Week 1 In The Czech Republic: Jetlag
I always thought that jetlag thing was some kind of myth LOL. Ive heard stories about it from world travelers but didnt realize that the body is REALLY affected by time change. Prague is seven hours ahead of the US. Going to sleep while leaving Detroit and waking to the sunlight and a time of 11am when my body still thinks its 4am!!!!. Its almost 7pm here on Thursday and Im STILL catching up.
DA Candidate Michelle Purvis on the Kim Wade show TODAY 5pm 1180am
the number is 601 366 1180..call in with questions.
FYI..Michelle Purvis is gonna be our guest on the Kim Wade show today...Should be a lively discussion if nothing else!!! Please tune in. 1180am at 5:06 pm. TODAY
[Kamikaze] Mississippi on the World Stage
There comes those undeniable moments in a man's life when doubt—even fear––can set in. One of those moments when, despite experience and confidence, you're not ready for the unexpected. As I get ready to embark on my first overseas tour, I'm frantically running around making sure that I tie all loose ends and put things in order.
Oh My God!!! Is Hip Hop Gonna Be blamed for Everything??
Oh Brother....(sigh) This is an excerpt from allhiphop.com..
Earlier this week on Bill O'Reilly's daily Fox News show, the O'Reilly Factor, the Humane Society blamed DMX, Jay-Z and hip-hop for promoting dog-fighting culture in America. Recently, NFL player Michael Vick, quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly participating in a dog-fighting ring. Surprisingly, John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for the Humane Society, drew a connection between Vick's case and hip-hop. "The growth in dog fighting has been largely fueled by some elements in the popular culture, specifically some rap videos," Goodwin told O'Reilly. "For example, there is a rapper named DMX. He has a CD named Grand Champ. There is a big pit-bull on the cover and the booklet that comes with the CD describes a champion as a three time winner of dogfights. There is Jay-Z, who had a music video called "99 Problems." The unedited version had scenes of him handling a dog in a dog fighting pit."
Still Need Your Help…Czech Republic Trip Approaches
Greetings all, Just back from a whirlwind few weeks in D.C., Atlanta, and soon to be New Orleans and Ohio attending conferences, doing shows,and fundraising. Our big trip to the Czech Republic is fast approaching and we're short of our goal. We're lacking about $2800 and we need you...JFP readers to help us make this dream tour a reality. Responses have been disappointing from the hometeam but here's the chance to make up. We have until the last week in July to make the grade please..PLEASE contact Jaro Varek at 601 212 8956 or at [e-mail missing] to send in your donations. Don't make me start calling out you regulars LOL!
[Kamikaze] Three Strikes, And You're Out
I was browsing through a copy of the Mississippi Link the other day, and I was hit with a startling reality. It was a moment of clarity like no other. I scanned the page several times over just to make sure that my eyes didn't deceive me. But alas, it was true. Pictures don't lie.
[Kamikaze] Celebrate Jackson With JAM
Webster's Dictionary defines an institution as a "significant practice, relationship or organization in a society or culture." An institution is baseball on a summer's eve. It's apple pie cooling on a windowsill. It's the Superbowl.
[Kamikaze] Tomorrow's Storms
As I sat and watched Fox News a few Sundays back, I had a moment of clarity.
Women in Hip-Hop Speak Out: A Good Read
In light of the roundtable discussion at the Jackson Medical Mall on Tuesday. Thought Id bone up a bit.. As Im sure to have my a-- handed to me LOL, I was doing a little research and came across this interesting tidbit. It seems that some women in the hip-hop community feel as if they were left out of Oprah's town-hall discussion recently. Actually what I realized is that in all of this we have yet to really hear from the women who work at the labels or work directly in the business... and the female artists that do hiphop. And I haveto say I agree with many points they make here. I guess coming from folks who actually DO this music and better understand the biz, the points are clearer. Enjoy and discuss:
Asked to Tour/Perform in the Czech Republic: Need Your Help
Greetings all, Im blessed to have been asked to come perform in the Czech Republic later this summer on waht is being billed the 2007 Crunk Tour. Southern/crunk music has become huge overseas and as part of their annual HipHop Kemp Festival in Prague myself, DJ Phinaprint, Tony B., and a few other artists have been asked to come tour the country for a month. Last year Skipp Coon was the featured artist thanks to photographer extraordinare Jaro Varek and his overseas connects. Im honored and excited as I just applied for my passport today.
BONUS: Kaze's Hip Hop Hater of the Week: The R.N.C.
Yet another reason not to vote Republican....just kidding..not really LOL. Read
This from Allhiphop.com. In a report just released today, the Republican National Convention had members of the hiphop community spied upon before their 2004 National convention in New York. Ironaically, one fo the names on their "list" was Alicia Keys? Whaaaa? Alicia Keys. Is she an undecover radical and not telling us? And of course officials tried to block the documents from becoming public but were forced to release the information. Ive told my colleagues for a long time that there are forces being set up to "watch" our moves. Officials have become increasingly leery of rappers and the power they wield to change politics. We are being watched. Unfortunately with the wirch hunt going on now, It gives more credence to their spying. and more lawful rappers will again get caught up in the wide net that they cast.
[Kamikaze] A Weapon For ‘Rage'
My most heartfelt thanks goes out to the controversial rock band Rage Against The Machine. Why, you ask? Simply because, if but for a moment, they've taken a little pressure off us poor rappers. We can take a break from being America's whipping boys as the rock world takes some heat in this crazy freedom-of-speech debate. It also speaks to the leverage that musicians and entertainers hold when it come to politics.
Who I "was", Who I "am", and Who I want to "become"
It's funny how things have a way of happening at just the right time. How things are said at just the right moment. How your point is explained so clearly when you were just having the hardest time putting it to words. I came across this piece at xxlmag.com just as I got through trying to tell a couple folks I know this past Sunday what respect and loyalty meant to me...a hiphop artist. I hope those two read this because it better explains what I can't say. I forget the woman's name but her editorial hit home...Enjoy.
New Feature: Kaze's Hip-Hop Hater of the Week: Jere Eaton
In my ongoing return of fire to those that wish to attack hiphop, especially those who attack it with hidden motives at heart. Each week I will be identifying a hater of hiphop. No, it won't be someone who wishes to end the use of derogatory language. Instead it will shine the light on those who simply arbitrarily attack hiphop for fame, because they are seeking public office, or simply because they're old and uninformed on the good that we as hiphop artists do. If said hater has consequently caused an event that would have benfitted kids or their community to be cancelled, they get extra stars. This week's winner gets 5! Read along.
Why Does The Crawfish Boil Have NO local bands?
Im really just venting here, but Im mad as HELL. As an artist that fights vigorously for the careers of our local and regional artists here (of ALL genres), its CRIMINAL that we continue to allow events like the Crafish Boil to come to town and not support our local talent. From what I can tell from reading the schedule there is NO local band playing this year's event. I believe last year they had ONE.
[Kamikaze] The Real World, Jackson
This probably isn't the best time for "I told ya so's." But … I told ya so.
The ALLHIPHOP.com 100: A hiphop tutorial for the uninformed
From allhiphop.com folks, a little food for thought. please read and go find these songs!
We at AllHipHop.com surely do not condone the at times lewd, sexist and even racist verbiage rap artists sometimes use to express themselves artistically. At the same time, WE WILL NOT tolerate sweeping indictments of Hip-Hop culture as the root of greater society's ills. Next time some quick-on-the-trigger hater claims Hip-Hop is the cause of our moral demise, ask them if they've bothered to listen to any of THESE joints. We kept the suggested tunes up to date while throwing in some notable classic joints for good measure. In fact, print this out and tell the hot air blower to consider it homework.
[Kamikaze] Over My Dead Body
Wrap your brain around this one for a moment: America doesn't really know how it feels about a black man and a woman running for president.
[Kamikaze] Robin Hood To The Rescue?
What are we Jacksonians prepared to do? Will you stand proud and stay, or cower and leave?
PLEASE WATCH THIS CNN SPECIAL *TONIGHT* AT 8pm: HIP HOP: Art or Poison
CNN will examine the cultural value of Hip-Hop in an hour long special dubbed "Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?" tonight (Feb 21.)
[Kamikaze] The New Independents
We've come to yet another music issue, and that means as in years past, it's time for my annual state of the music address. It seems I've become the "mad rapper" for all my political ramblings and such, but the music is my passion. It is the music that I think makes most folks in the private sector even give me the time of day. It is the music that's given me a platform to voice my opinions in this very publication.
Is Bill O'Reilly In "Man-Love" With Ludacris…AGAIN!?
from sohh.com..Bill O'Reilly obsesses over Ludacris after Luda pokes fun at him at the Grammys
Bill O'Reilly stabs at Luda, claims "rap destroyed music." In case some of you missed it, Ludacris shouted out Bill O'Reilly and Oprah Winfrey when picking up two of his Grammys this past weekend. Good old Bill apparently didn't appreciate the love and took it as an opportunity to take more shots at the Ludameister. After reporting on Luda winning a Grammy for Best Rap Album, O'Reilly immediately questioned his win, pointing out lyrics from "Slap," a stand-out track on Release Therapy in which the ATL rapper mentions "slapping a nigga" and killing his boss. Ehhhhh, it was hypothetical, Bill. "Do you think there's a liberal, secular, progressive culture in the music industry that makes it easy for these people to prosper?" Bill asked Nathan Davis, a Philadelphia journalist. "These people?" "People don't understand a guy like Ludacris saying the N word 50 times in a song and saying he wants to kill his boss in the song," he continued. "They don't understand why that merits a Grammy award. Why does it?" Constipated-ass Williams also pleaded that the N word will be used as long as albums that feature it prominently get awarded.
[Kamikaze] Punked ... Again
Politics sucks! More so, politicians suck! Around these parts, the whole damn lot of you should be ashamed. This is a wake-up call to everyone serving in public office in this city: the ones I support and the ones I criticize, the ones I consider allies and the ones I think stand in the way of progress.
What The Hell Do You Mean I'm "Articulate"?
Another white politician gets foot-in-mouth disease again as Sen Joe Biden called Presidential hopeful Barak Obama "clean" and "articulate" In fact, he said Obama was the first African American candidate who WASN'T inarticulate. Whaaaaa?
New Survey Reveals Concerns Over Rap Music Among Youth
From Allhiphop.com. Tell me what you guys think...
The current image of rap music and rap music videos is cause for concern among Black youth, according to the Black Youth Project, a survey spearheaded under the direction of Dr. Cathy Cohen of the University of Chicago.
Kaze's co-hosting the Kim Wade show TODAY 5PM
Make sure you guys tune again to yet another action packed edition of the Kim Wade Show..I want to hear from more JFP bloggers(if you're able). Tune in 1180am and simulcast on 103.3fm @ 5:30. The number is 601 366 1180. We want to hear from YOU! I think Im going to go off about this "ex-con" issue today
[Kamikaze] Don't Be A Hater
I've had a pretty prosperous 2007 so far—getting called an "idiot" by a right-wing fanatic while co-hosting the Kim Wade Show; blogging back and forth with a few independent thinkers on the JFP Web site; winning a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Martin Luther King Banquet; and doing some much needed reading. Yes, guys, rappers read!
Outrageous story from Former Pres. Jimmy Carter's Hometown
Sagging may be the norm in the world of rap, but the trend may see an early end if some residents of a small southwest Georgia town have their way.
"Best Of" Party Was Faaaaaantastic!!!
My love and blessings go out to everyone who came out last night to the "Best Of" Party at Voodoo. It surpassed even my expectations. I was impressed with the love that JFP has out in these mean streets of Jacktown and eqaully humbled at how much love some of you have for your favorite neighborhood rapper:-)
"Less" Experience is EXACTLY What This Country Needs….
Ive sat back and watched with eager anticipation the Obama love-fest that has been going on lately. I must say Im pleasantly surprised..proud even..that an African American has risen to such heights. To be bandied about in the press...in a good way...is refreshing. Im currently reading his book "The Audacity of Hope" and have found it captivating. This after having just finished the book "Leadership" by Rudy Guliani just days before. And I found one thing to be true. When you vote person or conscience over party you almost assuredly will come out better. I don't subscribe to either a democrat of republican mindset...Guliani had good points and Obama does too. In reading, they BOTH want the same thing..its just that partisan views and rhetoric get in the way of good common sense..
Kamikaze on Kim Wade Show This Thurs-Fri. 5pm
We'll be back at it again THIS THURS and FRI at 5pm on the Kim Wade show (WJNT 1180AM/103.3FM) Been getting some great responses and I hope th JFP bloggers will tune and voice some opinions(on the site and on the show) The broadcast can now be heard (a lot clearer too I might add) on FM 103.3 at 5 p.m. each day along with its usual 1180AM spot!
Is Our Entire System of Government in JXN/Hinds/MS/U.S. Corrupt? Or just Incompetent?
I dunno folks. Ive become preeety apathtic lately and indifference has crept in. I think that if we as good citizens are to actually get something accomplished we can pretty much NOT count on elected officials for the good example of leadership that we look to to guide us.
[Kamikaze] When Politicians Attack
I'm sure by now you've read enough reviews of 2006. You've probably read as many predictions for 2007.
Are Americans "Spoiled Brats"?
Got this email from a colleague of mine yesterday and it presents an interesting argument. I don't agree with over half of it but I'd thought I'd present to the intellectual masses for discussion. Are Americans indeed spolied brats? And does the rest of the world truly perceive us a s such? Please Read and discuss. sho nuff!
[Kamikaze] Standing At The Crossroads
This will probably be one of the most personal columns I've ever written. Hip-hop is at a crossroads.
Revisiting the "N" Word: Responses to my Column
The Clarion-Ledger printed my most recent rebuttal to columnist Leonard Pitts column on the "N" word yesterday. I know we've THOROUGHLY discussed it here but some C-L readers chimed in with their thoughts so I thought you might want to read a few and give your feedback.. ENJOY..or not, depends on how you feel :-)
JFP Columnist Kamikaze on Kim Wade Show Tues. 5pm
*Update: Catch Part II of Kamikaze's visit with Kim Wade (1180 AM) today, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m.
Going toe-to-toe with Kim Wade on his daily talk show on WJNT. We're going to dig deeper into the David Banner controversy, the Millsaps controversy, and the city of Jackson (government, crime, leaders etc.) So tune in AND call in.. Of course I expect to stir things up. Is conservative radio ready? LOL.
[Kamikaze] Lighten Up
After reading all the controversy surrounding the Borat movie, two things have become painfully clear. One, some Americans lack a sense of humor and two, alcohol is a bigot's truth serum.
I'm Fed Up!!! Tired of folks blaming hip-hop for our ills: My response to Leonard Pitts' Column
Peace and Blessings, my name is Kamikaze. Im a nationally known hiphop artist from Jackson, MS and President of the Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition. I also write a bi-weekly column for a publication called the Jackson Free Press here. jacksonfreepress.com.
[Kamikaze] Don't Blow It
After I signed my first recording contract, an old industry mentor asked me: "You've bought the album. Now what are you going to do with it?" In other words, now that you got what you wanted, how are you going to handle it? I'd have to say that same question stands before the newly empowered Democrats.
[Kamikaze] The Show Must Go On
First of all, let me say that the Mississippi's Best Awards, held on Oct. 28 at the TelCom Center, was an excellent idea. The vision honoring the best our state has to offer was long overdue. Not everyone excels in music or athletics. There are restaurateurs, hairdressers and authors who deserve our kudos. Why should we wait for some other entity to validate what we already know: Mississippi matters.
[Kamikaze] Watch What You Say
One of the most controversial rap groups of all time, Public Enemy, had a song called "Freedom of Speech … Watch What You Say" from the seminal late-'80s album "Fear of a Black Planet." It was a testament to the hypocrisy of the First Amendment as it relates to hip-hop. Frontman Chuck D. used his platform to let his million-plus listeners know how he felt about a number of social issues. Whether it was Hollywood, black-on-black crime, drugs or the government, Public Enemy always managed to put a message in their music. That was the golden era of hip-hop: when the lyrics had meaning, and a raunchy rapper out of Miami named Luke Skywalker went all the way to the Supreme Court to defend our right as artists to say what we want—even if you don't agree. That's the school I come from.
[Kamikaze] Death By Anchor?
There's been a lot said recently about the Fourth Estate and its responsibilities to the public. I can say that I was once a proud member of that "estate" and to some degree, through this column, still am. It's a little known fact that before I changed professions, I had stints at nearly every print job in the city. You name it: the Associated Press, Jackson Advocate, Mississippi Link and even the Mississippi Business Journal took a chance on a young journalism graduate. I even ran a teleprompter at WAPT. I guess you could say my first few post-college years were spent devoted to the media.
[Kamikaze] A One-Way Street?
Now let me see if I got this straight. A women's-only college in Virginia has announced that it will admit men in 2007. Officials at the 115-year-old Randolph-Macon Woman's College say that the move will help stabilize the school's depleted finances. What has me baffled is that the move has sparked protest and outrage among students and alumnae.
[Kamikaze] You Got This One Right
I have been a staunch supporter of Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler's "Buy Jackson" campaign. Based on the fact that I helped spearhead a movement to get folks to better support our local artists, I thought it was high time that someone took a stand; a circling of wagons was long overdue. Though some will disagree, I'm ecstatic that the City Council has shown some cantaloupes in adopting a "stay in Jackson or lose our business" stance. The council recently rejected three low bids for services from out-of-town companies. Preference will be given, they say, to local businesses.
[Kamikaze] Stop The Witch Hunt
Enough already! At this point we're beating the proverbial dead horse. It's one thing to do some good investigative journalism. It's another to question standing policy or programs. But it's another altogether to be obsessed with finding fault in some of those same policies or programs, even after no wrongdoing has been found.
[Kamikaze] Don't Just Get Mad
Everybody's got an opinion. Some folks are mad. Some folks are indifferent. A lot of folks didn't even see it. I'm talking about Tom Brokaw's exposé on Jackson. Those damn Yankees have come down here again and stirred up trouble.
[Kamikaze] Daytime Drama
On my most recent trip to New York, I sat in my hotel room and watched in amazement at how much coverage the Star Jones/Barbara Walters debacle received. Sandwiched right between continuing coverage of the war in Iraq and the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, there were the ladies of "The View" at each others' throats again.
[Kamikaze] Shut Out by the Queen
Housewives all over America are waiting with bated breath. Will she or won't she respond to these scathing allegations? How long will she tolerate the name-calling?
[Kamikaze] Hip-Hop Wins Again
Have no fear, readers. Your friendly neighborhood rabble-rouser is back after a self-imposed hiatus. I had to take a short vacation to shake the haters off. But before your mouths start to water, I'm sorry to say I won't be dignifying those folks with a response. My mother said never give a fool (or in this case—fools) an audience. Unwarranted hating can be pretty costly in this day and age.