Loud.com Presents: “The Finalists” – The Anthem Music Video

Rappaz R. N. Dainja

Suge Knight getting knocked out! DMX arrested AGAIN! Remy Ma sentenced to eight years in jail! Foxy Brown pleads guilty! It seems like it’s a weekly thing for rappers to be in the headlines for their own ignorance, despite them acknowledging and complaining about the ‘Hip-Hop Police’. True, it may be so and there may be a task force targeting rappers, but knowing that, why are these rappers STILL being ignorant and thinking that they can get away with illegal activities?

Not only do you know you are breaking the law, you also know that you are being watched, so why continue ignorance, then complain when you are not only caught, but convicted of your crime? It’s not like Foxy Brown didn’t ignore the judge in her case after numerous warnings of her conduct. It’s not like Remy Ma didn’t know that shooting someone is illegal. It’s not like T.I. didn’t know that purchasing illegal firearms, especially being a convicted felon, will place you back in jail. It’s not like Prodigy didn’t know that the guns in his possession were against the law. You get my point?

And I am getting sick of the ‘FREE so and so’ campaigns that is immediately launched when a rapper gets arrested. More than likely, those same people knew the consequences of their actions, so they placed themselves in the position to be arrested and jailed. Yes, the system works against minorities, yes, the police seem to have a vendetta against rappers, yes, the ignorance affects our youth who look up to these same ignorant rappers. Will it ever stop?

Instead of complaining to the media about how the rappers are being unfairly targeted, why don’t the rappers just stay out of trouble, stop doing illegal shit and be smart about their careers? You can’t make real money in jail, especially if you are a high profile rapper. And another thing, stop being so damn angry!! 

5 Questions With….. Dennis Da Menace

May 2008

Dennis Da Menace
Actor/Rapper/Host
Brooklyn, NY

 

 

1. From my understanding, you are a multi talented individual. Without labeling you or trying to place you in a corner, how do you identify yourself and is there something you would rather do more than another?

I try not to put myself in a box. I want to be the modern day Paul Robeson. I equally enjoy acting and music. Both aspects have been with me since I was a shorty so it’s all second nature. It’s a blessing to have options of how to express yourself.

2. With the anticipation of the Biggie movie, which is currently being filmed, how does it feel to play the role of one of Biggie’s boys and what do you think it was that got you the part?

It’s an honor to be a part of something this historic and important. I actually play Damion “D-Roc” Butler. He is loved by all who know him. He was an instrumental part of Big’s life. He was Biggie’s best friend, security, road manager and confidant.  I have been told by the casting director that I brought a lil street sexiness to the role. Whatever that means. I just tried to emulate his sensibility and  create a strong character that would be respected.

3. Who and what were your major influences growing up that made you take the path you have taken?

Definitely my mother and father. They made it possible for me to experience so many different aspects of the world. From poverty to middle class living. I’ve lived all over the states being a military brat. They instilled black self love in my spirit. As far as my entertainment influences. I would say Laurence  Fishburne’s intensity since “Cornbread, Earl and Me”; Don Cheadle’s commitment; Denzel’s swagger; Will Smith’s work ethic; Eddie Murphy’s imagination; and Jamie Foxx’s versatility.

4. What is your opinion on the current climate in Hip-Hop?

I think Hip-Hop is in a weird state right now. With the record industry’s lackluster sells it makes it harder for artist who can sustain a career. Only those with a strong campaign and strong music will survive. However there are lot more artists making a gang load of money with the new media avenues. There was a point within the past 5 years where bullshit was winning. Now I think that the shelf life of wack music isn’t as long. Now artists have to really put effort in their music like the artist of old and it’s about damn time.

5. What is on your plate? What projects are you about to work on or what like to in the future?

I just finished a comedy pilot called “Three Chris’s”. I’m still working on my next album. I also have a cartoon that I am writing and producing with one of the producers of The Boondocks. Gotta stay busy.

Russell Simmons, Majora Carter and Bhai Mohinder Singh Will Be 2008 Hollister Award Recipients

Russell Simmons, music industry pioneer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, will receive a 2008 Hollister Award on September 18, 2008 from the Temple of Understanding (ToU) in honor of his work to bridge the divide between people of different religions and cultures.

Majora Carter, the second awardee, will be honored for her work to bring social and environmental justice to poor and disenfranchised communities around the world. She is a leading urban revitalization strategist, the founder of Sustainable South Bronx, and a 2005 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow.

Bhai Mohinder Singh, the third awardee, is the leader of the largest Sikh community in the United Kingdom. He will be honored for his work as an intra- and inter-faith educator and for his dedication to advancing interfaith issues at the United Nations.

The three awardees will join a distinguished list of past recipients, which includes: His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Wangari Maathai, Peter Max, Daniel Pearl, Fr. Thomas Keating, Queen Noor of Jordan, Maestro Ravi Shankar and Dr. Thomas Berry.

The United Nations Delegate’s Dining Hall is the location for this year’s event. Among the 300+ guests, UN dignitaries, leaders of national and international organizations, past awardees, corporate leaders, religious dignitaries, and music industry leaders are expected to attend.

The Hollister Award is presented to religious figures who bring interfaith values into the place of worship; and secular figures who promote greater understanding of spiritual values in areas such as the arts, education, media, government, science, law and ecology.

The Temple of Understanding is a leader in educating youth and adults cross culturally and inter-religiously in order to alleviate fear and hatred between different ethnic and religious groups. Founded in 1960 by Juliet Hollister, with the support of Eleanor Roosevelt and leaders from religion and politics, ToU is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations.

The Executive Director of ToU is Alison Van Dyk. His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama is one of the Honorary Chairpersons. The co-Chairpersons are Sherry B. Bronfman, Marshia Glazebrook, and Laxmi Shah.

New Era Cap Joins Forces With Marvel to Launch Premiere Super Heroes Collection

New Era Cap’s signature 59FIFTY is now donning some of most famous and notorious Marvel comic book heroes and villains. New Era, the leading headwear designer and manufacturer, announced today that it has signed a licensing deal with Marvel to launch a new series of caps dubbed the “Super Heroes” Collection. This new series will feature character designs from Marvel’s enormous library of world renowned characters with designs that reflect each characters’ persona from the comics.

New Era’s first two collections will be focused on the Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk movie events. Iron Man caps are available now in selected retail stores throughout the country as well as online for about $35. The designs feature either Iron Man’s face or an image of his hand. In addition, consumers will be able to get the caps in a variety colors and choose from two different fabrics including wool and satin. Go to www.neweracap.com/ironman to check out the caps, see the movie trailer and learn about the story behind Iron Man.

Caps for the Hulk will be available in mid-May at selected retailers as well as online. The designs for this collection focus on the green Super Hero’s most famed traits — his eyes and incredible strength.

“We’re ecstatic to align ourselves with such an iconic brand as Marvel,” said Gerry Matos, Senior VP of Marketing at New Era. “With their vast collection of characters and our signature caps as a canvas, we expect the demand for these caps to be high.”

Paul Gitter, President of Consumer Products for North America, Marvel Entertainment, added “New Era is truly an innovator in the headgear category. Their fashion forward designs and strong retail clout will help further present our Super Hero universe to a wide, diverse audience.”

New Era will release a Super Hero collection every 2-3 months with a focus on different characters including Captain America, X-Men and the Fantastic Four. New Era will also debut a cap collection in September tied to the action packed theatrical release of The Punisher.