Young Money rapper Drake is putting on for his city and even more so for himself with reports claiming he inked a major record deal for his October’s Very Own company.
Rather than sign through Cash Money/Young Money, Drizzy’s indie label has joined forces with Warner Bros. Records. Continue reading
Freeway said no one within the urban community would suggest a youngster to consider a job in law enforcement over more common employment.
“The answers by Rozay to being a correctional officer in thisRolling Stone article were BS, this is scripted to make it look like he had some struggle. No one tells you to go be a correctional officer before all the other jobs that build our community such as a Carpenter, Mechanic or Preacher. They especially wont say it when their son just got convicted for a long sentence behind unfair drug laws. They tell you get a job , and don’t do crime.” (All Hip Hop)
He also went on to ridicule the “Boss’” claim and questioned his logic.
“They don’t say “William my son is in jail for 20 years for a nonviolent offense, save yourself and go become his guard be a correctional officer.” William never sold drugs, so the whole idea he had to wash his hands is never cleared up,” Freeway added. “Why would you wash your hands for somebody else selling drugs, that you happened to know. Rozay needs to read Michelle Alexander’s book New Jim Crow to understand why that’s the case, and his real place in the crack epidemic. He also never tells us a name for this created friend. This is a disrespect to everyone who actually lived the game, people are serving 20 years all because they had to for survival and this guy is using my life and name this way.” (All Hip Hop)
Earlier this week, Ross’ Rolling Stone cover feature excerpt landed online.
For the first time, Ross talks about his past life as a corrections officer – an opportunity, he says, to “wash my hands” after his best friend was sentenced to 10 years for trafficking cocaine and heroin: “This was my best friend, who I ate peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches with, and pork and beans with, my buddy, my partner, my number-one dude. Suddenly I’m talking to him over federal phone calls. Hearing the way it was building, I knew I couldn’t take nothing for granted,” says Ross. “My homey’s father was a huge influence on my life, too . . . He was the one who was like, ‘Yo, go get a job somewhere, man. Go be a fireman. Or go be a f*cking corrections officer. Just go sit down somewhere.” (Rolling Stone)
Last summer, Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel defended Ross in light of corrections officer criticism.
“I just don’t think he should have lied about it,” Sigel said in an interview. “He should have just kept it real. He had a j-o-b. He was gigging. He probably took that job to be in a position where as though he had people in there that he could look out for. My mom was a correctional officer. When I went to jail, there was n*ggas who had the will. Life. Never coming home…” (Forbez DVD)
Courtesy SOHH
In a world where believing in something is one of the hardest things to do, I think we can all agree that anyone who believes in anything enough that he/she would give his/her life for that cause, is a person worthy of respect and honor. I mean, ask yourself, where in your life have you ever shown as much conviction?
We’ve all dared to debate the quality of our freedom (politics, taxes, leadership, etc.), but some of us pick up arms, leave their families behind, and make the ultimate sacrifice to maintain that freedom. It’s not new. The warrior has emerged in every culture and every society since the beginning of man and conflict. But this post…
…honors those who live with the memories of the warrior; and have more time than most…to ponder the price of freedom.
The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time.
The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of ‘Cat,’ and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. ‘I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,’ she said. ‘I think that’s what he would have wanted’ . Her husband was 2nd Lt. James Cathey.
Powerful.
In this episode of American Greed…
Crime Scene
A gruesome discovery revealed Lock’s real secrets were buried right in his own back yard. Two bodies were found at a home he once owned. As one team of investigators digs into the graves …another digs into Lock’s past.
American Greed takes you inside a deadly tale of greed
Korey Bowie continues to destroy the genre boxes that he is constantly being placed in. A worship leader, songwriter and producer for artists ranging from CeCe Winans to Angie Stone, he refuses to be bound by a culture influenced by religious and secular tradition. Korey’s sophomore album, Life & Love, Vol. 2: Love Making Music, addresses the reality of love. The inspiration for this album was drawn from the lack of acknowledgement of healthy relationships from a Christian and music lover’s perspective. It includes the good and not so pleasant challenges that come with love. Love Making Music tells the story of love in every phase: dating, commitment, marriage, conflict, and conflict resolution.
Click The Image to Download…
I would call the death of a 17 year old boy tragic under just about any circumstances I can think of. My choice of words would not be effected by the race, creed, or culture of the victim. Since the incident occurred, I’ve heard countless reports, re-tellings, statements of rage, and excuses as to why/how this whole thing even happened; And quite frankly…I’m sickened by the whole damn thing. Each time there’s a violent incident in the U.S. where injustice is called into question, the citizens of this country create the same polarized atmosphere that brings up discussions/debates on everything from race matters to the legality of owning weapons, and everything that pops up in between. Every civil rights lawyer, lobbyist, racist with an agenda and asshole with a sounding board (including me) jumps up to muddy the already murky water. Somewhere in the process, there are real people that get lost in the shuffle, and when no one’s looking, they end up surrounded by silence, nursing memories and trying to move on with their lives; and in the end, the very fiber of America is effected. Maybe just this one time we could cut through a little of sensationalist red tape and eliminate a whole lot of the inflammatory comments that will be re-broadcast a million times in front of useful information that could be used to move the situation, and the people of the affected communities forward.
Let’s start by acknowledging some of the basic truths about ourselves as American people:
Let’s be clear, I’m not anti-American, I’m not anti-guns, and I spend a great deal of time advocating for justice. I am a man who has been an American my whole life, and I can’t think of a single day that these three things weren’t true; and the circumstances around Trayvon Martin’s murder, unfortunately, won’t change that. However, in every instance that our nation is plunged into these turbulent circumstances, whether it’s 911, a school shooting, or some other heinous crime; there comes an opportunity to challenge and explore our own individual humanity, and ask ourselves…what IS just?
In order to pursue justice, don’t we first have to pursue the truth? As citizens that elect/employ individuals to protect and serve our interests, are we even interested in the level of integrity those appointed conduct themselves with? Don’t we want to believe that if we found ourselves in a difficult situation, whether as victims or perpetrators of crimes, that the truth would be sought, as well as a solution that best serves the interests of the whole community? Does our America really include justice for all?…or is that just something that sounds sweet when recited in a pledge?
I don’t pretend to know what happened that night. I wasn’t there and I don’t have all of the facts. I know that there are two sides to every story, and we’ve only heard bits and pieces. I know that there are no instances where two people are involved where both don’t play some role in the outcome. I know Trayvon is dead. I know George Zimmerman is alive…and I know the truth is still buried.
This situation challenges us all because it forces us to revisit some very painful and very American issues. We know that there has always been a double standard on justice. We don’t like to say it out loud or take ownership of it…but we all know it’s true. In America, justice can be bought, delayed, ignored, an even fabricated. There are wayyy too many tools created for this sole purpose. It’s why we have so many laws written with so many words, it’s why we have so many lawyers, it’s why we have so many jails, so many politicians, so much crime, and so little real justice. This is the double standard that defines America: Create justice for some while committing a blatant injustice against others. It was Columbus’ America, it was Geronimo’s America, it was Jesse James’ America, it was Abe Lincoln’s America, it was Jim Crow’s America, and now we have to decide if it’s Travon Martin’s America.
Be Human. Be Honest. Be Just.
I.B.Edubl
Rapper/actor Clifford Harris a.k.a. T.I. has signed up to star alongside Kelsey Grammer who plays a ruthless Chicago mayor in the drama series “Boss”. The second season has just begun production. In his season-long arc character, T.I. will play Trey, ex gangbanger who aspires for a career in politics in Chicago’s City Hall.
Deadline.com said:
“He is the conduit between a local Alderman and the only group powerful enough to function as a grassroots organization in the projects – gangs.”
Tip has had prior acting experience in the 2010 movie, “Takers” where he acted alongside big names like Chris Brown, Idris Elba Hayden Christensen and Matt Dillon. The rapper currently has his own reality show in VH1: “Family Hustle”.
Will you watch Tip’s action in “Boss”?
UML has always been focused on bringing you the best that the Mogul spirit has to offer. And what screams Urban Mogul louder than someone who hustles to turn their dreams and ideas into realities? Independent movies and short films were on our radar from the very beginning, but just never seemed to make it to the page as much as I or Danny P. would’ve liked. I’ve developed a growing list of films from scouring the web, browsing YouTube, and even a few submissions that will be showcased here at UML.
Today’s featured short film is This Time. A Narrative Short directed by Matthew Cherry, and starring and written by Reagan Gomez. ”This Time” is the story of Kevin (Michael Moss), a recently returned Iraqi War Veteran, and his quest to win back his one true love, Cheyenne (Reagan Gomez). His first night back in town he meets up with his friends and finds out that she is engaged to a successful business man, Daniel (Sinorice Moss), and is to be married the very next day. Kevin runs into Cheyenne and her sister, Janet (Terri J. Vaughn), and confronts her about her decision; forcing her to make a choice. It’s only about 15 minutes, so kick back for a minute and treat yourself to a little popped corn or somethin’. It’s a couple of years old, but most of these flicks are extremely under exposed anyway. If you like it, there’s more information available at the official This Time Movie Blog. Enjoy!
DMX is definitely back these days, making his rounds. His latest interview comes from an appearance on New York morning radio show The Breakfast Club on Power 105.1 — where he speaks on a variety topics such as his disliking of other artists, who he does like and rumors the public has been hearing over the years.
During the candid chat, the legendary rapper spokes about his conflict with Def Jam, which he says stems from Jay-Z being the artist and the Def Jam President.
X said he feels that Jay-Z tried to “eliminate the competition” during his time as the label’s president, which resulted in the relationship deteriorating.
“I see what’s really good. You trying to eliminate the competition,” the rapper said Jay. “At first you retire, then get me off the label and now you’re back rapping again. That was just some bullsh**. You know what it is. That was getting rid of the competition.”
As far as other rappers, DMX revealed that he’s not feeling Drake, despite his status as a superstar, saying he’s doesn’t like “anything about Drake” and added that he is not impressed by Rick Ross either.
“I’m just not impressed, real talk,” DMX said when asked about Rick Ross’ lyrical skills. “He’s aight, man. He talks about eating and girlfriends too much. How much can a n**** eat? How much weed can you smoke? Let’s talk about something else… you got the Maybach, the Aston Martin. Ok! I see a whole ‘nother side of the coin, son.”
When asked, point blank, if he like Drizzy, X replied, “No,” adding: “I don’t like anything about Drake. I don’t like his f***ing voice. I don’t like what he talks about. I don’t like his face. I don’t like the way he walks. Nothing. I don’t like his haircut … let me just shut up…”
So, who does DMX like? J. Cole… saying, “J. Cole is nice.”
Well, another Valentine’s Day is upon us. Ever since I stopped passing out little envelopes and suckers to the whole class in elementary school, the meaning of Valentine’s Day has taken on a number of different meanings. In my teen years it was an opportunity to lure Young Cuties into “the Web”; as a young adult, it was a chance to hone my Super Smooth Mack Moves, and as an adult…it became an all out responsibility!!
That’s right….I said it. I know some of you guys are thinking the same thing…you just don’t dare say it out loud. Hell, making sure you do good by your sweetie on February 14th ends up falling on the same list as going to your bi-annual dentist appointment and cleaning out the gutters. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got no problem with making sure my “Special Someone” feels loved…but I do have an issue with having to jump through hoops and do a song and dance just because the calendar says it’s February 14th and my girlfriend doesn’t want to have ‘That Look’ on her face when her girlfriends ask what I did for her on Valentine’s Day!!
Ladies won’t admit it, but it’s the god’s honest truth. We’ve all seen our friends and other couples have those long few
days from February 15th to February 20th (depending on how many times she had to tell the story of how you forgot or bought her a lame a$$ toaster) where an otherwise happy relationship turns into a dead zone because of those infamous V-Day events. Hell…I’ve even seen people break up! Well…I’ve got a few Real Mogul-Life suggestions to take the sting out of Valentines Day, and add some much needed Love & Affection to any relationship….Mogul Style:
The two of you will have secret reasons to smile for weeks to come.
Happy Valentines Day Moguls
Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.
Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.
At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.
“I think, just that level of luxury is just inspiration for people who started, like myself, who just looked and fantasized,” Ross told MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway while on a Miami video set this past weekend. “I look at it as it makes the brand even more exclusive now. I think the cars are going to become even more expensive now, so everybody who has one, hold on to it for a little while.”
Ross started repping for the high-end Mercedes on his 2008 sophomore album Trilla when he collaborated with Jay-Z on “Maybach Music.” He has since gone on to take ownership of the Maybach brand, at least as far as hip-hop is concerned. In 2011, Ross took his Maybach Music Group imprint over to Warner Music Group and has since launched the career of Meek Mill and reintroduced Wale to the rap world with his sophomore album Ambition. The crew all wear MMG chains and shout out Maybach at every instance, making them quite the force in today’s rap scene.
When Diamler announced in November that they’d be discontinuing the Maybach model, which fetched anywhere from $350,000 to more than $1 million, many wondered how that would affect the Rozay’s MMG label. Fans need not worry, the Bawse will not be shifting gears. Maybach Music is here to stay, he says.
“When we say Maybach Music, it’s not about the car, it’s just about the level of quality and the time that we put into the sound and that was just a way to express it where people could really understand it,” he said. “We done got a lot of love, so shout out to everybody that support double M-G.”
Courtesy Of Keep it Trill
The visionary behind the Soul Train Franchise was found dead this morning at his home in California from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Don Cornelius changed the face of television and the industry of music by creating a TV show specifically for the black audience. Prior to Soul Train, there was no such music programming on television. Soul Train, which first aired in Chicago (locally) in 1970, quickly became a popular platform for the hottest Soul/R&B artists. The show aired nationally from 1971-206. Not only did it introduce many of the top artists to television, but it also showcased the “Hip” culture of Black America. While performers such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Barry White graced the stage, viewers could also enjoy watching teenagers dressed in the latest fashions groovin’ to the music. It was like a Saturday morning House party with top notch entertainment…and everyone was invited. Mr. Cornelius will always be remembered for his contributions to music, TV, and Black culture. UML salutes you.
