, poetry, deejaying, graffiti art, and break-dancing). Through artistic expressions, youth will learn to express themselves creatively and constructively through positive outlets.

4. Community Activism. HHC members serve as mentors to youth promoting community activism and involvement in social and political issues affecting their lives. As well, existing HHC chapters will serve as advisors to youth wanting to start HHC community chapters.

5. Urban Teacher Network. Educators and mentors of youth in urban communities can form networks to share ideas, curriculum, build after-school extracurricular and mentor programs for the youth they reach.


We look forward to working with all dedicated to youth in need of mentoring and an education relevant to their lives. We are sure the youth will not only be enriched by these programs, but will be inspired by the teachers and mentors organizing on their behalves.

Stay Black and Die - Listen to the Single!

NEW DLabrie single from upcoming MR NETW3RK- Stay Black & Die ft M1 of deadprez,The Jacka, Adisa Banjoko , Shamako Noble, SaikoDelic RADIO EDIT http://tinyurl.com/yhu6smt ALBUM http://tinyurl.com/yko64gu

Tour & Video Coming Soon

"Reality Matters" Hip Hop Talk Show Debut - Listen to Podcast!

Thanks to all that tuned in last night to listen to the broadcast debut of Reality Matters. I appreciate all the love and positive feedback!

Please express your support for Reality Matters to become part of KPFK's regular weekly programming schedule by sending emails to KPFK's programming department at comments@kpfk.org.


If you missed the show last night, or want to hear it again, the podcast will be available for the next few weeks at the following link:

Pilot Programming, Tue, January 05, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:00 PM

Pilot Programming - KPFK 90.7 FM

I will be hosting another episode soon, and will post information when time/date are determined.

Thanks again to all guests and artists featured on last night's show!

New Hip Hop Talk Show "Reality Matters" debuts tomorrow on KPFK 90.7fm - Tune in and Support!

Tune in to the 1-hour pilot of my new hip hop talk show "Reality Matters" on KPFK, Pacifica Radio! KPFK serves the greater Los Angeles area and streams 24 hours a day via the internet, providing listeners with progressive and independent news, talk & music.

The pilot show features interviews from community artists and educators promoting activism through hip hop, progressive agendas, and hip hop pedagogy in communities and campuses across the country!

As the on-air host for "Reality Matters", my vision is to bring my Sociology and Hip Hop classes to the radio airwaves, providing critical analysis of current social issues through a hip hop lens. The goal is also to make stronger connections to the hip hop community, with the show as a platform to highlight and promote the work of local community activists and artists.

So tune in and support the show and I will continue to provide updates on upcoming broadcasts!

To comment or express your support for the show? Please send emails to: comments@kpfk.org



PILOT SHOW INFO:

Day: Tuesday 1/5/2010
Time: 11pm PST (1 hour)
To Listen in Los Angeles: 90.7fm KPFK
To Listen Live on the Web or access show archive: http://www.kpfk.org/

Re-Air Date: TBD but pilot will re-air in the next few days during an afternoon slot for daytime audience. When date is determined, I will post update.

Guests:
Dr. Ayo Alabi, Professor of Sociology at Orange Coast College
Dr. Ebony Utley, Professor of Communication Studies at California State University, Long Beach
DLabrie, artist, president of RonDavoux Records, and national outreach coordinator, Hip Hop Congress
Maurice "Soulfighter" Taylor, artist, Poetic Network, Community Against Hate, and east coast regional director, Hip Hop Congress
Rahman Jamal, artist, educator and west coast regional director of Hip Hop Congress
Sarah Harris, educator and board member, Hip Hop Congress

Hip Hop Congress
Website: http://www.hiphopcongress.com/
Join their Facebook Group!
Follow on Twitter!

Featured Artists/Songs:
Mic Holden - "It's On!'
http://www.myspace.com/micholden4president

Shamako Noble - "Deeper"
http://shamakonoble.com/

DLabrie feat. Adisa Banjoko - "Life Strategies"
http://www.myspace.com/dlabriemusic


We are capable of bearing a great burden, once we discover that the burden is reality and arrive where reality is. – James Baldwin

Boogie down productions is made up of teachers
The lecture is conducted from the mic into the speaker
Who gets weaker? the king or the teacher
Its not about a salary its all about reality
Teachers teach and do the world good
Kings just rule and most are never understood - KRS One

LA Southwest College celebrates Poetry and Hip Hop History Month this week!

Spread the word! LA Southwest College celebrates Poetry and Hip Hop History Month this week! event Info at: http://bit.ly/1STPzC

Support Hip Hop Congress!

Ron is running a marathon to raise money for HHC. Support him, support HHC...and help spread the word...thanks.

Donate here:
http://www.hiphopcongress.com/

Whether it is providing an annual forum for community awareness, collecting and distributing supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina or recent Southern California fires, educating children on the cultural and artistic elements in hip hop as an avenue for self-expression, creating a network of urban teachers interested in culturally relevant lessons and curricula, or throwing entertaining really good concerts, the Hip Hop Congress has given leaders the tools and support to make their vision a reality.
For anyone contributing at least $26.20, we’ll send a collector’s edition t-shirt from our 8th National Conference in Seattle.



Also, check the national Hip Hop Congress out on Facebook and Twitter:

http://www.hiphopcongress.com/contact-us/

Rahman Jamaal of Hip Hop Congress stars in "The Beat"

Along with being the west coast regional director for Hip Hop Congress, Rahman Jamaal is a multi-talented artist. He is a highly respected emcee/lyricist, the lead vocalist for tribute band Blood Sugar Sex Machine, and added lead actor to his list of achievements when he made his film debut in the hip hop drama THE BEAT.

Synopsis: On the heels of his brother's murder, aspiring rap artist Philip "Flip" Bernard (Rahman Jamaal) gets an ultimatum from his father (Gregory Alan Williams): either get a "real" job as a cop or get out of the house. Using a split-narrative technique, this inventive drama with cameo appearances from comedian Michael Colyar, rap star Coolio and R&B singer Brian McKnight follows Flip through both scenarios.

The film was featured at the Sundance and Pan African Film Festivals and can be rented or purchased at Amazon.com, Netflix, Blockbuster, and Hollywood video.


THE BEAT - TRAILER






RAHMAN JAMAAL RHYME SCENE - THIS ISN'T ART





Also, visit his MySpace page to peep his music!

DLabrie Discusses Regionalism and Bias in Hip Hop

Dlabrie of Hip Hop Congress & RonDavoux Records discusses regionalism and bias in hip hop in this article posted on his MySpace page and the Hip Hop Congress website.

Labrie highlights the effects regionalism has had on hip hop while underscoring the need to
appreciate what all regions bring to the game. No need for beef or hate...just love and respect, as he summarizes at the end of his article: Much respect to ALL regions, WE ALL have something to offer. It’s hip hop better yet its music…………


View full article at this direct link:

How I feel bout Regionalism, East vs. West Coast & topic of East Coast Bias!!

This Sunday 6/14 in LA! JuiCe and Hip Hop Congress present....

For more information go to:

http://www.myspace.com/dlabriemusic

http://www.rampartjuice.com/

Return of the Coming of the Aftermath - Free Download!

Shamako Noble

(President of Hip Hop Congress)

Album

Return of the Coming of the Aftermath ft prod by @Traxamillion

FREE Download

http://www.divshare.com/download/7105468-a79

Also: Coming Soon Off of RDV Records:
DLabrie: Mr. N3twork
Shamako Noble: Personal Issues/Saturn Returns

Support Independent Artists
&
Hip Hop Congress

Bring Your A Game Tour - Dates Announced!

Support Hip Hop and Independent Artists
Hip Hop Congress

Explicit Ills - L.A. Screening this Friday 3/20

Los Angeles FOLKS - Come out and support this event this Friday!

Hip Hop Congress (HHC) is a national sponsor (I am on the national board) and we want this event to be a great success!!

THIS FRIDAY - Explicit Ills LA MOVIE Premiere and Afterparty – Film about Healthcare in the Hood Feat Black Thought & Rosario Dawson -
Philly Event was hosted by Snoop

http://www.explicitillsthemovie.com/theatres/theatres.html

http://www.explicitillsthemovie.com

Join the Urban Teacher Network! A Hip Hop Congress Education Initiative

Hip Hop Congress is a non profit organization that incorporates Hip Hop to inspire young people to get involved in cultural creativity, social action and civic service. The Urban Teacher Network (UTN) will be a major project of Hip Hop Congress' Education Initiative. Its purpose is to reach out directly to those that work and mentor our youth. We want to support their efforts, build networks, share curriculum ideas and resources, and organize ways to better serve our communities needs.


Teachers have many tough issues to deal with while trying to educate and elevate today's youth in this oppressive structure. The truth is the school system in many ways maintains the status quo structure of injustice and inequality. Teachers and even many administrators work hard to change that but often find themselves penalized for thinking outside of the box and being more relevant to their students' lives.


The UTN hopes to organize and support teachers who dedicate their lives to literally saving our future. The UTN is also interested in educating and mentoring our youth in more creative and relevant ways to most effectively serve their needs. To that end, we are promoting an urban arts education curriculum to bring to schools, correctional facilities, group homes, and after school programs. We also plan to organize UTN events for teachers and students outside of the classroom in less restrictive spaces to learn, live and grow through experiences in community based outings.


More information including data form can be found at the following Google docs link:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ds5grvn_0d58tnxfr&invite=9cfmh8




Please send completed data forms to UTN@hiphopcongress.com.



Please contact us if you have any other questions and we will reach out to you promptly!

The Official Launch - Join the Urban Teacher Network (UTN)!

This idea has been months in the making and we're finally ready to launch the UTN over the summer. The UTN will be a major project of Hip Hop Congress' Education Initiative. Its purpose is to reach out directly to those that work and mentor our youth. We want to support their efforts, build networks, share curriculum ideas and resources, and organize ways to better serve our communities needs.

Teachers have many tough issues to deal with while trying to educate and elevate today's youth in this oppressive structure. The truth is the school system in many ways maintains the status quo structure of injustice and inequality. Teachers and even many administrators work hard to change that but often find themselves penalized for thinking outside of the box and being more relevant to their students' lives.

The UTN hopes to organize and support teachers who dedicate their lives to literally saving our future. The UTN is also interested in educating and mentoring our youth in more creative and relevant (and less restrictive) ways to most effectively serve their needs. To that end, we are promoting an urban arts education curriculum to bring to schools, juvenile centers and after school programs. We also plan to organize UTN events for teachers and students outside of the classroom in less restrictive spaces to learn, live and grow through experiences in community based outings.

I will be the primary contact for the UTN. Please email me at UTN@hiphopcongress.com to request an application (data form) and we will reach out to you promptly!