New Video from Pretty Ricky – “Cuddle Up” ft. Butta Creame

‘Uncle’ Ralph McDaniels returns to host BHF ‘08

Uncle Ralph to host BHF 2008

25 years in the game, a living legend returns to hold down the Festival

June, 23 2008
For the third straight year legendary VJ and Hip-Hop pioneer Ralph McDaniels will serve as host of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Uncle Ralph, as he is also affectionately known, has been hosting the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival since it moved to Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in 2006. More than just a host Ralph has been an ambassador for the Festival. “A student of Hip-Hop will know that you cannot underestimate the importance of Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. He saw the need to archive and document our culture before MTV, and before YouTube. Without him I am not sure Hip-Hop as an art form or as a business would be the multi- billion dollar industry that it is. We are his children and the Festival is a continuation of the trailblazing spirit manifested by Ralph and all of our other elders,” Wes Jackson, Festival Chair and Executive Director.

Uncle Ralph is also celebrating 25 years of Video Music Box, his groundbreaking music video show. In the 80’s, Video Music Box was the only place to see music videos for much of New York City. Before Yo MTV Raps!, or 106th and Park there was one game in town, Video Music Box. Video Music Box gave Ralph the platform to help launch the careers of Jay Z, Black Moon, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS ONE, De La Soul, Leaders Of The New School and more. In addition to continuing to host and produce Video Music Box, Ralph also hosts “The Bridge” on WNYC. “The Bridge” focuses on classic videos and interviews from legendary groups and artists.

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival takes place July 10th – 12th Ralph McDaniels will be hosting the Main Day at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park on July 12th

Tickets are available at Fat Beats NYC, Halcyon in DUMBO, Brooklyn and via www.brooklyn bodega.com, the Festival’s home site.

DJ CUTT NICE: The Great Lakes Advocate

Written by C.Angelique Garr 

June 2008

DJ Cutt Nice aka “Magilla Cutty” is Michigan’s finest turntablist. The hardest working DJ in his area, he has performed with everyone from old heads Kurtis Blow and 2 Live Crew to newer cats like Cassidy and Tyrese. Known for his Classic 96.5 FM Radio Show SNL Mixology with Jay Scott, Cutt Nice is now the host of a new radio broadcast, but somehow still manages to keep the clubs and listeners happy with his mixtapes. His current release Still Grindin is genius; taking listeners on a trip through Michigan’s land of ill MC’s.

 

Check out the Journalista’s conversation with Michigan’s finest.

 

For those who have been under a rock, and hearing of you for the first time, tell us about yourself.

Cutty: Ha ha well let’s see I’m a person that’s very focus and determined to make things happen. I love to make people laugh to the fullest and I’m pretty laid back and just a ordinary cool person.

As a DJ, who has influenced you?

Cutty: DJ Jazzy Jeff. After I heard they’re first album Rock The House and when I saw the videos with him and the Fresh Prince BRAND NEW FUNK. That was it.

 

How did growing up in Michigan shape your attitude about music?

Cutty: At the age of 2 I had that gift of playing music (don’t believe me ask my parents) so then I already had it in my mind that I wanted to do something pertaining to music. I was a collector of music at the age of 8 (Run DMC and the Fat Boys was bought with my first allowance) So it didn’t matter where I was living at or from because music was born in me.

 

How did you hook up with the artists on your mixtape Still Grindin? You must have a great relationship with local artists in you area.

Cutty: I run into the artist in the streets or at a MC function and most of all at the clubs where I spin at. Yeah they respect me a whole lot and I respect what they do and I keep it real with them.

 

Tell us about the mixtape Still Grindin?

Cutty: Still Grindin is a mixtape that I wanted to focus on the talent that we have in the Great Lakes. People never give the artists here a chance and I respect what they do and they GRIND like I do so I say damn we all have something in common.

 

How did you decide what artists to showcase on Still Grindin?

Cutty: All the artist that I put on the mixtape I already knew what they’re skills are like and I told each one of them that they had to bring it and some of them came at me and was like how can I get on your mixtape?

 

What do you wish to achieve with Still Grindin?

Cutty: A lot of positive response and just to have people LISTEN TO IT and be like wow Michigan got SKILLS.

 

What’s your next project?

Cutty: Right now getting ready to do shows with the artist Lyric Lee. She did the intro on Still Grindin. I’m her tour DJ. Working on another mixtape real soon and just doing shows and clubs.

 

What are your thoughts about Barack Obama obtaining the Democratic nomination? What do you think having him in office will do for black entrepreneurs?

Cutty: I think that’s history in the making and it’s time for a change and I’m a big time supporter. I think it will open up some doors for the community but I think it will take some time.

 

What separates you from other DJ’s? Why should we opt to listen to your music above others?

Cutty: I have my own style, my mixtapes are not like other DJ’s mixes and I can do multiple things, radio, club, mixtapes, turntablism and there’s some DJ’s that are good friends of mine that can only do one or two of the styles. I can’t make anybody listen to my music but that’s all about me grinding and promoting myself to get your attention to wanna listen to my mixes but why not listen if I send you a demo either email or regular mail? IT’S FREE SO WHY NOT!

 

If you could battle any DJ, who would it be?  If you could do a track for anyone, who would it be?

Cutty: My idol DJ JAZZY JEFF. He would beat me but I won’t go away quietly. I have so many favorites but NAS, JAY-Z, JEEZY OR TALIB KWELI.

 

Tell us about Feel the Hunger Radio.

Cutty: FEEL THE HUNGER RADIO is Michigan’s first internet radio program dedicated to independent Hip-Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul Artists. It’s raw, uncut, uncensored. It features independent talent from all over the State of Michigan: Lansing, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw, Ann Arbor, and everywhere in between. The show also has picked up a cult following and has featured music from all over the rest of the United States, Canada, and The United Kingdom. The show also will have national major label exclusives. I couldn’t do the show without my tag team partner Jay Scott the main goal is to go satellite with this show because it’s dangerous. Please go check us out www.wdorradio.com a new show is up and running every week and we support everyone across THE WORLD!

 

Any shout outs?

Cutty: I just want people to take me seriously as a DJ and person because I stay grinding to try to succeed and become that DJ! If I did shouts, it will take tons of pages. (ha ha) but seriously I like to thank God for allowing me to wake up everyday and giving me that talent and my whole family and friends that’s behind me 100% and shouts to Lyric Lee. Her album drops the end of July so look out for that (straight fire) and big ups to WDOR Radio and the entire staff there and my FTH Brother Jay Scott.

 

 

Visit DJ Cutt Nice at www.myspace.com/djcuttnice.

To Snitch or Not to Snitch: Yale National Initiative Adds Urban Fiction “SnitchCraft” to Curriculum

TO SNITCH OR NOT TO SNITCH:   YALE NATIONAL INITIATIVE EXPLORES URBAN DILEMMA ADDING URBAN FICTION SNITCHCRAFT   TO CURRICULUM GUIDE

Atlanta, GA – SnitchCraft, an urban novel by Edrea Davis, recently landed on the required reading list in a curriculum guide examining snitching at the Yale National Initiative of the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute.        The Introduction to Criminal Justice course, Police Investigative Challenges: To Snitch or Not to Snitch, That is the Unanswered Question, seeks to teach a comprehensive curriculum  on the problems and repercussions associated with uncooperative witnesses.   SnitchCraft is required reading, notes Christine F. Shaub, a Yale National Fellow and creator of the curriculum unit, “because it looks at the present day social phenomenon of snitching, police corruption and the use of paid confidential informants in solving crime.” The guide also points out that many students have not been introduced to crime fiction and do not realize it can help them identify issues connected to  real life situations.   Highlighting the impact of the course, Shaub expressed how students in Wilmington, Delaware took ownership of the topic after reading the book. “”They researched and developed informative brochures about snitching and conducted a “Snitching Awareness Campaign” in the city.  They then presented their campaign to the Mayor of Wilmington, the Wilmington Police Department Chief of Police and also visited 9th grade classrooms in school to make youngsters aware of the snitching problem and its affects,” reveals Shaub   The students wanted to put city officials on notice about things they felt the officials had the authority to improve. Shaub adds, “They also addressed police corruption as it relates to snitching.  I was really impressed with their efforts.  These students went on to be recognized by the State of Delaware in April 2008 with a Silver Medal from an organization called SkillsUSA!” Legendary civil rights leader and vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, praised Davis. “Edrea shrewdly weaves critical information and spiritual messages into a gripping urban story,” Lowery said. The co-founder of SCLC with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. added, “SnitchCraft provides a glimpse into the flawed snitch system, offers a historical perspective on the distrust of law enforcement, and promotes civic engagement. It’s an excellent teaching tool for inner-city youth.” SnitchCraft (Dogon Village Books ISBN: 097869740-5) fuses hip-hop with civil rights to tell the story of a hustler-turned-nightclub owner set up by a dishonest snitch. The fictional saga juxtaposes the themes of family, spirituality, and social justice, against the backdrop of a popular Southern California nightclub battling escalating gang violence.   ”I am thrilled to be on any list that includes Edgar Allen Poe,” said Davis. “But, I am most  honored that someone in a program focused on developing effective teaching strategies for youth in low-income communities recognized the value of the messages embedded in SnitchCraft.”   Shaub, a high school vocational instructor in Wilmington, Delaware, underscores the valuable “After the Book” section that offers statistics, discussion questions, and a ‘take action’ section. SnitchCraft also includes a resource list of contacts for organizations working on criminal justice reform including, The November Coalition, FAMM, Stop the Drug War, Drug Policy Alliance, and The Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda. “I wanted to convey important information in a language that the hip-hop generation would appreciate, and also demonstrate that ’street lit’ can be used to deliver positive messages that inspire young people,” said Davis, a communications consultant with Jazzmyne PR. “I commend Ms. Shaub and the Yale National Initiative for seeking innovative approaches to teaching 21st century students,” adds the Englewood, NJ native and member of the National Association of Black Journalists. SnitchCraft is available online at www.snitchcraft.com and most online book retailers, and is distributed to bookstores nationally through Ingram Book Group.  To view the curriculum guide, go to http://teachers.yale.edu/curriculum/search/viewer.php?id=initiative_07.02.09_u .

Photo Caption:  Edrea Davis, author of urban novel SnitchCraft, with civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph E.  Lowery.

DIPSET MEMBER JIM JONES INTRODUCES NEW GROUP BYRDGANG

Hip Hop has been the catalyst for many artists to diversify and broaden their careers. You can add Jim Jones to the determined and elite list of artists who have upgraded their resumes to executive and entrepreneur. The Dipset member recently formed his Byrdgang Records with Asylum Records and is releasing his first project, BYRDGANG on July 1st.  “It all came to me,” explains Jones in reference to Byrdgang members.  “I didn’t hand-pick nothing.  It all came to me like a gift from God.”

 

The diverse mixture of artistry consists of Jim Jones, Noe, Oshy, Mel Matrix, Freekey Zekey, Chink Santana and Sandman. They’ve already impacted the streets and clubs with their undeniable hit “Byrdgang Money.” The group’s debut hit displays the group’s contagious swagger that has hip hop lovers joining the movement and agreeing it’s all about getting money. The song has successfully struck heavy rotation across the country and has already been dubbed the summer hit for 2008. 

 

Their official first single, “S.P.L.A.S.H.” features fellow Dipset member Juelz Santana. The acronym is best described in the most eloquent style only Byrdgang can illustrate, (Swagg Personifies Lavish Arrogant Sheik Hustlers).

 

Earlier this year, Byrdgang lost one of its soldiers when rising phenom and Jones‘ protégé Stack Bundles was murdered.  A blow without a doubt, his death was somber and motivating at the same time to the group who spent literally two years with Stack working on this upcoming album. “He had the whole package,” says Jones.  “The swag, the walk, the way he talked.  He just reminded me of me. I told him, I’m almost out the game and I need somebody that’s gonna do that thing for me, and he was with it.  He will be missed day in and day out.”

 

With tributes and shout outs to Stack throughout the Byrdgang LP, the street and music legion share intricate tales of life, the pursuit of money and power, and the pitfalls along the way.  As mirrors to their own lives, Byrdgang provides powerful wordplay, imagery, entertainment and insight for those sharp enough to seek it.  Their long-awaited debut is guaranteed to put NY back on the scene and remind everyone why we all love this thing called hip-hop.

 

In addition to the release of the album, the group is preparing to release a DVD movie in conjunction with the album. Filming begins this month.  The group is also preparing to embark upon a tour to local group homes and youth centers in New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. this summer.

 

For the latest news on Byrdgang be sure to check out www.blocksavvy.com/jimjones