Category Archives: Hip Hop Culture | Hip Hop Arts and Lifestyle

Vote Or Else Initiative Town Hall Meeting Takes Over Atlanta

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It was a day of civic engagement, community outreach and fellowship on Friday in Atlanta as Killer Mike welcomed an array of rappers, actors and athletes to his old neighborhood. The multi-time Grammy award winner once again teamed up with the organizations Mobilize Justice, The AAPI Victory Fund, Working Families and SEIU  to galvanize people to go and vote.

In the early part of the day, Mike was joined by Marvin Bing Founder and Leader of Mobilize Justice, and his band of luminaries Beanie Sigel, Jadakiss, Blacc Sam, Jorge “JP” Peniche of The Marathon, Jadakiss, Tamika Mallory, Latoya Tonodeo from “Power Book II: Ghost,” Smoke DZA and Wayno as they took to parts of ATL including the Camelot Projects. The collective went from door to door, talking to residents in an effort to encourage and excite people to vote in this historic and critical election, as well as to get educated about candidates running in state, and local Elections and then hit the polls on November 5.

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Later that night, media personalities Angie Martinez and Ray Daniels moderated a Town Hall where most of the celebrity canvassers participated along with Dee-1, Benny The Butcher, Maurice “Moe” Mitchell of Working Families, International President of SEIU April Verrett, Founder and CEO of Onyx Impact Esosa Osa, Woody McCLain from “Power Book II: Ghost”, Isaac Keys, and J. Alphonse Nicholson plays Lil’ Murda in the hit Starz series “P-Valley”.

“We can really decide on what goes on in our own neighborhood,” Benny said about the urgency of voting. “What’s really happening in the fabric of America, we can make an impact and change on that. I’ve got mothers, daughterssisters, cousins, and it’s important… My daughter, she’s 19. I told her, ‘vote. Make sure you vote this year.’ This is her first time being able to vote. ‘Make sure you go do that and exerciseyour right to do that.”

Beanie Sigel who’s been canvassing and participating in town halls since this summer in cities such as Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia, has been passionate about helping people get informed and to the polls. 

“I always say, ‘the closest to the problem, are the closest to the solution,’’ Beanie Sigel told the people at the Town Hall, which took place at Atlanta’s Gathering Spot.

Sigel also reflected on speaking to a gaggle of kids at a neighborhood community hub called PawKids which focuses on enriching the neighborhood youth, health and education.

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“I was one of those children,” Beanie added. “I talked with them. I didn’t talk to them. I didn’t talk at them. I talked with those kids. A lot of us talk at each other. But let’s talk with each other. One of my biggest records ,I say ‘Why I’m here? I go through it, so you wouldn’t do it after me.’ If I can’t teach these kids or anybody nothing else, I can teach them what not to do from the mistakes I made in my life. It’s never too late for change. So If I could do it, I encourage all of us to do it.”

“The past few months in particularly, we have turned up our efforts to focus on inner city, communities that often get neglected in mainstream campaigning, and targets sub cultures within the black community to get educated and engaged, registered to vote, and ultimately to vote,” says Marvin Bing. “You see my organization Mobilize Justice working with the AAPI Victory Fund, SEIU, Working Families and so many others. It’s a real concerted unified effort. The hip-hop community is also stepping up to educate everyone and get the neighborhoods involved. The OGs have been building with some of the younger entertainers and they are all sharing ideas, learning from one another and passing on the information to the community. Everyone has also been learning from some of the members of the community as well. The biggest take away is that everyone has a voice and everyone has power with their vote. We will be coming to more cities in these last few days before November 5, in an effort to get everyone involved.”

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The Roots, Roy Wood Jr., Grace Bowers & Cimafunk Performances Raise Funds for WhyHunger In NYC

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WhyHunger, a non-profit organization working to end hunger and the injustices that cause it – held its 2nd annual Amplified concert Presented by EY on October 15 at NYC’s Irving Plaza, kicking off its 39th annual Hungerthon fund-raising and education campaign.

Hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr., the evening’s musical talent featured iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, award-winning 18-year-old guitarist, songwriter and bandleader Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge, as well as Cuban “international funk champion” (NY TimesCimafunk – captivating the audience with sets across funk, hip hop, blues, and soul.

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Founded by the late singer/songwriter Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975, WhyHunger has music in its DNA. Honoring its origins, the organization harnesses the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. The 2nd annual Amplified event raised a gross total of $545,000 to support WhyHunger’s ongoing work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. More than 91% of funds raised will support community-based solutions for people in need across America.

iHeartRadio served as the Amplified 2024’s Premier Audio Partner, including on-air, digital, and social promotion on six iHeartRadio New York stations including 710 WOR, Z100, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1 and 106.7 LITE FM.

Jenique Jones, WhyHunger Executive Director, said “Our 2nd Amplified concert was a dynamic celebration of the unique power of music and community to drive social change. An unforgettable kickoff to our Hungerthon campaign, the support of these artists, sponsors and fans will enable us to address the pressing challenges of food insecurity at a grassroots level, and to confront the broader social and economic causes of food injustice.”

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Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins Announces 4th Annual Sno Ball Gala

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Grammy nominated, NY Times Best Selling Author, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins is set to host the 4th Annual Sno Ball Gala, a night of glamor and giving back, on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This highly anticipated event will take place at a private location, with proceeds benefiting The Street Dreamz Foundation.

The evening promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring a star-studded guest list, gourmet dining, and entertainment. Comedian Mike Epps will serve as the master of ceremonies, bringing his signature humor to the gala. Guests will dance the night away to the beats of the renowned DJ Cassidy.

A highlight of the evening will be the silent and live auctions, offering attendees the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences while supporting a worthy cause.

The Street Dreamz Foundation, founded by Jeezy, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education, entrepreneurship, and community development programs. All proceeds from the Sno Ball Gala will directly support the foundation’s initiatives.

“The Sno Ball Gala is more than just a night of entertainment,” says Jeezy. “It’s about coming together as a community to make a real difference in the lives of young people who need our support. I’m grateful for everyone who contributes to making this event a success year after year.”

For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://streetdreamzfoundation.org/sno-ball/

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Method Man’s TICAL Brand Releases Official Luxury Storage Lockbox

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Backed by legendary Hip Hop icon and original Wu Tang swordsman Method Man, TICAL Official is a lifestyle brand known for it TICAL Box and Merchandise, which has been receiveing a lot of looks on social media.

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The luxury lockbox is handcrafted and comes with a certification of authenticity signed by Mef himself as well as a healthy list of items for your everyday lifestyle needs. The merchandise, which consists of hoodies, hats, shirts and various accessories are all made from designs hand chosen by Johnny Blaze himself and actively worn by him and his inner circle while on tour.

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All of the merch can be found at buytical.com

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Queen of the Ring Celebrates 14 Years of Female Battle Rap And Prom Night 2

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For the past fourteen years, Queen of the Ring (QOTR) has been at the forefront of female battle rap, creating a powerful platform for women to showcase their lyrical skills and take center stage in the battle rap community. Founded by Deebo, Babs Bunny, and Vague, QOTR has become a global force, attracting fans and competitors worldwide who come to witness history in the making. The platform has hosted some of the most legendary moments in battle rap and helped catapult female competitors to new heights.

QOTR’s legacy is built on the hard work of its founders and the unwavering support of fans who have been there from the beginning. The entire QOTR family—Deebo, Babs, Vague, and the talented women who make the platform what it is—extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to this journey. Their collective mission remains to celebrate and push the culture forward by giving women a powerful voice in battle rap.

Now, Babs Bunny alongside Firehouse Entertainment is back with her second epic Prom Night 2, happening on September 28th in Atlanta. This highly anticipated event promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s, blending the elegance of prom night with the raw energy of battle rap. Picture this: fire bars, elite celebration vibes, a lit DJ, and music that will keep you dancing all night long. The fusion of class and competition creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

Prom Night 2 isn’t just a regular night out—it’s an exclusive experience. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress because this event brings together the world of battle rap and high-class celebration in a way that’s never been done before. The highlight of the evening? Crowning the Prom King and Queen, an honor that will go to the standout performers of the night. The competition will be fierce, and the energy will be unmatched.

Tickets for Prom Night 2 are on sale now, but space is limited. This event is already creating a buzz, and spots are filling up quickly. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive night of culture, competition, and celebration. Secure your tickets before they sell out—this is one for the books!

Mark your calendars for September 28th in Atlanta. Whether you’re a die-hard battle rap fan or just looking for a night of unforgettable fun, Prom Night 2 is the place to be. Give it up for the ladies once again, as they light up the stage and push the culture forward at this epic event!

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Rapper Eve Named Scholar-in-Residence at NYU’s Steinhardt School

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Grammy Award-winning rapper and Emmy-nominated actress Eve is set to embark on a new chapter in her multifaceted career as the 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. This prestigious appointment will see the hip-hop icon sharing her insights and expertise with students and faculty through a year-long residency that begins on September 21.

NYU announced that Eve’s residency will include a series of intimate discussions, classroom visits, and events that offer a deep dive into her historic career and the evolving music industry. Known for breaking barriers as a woman in hip-hop, Eve has spent decades cultivating a unique legacy in music, television, and film, while also dedicating herself to philanthropy, particularly in the arts and youth development.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Eve as our 2024-25 Scholar-in-Residence,” said Jack H. Knott, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of NYU Steinhardt. “She will share the expertise she’s gained as an award-winning artist in music, film, and television, as well as a philanthropist working with young people in the arts. I know our students and faculty will learn from her engagement and support of our efforts to advance equity, belonging, and innovation.”

Eve’s journey in hip-hop began in the late ’90s when she burst onto the scene with her debut album Let There Be EveRuff Ryders’ First Lady, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She became a trailblazer, defying stereotypes and using her platform to inspire young women across the globe. Outside of music, she’s earned accolades as an actress, starring in the hit sitcom Eve, and appearing in blockbuster films like Barbershop. Eve has also used her influence to empower others through philanthropic work, focusing on youth, education, and the arts.

Eve’s residency at NYU Steinhardt marks a unique opportunity for students to learn from a living legend whose contributions to the culture have transcended the stage and screen. The welcoming event on September 21 will officially kick off a year of dynamic engagement, with students eager to hear firsthand from one of the most influential women in hip-hop history.

Congrats Eve!

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WhyHunger’s Amplified: Annual Hungerthon Kickoff Concert w/ The Roots and Grace Bowers Set For Next Month In NYC

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WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger and the injustices that cause it, announces Amplified Presented by EY – the 2nd annual concert kick-off to its Hungerthon fund-raising campaign, now in its 39th year. The electrifying event coming to New York’s Irving Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 features a range of talent across funk, blues, hip hop, and soul, including iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, acclaimed guitar prodigy Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge and exciting special guests to be announced.

Committed to addressing hunger’s myriad social and economic causes, WhyHunger – founded by the late singer/songwriting Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975 – has music in its DNA. WhyHunger has partnered with iHeartRadio as the Premier Audio Partner for Amplified to harness the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. Relixmagazine called last year’s inaugural Amplified “a dynamic showcase of sound,” and “a lively and soulful dance party.”

The Roots shared, “It’s hard to think of a more worthy goal than helping people worldwide to access food. We’re honored to join WhyHunger for a great night of music and proud to support the work they do – making the world a better place.”

Tickets can be purchased HERE. Funds raised will directly support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. For more information visit WhyHunger.org/Amplified.

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The Roots, Grace Bowers, Many More To Perform At WhyHunger Concert In NYC

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WhyHunger, a non-profit working to end world hunger and the injustices that cause it, announces Amplified Presented by EY – the 2nd annual concert kick-off to its Hungerthon fund-raising campaign, now in its 39th year. The electrifying event coming to New York’s Irving Plaza on Tuesday, October 15 features a range of talent across funk, blues, hip hop, and soul, including iconic Grammy Award winners and Tonight Show house band The Roots, acclaimed guitar prodigy Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge and exciting special guests to be announced.

Committed to addressing hunger’s myriad social and economic causes, WhyHunger – founded by the late singer/songwriting Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayers in 1975 – has music in its DNA. WhyHunger has partnered with iHeartRadio as the Premier Audio Partner for Amplified to harness the power of music to fuel the food justice movement. Relixmagazine called last year’s inaugural Amplified “a dynamic showcase of sound,” and “a lively and soulful dance party.”

Funds raised will directly support WhyHunger’s work to end hunger and protect the human right to nutritious food. For more information visit WhyHunger.org/Amplified.

The Roots shared, “It’s hard to think of a more worthy goal than helping people worldwide to access food. We’re honored to join WhyHunger for a great night of music and proud to support the work they do – making the world a better place.”

Grace Bowers remarked, “It’s a privilege to support the legendary band The Roots for such an incredible cause like WhyHunger. We’re excited about the opportunity to raise money and awareness for community-led solutions that help feed those in need.”

WhyHunger’s Executive Director Jenique Jones said, “We’re thrilled to hold our second annual Amplified – a joyous celebration of music that raises awareness of our important mission. Nutritious food is a human right, but one often denied. We’re proud of our work worldwide to address the social, environmental, racial, and economic injustice at the root of hunger, and we hope you’ll join us in this ongoing journey toward justice.”

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Styles P’s Farma Cares To Host Westchester County’s First Ever Plant-Based BBQ Event

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Veteran New York rapper Styles P of the legendary Rap trio The LOX has dedicated over a decade of his career to helping build healthy communities through his health and wellness ventures Juices For Life and, more recently, Farmacy For Life and, more recently, Juice 2 Heal. On Saturday, August 31 2024, the rapper’s nonprofit organization Farma Cares is set to host the inaugural Plant-Based BBQ at the Nepperhan Community Center in Yonkers, New York.

Free and open to the public, the Weill Cornell Medicine-sponsored event will feature music provided by the legendary Large Professor, and a lineup of interactive cooking and juicing demonstrations, kids’ activities, and delicious plant-based meals. As the first event of its kind in Westchester County, the BBQ aims to introduce the community to the numerous benefits of plant-based eating, cancer prevention, and overall wellness in a fun, engaging environment.

This family-friendly event offers more than just great food. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into health and nutrition through expert-led workshops on cancer prevention and the benefits of plant-based diets. The event will play a crucial role in Farma Cares’ mission to provide underrepresented communities with access to health education and healthier lifestyle options. With the passionate leadership of organization co-founders Styles P, Daniel Dapaah, and Justin Leigh Tolbert, Esq., Farma Cares is determined to create lasting positive impacts in the community.

Event Highlights:

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

    •    Workshop: Prostate Cancer Prevention and Screening
  – Speaker: Hassan “Dr. Pooch” Diop (Meyer Cancer Center | OCOE)

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM

    •    Workshop: Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening
  – Speaker: Tyrone Nero (Real Dads Network)

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

    •    Expert Talk: Nutrition and the Importance of a Plant-Based Diet
  – Speaker: Aiya Aboubakr (Weill Cornell Medicine)

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

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Federal Judge Rules The No-Knock Warrant Did Not Cause Breonna Taylor’s Death, Charges Against Officers Dismissed

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A federal judge decided that two Louisville Police officers who were charged with submitting a false affidavit to search Breonna Taylor’s home were not responsible for her death.

U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson said that Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, was responsible for her immediate cause of death by firing at the officers, causing them to respond with lethal force.

Back in 2022, Detective Joshua Jaynes and Sgt. Kyle Meany was charged with submitting a false affidavit to search Taylor’s home before the raid and then creating a fake story to avoid responsibility after Taylor was killed during the raid. They were also charged with felonies for using a dangerous weapon to deprive Breonna of her Fourth Amendment right to defend herself against unreasonable search.

Both officers would’ve received life sentences if they were found guilty. Both are also still facing other pending charges. Many face one charge of false statements to federal investigators, while Jaynes has been charged with two counts of falsification of records, conspiracy to falsify records and witness tampering.

If convicted, Jaynes could serve up to 40 years in prison, and Meany could serve five years. They both have been fired from the Louisville Police Department.

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