From the bottom to the top ::: 3 SEWING MACHINES AND A MIC.....

A time existed when struggle appeared to be all you will ever have and that you had no way out. A time when you struggled and stayed in the same cesspool you fought to swim out of. That time is long gone! Although it may seem that you have to struggle and that you are struggling and are making close to no scratches against time and plan. You have to persevere and beat out all odds, you have to apply your dream, if you do not have one wake up and think very hard about what it was like when you were sleeping. Out of that you will be able to find your dream, your focus, your goals.

Jay-Z is the epitome of someone that has awaken from a slumber in the ghetto. To riches beyond imaginations. He has broken expectations, others and his own. He has broken down barriers once put up to stop someone like him. He continues to grow and seek out opportunity so that he can give back to the world around him.

All of this started with a Microphone, and a vision of rocking out stages across the city known as New York. Sure there were pitfalls and times it did not seem as if the artist known as Jay-Z would ever make it. You will face it to. However if you don't stop and stay focused you too, can take your dream far.

Remember folks with ambitions, tenacity, perseverance, goals, vision, and plan, anything you want will be yours. For Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, it started with the Microphone, moved into 3 sewing machines, then the rest is reality. History is being made, where will you leave your mark?


Here is a clip from Jay-Z on the couch with PBS personality Tavis Smiley:

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter Calls for Change in Miami -

Shawn" Jay-Z" Carter, hits the stage performs his hits, back to back, and then he prompts the crowd to take a brief look at the political landscape.

As pictured here he is performing and in the middle of his performance he promotes Barack Obama and his campaign for change. Encouraging his fans to go out and vote for change in this country. According to reports :

"After a few unexpected cameos by rappers Young Jeezy, Kanye West and Timbaland, a life-size photo of President George W. Bush appeared on the screen as Jay-Z asked the crowd: ”Are you ready for change?” The Bush photo was then replaced with that of Obama. Thunderous applause followed."

Real Throwback::: Rakim- Guess who's Back?

A time existed when Lyrics mattered to the population, and garbage was not the main course, MC Hammer was getting booted off world stage. Rakim ruled the mic and soulja Boy was in preschool, and the Ying Yang twins were figuring out what to do with their lives.

This is what music is all about, not about the diamonds, the cars, the houses, the women, and the fame, but the lyrics. Rakim brought you this, and depicted colorful ideas in deep metaphor, grounded by his street wisdom and book smarts, it made him a huge figure in the Rap World, and remains the prototype to many, minus the bubble gum rappers, and the studio gangsters. From Jay-Z, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Nas(major influence in his delivery), The Game, Lloyd Banks, and yes even 50cent.


Enjoy!

Crossover 2008- Is Hip Hop Deceased

Here is a Hip Hop Classic from 1982 that holds Entertainment, preferably hip hop at the time, up to a Microscope. The Red Tape and the BS attached to being in showbiz is poetically laced across the track.

Is Hip Hop Dead? Has the Artform itself dwindled down to just keeping it simple? When I was introduced to Rap, it was its complexity that grabbed my attention and held it for a long time. Although I would be considered old School by my peers, for enjoying such acts as EPMD, it was about the lyrics. It is almost as if they have predicted the current status, at which the art form lives on.

Minus e a few artist; such as Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, Ludacris(iffy on this one), Rakim( long live the R), Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, The roots, Emminem( thank you for keeping true to yourself) and a few unmentioned to save time, but none the less loved. The Music, has dwindled down to gimmicks, and a lack luster approach to lyrical content.

Although we lost two of the greatest Era Defining artist of the 21st century before the millennium even hit. TUPAC AMURA SHAKUR and Christopher Wallace, has defined an era and has influenced many. However it seems that the objective by the current Hip Hop generation, is to emulate the profane language and the gangster appeal, with no moral reasoning. It is as if they did not hear the complete albums that their predecessors produced.

However ever it may be to you, Super man that **, and Drop it like its hot, its highly entertaining, and do not doubt its appeal, but if this is all that is being allowed to the masses, then their is a problem. This is basicaly the POP Music of Hip Hop, not what MC Hammer or Will Smith Produce but this, and it has a negative effect on the Global Community.

With out Further delay. True to the meaning of Entertainment Politics... Here is the Classic Crossover, Enjoy:

Entertainment News

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The  president of Def Jam has decided to step down and move forward with new ideas. The Mogul behind Rap Label Roc-a-Fella records and Rocawear clothing, has decided to call it quits as head of the Hip Hop Empire Def Jam records. Mr. Carter will focus on re-branding and realignment of his immediate projects.

There is some talk in the air about Jay-Z, going over to Apple and Working on a new digital platform to release his music and future artist. Although I see Mr. carter in debt to Def Jam for two more Albums. I see no longer less than 1 more year and no greater than 3  years, to produce two more Classic Albums.

However you see fit, the  Hip Hop; Fashion, Real Estate,  Music, Venture Capitalist . Is taking his Entrepreneur Swagger to the future. I suggest that the rest of you catch up and start stuffing your stocking for 2008, because next winter will be cold, your kids should have treats, from early planning.