I was born in the 80’s, raised in the 90’s.  As much as anyone, I have been a witness.  To this remarkable enigma called hip hop.  A music, a movement, a culture, a community…hip hop has taken on many meanings since its late 1970’s Bronx beginnings—meanings that all of us—fans, intellectuals, opponents, proponents, and even industry insiders—have struggled to fully grasp at times.

Has it been revolutionary?  Has it been misogynistic?  Has it been empowering?  Has it been destructive?  All of the above?  Since the inception of hip hop, its controversial lyrics, flashy lifestyle, and unconventional methods have continuously made it the topic of such debates.

That’s part of what made hip hop special though.  Its unapologetic rebel-ism.

Until it stopped being love.  When it started becoming something else.  Something more superficial.  Something more…let’s say, marketable.  More about record sales, and image, and ringtones…Less about the music/the message.  And we began to lose hip hop—what hip hop was, as we knew it anyway.  This disappointed me.  Disheartened me.  I was hurt by her.  Hurt by hip hop and what she had become…What WE had become.

So when prolific writer, filmmaker, and co-author of Jay Z’s “Decoded”, dream hampton, was subjected to a series of vicious attacks/threats last week—from both fans/stans and industry insiders, after tweeting that “Nas’ ‘Nigger’ album was largely written by Stic of Dead Prez and Jay Electronica”, I was disgusted, but not surprised.  And when Ms. Hampton proclaimed that she was “done” with hip hop and all of the misogyny that comes along with it, I was saddened, but understood.  We had lost it.  We had lost “her” and almost everything she previously represented.  Only a shell of hip hop remained where she once stood.

No sooner than I could formulate this thought, my cousin, a self-proclaimed music connoisseur, posted a song off of D.J. Khaled’s highly anticipated “Kiss the Ring” album (released on August 21, 2012), to his twitter page.

It took mere moments to realize what Khaled meant in the intro when he said, “This is special.”

And if I cry two tears for her, that will be the most that I would give to her…

In one of the dopest collabs in the history of hip hop music, rap greats Scarface, Nas, & DJ Premier join forces on a record simply (and aptly) named, “Hip Hop.”

I Fuck Hip Hop!

A song that describes the pain, questions, changes, angst, confusion, and disappointments that have emerged with the evolution of hip hop over the years.  Straight out of the proverbial horses’ mouths.

Got a nigga feeling like I up and left ya.
Get away, now you in all the lectures.
Being studied by the college’s professors.
Now I regret the day I met ya.  I’ll be the first to say it.
She ain’t the one you want to play with.  I fucked Hip Hop.

The thing that is, perhaps, most special to me about this song (I mean, other than the return of Scarface, the sick flows, the insane double entendres, and DJ Premier’s genius scratching), is the apparent acceptance of responsibility for the role artists have played in the demise of the beloved art form.  The word choice, “I fucked hip hop” as opposed to “Fuck hip hop”, demonstrates a potential acknowledgement that, they, despite being victims to an extent, were also perpetrators…to an extent.  That magnitude of acceptance of responsibility by hip hop artists is rare, to say the least.

I doubt I’ll ever be the same, hallowed be thy name.
Give me strength so I don’t do this dame like Orenthal James.
Brad warned me while driving this auburn Ferrari, never follow In her games.
I fuck around and I’ll be sorry.
But I tried her, used to ride her, for dollars not the fame.

Don’t get me wrong though.  I know that “Hip Hop” is only one song, and that we, as a hip hop community, have much room for betterment.  But what this song did efffectively do, is convince me that we have not lost her.  We have not lost hip hop.  Maybe she was just lost for a while…and if this record is any indication, she is on her way back home.

Salute DJ Khaled.

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The entertainment world was blown away on Thursday, when reports of hip hop mogul/manager, Chris Lighty’s apparent suicide hit the internet.

According to the New York Daily News, Lighty, 44, who represented a multitude of artists, including 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Souljah Boy, LL Cool J, and Diggy Simmons, and brokered the deal between 50 Cent and Vitamin Water, was found in the backyard of his Bronx home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Hundreds of artists/industry insiders took to twitter on Thursday afternoon, expressing their shock, sadness, and angst over Lighty’s untimely death.  The most overwhelming sentiment being conveyed was that people in the entertainment industry are not immune to the realities of depression, sadness, and loneliness—regardless of how happy they may appear to be in the public (or even the private) eye.  Indeed, it was just months ago that the entertainment/sports world was turned upside down when retired NFL linebacker, Junior Seau, ended his life by shooting himself in the chest at the age of 43, and months before that, that Don Cornelius of “Soul Train” fame, killed himself by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the age of 75.

Although depression is relatively common in this country (according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in every ten U.S. adults suffers from depression), the conversation surrounding depression tends to focus, primarily, on individuals who are unpopular, professionally unsuccessful, overweight etc.

But what about the proverbial ‘cool kids’?  After all, just because a person is attractive, successful, and/or wealthy doesn’t necessarily mean they are happy.

This goes doubly for members of the entertainment industry.  It was Kanye West, himself, who said, “But the people highest up got the lowest self-esteem.”

The truth is, however, that the average person finds it difficult to conceive how an individual who appears to “have it all” can be unhappy—nonetheless unhappy enough to commit suicide.  This may be accountable for the constant and unforgiving judgment/ridicule often imposed upon celebrities, and why so many troubled stars find themselves in rehab, jail, or mental health facilities before anybody even acknowledges that there is a problem.

As I read Lighty’s twitter timeline, one of his last tweets rang out eerily in my mind: “The blueprint to happiness doesn’t start with Money or Success.”

Indeed.

Let us love more, judge less, and remember that when it comes to dealing with this life shit, NONE of us are exempt.

R.I.P. Chris Lighty.

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The post Breaking News: Depression at the Cool Kids’ Table, Music Boss Chris Lighty Commits Suicide (R.I.P.) first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Last year, when my extended circle became entrenched in the Troy Davis cause, I had a conversation with an extremely passionate lawyer colleague of mine.  She had donated money, signed petitions, made calls to political representatives…She had done everything that the average, every day citizen could be expected to do—more than what most did.  So, of course, when I heard that there was going to be a major protest outside of the Supreme Court of Georgia on the day of the scheduled execution, I assumed she would go.

“Oh no, girl.  I can’t make it.  I have a client meeting at 12:30…”
Now, I need to point out, that I tell this story with no amount of judgment or self-righteous sentiment.  After all, I myself, who wrote endlessly about Troy Davis, and made the calls/signed the petitions, did not attend the protest—also having other professional obligations.

It’s interesting.  Black people often compare ourselves to those of the past, and marvel at how far we’ve come.  I mean, after all, our president is Black.  We are lawyers, and physicians, and executives–there are even a few Black CEOs of major corporations.  Our numbers in the professional marketplace still pale in comparison to our White counterparts, of course, but it is undeniable: We are in the building.  Recently, however, I have found myself wondering, at what expense we have made this progress.  And with this “progression,” are we actually losing everything?

The majority of our more revolutionary predecessors didn’t have the professional opportunities which are now afforded to us.  This is not to say that, in 2012, the proverbial “they” are throwing opportunities to Black urban youth or needful urban Black adults…because they are not.  But, when speaking in numbers alone, it is irrefutable that we are a more [formally] educated community and have come far in terms of the jobs/salaries we are now able to attain.  After all, isn’t this what the civil rights leaders of the 1960’s and 70’s fought for? For us to have the right to get these jobs/opportunities?  So, when my girlfriend dismissed the Troy Davis protest—almost as a matter of professional assumption—I began to wonder: How successful can these acts of civil disobedience be without the “on the ground” involvement of the Black middle/upper class?  And is this what our predecessors fought for?  For us to have the right to get professional opportunities which would require us to turn our back on the civic responsibilities that got us access to these jobs in the first place?
Civil Disobedience has long been used as a mechanism for protesting racial inequality/civil rights violations.  When Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Ella Baker, and Fannie Lou Hamer stormed the streets of this country, marching, protesting, demanding, something…better…they did it, mostly, with bus drivers and dishwashers and teachers and domestics by their side.

Black professionals, politicians, and even celebrities—were few and far between back then (though the few those that did exist, often participated).  Now, we have a multitude of Black professionals, and executives, and celebrities; but the reality is that asking them to engage in serious acts of civil disobedience may be asking some of them to risk their jobs, their livelihoods, even their liberty.  In one sense, it seems unfair to ask them to risk these things.  In another sense, isn’t that a part of the intended impact of civil disobedience?  That risk? And making the statement that the risk is worthwhile?

In the wake of the Trayvon Martin case, we have seen the Black community unite—participating in protests, prayer vigils, social networking strategies, and rocking what has become the symbol of the Trayvon movement—the hoody.  Yet still, it took forty-five days for George Zimmerman to be charged with a crime.  This has led many to believe that without more substantial acts of civil disobedience, the judicial system is going to fail Trayvon, the Martin family—all of us.

But who will it be that stands tall?  Who will be participating in these acts? (and I am talking more than tweeting here) It can’t just be the typical actors—Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Cornell West, et al.  Although these individuals have played instrumental roles in the midst of civil rights violations/hate crime occurrences, they have become more symbolic figures than anything.  Everyone expects for them to be up in arms and willing to go to jail for their respective causes.  But what “they” don’t expect is for attorneys working at major law firms, people working in upper level government jobs, vice presidents of corporations, or even star forwards of the Miami Heat, to make the personal sacrifices which have proven to be necessary in order to make civil disobedience an effective tool.

So the question is…are these physicians, these executives, these attorneys, these endorsement branded celebrities, prepared to take a public, risky, and perhaps, controversial stand for the sake of something bigger?  Am I?  For if we are not, we have already allowed them to win.

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The post Has the Black Middle Class Become Too Obedient for Civil Disobedience? first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Heartthrob R&B singer, Tyrese Gibson, recently sat down with Power 105.1’s Breakfast Club to discuss a few important matters. Gibson spilled the goods on his upcoming album, which was completed within his home. “I had 14 people sleeping at my crib for three weeks,” said Tyrese. Amongst discussion was also Tyrese’s new book deal, and whether or not he’s had relations with actress Taraji P. Henson. See Video Inside!

 Source

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The post Romantic News Alert!! Tyrese Talks About New Album & Relationship With Tariji P. Henson first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The chickens have come home to roost.  Literally.  And they’re laying eggs all over Alicia Keys’ household. Unconfirmed reports have been all but confirmed.  In a letter submitted exclusively to Bossip.com, Christina Elizabeth–the aspiring singer/songwriter from Houston, Texas, whose “lost” telephone resulted in·the leak of “sexting” conversations between her and Keys’·super-producer husband, Swizz Beatz–describes, in detail, the relationship between her and Swizz.

Christina Elizabeth

According to the easy-on-the-eyes Houston native, the relationship  began after Swizz was still married to former wife, Mashonda Tifrere, and became sexual after the typical industry courtship. 

“He invited me out to Miami with him and I gladly accepted. I met him in Dallas and we flew to Miami together. My last minute ticket placed me in coach and his ticket placed him in first class, but he switched his first class seat with the guy sitting next to me so he could sit next to me. In Miami, we stayed at his friend’s beautiful home. This is where we became sexually active and this is where I found out he was married. He snuck me through the house and it was all odd to me until I found a gift with Mashonda & Kasseem’s name on it. I asked him later on why he was cheating on her and he basically said she wasn’t being the wife he needed. He also said that if she asked if he was cheating, he would not lie to her, but he wouldn’t come right out and tell her.”

Although Christina Elizabeth that she and Swizz have not had a sexual relationship since he and Keys got married last year, she says that he was definitely interested in rekindling things.

“Recently, we’ve been contacting each other (as you’ve all seen), but I haven’t physically seen him. We were making plans to, but I had to work and I wasn’t going to take off work to go see him. I live on my own, I have responsibilities and I strongly believe that if you are not contributing to those responsibilities, there is no reason for me to neglect them to entertain you.

Since the release of these reports, Keys has been photographed out with Swizz, seemingly unphased by this potentially marriage-ending sequence of events.  And yesterday, the monogamy-challenged producer posted a photograph on twitter, of a new car that he purchased for Keys as a gift on his birthday.

*Raises eyebrows*

Unsurprisingly, Keys has received little sympathy for her husbands’ unscrupulous behavior–despite the fact that they have been married for only a year, and have a very young child.  This is because Keys is notoriously rumored to have been involved in an extramarital affair with Swizz while he was still married to ex-wife Mashonda–a move which stunned fans of the formerly women-empowering Keys.  In fact, many fans and music industry insiders alike, are saying that Keys is getting exactly what she deserved. There words, not ours.

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The post When Chickens Come Home to Roost–The Alicia Keys Edition first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The internet was set ablaze this week when renewed reports of the existence of a Jay-Z love child arose.

The story, which was first broken in 2007 by Sandrarose.com, then in print days later by Hip Hop Weekly Magazine, is that Jay-Z fathered a child with Trinidadian model, Shenelle Scott.  Jay-Z has consistently denied these reports, but when photographs of the adorable little boy (born in 2002), who bears a strong resemblance to the Brooklyn-bred rapper, appeared on the internet, serious questions arose with regards to whether Jay-Z (whose own father left when he was 12 years old) was denying his child.

This week, the father of Malik Sayeed–the man who was originally identified, by Scott, as the child’s father–gave an interview detailing how his son found out about Jay-Z’s paternity, Jay’s relationship with the child, and the now-pregnant Beyonce’s reaction to the news.

There are still so many missing details, however, that it remains unclear as to whether we can believe these allegations, or should simply chalk them up as industry chatter.

Until now….

A source, which enjoyed a very close relationship with both the Carter & Scott families, has stepped forward to Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, exclusively, and shared intimate details about Jay-Z’s relationship with the child, Scott’s personal relationship with Jay-Z, and the nature of the “agreement” between the two.  The source, who also had a professional relationship with Jay-Z, told us that the only reason they have not come forward until now, is that they were forced to sign a confidentiality agreement under duress and the threat of violence. Our source claims that Jay Z was not the one that threatened them but the individual in question had as much influence and power to carry the threat out.

HHE has verified the credibility of this source, which has provided us with concrete audio evidence of their unquestionably close relationship with the Carter family.  The source also has multiple photographs in their possession, which substantiate the allegations, and is in the process of shopping the story (and photos) to book publishers & media outlets.

One thing is for sure.  If all that this source says is true, there really is no church in the wild.

Story developing…

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The post EXCLUSIVE: SILENCED SOURCE TO COME FORWARD WITH INTIMATE DETAILS ABOUT JAY-Z LOVE CHILD first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

On Saturday (July 23), Grammy Award winning producer, Dallas Austin, was given a Mayoral Proclamation by the City of Atlanta, and Hip Hop Enquirer was in the house to help him celebrate.

The Dallas Austin Foundation for Music Education, founded in 2003, is a charitable organization whose focus is youth development through the art of music.  The foundation has touched the lives of thousands of youth, particularly in the Atlanta area.

Austin, who received the proclamation at his Casino Royale fundraising event, was visibly touched by the honor. In fact, when we tried to catch up with the producer for an interview, he was already on his way to share the plaque with his mother.

Check out some photos from the event below:

DeVyne Stephens

Roger Bob

Dallas Austin & HHE’s Editor-in-Chief, Dennis Byron

Recording Artist Laura Michelle

DeVyne Stephens with the event models

Dennis Byron & Laura Michelle

It is always nice to see our entertainers giving back to the community, particularly to our youth. Congratulations Dallas–both for the proclamation and for a successful event. The Ciroc bar was niiiiiice.

Follow Drahcir Smith on Twitter: @rebel_witacause & @HipHopEnqMag

The post Dallas Austin Receives Mayoral Proclamation From the City of Atlanta first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

It is undeniable. There has been a recent shift in the hip hop culture. The hip hop of old largely revolved around urban living, life in the hood. You know, that hood sh*t. The hip hop of new, however, has brought with it a group of talented youth, whose lyrics and style are about something else.

Frank Ocean

We’re seeing a lot of ambiguous artistic expression. Rappers are rocking skateboarder gear. They’re living and talking about the frat house life that has previously been reserved for White kids who go to college (or those precocious high schoolers who live out in the suburbs).

Their lyrics tell stories about smoking huge joints, getting wasted beyond belief, and living the party life. Of course, they are, too, addressing all of the fundamental questions of life, and are emphatic about rebelling against anything that could be considered assimilating.

Wiz Khalifa

For example, 2011 recipient of the BET Best New Artist award, Wiz Khalifa, continues to openly talk about his love and devotion to reefer despite the fact that, in November of last year, he was charged with felony drug possession after the alleged seizure of 60 grams of marijuana from his tour bus. And talk about rebelling–the previously underground group, Odd Future–whose members Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator have recently enjoyed huge commercial success with the songs “Novacane” and “Yonkers”–has turned down deals from almost every major record label.

In other words, they’re doing what they want to do. And having a great time while they’re doing it. It’s the Red Cup generation of hip hop, ladies and gentlemen. Our very own hip hop hippies.

And I for one welcome them with open arms. And a red cup held high.

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The post Special Report!! Hip Hop Raises Its Red Cups first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Over 12,000 welfare recipients (along with their children) in the state of Michigan will lose their welfare benefits, effective October 1.

The Republican-controlled House approved the bill that would put a 48 month cap on those who are receiving welfare benefits. Families with disabled children or spouse will continue to receive benefits.

Democrats argued that the 48-month cutoff should be gradual over time so families would not be put in jeopardy instead of losing their benefits immediately.

Gov. Rick Snyder supports the bill which he projects will save the state nearly $77 million. Recipients could no longer apply to the Department of Human Services for an extension beyond the 48 months.

Republicans rejected a Democratic appeal that would have provided extensions for recipients.

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The post Strict Cap on Welfare first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Neal Ray Schmidt, 59, of St. Louis Missouri, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison today, for soliciting sex with two underage Georgia girls.  Schmidt, who is a former Grand Dragon for the Missouri chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, travelled from Missouri to McDonough, Georgia, after meeting who he believed to be two 14-year old girls in an online forum for kids, with the intention of having sex with the teens.  The two “girls” were actually undercover police officers.

According to federal officials, in June 2010, Schmidt drove from his St. Louis home to a motel in McDonough, Georgia, to meet the girls (who, in the online forum, told Schmidt that they were friends and lived near each other in McDonough).  Law enforcement officials arrested Schmidt upon his arrival at the motel, and confiscated several guns, Klan paraphernalia, and various sex toys he had in his possession.

“This case starkly illustrates how the Internet can expose our children not only to the predator down the street, but also to the would-be molester who lives hundreds of miles away.  Thanks to the hard work of one of our local law enforcement partners, this particular offender will now be kept away from any other potential victims for many years to come,” commented United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.

Since his arrest, Schmidt has also been charged with molesting his granddaughter in Missouri, and with arranging a similar encounter with an underage girl in Florida.

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The post Breaking News!! Former Grand Dragon of the KKK Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Soliciting Sex with 14 Yr. Olds first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

According to TMZ

TMZ has obtained Sugar Shane’s divorce settlement documents and — if you’ve been divorced — we’re betting his is a lot different.

The settlement provides that ex-wife Jin “shall maintain custody and control of three championship belts for each of the respective parties’ three minor children.”  Each of the kids get a belt when they turn 18.

And Jin will get half of Sugar Shane’s cut of profits from videotapes and DVDs of his big fights, including bouts with Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Fernando Vargas.

Since the divorce was filed in California and community property rules apply, Jin gets half of Sugar Shane’s fight purses during their marriage.  But luckily for Sugar, his big fight against Manny Pacquiao was held after the couple separated, so his $3 mil is his alone.

And get this … the couple accumulated 854,410 American Express points during their marriage, and she gets half.   To put that in perspective, for Jin’s 427,205 points, she can buy either an industrial generator or a 10-speed bike.

Well….we know who the checks will NOT stop coming in for.

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The post Well Damn!! Sugar Shane Mosley’s Wife Gets Sweet Deal in Divorce Settlement first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has announced the 63^rdPrimetime Emmy Award Nominations.· Amongst the nominees for the Awards, which will air live on September 18, 2011, are Idris Elba, “Luther” (Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie), Laurence Fishburne, “Thurgood” (Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie), Taraji P. Henson, “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story” (Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie), and Andre Braugher, “Men of a Certain Age” (Supporting Actor in a Drama Series).

Andre Braugher

Lawrence Fishburne

Idris Elba

Other nominees include Mad Men (Drama Series), Modern Family (Comedy Series), Real Time With Bill Maher (Variety Series), and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Reality Series), Michael C. Hall, “Dexter” (Lead Actor in a Drama Series), Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU” (Lead Actress in a Drama Series), Steve Carell, “The Office” (Lead Actor in a Comedy Series), and Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie” (Lead Actress in a Comedy Series).

A complete list of nominees can be found on www.emmys.com.

 Follow Drahcir Smith on twitter @rebel_witacause @HipHopEnqMag.

The post Congrats Are in Order!!! Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba Get Primetime Emmy Award Nods first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. was in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend, helping Gucci Mane celebrate his very recent release from the Fulton County Jail system. On Sunday, Mayweather partied at the infamous Velvet Room alongside Gucci, Lil’ Kim, and the rest of the urban Atlanta Glitterati that typically comes out for Alex Gidewon’s (of AG Entertainment) parties.

But this party got a little “hotter” than usual.  According to TMZ.com,

Now, we here at Hip Hop Enquirer are big fans of Floyd Mayweather–and, quite frankly, ballin. HOWEVER, when I saw the photographs posted on TMZ.com, I was deeply disturbed.  I mean, I understand and respect the notion of ballin–as well as all that ballin entails.  Nonetheless, at this very sad and unstable time in our country, where people are losing jobs and homes at a rate faster than Floyd can throw his infamous punches, such an act is nothing short of offensive. I know that I, for one, upon first glance at the pictures thought, “Damn…I could’ve used that hundred.”  

But this is not about Floyd.  No, this goes far beyond a crazy night at the Velvet Room with Gucci.  This act is just one of many, in a long pattern of behavior, that we’ve seen demonstrated by certain celebrities who have decided that they are “larger than life,” and want to show us all.  By the most flagrant, ignorant acts possible.   

But, here’s a little piece of advice for all of you actual and budding celebs.  Trying too hard is always wack.  And unlike most things in life, this applies to both “lay people” and celebrities. 

Now, if you wanna THROW money, that’s dope. Especially if I’m there.

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DISCLAIMER:
Any comments that may be found here at www.hiphopenquirer.com are the express opinions and or the property of the individual author. Therefore, the publisher of this site cannot be held responsible for the fact that the minds of the respected authors may just well be as dysfunctional as his own. Besides, it is not his practice to edit any comments left here by others. Should you, the reader, identify any such content as harmful, malicious, insensitive, or unnecessary, please contact him via email at dennisbyron@hiphopenquirer.com and he will investigate the problem.

We welcome your feedback as well, so please feel free to enter your comments on our articles. We won’t get mad at anything you say because we live by the motto that opinions are like issues and egos…. Everybody has one!

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Well, it’s official. Michael Bullerdick has been hired into the position of managing editor at Essence Magazine.

For all of you who don’t know, Essence Magazine is a monthly magazine geared towards Black women, containing, amongst other things, articles and features about fashion, business, health, arts and entertainment, and politics.

So it surprised a lot of people–both members of the “diverse” media, as well as readers–when Essence made the decision to hire Bullerdick.

You see–Michael Bullerdick is a White male.

Now, with all due respect to the history of Essence Magazine, founded in 1968 by Denise M. Clark, Clarence O. Smith, Edward Lewis, and Johnathan Blount, I am dumbfounded as to how the mag could make such an unnecessary (and controversial) decision. After all, there is no want for qualified Black women in the media industry. To the contrary, there are many of whom who are pursuing precisely this kind of position. And, how, may I ask, can a White male, of all people, know and understand what Black women want to read?

Of course, the magazine’s new editor-in-chief, Constance White, has already attempted to nullify this concern, telling the blog, Journal-isms on Tuesday, that Bullerdick would have no involvement in Essence’s editorial content.

Sure. The magazine’s managing editor will have no involvement in editorial content. That makes a lot of sense.

Beyond Mr. Bullerdick’s inevitable involvement in what will constitute the future content of the magazine, there is perhaps, an even deeper issue: What message does this decision send to the scores of qualified Black women (and men) in the journalism industry–the women and men that, for the most part, do not have the same access to opportunities as their White counterparts? That NONE of them are as equally qualified? I mean, It’s sad when this message is inadvertently conveyed by “Majority” mainstream outlets. But when it comes from home–well, that just hurts.

Indeed, this is not the first time that Essence Magazine has made a controversial hiring decision. Last year, Ellianna Placas–a White woman–was selected to become the magazine’s Fashion Director.

This really makes you wonder. Would a Latino or a Jewish magazine select a Black American person to run its daily operations? Most likely not. So with all due respect to the media-seasoned Mr. Bullerdick–and all of those other Whites who have benefitted from an overzealous (and unreciprocated) desire demonstrated by certain Black media outlets to be “inclusive”–to the detriment of their readerships–and their people, I have only this to say to you Essence:

You might win some, but you just lost one.

Follow Drahcir M. Smith on Twitter: @rebel_witacause & @HipHopEnqMag

DISCLAIMER:
Any comments that may be found here at www.hiphopenquirer.com are the express opinions and or the property of the individual author. Therefore, the publisher of this site cannot be held responsible for the fact that the minds of the respected authors may just well be as dysfunctional as his own. Besides, it is not his practice to edit any comments left here by others. Should you, the reader, identify any such content as harmful, malicious, insensitive, or unnecessary, please contact him via email at dennisbyron@hiphopenquirer.com and he will investigate the problem.

We welcome your feedback as well, so please feel free to enter your comments on our articles. We won’t get mad at anything you say because we live by the motto that opinions are like issues and egos…. Everybody has one!

The post Mother Essence: Why Have Thee Forsaken Me? first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

It’s been fourteen years since the man we all knew as the Notorious B.I.G. was brutally shot and killed in Los Angeles, California. And fourteen years later, the question of “Who killed Biggie?” remains one of hip hop’s most talked about subjects/mysteries. Today, it appears that we may finally have an answer.

Federal inmate Clayton Hill, a former member of the Nation of Islam, has stepped forward to disclose his alleged involvement as an accessory-after-the fact to the Notorious B.I.G.’s murder. 

According to HipHopDX, Hill contacted the outlet on June 8, 2011, through the federal inmate email system, CorrLinks, to admit his alleged role in B.I.G.’s murder.  According to Hill, who, in 1997, was an official with Muhammad Mosque #15 in Atlanta, Georgia, the Western Regional Minister of the Nation of Islam, Minister Tony Muhammad, contacted him in May 1997 (two months following Biggie’s death), and ordered him to pick up a fellow Nation of Islam member who was travelling to Atlanta from Los Angeles on a Greyhound bus.

After allegedly receiving confirmation of those orders from a senior Nation of Islam official for the Southern region, Hill says that he picked up an individual by the name of Dawoud Muhammad from the Atlanta Greyhound Station, and—pursuant to instructions—retrieved a semi-automatic hand gun “that could have been a .9 millimeter or a .40 caliber” from Muhammad.

Clayton Hill (AP)

According to Hill, Muhammad told him “that he was on the run for the murder [of The Notorious B.I.G.],” and that “(Dawoud) was a former Blood gang member and was paid [$25,000.00] to [shoot the rapper].”

Hill then reports that—per orders—he transported the gun to Louisville, Kentucky, and delivered it to the personal driver of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam.  Although Hill says that he doesn’t believe that Minister Farrakhan had knowledge of what was transpiring, he thinks that the gun was ultimately taken to its “final destination within the headquarters of the Nation of Islam.”

“Who wanted it? I can’t say for sure but whoever wanted it had to be high ranking,” wrote Hill.    

Since first contacting HipHopDX, Hill has disclosed that, in October 2010, he met with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy DePodesta and two FBI agents from the Domestic Terrorism Unit to divulge this information.  This may have, perhaps, been the catalyst for law enforcement officials mysteriously reopening the investigation surrounding Biggie’s death late last year. 

Hill, who is currently serving time in Chicago’s Metropolitan Correctional Center for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Identity Theft, plans to release an e-book, Diary of an Ex-Terrorist, in which he details his alleged involvement in Biggie’s murder.

Follow Drahcir on twitter @rebel_witacause & @hiphopenqmag

Source: HipHopDX.com

The post Is the “Biggie Smalls” Mystery Really Solved? Federal Inmate Confesses first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

On June 24, 2011, the New York State Senate passed a bill legalizing same sex marriage. This got me thinking. The United States appears to be evolving, albeit slowly, into a more progressive and tolerant society. So, when will the multitude of gay and bisexual hip hop artists, producers, and executives finally going to be truthful about who they are, and reveal their true sexual identities?

 For all of you industry insiders, don’t even try to act surprised by what I’m saying.  You know exactly what I’m talking about.

 For the rest of you, let me learn you. 

 There are certain very high profile artists, actors, producers, and executives in the entertainment industry–both male and female–who are “rumored” to have a proclivaty for members of the same sex. 

  Of course, some of these “rumors” are just that–rumors. But the undeniable truth is, that some of our favorite artists are gay (or at least engage in some form of gay activity). Sex symbols.  Entrepreneurs.  Philanthropists.  Some of them are married.  Hell, some of them are in married couples where both husband and wife occassionally “liaise” with members of the same sex.  It’s the industry’s worst kept secret.

And the best kept. 

But at the end of the day, what’s the big deal? I mean, we’re not talking about aspiring artists who are trying to build a name for themselves, and are fearing what such a disclosure would do to their future “brand.”  I’m talking about people that already have fanbases in the millions, and bank account balances that triple and quadruple that.  They would, no doubt, have to deal with backlash from a few ignorant fans and conservative sponsors. But these are not careers that can be suddenly brushed under a carpet. Some of these people are major fixtures in the entertainment industry, and are not going anywhere–regardless of who they sleep with.

 So if you’re a man who likes men, but are also a popular platinum-selling hip hop recording artist: Why not just be honest about it?  What do you really have to lose?  You can shatter dozens of stereotypes and misconceptions with a single moment of candor.  As well as be true to yourself. So, why has nobody done it? 

  Perhaps the problem–to an extent–is that these individuals do not consider themselves to be homosexual.  I mean–we’ve all seen the “homothug” moments on film or t.v. by now–where a man describes how he enjoys having sex with another man, but because he is “giving”, or on the receiving end of oral, he does not think he is gay.

Pause for emphasis. 

 And the truth is, that although there are most definitely those individuals that deal exclusively with members of the “same team,” the vast majority of the people to whom I’m referring dabble in both. And if you’re a man who only messes around with other men at exclusive Hollywood Hills parties, where all attendees are required to sign confidentiality agreements and cell phones are not allowed–you’re not gay. You’re just “partying.” 

 It is, afterall, the entertainment industry. 

  Maybe there is no such thing as sexual orientation when you reach a certain level of celebrity status.  Only dollars…………..and gents.

Follow Drahcir M. Smith on Twitter: @rebel_witacause and @HipHopEnqMag

The post Trapped in the Closet – When Is the Industry Going to Come Out? first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

This is not the Black Panther Party of old—although Party leaders recognize the “tremendous work” that the original Party has done.

This is the New Black Panther Party (“NBPP”)—founded in Dallas, Texas in 1989. And, although the NBPP upholds many of the same principles as the original Party (anointing Black history, educating Black youth, empowering Black people), there are some clear differences between the two.

New Black Panther Party – The Movie in theaters now!!

“Most of your original Panthers were college students…on White college campuses; who were being discriminated against; and who had become educated, and were understanding the dynamics of the European in America,” says Minister Hashim Nzinga, National Chief of Staff for the NBPP.

The NBPP’s leadership, however, has been comprised primarily of individuals with Ph.D’s, Jurisdoctorates, and other post graduate degrees. In fact, the Party’s current Chairman, Malik Zulu Shabazz, is an attorney who attended Howard University School of Law, and was once named “Young Lawyer of the Year” by the National Bar Association—the largest Black bar association in the country.

The second most notable difference between the parties is that the NBPP requires party members to practice some form of religion. “When you study the original Party…they didn’t participate in religion….[but] you’re going to have some kind of religion if you’re in the New Black Panther Party…” says Minister Nzinga.· “We don’t care if you’re Buddhist; we don’t care if you’re Christian; we don’t care if you’re Muslim…[And] in twenty years, we ain’t lost one soldier.”

The most fundamental distinction between the NBPP and the original Black Panthers, however, is that the original Party allowed Whites to become members while the NBPP does not.

Minister Nzinga’s explanation for this Party position, while controversial to some, is grounded in the history of the original Party. “[The White Panthers] didn’t get jailed…[they didn’t get killed…they didn’t get chased out of the country into Africa…]” explained Minister Nzinga. “…[And] if you can’t die; if you can’t cry; if you can’t get chased out of the country; if you can’t get jailed; then you ain’t equal with me, and you ain’t gonna be in my organization.”

Despite the grumblings of a few former Panthers who oppose the NBPP’s exclusion of White members [and certain other Party positions], many of the original Panthers have conveyed their support to the NBPP. “We have been blessed that many many of the original Panthers have worked with us, side by side,” said Minister Nzinga.

And besides, the Party is not concerned about its opponents. “We’d rather be a naked truth than a dressed up lie,” says Minister Nzinga.

Indeed, the NBPP has more pressing work to do—like continuing the fight started by the original Black Panther Party—a fight that was brutally and prematurely ended by COINTELPRO, an FBI program, directed by J. Edgar Hoover between 1956 and 1971, which, as described by Wikipedia, was “aimed at surveilling, infiltrating, discrediting, and disrupting domestic political organizations.”

“COINTELPRO broke up the Panther organization. Turned them against each other. Separated them…had them fighting with each other. They went after the Black Panther Party seriously,” Minister Nzinga explains.

Now—in its twenty-first year of existence, the NBPP continues the work of the original Panthers, but has adjusted some of its focal points in order to address the issues that plague the Black community today.

“One of the largest issues we have is the criminal justice system. It has absolutely given us a shot of Novocain. And it has stripped our community of the best minds, and the future leaders. Our children are going to jail by the busloads,” states the earnest Minister Nzinga. “Just like you can buy a La Quinta Inn, you can buy a prison. And in return, America promises you that they will keep it full…Every Black man with anything that looks like a tobacco joint goes to jail now…And they’re stripping us of our warriors, of our scientists, of our doctors…”

Chairman, Malik Zulu Shabazz

To counteract the industrialization of the United States prison system, and those other systems which the NBPP believes has failed the Black community (family, church, education), the NBPP places a strong emphasis on reaching out to the youth—putting on initiatives, forums, community meetings, and other events.

The NBPP is sponsoring one such event this weekend: The National & International Day of Action & Unity—an event which will be taking place in sixty cities throughout the United States, including Stone Mountain, Georgia; Brooklyn, New York; and Los Angeles, California.

“When we do these forums, we teach and teach and teach. We change the lives of young people…Then they get in classes, and colleges, and they study books that they wouldn’t have been told to read, things they lied about forever,” says Minister Nzinga.

Hundreds of educators, doctors, students, and entertainers are slated to participate in panel discussions and forums throughout the country—including some notable figures in hip hop.

“We love hip hop,” Minister Nzinga expressed. “We love hip hop for several reasons. We love it because these brothers and sisters express themselves from the bottom of their heart, wrong or right. And when you really listen to them, they are telling the story of the hood. If you don’t like what they’re saying, you need to change the conditions of the hood.”

And the hip hop community has reciprocated the love. When the NBPP was having problems financing the Million Youth March in Harlem, New York—the largest NBPP event to date—Master P stepped in, and financed the march through his not-for-profit foundation.

“Master P wrote the $162,000.00 check,” said Minister Nzinga.

“…We influence the hip hoppers…Rick Ross [recently performed at a concert] and screamed out Bobby Seale’s name. Most kids in the hip hop world don’t even know who Bobby Seale is, but now they’re trying to find out because Rick Ross said his name…”

There is no doubt about it. The New Black Panther Party prides itself on its origins, the history of the Black Power Movement, and the work of the original Black Panthers. But the NBPP stands ready, willing, and able to move forward into the future.

For more information about the New Black Panther Party or the National & International Day of Action, visit http://dayofactionmovement.org.

Follow Drahcir on twitter @rebel_witacause.

The post TALK BLACK TO ME!!!! – The New Black Panther Party first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

GQ male model walks runway at Dolce & Gabbna Spring/Summer 2011

The post : Runway- Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

So I guess Cee Lo forgot to check with his publisist before he went running off at the mouth on Twitter. He was quick to deny the story we broke here first. Seen below 

Although he deleted his inital tweet (as if that would stop us) we have the screen shot of it below

So we are forced to ask with all this cover up and retraction what’s the REAL reason he is withdrawing from the Loud tour? Is there come conflict between the singers? Is he just tired from performing and can’t take the phyical demands?Or was this all a publicity stunt? Either way, when he comes out with his public press statement, remember where you heard it first HIPHOP ENQURIER! 

The post UPDATE ON CEE LO GREEN TOUR CANCELLATION!! first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Minister Hashim Nzinga

This is not the Black Panther Party of old—although Party leaders recognize the “tremendous work” that the original Party has done.

This is the New Black Panther Party (“NBPP”)—founded in Dallas, Texas in 1989.  And, although the NBPP upholds many of the same principles as the original Party (anointing Black history, educating Black youth, empowering Black people), there are some clear differences between the two.

“Most of your original Panthers were college students…on White college campuses; who were being discriminated against; and who had become educated, and were understanding the dynamics of the European in America,” says Minister Hashim Nzinga, National Chief of Staff for the NBPP. 

The NBPP’s leadership, however, has been comprised primarily of individuals with Ph.D’s, Jurisdoctorates, and other post graduate degrees.  In fact, the Party’s current Chairman, Malik Zulu Shabazz, is an attorney who attended Howard University School of Law, and was once named “Young Lawyer of the Year” by the National Bar Association—the largest Black bar association in the country.

The second most notable difference between the parties is that the NBPP requires party members to practice some form of religion.  “When you study the original Party…they didn’t participate in religion….[but] you’re going to have some kind of religion if you’re in the New Black Panther Party…” says Minister Nzinga.  “We don’t care if you’re Buddhist; we don’t care if you’re Christian; we don’t care if you’re Muslim…[And] in twenty years, we ain’t lost one soldier.”  

The most fundamental distinction between the NBPP and the original Black Panthers, however, is that the original Party allowed Whites to become members while the NBPP does not.  

Minister Nzinga’s explanation for this Party position, while controversial to some, is grounded in the history of the original Party.  “[The White Panthers] didn’t get jailed…[they didn’t get killed…they didn’t get chased out of the country into Africa…]” explained Minister Nzinga.  “…[And] if you can’t die; if you can’t cry; if you can’t get chased out of the country; if you can’t get jailed; then you ain’t equal with me, and you ain’t gonna be in my organization.”

Despite the grumblings of a few former Panthers who oppose the NBPP’s exclusion of White members [and certain other Party positions], many of the original Panthers have conveyed their support to the NBPP.  “We have been blessed that many many of the original Panthers have worked with us, side by side,” said Minister Nzinga.   

And besides, the Party is not concerned about its opponents.  “We’d rather be a naked truth than a dressed up lie,” says Minister Nzinga. 

Indeed, the NBPP has more pressing work to do—like continuing the fight started by the original Black Panther Party—a fight that was brutally and prematurely ended by COINTELPRO, an FBI program, directed by J. Edgar Hoover between 1956 and 1971, which, as described by Wikipedia, was “aimed at surveilling, infiltrating, discrediting, and disrupting domestic political organizations.”

“COINTELPRO broke up the Panther organization.  Turned them against each other.  Separated them…had them fighting with each other.  They went after the Black Panther Party seriously,” Minister Nzinga explains.   

Now—in its twenty-first year of existence, the NBPP continues the work of the original Panthers, but has adjusted some of its focal points in order to address the issues that plague the Black community today.   

“One of the largest issues we have is the criminal justice system.  It has absolutely given us a shot of Novocain. And it has stripped our community of the best minds, and the future leaders.  Our children are going to jail by the busloads,” states the earnest Minister Nzinga.  “Just like you can buy a La Quinta Inn, you can buy a prison.  And in return, America promises you that they will keep it full…Every Black man with anything that looks like a tobacco joint goes to jail now…And they’re stripping us of our warriors, of our scientists, of our doctors…”

To counteract the industrialization of the United States prison system, and those other systems which the NBPP believes has failed the Black community (family, church, education), the NBPP places a strong emphases on reaching out to the youth—putting on initiatives, forums, community meetings, and other events. 

The NBPP is sponsoring one such event this weekend: The National & International Day of Action & Unity—an event which will be taking place in sixty cities throughout the United States, including Stone Mountain, Georgia; Brooklyn, New York; and Los Angeles, California. 

“When we do these forums, we teach and teach and teach.  We change the lives of young people…Then they get in classes, and colleges, and they study books that they wouldn’t have been told to read, things they lied about forever,” says Minister Nzinga. 

Hundreds of educators, doctors, students, and entertainers are slated to participate in panel discussions and forums throughout the country—including some notable figures in hip hop. 

“We love hip hop,” Minister Nzinga expressed.  “We love hip hop for several reasons.  We love it because these brothers and sisters express themselves from the bottom of their heart, wrong or right.  And when you really listen to them, they are telling the story of  the hood.  If you don’t like what they’re saying,  you need to change the conditions of the hood.” 

And the hip hop community has reciprocated the love. When the NBPP was having problems financing the Million Youth March in Harlem, New York—the largest NBPP event to date—Master P stepped in, and financed the march through his not-for-profit foundation.

“Master P wrote the $162,000.00 check,” said Minister Nzinga.

“…We influence the hip hoppers…Rick Ross [recently performed at a concert] and screamed out Bobby Seale’s name.  Most kids in the hip hop world don’t even know who Bobby Seale is, but now they’re trying to find out because Rick Ross said his name…”

There is no doubt about it.  The New Black Panther Party prides itself on its origins, the history of the Black Power Movement, and the work of the original Black Panthers.  But the NBPP stands ready, willing, and able to move forward into the future.      

For more information about the New Black Panther Party or the National & International Day of Action, visit http://dayofactionmovement.org.   

Follow Drahcir on twitter @rebel_witacause. 

The post Here They Stand — The New Black Panther Party first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The First Annual Atlantic City Summerfest will take place at Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Sandcastle Stadium on July 2, 2011. The concert, which will be the first hip hop event of its magnitude held in Atlantic City, has brought “tremendous excitement,” according to one of the event promoters, Kareen Harris.

“A lot of shows come to Atlantic City, but not hip hop,” says the Atlantic City native.

“So having artists like Rick Ross, Meek Millz, Beanie Sigel, Jim Jones, State Property, and Juelz Santana perform at the event [means a lot] to the city…We also have local artists performing.”

With headliners such as Ricky “Rozay” Ross and Meek Millz–two of the “hottest artists in the industry,” Philly-based, Beanie Sigel and B-Stacks, the success of the event is pretty much guaranteed. But Harris predicts that other factors may help.

“Atlantic City is a popular destination for the 4th of July,” says Harris. “Jamie Foxx’s Celebrity Weekend is also that weekend. I’ve gotten a lot of calls about celebrities [who will be in town for Jamie Foxx’s weekend] that want to attend Summerfest.”

To see NBC News interview of organizer speaking on event, click here.

When asked whether the audience can expect any surprise performances/artist appearances, Harris quickly responded that it was a strong possibility.

“[The combination of artists] that we invited to perform makes this event special…We wanted to bring artists that the area is interested in. People are also excited to see the State Property Reunion. They want to see the dynamic of them getting back together,” said the obviously passionate hip hop head.

In fact, the buzz surrounding Summerfest has gotten so strong, that even the reality t.v. world has come calling. Event organizers are in the process of negotiating with VH1, which has expressed interest in taking footage at the event to use in next season’s “Love & Hip Hop.”

A portion of the event’s proceeds will be going to the Lupus Foundation, as well as the Kevin Wilkins Foundation, which is named for Harris’ long time friend, and slain Atlantic City Police Officer, Kevin Wilkins.

Summerfest tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.  For additional information about ticketing, you can visit the official Summerfest webpage, www.summerfestac.com.

Take a look at some of the artists performing at Summer Fest AC!

Meek Mill:

Jim Jones:

B Stacks:

Beanie Sigel:

Juelz Santana:

And Rick Ross:

The post Atlantic City Gears Up for First Annual Summerfest first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The game is changing, the beats are speeding up, and the talent is improving.  A new era is vastly approaching, where an emphasis on lyrical styling is even more appreciated. Lil Wayne has been known for his puns, Drake has an unparalleled flow, but Gambino, he’s the self-proclaimed “mastamind.”

This guy is unreal. His intelligence and wit sets him apart from the rest of the game proving that he is not only street smart, but he also has the book smarts to back it up. Donald Glover, more notably known as Childish Gambino is an NYU graduate that majored in dramatic writing. Not only does the man rap, he’s also an actor on NBC’s Community, and a comedian, which makes complete sense once you listen to his rhymes. His lyrics are crude, inappropriate, and outright hilarious, but they are equally as imaginative.

Recently performing at the 2011 Bonnaroo Music Festival, Gambino gave it his all and left his crowd thirsting for more. His energy is said to be almost “giddy,” as his passion to excel in the business is showcased in every one of his dangerous performances.

With almost 300,000 followers on Twitter, Gambino is making a name for himself before an album date has even been set. His next LP will be available this coming September, and it is sure to wow. Until then, check out the official video of his single “Freaks and Geeks,” and download some of his music that he has made available for free on his website here.

·

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AlliMenn

The post An artist on the Rise: Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Conservative author and chief Washington correspondent of Newsmax.com, Ronald Kessler, reported this week, in an article entitled “Al-Qaida Becoming More Desperate,” that al-Qaeda members are becoming more “desperate,” in the midst of Osama bin Laden’s death, and thus likely, to execute quick terrorist plots (as opposed to the long term conspiracies of terrorism past).

In the words of one FBI official, Kessler writes, “The decapitation of al-Qaida leadership and the killing of a senior al-Qaida commander in Pakistan earlier this month are making them more desperate…[w]hen they are desperate, they may be willing to change tactics. They might try something more risky.”

According to Kessell, this FBI official also reports that, ““al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has become more active. They actively recruit westerners who have western passports.”

Of primary concern to the FBI, Kessler writes, are the “lone wolf, self-radicalized individuals who hear the radical message through the media or internet,” and attempt to execute terroristic plots here in the United States.

To illustrate, Kessler cites the arrest of two Iraqi refugees arrested in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on May 25, 2011. According to the Los Angeles Times, Waad Ramadan Alwan, 30, and Monanad Shareef Hammadi, 23, were charged with multiple counts of terrorist-related activity, including conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction against U.S. nationals abroad and attempting to possess and export Stinger missiles.

Both men, if convicted, face life imprisonment.

Kessler reports that one FBI official said, in regards to Alwan’s and Hammadi’s admission into the United States, “Although there is screening of individuals who come to this country to live, no system is foolproof…If you don’t have any derogatory information on them, they’ll slip through the cracks.”

Interestingly, Kessler failed to note that Alwan was admitted into the United States in 2009, despite the fact that, in 2005, his fingerprint was found on an undetonated roadside bomb in Iraq. Obviously, someone fell asleep at the wheel on this one!

Kessler’s article is an interesting read, and describes some of the improved counter-terrorism mechanisms put in place by the United States government; however, it is difficult to ascertain how the increased activity described by FBI officials, or Alwan and Hammadi’s alleged terrostic plot–which, according to Justice Department documents, started in 2010–are indicative of an increased sense of “desperation” by al-Qaeda as a result of Osama bin Laden’s death.

Kessler has authored books such as: The CIA at War: Inside the Secret Campaign Against Terror; The Terrorist Watch: Inside the Desperate Race to Stop the Next Attack; and will be releasing The Secrets of the FBI this August.

Kessler gained widespread notoriety during the Barack Obama campaign, when he inaccurately reported that then-Senator and presidential hopeful, Barack Obama, had attended a church service at Trinity United Church of Christ on a day, during which, Reverend Jeremiah Wright gave a sermon that indicated that the problems in the world were caused by “White arrogance.” After the Obama campaign denied President Obama’s attendance at the service, it was revealed by other news media that President Obama had been en route to Miami, Florida on that day. According to Wikipedia, Newsmax later corrected its story, stating that President Obama had attended Reverend Wright’s service on a different day, but still stood by its original premise.

With the death of Osama Bin Laden, do you feel safer to travel on planes and other mass transportation? Do you believe the country is doing everything physically possible to prevent any future attacks on our country and our allies? We would like to know your thoughts on this subject.

Follow Dreday on twitter @rebel_witacause

The post Just In!!! FBI Expert Warns of Increased “Desperation” from Al-Qaeda Following Osama Bin Laden’s Death first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

The Icelandic government is rewriting its constitution, and has turned to popular social networking site, Facebook, in an effort to garner the input of the Icelandic citizens.  Iceland, which gained independence from Denmark in 1944, never drafted an original constitution.  It merely adopted the Danish constitution and made minor revisions. But after the financial crisis of 2008, during which commercial banks in Iceland collapsed within a week, the government decided it was high time to do so.    

Of course, it was only hours after this news hit the international press that the inevitable question popped up on U.S. blogs and news websites:  Should the United States rewrite its Constitution?

I’m going to make no mistake about the intensity and magnitude of my next few words.

Absolutely not!

I know there are hundreds—or maybe thousands—of so called liberals throughout this country, who would shudder at these words—their perspective being that it would give us the opportunity to correct the fundamental deficiencies in the original Constitution. 

In theory, I agree with this proposition.  In actuality, I shudder at the possibility of putting into the hands of U.S. lawmakers, such an immense responsibility.  I mean, we see what a mess they made out of the healthcare bill!

Beyond this game of partisan politics, however, lies a much deeper concern.  I understand that when the Constitution was initially drafted, Black Americans were not even considered to be persons; and that the bias against women, Native-Americans, and Black Americans was rampant.  But—and I know this may be deeply disturbing to hear—I believe that the biases people hold today go far beyond those few groups that those men that U.S. history refers to as our “forefathers”, discriminated against.  The hatred now extends into sexuality, sexual orientation, immigration status, religion, etc.  The “current drafters” would also have the benefit of hundreds of years of experience to tailor all sorts of exceptions and nuances specifically meant to exclude people—and do things like, ban any state from allowing same-sex marriage under any circumstances or abortion indefinitely.

In other words, I don’t trust it. 

 Perhaps more problematic, with any significant change to the United States Constitution, would come the invalidation of hundreds of years of developed constitutional case law.  Again, some might say “good!” in light of the way the law has been previously interpreted.  I say, however, look at the composition of the current Supreme Court of the United States.  Then ask yourself this—and I say this with all due respect to our justices—Are these the group of people you want analyzing and “clarifying” what your constitutional rights are?

Finally, and I say this, not with judgment, but with genuine sadness: How many people in this country really care about what the Constitution says anyway?  I am willing to bet—again sadly—that if twenty random people on the street were asked what the first three words of the Constitution are, only half of them—if that many—would be able to answer.  (It’s “We the People”, by the way).

I mean, just last month, the Supreme Court issued a decision (Kentucky v. King) which upheld what would have previously been an unlawful, warrantless search of an apartment, because there was a “marijuana odor.”  But who’s talking about this egregious constitutional interpretation?  Where are the up in arms constituents, demanding an explanation for what will certainly lead to endless violations of people’s civil liberties?  They’re nowhere.  So again, I ask:  What is the point in rewriting the Constitution?

I say, keep the original Constitution; toss the old way of thinking.

The post Should the United States Rewrite its Constitution? first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

Let’s stop beating around the bush. Everyone has been thinking it; nobody has said it. But I will.

How the hell did Hoopz of the infamous “Flavor of Love,” not only manage to snag Shaquille O’Neill, one of the biggest ballers in the game (no pun intended), but get en-fianced to that previously very eligible bachelor?

Now, hold on all of you reality t.v. show stars, lovers, or aspirers out there. I question this not because Ms. Hoopz was on a reality show—but because, word on the streets is that Hoopz spent the first two years after the show hoeing it up throughout the entertainment industry. Now, Hoopz is lovely, no doubt. And she appears to be reasonably cool from her VH1 shows. But damn Shaq…you have the pick of millions of women, and out of all of them…you pick one who is rumored to have sexed half of the dudes you play pick-up games with? (and, worse, tongue-kissed FLAVOR FLAV on national t.v.? yuck!)

Shaq is not alone in this phenomenon, however. Indeed, it has not gone unnoticed by me (or the many women with whom I’ve discussed this topic), that men—both in the entertainment industry and out—seem to be glorifiying “hoes” more and more these days. I mean, think about it. How many entertainers have put strippers on pedestals? (still love you Drizzy). Or video “vixens”? Or the groupies that frequent the VIP rooms of clubs in NY, Atlanta, Miami, and L.A. hoping to get their baller catch? (A method that, at 22 years old, I found to be laughable. Now, however, years later, SEVERAL of those young groupies that I knew from my clubbing days back in D.C.—one of whom was referred to as “the mascot” for the Redskins—are now married to prominent men in the entertainment industry, and are happily living their post-hoe lifestyles. So maybe the joke was on me.)

I know my fellas probably think I’m hating right now. But before you jump on the defensive, think about it, and be honest with yourselves. On Twitter, on Facebook, in hip-hop songs, guys are constantly bashing “hoes” and “basic bitches.” But who are the women you talk about the most? Who are the women that you praise the most frequently? Who are the women that you seem to idolize? Hoes. Hoes. Hoes. Basic. Basic. Basic.

The sad thing is—there are plenty of gorgeous, good-personalitied, domestic women out there, who have their own money, ambition, and careers independent of the men that they’re dating. But these are not the women that you hear entertainers (or Joe Blow from down the street, for that matter) talking about. Instead, they seem to focus on whatever video chic (or former stripper/favorite rapper’s girlfriend) of the moment—many of whom rose to “stardom” by boning multiple artists. (I will take this opportunity to give big shout outs to Tip (who married his longtime love, homie/lover/friend, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle) and Mr. Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) who seems to limit his serious relationships to attractive, professional women.)

But at the end of the day, I have to wonder, what are these “hoes” sacrificing in return for whatever it is they’re getting? And are the men that glorify hoes the kind of men women should want to be with in the first place? And if the so-called “good chics” really think that hoes are winning, then why don’t they go out and become hoes?  It really ain’t that hard.

So when it comes down to it, I think it’s really pretty simple: Whether you believe “hoes” are winning depends upon what your definition of “winning” is.

In the very wise words of one of my girlfriends, “Once the celebrity bitches started being hoes, it fucked up the game for the average bitches.”

LOL.

So this chic’s conclusion. Hoes are not winning. The game is just f’d up.

Follow Drahcir on Twitter: @rebel_witacause

I, Dreday, the author of the content that can be found here within can assure you, the reader, that any of the opinions expressed here are my own and are a result of the way in which my highly disorganized and somewhat dysfunctional mind interprets a particular situation and or concept. I would like to expressly convey to you, the reader, that were I to accidentally defame, purge, humiliate and or hurt someones person or feelings as a result of them reading and or acting upon any or all of the information and or advice found here, it is entirely unintentional.

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The post Are Hoes REALLY Winning? first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.

You receive a text from someone.  Someone you have been dating (or whatever).  You read the text.  But it doesn’t appear to be meant for you.  You text the person back and tell them that they texted the wrong person.  End of story, right?

Wrong.

You may have been the victim of a phenomenon which I have now coined as the “purposeful accidental text.” 

My first encounter with the “purposeful accidental text” occured last year.  I received a text from a guy that had been vying for my attention, which read “Last night was dope.”  It was a pretty interesting text because I had not seen him the previous night.  In fact, I was pretty much over speaking to him and hadn’t seen him in weeks.  In light of that (and being the psuedo-asshole that I am), I didn’t respond back.  It was only a few weeks later when I observed a girlfriend “purposefully accidentally” text her address to an ex-boyfriend, to make it seem as if she was going on a date with another guy–that I realized that I had been victim to this juvenile, yet sometimes effective act.

To be sure, in the last few months, I have been told by at least 10 people (both male and female) that somebody that they were involved with had texted them something obviously meant for someone else.  Now, I’m not saying that this doesn’t happen (because it does, and has, in fact, happened to me).  But when you do receive an “accidental text” from someone you’ve been involved with, look at the content of the text.  If it is seemingly directed towards someone of the opposite sex, comes on the heals of your “whatever it is” simmering out, and is of a nature that COULD incite jealousy (even if it does not), you are probably the recipient of a fake accidental.

Or………………..the person that you are seeing just might have been stupid enough to send you a text meant for the other person they’re screwing.

Either way. In this girl’s opinionation–LAME.

The post The Purposeful Accidental Text first appeared on Hip Hop Enquirer Magazine, LLC.