How Independent Artists Could Lose Their Independent Internet
By Parul Desai

In the past few months, there has been a fight in Congress over phone and cable companies'opposition to what is called "net neutrality."I know the business decisions of major companies can be a real snoozer. However, this is one decision that will truly affect independent artists and those that support their work. That's because "net neutrality"is really about discrimination by the phone and cable companies; if the phone and cable companies get their way, they would have the ability to control how independent artists reach the millions of internet users and determine which artists succeed and which fail.

IN SEARCH OF ‘B-SPAN’; The Promise of Black Media Self-Determination NOW By Drs. Jared A. Ball and Todd Steven Burroughs

Contributor - PAUL PORTER: Radio, America's Corporate Child Predator-America has a problem. Radio has stepped to another new low. Bubba Sparxx's top 20 single "Ms New Booty" proves that payola is a national problem. Station after station continues to play Virgin Record's Rap star and watch it's pornographic links rise to number one on Billboards chart.

Hustled and Pimped: Agenda Setting in Mouse Ears By Jared Ball
Much is being said currently about last night’s Oscars and the It’s Hard to be a Pimp performance. People are calling for discussion and analyses. Emails are flying. There is a post-Oscar buzz. This flurry and the fact that this event took place on a Disney-owned ABC network makes me think that this moment is prime for a brief look at agenda-setting media.

From Curtis to Kanye By Jared Ball

... Same exact beat – Kanye just slowed down the original – and the video perhaps offers a similar periodic aesthetic, but both the extended groove and the original focus are gone.

Organic? The USDA’s Manipulation of Organic Products by Mark Bowen

In this age of bio/chemical-terrorism that is enacted by several industries, like the fossil fuel industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and pertaining specifically to this article, the food industry, health conscious folks strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking on certain lifestyles and practices. Health conscious people attempt to eliminate foods from their diet that are genetically modified, pesticide coated, refined, hormone ridden, etc., and instead, cough up the few extra bucks to get that product labeled "organic". But just when you thought it was safe to pick something up off the shelf to benefit your health, you may have to reconsider...   Read!

Exodus Back to the Land!   Understanding the U.S.A.'s current economic crisis and the ultimate solution-are you ready? by Niyi Shomade

The natural migration of people moving from the rural areas or farm land into cities with tall buildings is not just an American trend but one occurring worldwide. In the underdeveloped parts of the world (most of which are located in the global south), most people still reside in rural areas. However, the glamorized attraction of urban living has caused rural populations to migrate to cities with hopes of employment opportunities not available in their rural societies. As Africans in America moved from the share-cropping plantation to the office, it seems they also went from faux land-ownership to absolute dependency.   Read!

Martin Luther King, Jr. In His Own Words compiled by Jared Ball

January 17, 2005 marks the nation’s annual reminder that Martin Luther King, Jr. must be simultaneously recognized and completely ignored. That is, many gather to commemorate a man whose legacy is all but buried beneath a mountain of empty rhetoric where a mythical history is created to support conventional, albeit equally contrived, myths of "progress." King has to be among the most known and least understood figures in world history considering the enormity of his legend and the emptiness with which that legend is met. In one small attempt to address this reality here are some excerpts from King himself. It is believed that once made clear King’s thought will direct us toward more substantive discussion and action. Considering the 2004 State of the Dream Report which details the economic, social and political backwards slide African America has taken since his assassination King’s words continue to strike at the core issues confronting this nation and the world.  Read!

Free thought by Zaccai free

Michael Wilbon’s (Washington Post sports writer) Hip Hop bashing is indicative of cowardly writers who are eager to indict the fruit but hesitant to examine the roots of the tree. Professional sports are simply a gladiator show, a modern form of the Romans’ bread and circus, something to amuse the masses and create some temporary excitement. Athletics in America, are a distraction from rampant human rights abuses, war profiteering and the continued numbing of the nation through drugs and alcohol. Yet even with the billions of dollars committed to suppressing the free will of individuals, the tide is turning. Many argue that athletes are overpaid, yet nothing is said of the corporate fat cats who write the checks without flinching and the networks who share immense profit from the blood, sweat and tears of these so called over paid "spoiled" athletes.  Read!

You've Got To Be Taught by Rick and Michele Tingling-Clemmens

Race is clearly the lynchpin of the Bush regime. From his brother and party's conscious disenfranchisement of some white working class and the multitude of African-American voters who were artificially criminalized mainly in Florida and a number of other southern states, to his snubbing of the NAACP and its convention following his incendiary stance on affirmative action; has created the atmosphere that sends a loud and clear message that it doesn't matter if you are black or white, if you want to hate, 'bring it on'. This, of course, is grist for those who can take advantage of divide and conquer schemes, namely black and/or white nationalists.  Read!

MUMIA'S VOICE by Todd Steven Burroughs
Reprinted from the September/October 2004 of Black Issues Book Review http://www.bibookreview.com/

(Confined to Pennsylvania's death row, Mumia Abu-Jamal remains at the center of debate as he continues to write and options to appeal his police murder conviction dwindle)

Although he began life as Wesley Cook in Philadelphia 50 years ago this April, Mumia Abu-Jamal's voice was born at the age of 15.

At a 1968 George Wallace for President rally in Philadelphia, Cook and his friends booed and hissed Wallace and his supporters. Some Wallace supporters became a northern lynch mob. A frantic Cook happily spied a policeman. Abu-Jamal talks about what happened next in his first book, "Live From Death Row": "The cop saw me on the ground being beaten to a pulp, marched over briskly-and kicked me in the face. I have been thankful to that faceless cop ever since, because he kicked me into the Black Panther Party."  Read!

Where’s Walden? by Jared Ball

As political conventions rage and vague warnings of suspended elections abound we wondered how press coverage of Walden O'Dell and the potential for fraudulent vote counts was going. What are some of the connections between private wealth and public candidates? Beyond that, what is the historical context in which this concern over disenfranchisement is being covered or ignored? We asked of the pages of major newspapers, much like the quest for Waldo, Where's Walden?  Read!

A VOICE RAISED, A POWER EXPOSED (Or, Why I've Decided To Write A Biography Of Mumia Abu-Jamal) by Todd Steven Burroughs

It's not the symbol that attracts me so much to Mumia Abu-Jamal's life, but the reality.

The symbol -the romantic notion of the imprisoned Black radical activist, the "political prisoner"- easily smothers the man, obscuring the point.

Mumia as a modern-day Mandela? Nope, not to me. It's his work-the nature of it, the circumstances under which it's done, and its reaction-that's important to explore.   Read!

George Jackson's Revolutionary's Perspective and the Hip-Hop Culture by Mark Bowen

On the May 2004 Freemix, the Funkinest mentioned how ja-rule co opted the name and front cover of George Jackson's book he wrote in prison "Blood In My Eye" into his latest album. In brief, Funkinest illustrated to us why this co optation by ja-rule is a smack in the face to George Jackson and the revolution, highlighting how ja-rule's album contains none of the revolutionary perspective that the original "Blood In My Eye" is all about.  Read!

Upturning the Children's Table: HipHop Generation Attempts To Claim Leadership by Todd Steven Burroughs

The members of the HipHop Generation, also known as Generation X's People Of Color and Progressive Whites Division, are all turning 40 this year, and next, and next, and to infinity-okay, at least all the way until 2020, when the last ones reach the Big Four-O.

Before Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey and Lynne Whitfield, before Bill and Hillary Clinton became White House residents and before the Black Panther Party had regular reunions, turning 40 used to mean you were over-the-hill, ready for irrelevancy. The Baby Boomers, now all between 60 and 40, used to say in the late 1960s and early 1970s that they couldn't trust anyone over 30, because 30 was old - a sellout, a member of the Establishment happily co-opted by the system. Now the formerly Afroed and tye-dyed are running the world, and they don't trust anyone under 40. An interesting concept: a generation who in their 20s and early 30s ran national organizations (Black Panther Party, SDS, SNCC, et. al.) now is explaining that, say, 37, is too young. (Meaning, of course, "too young to take my job, my role.") "Youth" now means under, what, 50?   Read!

"Hip Hop & Kung Fu" by Maleena Lawrence

For so long Hip Hop has made history for itself. Traveling from street corners, air waves all the way to Broadway; Hip Hop has been transformed into a worldview of seeing images, language and thought. As for the film industry, Hip Hop is trend setting characters & soundtracks for dayz. This year, 2004, Hip Hop demonstrates its 'Mixture' by blending the world's first Hip-Hop Kung Fu Trilogy! Hip Hop Dynasty Part II: The Mixture is a new Indie film produced and directed by Phillip Colas a.k.a. Professor PITT.

Professor P-I-double 'T' has spent the last few years between Milwaukee, WI and the infamous Bay Area to complete a Dirty Lenz Film production. In stores NOW, The Mixture is poppin up on a national distributing radar. Looking ahead, Philip Colas, shares his (uncut) story about the making of the film and his life long affair with Hip-Hop & Kung Fu.   Read!

Brown Vs. Board Vs. America by Todd Steven Burroughs

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - I have more questions than answers as the 50th anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education looms. Most have not been answered, neither by my reading and reflection this year nor by my attendance last week (April 16) at a daylong conference at the University of Maryland at College Park.

"With All Deliberate Speed: Considering Brown vs. The Board of Education, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," was a joint effort of UMCP's Democracy Collaborative, History Department and Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Scholars to high school students grappled with the history and legacy of the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that began the slow process of desegregating the nation's public schools and jump-starting the Civil Rights Movement.   Read!

"At What Cost & Whose Blood?" by Maleena Lawrence

Have you ever sat down to watch television and came across a channel featuring the most popular idiot that represents the United States. Contrary to popular voting polls, this being is yours truly, President George Bush.  One could have easily turned the tube to another station except he took up most of them with his Address to the Nation.  Why?  Why tell more lies and stupid jokes that have nothing to do about nothing nor put food in the mouths of hungry children, money towards education and stress free traveling for those of us who look 'suspicious'.  Damn, to waste time listening to him chase his own dog tail became humorous.  Since when did violence and slaughtering of indigenous human beings become a joke?  Choosing to go to war over oil (oops!) weapons of mass destruction has cost mothers and fathers their sons & daughters.   Read!

Organized C.O.U.P. Special Report on US Congress' Latest Move in Defense of Cultural Imperialism

This past week Congress fulfilled its function as members of the political wing of the economic superstructure. They willingly accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from the entertainment industry so as to protect the ability of the latter to further exploit art and cultural expression while imprisoning those who would challenge this arrangement.

Called "bootleggers" or "pirates" internet and street-corner distributors of culture are in fact competitors of big business. Corporations, whose only true purpose in entertainment is as middleman and cultural gatekeeper, recognize this and have raised the level of their active self-preservation. First step: competitors must be removed. Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, affectionately known as "Adolph," popularized the removal of street-vendors in Black and Brown communities and now Congress has stepped up its own cyber version ethnic cleansing and protection of their business partners. This is the function of government. Offer the appearance or claim of democracy while in reality serving almost exclusively to protect the interests of an elite.

This is one funky commentary in response to what assuredly will receive little attention and insufficient explanation. Listen!

Krs-One Hits DC by Jared Ball

Krs-One is a legend in the flesh. He is a pioneer, author and emcee extraordinaire. He is easily in any true hip-hop fan's top 5 of all time and to many over 25 he is often idolized. Krs is also a modern day missionary liberation theologian. Last week (February 7, 2004) he dropped in on DC to spread the gospels according to the Temple of Hip-Hop (http://www.templeofhiphop.org). In two talks, one at the University of the District of Columbia and another more intimate book signing lecture with his hosts and guests at Urban Energy (1522 U St NW) - a blistering lyricism in tow - Krs delivered poignant and, at times, lofty messages of love, power and spirit.   Read and watch the video!

North America's 21st Century Hip-Hop Colony and the Politics of Cultural Co-optation and Appropriation by Jared Ball

The current state and direction of hip-hop music is, for many, an issue of great concern. Here are some thoughts from Jared Ball on why the brand of hip-hop that now dominates does so, you didn't think it was accidental did you? Read!

What do YOU think? Post your comments here.

"Restoration of American Democracy?" by Mark Bowen

With all that is going in this country concerning the violations and abuses of our constitutional and human rights, I ask myself the question, "When did we ever have constitutional rights?" I've witnessed many on the left, and right, but focusing on the left, say, "Our democracy is being destroyed!" What democracy? Democracy never existed at any time in this country, it was always just an idea. Can anyone truly say that this country ever earned the statuses democratic, equal, free, or any other term that supposedly defines this country, at any time within the history of this country?  Read!

Africana Studies, Media Literacy and the Hip-Hop Mix-Tape by TurnedTables the Funkinest Journalist

Thought the mix-tape was just for 50 Cent, Joe Buddens or Kay-Slay? Think again. At this year's annual celebration of Africana Studies at Kean University in New Jersey journalist, academic and activist Jared Ball offered yet one more example of how the mix-tape can be used to build rather than destroy. Using the intellectual history of one of Africana studies' foundational bedrock scholars, John Henrik Clarke, Ball offered a high-powered and entertaining presentation that sought to bring together the seemingly disparate fields of Africana Studies, Media Literacy, Hip-Hop and the Mix-Tape. Read!

LIBERIA TO ISRAEL: Fixing US Settler States by Suzette Gardner

One good turn deserves another, but what about failures?
It is not surprising that the Bush administration is cautious about getting 'embroiled' in the Liberian civil war, after all, they have moved on to bigger and more profitable American diplomatic failures in Israel and the 'Occupied Territories'. Though the Liberian fiasco is a mirror of Israel, there are differences. The Liberian tragedy, albeit older, is less reported, receives less US financial aid--despite with a more direct connection to the US, and unlike Israel, remains a step-child in US foreign policy. Read!

Zimbabwe: Addressing The Issues by Suzette Gardner

The Ambassador agreed that the United States' tone and threats towards Zimbabwe is colonial. "We have been a colony after all," he said, "[but] if we are going to be threatened by a new colonialism, we have to fight. Zimbabwe will never agree to surrender its sovereignty." Read!

"The Truth About Zimbabwe" by Organized COUP

Read the reports from Organized C.O.U.P. members about their journey to Zimbabwe and assessment of this modern Pan-African struggle for land and nationhood. Read our first thoughts on Zimbabwe, and our special report.

Herbert Aptheker: The Death of a Hero By Jared Ball

The week of March 19, 2003 will be remembered by most as the week the US stepped up its invasion of Iraq. I, however, will remember it as the week the great historian Herbert Aptheker died. Read!

Aaron McGruder Takes on UC - Santa Barbara by Drew Atkins

From Al Sharpton's hair to political hustlers, nationally syndicated comic strip author Aaron McGruder covered a wide range of topics at an open discussion in a packed Isla Vista Theater on Saturday. Read!

A Night of No Contradictions by Jared Ball aka The Funkinest Journalist

For those of us who take these words of Kwame Ture seriously loving rap music is often difficult.  Many have written or discussed this ongoing problem and in an attempt to avoid such repetition let me just say . . . Read!

Co-optation Is A Game Of Both Right and Left by Jared Ball

We have watched the right-wing business world take the peace sign for Verizon, the Beetle's song Revolution for Nike and Dr. King for some computer company. But the Left can also apparently misuse symbolism and with just as much flare.

Let me say first and foremost that I am a big supporter of The Nation magazine.  I think by and large it offers some of the better commentary and information on world politics and history.  I subscribe to, recommend and cite The Nation with great regularity.  However, even the good ones can be overwhelmed by desires to catch the eye often sacrificing accuracy and substance.  This is the case with their most recent issue (January 27, 2003) which ignorantly displays the Black Power Fist holding a fig leaf to highlight writer Walter Mosley's cover article calling for a new peace movement. Read!

The Latest in the Tulia, TX Case By Bob Herbert

Some tentative, very preliminary steps are being taken to address one of the great miscarriages of justice in the country the roundup and prosecution of dozens of black men and women on specious drug trafficking charges in the Texas Panhandle town of Tulia. Read!

Mamie Mobley, 81, Dies; Son, Emmett Till, Slain in 1955 By John W. Fountain

CHICAGO, Jan. 6 - Nearly 50 years after the death of her son, Emmett Till, who was murdered and thrown into a river in Mississippi, Mamie Till Mobley died here today, still clinging to the hope for justice. She was 81. Read!

Who Are You Calling A Bitch By Opio Lumumba Sokoni

Even though he was tucked away in the woods of Hickory, North Carolina we heard Congressman Cass Ballenger (R-NC) call Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (R-GA) a bitch. It is enraging to know that this public figure would open his mouth this way towards a congresswoman who has proven to be a brave fighter for the poor.  Read!

Marimba Ani Visits The University of Maryland by Jared Ball

Bolekaja! "Come on down, let's fight!" is the Yoruba phrase that opens  professor Marimba Ani's powerfully original and important book Yurugu.   And that is precisely what Yurugu and tonight’s lecture by Dr. Ani were  all about.  Read!