Julie C's Blog of Dope

On Youth Violence, Conferences, and Rap-olutionaries

2011-08-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

Youth violence is not a new issue in King County, and prevention-focused, multi-agency public policies are not new strategies to tackle it. The earliest of such efforts I could find in this city date back to 1989, and funding for it has now, after over two decades of repackaging and rearrangement, collapsed into the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. Still, though, the problem persists. After performing and speaking with a group of young women at Powerful Voices, whose program was funded in part by SYVPI, I began delving back into research on the politics and paper trails of youth violence prevention work, and building with a number of dedicated youth and cultural service workers from different organizations and agencies across the city. One of these people was my B-Girl Media and 206 Zulu comrade Sista Hailstorm, who was asked to speak on August 19th, 2011, at a Gang Prevention Conference organized by the City of Seattle, King County Human Services, and SU’s KC Prevention and Outreach Work Group. Finding many commonalities in the moral, cultural, political, economic, and bureaucratic challenges people with integrity face doing this work, we decided to use this event as a platform to air these issues, as well as connect with others seeking alternatives to these systems. Here’s a summary of what happened, some attendee feedback, and some expertise critique:

The first speaker was Dr. Johnny Lake, a charismatic academic and cultural awareness trainer from Oregon by way of Tennessee. He emphasized through personal narrative and anecdotal references the importance of cultivating positive, proud cultural identity and self-esteem. This was followed by the only representatives working on the ground in Seattle: the community panel of Youth 180’s Gabriel Ladd, Keenan Allen, and Sista Hailstorm.(Photo from left to right: Dr. Johnny Lake, Keenan Allen, Gabriel Ladd, Sista Hailstorm.) The Youth 180 folks spoke about their mentorship model and the importance of community-based leadership development, while Sista Hailstorm went hard on multi-generational deep systemic violence waged against marginalized communities, and importance of addressing this in a discussion on youth violence. There was much more, and the community panel was a highlight of the conference, so I urge people to check out at least this part of the audio, which should be up on SU’s Social Work website soon. The final keynote, Dr. James Garbarino, is an author and academic who testifies on behalf of inmates on death row. The data he presented included statistical, scientific, and other evidence-based support for meaningful prevention work.

So what did attendees get out of it? I asked Hassan Hassan, an independent entrepreneur who has taken on youth service in the Somali and African youth community as a dedicated volunteer. “The conference had good intentions,” he said, “but I feel they missed the target when it came to interacting with us as local community grassroots representatives, to listen to our needs and perspectives.” Dione Johnson, co-director of the Multi-Media Center, a youth-led media literacy and production resource network echoed this sentiment saying, “The conference could have done a better job of inviting community organizations on the ground doing the work, but I liked how the panelists that were there did draw on positive models. We need more purpose-driven programming in contrast to violence-focused programming, because we need to call into being what we want.” She also pointed out the lack of youth participants, stressing that, “If we keep leaving young people out of the conversation, we are going to keep having the problem.” Liz Ali, who started Mother’s Outreach Movement, a woman-centered community support network, in 2008 after her son PJ was killed said, “I liked how relationships and culture were emphasized by presenters, and I appreciated Keenan on the panel giving his perspective as a youth touched by violence that has turned that around. I would have liked to see more youth participants.” (*See video footnote at the bottom of this article for youth perspectives!)

For an out-of-town, expertise perspective, I hit up Aquil Basheer of Maximum Force in LA, a former Black Panther with 35 years of violence prevention work under his belt. Too often, he said, such conferences are filled with empty rhetoric: “We rap-olutionaries, as opposed to revolutionaries, we like to hear ourselves talk. We got to stop talking so much and start bringing real measurables and deliverables to the table.” To accomplish these ends, Basheer emphasized the importance of community involvement in the planning stages of such events saying, “Before you do any conference, you need to get a specific needs list from the people on bottom up perspective so you can come with a blueprint to move forward. When we’re at the conference, we have to make sure we’re leaving with a time-oriented plan, a 5, 10, 15 point bullet-hit list of instructions and specific action items so we leave out the room with solutions and answers.”

With the plethora of youth initiatives currently on the table, including Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, the Seattle University Youth Initiative, the King County Sheriff Office Gang Intervention Initiative, and the King County Juvenile Justice Initiative, it would seem there are ample resources to accomplish this task. But if communities are not authentically aware of or engaged in the process, the results will not be consistent, sustainable, or transformative in the lives of our youth.

As a final ironic point in this conversation about violence and violence prevention, it should be noted that the hosting institution, Seattle University, has a president who was reportedly complicit by omission in the perpetuation of abuse to a whole Native community in Alaska. The story is here, and I could not do this report-back without pointing this out, as systemic violence and abuse and its impact should not be neglected, and settlement in the court of law does and should not equate dismissal in the court of public opinion. This is why as youth service workers seek to reform and adapt the existing service structure, we should, as a community, seek to create self-reliant solutions outside of the system that created these cycles.

In closing, I’d like to acknowledge Tanya Kim, from the City of Seattle for working to bring us to this table, and I hope that in the future, our new coalition of community-rooted youth and cultural services workers can help bridge the conference/community/youth divide.

(*Video footnote)
Since much of the feedback from attendees included wanting more youth perspective, my Project Mayhem/Think Tank brother Mic Flont, emcee from the group Waves of the Mind, offered to gather some brief interviews from his students in Katalyst, a Hip Hop & Social Justice youth education program housed in WAPI. He asked youth of different ages, genders, areas, and backgrounds three questions, and we uploaded it to Youtube. Here is the footage:

For more information about any mentioned people or organizations, or to find out how to get involved, email juliec.206@gmail.com.

Jewels Hunter- Moment in Time

2011-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Check my very dear friend, Jewels Hunter's BRAND NEW long-awaited release!

A Moment In Time by Jewels Hunter

Natural Causes Tour Coming to Blend w/Seattle Hip Hop Scene

2011-07-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Peace folks! So it's no secret I been dragging on the blog lately, but I am happy to report lots of listens for my new EP Sliding Scale, and I hope yall will continue to check that out, download, donate, and share with friends! It'd pressure on season! So speaking of which, I got like 8 million shows coming up in July (Check my bandcamp for those dates!), it's like I'm doing a tour in my own city hahaha, BUT there's only ONE that there's a press release for (thank Sir Doxington of Greg and Jerome for that, y'all) so I figured I'd post it up for y'all to read and enjoy. Come through, it's gonna crack off.

For Immediate Release: July 7th, 2011
gregandjerome@gmail.com
http://mikeeagle.net

Natural Causes Tour Coming to Blend w/ Seattle Hip Hop Scene
Next Generation of LA Underground Legends Joins Northwest Artists at Chop Suey

Los Angeles's favorite Hip Hop agitators, next generation of underground legends, and purveyors of the seductively sarcastic non-genre of "art rap" are topping off their Natural Causes tour with a well-anticipated stop at Chop Suey in Seattle, Washington. Hosted by the NO FILLER Presents event collective, Open Mike Eagle, Redd Foxx (Alpha MC & VerBS), and Los Feo Faces will be joined July 21st with Seattle artists Julie C, Graves 33, Three Ninjas & Tangentbot, and Greg & Jerome, for an explosive evening of Hip Hop merriment and wonder.

Headlining the tour is Open Mike Eagle, of the pioneering LA Hip Hop crew Project Blowed, an artist poised to become a movement in his own right, as a voracious lyricist and co-founder of the pivotal Thirsty Fish and the Swim Team crews. His new LP "Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes", released this June, is a testimony to his originality, vision, and domineering mic presence. Joining him on tour is Redd Foxx, a duo consisting of Alpha MC & VerBS, two of Los Angeles's hardest working emcees, also of Swim Team and Hellfyre Club, and artists from Los Feo Faces, another hard-hitting emcee powerhouse featuring a roster that stretches from Hawaii, through Texas, Colorado, Cali and back. The Seattle welcoming committee consists of Julie C, first lady of the legendary Alpha P crew, the 206's favorite renaissance man, Graves 33, the cloaked crusaders Greg & Jerome, and the mysterious Three Ninjas & Tangentbot.

The night will be a promising blend of two scenes, sprinkled with some extra surprises and titillating secret special guests. Open Mike Eagle said, "I always look forward to playing Seattle. It's one of the last outposts in the war on mediocre music. It's certainly the Capital of the miraculous rap forest that is the Pacific Northwest."

Check out the promotional video for the "Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes" LP here:

Event Information:
Thursday, July 21st, 2011- SEATTLE, WA
Natural Causes Tour @ Chop Suey
1325 E. Madison Street
8pm - $7 - 21+ (Presale available)

DOWNLOAD MY EP SLIDING SCALE

2011-06-07T10:48:00.001-07:00

I know I know, I've totally fallen off my blogging game these past few months, but check it out. I DROPPED AN EP! I had a BLAST at the record release at the epic Stop Bitin' at Lofi on May 31st, and I wanna give big ups to everyone involved. (I will list in an edit!) For now, download THIS. NOW. Did I mention it's FREE? Unless you wanna donate ;)

Sliding Scale by Julie C

How Can Hip Hop Save the World? Lessons from a Seattle Youth Service Scandal

2011-03-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

On March 3rd, I was invited to speak at an intimate panel at Seattle University called "How Can Hip Hop Save the World?" The gathering, brought together by SU's Mary Pauline Diaz, featured Mako Fitts, Ready C from my crew Alpha P, and myself, as well as about 10 student participants. I didn't know what to expect, but I was inspired by the topic, ensuing conversation, and current events to write this article up.

(Photo: Kool Herc, founder of Hip Hop, currently fighting the American healthcare system.)

Before addressing how Hip Hop can save the world, you first have to determine whether it can, and what "Hip Hop" means to begin with. Now although we could debate cultural memory, nommo, and collective experience all day, the truth is that the only thing that brings most of us together under the umbrella of "Hip Hop" is that we, as artists, engage in the artistic practices deemed by Afrika Bambaataa to be the elements of Hip Hop: bboy/girling, emceeing, graffiti, Djing, beat-making, etc. Of course cultural production in Hip Hop is not just limited to that, it also includes secondary extensions of this. For example, independent media/websites/shows such as Seaspot, Flava News, Coolout Network, Untappedmuzik, All Power to the Positive, Seattle Hip Hop Street Fights, Street Sounds, Boombox FM, She Ready Radio, and Zulu Radio are included here as well as bloggers like those at Raindrophustla, Chul Gugich from 206up, Hugh from Blogsiswatching.com, and Miss Casey Carter, writers like Marian Liu and Jonathan Cunningham, even online forum mafiosos like the habitue of 206Proof are Hip Hop cultural producers. Promoters/venues/functions are also hugely important to Hip Hop cultural production (think Dope Emporium, UmojaFest, Obese Productions, an institution like Stop Biting at Lofi (shouts to Introcut), or Ladies First, formally at Hidmo, etc.) Extending even farther out, we can include fashion (think Mint Factory Clothing or CrisisNW Gear), photography (like Ruf Top Productions, and Jennifer Mary), and a plethora of others. Through this lens, Hip Hop CREATES communities around these artistic practices and acts of cultural production. The question then shifts from "Can Hip Hop save the world?" to "Can communities save the world?" and of course, the answer here is yes. But what role does Hip Hop have in this?

As an artist, and like a lot of artists and cultural producers out here in the Northwest Hip Hop scene, I believe in community accountability to the youth. We do not just understand and create art about issues of gentrification, poverty/job creation, educational reform, healthcare, and youth violence prevention, we organize and mobilize for positive changes within our spheres of influence around these issues, for their benefit. I've worked with organizations who turn crack houses into community centers and throw Hip Hop Leadership Conferences (Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council & Umojafest P.E.A.C.E. Center), organizations who connect artists with schools, play cafeterias and gymnasiums, and organize city-wide Youth Summits (206 Zulu), collectives who throw multi-day free all-ages Hip Hop festivals with youth showcases (Dope Emporium), business owners who turn their restaurants into activists hubs and performance spaces, who launch community empowerment projects (Hidmo), and I've been blessed to connect with other collectives, organizations, and crews in cities across the country who share the same priorities and mission in this work. (Shouts to DeBug in San Jose, W.I.T in Kentucky, J.U.I.C.E and GorillaMic in Los Angeles, IMAN & Coalition to Protect Public Housing in Chicago, B Girl Be in Minneapolis, W.E.A.P in Oakland, and all trues in the PPEHRC, UZN, HHC networks). There's power in this groundswell.

Through my travels, connecting with "Hip Hop" communities across the country, I've also learned that the national policies and initiatives enacted locally on a state, county, & city level have created common struggles & challenges for us. Broadening our perspective on these issues to include the struggles of communities outside our scene allows us to see how these issues manifest in different cities, and facilitates better understanding on how we can enact change in Seattle. One example of this is HUD Block Grants that wiped out public housing in virtually every urban community across the country, shrouding the reality of gentrification and urban economic displacement under the guise of "private-public partnerships". Another very recent example is the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (YVPI). Most don't know that at the time this was launched in Seattle two years ago, former Mayor Nickels was the President of the National Council of Mayors, and it's not a stretch to say his decision to entrust the Seattle Urban League with a no-bid multi-million dollar grant for executing the project locally was in no small part due to the "New Deal" partnership for the Conference of Mayors and the National Urban League announced at their centennial celebration.

Two years ago, at the time this happened, I was working with Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, Mother's Outreach Movement, Hip Hop Congress, and a collective of over 20 other local Hip Hop and youth advocacy organizations in the Unite for Youth Coalition, who were very much in the trenches of youth violence prevention work. The coalition members were also very concerned with the city's move to hand these desperately needed funds over to the Urban League, an organization with questionable leadership, a history of unsavory community appropriation, and virtually no track record of notable violence prevention work. Plus at the same time, the city of Seattle was proposing to build a $110 million dollar jail, and the new Seattle School District Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson (who was just fired March 3rd by the school board over the recent scandal) was proposing to shut down six schools. We organized, and began contacting people in the mayor's office, on the school board, and in the Urban League, and our concern only grew. As community organizers and youth service workers, we were uncomfortable with 1) the disconnect of these conversations 2) the Seattle School District's questionable management of public funds and their inability to keep schools open 3) the lack of transparency, really the shroud of secrecy over the Urban League's plans for the violence prevention money. Two years ago, we staged demonstrations, put out articles on the issue, and did our best to engage our communities in the conversation, for the interest of the youth. Were we successful in raising awareness and asking questions? Yes. Were we able to prevent the scandalous debacle that ensued? No.

Today, two years later, after at least four schools are closed, the Seattle Times front page is riddled with stories about the Seattle School District's financial scandal, how over a million dollars was handed over to vendors that never did anything but get the money, and how the single largest recipient of that money was the Seattle Urban League. This all came out after the Urban League quietly lost the YVPI contract in January, after they spent $900,000 with little to show for it. (Here's the city's performance evaluation for the larger half of that amount). I'd be interested to hear how this played out in other cities.

Despite all this, ours was not a lost battle. Quite the contrary, the pressure and spotlight put on Former Mayor Nickels and his administration came right before elections season. Hip Hop ran its own candidate, Wyking Garrett, for the purposes of putting these and other critical issues on the table, and coalitions of urban youth organizations like the Young Voter's League were hosting their own candidate forums at which Nickels was virtually absent. Although Wyking lost in primaries, the face time we bought with other candidates won us a huge platform to educate others on what was going on in the community, and it was out of these conversations that Mayor McGinn surfaced as a favored pick among young voters. It is the presence of this new mayor which has eventually lead to the space for transparency in the YVPI, as well as for new leadership to emerge from the community. We should not forget or downplay this victory, even if it did take some time, but we should also strive to mobilize quicker, stronger, and more effectively next time by taking key lessons from what went down in our own backyard:

1) Be proactive in creating and/or contributing to the growth of institutional alternatives to the status quo. (Instead of trying to use the master's tools to dismantle the plantation. This applies to the dying music industry & corporate media model as well as activism and youth service.)

2) Leverage the political process by running our own Hip Hop candidates who will put our issues and interests into the forefront. (Instead of raking up election year funding by remaining operatives for existing political parties.)

3) Keep building Hip Hop as an effective medium for community education and mobilization. (Think unionizing teaching artists and Hip Hop youth service workers, building coalitions between our businesses, collectives, and organizations, and creating "rapid response" networks on youth policy issues among our independent media outlets.)

Hip Hop is a vast & powerful network. We should not shy away from being active in changing the world from the ground up. The above is only one example of the small atrocities committed daily, and the role our community of cultural producers can and needs to play in intervening and recreating. Even here in our seemingly isolated, burgeoning scene, we are a part of a larger movement with larger aspirations, and there are many reminders of this. (Take our comrades in the Hip Hop communities of North Africa for example). There's a lot of answers to the question "How Can Hip Hop Save the World?", but the most important answer is in the alignment of all our efforts and the clarity of our collective vision.

Julie C is a teacher, cultural advocate, and emcee. Her upcoming E.P Sliding Scale is dropping May 2011 from the indy label B Girl Media. Email her at Juliec@hiphopcongress.com, and comment on this story and others at www.Julie-C.com.

The Novel of Feb. 2011

2011-03-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

Y'all are going to be mad at the length of the February report, but don't trip. Just remember my solo E.P. is dropping in May, breeze through all the paragraphs below, check out all the artists you haven't heard, scan write-ups of events you might have missed, revel in your shout out, leave a comment, and CONNECT WITH EACH OTHER. Beyond the all the exciting events that went down in the 206 and 425 this month, I was able to spend the last week of February in LA working with B Girl and networking with some very talented, amazing folks, so do take advantage, and let's bridge this I-5 gap a little bit. I'm so appreciative of the people I know, those I've had the pleasure to meet for the first time this month, and the events and shows I've been blessed to participate in, so since I love my life so much, and you should love yours too, here's the theme-video of the month, the BRAND NEW OFFICIAL Black Stax's "I Love My Life" Now for your regularly scheduled review of February, 2011:

Saturday the 5th, I swung down to the Theorem at Electric Tea Garden to watch live produced sets from OC Notes, and Dead Noise with DJ Sho Nuph, and WD40, murdering the turntables. I don't make it to enough non-emcee events, and this night was a definite reminder why I should. HEAT.

I also finally got to connect with my girl, Monica Crystal, a lovely, talented vocalist, and some of the musicians in her band at a jam session way out in Mill Creek. The guitarist/bassist Richie and the other emcee there, Rhino, have a band called Corner State, definitely worth the check out, these cats are dope. Be on the look out for upcoming collabs between Miss Crystal's band, Empress Omni, and me, because we will be lighting up a stage together near you real, real soon.

February 10th marked my very first Everett show at Shotzies up north. I wanna give a super big shout to G Red for getting me out of the Seattle city limits for this one, which was a nice change of scenery, as well as to my girl Sista Hailstorm for rocking with me. We shared the bill with Everett's Royal-T, J Black, Mr. Benjamin, Sir Sleepy, Cali's Hollywood, hosted by James. Also got to connect with DJ Nanino, from Boombox 90.7fm (he invited me to cohost an all female spotlight show with him, so be on the lookout for that in a few weeks!), as well as Madshroom, Corndog, and Wizdum from Black Magic Noize.

On February 13th, Hustle Feet First and Bump Local presented the well-anticipated throwback Valentine's Skate Party, masterminded by Jerm Dee and Zach the Barber, and it was HISTORICAL. A big yellow bus swooped up some of Seattle's finest artists and tastemakers from Lofi, including Rufio, Meli from Obese Productions, Kitty Wu, Cassandra, Haj, O.C Notes, Saqqara, Feven, Larue, King Khazm, Joc, Didit, Kylie, Beloved1, BBoy Jonathan from BYC, Jerz, Mookie, Anwar, and more, and took us to Auburn Skate Connection where we all tried to keep our balance to the tunes of DJ Topspin and 100Proof. The ride there was craaackking, with beatboxin' and three separate cyphers all the way south, and will probably remain one of my fondest Seattle Hip Hop memories for a long, long time! The whole night was truly a feat of genuine community-building, unity, and fun. Watch out for the next installment of this event, as it is sure to catch on and grow. I've already been hearing rumors that part two is in the planning stages.

On February 17th, we headed out to West Seattle for One Time for Your Mind at the Skylark. This show, organized by Page One, featured Kay Bee (check his new video for the track "Do What You Feel" here!), Lojique, Greg & Jerome, Saturday Morning Cartoon, and myself, ft. Hailstorm, Jerm D, Korvus Blackbird, and Bandanaz, as well as Graves 33, and the infinitely fantastic DJ SeaBefore aka "Captain Save a Show". We turned this little venue out that night, so I wanna send super big shouts to everyone who came through a supported us, including Jamal Revels, Jewelz Hunter, Third Eye Bling, Neebor, Cassandra, Dione from the Multimedia Center, the homies from Honozulu, and everyone else. It was a blast! Also, speaking of Saturday Morning Cartoon, remember that collabo cut featuring myself called "Something Brand Nu" I debuted in last month's review? Check out this video of the track, with animation by David Toledo.

That weekend, beginning on Friday the 18th, 206 Zulu's 7th Anniversary was in full effect! The celebration kicked off with an all-day youth summit at Vera project, which brought over 100 high schoolers from different schools in the area together to learn, create, and connect over Hip Hop Culture. I was blessed to be asked to rock a few tracks and speak to the youth, along with Jus Moni, Massiah, Star, Suntonio Bandanaz, Massive Monkees, Big World Breaks, and more. It was super live. That evening, I performed with Bandanaz, along with Neema, Endrwon from Portland, and Massiah, just MINUTES before the legendary Percee P took the stage at Washington Hall! All this was going down as the BBoys and Girls lit up the floor beneath us, and the graff writers tore up the canvas out front. Big ups to 206Zulu for making our city shine as always.

That night was also Larue's going away bash at Chop Suey, and what a night that was! DJ Intylekt (check out his new blog by clicking the link), DJ Swervewon, Yirim Seck, Black Stax, and the man of the hour himself joined forces to bring Seattle a farewell show to remember! The vibe was sexy, sophisticated, and grown, as some of the town's most seasoned artists delivered a potent and powerful showcase to a packed house. Larue sent himself off in style, and although he will be missed as he packs up and heads to Florida, we can't be too sad because we know no one ever leaves the young town for long!

The Los Angeles Section:

While in LA, B-Girl and I caught up with the Hip Hop Congress homie DLabrie who was out and about promoting his new mixtape "Operation Upgrade Vol 2" dropping free this month (www.DLabrie.com) and his debut album MR NETW3RK dropping 5/31. He was hitting the All Star Weekend industry parties and as always running late, but we got our deep dish on. If you don't know Labrie, you will soon, cause if he's not currently at or leaving your city, he's on his way.

On Tuesday, February 22nd, LA I was grateful to score a feature slot at "Natural High", a weekly open mic in Culver City at the Industry Cafe & Jazz (thank you so much to Shamako Noble, and Tamika for hooking this up!) When I walked in, "Natural High" bandleader Hank G was holding down the venue, playing guitar and drums at the same time he was rapping and singing, with a 6 year old rhythmic genius, Singha, playing bongos. It was nuts! Soon, he was joined by the host, OSmith, a very talented vocalist and emcee, warming up the stage as the band behind him grew every minute. The vibe was so authentically dope, I was happy to ditch my beats and do my tracks over their music. Although I didn't catch everyone who was up there that night, notable emcees, singers, poets, and musicians that touched the stage included Mark Minor, Ayce Sly, Lady Basco, Ms. Sho (also Cali Quake football player #28), Verbs, Jazz Oh, Substance TGL, Spiv, Ashley-Dominique, Devi Wonder, and of course my girl Kandi Cole. I gotta send extra love to Jazz and Devi for opening up their home to us for the afterparty kicking it. These are incredibly gifted individuals, and hopefully we can get them to come join us up here on the tip of the west coast very soon.

On the 23rd, Kandi Cole brought us to the show in Silverlake at a spot called Little Temple, where we got to meet Devious, founder of (SIS)TEM: an LA female emcee conglomerate, and see some local cats rock. The night marked the release of Medusa's new single "Chocolet Giddy Up." In addition to DJ Tommy Blak, Val the Vandal, and the queen of LA underground herself, we saw some cold performances from Alter'd Ego, 5 Footaz (This is a raid! Everybody lay down and behave...), and Tabernacle.

Couple days later, on the 25th, I got in the studio with Veteran Eye from Veteran Assassins and Kandi Cole, laying some HEAT. I also got to reconnect with the super duper fresh n dope DJ Eskimo One, and got to meet North Carolina's Luv Jonz too. Rapping, laying tracks, eating some amazing BBQ, and chilling with good folks? Hard to beat, for real. Be on the look out for that track and more...

On February 26th, Spiv, one of the artists we connected with at Natural High invited me to come out and rock at "The Grind" presented by GorillaMic and Streets of Venice at Westfield/ Fox Hills mall, hosted by Verbs & Ashley-Dominique. It was too good an opportunity to pass up! The all ages event featured prizes and giveaways, live silk screening, henna tattoos, hair cuts from Snagneto (also a dope emcee!), half pipe S.K.A.T.E Competition, Live Art by Annie Preeze, Rae Kiaha, and more, as well as music from myself, The Sirens, CHUUWEE, Belvi, Richard Wright, and Kleeo Williams, plus selectas DJ Lord Ron and DJ Swoops.

The Extra Shout Out Section:

Big ups to indy journalists and singer/emcees Entrigue and Vivid from UntappedMusik for interviewing me before the Skate Party. It was great talking to these savvy sistas, and Seattle, stay on the look out for their new mag and website spotlighting untapped Northwest talent, linked above! I also have to send tons of love to the amazing Jen from Jennifer Mary Photography, and Danielle Wolfe, M.A.C Makeup extraordinaire for HOOKING ME UP on my photoshoot this month. (And also to Roderick Johnson of FlavaNews for hooking up the cameras!) If any of y'all artists need flicks or makeup, these are the people to get at! Also thank you Page One of Mean Mouse Designs for my super official ambigram and business cards.

In addition, I wanted to shout out all the LA People I didn't quite catch up with on this round: MP from 90.7fm KPFK and Rebels to the Grain, DJ Cheddy, and Big Rube, Mykill Miers, Asher Underwood from Mind of Makaveli, Lamar Glover from J.U.I.C.E., DJ Mark Luv from Zulu, and Seven Davis, Jr. I'm sorry I missed y'all, but I'll be back soon if I don't see you in the 206 first.

Jan Recap- All City Jump Off, Hip Hop Period/Kitchen, and More!

2011-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Lunar New Year of the Rabbit. If the remainder of 2011 goes how January went, moves are bout to be made! Since I've been in the lab brewing up some new projects for your listening pleasure...(expect in the next few months the brand new JulieC E.P, a new Knox Family project, and the extra new Murder She Wrote featuring myself, Sista Hailstorm, and DJ BGirl), I thought it a good time to reach out, reconnect, and give a shout to all the folks that make Seattle Hip Hop what it is!

Lemme start off my recap showing love to my fam, Greg and Jerome, for allowing me to rock with them at Faire Gallery on the 10th. This small, intimate joint was a going away show for a comic, but it was also my first performance of the New Year, and my first time rocking at Faire. Prior to my young 24 bar feature, I was able to check a duo from Everett's Black Magic Noize, for the first time too. Dope cats, definitely worth a listen.

Later that week, on the 14th was Hip Hop Period: The ReRival at Wapifasa, organized by the young n fresh emcee Dakota. I first met Dakota while teaching Urban Debate a few years ago at Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, and it's been a pleasure watching this cat blossom. Since I missed Wapi's open house, this was my first time checking out the youth organization's new digs in Columbia City and the spot is dope! The show, hosted by Gabriel Teodros, featured Rogue Pinay, ArtofVerse, Language Arts, JRain, and Los Tainos, which is a new group consisting of mi familia Mic Flont and Khingz. Shouts to Suntonio Bandanaz, Dox, Sista Hailstorm, and Korvus Blackbird for rocking with me that night. Also, big ups to Wish Curtis of Emerald Roots, Otis from Streetfights the Hip Hop Show, Cecily Madanes, and Nathan Meernik for holding down the media that night! You can check out photos from this show by Teodoro here! Be on the look out for more events coming from the WAPI youth real soon, and if you know a young person who could use some plugs, do urge them to advantage of some of the programs and services Wapi offers in the community.

On the 27th, was Hip Hop Kitchen, an invite-only networking/bread-breaking dinner party, hip hop style, hosted at the home of my girl Cassandra William, along with the ill emcee and amazing cook Dice (check her new video with Willie Joe here) and her manager K_Adele. These women, with the help of Tishauna, were throwing down some Thai in the kitchen like I've never seen done, while Cass was screening throwback War of the Words footage from years ago. It was dope connecting live with Boss Lady Jazz, Boom Box, MicPhenom, Five Flat, Tamiko from Triple R, Casey Carter, Gene Dexter, OutrageousI5, Mrdutch, RyanonaMission, Kitty Wu & Georgio Brown from Coolout Network and everyone else I may have left out. I can't wait for the next installment of this event. Good shit. Be sure to check out Seattle Soul on Blast February 19th at Chop Suey to see Dice, Choklate, Darrius Willrich, JusMoni, Zach Bruce, and more. Just to wet your whistle, here's some footage of a Hip Hop Kitchen Cypher, featuring some of the artists just mentioned (Thank you, Triple R for this!)

And FINALLY, this brings us to All City Jump Off that went down Friday, the 28th at Lofi, organized by my brother Zechariah tha Barber of AllCityChop. The AllCityChop series, part of the Barber's multifaceted BUMP LOCAL campaign, features a wide variety of Northwest artists from all corners of the Hip Hop scene, chopped n screw'd. Hosted by the charismatic and talented Lady Scribe, this show was the ILLEST I have ever seen and had the privilege to rock at Lofi. The talent was beyond palpable. The stage was shared by artists featured on 3.0 and 3.5 All City Chop mixtapes, including Luke Rain, Language Arts, Delton Son, Beloved1, Piece, Lady Tasz, Black Stax, KingDRO, Ditta Mac, Larue, Tyrone, Saturday Morning Cartoon (wanna hear a secret SMC featuring Julie C track? Click here), Helladope, Metal Chocolates (OC Notes & Rick Rude), Meez, Dougie, and G-Red. The Alpha Platoon segment of the night featured my crew's own Haj, Inkbiz, Knox Family(myself, Julie C & Jerm D), and Suntonio Bandanaz, not to mention DJ's SeaBefore, DJ Khunex, Nim Almighty, and Austin Lee. Check some footage of Black Stax rocking this night right here, posted by Lady Flava. If by now, you haven't opened www.AllCityChop.com in a new window and began your free download of the mixtape, STOP DRAGGING.

So with that, I'ma wrap this summary up with a few thoughts. Well wishes and rapid recovery to the founder of the game, Kool Herc. Check this article called "Kool Herc, Hip Hop, Healthcare, and Humanity" by Shamako Noble, for more thoughts on this issue and how it relates to our day to day. Finally, peace to all the brave men and women who have been holding it down on the streets of Egypt this month. We stand in solidarity with the global resistance. ONE LOVE.

1st Annual Seattle Hip Hop Business and Career Expo

2010-10-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Hip-Hop Career & Business Expo, scheduled for October 9, 2010 at the Vera Project – (Warren Ave. & Republican Street) Seattle Center is part of the Seattle City of Music Festival and will focus on providing established and aspiring artists and entrepreneurs with tools and resources to grow their careers and business while also introducing young people who are part of the hip-hop generation to the many career and business opportunities in and around hip-hop music and culture.

I'll be facilitating a conversation on Music and Media, 11:30am at the Vera Project in Seattle Center as a part of this event.

Join me along with:

Tom Mara - Executive Director, KEXP
Larry Mizell - Writer/Hip-Hop Artist Stranger Raindrophustla.com
Andrew Matson - Writer, Seattle Times
Jonathon Cunningham - Publicola.net
Casey Carter, misscaseycarter.com
Marian Liu, Entertainment Editor, Seattle Times
Alvin Singh II, Digital Media Consultant, Guerrilla Techknowledge
Mia "DJ B-Girl" Beardsley, B Girl Media
Joaquin Uy, News Director, KBCS

From the press release:

"The Seattle Hip-Hop Career & Business Expo will focus on providing established and aspiring artists and entrepreneurs with tools to grow their careers and businesses while also introducing young people to the many career and business opportunities in and around hip-hop music and culture in this free, all-ages event.

"As a part of the City of Music Festival we are seeking to provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs and artists to learn, network and fully engage in the growing creative economy in our region," says K. Wyking Garrett.

Sessions will touch on music production, licencing, marketing, distribution, and business development; and speakers include representatives from the Recording Academy, Sub Pop Records, SportnLife Records, City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, The Stranger/KEXP, AEG Live, One Reel, Seattle Theater Group, Hewlett Packard, International News Inc., Urban Enterprise Center Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Microsoft, and Fused Music, among others.

This educational event is sponsored by Seattle Hip-Hop Hop Youth Council & UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center with support from Seattle Office of Economic Development, Seattle Office of Film & Music, and Kicks & Tees.

For additional information, please visit http://seattlehiphopsummit.wordpress.com/

Other Confirmed Speakers Include:

An Interview with Jie-Song Zhang: The Creator of The Emerging Face of a Nationless World

2010-10-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

"A violinist in the Hip Hop composition team Stone Forrest Ensemble, Jie-Song is a visionary with a rare gift for commitment and discipline. It only made sense then as we began discussing the role Hip Hop Congress could play in the conversation around this film that I would want some basic insights on what motivated this project, where it was going and what it’s ultimate aims were. It also made sense that I would want to share them. So I did what any self-respecting, sort-of-blogger, psudeo-journalist would do. I asked him for an interview. What I got was much more. Peep game." From the Hip Hop Congress Blog. Click here for entire story.

Album Spotlight: Daichi Diez – The Reason and the Rhyme

2010-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

"From the Land of the Rising Sun to the Emerald City comes an artist who understands what it means to rhyme with honor. For anyone familiar with what’s cracking in 206 (Seattle Hip Hop), the name Alpha P is synonymous with quality music, ridiculous skill and a commitment to consciousness. In his international offering The Reason and the Rhyme, Daichi Diaz does not fail to hold that banner high. Not even a little bit. Daichi has a classic approach that embraces both his Japanese and Seattle heritages. If balancing the two was supposed to be a challenge for him, I couldn’t tell."
From the Hip Hop Congress Blog, view full article here.
Purchase the Album Here

"Boogie Up the Block"

2010-09-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Written, performed and produced by Suntonio Bandanaz, Andrew Luck and Sleepyhead. Hook sample written and performed by Unique Son. Mixed by Knowa KnowOne. Video directed and produced by Asun. Video executive produced by Heidi Jackson. Dedicated James "Talk Sick" Sullivan. From the forthcoming "Alien Technology" album.

B Girl Media from Vancouver at the Final UTV 2010

2010-08-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Under the Volcano Festival of Art & Social Change celebrated its 20th anniversary on August 8, where us at B Girl Media had the honor of rocking. In an interview with a Vancouver paper, Meegan Maultsaid said this year’s festival in Deep Cove’s Cates Park is also the last. “It’s from a combination of things,” Maultsaid told the Straight. “For 20 years we’ve been a noncorporate festival, our admissions have always been by donation, but expenses go up. We like to bring international artists, but it costs money to do that. We’re maintaining an accessible community event, but it’s difficult to reconcile those two parts.”

More pictures are available at the B Girl Media Blog. She wrote, "Sista Hailstorm, Julie C. and I had the pleasure of performing together at the 20th Annual Under the Volcano Festival of Art & Social Change in Vancouver, B.C. on August 8, 2010. Also performing was Rogue Pinay & May Tawa Sa Lahat (SEA), Olmeca, Militant Child (SEA), Cuauhtemoc, Abrstract Random & Ayo Leilani, Cristina Orbe (SEA), Delhi 2 Dublin and many more! Seattle was in the house! Shout outs to Lulu, Stephany Hazelrigg, Gabriel Teodros, Khingz and Jillz, and Sozan, who was a great hostess! There are no future Under the Volcano festivals being planned at this moment. So for right now, this was the LAST one! Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers for putting together a fantastic event!"

Collabs from across the Pacific: SensualizMusic

2010-03-25T12:59:00.001-07:00

PROGRESS + NUDE + CREW from Japan just released their brand new album SensualizMusic, featuring two tracks with myself, as well as one from Suntonio Bandanaz, and another from Daichi Diez.

With a wide breadth of styles and a diverse line-up of artists, this 1st album from PROGRESS + NUDE + CREW seeks to smash paradigms on Japanese Hip Hop and break international borders. Instrumentals from Hiro AKA Melodiverse of PROGRESS + NUDE + CREW range from dramatic to mellow, light and jazzy to painfully emotional, but all are deeply introspective and beautifully composed.

Enjoy the previews of the album on these videos and purchase the album by clicking the link above. Support the international Hip Hop movement, and be on the look out for more collaborations between myself and Hiro. In the meanwhile, check out the track below called "Beautiful Tragedy." We do it global baby!

"Boogie Up the Block!" Friday, April 2nd, 2010

2010-03-25T12:55:00.001-07:00

Come join us for a fantastic show that promises to be the best three dollars you've ever spent! Suntonio Bandanaz, Shamako Noble, Dox, and Julie C tear is up at the Rat and Raven Public House on 55th and University Way in the U District, Friday, April 2nd.

Only 3 bucks!

21+

Special Guests will be present. ;)

Album Spotlight: Contrary to Popular Belief

2010-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

When Graves Hansen asked me to write a few words on his new album, Contrary to Popular Belief I was more than happy to oblige. Graves is a notable Seattle Hip Hop vet, with supreme grind and the only artist I personally know with their own Iphone app. The album, from Seattle’s Black Lab Productions, is a testimony to Graves’ contemplative, sophisticated sound. Filling a much needed gap in Hip Hop today, Contrary to Popular Belief takes listeners on a reflective journey, urging us to look deeper into our world, our lives, and ourselves. Powerful, complex, and at some points painfully critical, the album is anything but light listening. Despite the heavy content, Graves has a way of delivering even the most melancholy message in a way that makes you bob your head and yearn for more. The album features contributions from some of Seattle’s best little-known artists, such as Jewels Hunter, Cheo Lopez, Phreewil, and Cin7, as well as 206Zulu’s favorite beatboxer AudioPoet. Several tracks also feature the legendary guitarist Randy Hansen, best known for his work with Jimi Hendrix. Click here for track listings and to purchase the album, and definitely look forward to more exciting releases from the emerging Black Laboratory, which has much more up its sleeve.

Ahki James "TalkSick" Sullivan Passes

2009-10-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

"James "TalkSick" Sullivan, 28, returned to the essence October 14, 2009 due to complication from the H1N1 virus. Proud to originally hail fom San Francisco's Hunter's Point neighborhood, he resided in Washington since 1988. A fierce lover, advocate, and defender of hiphop culture, TalkSick was a proud member of the Universal Zulu Nation's Seattle chapter who dedicated his time to community service. A recognizable, friendly, gregarious fixture at NW hiphop shows, TalkSick was also a reknowned hiphop historian with an exhaustive wealth of musical knowledge few could rival. An MC, show promoter, and blogger, TalkSick's favorite MCs of all time were Kool G Rap and KRS One, yet he held a particular affection for rap from his native Bay Area and from Seattle. He was also known for his big sense of humor, big thirst, and blunt, all-too-rare rare candor--and, on occasion, his own deep rhyme skills. Even bigger and deeper than all of that, as anyone who ever met TalkSick will attest, was his heart. His passing is a blow and deep sadness to the Seattle-area hiphop scene, but his life will forevermore be celebrated. Rest In Power, Ahki." -By Larry Mizell, Jr. and Ashley Goggins.

Note: It's been a year since your passing, and I wanted to revisit and say we love and miss you family. We're learning from you constantly, and you are always in your heart and thoughts.

Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center Hip Hop Summer Academy Schedule

2009-07-02T15:37:00.001-07:00

Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center Hip Hop Summer Academy Daily Schedule
Period	Times	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
1	10:05am-11:35am	Music Business	Business & Entrepreneurship	Music Business	Business & Entrepreneurship	Music Business
2	11:45am-1:15pm	Science of Flow	Producers' Class	Science of Flow	Producers' Class	Science of Flow
Lunch	1:20pm-2:20pm	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
3	2:25pm-3:55pm	Civics, Politics, and Debate	Drama	Civics, Politics, and Debate	Drama	Civics, Politics, and Debate
4	4:05pm-5:35pm	Journalism	Music Literacy	Freestyle Period	Music Literacy	Freestyle Period
5	5:45pm-7:15pm	DJ Class	Video Production	Fashion 101	Video Production	DJ Class
July
Sun.	Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.
			1	2	3	4
5	6 Classes Begins	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29 HipHop Congress/ UPC Youth Showcase	30 HipHop Congress Conference, all day workshops	31 Umojafest Children's Day/HHC Conference/ Youth Rally
August
Sun.		Mon.	Tues.	Wed.	Thurs.	Fri.	Sat.
							1 Umojafest/ Hip Hop Showcase
2 Umojafest/ Hip Hop Showcase		3	4	5	6	7	8
9		10	11	12	13	14	15
16		17	18	19	20	21	22
23		24	25	26	27	28 Classes End	29/30/31

Hip Hop won't let the Malcolm X Message be Forgotten in Seattle

2009-05-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, May 17th, 2009, the life and legacy of Malcolm X was commemorated in celebration of his 84th birthday at the first annual Malcolm X Day Hip-Hop Fest at Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center. The event, keynoted by former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and recently released activist Gerald Hankerson, was the only one in Martin Luther King Jr. County that honored the often misunderstood and misrepresented human rights leader. Almost 300 people from Seattle to Oakland and all points in between came out to get down with a healthy dose of education, entertainment, and political empowerment.This free, all-day, all-ages event featured speakers, workshops, food, live performances, networking, and children’s activities that lit up the corner of 24th Ave & Spring Street in Seattle’s Central District.

Malcolm X’s teachings provided the blueprint for three break-out work sessions that kicked the day off. Facilitators used his themes of community self-empowerment through education, positive service, and political and economic awareness to guide discussions on local issues such as youth violence prevention, media justice, the upcoming city and county elections. “Malcolm X provided invaluable jewels by letting us know: ‘We must understand the politics of our community and we must know what politics are supposed to produce,” said event visionary Wyking, “We must know what part politics play in our lives, and until we become politically mature, we will always be mislead, lead astray, or deceived .”

The education workshop, facilitated by Monika Mathews of the NIA center, focused community-based education including home schooling and learning centers with culturally relevant learning environments. The economics workshop, facilitated by Shamako Noble of the Hip Hop Congress and Khep Ra Ptah of the Got Green Project layed out a Hip-Hop cluster economic model that includes revenue streams from entertainment, education/youth programs and non-profit/community development sectors and also addressed the opportunities to participate in the Green Economy as a pathway out of poverty.
The politics workshop lead by Omari Tahir and Kenyatto Amen of the Hip Hop Coffee Shop framed politics as “decision making” and the theme was “either you’re at the table eating…or you are on the menu to be eaten.” Participants worked on practical strategies for improving political leverage in the community, and next steps, including canvassing the community, holding candidate forums so that candidates can speak directly to our issues, and running our own candidates to represent our interests.

Gerald Hankerson, highlighted the power of an organized voting bloc in close elections, a theme that Malcolm X spoke on in his famous “Ballot or The Bullet” speech. He also reminded the crowd that we can’t forget the members of our community that are still incarcerated and must create opportunities for them to be productive when they come back to the community namely access to housing and jobs. The keynote was given by former congresswoman and human rights advocate Cynthia McKinney. McKinney reported on her humanitarian aid trip to Gaza to deliver medical supplies in which her boat was attacked and nearly sunk by Israeli warships. She emphasized the importance of staying engaged in shaping our world, and that it can’t be taken on face value that people who may look like you will represent your interests.

Hip Hop artists from Seattle, Portland and the bay area came out to rep for Malcolm, healing and building the hood, including Lil T-Kid Maine One(Self Tightld), De.Ale of DMS fame, Maineak B of Stahi Bros, Jus Moni, Black Stax (Silent Lambs Project feat. Felicia Loud), M.Famous, Black Aries (Yirim Seck & LaRue), K.H.M.E.T., Thee Satisfaction, Razpy feat. Angel Mitchell, Shamako Noble, Ouwar Arunga, Seazonz (Oakland/Green For All) and even young Jah Jigga got up and represented for the children. Representatives from South Seattle Community College Black Student Union, Global Fam of Portland, Million Family Task Force of Portland, L.I.F.E. program (Tacoma), 206 Zulu, B-Girl Media, Hidmo, Block Teamsters Union, Common Ground, were present, and even mayoral candidate James Donaldson showed up too.

Photos for this article were pulled from the Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center Facebook Group. Click on the links below for video of the event edited by Notyer Average!

Malcolm X Hip Hop Conference Pt. 1
Malcolm X Hip Hop Conference Pt. 2
Malcolm X Hip Hop Conference Pt. 3
Malcolm X Hip Hop Conference Pt. 4

A Broken Network Can’t Pull it Together: Why our Youth are Killing Each Other

2009-05-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop, if we’re serious about saving young lives, it will take more than a superficial “Stop the Violence” campaign. On a policy level, the fragmented approach to serving vulnerable youth is wrong. While cities and law enforcement, states, and school districts collaborate in the identification, tracking, and targeting of these youth (through free lunch programs, test scores, and gang databases), they have shown a consistent unwillingness to apply the same collaborative efforts toward providing real solutions. We cannot tell the youth “Stop the Violence,” while relying on these agencies to help and heal them, especially not while they are closing our schools, mismanaging our youth service funding, and building a new jail.

“They don’t care about kids of color; they don’t care about poor kids. They don’t care about anyone who’s different than somebody who makes $75,000 or more a year.” These were the words of NAACP Seattle President James Bible after being removed from a Seattle School District school closure hearing. View the rest of his impromptu speech on the video here. Mr. Bible’s frustration was shared by a packed room of others who challenged the sincerity and secrecy of Seattle’s recent school closure process in the midst of last year’s youth violence spike. While the district bureaucratically steered clear of accountability on the issue (they maintain they are separate from the police department and the city of Seattle), they also emphasized that the closure plan was developed based on feedback from the community.

It seems that the district either has an irresponsible disconnection from reality, or other interests to satisfy. We know that that the scores of wealthy white parents who fought against the closure of their schools had a hand in the outcome. But what about the Gates Foundation, who after postponing the renewal of grants to the district for 3.5 years, finally awarded 7.5 million after the closures were announced? This money, which could have kept the schools open and programs running at least for a while, will go to more ability tracking and testing.

Now let’s talk about the Mayor’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, which has also been shrouded in secrecy. The initiative allocates money to select NGOs to contract out services for youth without oversight or any specified benchmarks for tracking success. This approach is justified by a flimsy report of four model programs, but a brief inspection shows the data to be riddled with incomplete or inaccurate information. To top it off, the city has tasked the Urban League, little known for any actual work in the community, with helping to solidify its “network,” while keeping community leaders who are effectively active in the work out of the discussion. Ironically, the most critical network for violence prevention, one that places the school district, the city and law enforcement in a collective state of accountability for the safety for our children, is absent.

Unfortunately this disconnection is a convenience that youth don’t have. When the schools fail them from 9:00-3:00, and the youth initiative fails them from 3:00 to 10:00, the only thing that won’t fail is the new jail. The city is putting $110 million up for this project, plus committing another $15 mil a year for operation, which is quite an investment. Perhaps they are banking on their failure to our youth?

Whatever the case may be, it is time for us as Hip Hop artists, media producers, educators, and activists to step up, beyond the superficial message of “Stop the Violence.” We must unite, collectivize our skill sets and resources, and create an alternative solution: the seamless network, rooted in culture and community that our young people need to survive.

It's Our Time: 2009 Hip Hop Congress National Conference in Seattle

2009-05-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

This one’s for everyone in the network: friends, family, partners, fellow artists, affiliates, and leaders in the arts, media, activism, and youth service communities in Seattle, we need your participation:

In a press release that went out this week, Hip Hop Congress proudly announced its 2009 National Conference, themed “It’s Our Time” to be held in the historic Central District of Seattle, Washington, July 29th to August 1st. Click here to read the full release. Thanks to our extraordinary local and national partners, this year’s conference is positioned to make a lasting impact in the region and beyond, and we’re looking for more of you to join forces. For registration information click here. In this update about the work, you’ll find articles on the youth-lead Hip Hop summer school in the CD, a protest at the Urban League Village, the Hip Hop and Politics Movement, and more. But before that, get ready for a list of real live, real critical events you won’t want to miss in the next few weeks of May! Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, Black Stax, B-Girl Media, Heidi Jackson Presents, and 206 Zulu have some exciting events rolling out, so get out your calendars, too. This is a personal invitation for all of you to attend, and there’s something for all of you next week:

* Sunday May 17th: In celebration of Malcolm X Day, the Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center will be hosting the “Malcolm X Day Hip-Hop Conference & Music Fest” at the UPC (located on 24th & Spring). Workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X will begin at 10:00am and go until 1:00pm with special guest, former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney giving the keynote address. Artists such as Shamako Noble (Hip-Hop Congress), Maineak B (Stahi Bros.), Thee Satisfaction, Wojack, Jus Moni, Delton Son, and many more will be performing. To check the poster by Zechariah Tha Barber, and to read more click here. Also, you can view footage from Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center's last event, Springfest. It's here, on Seattle Hip Hop's newest media maven, NYA's, blog.

* Friday May 22nd: Revolutionary poet, Ursula Rucker, and internationally acclaimed, producer/dj, King Britt, will make a special Seattle appearance at Chop Suey. Also appearing is Black Stax, the avant-garde of Hip Hop. The group combines the conscience, gritty and thought provoking lyrices of Silas Black and Jace ECAj, founder of Dope Emporium, featuring the powerfully soulful voice of lead singer Felicia Loud.

* Saturday May 23rd: Knox Family Record Release Party at Chop Suey featuring Black Stax, Black Aries (Yirim Seck and LaRue), and Rapzy and the Vigilantes! Knox Family is myself and Jerm of Alpha P, and B Girl.

* Sunday, May 24th: 206 Zulu is back at Folklife Festival for this year's Zulu Jam! Last year's first Zulu Jam at Folklife Festival was a great success with full capacity and energized crowd. This year's festivity will take place at the Seattle Center's Vera Project and features Silver Shadow D, Mic Crenshaw, Yirim Seck, Dim Mak, Hella Dope, DJ's Grimrock and Gumbeaux, and breakin' cyphers with Raw Action! This ALL-AGES event is FREE and is from 7-10pm!

Here's some Headlines:

* Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center will be making history by opening its Center for Hip Hop Culture, Business & Technology in the Central District of Seattle, Washington this summer, and we need YOUR SUPPORT! The center is the first of its kind that will serve community youth, particularly dropouts, high-risk youth and those under the criminal justice supervision. It will feature a digital recording studio, computer lab, video production studio and a library/reading room. The summer school at the Center for Hip Hop will coordinate culturally enriching entrepreneurial based activities to address social and community development through daily, open-door element and technology workshops, study sessions, and classes. An initial glimpse at the program schedule reveals DJ and producer clubs, Young Kings and Queens Leadership Development, and class titles that range from “Music History” to “Hood Politics”. Through launching a youth-led, community-centered approach to outreach, education, and violence prevention, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center is putting revolutionary social change theory to practice with Hip Hop Culture. 18 year old Imani Kang, the youth committee president of UPC, is development director for the summer school at the Center for Hip Hop Culture. As a drop out, she can’t tell you the benefits of a diploma, but she can quickly break down how the social construction of knowledge through dominant culture in traditional classrooms alienates youth today. Read the full article here.

* On Tuesday April 26th, Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League visited Seattle and attended a reception in his honor on the stolen grounds of the Urban League Village. Community members of all different ages and backgrounds, including leaders of Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center and Hip Hop Congress, participated in impromptu demonstrations and other forms of protest around Colman School all day to mark the occasion. They took to leaflets, posters, flyers, emails, megaphones, and picket signs to send a clear message to both the local and national branch of the Urban League: Get down or lay down. Click here to read more, and to see footage of the protest.

* Khingz releases new album “From Slaveships to Spaceships”: Gun violence. Drug abuse. Disillusionment. Self-hatred. Journey through the mastermind of Seattle-bred emcee Khingz with his highly-anticipated solo album- "From Slaveships to Spaceships", debuting Juneteenth, 2009 on Fresh Chopped Beats / MADK. "From Slaveships to Spaceships" is a testimony of transformation, a voyage through time and space, a continued search for freedom of mind. Khingz breathes life into art with his rapid spitfire delivery, heart-filled thought provoking lyrics and infectiously thriving beats provided by a wide array of producers. Read more on the 206 Zulu Website.

Using Hip Hop as Cultural Text for Emancipatory Education

2009-05-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center will be making history by opening its tentatively named Center for Hip Hop Culture, Business & Technology in the historic Central District of Seattle, Washington, this summer. While this community-owned and operated Hip Hop center is the first of its kind that will serve community youth, particularly dropouts, high-risk, and those under the criminal justice supervision, it is also a continuation of the historical struggle for an African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in the CD that reaches decades back. It will feature a digital recording studio, computer lab, video production studio and a library/reading room. The summer school at the Center for Hip Hop will coordinate culturally enriching, entrepreneurial-based activities to address social and community development through daily, open-door element and technology workshops, study sessions, and classes. An initial glimpse at the program schedule reveals DJ and producer clubs, Young Kings and Queens Leadership Development, and class titles that range from “Music History” to “Hood Politics”. Through launching a youth-led, community-centered approach to outreach, education, and violence prevention, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center is putting revolutionary social change theory to practice with Hip Hop Culture.

18 year old Imani Kang, the youth committee president of UPC, is development director for the summer school at the Center for Hip Hop Culture. As a drop out, she can’t tell you the benefits of a diploma, but she can quickly break down how the social construction of knowledge through dominant culture in traditional classrooms alienates youth today. “Freshman year, I attended all my classes in the beginning, but felt like I was doing the same thing over and over again. I went to Job Corp to get my GED, and during those classes, I asked myself how relevant is this? We’re taking the same classes from 4th grade to now. I took the test, and the test is so easy, and I started asking myself, is this is all I have to do to be complete? What are they really doing to us? What are you guys really teaching me?”

Her critical reflection on oppressive education systems continued to develop through watching many of her friends get driven away from school by boredom, or from being penalized for challenging what and how things were being taught up, and give up altogether. “I know kids who dropped out and haven’t gotten their GED, haven’t done anything but kick it, sometimes work, but a lot of the time, they just stop because they think that school is the only option for learning,” Imani says. “The ones who ended up pursuing something after dropping out, it’s because they find something that they’re interested in, something that keeps them there. Some aren’t fortunate to find that. The Hip Hop Center will be one more way to get one more person there.”

Assuming the agency to reinvent education through Hip Hop culture is a powerful and strategic move toward self empowerment for today’s youth, especially for those who’ve inherently rejected the role of being passive objects in the school enterprise. “School is a closed box, they teach only what they want you to know, like closing one eye on one side. Our school is resistance to that because we want wanna keep both eyes open, we want to see everything. Our idea is for these classes to be open conversations, collaborative ideas, rather than having students be sitting and watching. We have so many volunteers and special guests that are already lined up; it’s exciting,” says Imani with a smile. For more information on how to get involved, or to show your support, email Imani Kang at mani.sue@gmail.com.

Malcolm X Day Hip Hop Conference and Music Fest in May 17th

2009-05-07T14:26:00.001-07:00

The UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center (UPC) located in the heart of the historic Central District (24th & Spring), is Seattle’s first “Green Hip-Hop Youth Center”, built by the people to serve the youth and community. The UPC acts as not only a centralized home base for Peace in the CD but also as a beacon of “Hope in Action” in the community. Dedicated to answering President Obama’s call to service, the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center has brought together people of all walks of life (ages, ethnic backgrounds, etc.) united for one common cause of creating a place for youth to increase the peace.

In light of the recent gang violence and gentrification, the facility will include a Youth Violence Memorial & Organic Garden, audio recording and video production studios, office space for community organizations and an outdoor stage. The Green Light Initiative of the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center will focus on promoting eco-equity, increasing awareness of sustainable living, environmental stewardship principles and engaging disenfranchised communities in the developing green economy.

So far, the UPC has produced several events including the “We Are Change Youth & Community Forums” and the “Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Conference”, bringing in speakers such as Dr. Sujan “Supreme Understanding” Dass, author of “How to Hustle and Win: A Survival Guide to the Ghetto”. The Hip-Hop community has also fervently supported the UPC, with vocal support from M1 of dead.prez, Mos Def and One Be Lo.

The UPC has also hosted national dignitaries such as Cynthia McKinney (keynote speaker for the Malcolm X Day Conference) who facilitated a Community Organizing workshop during her campaign for presidency in 2008. An UmojaFest Stars Baseball Team has also been created to provide recreational activities that the community desperately needs to provide an alternative for youth in the streets.

In celebration of Malcolm X Day, the UPC will be hosting the “Malcolm X Day Hip-Hop Conference & Music Fest” on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at the UPC (located on 24th & Spring). Workshops based on the philosophies of the late human rights leader Malcolm X will begin at 10:00am and go until 1:00pm with special guest, former congresswoman and 2008 Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney giving the keynote address. Local artists such as Shamako Noble (Hip-Hop Congress), Maineak B (Stahi Bros.), Thee Satisfaction, Jus Moni, Delton Son, and many more will be performing.

Please come join us, celebrate, and help serve our community! As a completely voluntary organization, we accept any form of donations be it in the form of money, supplies, or volunteer service. Your involvement and dedication is vital for community self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit: www.UmojaFestPeaceCenter.com

Seattle Hip Hop Spring Fest & Green Organizers Mixer

2009-04-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Green Organizers Mixer & Spring Hip-Hop Fest Saturday, April 18th at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center

The Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center's Green Light Initiative and the Race, Justice and Sustainability Project of Sustainable Central District and Sustainable South Seattle invite you and your organization to:

Justice Brunch! Green Organizers Mixer & Spring Hip-Hop Fest Saturday April 18th at the UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center at 24th & Spring in Seattle.

The brunch will take place from 10am – Noon followed by a community celebration of Earth Week featuring live performances, speakers and community organization tables and vendors from Noon – 6PM.

Scheduled performers include Yirim Seck, KHMET, Razpy & The Vigilantes, Ayron Jones the Bluesman, Geneiva Arunga, Suntonio Bandanaz, Korvus Blackbird, Jamil Suleman, M. Famous, Garlandn Green, and other guest performers with music provided by DJ Kuhnex and Zecheriah the Barber and hosted by Wyking & G. Prez.

In celebration of Earth Week, this event is a networking opportunity for groups involved in environmental, sustainability, and justice work to meet, build relationships, and thereby expand the reach of our projects. All brunch participants will be provided tables to stay and share information about their programs.

Confirmed participants include: Seattle Pea Patch, Got Green, Clean Greens Project, Pursuit Of A Green Planet, African American Longshoremans Coalition, Life Enrichment Group, Hip-Hop Congress, Mothers Outreach Movement, Block Teamsters Union, Presidential Media Group, Mint Factory Clothing, The Nia Center, United For Youth Coalition, Association for Africentric Development, Feed The Body Teach The Soul and more.

Saturday, April 18th
10AM – 6pm
Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center
2314 E. Spring St. (24th Ave & Spring St.)
Seattle, WA 98122

Potluck BBQ (No pork or soda please!).

PLEASE RSVP if you are able to bring something, volunteer or just coming to green@umojafestpeacecenter.com. The brunch has limited space. We look forward to seeing you!

The Green Light Initiative at the Umojafest PEACE Center focuses on the sustainability concerns that offer opportunities for our community to thrive. The group strives to make the resources of the green movement accessible and applicable while reclaiming our historical legacy of healthy and environmentally conscious living. Chair: Amber Croyle, green@umojafestpeacecenter.com.

The Race, Justice and Sustainability Project is an effort by Sustainable Central District and Sustainable South Seattle to build an action agenda at the intersection of justice and sustainability. Please click this link to fill out our brief questionnaire to share your experience and knowledge. Sustainable South Seattle and Sustainable Central District are volunteer-run community groups working to promote sustainability in our neighborhoods through project-based community engagement. For more information contact: Deric Gruen, Deric.Gruen@gmail.com.

Early April Seattle Hip Hop News

2009-04-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Peace- I'm Julie C, Northwest Regional Director and Editor in Chief for an organization called Hip Hop Congress. We are a national 501(c3) non profit with the mission to provide the Hip Hop Generation and post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources, and network to create social, economic, and political change in their communities. Our key partners in this region include such Hip Hop artist, activist, and cultural organizations as 206 Zulu, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, B Girl Bench, Global Fam, and others. We have 80 campus/community hubs across the country. We supplement and support the work of our campus chapters, partner businesses, youth service organizations, and media justice/independent media production groups through consultations, event organizing, trainings, youth programs, advocacy, social media strategy and/or just getting the word out the old fashion way.

You can be added to the Northwest Hip Hop Congress mailing list. I manage this list personally, and keep traffic very low, down to only one email a week, if that. What you will receive is consolidated updates on us and our partner's activities in this region, along with opportunities to plug into this movement. I hope you stick around, get a chance to read, and respond to some of the youth, artist and grassroots lead efforts happening in the area. If you have any questions, email me directly at juliec@hiphopcongress.com, or you can call me by phone at (425) 223-7787. Thank you and welcome! Enjoy the updates below.
-Julie C

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We start our update this time giving it up to an important member of the Seattle Hip Hop community, Gregory "GCL1" Lewis, and his new book. Gregory “GCL1” Lewis is an often under-utilized and underappreciated link between Seattle’s Hip Hop community and its movement potential. He plays a central role as a Shaka (security) for 206 Zulu and un-official advisor to many artists and activists in the Seattle area. He is also a martial arts instructor, soon to be competing in the 8th Annual Kyokushin Challenge April 18th in Bellevue, Washington at Eastside Christian School. Recently, a collection of his work from the late 1990’s was selected, translated to German, and published in a book by Gabriel of the Anarchist Publishing House in Hamburg. When GCL1 dropped through and showed me the book a few weeks ago, I wanted to take the opportunity to get some of his words down, and pass on some Seattle history to some of us younger folks. View and share the full article HERE!

Next theme we got is independent media, so let's start with a party. Coolout Network has been as a Seattle Hip Hop independent media institution for 18 years strong, and the following video by Coolout TV fan and notable videographer on his own right, Scott Macklin, is footage from the Coolout TV 18th Anniversary Celebration. It features Orbitron and Yze, Draze, Silver Shadow D performing with his son Keith, Gabriel Teodros, Sinsemilla, Lady Tazs, Glo Medina, and more! Sadly, as the video indicates, Scott’s camera fell casualty in the process of documenting the night. but rest assured that even at his own birthday and anniversary event, Mr. Georgio Brown was wielding his camera like a Samurai sword in battle, capturing every minute of the festivities. Be on the lookout for that!

Also, speaking of independent media and anniversaries, Reel to Real: Seattle's 1st Hip Hop Film Festival which went down during the 206 Zulu 5th Anniversary celebration, has inspired a "Hip Hop 'Mini-festival" at Langston Hughes African American Film Fest! They will be rescreening three of the movies from Real to Reel: B-Girl Be - A documentary that takes you inside the all female, all Hip Hop weekend at Intermedia Arts Center in Minneapolis, Who is 206 Zulu? - by Georgio Brown, and Masizakhe by Scott and Angela Macklin of Open Hand Reel. If you missed it the first time, or just need more, don't sleep! For 2009 Langston Hughes Black Film Fest Schedule Information, click here.

In keeping with the media vein, check these musings I rattled off in "A New Era in Hip Hop Cultural Production: What the collapse of the music industry means for artists." It was recently published in the April Issue of the People's Tribune, a Chicago newspaper with national distribution, along with articles from other Hip Hop Congress partners from across the country in a two page spread. Anyone who wants a paper or a stack, I have 200 copies at my house, so give me a call (this issues mentions include Suntonio Bandanaz, Hidmo, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, and more! HHC will have regular access to these pages and hopefully more in the future, so please send any articles on Hip Hop organizing and political action my way. Those interested in being involved with the Hip Hop Congress media coalition, please reply this email and hit me up as well. We're in the planning and development stages.

Hip Hop Congress is also planning to optimize it's network and coalition growth potential for the Northwest at its 2009 Annual Conference to take place in Seattle, Washington from July 29th to August 2nd, in partnership with Umojafest, Universal Zulu Nation, and Dope Emporium, so it's a critical time to reach out and get down right now! Meetings will be commencing with key partners as soon as next week!

-----------------The Bullet Point News-----------------

* Knox Family is performing this Sunday April 12th at the High Dive, 513 N 36th St, Seattle, WA! Come see me rap, too.

* The following Saturday, April 18th, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center is hosting "Union Spring Fest," block party style from noon to night, on the corner of 24st and Spring St in the heart of Seattle's Central District, with DJ's OMG and Kuhnex, and performances from Yirim Seck, Rapzy and the Vigilantes (young HEAT in the town, if you don't know, now you know), Geneiva Arunga, and more. Come and celebrate the development of Seattle's very first autonomous Hip Hop youth service and community organizing center in history!

* Speaking of Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center, co-founder Wyking's presentation at "Keeping it Real, Keeping it Green" a Green Festival panel of the role of Hip Hop organizing in the green movement was met with great enthusiasm, so look out for footage on the event soon. Find out more about the Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center's green initiatives at the website, and come through to Sunday meetings at 4:00 to find out how to plug in.

* Hip Hop Congress in Seattle is teaming up with other community groups to support the MAJOR May 30th March for Healthcare this year that will start at 12:30pm at Pratt Park in the Central District. "Welcome to the website for Washington State's largest Health Care Rally EVER. We're gearing up with over 40 organizations (and growing every day) to build the largest ever grassroots mobilization pushing for health care for all and fighting for to win ! " Read more at the link above. Thanks Sunny!

* Thank everyone for their heartfelt reactions to the Hip Hop and Domestic Violence article. I got comments and contributions from women (and a few men) from all across the country. I am so overwhelmed by what everyone had to say either on facebook, email, by phone, or face to face in response, and what everyone is doing in their communitites, there's got to be some next steps on this! I will follow up with each of you soon.

* Much love to members of the BAYAN Regional organizations, PINAY SA SEATTLE and ANAKBAYAN along with other solidarity organizations who recently got back from repping the Northwest at the 3rd Congress of BAYAN-USA and the founding and first assembly of GABRIELA-USA in Los Angeles. We applaud your work in solidarity with the universal struggle for human rights.

* Hip Hop Congress National Partner the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and HHC's Kentucky spearhead Women in Transition were featured in a New York Times article entitled "With Advocates' Help, Squatters Call Foreclosures Home".

* Toni Hill's new album, "Only Love" is now available for download on iTunes, as well as Amazon, eMusic, Media-Net and Napster. Physical copies are available at Sonic Boom on Capitol Hill and Silver Platters in Queen Anne and Northgate. Check Toni's new video "Rose" on Youtube.

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Okay, although that's far from all, I'll leave you all here for now.

Stay in touch.

A New Era in Hip Hop Cultural Production: What the collapse of the music industry means for artists.

2009-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

The Hip Hop artist base hasn’t stopped exponentially growing since the inception of Hip Hop culture. Even as the corporate industry fragmented and com-modified Hip Hop’s artistic practices for economic gain, our numbers grew. When consolidated media misrepresented and defamed our name and value, they grew still. As we learned to navigate the information age, we developed ways to get around every barrier thrown in our paths. As we matured, we started teaching classes, running youth programs, and doing element workshops all over the globe, laying down the blueprint for a whole next generation of Hip Hop cultural producers we are now responsible for. In the era of Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Internet radio and digital downloads, this burgeoning artists base is now not only intrinsically connected by its interests and practices, it is intricately networked, and rapidly developing a powerful collective consciousness.

As the music industry continues to struggle for life, the majority of Hip Hop’s artist base (those of us who rely on a day job or side hustle to sustain our creative endeavors) stand at its deathbed like battered children, mourning an extremely abusive parent. Some of us harbor denial, anger, and regret, others are confused or indifferent. But what we should be clear on now is one thing: the strength of one’s network and one’s ability to maneuver it determines the amount of resources at one’s disposal, and this simple truth leaves us with quite an inheritance if we’re clear.

As independent Hip Hop artists, we’ve learned to navigate around the corporate industry by gaining a wide range of skill sets in a number of overlapping sectors including technology, communications, education, social entrepreneurship, and more. We are an army of highly skilled soldiers, with the ability to develop community-owned alternatives to Sound Exchange, coalitions of Hip Hop broadcasters, media producers, and journalists, teaching hip hop artist unions that advocate for fair wages and healthcare. We have the capacity to really change the game. But for this to work, we gotta cut off life support to the old industry model, and move on. We have to go from asking, “How do I get a break in the industry?” to asking “How do we create a situation where the most deserving (in terms of skill, grind, and contribution) independent artists can get the maximum profits for what they do (be it shows, sales, panels, workshops, whatever) at any given time?” We have to change how we shape our organizations, record labels, businesses, and how they relate to each other as well as changing how our artist selves interact with our day job selves inside our own mental paradigms.

We also have to recognize that the industry’s death and our survival as artists is not a passive process, it’s a battle front. As legislation on internet broadcasting, royalty collection, and online music sales continues to pass through Congress, the corporate industry, like a zombie, attempts to infect and control the policy shifts through groups like the RIAA and Sound Exchange. While this is going on, DC-based advocacy organizations that originally popped up to oppose this corporate agenda have developed their own interests to protect. These get tied into the nonprofit industry that has sprung up around the media reform foundation base and the new hip hop foundation base, and the mess that results is a matrix that sucks in and eats artists and activists, leaving confusion or indifference in its wake. Sun Tzu said a confused army always loses. In the case of Hip Hop artists, our confusion leads to crabs in a barrel, reinvention and/or spinning of our wheels, or simple ye’ old community fragmentation. We can’t afford any of that anymore. Now is the time to pull the plug, kill the noise, and organize the movement.

Seattle Hip Hop's Minister of Information: Gregory "GCL1" Lewis

2009-04-10T17:17:00.001-07:00

Gregory “GCL1” Lewis is an often under-utilized and underappreciated link between Seattle’s Hip Hop community and its movement potential. He plays a central role as a Shaka (security) for 206 Zulu and un-official advisor to many artists and activists in the Seattle area. He is also a martial arts instructor, soon to be competing in the 8th Annual Kyokushin Challenge April 18th in Bellevue, Washington at Eastside Christian School.

Recently, a collection of his work from the late 1990’s was selected, translated to German, and published in a book by Gabriel of the Anarchist Publishing House in Hamburg. When GCL1 dropped through and showed me the book a few weeks ago, I wanted to take the opportunity to get some of his words down, and pass on some Seattle history to some of us younger folks.

These writings were taken from Black Autonomy, a national paper with roughly 1-2,000 distribution. Black Autonomy, initiated by Lorenzo Komboa Ervin, a former Black Panther, former SNCC member, political prisoner, and author of Anarchism and the Black Revolution, began as a joint project of activists from New York, the Bay Area, Detroit, Seattle, and D.C, to report back on community actions and put forward a new revolutionary agenda. “The message we all wanted to convey was that Black people are fighting back and that real leadership is either collective or by example. You can’t wait for a messiah to come and save you,” says GCL1, who put up the money and launched it out of Seattle in 1993. It was published every two months, but after four years, contributors fell off, and feeling like the paper wasn’t reaching the audience it needed to reach, GCL1 finally stopped bearing the financial burden.

(Photo: GCL1 helping emcee Sista Hailstorm "kick" her smoking habit at a demonstration)

“The first time I got involved with Hip hop was 1983, I was in middle school, the scene at that time was violently competitive, so I stepped back, got involved with the metal and grunge rock scenes for a while,” recalled GCL1, who got into activism and movement work in the early 90s because of several factors. “ ‘92 was a big year for direct action against reactionaries and the state,” GCL1 remembers with a laugh. “I moved to the University District, which had a large and highly politicized homeless youth population at the time. They were protesting Mark Sidran(former city attorney for Seattle) and taking over vacant buildings, and I got in with them.” It was there that he learned about Marxism, anarchism, and other various national liberation movement ideologies. In addition, the original George Bush was invading Iraq, and Seattle was seeing some of its biggest protests since the early seventies, including one that blocked freeway traffic on Interstate 5. The city also experienced two nights of Rodney King related burning and expropriation in the downtown business district and on Broadway. “We marched from City Hall up Pike by Seattle Central chanting ‘Wait ‘till Dark!’ As the sun set, the first burning dumpster was pulled out into the middle of Broadway. It was ‘on’ after that,” he recalled.

Neo-nazis were attacking homeless kids, people of color, and gay people. “On Christmas eve of ‘92 Nazis stabbed a Black man on a metro bus on the Ave. We marched from University Heights to an abandoned building behind Dick’s on Broadway the nazis occupying and using as a base to sell heroin and recruit members. Armed with sticks, baseball bats, knives, and brass knuckles, we went into their house, and started going to town on them. My favorite moment was when the Crips and other hood cats came out with tire irons and their fists to fight along side us. The nazis cleared that spot out quickly.”

GCL1 also did prisoner support work for Mark Cook, a member of the George Jackson Brigade, an armed anti-imperialist group that were active from 1970 to 1979, and founder of the Black Panther Party chapter at Walla Walla State Penitentiary. GCL1 was also a co-founder of the Seattle Mumia Defense Committee and Seattle Leonard Peltier Support Committee.

GCL1 drifted back into the Hip Hop scene in the early 90’s, during the tail end of the Golden Era. “I met Specs One, Silver Shadow D, Merciful, Jace and the 4th Party, Amilcar Navarro from Union Of Opposites, and many others,” said GCL1, who had just turned 21, became a bouncer, and was coming to know and admire the work of many local artists in the scene. “In ’93 I met Merciful at Seattle Central and he turned me on to the struggle for Coleman School and the African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in the Central District. Through Merc, I met Omari, Wyking and others who gave me more education on Nation of Islam, the 5% , the Black Liberation Movement, etc. Merc introduced me to most of the Hip Hop community.”

GCL1 attempted to get activists from the North End involved with the struggle in the Central District, but was often met with indifference or outright hostility. It seemed to GCL1 that although the white activists would go to various church congregations seeking support from the Black community for their agenda, they didn’t want to see Black people with real institutionalized power and therefore would not support a Black-led organization or its agenda.

GCL1 turned his energy to co-founding Copwatch 206 with dRED.i’s Merciful, being active in the AAHMCC struggle as a board member, participating in the WTO protests as a member of the Seattle IWW, and emerging victoriously from both a physical and legal altercation with the Seattle Police Department and the City of Seattle in which he used his karate skills to save his own life from a murder attempt at the hands of a police officer.

“Seattle Hip Hop connected me to people of all walks of life, made me feel like I was part of something bigger than myself,” says GCL1, “Hip Hop is a lot more fun than the chore of activism; a lot of the people in the ‘movement’ are unpleasant people, unhealthy, negative, and cynical; Hip Hop is generally more outgoing and hopeful, and social. Hip Hop is going to teach the activists how to relate better to the people. It is up to the activists teach the Hip Hop heads how to be more disciplined, organized, and analytical. Hip Hop also provides the soundtrack to the revolution.” (Photo GCL1, left, with King Khazm, Chapterhead of 206 Zulu)

But GCL1 also has his frustrations with the community. “In Hip Hop, I see a lot of people saying one thing and doing another, not following through on what they say, and treating others like pawns. The big lesson is that the people you meet on the way up are the same people you meet on the way down. Treat everyone with respect, and if they aren’t worthy of respect, take them off the planet. If you’re not willing to do that, then you must respect them. You don’t have to like someone to respect them. How is it we can hold our nose and deal with people we don’t like at our day jobs, but we can’t learn to work with people we may not like within the Hip Hop scene?”

When I prodded him to apply some of the organization and leadership theories from his book to Hip Hop organizing, he responded, “Hip hop is currently not organizing for revolution, it’s organizing for reform. They don’t want to transform the world; most are only interested in transforming their own individual economic situation. People keep doing things to replicate and reinforce the current political system of capitalism and white supremacy. The currently accelerated collapse of the capitalist economic system is the best thing that can happen for revolutionary progress, yet most fear the final outcome of this. We must be the ones to shape the final outcome!”
(Artwork by Daniel Strzelczyk)

On the role of hip-hop activists operating in the community, he said, “What really separates us from the Masons, the Boulé, Skull and Bones, and all these secret society types is being upfront about who you are, your agenda, and what you do. Anything else is rank opportunism and deception of the worst kind.” GCL1 continued, “There’s always a hierarchy of knowledge. Nothing is unknown, people are just unaware, indifferent, or unable to synthesize and move forward with the information they have. Those of us who know have a responsibility to teach those who do not know.”

For GCL1, the intersection between Hip Hop and movement work is not just the message in the music, it’s his community and his life. “I don’t do activism ‘cause I enjoy it, I’ve never enjoyed it, I do it because I know it’s needed and necessary. If I don’t do something the universe will punish me. That’s not just a belief, I’ve seen it happen. Indeed, it’s happening now.”

For more, check these articles GCL1 on Illvox.org:
"Session Notes: Self-Defense"
"Mythology of the White-Led “Vanguard”: A Critical Look at the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA"
"Use No Way As A Way: An Interview with Gregory Lewis"

Thoughts on the Movement Potential of "Women in Hip Hop"

2009-03-20T22:32:00.003-07:00

These thoughts flowed forth from reading Bakari Kitwana’s “A Hip Hop Response to Chris Brown and Rihanna.” Kitwana’s basic premise was that the Hip Hop political organizers could transform this incident into an opportunity by launching a public policy campaign around domestic violence. This got me to thinking about the issue, the Women in Hip Hop surge, and whether or not this is evidence that such a campaign could be effective.

Hip Hop needed its woman’s movement, and the last few years have been a blast. We needed our voices heard. We wrote books, dropped albums, made documentaries, launched initiatives, built youth programs, nonprofit organizations, conferences, shows, support networks, and Hip Hop Association even declared 2008 the “Year of the Woman in Hip Hop.” It was inspiring. I don’t know how many records or books it sold or how many careers it launched, but I know we all got a little more press. I also know that programs were funded, stipends were dished out by universities, and all of a sudden, everyone wanted a token woman in Hip Hop at their fund raising dinner. I also know that women who were the most active in their communities realized there was a whole network of sisters doing just the same all across the world, all because of this “Women in Hip Hop” spotlight. Was it self-empowering? Yes it was. Did this at all have an impact on domestic violence numbers? I’m guessing not at all.

The reason we have fallen short on impacting public policy is because we let misogyny dominate the conversation. It’s not exactly our fault; many of us didn’t know it was happening. Journalists wanted to know what parts of ourselves we were sacrificing to be in Hip Hop, feminist and women organizations wanted us to generate youth interest, colleges wanted us to speak on the subject, and we were caught off guard. But now we have to come back and face the consequences. In the field of the Hip Hop movement base -the artists, the hood, there are places where this conversation has not only alienated our male counterparts, its reinforced divisions between organizations and individuals on the local level, and even blocked open honest dialogue on sexuality and relationships amongst women ourselves. Here is why:

Liken misogyny in Hip Hop to domestic violence in relationships. Now, look at the detrimental impact that compartmentalizing the issue of domestic violence has had on families, especially in the case of people of color and immigrant communities in the criminal justice system. I was in court earlier this week and a Bosnian woman crying while pleading the judge to release her husband in custody. She said, “In my country when you call the police, they help. Here they don’t listen.” It’s also been show that public financial assistance programs also have divisive consequences in the relationship of parents, reinforcing a negative cycle of unhealthy relationships. Thus, the human rights advocacy and service provision framework that centralizes women as victims of either her partner’s abuse or his inability to provide is unhealthy because it is divisive in real life application. Likewise, focusing on misogyny is incorrect for the Hip Hop movement base because it removes real life women artists and activists from their relationships, family, and community context.

While I agree that Americans need to think change their thinking about dating violence, domestic abuse and gender equity, we need a holistic, empowering approach to reach the masses and address the root causes. For women in Hip Hop, in the context of the broader movement, this means refusing to let the misogyny and domestic violence discussion further criminalize our brothers, sons, cousins, and fathers, who are already either disproportionately imprisoned, or out dying on the streets. For a Hip Hop public policy initiative on dating and domestic violence to make real changes, we can't replicate the flaws of the criminal justice system and the state. We need to turn our energies toward healing our families and communities as one.

Hip Hop Congress, Explicit Ills takes a stand for Economic Human Rights

2009-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign and Hip Hop Congress are collaborating to promote the award-winning film Explicit Ills, which features an all-star cast including Rosario Dawson, Tariq Trotter (Black Thought of The Roots), and more. The story is about poverty, drugs, and the healthcare crisis in the United States, and is centered on a sick boy and the community that rallies behind him. But unlike many movies on this critical issue, Explicit Ills doesn’t stop at simply portraying, or even analyzing the complex dilemmas people are faced with. Explicit Ills chronicles the real beginnings of a movement led by the poor for Economic Human Rights, and shows how any community can channel their energies into making real change. Check the trailer here.

Mark Webber, writer and director of Explicit Ills, is the son of Cheri Honkala, internationally renowned human rights activist, and executive director of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPERC). Cheri’s reputation for getting the job done is driven by her action-oriented tactics which include housing and capital building takeovers, building “Bushville” homeless encampments all the over the country, and organizing tens of thousands of poor people in protests for the past three Republican National Conventions. At the 2008 RNC, Hip Hop Congress teamed up with PPEHRC, Rosa Clemente, and many others to unify thousands in The March for Our Lives through the militarized streets of Minneapolis. The march also included students from Hip Hop Congress’s Evergreen State College Chapter and HHC’s Portland head and emcee, Mic Crenshaw. Explicit Ills ends with a scene reminiscent of that march, where movie characters and KWRU and PPEHRC members, leaders, and friends march through the streets of Philadelphia demanding healthcare and other Economic Human Rights. “Working with PPEHRC to get the word out about Explicit Ills is a great opportunity for us,” said D’Labrie, HHC National Outreach Director, “We are trying to get out an important message: that Hip Hop has always advocated for healthy communities, health care, and economic justice for all.”

“What you have in Explicit Ills, the story of the boy, is the fictional depiction of a social catalyst, something that creates a surge of energy from the people, something we are experiencing more and more in our own backyards due to the state of the economy,” said Julie C, HHC’s Northwest Regional Director, “But the question then becomes who is channeling those energies where and why? If we’re not clear on the political undercurrents, our direction as artists and organizers is always with the wind. This is why relying on the star power of Hip Hop celebrities has never been an effective strategy for building a Hip Hop movement. It’s superficial. But cultivating our own networks to get around the distractions, that’s power. That’s Universal Zulu Nation, Hip Hop Congress, Silicon Valley Debug in San Jose, Global Fam in Portland, the Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center and Hidmo in Seattle, J.U.I.C.E in Los Angeles, the Hip Hop Chess Federation in the Bay Area, Mississippi Artist and Producer’s Coalition in Jacksonville, Women in Transition in Kentucky, IMAN in Chicago, that’s a movement. Now, how do we all move as one to create some real changes?” Suntonio Bandanaz, Northwest Outreach Director for HHC added, “The more awareness people have that Hip Hop is actually already a part of this movement, the closer we get to realizing our strength. Hip Hop is not just a bunch of words and rapping [be it on tracks, in the classrooms, on panels, online, or in the magazines], it’s action and community.”

As Hip Hop Congress continues to build towards its 2009 National Conference in Seattle, Washington July 29th- August 2nd, the organization plans to utilize Explicit Ills in education and outreach, and their partnership with Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign as a part of their ongoing mission to provide the Hip Hop Generation and the Post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources and opportunities to make social, economic, and political change on a local, regional, and national level.

For more on Explicit Ills, including cities and screening information click here.

Seattle Hip Hop Community Tackles Tough Issues at NW Hip Hop Leadership Conference

2009-03-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

"Approximately 200 people came out from across the greater Seattle Area to participate in the 1st Seattle/NW Hip-Hop Leadership Council on Saturday February 28th at Seattle Central Community College," wrote Wyking, co-convener of the event, "presented by the Seattle Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council, Bush School Diversity Speaker Series, UmojaFest P.E.A.C.E. Center and Seattle Central Community College Black Student Union, the conference provided a wealth of information beginning with history and socio-cultural analysis related to the hip-hop generation." Okay, so I was only able to attend one part of one panel, but I still gotcha covered. Here are the highlights I was able to collect from the comrades. Shouts out to Suntonio Bandanaz, Rajnii Eddins, and Toni Hill for helping me piece this together. Also, be sure to check out the rest of Wyking's write-up as well. If you missed this one, don't worry. We're about to set it off at the 2009 Hip Hop Congress National Conference in Seattle, Washington with Dope Emporium, Umojafest, Hidmo, 206 Zulu and more July 29th-August 2nd! More to come.

The Hip Hop 101 presentation was led by Silver Shadow D, Rajnii Eddins, and Suntonio Bandanaz.The 206 Hip Hop vets opened the discourse with a mini open mic of sorts, with participation from one young man and two sisters in the crowd. The discussion then moved to the basics: roots of hip hop culture and violence prevention, and Universal Zulu Nation, the inception of the music industry, and the progression of the movement behind the culture. Naturally, the dialogue progressed to the domination of the corporate industry, its role in undermining the political aspects of the Hip Hop movement, and connection of such interests to Cointelpro through entities like Interscope Records and more. “We went from Fight the Power to Reclaim the Media, basically,” said Bandanaz, “to return to the founding principles within culture’s art forms.” Suntonio Bandanaz and Daichi Diaz from Alpha P also dropped by KSER 90.7 community radio in Everett for an interview on DJ Nanino’s Boombox FM later to promote their March 18th show at Studio Seven featuring Spaceman, Specs Wizard and more! Be sure to check Daichi’s new vinyl “The Fight Lullaby.”

The next panel, Hip Hop the New Face of Racism, was a community discussion, which included photographer Inye Wokoma of Ijo Arts, the conference keynote and author of How to Hustle and Win Supreme Understanding, Aisha B from Lakeside School Hip Hop Congress, Charys Bailey, Tacoma artist and youth mentor, and others.The discussion evolved to the questions, what happens when a culture becomes an industry, how does the corporate Hip Hop industry cater to white people’s perception of who Black people are, and what is the impact of that on racism and racial identity? One student spoke on how while her friends listened to conscious Hip Hop, they still had a hard time dealing with and recognizing white privilege. According to Raj, the dialogue that followed reflected personal experiences on the complexity of institutional and systemic racism and white privilege. A social worker spoke on the immense caseloads and rigorous data entry that supersedes effective service provision, a doctor spoke on the lack of people of color amongst his colleagues, a mentor spoke on how policies in youth detention centers interfere with young people’s ability to talk and internalize their experiences. Others spoke about the subtly of racism in Seattle, and the difficulty of addressing it without being labeled as an ‘anger black person.’ Supreme Understanding brought up the need to give people strategic tools and to make solutions concrete so they have practical applications in combating racism.

Rajnii also did his best to help me piece together a quick summary of the next panel, From the Hood to the Club, Violence in Hip Hop. This presentation featured Kun Luv, Omari Tahir-Garrett, Supreme Understanding, Gregory Lewis, Merciful, and Ted Evans and was moderated by Wyking. When Raj came in, Merciful was asserting the importance of addressing the root causes of youth violence, and illustrating the role police play in criminalizing and antagonizing Black youth through militarizing communities. He also spoke on young people acting out on that misplaced aggression, and how that contributes to the overall environment of the neighborhood by having communities turn in on each other. Kun Luv took issue with the claim, saying that most of the violence taking place in Seattle now comes from someone having a beef with someone specific. Kun’s basic premise was that the intentional, premeditated nature of the crimes makes youth violence not a political issue in Seattle. Omari, an unsung hero in Seattle Human Rights and Black history, smashed on this by stating, “There’s nothing going on that’s not coerced and endorsed by the state.” Tahir-Garrett grounded his assertion in his own family history and his experiences as a community organizer and activist in Seattle, which provides him a uniquely thorough understanding of public policy as offensive strategy to quash social movement. “National Security Council 46 is the new Cointelpro,” Omari said, cross-referencing the Obama adminstration’s recent restructure of the National Security Council with the Carter-administration memorandum to the Secretary of Defense and CIA on “Black Africa and the U.S. Black Movement.” Understanding the reference may be especially pertinent since the Obama administration has picked up a surprising number of our region’s slimy political leadership. Do some research. I spent 3 hours on some google ish myself after Raj gave me that quote.

"Women In Hip-Hop was a power packed panel with lively discussion facilitated by Rahwa of Hidmo," wrote Wyking, "The panel featured artist/educators/organizers Toni Hill, Khmet, Moni Tep, Monika Matthews Exective Director of the Nia Center and Life Enrichment Group, student Caela Palmer and fashion mainstay FirstLady Beunique of Presidential Clothing
and Beunique Agency." Toni Hill told me, “The speakers on the women and hip hop panel were insightful, engaging and honest. The gift of performance that was shared before the discussion set the tone for an enriching experience and the audience participation. It was an honor to be seated in the mists of Queens and princesses. I was particularly impressed with Youth representation especially Moni Tep. She is a talented, articulate and courageous youth with infinite potential. She was an inspiration and breath of fresh air. I have spoken on numerous panels across the country, sometimes leaving with unsettling feeling that the youth voices were not properly acknowledged or that they(youth) had not absorbed the information presented by the elders because they are tired of many of the adults talking at them as opposed to with them. Rahwa did a great job moderating and I would be proud to be apart of future endeavors with this cast of brightly shining stars." Be sure to check out Toni Hill's record release party for her new album "Only Love" March 13th at Chop Suey!

There were many more panels and workshops, so again, check Wyking's write up on the event, and get ready for this summer. This year is gonna be a good one.

Who is Julie C?

2009-02-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Peace and Universal Greetings, I'm Julie Chang Schulman, Hip Hop artist, educator, freelance journalist and community organizer from Seattle, WA, hailin' from the crew Alpha P. I'm assistant chapter-head of 206 Zulu, Seattle's branch of Universal Zulu Nation. codirector of Reclaim the Media, a media justice organization, and Northwest regional coordinator for Hip Hop Congress, and urban arts and culture 501c3 non profit. I'm also an artist on B Girl Media The Knox Family E.P is scheduled to debut this Spring.

I'm a real person, not a, computer, someone's paid zombie, or an advertisement, and my aim in undergoing the daunting process of penetrating the "blogosphere" is to expand my network, build with like minded individuals, and connect to other community media makers and organizers from the global grassroots in this worldwide people's movement. Please, shoot me any questions, comments, or just a hello, if your out there, world.

Photo: Our presentation at 2008 National Conference for Media Reform (from left to right, Shamako Noble, Toki Wright, Julie C, Rosa Clemente, J.R Flemming)

A Day in the Life of Hip Hop Congress West Coast: 4 States, 2 Capitols, 1 Movement

2009-02-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

A Day in the Life of Hip Hop Congress West Coast: 4 States 1 Day
www.hiphopcongress.com

Brandon Green, National Contact, HHC Chief Technology Officer
(702) 606-3068 prolyphek@aol.com
DLabrie, California Contact, HHC National Outreach Coordinator
(501) 798-9610 dlabrozia2009@gmail.com
Julie Chang Schulman, Northwest Contact, HHC Northwest Regional Coordinator
(425) 223-7787 juliec@hiphopcongress.com

February 23rd, 2009

This week was a historical one for Hip Hop. Fresh off the very successful 5th Annual Hip Hop Congress Midwest Summit, which featured Little Brother at The University of Michigan Feb 6-7, and the tremendously attended 206 Zulu 5th Anniversary and Hip Hop Film Festival in Seattle, Hip Hop Congress (HHC) presented "A Day in the Life of HHC West Coast" with cultural and political activity in four states in one day including Washington, California, Oregon, and Nevada. Hip Hop Congress is confronting problems and creating solutions all while communicating in real time via blogs, email, text message and social networking sites. This is the 1st of many HHC online campaigns to come.

Early in the AM, HHC was active in the Oscar Grant rally which took place at the California Capitol Building in Sacramento which was organized as a 5 city bus caravan and included participants from various Norcal cities including Oakland, San Franciso, Richmond, East Palo Alto, and Stockton, CA. Some of the buses were sponsored by San Francisco Businessman/Rapper, JT The Bigga Figga as well as others. The Oscar Grant rally was supported by, UC Davis HHC College Chapter, Sacramento HHC Community Chapter, with members Wes Kuruhara (Chapter Head of Sacramento HHC Chapter and co-founder of San Jose State HHC College Chapter) , Sacramento Rap Crew Righteous Movement, Wyzdom of Verbal Venom & Sac Promoter Lord Vex also Gold Toes of Thizz Entertainment, Rudy Fleetwood rapper/author/ president of The United Players, Ministers Chris Muhammad and Keith Muhammad from the NOI, youth from the Muhammad University of Islam. Extended list of attendees will be available on our website. Information was coordinated by President of RonDavoux Records/National Outreach Director of HHC, DLabrie, whose album; "MR. NETW3RK" is due for release in 2009. “I asked various activists what can HHC do to help the cause without reinventing the wheel. The response I got was to help spread information to the streets, in the hood, at the colleges, and to youth through art and events. This is our strong point. We are planning a series of music compilations to inform the community about the Oscar Grant murder and speak out against Police Brutality through the voices of artists from all over the world,” says DLabrie

12 hours North, in Seattle, Washington, M1 of the legendary political rap group dead prez, who recently became the Education Coordinator for HHC along with Midwest Hip Hop Icon One Be Lo were picked up by sponsors (www.driverforhire.biz). The caravan stopped through for a tour of the Umoja P.E.A.C.E. Center (UPC) which is being developed as a community-owned Hip Hop youth center in Seattle’s Central District (CD). They were welcomed by Unite for Youth Coalition members, Seattle Rap Crew Alpha P/206 Zulu members Asun, Jerm, and Julie C, Basement TV’s Jamil and DJ Kuhnex, mother and daughter media team Maria and Imani Kang, poet Geneiva Arunga of the UPC Seattle Hip-Hop Youth Council and UPC co-founders Wyking Allah, Savior Knowledge, and Omari Tahir. Seattle youth violence is reaching critical levels, police presence is historically at its highest, public housing is being torn down, the district is shutting down schools, and money to tackle the problems are being put in the hands of poverty pimps. UPC and its vision are critical to the community reclaiming power and reasserting self-determination. “It’s good to see a center by us for us right in the hood, it’s a lot of potential in this. I’m excited to see it develop. It shows solidarity amongst many individuals and organization out here on the west, I want to take this energy back home and on the road,” stated One Be Lo. For more information on how to support UPC visit www.umojafestpeacecenter.com.

The collective then traveled to Olympia, Washington, where in 2008, Dead Prez Valentine’s Day concert attendees left a police car overturned and riot squad dispatch. One year later, M-1 was welcomed back to the Evergreen State College for a lecture and dialogue with the campus community. Tremendous efforts were made on the part of Evergreen HHC leaders and others to make this event happen. He opened his speech talking about the role of slavery in America’s system of capitalism, the country’s policy of population control, and how his personal history of community work in St. Petersberg, Florida and New York informed his understanding of activism and organizing. Turning to the role of Hip Hop in movement work, he broke down the difference between uprisings and rebellions, and emphasized that, “Revolution is an art and science. We have to be perfect.” He wrapped up the lecture by stating, “I’ve organized amongst my fellow Afrikans, the white left, we all have a place on this field, all have a role to play. Our objective is to raise the interest and agenda of the working class. Use what you have to do it. In moving forward, that’s why I’ve accepted being national spokesperson for Hip Hop Congress, to support local voices. I want to help build a social tool we can use as a weapon to defend our people’s rights.” A full write-up on the lecture and Q & A can be found on our website.

To end the days Northwest activity, HHC members traveled with One Be Lo to Portland for his performance at Berbatis Pan and linked with Vocalist/Emcee/Poet, Toni Hill of the popular group Siren’s Echo, whose new album “Only Love” will be released March 13th, and HHC Artist/founder of Global Fam, Portland HHC Community Chapter Head Mic Crenshaw who recently released his album "Thinking Out Loud.” The following day, Crenshaw hosted an HHC meeting at his home to talk about current struggles, strategies, challenges, next steps, and planning for the upcoming 2009 Hip Hop Congress National Conference. “It’s critical that we keep the momentum going,” says HHC Northwest Regional Coordinator Julie C, “Now we got the campus, the real community activists, the Hip Hop educators, Universal Zulu Nation, and an incredible network of individuals, artists, and collectives on the ground. Consistent connection, communication, and coordination is all we need to make history and some real changes this summer.” You can catch Julie C’s music in the new “Knox Family E.P” from B-Girl Media.

All of this and more was covered in real time via myspace, twitter, facebook, text and email. We invited all to participate and join us in celebrating our collective power and vision by taking a stand for our community and our families, and celebrating the art and artists that bring us together. The process of keeping things organized and connected online was headed by Pro-Dash: Filmmaker, Emcee, Producer and Creator of HHC TV on you tube. Pro-Dash is currently involved with the Stop The F Street Closure Coalition. “They are creating walls between the hood and the new project which will attract tourist but keep us Vegas natives out,” states Pro-Dash. While updating HHC online info Pro-Dash spent Thursday drafting a letter to National community organizations calling for support for an organized “National Demonstration March and Sit In” on the Las Vegas Strip. The march is scheduled for April 18, 2009, which is also the weekend of the National Broadcasters Association Convention. “We feel it’s important for the West Las Vegas community and oppressed communities across the globe to stand up and be heard for economic and social justice” says Pro Dash whose song “Fresh up out the West” tackles issues in West Las Vegas.

Hip Hop Congress is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit whose mission is provide the tools, resources, and opportunities for the Hip Hop Generation to make an impact on our collective communities. Our 8th National Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington from July 29th to August 1st at the University of Washington. The theme of the conference is "This is Our Time". There will be no panels. We have partnered with Dope Emporium, Seattle's Only Hip Hop Festival, Umojafest (Seattle’s longest running African American heritage festival), Universal Zulu Nation, The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, Iron Fist Records, Hidmo, B-Girl Media, the Seattle Youth Council, Rock Rap Entertainment, the Coalition to Protect Public Housing, Rapsessions, the Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition, Culture Shock Camp, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E. Center, Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council, Block Teamsters Union and others to bring a conference that is about creating, and supporting leadership as well as holding leadership accountable and being accountable to ourselves. We invite ALL our chapters, artists, partners, friends and all community members to attend this historical event.

"We believe that the youth have questions that we need to answer, that artists have struggles and deserve our support, and that the community can resolve its own problems better than today's politicians and law enforcement officials acknowledge. It is time to stop talking and start doing." stated by San Jose Emcee & Co-Founder and President of Hip Hop Congress - Shamako Noble

M-1 Builds with Olympia Community on Hip Hop and Movement Strategy

2009-02-23T04:04:00.000-08:00

Last time M-1 left the Evergreen State College campus, their transport had to drive around an overturned cop car. Check the video here!

One year after the uprising of last year’s Valentine’s day concert, M-1 of Dead Prez was welcomed back to the Evergreen State College campus for a lecture and dialogue with the campus community. It was not easy. Tremendous efforts were made on the part of Evergreen State College HHC coordinators and cultural advocates Noah Theeman-Lindberg, Marial Culter, Moya and others. However their hard work and efforts paid off, and Mutulu “M-1” Olugabala, was finally given the opportunity to dialogue with the campus community face to face. He opened his speech talking about the role of slavery in America’s system of capitalism, the country’s policy of population control, and how his personal history of community work in St. Petersberg, Florida and later in New York with the Uhuru Movement informed his understanding of activism and organizing. “Most of us have grown up without being given a history of movement. Most of us have grown up with parents telling us to go to college, without being shown the unbroken history of this kind of resistance,” he said, in reflection of his background with Uhuru. “I made the decision to go away from campus, opting for direct action like the Black Panther Party, straight to the root of the problem. As community organizers we were launching campaigns, knocking on doors, learning how to utilize propaganda, making it work, it wasn’t glamorous.” He spoke of the police abuse, tear gas on women and children, surveillance tactics, and other strategies the state employed in both Florida and NY to counteract the efforts of Uhuru’s community efforts, and how President Obama’s “community organizing background” differs in that respect. “He may have been a community organizer, but he’s not the same kind. It’s all about what community you’re organizing for. I come from the perspective of justice not reform,” he said, noting how Obama’s proposed stimulus bill won’t even touch the working class community. “We called Obama’s campaign, ‘the candidacy to save imperialism’,” he laughed later during Q&A’s.

Mutulu then turned to the question of the cultural significance of hip hop. “I saw it right here on this campus in action that night,” he said, “We came here to do a show, we were excited, the crowd showed up ready, charged up, it was a glorious concert, ended on high note, we were left with fantastic images, felt motivation, and inspiration, and I remember at one point, someone tapped my shoulder and said, ‘Man you should look out the front door.’” The last comment drew gales of laughter from the crowd, as M said, “It took me back to St. Petersburg. Stic, Umi, and I, we looked and we saw courage, saw injustice, saw it grow, and saw people who needed to resolve it right now.” He explained how that night, DJ Umi and dead prez stayed and watched the uprising, keeping it one phone call distance away, and broke down his analysis from the perspective of an organizer. “The first question was one, did we get justice, not just recital and romanticism, I mean did we get it? and two, what’s the difference between an uprising and rebellion? An uprising is reactionary; a rebellion has goals, objectives, and strategies. What’s the real war? That’s my mind frame.” Mutulu said that as the news began rolling in from the media that dead prez started a riot at Evergreen, he feared for the campus’s ability to use Hip Hop to organize again. “That does our movement no good, it paralyzes our ability to operate,” he said. “The history of resistance in this area is phenomenal. I know the orbs, symbols I’m seeing around here, let’s hook it up y’all.”

But Mutulu, whose name means to show the path, reminds us that as an army, we need to be calculated. “Revolution is an art and science we have to perfect,” he says, “I’ve organized amongst my fellow Afrikans, the white left, we all have a place on this field, all have a role to play. Our objective is to raise the interest and agenda of the working class. Use what you have to do it. In moving forward, that’s why I’ve accepted being national spokesperson for Hip Hop Congress, to support local voices. I want to help build a social tool we can use as a weapon to defend our people’s rights.” He acknowledged how Wyking, Umojafest P.E.A.C.E Center cofounder defends the people’s rights in Seattle’s Central District, and took a moment to remember Tyrone Love, a young promoter who was killed several nights earlier in the CD. For M, the aim is to connect these energies and keep it building to strengthen the movement.

Q&A Summary:
1) Do you believe in nonviolent revolution?

Summarized Response: There's a possibility only if oppressors want to peacefully resolve. You either plead for the system to change itself or know that the only way out is to amass power and bargain it. I’ll do anything to make it happen because the system will do anything to stop you. It's the oppositions decision whether its peaceful.

2) How do we organize sustainably?

Summarized Response: Create organizations that are autonomous, so that you can move inside and out. Revolutionary organizations and institutions should be training mechanism to create revolutionaries everywhere.

3) What are the roles of smaller groups/crew in the movement?

Summarized Response: The members’ purposes have to be the same. I think it's great for morale, but what I've found is that the people are our greatest resource no matter where we are. If you don’t rely on that, you lose your ability to move. Like the MOVE Organization, when police bombed them it was easy to convince others they were dangerous because they kept to themselves. Crew is important but the greatest resource is the people.

4) In referring to organized protests in Olympia, where individual acts of vandalism offset overall message of the movement, what u do with those “brick throwers” who are a part of the movement as well?

Summarized Response: Ultimately it doesn't serve in the interest of our movement when that stuff happens. You have to identify those types of individuals as agent provocateurs. Even if it’s unintentional, you move as agent of the state even if you don't mean to. Those individuals must rectify it with the people. I have done this, I was 19 and impatient, I'm 36 today. We did something stupid. We called police on our own event. I was convinced it would cause the confrontation we wanted. I was wrong.

5) What is connecting really look like? What is the more proactive approach? How do we know what’s real?

Summarized Response: We struggle with that. It’s not easy because we’ve been taught to be separate, especially in artist communities. I just came back from Houston, I saw the worst crabs in a barrel. People don't want unity. I connected by going and being folks, I tried becoming that connector. Mutulu means to show people the path. True is one on one without media dialogue, and there are plenty of ways to set it up. What are we willing to do to get peace? I know some folks with careers around political prisoners and no intention to free them. That ain’t real. It’s about returning power to an African progressive community. Just ask yourself in whatever given group, what’s the goal?

6) What websites or groups/organizations can we use to sharpen ourselves?

Summarized Response: I say it's easy the Internet, uhurumovement.org, hiphopcongress.com, we can turn twitter and facebook into our own movement.

7) I’ve been told that having a Hip Hop Congress Chapter at Evergreen is cultural appropriation of Hip Hop because it’s predominantly white. Can you comment on that?

Summarized Response: Be mindful, Hip Hop is from Afrikan people, but it doesn't mean only Afrikans can be involved in it. Just recognize the root of the culture, and how we can empower it. If you leave Africa out, you relinquish power in the world, that’s why Europe and all these nations got their hands all over Africa they know that, but it’s true in everything. I have no problem with white rappers. Although, I’d like to see white rappers give a moment to ask permission of the ancestors, but it's cool. It strengthens the real movement. We can literally control this hundred million dollar industry.

8) Do you have suggestions to reverse damage done to youth in schools?

Summarized Response: Independent charter schools, community control over education.

9) Why did some Hip Hop artists endorse Obama?

Summarized Response: Opportunism in most rappers. We called candidacy to save imperialism. The middle class agenda elected Obama. Rappers, many of them blow with the wind. Not me, I'm anchored in the movement.

This event at Evergreen State College was a part of Hip Hop Congress's Day in the West Coast: 4 cities in 1 Day. More to come. Hip Hop Congress 2009 National Congress is in Seattle Washington July 29th-August 1st.

Seattle Welcomes Hip Hop's First Ever VP Candidate

2008-08-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Seattle Welcomes Hip Hop's First Ever VP Candidate

Wanna know why M1 from Dead Prez, Professor Griff of Public Enemy, Rebel Diaz and NY Oil are voting Green in this year's presidential elections? Meet Rosa Clemente. She is undoubtably one of the strongest voices in today's growing Hip Hop Movement, and if you didn't know, get your facts. The 36-year-old South Bronx native and member of the Grassroots Malcolm X Movement is an internationally recognized activist, scholar, organizer and journalist whose known for her commitment to change from the grassroots. When former Democratic Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney won the Green Party presidential nomination earlier this year, it was Rosa Clemente she named as her running mate. Come November elections, McKinney and Clemente will be the very first all-women of color presidential ticket in the history of the United States.

Rosa Clemente will be in Seattle from September 10th to the 11th. Wyking, from Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council will be hosting a Power to the People Hip Hop rally at 4pm on Wednesday the 10th, details TBA. For more info, email wyking@gmail.com.

In addition to this, Rosa will be speaking at an antiwar rally at Westlake in downtown from 12-3pm on September 11th. For more info on this event, and for how to support the McKinney/Clemente Campaign, email jim@mckinney2008.com.

"The only way I can even begin to accept this nomination is that I must understand that I am just a vessel, a representative of the work of an entire generation, the Hip-Hop radical activist movement. I stand on the shoulders of a generation of young people of color that are united, that clearly understand that we are suffering form structural racism, institutional racism and capitalism."
-Rosa Clemente July 2008

Hip Hop Unites for the Youth

2008-04-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Unites for Youth

April 2008 marked the 40th anniversary for the founding of Seattle`s Black Panther Chapter. The chapter was the first ever outside of California. The anniversary celebration included a mobile display of Panther artwork, press, and photography that hit several campuses over the last week of April. It ended with an all-day Saturday event at Yesler Terrace Community Center that included workshops, panels, and speakers. The event was a chance for people to come together, learn about and celebrate the work of the Seattle BBP chapter, meet the local founders, and buy some BPP merchandise. But while this significant heritage event was taking place, another critical gathering was going down only blocks away.

"Power to the people," Wyking tells the crowd of 40 or so people gathered at the Garfield Community Center; "Panthers are celebrating their 40th year reunion today. They say power to the people, but the people always have the power. We're just tricked into believing we don't. Right now, this is about reclaiming our power and getting to the power tables. That means those downtown associations, when they're at their Monday luncheons, we'll be making our rounds. Whether we're invited or not, we'll be at the table because it is our table, we finance that table."

Saturday, April 26th, 2008 marked the first convening of the new United for Youth Coalition, initiated by Wyking of Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council. With youth violence progressing at an alarming rate in Seattle, tax dollars pouring into enforcement instead of prevention, and summer just around the corner, United for Youth is about community self-determination and wake-up call for those who are supposed to be leading the charge. "This Unite for Youth Movement is just a beginning, we're gonna do for ourselves, but at the same time we are going to hold people accountable who are supposed to be doing for us, and taking the tax dollars. People are getting resources in the name of helping the youth, billions of dollars allocated to getting this problem solved, and it's just been getting worse ." Unite for Youth has already surveyed 200 young people in the Central District and South End, doing the grunt-work that policy-makers simply haven't taken the time to do, and the group plans to develop proposals as soon as the research is complete. Check out part one and part two of video Coolout's Georgio Brown produced as a part of the Youth Stakeholders Project. In the meantime, Unite for Youth members will facilitate practical, community-based political education in town halls such as these, just as the BPP did with Liberation Schools four decades ago.

In Seattle, the economic agenda behind gentrification (or urban-ethnic cleansing) is the same agenda driving the Gang Bill and similar criminalization-heavy policies that are supposed to stop youth violence. " Part of the problem is the division between people who've just moved into the community, and the people who have been in the community," says Wyking. Rich newcomers believe that public safety can be increased by increasing enforcement. The Gang-Bill, which allocates large amounts of money to police departments instead of com-munities for prevention, was easily passed in the state with the same belief system. " These policies are being written, signed, and passed with virtually no input from the communities that they will impact the most," he says.

During the Hip Hop Youth Council Panel, young people voiced their perspectives on the roots of youth violence, stressing lack of culturally relevant education and economic opportunity. Toward the end of the panel, emotions ran high when a mother in the crowd said, " I would just like to remind the youth to remember the people that have come before them who have worked so hard to create the opportunities that they have today. I still haven't heard anyone up there address the question of how to stop the black on black crime. You can`t wait on someone to give you solutions. Challenge yourself on a personal level." One young man, Will, responded by saying, " People keep looking at the youth as being the problem, people are pointing fingers on the youth, but the community needs to be a family and start parenting better. How can you be ashamed about me when I'm a product of my environment? When I'm a product of you?" Genieva Arunga, another panelist, asserted that the expressed sentiment pointed to the roots of the issue. " The ones committing violence are the ones with the time. If you love to learn, you`re going to spend your time doing that. Education addresses the problem. The schools have messed it up, saying the goal of education is to get money. Nah, you are going to school so u can get knowledge. Most of people shooting each other wasn't going to school, because they could get more practical knowledge elsewhere. If school is supposed to prepare us for life, then in school we should be learning life skills. But not everybody looks at us like human, so that's why they don't portray us or treat us as humans." Wyking reminded the group how necessary this type of honest intergenerational dialogue is, saying, "There might be heated disagreements, but we got to cool off and come back, 'cause at the end of the day, it's just us."

The next panel addressed economic em-powerment vs. imprisonment in the Black community. Although Black people only make up 4% of the total population in Washington, 25% of the prison population in this state is African American. The panel featured a diverse group of leaders including Sheley Secrest of the NAACP, Knowledge God Allah of the Associa-tion for Afrocentric Development, Charles Miaza from Justice Works!, Robert Jeffery from Black Dollar Task Force, Tramaine "Lil' T-Kid" Isabell, from the Letting Our Violence End Foundation, and Cochise Moore from Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council. The conversation gravitated around how to change the economic and social conditions that create criminal behavior in young people.

T-Kid, who runs a mentorship program, says that in order to prevent youth violence, you must provide knowledgeable role models, who know the whole picture, have street influence, and understand the historical context of neighborhood battles. " My uncle's a pimp, my dad's a dope fiend, my brother's a gangster, I've been shot, had to relearn to walk. This Central District/ South End battle, it's been that since I was a kid," he says, shaking his head, " You can go coach youngsters, but you really need original members. Get the head officials. Empower brothas getting out of the penn, lay down the law, branch off, and organize. We led you into what you're doing and we're trying to lead you out. Out of 28 little homies, ages 12-17, only 4 go to school. They all have probation officers, they all smoke weed and sell dope, but there's more to them than that, they just don't have no one to tell them there's another way.

The last speaker was 37th district (South Seattle) district representative Eric Pettigrew, who spoke about growing up in South Central Los Angeles, stressed the importance of process and persistence in the state capital, and promised his full-fledged support for those who were willing to do the work. When confronted about his initial backing of the Gang Bill by a young person in the audience, Pettigrew assured the crowd that he withdrew his support as soon as the prevention money to community groups was pulled from the legislation. He also added that many politicians in the state legislature were quick to support the bill because they needed it for reelection.

In closing words, Wyking urged all organizations to take on the responsibility of implementing at least one program focused on youth this summer, and asked individuals to sponsor at least one youth or community-lead youth organization. This application of Harriet Tubman Code to the War on Youth is akin to the One Prisoner, One Contact mandate of Chairman Fred Hampton, Jr. and the POCC. It's the work ethic of those leading the new movement in the era of what Chairman Fred calls, " second-generation cointelpro".

NW Hip Hop News: March/April

2008-03-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

NW Hip Hop News: March 2008

March/April 2008 Issue:

-Seattle Battles HB2712, the Gangbill
-Hip Hop Activist Arrested at NAAM Opening
-Seattle Women in Hip Hop in the Press
-206 Zulu 4th Anniversary Celebration Recap
-DJ B-Girl CD Release this Friday at Lofi!!

It Keeps Getting Worse: HB 2712

Hip Hop organizers and activists in Washington state have been turning up the heat behind demanding Gov. Christine Gregoire veto House Bill 2712 , the anti-gang legislation immediately. In the past few weeks, Hip Hop grassroots media outlets Zulu Radio, The Keith Tucker Show, and Hip Hop 101 TV have all done features on the issue, urging their viewers and listeners to SIGN THE PETITION TO VETO THE GANG BILL , and call the offices of Governor Gregoire at (360) 902-4111 to voice objections.

From the jump, it was apparent to many youth advocates and human rights activists that this bill would unfairly criminalize young people in our communities, especially young people of color. In an informational video by James Bible and Priest Amen, featuring music from Rajnii Eddins, Blue Scholars , and Gabriel Teodros, the commentators outline concerns surrounding the bill. They summarize how HB 2712 will legitimize racial profiling, stereotype culturally-relevant non-violent behavior as gang-
related, lean too heavily on increasing arrests and creating harsher punishments, and completely lack to acknowledge the root causes of gang activity in young people.

Despite this, HB 2712 passed House by a 94-1 margin in early March, largely because the original bill promised $10 million dollars for intervention programs seperate in addition to competitive grants for law enforcement agencies. Sadly but not suprisingly, while the money on the law enforcement side survived Senate, the money for intervention did not.

On March 24th, the Coalition of Citizens for Justice, made up of members of the NAACP, the National Black United Front, SYPP, Justice Works, and others, met with the governor’s aide, Marty Brown, to voice their concerns. Gregoire was unable to attend the meeting. "He seemed really nonchalant about it," said Priest Amen, "we were concerned about his demeanor, and we hope he took our concerns about the bill seriously." So far, the coalition has gained the support of Senator Adam Kline, and King Council Member Larry Gossett, as well as held press conferences to raise awareness on the bill.

Despite the success of these informational campaigns in building a strong base of support for the veto, it still remains unclear whether or not our voices have fallen on deaf ears in the governor’s office. The bill will cross her desk on March 28th, but she has until April 5th to either sign or veto it. As a last effort, the Coalition of Citizens for Justice is planning a rally later this week, either on Friday or Saturday. You can email Priest97@msn.com for more information.

When asked what the coalition will do if the bill is passed and the legislation becomes law, Priest Amen asserted that the group is well-equipt and prepared to challenge the constitutionality of the bill in court. They also plan to organize a group to push for the removal of Governor Christie Gregoire. "We need a governor who will be more accountable to the concerns of the youth, of low income people, people of color- the full diversity of Washington State."

Activist Arrested at NAAM Grand Opening

When the Urban League’s Northwest African American Museum hosted its grand opening on March 15th at the old Colman School in Seattle, it was featured on the front page of the Sunday paper, as well as in most other major and independent press in the city. Most stories gushed acclaim and praise for NAAM and commended the efforts of the Urban League in seeing the project through. Public officials from the governor down were present at the opening ceremony, as well as church leaders, and other prestigious community members. On the surface, it was a celebration. However, for many in the Hip Hop community, the opening of NAAM marked the next step in a legacy of class-struggle passed down to us from the previous generation, a struggle that calls into question the very intention of many established "leaders" speaking for the Black Community in Seattle.

Charlie James, one of several original visionaries and activists who fought for twenty years for the project, wrote a bittersweet article published in the Seattle Times this March on his refusal to participate in opening ceremony. Instead of bowing out, Wyking, of the Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council, took the stage on March 8th, to confront public officials on their support of the gang bill, and address the shortcomings of the Urban League Village NAAM. Hear him speak more on the issue here in a KBCS broadcast.

(Photo: From left, Carver Gayton, former F.B.I Agent, and Executive Director of Northwest African American Museum, Wyking calling NAAM out)

Upon hearing about the arrest of Wyking at the grand opening of the Northwest African American Museum in March, Amanda Diva of Floetry Remix whipped up a tragically hilarious take on the issue for her online show, Diva TV: Episode 9. The Seattle-specific segment starts roughly 4 minutes and 30 seconds into the show, and shows Miss Diva visiting a very disappointing African American Museum in Seattle where the only three Black leaders are Oprah Whinrey, Bill Cosby, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She said, "[ Seattle’s Urban League] had the chance and the power to make sure that this community center was done in a proper way and they chose the payout instead. What a let down."

Be on the look out for more indepth, investigative report on the history of the African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, coming soon from our media coalition. In the meantime, for some context, check out this video on the gentrification in the Central District and Hidmo.

B Girl Media

2008: The Year of the Woman in Hip Hop

The tremendous organizing and outreach efforts behind the regional women in Hip Hop movement, lead by groups like C.A.R.A , B-Girl Bench, and Pinay sa Seattle, are paying off as more and more women Hip Hop artists are finding their way into local media. Check out the February 20th article on 1st Quarter Storm here, and be sure to read El Dia and Rogue Pinay’s own responses in the comments below. Also check March 19th’s article on our comrade Beloved1. Special thanks to Erika Hobart for holding it down at the Seattle Weekly.
Emcee, activist, and teaching-artist Beloved1 is also repping the Northwest in her work with the Woman- hood Learning Project. Launched by Hip Hop Association, WLP "is a sound out to all the B-Girls and Hip Hop Queens-women who have transformed music and culture." In an early March press released, H2A declared 2008 The Year of Women in Hip Hop, and are launching a series of projects to educate, organize, and empower women in Hip Hop. For more information email beloved313@gmail.com.

Also, Be sure to join the B-Girl Media/Project Mayhem family at the Lo Fi Gallery this Friday for the OFFICIAL "Love or Fate" release Party , and afterparty at Oseao Gallery. See the Calendar for more information!

206 Zulu’s 4th Anniversary Recap
By King Khazm

Hip Hop Culture and community represented full force at Seattle Center last February 15-17th, at the 206 Zulu 4th Anniversary Celebration. Held in collaboration with Festival Sundiata , Seattle’s Center’s African/African-American Cultural Arts festival, people of all ages and ethnicities from across the country gathered to experience this true-school celebration of ’peace, love, unity, and having fun!’ This year’s showcase featured moving performances from Beyond Reality, Gabriel Teodros, The Elefaders , BYC, Major Moves (NJ), DJ DV One, Alpha-P, DJ Young Native (AZ), Mind Movers, Orukusaki (SF), DJ Backside (CA), Paulie Rhyme (Cleveland), and more, with immaculate lighting and sound provided by Spoken Visuals.

A new addition to this year’s event was a second stage, which housed "Couch Sessions," hosted by Laura "Piece" Kelly-Jahn . This live interview segment, which ran during performance intermissions, invited inspiring, educational, and critical dialogue with key leaders in the Northwest Hip Hop Community, including King Khazm, DJ Kun Luv of Seaspot, Ghetto Prez of Sea Sick, and Block Union Teamsters, and Wyking of Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council. discussion segment complimented an interactive Writer’s Bench, Youth Workshops, coordinated by Julie-C, featuring beat box workshops from Audio Poet , breakin’ and dance lead by Rufio, BeLoved, and graff lead by OneSevenNine. Generous time and equipment donations from SCAN Network and Georgio Brown Productions made for an impressive interactive, multimedia experience for all who attended. 206 Zulu would like to thank special guests Zulu King Yoda (NYC), of the Universal Zulu Nation World Supreme Council, as well as Zulu Queen Michele (PA), Davey D, and UZN Oregon for showing support. 206 Zulu would also like to also extend a very special thanks to Heidi Jackson , of djDIVA’s Night at Waid’s Haitian Cuisine & Lounge, Massive Monkees, The Vera Project , and Soul One for hosting the After Parties! Stay tuned for photos and videos coming soon. In the meanwhile, check out the 3rd Anniversary’s photos HERE.

206 Zulu is getting down at Seattle Center on May 24th again, for Northwest Folklife Festival! Featuring Alpha-P, Waves of the Mind, and BYC, as well as special performances from Orbitron , DJ Tecumseh, and DJ B-Girl. We’ll keep you plugged.

Thanks for reading. You can reach me at juliec@hiphopcongress.com

Luv,

Julie C.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mY9mRFT

This one time, we were rapping in Olympia...

2008-02-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

NW HIp Hop News February 2008

2008-02-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

February 02, 2008

Local to Global Networking for the Northwest Hip Hop Community
February 2008
B Girl Media206 Zulu

Notable January Recaps
The breakdown of last month's events...

-Project Mayhem and Laced Up launched the first episode of Water, on January 23rd at Columbia City Theater in South Seattle, a Northwest Hip Hop collaborative production that defied all odds, keeping community-building its core momentum. It was grind-level Hip Hop at its best, with some of Seattle"s most underrated, top-notch crews. "All Independent local artists, $15 bucks at the door, in the South End and it worked," said Open Hands of SleepWalkers , an emcee duo who, along with Waves of the Mind make up Mind Movas. Combine Mind Movas with Alpha P, BYC, and B-Girl Media , and that's the backbone of Project Mayhem, a conglomerate crew who, along with MadK and others are central organizers of 206 Zulu. Confused? It doesn't matter. As a diverse collaboration of some of Seattle's most networked artists, crews, and supporters, Water was a multifaceted Hip Hop Powerhouse, built from the ground up.

"The vision was connecting everyone with everyone," said Andrew Rotherford of BYC, key organizer of the event, "and cultivating a powerful shift with that energy."The film photographer and editor linked up with Jeremy "Jerm" DuBois of Alpha P to produce Water after they caught the spark exploring a new film idea. Drawing from years of relationships, family ties, and the concrete network the collective boasts, the duo pulled together a line-up as fluid as movement and invited the town to break bread courtesy of Princess Franada Catering, build, and rock with some of Seattle Hip Hop's best kept jewels.

From the opening music spun by DJ Intro Cuts of Poster Midget, to the final tracks cut by DJ Audeos of NW Gear, the collective brought it hard. Illtop, GodSpeed, Good Medicine, LaRue, and Project Mahyem, blessed the mic with Amos Miller and Language Arts as special guests. BYC (Money Mike, BeNo, B-Boy CleanUp, and Apple 1) held down the floor along with Mikeski from FunkySneakers and Remi from FraggleRock.

Respect to the 206 Zulu Camp along with GCL1 of 21st Century Martial Arts and Block Teamsters Union for holding down the security and William Brody of Red, White, and Boot Productions for holding down the stage management, and shouts to Yirim Seck, King Khazm, Sista Hailstorm, Rogue Pinay, Lulu Carpenter, Jai Bird, Mario, Jen Johnsen, Macklemore, Merm, and everyone else who came through and brought their people together to kick off the launch of Water. Check the next episode of Water, on February 27th featuring I.Gang, Black Senate, and Parker Brothaz of Block Teamster's Union, and 4BC Musik's Silent Lambs Project, when we bring it to Neumos on Capitol Hill.

R.I.P Antwoyn Elijah King, age 19 * January 20th, 2008

-Shouts out to Wyking of Remix Marketing and Seattle Hip Hop Youth Council for winning the MLK King County Hip Hop Pioneer's Award on January 19th, an event that was a part of the county's MLK Celebration. Laura "Piece" Kelley-Jahn and Jen Johnson from Seattle Debate Foundation were also honored as finalists, and Hip Hop debaters from Seattle and Tacoma, along with teaching artist and debate coach Rajnii Eddins graced the stages at both events. What? You didn't know that Martin Luther King Jr. County had Hip Hop Awards? Don't feel bad because most award finalists themselves didn't know until few weeks before the ceremony itself. What do winners get? A plaque, some recognition, semi-good publicity opps if media picks it up, and hopefully a platform to address some important issues impacting Hip Hop's constituency in the region. Here's what Wyking had to say:

"I appreciate the work that we've been doing in our community with hip-hop being recognized and honored witht he MLK County Hip-Hop Award. I don't think there is anything more MLK than hip-hop so I think it's a supreme opportunity to challenge people's perception of what hip-hop is and also what Dr. King stood and gave his life for. A lot of people talk MLK but they are far from his walk. If this is going to be MLK County we need it to be that in principle and policies not just name. We need to get away from the Rufus King Plantation policies and politics that are displacing us from our communities and miseducating and sentencing our children to incarceration and death. Dr. King stood up and took sacrifices for what he thought was right. We are in a time where people need to stand up be willing to put something on the line to make our communities and world better."

Musica Entertainment's CEO Tony Benton said he started the Seattle awards five years ago to reach out to city government and dispel stereotypes about local hip-hop venues, according to an article in Tacoma's News Tribune.

"There was essentially a misunderstanding of what hip-hop was," said Benton , also the community affairs director for Clear Channel's Puget Sound radio stations, which include hip- hop-oriented KUBE-FM (93.3). "It's more than just gangsta rap music." Benton said he believes progress has been made in Seattle.

...the talk sounds good, but you've got to appreciate the irony of this exerpt given the role media conglomerates like Clear Channel have knowingly played in perpetuating stereotypes through 'ish like payola ...are these words of an insider, an ill-informed reformist, or just another person who's full of it? Folks can read more about the awards ceremony from Marian Liu at the Seattle Times .

-The same time the Hip Hop Awards were crackin' off, Pinay SA , CARA (Communities Against Rape and Abuse), Youth Speaks Seattle, 206 Zulu, KBCS, Bayan-USA, Hip Hop Congress, and B-Girl Media presented INDAYOG 2, the second annual all women's Hip Hop show to a PACKED house at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, featuring performances by Chief Sealth Filipino Youth Club, Melissa Noelle Green, Beyond Reality, Piece, Beloved1, Gigi, Southern Komfort, Kontagious, Onion, Julie C, DJ B-Girl Chillz, SKIM, and more!

" Indayog is a manifestation of the thoughts and emotions that build up inside me from years of being made to feel silent and invisible," said Rogue Pinay of Pinay SA, organizer of the event, " [last year's] show was a discovery of female voices in the hiphop community and the resulting barrage of energy that burst forth...[this year's event] is a more focused and intentional space to address the intersection of current issues that affect me on a daily basis- imperial agression, gentrification, violence against womyn and the commodification of our art (and hiphop in particular), which are all tools of state repression."

In preparing the program for the night's event, Pinay SA asked performers to answer the question: Why would you do a show on state repression? Here are some of exerpts of some answers:

"Hip Hop is a progressive social movement, with revolutionary origins, and subersive potential. Created as a reaction to the systematic deconstruction of the civil rights movement, hip hop functions as a safe space for urban youth seeking refuge from crime and drug culture."
-Laura "Piece" Kelley-Jahn

"State repression most drastically affects those who see what is wrong in the system and are planning or working to change it. Many artists fit in this catagory by definition. We are both educating and inspiring audiences while also working to effectively counteract repressive tactics."
-Angela "El Dia" Dy

"Division itself dilutes power and continues to draw borders between groups of people who are struggling. If everybody decided to work together and support each other as a whole, we could take back out power in the local and regional music markets."
-DJ B-Girl Chillz

"Just as energy cannot be destroyed, but only transferred from one form to another, oppressive societies and governments must be redeemed, starting with individuals. I believe Hip Hop offers a form of redemption..that's why I'm an emcee and b-girl, and that's why I'm part of Indayog II, the rhythm of movement."
-Beloved1

-Chukundi "DJ Kun Luv" Salisbury of Seaspot Media Group and Seaspot.com was keynote speaker in Cleveland High School's 2008 MLK Celebration, as a part of the ongoing partnership between Seaspot Media Group and the Family Empowerment Institute. See the press release here.

-Silas Blak of the legendary Silent Lambs Project dropped a video this month for the song "Breathe Easy (Mind Click)," featuring Yirim Seck . The song is from Blak's solo album "Silas Sentinnel." Click Here to Purchase!

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mYbshT9

Report on Genocide in Kenya

2008-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

January 4th 2008– Fresh Coast Global Report on Genocide in Kenya

Though you wouldn't know it from listening to most corporate media outlets, social movements and social justice have always been an inherent theme of Hip Hop music and culture since it ever was. We know authentic Hip Hop is just as vocal about issues of inequity, and human rights as it is about ballin' and having fun. This is why Hip Hop Culture grew to be such a global phenomenon so quickly-The fact that in this globalized world, we got globalized issues. Hip Hop is the cultural platform from which some folks have come to understand and combat these issues, sometimes more effectively than standard means. What happened during the World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya last year may be a good example of what I mean by this.

The World Social Forum is an annual gathering of social justice activists, groups, and organizers from around the world that meet to coordinate their work to build stronger movements for the greater good. Now, juxtaposed with the fact that most Kenyan citizens couldn't afford to attend the forum their own country was hosting, some would find this ironic. For others, the determination to tell the truth about why was deadly. Davey D, a Hip Hop journalist reported from the ground that dozens of youth from the Korogocha slums showed up at the forum to protest and block the entrance to the Social Forum food court. They laid out handmade signs that read 'The World Social Forum Has Been Hijacked' , 'reduce Prices for Kenyans' and 'No Capitalism for People in the Ghetto,' and told listeners that a corrupt Kenyan government in bed with corporations were exploiting the opportunity to host the WSF for personal profit. In the days following, Hip Hop artists/activists inspired by the youth, formed an organization called The Undugu International Committee, to begin ground work for an African World Social Forum. Sadly enough, the protest that was their inspiration was lethal. After following a tip he received during the Forum's closing ceremony, the journalist later confirmed that two of the organizers from the protest had been killed by police. Was it due to their refusal to accept the hypocrisy and their drive to let the truth be told?

Headlines from CNN yesterday, January 3rd read "'Genocide on a Grand Scale' in Kenya.' This week alone, 75,000 people in Kenya have been displaced by the violence that erupted in protest after the current President was declared reelected to office. Maybe we could ask them that question, because we surely we couldn't ask the 300 Kenyans who killed last Thursday, very likely by government forces, after their white flags, olive branches, and picket signs were met with tear gas and water cannons. In response to the upheaval, Kenyan Attorney General Amos Wako called for a recount and independent investigation into the election, and diplomats are rushing to Kenya as you are hearing me say this to mediate. One woman on the National Hip Hop Political Convention listserve wrote in response to the CNN coverage, "If Americans were like Kenyans we might not be in Iraq right now & Bush/Cheney most definitely wouldn't be in office obliterating our freedoms. What if we had responded the same way when the system was rigged in Bush's favor in 2000 & again in 2004?"

Maybe the circumstances aren't that dire yet for the comfy citizens of the US, Hip Hop or not, but for the homeless folks in Tent City, temporarily up the block from me in the Central District of Seattle, it might be. And maybe, if Hip Hop is the lense through which we view the struggle in Kenya, and the Philippines, and the Republic of Lakotah, we can better understand the nature of the struggles we are facing in our own communities, how they are related to the global movement, and what it would mean to truely overcome. Maybe.

-Julie C

Julie C is an emcee from the legendary Alpha-P crew, as well as Northwest Regional Coordinator for Hip Hop Congress

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mZsN9zw

NW Hip Hop Congress January Bulletin

2008-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 04, 2008

NW Hip Hop Congress Jan. Bulletin
Current mood: accomplished
NW Hip Hop Congress January Bulletin

Northwest Hip Hop is ready to take 2008 by storm. For starters, the Seattle's Hip Hop Congress community chapter is officially on and popping, and as the incorporation and licensing process wraps up, we are ready to put some serious development behind the exponential growth defining the scene. The NW Hip Hop Congress network is a powerful coalition group made of some of the region's most thorough Hip Hop organizations, including 206 Zulu-the Seattle's chapter of Universal Zulu Nation (www.206Zulu.com ) and the Block Teamsters Union (www.blockteamstersunion.com ), artist crews and collectives, such as Project Mayhem, Alpha-P, and the Think Tank, and community-based nonprofits like Reclaim the Media ( www.reclaimthemedia.org ), CARA (www.cara-seattle.org ), and Seattle Debate Foundation (www.seattledebate.org ).

Our independent urban arts media partners include Zulu Radio and Fresh Coast Radio on 91.3fm KBCS Community Radio (www.kbcs.com ), Hip Hop 101 Television on Seattle Community Access Network ( www.myspace.com/hiphop101), and the Coolout Network (www.cooloutnetwork.com ). Here is only a fraction of what's been crackin' off:

This year, NW Hip Hop Congress was happy to officially welcome B-Girl Bench (www.bgirlbench.com ) and B-Girl Media, spearheaded by DJ B-Girl Chillz to our family. B-Girl Bench is a space for women to hone their craft, build with their community, and to develop transformative leadership from a local to global perspective. As the women in Hip Hop movement started gaining a lot of steam this year, B-girl became a pivotal force, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Beyond being a digital distribution guru and Hip Hop music director at Oseao.com, B-girl herself has been a staple in the Seattle music scene since 2001 as a DJ, breaker, producer, and hip hop teaching artist who has also been known to rip a few mics every once in a while. Her long awaited album Love or Fate?? featuring Piece, Toni Hill, Jerm, Asun, Julie C., Sista Hailstorm, Khanfidence, Phreewill, Cyreeta, DJ WD40, Sage Nomad, and Forrest is set for release this January 16th.

Read more about Seattle women in Hip Hop including DJ B-Girl Chillz, Onion and the Ladies 1st Collective at Hidmo, and Julie C here in the latest issue of the Seattle Weekly. ( http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-12-26/music/ladies-first-spotlight-s-seattle-hip-hop-s-best-feemcees.php )

On campus, the Seattle Central Community College chapter was founded by 206 Proof contributor (www.206proof.com ) and true to life Hip Hop junkie Jawn, under the advisory of Seattle Hip Hop organizing vet and 206 Zulu member Sam Chesneau. SCCC's chapter used 2007 to kick off their fundraising and outreach campaign. Aisha Becker-Burrow founded the region's very first high school chapter at Lakeside High after her hugely successful sweet sixteen bash at Youngstown Cultural Center themed "Hip Hop is Dead: Bring Back the Old School." This event, co-facilitated by B-Girl Bench, was a far cry from MTV's Super Sweet Sixteen. Aisha not only selflessly organized the event as a fundraiser for Hip Hop Congress, she also used it as a platform to spread awareness on the issue of police terrorism by inviting DJ DVONE and Rajnii Eddins to speak about their experiences as victims of brutality and abuse of power from the Seattle Police Department. See footage of "Hip Hop is Dead: Bring Back the Old School" including performances by Choklate, Piece, Rajnii, Silent Lambs Project, and DV One in the B-Girl Bench Ezine! (http://www.bgirlbench.com/ezine.html)

University of Washington's Hip Hop Congress affiliates have been working hard to build on the international platform of movement Hip Hop culture has become. With the help of Georgia Roberts, Hip Hop literary scholar, and Scott Macklin of Open Reel, Seattle artist/activists DJ Kuhnex and Rev from Blue Magic Entertainment as well as Madeline aka the Lioness from the group Canary Sing are headed to South Africa to produce a documentary on music and social motivation in South Africa. Working with South African artists and organizers including, Bulelani Futshane, Godessa, Zubz, Proverb, J-Bux, Teba, DJ Azhul, DJ Eazy, and HHC's own Rushay Booysen, they hope to use the documentary to spread awareness on the power of culture in affecting change on global issues. "For me, what's really interesting is how visually and with audio we are able to share and through sharing we are able to build," says Rushay, who is music editor for the project. Rushay, who has been active in Port Elizabeth's Hip Hop community for 18 years, see's his role as facilitating a process of life experience and reality both for visiting students, and for future viewers of the documentary. "I'm just a link that links the common purpose," he states. They are looking for support for this project, and further collaborative opportunity so to get down, email kuhnex@gmail.com, and to contact Rushay email rushhiphop@gmail.com .

Aaron "DJ Kuhnex" Jacob and Jamil "Rev" Suleman, have also been getting national recognition for "Bruce Lee Dedication," a class they've piloted on the University of Washington campus. The tangible objective of the class is to get something on campus dedicated to the memory of Bruce Lee, but the actual objective is much broader. "This is to start the dialogue of why students of color are not represented in the first place," says Rev, "this is about eradicating the symbolism of European domination on college campuses in general." For more information on this contact: yung.rev@gmail.com .

Seattle Hip Hop Summit Youth Council has also been making major waves in the region. This year, in addition to launching a new website, ezine, and newsletter, they've invested in the next generation of Hip Hop leadership with "Hiphopreneurs: CEOs in Training," a professional development club at Seattle vocational institute, and a Hip Hop Writer's Group at the Rainer Beach branch of Seattle Public Libraries. SHHSYC has also started a weekly young artist showcase at Waid's Place on 12th & Jefferson in Seattle, hosted by Genieva Arunga, J. Infinite, M-Famous, and Angel, the young stars that some of y'all may remember from Hip Hop Congress's National Conference in Athens, Ohio. For more information on Seattle Hip Hop Summit Youth Council contact wyking@gmail.com

Seeing as how this update is admittedly Seattle-Centric, be on the look-out for more regional information in the next issue, including shouts from the Evergreen College's HHC Chapter in Olympia, Washington, updates from the newly launched Tacoma Urban Debate League Program, and hopefully, an introduction to our new partners in the PDX, Mic Crenshaw and the Global Family Network Mission. If I missed you in this update, don't worry - holler at me and I'll getcha next round. Be sure to check the list below for events in the Northwest and music you don't wanna be without…. with that, I'm ghost. One!

Julie C is an emcee from the legendary Alpha-P crew, as well as Northwest Regional Coordinator for Hip Hop Congress, assistant chapterhead of 206 Zulu, and Co-Director for Reclaim the Media. Scholar at ya girl at juliec.206@gmail.com
January 5th Ladies 1st Spring 2008 Kick Off @ Hidmo

Communities Against Rap and Abuse, the Ladies 1st Collective, and B-Girl Bench are kicking off the 2008 monthly all-women's Hip Hop showcase at Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant (20th and Jackson) with Seattle Hip Hop veteran Laura "Piece" Kelley Jahn and Hip Hop Congress's own Beloved1 and DJ B-Girl Chillz on the 1s and 2s. The event goes from 8pm-10pm and is followed by an after party by Boom Box. For more info visit www.myspace.com/seattleladiesfirst.

January 5th Freestyle Battle Championship @ Chop Suey

Seaspot and Block Teamsters Union present the final for "Wednesday night life Freestyle Battle Championship" for a grand prize of $4,500 in cash and prizes. Celebrity guest judges include Devin the Dude, Cool Nutz, Certified, Mr.DOG, Emmanuel, Neema, Sonny Bonoho, Mr. Yon, I.Gang, Evergreen Ent., Jay Barz. All ages/21+ bar on 1325 Madison from 8pm-2am. For more info visit www.myspace.com/footworkmedia.

January 5th The Return of Foot Traffic @ Lo Fi

Come experience the revival of this classic 206 subterranean Hip Hop event with Mind Movers, Alpha P, DJ B-Girl Chillz, and Elefaders. 21+ Free!!!

January 19th Indayog II @ Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle

Pinay Sa Seattle, Communities Against Rape and Abuse (CARA), Youth Speaks Seattle, 206 Zulu, Hiphop Congress, 91.3 KBCS Community Radio, B-Girl Bench, and BAYAN USA, proudly announces the second annual Indayog All-Women's Hip Hop Show. "This year's Indayog strives to honor the rich history of hip-hop and its revolutionary tradition by focusing on the counteracting of state repression through art," stated rogue pinay, emcee and cultural chair for Pinay SA. This years event will feature performances from Skim, Piece, Beyond Reality, Melissa Noelle Green, El Dia, Julie C, rogue pinay, Beloved1, DJ B-Girl Chillz and more. Contact: rogue.pinay@gmail.com.

January 23rd Water @ Columbia City Theater

The 206Zulu fam at Crisisnw.com present "Water" on Wednesday from 8pm-2am at the Columbia City Theater at 4916 Rainier Avenue South. This all ages/bar with ID function features some of the freshest NW Hip Hop including Alpha-P, Geo of Blue Scholars, Gabriel Teodros, Khingz, Godspeed, LaRue, Ill Top, Mind Movers, BYC Crew, and DJ Audeos. Free entrée served with $15 admission! Contact: juliec.206@gmail.com .

February 2nd Ladies 1st @ Hidmo

Communities Against Rap and Abuse, the Ladies 1st Collective, and B-Girl Bench bring you Southern Komfort, SKIM, and DJ Kylea at this edition of Ladies' First, monthly all-women's Hip Hop showcase at Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant (20th and Jackson) from 8pm-10pm.

February 9th It's Bigger than HIP HOP @ Portland, OR

The Portland Black Intelligencer, a Hip Hop Congress Oregon partner presents Portland, Oregon's 2nd Annual Youth Summit "It's Bigger than HIP HOP" at 126 NE Alberta from 8-11pm. This year's event will include a keynote address from Professor Griff of Public Enemy, as well as an evening concert with local artists with $10 donation. For more information call (503) 781-5313 or email pbitruth@yahoo.com.

February 15th to 17th 206 Zulu 4th Anniversary @ Festival Sundiata

206 Zulu is celebrating its 4th Anniversary and Black History Month with four days of Hip Hop, showcasing some of today's emerging artists from the Northwest and beyond! The main events, held on the 16th & 17th will be in conjunction with Festival Sundiata at the Seattle Center. This all-ages event is FREE to the public. In addition to the musical performances, 206 Zulu will host a break battle (dance competition), art/graff showcase, and educational-orientated workshops and panels. Additionally, 206 Zulu will host a series of after-parties as well as Zulu Nation specials on local urban media sources to add to the weekend experience. Contact: khazma@gmail.com .

TV and Radio

-Friday Morning 1am-3am Fresh Coast Radio with your hosts DJ B-Girl Chillz and Julie C on 91.3 KBCS Community Radio, streaming live online from www.kbcs.fm

-Friday Evening 9pm-10pm Hip Hop 101 TV broadcasting live on SCAN Channel 29/77, streaming online at www.scantv.org

-Saturday Evening 10pm-1am Zulu Radio with your hosts DJ WD40, Gabriel Teodros, and King Khazm on 91.3fm KBCS Community Radio, streaming live online from www.kbcs.fm

Featured Artists and Music

BC Musik along with The Silent Lamb Project presents the long awaited solo album by Silas Blak, titled "Silas Sentinel." This solo album emulates all the elements of a classic. With his first single "Please Calm Down" Silas Blak rouses the senses as he uses his word play to hypnotize all audiences. The Silas Sentinel Album is not for rookies as his voice is used as an instrument and the energy he conveys slices you to the core. You are immediately swept away with his lyrical genius in such songs as "Never Peace, One Thin Rhyme, The Coop, Permanent Relaxer and Bombs Work." Silas Blak's musik is also referenced as awakening old slave mentalities and liberating socially conscience people to the next level. The Silas Sentinel album brings a new era to hip hop addressing the state of affairs and what we communicate from the average Joe's, the whack emcee's to the socially aware. Available courtesy B-Girl Media through iTunes: (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=269503600&id=269503537&s=143441 )

Seattle Hip Hop veteran Laura "Piece" Kelley Jahn's newest release Street Smartz is the story of a true school b-girl, the soundtrack to Piece's one woman play. Representing true Hip Hop through theater, music, spoken word, and her very own street style, get a glimpse into the reality and life of this undeniably talented artist. All of the tracks on the album Street Smartz were produced, arranged, composed, written and created by Piece, featuring the Queen's Ransom players. Piece's hot new album, Street Smartz, out now on iTunes courtesy B-Girl Media:

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mZHqMhO

Twomp Newsletter 1

2007-06-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Summer 2007

The Twomp Newsletter 1

Spotlighting the unification, strength, and mobilization of Northwest Hip Hop Culture and surrounding communities

Notes from the Editor: Seattle Hip Hop is moving at a furious pace here on the tip of the West coast, the mighty 2-0-6, where the community continues to set precedence in youth service, activism, solidarity and artistic excellence in urban arts culture. Be sure to cop the new long awaited albums of Laura "Piece" Kelley-Jahn and Silas Blak! Shouts to the new University of Washington Hip Hop Congress Chapter. Also, check for the TWOMP radio show, Volume 3, featuring Piece, Unexpected Arrival, The Parker Brothaz, Sonny Bonoho, and much more coming soon!

Spring 2007

* DV and Raj: Hip Hop a Catalyst for Police Brutality Organizing Efforts

* Seattle Hip Hop Community Survey Launched

* Swagger Fest 2007

* Seattle Hip Hop Demands Media Justice

* Union Block Teamsters Update

The Twomp Newsletter c 2007

Send questions and comments to Juliec.206@gmail.com

Seattle Hip Hop Community a Catalyst for Police Brutality Organizing Efforts

Seattle police department's continual targeting of communities of color and lack of accountability for police misconduct and violence is at the forefront of organizing efforts in Seattle Hip Hop. In September of last year, Seattle Hip Hop pioneer DJ DV-One was assaulted by police officers attempting to inquire about his 14 year old daughter who was being detained. DV-One now faces felony assault charges and $15,000 dollars in fines. Last month, emcee, spoken word poet, and teaching Hip Hop artist Rajnii Eddins was wrongfully arrested while trying to find out why his student was being detained. Rapid response from the Hip Hop and spoken word communities packed courtrooms in both cases, and has drawn widespread attention to the ongoing issue of police brutality in this city.

As a response to this outcry, the Seattle chapter of the NAACP hosted a community meeting earlier this week, where about thirty people gathered and formed committees for an action coalition around the issue. "What we saw at this gathering was an outcry of the brutality that has been happening over the years that has gone unaddressed," says emcee and teaching artist Amanda "Beloved1" Cumbow, who is also the chair of the newly-formed communications committee. Beloved1 maintains that the greater purpose of the coalition is to organize the efforts and energies behind these individual incidents into a cohesive force. "We must present a united front to the politicians and the police department to get legislative changes," she asserts.

The police brutality action coalition is asking for the community's continuing input, support, and participation in this process. While the NAACP is an important ally in this battle, it was the voices, effort, and expertise of the people on the ground that has brought them to the table, and it will be that of the people who ultimately determine the extent of structural change that will come. For more information on how to support this process, or to voice your own experiences and concerns with police brutality, email Beloved313@gmail.com

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Seattle Hip Hop Community Survey Launched

Hip Hop Congress and Seattle University professor Dr. Mako Fitts have teamed up to launch the Seattle Hip Hop Community Survey. This pioneering effort is among the first of its kind which attempts to empirically identify the scope and needs of our diverse community in order to provide a well-needed research base for cultural organizing economic empowerment on the ground level with Hip Hop from a local to global perspective.

Students from Fitts' undergraduate pop culture class will be setting up interviews and surveying 200 movers and shakers in the Seattle Hip Hop scene, artists, promoters, journalists, educators, youth organizers, activists, and advocates alike. Students will also be going to shows and community meetings and submitting write-ups for local Hip Hop news sources such as 206zulu.com. The survey is anonymous and collects basic demographic and occupational information, assessments on the quality and availability of resources for the development of the local scene, and asks participants to rank the impact of issues and concerns such as racial, gender, and sexual discrimination as well as police brutality in their lives.. As a staple principle of community-based research, the information collected will be publicly owned and utilized to aid in the development of initiatives that will benefit the urban arts community as a whole in the region. Data will also be offered as a resource for urban arts community-based organizations in the city to quantifiably measure the impact of their work and demonstrate its value.

The survey is, in part, based on the cluster-model used in a report commissioned by Seattle's Office Economic Development called the Economic Impact of Seattle's Music Industry, which showed that the core of Seattle's music industry generates nearly 8,700 direct jobs in over 2,600 businesses, and 2,000 jobs in 335 music-related businesses at an average annual wage of $22,771 dollars per year. However, because the city's report largely neglected Hip Hop as part of the local music industry cluster (I counted one Hip Hop promotions company out of hundreds of other sources), it failed to show the rapidly growing connection between the independent music scene and the youth service sector in the city that is more prevalent in Hip Hop than any other musical genre. By utilizing the insight and experiences of Hip Hop artists, educators, and grassroots organizers, the Hip Hop Community survey was crafted to represent the full spectrum of Hip Hop cultural production emerging from the region, demonstrate its impact.

The survey is also an important step to bridging the gap between community and the campus in a time where the status quo has academia eons away from the reality faced by Hip Hop artists, educators, activists, and cultural organizers. While the works of folks like Jeff Chang and Bakari Kitwana have provided an important historical and theoretical framework to validate Hip Hop studies in the academic world, the transition from theory to practice remains largely unrealized. Projects that connect students and academic institutions with surrounding communities in mutually empowering ways is a movement towards making meaningful use of the academic study of Hip Hop Culture.

To promote the survey as a model for Hip Hop communities in other regions, the survey its results will be presented at the 2007 Hip Hop Congress National Summit in Athens, Ohio, July 4th-8th. For more information on this, email Juliec.206@gmail.com.

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Swagger Fest 2007: Seattle's most Flossy and Fly

If you were in the Emerald City on May 2nd and weren't at Chop Suey for Swagger Fest, I extend my regrets to you, because you missed some of the most dynamic, energy-packed performances Seattle has to offer. With Vitamin D on the ones and twos, Neemah of Unexpected Arrival hosting, and an arsenal of emcees from Soul Guerilla, Sportn' Life Records, and Union Block Teamsters, Swagger Fest did much more than live up to its name.

Setting it all off was J. Pinder, from Sportn' Life, who warmed up the young crowd at this all-ages event with tracks from his up-coming album "Back Pack Theory." J. Pinder was followed by a short guest appearance from Live Wire (NYC) of the Hip Hop Project. (If you haven't yet checked a screening of the Hip Hop Project, you can catch it next Tuesday, the 8th at AMC Uptown Cinemas in Seattle). However, things really lit up when Sportn' Life's Fatal Lucciauno hit the spotlight. With his plain hoodie concealing a neck full of chains, and his shouts out to his mama and sister in the crowd, Fatal boasted an irresistible charisma on the stage that was amplified by his power-packed performance. Fatal Lucciauno's debut album "The Only Forgotten Son" hits the stores this summer.

As the crowd grew, so did energy in the building, and by the time Parker Brothaz from the Union Block Teamsters took their spot in the limelight, it was officially on and cracking. So deliciously hood with it, the duo puts a 206 twist on crunk and hyphie, redefining what you thought was Northwest flavor. The Parkers' tracks are laced with style, wit, and contagious braggadocio. One my favorites from the set was "Hoodoptalistic," a freshcoast remake of the Outkast classic that had the crowd wildin'. If you don't pick up a copy of "Play Your Position 6" featuring the Parker Brothaz at www.myspace.com/therealparkerbrothaz, you are most definitely missing!

The evening reached a peak with Dyme Def, a group of young emcees from Soul Guerilla who are rapidly becoming Seattle Hip Hop favorites across the board. With their vitality, spitfire delivery, and banging production from Bean One, the trio boasts the kind of stage show that keeps an audience wildin'. Tracks from their new album "Space Music" are a marriage of audacity and mic mastery, broad-based commercial appeal met with the undeniable skills of authentic emceeing. Check 'em for yourselves at www.myspace.com/defdyme.

Although younger folks at the show began trickling off around midnight, undoubtedly because of school the next morning, the hundred-some people who remained were blessed with an impressive finale by Sportn' Life's crown jewel and Co-CEO, D. Black. Before the beat even dropped, the "Teflon Don," had the crowd chanting his name and throwing up Sportn' Life "L's." But it isn't the lights, the dramatic intro music, the fog machine, or the slick 'fit (dark sunglasses and a black shirt adorned with golden marijuana leaves) that makes Black's stage presence so demanding. The aura of confident superstardom D. Black emanates commands the attention of the crowd, and his rock-solid stage show full of favorites from his album "The Cause and Effect," seals the deal. Plus he wrote a whole hook about how you can't f*** wit him. For more information on D. Black and other Sportn' Life artists and releases, visit www.sportnlife.net.

In a time where the Don Imus incident has hood-fabulous Hip Hop facing an all-out assault from both mainstream media and old-guard Hip Hop cultural preservationists, and even Russell Simmons is recommending censorship of the "misogynistic words 'bitch' and 'ho,'" as well as the N-bomb, Swagger Fest was a reminder that it's not all about controlling content when it comes to mitigating the impact of artistic expression in pop culture. Yes, there was some glorified materialism, arrogance, some unflattering commentary on promiscuous young women, and some harsh realities of Seattle's hoods, plagued by drugs, guns, and gang violence reflected in the music, but the undeniable positive energy and sense of pride and community in the building that night trumps all claims that artists that speak on such are irresponsible and unaccountable to their audience. For example, Sportn' Life Record's notable success with connecting to their audiences through not just shows but events like community barbeques and smaller gatherings, are not solely marketing devices but rather are very deliberate efforts to cultivate a sense of family in the scene. Spearhead of Union Block Teamsters, the Ghetto Prez serves on the Public Defender's Association board, is a volunteer firefighter, and routinely speaks to youth in classrooms.

In the words of Fearce Villain from Dyme Def, "Hip Hop can only be done one way, and that's from the heart." We don't need voices censored in Hip Hop, we need the commercial corporations' waning chokehold on the game fully squashed and replaced with a thriving, diverse, independent music industry that authentically stems from the source of Hip Hop, the community. We need Northwest artists to sell thirty-plus thousand records on the regular in their own backyards. We need the media to stop reacting to words used by mainstream artists, and start creating local celebrities that have both the power and accessibility to influence our youth in a positive way, even if their content is controversial. So Seattle, damn what they sayin', and get cha swagger on…..

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Seattle Hip Hop Demands Media Justice

While mainstream media and the hip hop press have been scrambling to respond to Don Imus, the Seattle Hip Hop community has focused its attention on cultivating more lasting, structural changes in the struggle towards media justice. In late March, 206 Zulu and Reclaim the Media hosted a NW Hip Hop Community Town Hall to address the FCC Payola Settlement in late March, and to develop a statement of response. Drawing upon Universal Zulu Nation's Bring Back the Balance Campaign, the 2004 Seattle Statement on Radio, and Youth Media Council's report "Is KMEL the Real People's Station?" participants identified four areas to prioritize in organizing enforcement efforts. We will move to ensure that:

1) High quality local artists are not given the backseat to national artists when it comes to radio airplay.

2) Local youth run Hip Hop organizations such as 206 Zulu, Seattle Youth Council, the Think Big Foundation, and Seattle Urban Debate League get access to radio airwaves for outreach and community education

3) The presence of relevant public affairs/news be available in hip hop programming so local issues impacting youth such as police brutality, gentrification, and violence can be addressed in a widely accessible public forum

4) The impact of negative, repetitive messaging delivered to youth through mainstream Hip Hop be mitigated by the presence of local artists who have a better understanding of local issues and a higher level of accountability to the audience.

This project is a continuing effort with a two tiered focus of 1) increasing the visibility and capacity of those independent urban outlets that already adhere to these principles and 2) holding corporate media outlets accountable to the common good they are supposed to serve. Our next steps on this project are to define measurables for each of the four areas. Big ups to folks from Odd Fellas, 4BC Musik, Highline Community College, Pusher Promotions, Worldwide Confined, Seattle University, Seattle Urban Debate League, Think Big Foundation, The Temple of Hip Hop, Music Inner City, KBCS, Silent Lambs Project, and Mel Hart Enterprises who were there. For more information on media justice in the Northwest check out www.reclaimthemedia.org. On how to get down with this project, shoot me an email at juliec.206@gmail.com.

Note from Editor: Save Internet Radio! The final decision of the three judges that make up the Copyright Royalty Board may not be so final. Their heavily disputed decision to drastically increase internet radio rates has come up against some democratic resistance. Reps. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., and Donald Manzullo, R-Ill., on Thursday introduced the Internet Radio Equality Act. You have helped get the fight for the small broadcaster to the house. Please continue to support this timely legislation by visiting www.Savenetradio.org and getting your reps to co-sponsor.

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Union Block Teamsters Update

Seattle's first Hip Hop artist union, the Union Block Teamsters are on a roll. Their logo has been finalized, so be on the look out for posters and T-shirts, as well as a compilation album. In the meantime, the Teamsters have been performing, promoting, and doing radio interviews all across the state. Do4Self Records opened for 2 Live Crew in Yakima, Washington, Gator opened for Twister in Spokane, Washington, and the collective will soon be opening for Yung Buck. In addition, Union Block Teamsters have launched their DVD project, which will include videos from Do4Self and Parka Brothaz, as well as interviews with union members, local DJs, and other "industry tastemakers." Ghetto Prez of Sea-Sick Productions, who spearheads the Teamsters Union, says the DVD is a way to cultivate personal connections between the artists and their audience. "It's more than just listening to the songs," he says, "we get into their personal characters." The DVD project is also bigger than the Teamsters, the Prez asserts. "It's about supporting the local scene, getting DJs some exposure." Be on the look out for both the compilation album and DVD this summer. The Union Block Teamsters meet Thursday nights at Vito's. For more information email g-prez@seasick.com.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mWOwdHq

Seattle Hip Hop Community a Catalyst for Anti-Police Brutality Organizing Efforts

2007-05-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Seattle police department's continual targeting of communities of color and lack of accountability for police misconduct and violence is at the forefront of organizing efforts in Seattle Hip Hop. In September of last year, Seattle Hip Hop pioneer DJ DV-One was assaulted by police officers attempting to inquire about his 14 year old daughter who was being detained. DV-One now faces felony assault charges and $15,000 dollars in fines.

Last month, emcee, spoken word poet, and teaching Hip Hop artist Rajnii Eddins was wrongfully arrested while trying to find out why his student was being detained. Rapid response from the Hip Hop and spoken word communities packed courtrooms in both cases, and has drawn widespread attention to the ongoing issue of police brutality in this city.

As a response to this outcry, the Seattle chapter of the NAACP hosted a community meeting earlier this week, where about thirty people gathered and formed committees for an action coalition around the issue. "What we saw at this gathering was an outcry of the brutality that has been happening over the years that has gone unaddressed," says emcee and teaching artist Amanda "Beloved1" Cumbow, who is also the chair of the newly-formed communications committee. Beloved1 maintains that the greater purpose of the coalition is to organize the efforts and energies behind these individual incidents into a cohesive force. "We must present a united front to the politicians and the police department to get legislative changes," she asserts.

The police brutality action coalition is asking for the community's continuing input, support, and participation in this process. While the NAACP is an important ally in this battle, it was the voices, effort, and expertise of the people on the ground that has brought them to the table, and it will be that of the people who ultimately determine the extent of structural change that will come. For more information on how to support this process, or to voice your own experiences and concerns with police brutality, email Beloved313@gmail.com

Listen to Seattle community members speak out about Rajnii's case following the hearing on The Twomp. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

For day to day updates and information on DV One and Rajnii Eddins, log onto:
http://www.myspace.com/supportdvone and
http://www.myspace.com/rajniicares

Open Letter to NW Hip Hop on Fighting for Media Rights

2007-04-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Spring 2007 News
Seattle Hip Hop It's Time to Ride on KUBE 93

An Open letter to Northwest Hip Hop,

Let's get our heads right. It's time to put aside all our petty differences and historical beefs, regionalized dramas, paranoia, jealously, and whatever else keeps folks divided in this community. The fact is none of us are getting major radio play, the bullshit on mainstream radio is hurting all of us in terms of public interest in Hip Hop, and we can either stay clamourin at the bottom of the barrel, OR learn how to work together, create our own distribution networks, empower the media alternatives that do play our music, and demand something better from KUBE 93. There's no reason why Northwest artists can't sell 20,000 units regularly, except the fact that our lack of unity allows the very sharp, very organized corporations to bop us over and over, creating all this in-fighting and nonsense. Let's get over that for a second and look at what we're up against:

Today, four radio companies agreed to payola settlement with FCC. Clear Channel, CBS Radio, Entercom, and Citadel have tentatively agreed to pay the government $12.5 million and provide 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and local artists as part of a consent decree with the FCC.

Looks like the FCC is making these media conglomerates play our music! Sounds good right? Don't be fooled.

Industry watchdogs like Davey D from Hard knock Radio have been tracking this mess develop from the gate and they say the major labels have been ready for months to counteract this settlement. "The industry already has a bunch of former major label people who set up a quote unquote independent record consortium," says Davey D, "and that's the people they are gonna pull from. They ain't gonna pull from the local guy on the corner who needs a shot. You could play Lil Jon, Justin Timberlake, E-40, all of whom are now considered independent artists. It ain't gonna be dRED.i or Blue Scholars, it's gonna be key people connected to the industy and maybe they'll toss one person in there to look like they're doing something."

Paul Porter from Industry Ears scoffed at the settlement in an interview from earlier today with FreeMix Radio (you can peep it at www.voxunion.com). "The public, we have nobody representing us and that's how deals like this get cut, plain and simple." Porter goes on to expain how corportate interests and the RIAA's involvement got the FCC to walk away from making a formal agreement for independent airplay as a part of the consent decree. "Basically," Porter expains, "they are leaving it up to the broadcasters to police themselves, nobody is investigated, and this is another whitewash."

So what should we do?

-Instead of everyone jumping up at once to be the one or two local artists that MIGHT get their song played once or twice outside of Future Flavors on KUBE 93, we gotta organize local artists, record labels, promotors, and advocates to collectively put the pressure on folks like Eric Powers through petitions, organized protests, marches, rallies, or boycotts. The experience of folks like Gordon Curvey and influence of people like Jonathan Moore, reguardless of anyone's opinions of them, are critical in ensuring sustainable success.

-We may have to organize media monitoring of KUBE 93 to make sure the music they are playing is representative of the Hip Hop they claim to be. Of course we know it is not. But, Hip Hop is a culture recognized by United Nations, and it is on the people of this culture and community to set the standards. No one will do it for us, certainly not the FCC.

-We need a systemized means to increase support and crosspromotions of independent media outlets that DO provide opportunites to local artists. Shows like Zulu Radio on KBCS, the Download on KHIM, the Twomp, Street Sounds, Afragenesis Network, TV like Coolout, Music Inner City, and Hip Hop 101. Websites like 206zulu.com, seaspot.com, etc. The more powerful these independent outlets are, the more capacity they have to help artists. I propose the establishment of a Urban Arts Independent Media Coalition.

-Start collectively utilizing our networks and set up exchanges with artists, indy media outlets, and activists in other cities. We can bypass all this BS. We got Universal Zulu Nation, National Hip Hop Political Convention, Hip Hop Congress, Temple of Hip Hop, and numerous other international networks that have never been systemized for music distribution on a grassroots level!! We are at a place in Hip Hop's short history where the circles are becoming smaller, national organizers from different regions are in regular communication with each other, and this is very very possible. But it will take a great deal of coordination and organization to make this work.

-Utilize the international Media reform movement to our advantage. Our interests as independent artists and activists are the same as theirs. Local groups like Reclaim the Media who are piloting the Northwest Community Radio Network are one example.

Let's utlize some of this phenomenal creativity and genius we see manifested in NW Hip Hop and apply that to the structures we are operating in. It's time to change the game for real.

Seattle Police Strike Again Attack Another Hip Hop Artist

The following is a statement from Randee Eddins, poet, community activist and leader concerning the case of her son, Rajni. The attached MP3 in the email is a segment of the TWOMP News, audio DJ B-Girl Chillz, Merc, and I captured outside of Seattle Courthouse on the initial day of Rajnii's hearing. Please air this segment on your radio shows, burn it on your mix tapes, and post it on your websites! Please forward widely and voice your support in this continuing battle for justice and lasting change in the criminal justice system~
Julie C (emcee/ activist)

http://odeo.com/audio/11173863/view

powered by BREAKDOWN FM & ODEO

He came armed with a question. Yes, admittedly, he did do that. My
much loved only son, Rajnii Alexander Gibson-Eddins, a well-known
young Arts Educator, Performance Artist and Youth Advocate, approached
a police officer's car armed with a question.

For that, he was frisked, handcuffed, detained, arrested and charged
with obstruction of a public official. My son, who had no criminal
history; had no disrespectful bravado for the police officer who
arrested him, had nothing more in mind than the safety and security of
a young black adolescent who he had been told by one of his students
was being carted off to jail for spitting out gum.

The over the top response of the officer, R. Nelson came about,
reportedly, because he was afraid for his safety and his fellow
officers' safety. Afraid of Rajnii? Afraid of this most gentle
articulate young black man; artist educator, poet, actor, youth
advocate, community activist, and former elder foster brother to more
than 50 youth?

Afraid of his question?

"Let's examine this closely, shall we? Was it the…" excuse me
officer, I'd like to know what this child is being charged with so I
can notify her parents?"

Was it because when they told my son, my Rajnii, to move back from the
vehicle and he promptly complied, not once, not twice but 3 times but
continued to persist with the question, was that what made the officer
feel unsafe?

Was it that some police officers in certain neighborhoods have
forgotten they are paid to serve us and not paid to detain us,
humiliate us, harass us or arrest us? Ironically, my son is the
grandson and nephew of law enforcement officers; my late father was a
retired police officer and my brother is an officer with the sheriff's
department.

My son has served youth in a positive manner from Redmond to Tacoma,
co-founded a spoken word community organization to allow a culturally
diverse group of young people to flex and hone their voices in a
variety of venues.

Rajnii has performed spoken word from the Seattle City Council
chambers to Benaroya Hall, to Seattle Center, to colleges and
universities, libraries, bookstores, cafes, nightclubs, festivals,
theatres, community and cultural arts centers. He was chosen to be
part of Seattle's National Slam team for both 2004 and 2005 and
nominated for Seattle Poet Populist.

Rajnii has worked at many local Seattle area schools as both a
teaching assistant and teaching artist and volunteered thousands of
community service hours to improve the lives of our community's
youth.

Rajnii is only 26 but has already designed and implemented a
curriculum using positive hip-hop and taught a host of teachers how to
engage their disaffected students using it as a tool; has taken
students into the studio out of his own pocket and cheered them on at
their every effort to realize their artistic dreams.

Rajnii is considered a fierce mc in the hip-hop community, he writes
and performs his songs, his style, his way and definitely knows how to
rock the mic and move a crowd. He has been on countless albums to
support his peers with both lyrics and singing. He is known
affectionately by family and friends and the wider youth advocacy
community as the Peace Bringer'.

Further, at 24, Rajnii was invited by two high schools in New York to
be their keynote speaker performing with the great eloquence, passion
and clarity he is known for and receiving standing ovations at both
events.

You see, I am the fiercely proud mother of a great son; the kind of
son, friends used to borrow as an example to their own. A son known
for his respectful demeanor, known for kindness, generosity and
humility, known for brilliant artistic talent and his uncanny ability
to engage and redirect youth toward positive pursuits.

And yet, we are here, standing at this impasse; outraged, stunned,
dismayed, apprehensive, indignant, and determined. Why should my son
have any stain on his impeccable record? Why did this officer decide
in this case that discretion was not the better part of valor?

And most importantly, when have our police gotten so frightened for
their safety that they arrest educators who demonstrate concern for a
student rather than applaud them?

After all, he was only armed with a question.

I guess the lesson the police would have our community learn here is
we must warn other educators do not approach the police armed with a
question, mothers and fathers do not, youth do not, students do not,
concerned community members do not, advocates do not, activists do
not, spoken word artists do not, performance artists do not, elders do
not, ministers do not, business owners do not approach the police
whose salary you pay armed with a question...especially if you are
black.

If you who are reading this in 2007 America are as outraged and
concerned as I am, email our Seattle mayor, our Seattle city
attorney's office, our Seattle chief of police, newspaper editors,
your community organizations, school boards, share it from your
pulpits, discuss this with your friends.

If you are able to offer any support financially please contact me at
webepoets@yahoo.com, because as a mother, a former foster mother, a
community activist and advocate for the positive development of all
youth, I recognize the issue is much greater than just my son and will
contribute where ever I can to help see the necessary changes made to
protect other youth from this debilitating experience.

However, we need to make all police departments answer to how being
armed with a simple question in America can throw any fine young man
in jail. We need to refuse to have the Rajnii's of the world
criminalized, humiliated and their positive efforts diminished due to
overzealous punitive response by those sworn to protect and serve.

Let's choose to have this conversation and seek positive resolution
about this ugly issue of racial profiling and find a new way to keep
the Officer Nelsons from overreacting.

Perhaps retraining, perhaps censure, perhaps removal from service in
the heavily populated minority community that he/they, apparently,
fear so much?

We have to remember, need to remember, it was Rajnii today and it
could very well be, you or your loved one, tomorrow.

Any and all efforts of support us in these efforts are very much appreciated.

Peace and Blessings.
Randee Eddins

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mXGLg9z

Emerald City 2006 End of the Year Wrap-Up

2007-01-11T15:56:00.000-08:00

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Emerald City 2006 End of the Year Wrap-Up

The Emerald City 2006 End of the Year Wrap-Up

By Julie C

206 Stand Up! The Emerald City has a lot to celebrate as we bring in the New Year! As 2006 winds to a close, the momentum of the thriving Seattle Hip Hop scene is only gaining as the city gears up to solidify the Northwest's spot on the national radar.

Blue Scholars and Common Market had Seattle on the tip of the tongue of Hip Hop fans all over the country- the camp made history in the founding year of Mass Line Media as the first local Hip Hop groups to sell out Seattle's Showbox since the days of Sir-Mix-a-Lot. Gabriel Teodros' new solo joint Love Work, which will be Mass Line's third national release due February 2007, is already getting raving reviews left and right.

Choklate's self-titled CD, with production by local champs like Vitamin D, Bean One, and Amos Miller, won honeysoul.com's 2006 Best of Soul Award. Seattle's own Jake One got signed to Money Management, 206 vet DJ B-Mello was honored as the 2006 West Coast DJ of the Year at the MixShow Power Summit, Unexpected Arrival sold their 10,000th unit, and these are only a few shining examples of how the town put it down.

But beyond the stage and behind the art, Hip Hop's undeniable influence as a mobilizing force in the Northwest is also becoming an area of focus for the scene. dRED.i Movement's story, featured on daveyd.com and syndicated on KPFA's Hard Knock Radio, went beyond the pioneering local group's music, shedding historical perspective on the racial politics of police terrorism in the city. Incidents like the brutalization of DJ DV One and the FBI's harassment and monitoring of spoken word poet and long-time activist Freedom Siyam this year have brought the issue back to the forefront of community concerns.

Media Reform activism was another area where the Seattle Hip Hop community's growing presence became notable. Several events this year shaped the scene's next collective moves on the issue- Prominent icons in Seattle Hip Hop culture were spotlighted in an urban arts panel discussion before a crowd of 200 plus media reps from the region at the Northwest Community Radio Summit organized by Reclaim the Media. The discussion, moderated by Charles Mudede of The Stranger newspaper, focused on how mutual support between Hip Hop communities and independent media can cultivate activism and create better economic opportunities for young people in the city. The panel featured a mixture of artists, activists, and grassroots media reps including Silver Shadow D, dRED.i Movement's GCLI, Dr. Daudi Abe, DJ B-Girl Chillz from oseao.com, Khazm of Zulu Radio, and Miss Noni Shanay of Coolout TV Network.

Hip Hop also represented strong at the FCC Hearing on Media Ownership, where over 400 people showed up to testify against push backs on corporate ownership. Currently, leaders in the community like Jace of Silent Lambs Project, Moorpheus of dRED.i, and E.Mandisa are building with Davey D, KBCS, Reclaim the Media, and The Stranger Newspaper, on how to empower communities through creating new, more accessible media outlets, and how existing platforms can be utilized more effectively as a tool for social change.

Hip Hop made its mark in schools and on campus as well in 2006. Ninth Trybe Studies, a student group at the University of Washington centered around the urban arts in alternative education, is made some major moves with Hip Hop on campus, breaking academic ground, and attracting attention from several different publishers with their work. Members of the student group also collaborated with the non-profit advocacy group Justice Works! to raise awareness of racism in the criminal justice system.

Ninth Trybe faculty advisor Georgio Roberts was the featured keynote speaker at Portland State University's Hip Hop Activist Conference in November, after winning a 2006 Best and Brightest Excellence in Teaching Award for her seminar courses that looked at Hip Hop and literature, including "The Textual Appeal of Tupac Shakur."

In 2007, Ninth Trybe officers will be studying abroad in South Africa while laying a foundation for solidarity between South African Hip Hop communities and the Northwest. They are asking hip hop heads and activists from the surrounding communities to join this dialogue by contacting ninthtrybe@hotmail.com for more information.

Dr. Mako Fitts, faculty advisor for the Seattle University chapter of Hip Hop Congress has been busy bridging the gap between the campus and community. The assistant professor of sociology and her colleague Gary Perry have teamed up their students with local groups like Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Tenants Union of Washington State, Central Area Senior Center, and the Central Area District Council in a service-learning project, The State of Seattle's Central District. The project raises awareness on the issue of gentrification and builds allies in the struggle to preserve the cultural legacy of the neighborhood.

While some repped Hip Hop in higher education, others utilized it as a tool to reach and teach the youth. In August of 2006, the Seattle Debate Foundation, with executive director Jennifer Johnson, made history when their two-week residential Summer Seattle Debate Institute at the University of Washington became the first Urban Debate League in the country to fully incorporate Hip Hop throughout their curriculum.

By bringing dozens of Hip Hop artists from communities around the Northwest and California together with high school, middle school, and elementary students, the foundation made strides in giving voice to over 350 young people, many underrepresented in the world of debate.

Portland Hip Hop artists Toni Hill from Siren's Echo and Mic Crenshaw partnered with the foundation in September to facilitate a rap battle and public debate on disaster relief, using Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita to examine race, class, and cultural inequalities in the United States at the National Race and Pedagogy Conference at the University of Puget Sound.

Beyond being featured in Newsweek Magazine and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SUDL's accomplishments have been awarded with a generous grant from Comcast and will launch the Tacoma Urban Debate League in 2007 in partnership with the University of Puget Sound. For more information visit www.seattledebate.org.

206 Zulu, the Seattle Chapter of Universal Zulu Nation also brought Hip Hop to several Seattle schools this year, working with El Centro de la Raza's Hope for Youth program. Students gained knowledge and experience writing, performing, and even recording their own work while exploring concepts of race, gender, and identity.

206 Zulu also facilitated workshops in conjunction with Festival Sundiata at Seattle Center and CONSEJO Latino Youth Conference, and members participated in Elevate! Using Hip-Hop to Educate summer's teacher's institute in Cleveland, Ohio. Chapter leader Daniel "King Khazm" Kogita was also appointed as the West Coast Regional Coordinator for UZN, and honored with the 2006 Mayor's Award for Excellence in Hip Hop for Community Activism and Leadership.

For the New Year, the organization is preparing Hip Hop workshops and discussions for Highline Community College with the Latino Liberation Movement, collaborating with the Oregon Chapter of UZN to participate in Your Voice, Your Conference at Oregon Sate University, developing a new website, and is looking forward to the long-awaited return of Hip Hop 101 TV.

Tune in to Zulu Radio every Saturday night 10pm-1am at KBCS 91.3fm or broadcasted online at www.kbcs.fm, and peep www.206zulu.com and www.hiphop101.tv for updates.

Seattle Arts Commissioner, emcee, and spoken word artist Laura "Piece" Kelley Jahn, got down in the classrooms too with her curriculum that has captured national recognition for its creative use of the urban arts in middle school and high school basic skills and media literacy education. This pioneer of the local teaching artist movement brought Hip Hop to five schools and three community centers this year through the youth service non-profits ArtsCorps, The Power of Hope, Nature Consortium, Seattle Young People's Project, and her own organization, the Think Big Foundation.

Piece also mounted her theatrical production "Street Smarts" at Langston Hughes Cultural Center earlier this year. The play, which spotlights local Hip Hop history and critically examines the gentrification of Seattle neighborhoods, was picked up by the African American theater company Brown Bucks Productions, and will be remounted in April.

And while we're on the topic of plays, be on the look out for the next series of Back to the Roots, the annual event from Melissa Noelle Green and Diamond Life Productions. This year's run explored Hip Hop history and generational divides through the legacy of Black American music. Green is currently working ..ment" Hip Hop Back to its Roots Pacific NW Tour, set to run from February to April.

But all this is only the tip of the iceberg. We gotta lot more wrap-ups and preludes to the New Year from Seattle greats including Remix Marketing & Communications, Coolout Network, Music Inner City TV, Seaspot.com, and Sportn' Life Records, so be on the look out for the next issue, coming soon!

Julie C is an emcee, educator, and organizer from Seattle, WA. She serves as Northwest Regional Coordinator for Hip Hop Congress, Assistant Chapter Head of 206Zulu, and Co-Director of Reclaim the Media. Hit her up at Juliec.206@gmail.com

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mXp9454

NUACCD Newsletter 1

2006-11-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

November 2006 Newsletter

Northwest Urban Arts Culture and Community Development Newsletter 1
Linking those in Seattle dedicated to unifying, strengthening, and mobilizing local Hip Hop Culture and surrounding communities

November 29, 2006

* Davey D at the Hip Hop Community Roundtable at Langston Hughes Center
* Boots Riley of the Coup at the Hip Hop Brunch at Aaron Dixon Center
* The Ghetto Prez is gearing up to change the game
* Silent Lambs Project making moves with The Stranger
* FCC Seattle Public Hearing this Thursday, the 30th at Seattle Public Library!!!

NUACCD Newsletter c 2006

Send questions, comments, requests, submissions, whatever to Juliec.206@gmail.com

Davey D breaks it down at the Hip Hop Community Roundtable

Davey D , certified vet in Hip Hop, politics, and media reform to set a crucial context for the Hip Hop Roundtable Brunch Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center on Sunday, November 19 th, which was sponsored by Reclaim the Media and facilitated by Jace of the Silent Lambs Project for the thirty plus Seattle Hip Hop artists, promoters, media sources, and advocates last Sunday, speaking on how similar discussions of organizing to promote local scenes are surfacing in major cities across the country in response to the impact corporate control of media has on urban arts communities. "What has motivated folks is deep dissatisfaction with our images, our music, our culture, the lack of opportunity for local groups," he observed, "I could close my eyes and be in the different city and hear the same complaint." Using his insight on the success and shortcomings of media activism and organization in the Bay Area's Hyphie movement, Davey illustrated how shortsightedness on the part of artists contributed to weakening of the Bay Area's independent scene at a time when it had the most potential to do the opposite. "A lot of artists in the Bay abandoned ship when they got air play," Davey said. "People wanted to get on. Be big and famous, get in the limelight. One year after that, they were off again. When everything was up and running, it got snatched. Now it's almost dead." Unity, organization, and not selling out is the key to developing autonomous, sustainable institutions in the local urban arts scene. "Look at existing resources, movements, and energies that are in this region and figure out how to build on those," he says, referring to KBCS, KHIM, Coolout Network, Roc TV, Hip Hop 101 and other media reps who attended the meeting, "Take into account what Seattle has to offer, and do what Hip hop has always done- create a new game. Create a template for someone else to be inspired."

Be sure to check out this Sunday's meeting, December 3rd at Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center at 2:00pm with special guest Shamako Noble, president of Hip Hop Congress.

For minutes from this meeting and more information on the community development efforts, hit me up at- Juliec.206@gmail.com

You can also check out Reclaim the Media's blog on the event athttp://reclaimthemedia.org/deepmedia/hip_hop_organizing

Boots Riley of the Coup Drops Gems at Hip Hop Community Brunch

Boots Riley of the Coup spoke at the Aaron Dixon Center (2111 E Union St) this past Saturday at the weekly Hip Hop Community Brunch hosted by dRED.i, BBP 206, Seattle Hip Hop Summit Youth Council, and the African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. Boots shared his wisdom on the inner workings of the industry, the thin line between major and independent records labels, and offered advice to young artists and activists on how to use Hip Hop as a tool for social and economic empowerment. Urging artists to know and, "cultivate your crowds," Boots stressed the importance of, "being out there, staying in people's faces and doing shows," calling attention to the vast amount of resources artists now have to connect directly with their audiences. The veteran emcee also posed strong critiques of the "false debate around conscious vs. unconscious rap," calling the divisions a misleading construct for markets. While 'conscious rap,' may romantically engage listeners in ideas, Boots maintains that "they don't have anything to do with us getting food in the refrigerator," or improving any other conditions symptomatic of the class struggle which has systematically operated to privilege some and leave others out in the cold. Organizers of last Saturday's brunch hope to keep the momentum of this forum going. The aim, says one organizer "is to engage the Hip Hop community around issues affecting this generation, whether it be police terrorism, or ethnic cleansing of urban neighborhoods [gentrification]. This is a place to put our heads together and dialogue around business, politics, and culture it pertains to the Hip Hop generation."

Check out the next meeting this Saturday with special guest Shamako Noble, president of Hip Hop Congress, 10am at the Aaron Dixon Center 2111 E Union.

For more information on the meetings hit up- wyking@gmail.com

History of African American Heritage Museum and Cultural Center- www.aahmcc.org/history.html

The Ghetto Prez Gearing up to Change the Game

Keek " the Ghetto Prez" of Sea-Sick Media, is in the assessment and stratification process of creating Seattle's first Hip Hop artist union, The Teamsters, and with over a decade of experience in the industry, his pioneer status in the community, and the entrepreneurial chops of a true professional, he's the ideal man for the job. The Prez assembled a crew of emcees last Sunday to gather feedback and refine elements of his concept. Beyond providing opportunities for cross promotion, coop marketing, and joint distribution, the Prez aims to raise awareness of the commonly overlooked, but crucial role public relations, media, and management play in the success of artists. This machine, the Prez maintains, is undervalued in the region, and he likens the result of the lopsided focus to chocolate chip cookies without the chips. "We try to make recipes without all the ingredients. We think 'cause we got the best flour, the best milk, we can do this and that," he states, "but it don't come out right without all the proper elements." As a trial, the Prez is planning on systemizing his own network of industry affiliates as well as that of the ten to eleven founding members of the union, and releasing material as a test run for the format. "The foundation of the teamsters is 'recognize those that are the part of the machine,'" states the Prez, "It will always be there, but artists are interchangeable." He plans to expand the model and pursue long term goals such as providing artists with healthcare as the union evolves from its development stages.

For more information on this project drop a line to- gprez@sea-sick.com

Silent Lambs Project Partners with The Stranger

Pioneer emcee and teaching artist Jace of Silent Lambs Project has been pulling strings to provide the local Hip Hop scene and its representatives with a powerful platform in the Seattle independent publication, The Stranger. Understanding the economic opportunities that come from a thriving independent scene, Jace's goal is spotlighting the local Hip Hop community and the wealth of talent and creativity it offers through this strategic alliance with media. He is collaborating with the paper to produce Dope Emporium- A Hip Hop Expo and Gallery at the Capitol Hill Arts Center (1621 12th Ave), December 14th, a showcase which will present "everything local Hip Hop has to offer for 2007." Expect music, artwork, and merchandise from a wide array of local urban artists and labels, booths offering information on Hip Hop activism, education programs, and independent urban media sources, some dope performances by Silent Lambs, Specs One, Abyssinian Creole, Kuddie Mak, and Old Dominion, as well as special guest appearances by GodSpeed, dRED.i, Silver Shadow D, Pirate Radio, and Neezie Please-the works! Jace plans to produce similar events, along with regular features on local Hip Hop in the Stranger to provide a strong foundation and infrastructure for the next generation of young artists coming up. Also, don't forget to tune into Street Soundz on KEXP December 4 th and the 11th for the Dope Gallery Take-Over!

For more information on this project drop a line to- ecajjace@yahoo.com

FCC Seattle Public Hearing this Thursday, the 30th at Seattle Public Library!!!

Also, If you're sick of the same watered down half baked content on the airwaves, don't forget to come through to Seattle Public Library in the main auditorium 6pm Thursday, November 30th to the FCC Seattle public hearing on media ownership ! FCC commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein will be in town tomorrow to gather testimony on this issue as they consider revising media ownership rules. This is our opportunity to send a strong message to the FCC that we will not tolerate anymore corporate takeovers of independent outlets that shut out our local artists and produce the same commercial garbage on TV and radio. The success of this hearing, cosponsored by Reclaim the Media, The Seattle Times, KBCS 91.3fm, the Minority Executive Directors Coalition, and the UW Department of Communication, and the policy outcomes that result relies on the presence and participation of the people. It's time to represent, Seattle! See y'all there. One luv.

For more information on this issue visit www.reclaimthemedia.org, and www.stopbigmedia.com

Seattle City Council passes Media Bill of Rights Resolution
November 27, 2006

Seattle, WA – The Seattle City Council passed a resoulution calling upon U.S. policymakers to support the Media Bill of Rights, ensuring that present and future generations are able to exercise their constitutional rights to free speech. The council joins a broad coalition of consumer, public interest, media reform, organized labor and other groups representing millions of Americans in supporting the principles of access to media in an open marketplace of ideas, use of the public airwaves to serve the public interest and media that reflect and respond to local communities.

The resolution, sponsored by council members Jean Godden and Nick Licata, builds upon earlier policy espoused in a previous resolution by the council in support of diversity in media ownership. In that resolution, the council urged the Federal Communications Commission to resist attempts to repeal the cross-ownership ban and further urge the Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to protect content diversity and press freedom. Godden, who has a background as a journalist spoke passionately about how the public, through the media, was led to believe that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. " It is very important to have dissident voices as well as those coming from the government or corporate concerns," Godden said. "Freedom of the press shouldn't always be a matter of being able to own a radio station or a newspaper, it ought to be an opportunity for us to speak out."

This resolution comes just as Seattle residents are preparing for a November 30th public hearing on media ownership with FCC commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein. The commissioners will hear testimony on the FCC's current notice of rulemaking that could further relax media ownership caps. Council chair Nick Licata notes, "I would hope that other cities will pass similar resolutions that will get the attention of our representatives in congress who have certainly watered down the public's protections and access to these major media outlets." Seattle is in good company. Cities across the country are passing their own resolutions supporting the Media Bill of Rights.

To read the full text of the Media Bill of Rights and learn more about the Seattle Public Hearing on Media Ownership visit www.reclaimthemedia.org.
To learn more about past and upcoming hearings go to: www.stopbigmedia.com, www.fcc.gov/ownership.

NUACCD Newsletter c 2006
Julie Chang Schulman
Hip Hop Congress, 206 Zulu, Alpha P

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/juliec206/blog#ixzz11mViCYMO

206 Urban Arts Community Meeting Minutes 2006

2006-08-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

206 Urban Arts Community Meeting Minutes
Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006
2:30-4:00pm (2:06 sign-in)

At LANGSTON HUGHES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
104 17th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 684-4757

Facilitator: Jace, Silent Lambs Project
Represented Organizations/Collectives:
Seattle Art Museum, Nynth Trybe Studies, UW Student Group, 206 Zulu, Red Army, Mind Movers, Spectrum, MadK, BYC, Project Mayhem/ 1st Platoon, Think Big Foundation, Aim 4 Peace, Hip Hop Congress, Seattle University, KBCS, Community Radio, Silent Lamb Project, YMCA, dRED.i, Wicked X, Social Justice TV, Obese Productions, Reclaim the Media, Coolout Network , WAPIFASA, 6 Deep, Power of Hope, Massline, Langston Hughes Cultural Center, Washington State Parks and Recreation

Introductions, agenda overview, and opening discussion:
Jace starts the meeting, and opening introductions commence. When asked why people chose to attend the meeting, answers included: to build and dialogue in the community, to bridge gaps between academia and the streets, to see Hip Hop unify the world, to look and listen, to document the local scene, to work in schools, to promote Seattle Hip Hop, to see unity in the scene, and for the love.

TOPIC ONE: The Hip Hop in Education Movement
-After establishing a consensus on the effectiveness of Hip Hop in education, and the high number of teaching Hip Hop artists in the community, the discussion moves to the necessity and benefits of organizing teaching artists. Julies notes:
-Hip Hop in education is popular, especially in the after-school, workshop, and residency formats because it speaks to youth. In Seattle, where we supposedly have the highest number of non-profits serving the community, most teaching Hip Hop artists find opportunities to pass down their craft, share their experiences, and act as positive role models and mentors for young people through stipends from programs funded or implemented by non-profits, or by starting their own.
Though the rising demand for teaching artists is a positive thing, it is obvious that the same systems of privilege and oppression that operate on an institutional level in this society show up on the grassroots level. Sometimes teaching Hip Hop artists are deliberately exploited by non-profits, other times teaching artists are simply not being compensated for the full value of their work because many of us will do it for the love.
-Greg, of dRED.i, speaks on the challenges of working with non-profits and the experience of teaching artists not being truly valued or not being supported by the institutions that are moderating.
Organizing teaching Hip Hop artists- The social entreprenuerialship model
A social entrepreneur identifies and solves social problems on a large scale. Just as business entrepreneurs create and transform whole industries, social entrepreneurs act as the change agents for society, seizing opportunities others miss in order to improve systems, invent and disseminate new approaches and advance sustainable solutions that create social value
-Julie introduces H2Ed mission, goals, and projects (www.h2ed.net), presents THA 5th Element Conference Tour rationale and objectives, as an action plan for
1) creating a systemized network of teaching artists by spotlighting the movement
2) advocating Hip Hop in education locally
Note: Laura Piece Kelley, added to this conversation later, speaking on the importance of providing professional development resources for teaching artists. Amos Miller offered to take on compiling a local teaching Hip Hop artist database.
Question/discussion Summary:
Funding for THA 5th Element Tour was brought up, and people were concerned about the interests of funders overshadowing the mission of the project. It is asserted that the message and mission of this project will not be compromised for funding, and that our priority now is establishing a board/conference committee, which will oganize the teaching artists network/coalition and finalizing the mission, objectives, and plan of action for the tour.

TOPIC TWO: Hip Hop and Media
This discussion was opened up by first acknowledging the importance of independent media sources and their relationship to local industry and community. The benefits of sharing knowledge and resources between grassroots sources and doing more outreach to local artists was brought up.
-Julie C presented the media action item to establish an inclusive Northwest Urban Arts Media Coalition that will:
1) Serve as a resource for local artists by participating/creating campaigns and projects that encourage
-artists to produce and submit quality music videos to the local media outlets
-artists and Hip Hop practitioners to promote and listen in to local media outlets
-Hip Hop enthusiasts to take an active roll in requesting local artists music and videos
-Hip Hop artists and enthusiasts to create more independent media outlets
-cross promotion of media outlets
-local media to become more active in the local urban arts scene
-diversity in commercial media
2) Highlight and support activism in the urban arts community
3) Work with existing local and national grassroots media networks and campaigns to serve as the voice of independent media advocacy for the Hip Hop Community
-Karen Toering and Sabrina Roach, of Reclaim the Media, and Peter Graff and Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo of KBCS, Community Radio discuss the vulnerability of grassroots media sources given how policy and legislation affect media ownership and content. They highlight the importance of advocacy, organization, and self-representation in the facilitation of democratic media that empowers the community.
Question/Discussion Summary:
Kym, of CI, brought up the responsibility of community radio and other independent media outlets to make themselves visible and active in the communities they wish to serve.
Karens comments on the power of Hip Hop as a culture in the struggle for democratic media: Cultural events get people in the room. Get them there and then educate them. Hip Hop is Media. The need to gather a core group of organizers and representatives from local independent urban arts media sources (TV, Community/College Radio, Print, Internet etc.), to develop a structure for systemizing networks of information and clearly identify entrepreneurial and social-change objectives for the coalition.

Community-based projects:

Website (www.206zulu.com)
-Daniel Khazm Kogita presents all call for 206 Zulu Web project:

-An informative and ultimate resource for upcoming events in the NW, an extensive directory that will include online resources and various curriculum, video shows, radio shows, magazines, Hip Hop specialty record stores, venues, promoters, and artist listings.

Northwest Hip Hop Timeline
-Khazm presents all call for timeline project

-Documenting the history/herstory of Hip Hop in the Northwest and having it accessible to the public, online at www.206zulu.com, as an easily navigational and legitimate source of information. 206 Zulu will be conducting extensive outreach and meticulous preparations to accurately document the history/herstory. It is crucial that all Hip Hop practitioners participate in this project.
-Searching for information, stories, videos, audio, flyers, posters, records, CDs, stickers, photos, graff flicks, black books, memorabilia, and vintage materials.
-206 Zulu has working relations with The Universal Federation For the Preservation of Hip Hop and will be contributing the Northwest Hip Hop Timeline and additional support for the National Center for the Study and Preservation of Hip Hop Culture.
Established in New York City in 2003, The Universal Federation for the Preservation of Hip Hop is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that preserves Hip Hop culture and provides instruction on the ramifications, significance, social history, and placement of Hip Hop culture.
The Federation is the nations first non-profit organization which includes the actual inventors of Hip Hop music and culture. Members include Afrika Bambaataa, GrandMaster Caz, GrandMaster Melle Mel, Lovebug Starski, among others.
The immediate goal is to create the National Center for the Study and Preservation of Hip Hop Culture. This multi-million dollar, state of the art Center, will be located in the Bronxthe birthplace of Hip Hop. The Center will house the archives of the chronological evolution of Hip Hop music through the preservation of documents, artifacts, musical compositions, collections, artist biographical information and other memorabilia. Simultaneously, an educational program will be developed to serve as an international place of study.
Closing:
-Jace closes the meeting

Contact for Information on meeting outcomes/specific projects:
Julie Chang Schulman
H2Ed, Aim 4 Peace, 206 Zulu
(425) 223-7787
juliec.206@gmail.com