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GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME! Biggie vs Tupac

Has Biggie done that?

I'm sure everyone knows that there's a new movie about to come out called NOTORIOUS. It is suppose to be chronicling the life of the "greatest rapper of all time", Biggie Smalls. I have a serious problem with this label being attached to Christopher Wallace aka BIGGIE. Don't get me wrong, I agree that the guy did his thing. How could one not name him in their top five greatest rappers? But when one uses the word GREAT, to me, that's totally different. Greatness, in this sense, is a lifestyle, not an ability or skill. Barack Obama is great. Mother Theresa was great! Greatness includes the ability to have the QUAN (as announced and defined in Jerry Macquire). Greatness is mastering your craft, giving back, educating, having a voice that heals and has purpose, being able to live through death, and announcing a change in the world once you've passed through it.

Lawsuit Alleges Racketeering by ‘Former United State Senator'

Folo's got the poop on a new Wilson v. Scruggs lawsuit—which alleges a conspiracy between Dickie and Zach Scruggs, Ed Peters, Bobby DeLaughter and a "former United States Senator":

LoungeList Photos: Josh Gracin @ Club Fire (Photos: Kip Caven)

Former American Idol contestant, country singer Josh Gracin did a show at Club Fire on Sunday in downtown Jackson. Photos by Kip Caven:

Valentine's Job Cuts Coming to Clarion-Ledger?

As if it hasn't been bloody enough with The Clarion-Ledger—which has cut 25 percent of its positions in the last few months, as well as shrunk news coverage—the Gannett Blog is reporting that more layoffs may be coming to the Gannett Corp.-owned newspapers as soon as early February. Jim Hopkins writes:

LoungeList Photos: State of the Arts 1.05.09 (photos: Kip Caven)

Local artists, influentials and interested parties met at 121 Studios in Jackson on 1.5.09 to discuss the state of the arts in Jackson. Photos by Kip Caven:

It's Best of Jackson month!

OK all, the votes are in, and the ballots are (almost) counted. There are perennial winners, and there are big surprises, in our annual readers' poll on the best businesses, people, arts and culture in and near the city. The big issue will be out on Jan. 22 (on streets Jan. 21) with all the winners, and the huge Best-of bash will be Sunday, Jan. 25. Per usual, the first half will be invitation-only, and the party will open to the public at 8 p.m. No cover, of course. Where will it be? Well, that's a closely guarded secret that we release when the invitations go out, which will be soon. So start planning your outfit—you know, something Monopolistic, or not—and lining up your date.

JFP Increases News Coverage, Adds Reporter

The Jackson Free Press is pleased to announce that starting today, Jan. 5, we are increasing our daily news coverage, and welcoming a new reporter to our staff. Ward Schaefer, a former public-school teacher who trained with the JFP as a news intern last year, is joining senior reporter Adam Lynch on the news beat. Ward will focus energies on covering Hinds County, as well as assisting Adam at the state Legislature, as well as general reporting duties. Ward is also covering the federal trial of Frank Melton and Michael Recio.

Photos: Sneak Peek at the Old Capitol Renovation

The JFP's intrepid (and perennially under-dressed) reporter, Adam Lynch, gets a look at the Old Capitol renovation with curator Chris Goodwin. Photos by Kip Caven.

"Soul Food Forums" Begin at Wed Lunch @ Peaches Jan 14

In JxnPro's ongoing mission to get the citizens of Jackson more involved in the political process, we will begin adding a special element to our Wednesday Lunches at Peaches. "Soul Food Forums" will be a vehicle in which voters can get intimate face time with local candidates. Whether they be mayoral or city council candidates beginning January 14th, you will have the chance to personally ask them questions AND enjoy some of the best soul food in the south.

2008 In Three Words

Here are some examples: Glad it's over. Barack Hussein Obama. Peace, joy, hope. Need some money.

Whatcha got?

The GOP's 'Barack the Magic Negro' Flap

As if the Republican Party didn't need something else to divide it; the reaction to this will go a long way toward separting the wheat from the chaff. CBS News:

Long-time Melton Mentee Killed

I returned to Jackson today to the staggering news that Maurice Warner was murdered on Christmas Day. Warner has been very close to Mayor Frank Melton for many years. I will have a story next week for more details about Warner; meantime, click here to read past JFP articles that mention Warner, as well as his relationship to Melton. Stay tuned.

Text Message Scam Warning

(verbatim from the attorney general's office)

Jackson, MS–A scam text message has apparently been circulating that targets area credit union members, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.

A Mortgage Crisis of Bush's Making

The New York Times had the must-read story of the month Sunday, dissecting how the policies of Bush and friends created the deep mortgage crisis we're facing today:

Gift for the History Buff

If you're looking for a last-minute gift for your favorite history buff, "Chimneyville" is just the thing. Written by Mississippi historian H. Grady Howell, Jr., the book is a veritable banquet of wood cuts, photos, maps and newspaper clippings covering the first 100 years of Jackson's history. Howell, who lives in Madison, self-published this lavish volume, but it's far from his first book, having published several previous historical accounts of the state and its people. At $49.95, the volume has heirloom potential. Contact Howell at [e-mail missing] for more information.

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