South Side Star South Side Star An everything goes cyber lounge serving you mental martinis -- shaken, not stirred. Come relax with a humorous spin on news, pop and underground culture, and opinions. Articles
MAUDLYNE IHEJIRIKA -- A Nigerian-American Reporter Tells Her Story
2007-03-25 20:11:00 Wow: Chicago Sun-Times reporter Maudlyne Ihejirka filed a poignant, personal cover story yesterday about her family's hero, James Wolter. A WWII vet and local financial adviser, Wolter and a few friends went beyond the call of duty, raising funds to help Ihejirika's family of seven escape war-torn Niger ia in the seventies.Rarely does a reporter write herself into a story for a major newspaper, but check out Maudlyne's riveting piece. It's told from her perspective as a child, and from the viewpoint of her Nigerian parents. Their harrowing experience revolves around Nigeria's civil war in 1967, which led separatists to form the Republic of Biafra -- a place that once captured headlines around the world with pictures of children so malnourished their bellies were distended.Three million Igbo were killed in the Biafra War itself, making it a holocaust the world must never forget. Perhaps Maudlyne will follow-up her Sun-Times story with an entire book shedding light on the compelli... More About: America , Story , Report , Port
Blog Contest: Win a 'Taste of Chicago' music, DVDs, and books
2007-03-25 17:28:00 What do Barack Obama, The Playboy Club, House music, Oprah, The Boondocks, Lupe Fiasco, Tom Waits, Devil In the White City, Kurt Elling, Studs Terkel, Hillary Clinton, Kanye West and OK Go have in common? They all share a connection to Chicago , of course! Which is why the South Side Star, a hot politics and pop culture blog out of Chicago, offers you a chance to win its 'Taste of Chicago' contest.For details on this fun and easy blog contest awarding top DVDs, best-selling books, jazz and hip-hop music, and more representing Chi-town, visit: South Side Star! Prize winners will be announced April 16, 2007.Links: blogs hip-hop jazz dvd music books chicago kanye west kurt elling studs terkel oprah the boondocks playboy house music obama hillary clinton contests win More About: Contest , Music , Books , Blog
American Idol: Ashley loves Sanjaya Malakar video + Melinda Doolittle + Jor
2007-03-21 17:37:00 Didn't you enjoy America n Idol last night? From Sanjaya Malakar slightly channeling Michael Jackson to Melinda Doolittle 's perfection to Jordin Sparks' redemption song, I thought Idol's British Pop Invasion night offered plenty of interesting turns. Highlights included:~ Adorable Jordin really showed up last night. A few weeks ago, she grew too emotional when singing a song she'd dedicated to her brother. As a result, her performance(s) suffered. But last night, Jordin proved she has what it takes to possibly make into the top four.~ I wasn't sure until last night which of these two I thought should win Season 6: Melinda Doolittle or Lakisha Jones. They're both quite good. Lakisha, with a little pro vocal training, could hone in on a chart-topping sound. Melinda, however, will likely edge Lakisha out.Melinda already sounds as flawless -- from first note to last -- as an Anita Baker or Oletta Adams. Let's hope both girls continue to jazz it up in the style department, though.... More About: Video , American Idol , Love
Mila Petrovic: From Mommie Dearest to Murderer
2007-03-20 22:15:00 I think I think too much. Unfortunately, it's sometimes about stuff that's none of my business ;-) ... But the child abuse tragedy of a young Chicago area mother, Mila Petro vic, killing her 5-year-old daughter last week keeps popping into my thoughts. Which is why this headline from today's Chicago Tribune stunned me: "There are secrets in the house. We don't tell."Apparently some of Petrovic's other children suggested to the authorities that their mother -- and possibly father, too -- allowed them to join in the beating(s) of little Melanie. She died shortly after her mother rammed her head into a wall for vomitting into a towel. On the same day her mother, Mila Petrovic, gave birth to a seventh child.Now, I don't want to play "blame the victim" here. (E.g., How criminals rationalize rape cases, saying the victim dressed or flirted too suggestively, so she was asking for "it.") But why did everyone in the Petrovic home seem hellbent on kicking the ish out of this 5-year-old? ... More About: Murder , Rest , Murderer
Hottentot Venus :: Nelly / Mila Petrov :: Child Abuse
2007-03-19 11:10:00 Notes On a Napkin:Please pass this napkin note to: Rapper Nelly and other hip-hop stars who swipe credit cards through the "Apple Bottoms" of voluptuous video vixens.... Laura Washington at the Chicago Sun-Times penned a note touting a new tome on the "Hottentot Venus," an amply-curved South African girl in 1810 who was infamously toured in Europe as a one-woman freak show. Blessed (or cursed) with an abundant derriere and genitalia, the Hottentot Venus is explored in "African Queen: The Real Life of the Hottentot Venus." Author Rachel Holmes not only ponders the subject's tragic personal life, she puts the phenomenon of Venus's popularity in the context of sexual exploitation of black women.Her remains were scientifically studied by the French; her skeleton was on display at a museum until fairly recently. In fact, the French just gave the Hottentot's remains to the South African government a few years ago. Now if we can get Nelly to give back the dignity he stripped from the "o... More About: Abuse , Petro , Child , Child Abuse
Happy St. Patty's Day!
2007-03-18 17:45:00 Garsh... I spent untold hours on my knees as a child, searching the grass in our front yard, determined to find a four-leaf clover. Little did I know that someday all I'd have to do was just dig through something called Google, and voila: I finally found one! More About: Happy , S Day
MySpace, MyPresident, MyLunchMoney
2007-03-18 14:36:00 ...Not true, especially now that MySpace is recognized by every White House hopeful as a key tactic in winning 2008's presidential election. The New York Times reports that this week will mark a fascinating new era in the political process, when MySpace launches its Impact channel for presidential candidates. While Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama already have traditional MySpace pages*, the new Impact channel will allow them -- and other candidates -- to operate more virally than ever. Meaning, the new platform will allow MySpace users to make one-click campaign contributions and also drag candidates' ads to apply to their own sites.* If anyone's keeping score, Hillary Clinton has 24,000 "friends" on an unofficial MySpace page started by a supporter. Barack Obama has 64,000 on the official MySpace started by his team. Which of them do you think is in better position to receive the most lunch and cookie money from the younger MySpace crowd? Still, the candidates won't mind if c... More About: Money , President , Myspace , Lunch
Rock 'em Sock 'em Politics: Obama vs. Clinton
2007-03-18 08:25:00 This mysterious, new Obama advertisement attacking Hillary Clint on is making its way up the YouTube food chain. Styled like Apple's historic "1984"-themed television ad, the Obama video portrays the Senator from New York as Big Brother. (Or would that be Big Sister?)Obama's campaign claims it had nothing to do with the piece, which never features his likeness. It does, however, show the "O" logo of Chicago's star politican as part of the Apple insignia as well as BarackObama.com. It's one fresh and clever ad regardless of who's behind it. And it's certainly in keeping with the bold approach for which Obama's new media team is earning a reputation.Links: obama hillary clinton YouTube advertisement 1984 big brother apple new york chicago ad More About: Politics , Rock , Clinton
Let Beyonce Upgrade U (To a Samsung Music Phone)
2007-03-17 01:23:00 Singer-songwriter-actress-House of Dereon designer Beyonce is the latest celebrity to sign a major electronics endorsement deal. In addition to wanting to upgrade Jay-Z (The Mike Jordan of Recordin') per her 808-intense song Upgrade U, "B" envisions upgrading millions of us who are cell-u-lites to Samsung 's new heavy-hitter music phone. Samsung will premier in April a global advertising campaign starring Bootilicious Beyonce to introduce the fashion-forward SGH-F300. The Dreamgirls star's R&B mega-concerts will also be co-sponsored by Samsung as part of the deal, and other branding efforts are planned. The Samsung Ultra Music Phone that Beyonce now reps comes with a free download of her hit single, Irreplaceable.Links: beyonce jay-z mp3 cell phones advertising branding R&B fashion The Sims More About: Once
Google's Blog Software Hijacked by Scammers
2007-03-17 01:03:00 PC World posted this story today about Internet scams, spyware and more that blog readers everywhere should beware of, given the popularity of our very own blogger blogs. Google 's blogger blogs are being hijacked to spread malware through fake blogs, a security vendor warns.Genuine-looking blogs on topics as wide-ranging as "Star War s, school, furniture, Christmas, cars and girlfriends" are now being created to host a variety of script-initiated malware. It would be impossible for visitors to spot the danger of these sites, which now number in the hundreds, the company said.Although they look genuine, it appears that all the sites have been specially crafted to fool visitors. One example: A site for fans of the Honda CR450 motor car infects visitors with the Wonka Trojan.In another, the fake blog redirects visitors to a store front purporting to be Pharmacy Express, a phishing site that has turned up in many spam emails distributed by the Stration worm. Read the rest of this articl... More About: Software , Blog , Ware
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice
2007-03-15 16:21:00 ... Be bold. Say his name three times and -- poof! -- a diabolical figure will materialize. After years in CIA custody, terrorism suspect Khalid Sheik Mohammed has confessed to masterminding 9/11 and astonishingly much more. This, he's said, according to the Washington Post:"I was responsible for the 9/11 operation, from A to Z," Mohammed told a panel of military officers through a personal representative, who read off a list of 31 terrorist acts that were either carried out or planned but not executed... Mohammed described himself as Osama bin Laden's operational director for the Sept. 11 attacks and as al-Qaeda's military operational commander for "all foreign operations around the world."Khalid Sheik Mohammed allegedly claimed responsibility for everything from all of the World Trade Center bombings to an (unknown) assasination plot against former president Jimmy Carter to being the boss of attempted "shoe bomber" Richard Reid to an unmaterialized plot to take down the Sears T... More About: Juice , Beetle , Beetlejuice
American Idols Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson & Gina Glocksen
2007-03-14 22:43:00 Chicagoland's aspiring pop star in the America n Idol mix this season is Gina Glocksen of Naperville. Here's hoping that Gina secured enough votes to remain on the show. She and the others have stiff competition in Melinda Doolittle and LaKisha Jones. "Gina Fans" not just here but everywhere wish well this talented 22-year-old who's performed some of the most interesting material thus far!At MySpace, Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson tries to manage a number of deep diva rumors that are floating. None of it's true, the Chi-town native writes. If you're not aware of the rumors, thanks to Jen you can now learn details. Also, SOHH.com reports that she and Avon have teamed up for her first endorsement deal. The former American Idol contestant now is a spokesmodel for Avon's Imari brand.We caught gorgeous Diana Ross last night on American Idol, coaching each contestant at rehearsal. Tonight the supreme one herself sings on Idol! Whenever I see her on TV, Diana exudes real warmth and a light...
Grandmaster Flash / The Message / White Lines
2007-03-14 07:44:00 Much respect to Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five! Over the weekend Grandmaster Flash became the first-ever hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The hottest hip-hop tracks today echo GMF's robust electronic creation called scratching and other creative turns atop funk bass lines and ethnocentric drums. You can hear their moody influence on today's rap and R&B music by T-Pain and Yung Jock; Crime Mob; Lil Scrappy; Rich Boy; and Mims. (Respective songs: Buy You a Drank, She Rock Her Hips, Money In Da Bank, Throw Some D's, and This Is Why I'm Hot.)Hear "Buy You a Drank" by T-Pain featuring Yung JocWhen Grandmaster Flash's "The Message " and "White Lines" hit the airwaves, they redefined instrumentation. New or found elements would be given a spotlight and the space to become instruments in their own right. According to hip-hop authority Davey D, who filed a GMF interview in 1996 in his impressive Hip Hop 101 vault:There's not enough that can be written ... More About: Essa , Master
What Would JB Do? [James Brown, Chicago Mail & Obama's Pastor]
2007-03-11 16:38:00 Sound track: It's a Man's World... I was practically baptized in James Brown 's sweat. One of his concerts was the first I ever attended as a child. If I close my eyes, I can still see him on-stage, down on his knees. That's when Maceo, I believe, ran over with Brown's legendary black cape, "sympathetically" draping it across his back. But the Godfather don't need no cape! Brother James leaps up and makes a show of tossing it -- and Maceo's feigned assistance. Then The Man spins 'round on this shiny, black shoes and makes like a scissor: Bam, he does a fast split and hits the floor. The crowd roars. Still does. Good-night, Godfather of Soul. R.I.P. Links: james brown music funk ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::::::::Sound track: Super Bad... This I have personally known for a very long time... Thank you, Chicago Sun-Times, for just confirming it. In Chicago, mail delivery has gotten so bad that our in-town, overnight delivery ranks the worst in the... More About: Mail , What , Obama
Artist Dale Washington
2007-03-10 18:01:00 Dale Wash ington : SunriseActing as an alarm clock, artist Dale Washing ton?s dramatic sunrises awaken the apartment towers and industrial sections of Chicago's South Side to a new day. Bold black lines dance across his compositions. The dissonant patterns mirror improvisational streaks of sunlight while alluding to the hustle, bustle and hum of the city.Dale Washington's vibrant, 40+ piece exhibit -- Sunrise -- ends tomorrow (3/11) at the Hyde Park Arts Center. If you have an opportunity to stop by, you'll be inspired by Dale's breath-taking work. Links: artists chicago african american hyde park More About: Artist , Shin
Timbaland : Hillary : Brazil : Obama : Dance
2007-03-10 10:07:02 At Rod 2.0 beta, check the powerful photo essay of President Bush's Latin America "good will" tour. In Sao Paolo, Brazil , he's been greeted with massive protests and rocks and riots. In addition to sharing our concerns about the war in Iraq, protesters in Brazil are expressing discontent with the U.S.'s interest in having landowners step-up sugar production. The U.S. wants to use the converted sugar as ethanol to fuel American cars. Conscientious Brazilians fear that Mr. Bush's vision, noble as it is toward impacting climate change, will further devastate the rainforest. Which, they predict, would exacerbate the very problem the Bush plan seeks to fix. Safe travels, Mr. President.>>>>>Hip-hop producer Timbaland clearly knows how to create buzz for his new CD: just make beats for everyone currently grabbing news headlines. In the last week, Timbo has offered to produce "come-back" tracks for Britney Spears . (Better than any medicine, right?) And the man behind hits for Jay-Z, Mi... More About: Dance , Obama , Bama
<<<< Time Rewind >>>>
2007-03-09 22:06:09 What does it cost to feel that heat?300 true Michael Jackson fans in Tokyo paid nearly $3,500 each to feel that beat of love. For 30-seconds max.>>>>>On American Idol, Ryan Seacrest announced two special episodes on April 24 & 25th. It's must-see featuring music heavy-weights Quincy Jones, Bono, Borat, Pink, and Annie Lennox -- all helping show A.I.'s softer side. A vote for your favorite contestant supports a fundraiser for African youth. The contestants will be singing Inspirational songs. American Idol hopes you'll click for details -- and make a donation. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, AT&T and Ford.>>>>> King of the castle. King of the castle. Condi is my friend. Condi is my friend. A U.S. State Dept. report cites Kazakhstan for human rights violations against Sasha Baron Cohen, whose "Borat" website was yanked by the K-Stan government.>>>>>Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica is calling on the U.S. Attorney's office to investigate the county government and find out why the c... More About: Time , Rewind , Wind
Star Power: Chicago's 'Jennifer Hudson Day'
2007-03-08 04:03:03 Here's a little Dreamgirls postcard from the Windy City... Wish you'd been here yesterday when the City of Chicago celebrated Jennifer Hudson Day. The Chi's very own Academy Award winner was home to star in a whirlwind of festivities in her honor.Thanks to Cynthia's Interest, I'm sharing this awesome photo gallery of the former American Idol contestant's "Oscar" meet 'n greet at the Chicago Theater. The shots taken at her alma mater, Dunbar High School, with Mayor Daley are the best.For more: chicago dreamgirls jennifer hudson daley american idol music More About: Power , Star
Schadenfreude@ScooterLibby.gov
2007-03-07 16:02:05 Guess Libby 's Pardon Date, Win a T-ShirtWashington Post columnist Al Kamen is serious about the t-shirt offer. His inspired piece pinpointing the various occasions President Bush might use to pardon Scooter Libby ends with this offer:Send your entries -- one date only: month, day and year -- to: intheloop@washpost.com. Ten people closest to the pardon date will receive a coveted In the Loop T-shirt... Deadline is March 14, assuming Bush doesn't act before then.Says Juror Denis Collins: "It was said a number of times, 'What are we doing with this guy here? Where's [Karl] Rove ... where are these other guys?' We're not saying we didn't think Mr. Libby was guilty of the things we found him guilty of, but it seemed like ... he was the fall guy."CNN's Brianna Keilar reported that as the verdicts were read, Mr. Libby blinked and "it seemed as if he was somewhat surprised."Former Ambassador Joe Wilson said, "The vice president was quoted as saying he was sorry for Mr. Libby and his... More About: Schadenfreude , Chad , Freud
BFFs: Scooter Libby & Dick Cheney
2007-03-07 10:01:03 At least Scooter Libby dodged this bullet... Now here's CNN's excellent summary: WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A federal jury Tuesday found I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney , guilty on four of five counts in his perjury and obstruction of justice trial.Libby was convicted of:* obstruction of justice when he intentionally deceived a grand jury investigating the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame; * making a false statement by intentionally lying to FBI agents about a conversation with NBC newsman Tim Russert;* perjury when he lied in court about his conversation with Russert; * a second count of perjury when he lied in court about conversations with other reporters.Jurors, who deliberated for 10 days, cleared Libby of a second count of making a false statement relating to a conversation he had with writer Matt Cooper, formerly of Time magazine. The rest of this article is here at CNN. The site also links to several excellent Libby story streams and off-s...
V.A.
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Why does it take a media guerilla like Don Imus to embarrass politicians into doing what's right? MSNBC talk maverick Imus has occasionally visited Walter Reed for years and has always chewed-out his politician-guests about what he saw.More recently, major newspapers have run exposes. Now congress has gotten involved, heads have rolled... and I'm just amazed it's taken this long for someone to lift a finger to fix the problems. I mean, it's terribly good what's going on now with the nation's V.A. hospitals. But it's also disheartening that the system has gone so long in such a broken state. Washington Post political columnist Eugene Robinson views it this way:This administration's nonchalance about its most grievous transgressions has been stunning, and the only inference that fits the facts is that the people running our government don't really believe in government at all. They certainly haven't taken it seriously.Not seriously at all. I've watched my elderly uncle for ...
WMD... IEDs... Lethal Cell Phones...
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Fashion hit woman Naomi Campbell, who does a star turn March 13 for Chicago's FashionLive, said today that she wouldn't consider herself "angry." She's just "very emotional..." (Isn't this about the same thing?) And interestingly, sweet Naomi says she travels with five cell phones... FIVE cell phones? Talk about an arms build-up!To quote Avant News, whose clever piece mocks the announcement of a Naomi "signature assault phone" deal with Motorola: "How many other companies can offer a high-tech, really snazzy personalcommunications device that can also be used as a combat projectile at closequarters?" said Col. Wolverine Jack, a procurement officer with the Pentagon."The sooner we can get these in the hands of our troops, the safer they canfeel..." More About: Phone , Cell Phones , Cell Phone , Phones , Cell
Baby, You're a Star: Alderwoman Sandi Jackson
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Grand congratulations go to Sand i Stevens Jackson, who handily won a seat as alderwoman here in Chicago's 7th Ward on Tuesday. The wife of U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and daughter-in-law of the famed civil rights leader, Sandi inspired huge voter turn-out in the heavily contested South Shore community.In an interview in today's Chicago Tribune, Sandi Jackson says:"I hope with this election, people will look at their role on the council in a different way," Jackson said in an interview late Tuesday night. "I hope they'll come to it feeling more empowered. And so I'm very excited about joining my fellow City Council members in trying to forge a new direction for the city."Sorry Ms. Jackson, but your taking 57% of the votes your first time out doesn't surprise anyone who's met you. The mother of two children, Sandi Jackson has an incredibly genuine spirit. Just have a conversation with the new alderwoman and you'll quickly know she's smart and blessed with bright inner ... More About: Baby , Star , Woman , Oman
Martini Mix: The Oscars
2007-03-06 22:00:08 *Mon congrats JENNIFER HUDSON, Chi-town's own!!! But what was up with all the boobage? Lovely gown, but take a breath too deep and an Oscar s wardrobe malfunction could occur. Add three more of these sculpted boulders, and it'll seem the dead prez's of Mount Rushmore rose to the occasion.* This dress of Beyonce's was adorable. It was interesting, though, hearing her re-calibrate her singing, seemingly to ensure that Jennifer didn't show her up. Check out a different -- quite telling -- photo of an eye-popped, hard-singing Beyonce at Clay Cane's blog.* This was the best Oscars production I can recall, thanks to producer Laura Ziskin. It didn't feel longer to me than usual. For a change, it (mostly) kept my attention.* Ellen was great, as expected. Favorite line, when discussing the diversity of this year's Awards: "If there weren't blacks, jews and gays, there would be no Oscars... Nor anyone named "Oscar." Also liked how comfortably she dressed. Those spats were kicking!* Vo... More About: Cars , Scars , Mart
Who Loves 'Ya, Lovie?
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Gotta love Lovie. The Chicago Bears coach says he's "ready to move on to more important things." And the ink's barely dry on his new contract. Yesterday's lowest paid NFL coach, Lovie Smith today deserves a bear-hug for negotiating a delicious $ 4.7 million salary per season. Smith's contract totals about $21 million, ending with the 2011 season. It's unfortunate he's had to haggel for it; it was getting ugly. Hey, The Man led us to the Super Bowl. He deserves that and more.More: chicago black chicago bears usa today sports contract More About: Love
Streaking for Beavers: Fur Protests Sweep Paris Shows
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Thanks to Robin Givhan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion journalist at the Washington Post, we now know the latest rage: NOTHING! Well that's what Givhan says three women were wearing when they stormed runways at some of the hottest shows in Paris . They were nude. Buck-naked. Back in the day, such people were called streakers. Streakers did it just for the fun and thrill of it. But these babes in birthday suits were not laughing. They were mad as hell animal rights activists. They stripped and dashed at three different shows, including the catwalks at Valentino and Christian Lacroix... Don't these designers talk? At least this furrorist kept her shoes on. And smart shoes they were for such on occasion. For the activist on the run.Other than the raw hide flying (like fur), here's what looked interesting from where I sit in soggy, foggy Chi-town. Meow.Want more? fashion week paris animal rights More About: Show , Protest , King , Test
This Just In: New Obama Video
2007-03-06 22:00:08 Want more Obama brew? Check out this short video just emailed by his new media team. It's more speech magic from his Austin (TX) stump. The man has a gift. Whaddaya gonna do?Actually, Hillary Clinton's people know exactly what to do about it... They're lopping off her name, officially making hers a one-word moniker...That's right: The senators' campaign will now promote her as just "Hillary."So long Clinton. Ciao-ciao Rodham.It's easy to understand the concerns about being overshadowed by Bill. It's also easy to understand Obama looming large behind her. He has, of course, now surged ahead of her among black voters. For a perspective on this, check Rachel's Tavern.And this one links to Hillary's senatorial site. It's about the event she and Rep. Sheila Jackson held to celebrate a statue of Sojourner Truth. It'll be erected at the Capitol Building. This is very nice, just terrific.Now, about Iraq...Also see: Obama politics hillary clinton african american black More About: Video , Just , Bama
Dark Side of the Moon
2007-03-06 22:00:08 If you missed yesterday's lunar eclipse, which many around the world enjoyed, not to worry. The South Side Star, naturally, is pleased to drop a bit of the crimson moon madness here. Lunar eclipses are rare, occurring only when the moon passes between Earth and the sun. While, scientifically, the lunar eclispe wasn't significant, it provided astronomy fans spanning the globe a fairly accessible thrill, with Planet Earth shadowing our moon for all to see. Until it vanished.For more: astronomy moon More About: Moon , Dark , Dark Side of the Moon , The Moon
Wynton Marsalis asks "Where Y'all At?"
2007-03-06 22:00:08 What does jazz master Wynton Mars alis have in common with rap stars such as Ludacris and 50 Cent? Nothing, we hope for Wynton's sake. Never one to mince words, the trumpeter is putting hip-hop on full blast -- and he's doing it in his own rap song. A New Orleans native who now orchestrates Jazz At Lincoln Center in New York City, Marsalis goes ballistic on his new album debuting on Tuesday, From the Plantation to the Penitentiary. Of the in-your-face track titled "Where Y'all At?," Marsalis told the UK's Guardian Unlimited:"...Hip-hop substitutes the plantation for the streets. Now you have to say that you're from the streets, you shot some brothers, you went to jail. Rappers have to display the correct pathology. Rap has become a safari for people who get their thrills from watching African-American people debase themselves, men dressing in gold, calling themselves stupid names like Ludacris or 50 Cent..." To be fair, Marsalis doesn't just dress-down hip-hop. He's also hoppi... More About: Here , Wynton Marsalis
Newly OutKast: Behold, It's a Lady
More articles from this author:2007-03-06 22:00:08 It's a jungle out there, and everyone from Anna Nicole to Anne Coulter knows it. As proof, check out this interesting arc of women's news I surfed to today. Each piece presents a different, compelling take on female images in the media today. They're very much five signs of our crazy times:1. Folks at Rachel's Tavern aren't sure how to take this PETA ad. They're not feeling the parallel drawn between this lovely black woman and a beautiful animal. I think the ad's great. I'm still not tossing out my coat, though. And I'll always love the Cat House at the zoo...2. At African American Literature Book Club, there's this peculiar sound bite of Hillary Clinton affecting a Southern black dialect as part of her remarks in Selma -- having an "I Don't Feel No Ways Tired" sermon moment. The snippet's making waves on the Internet as Kentucky Fried Hillary. Did she rehearse this in front of anyone? If so, why didn't they advise her not to mimic. (Check out acclaimed jazz vocalist D... More About: Lady , Behold , Outkast , Hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
 |
|
 |
