ProHipHop

February 27, 2005

Quick Takes

Radio dj Tim Westwood will host the UK version of Pimp My Ride, though earlier rumors had Dizzee Rascal as the host.

Like so much news regarding anything other than an album from folks related to The ROC, the information on Jay-Z’s S. Carter Academy is sketchy at best. However, it’s described as an educational center in NY focused on music, sports, and fashion which will open in the Spring. Some reports have this as a Reebok supported project.

Last week was the planned release for The Game’s fitted hat featuring Black Wall Street signifiers.

Whatever the deal with Lil’ Kim’s alleged crimes, it looks like her right to an impartial jury may go unmet. Of course, filling a jury with Lil’ Kim’s peers might be a bit difficult.

JT the Bigga Figga is interviewed at Rap News Network.

Posted by Clyde Smith on February 27, 2005 in Hip Hop Business News | Permalink

February 27, 2005

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Because of this weekend’s New York University event focused on the Public Enemy classic, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, a variety of news articles are running about the album. The New York Daily News has one entitled The birth of a ‘Nation’. While I’m usually simply annoyed by the weak puns with which editors love to ruin the headlines of their writers’ articles, this one is really strange due to the fact that it references the D.W. Griffith classic film The Birth of a Nation. Though an important advance in cinematography, the various alternate titles featuring the term “Clansman” refer to the Ku Klux Klan and the story line is a racist fantasy that elevates the KKK to heroic status. So what was that editor thinking?

On an odd personal note, the writer on whose work the movie was based, Thomas F. Dixon Jr., was briefly a pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC many long years ago. Tabernacle Baptist is where I went to church back in the day and I remember pointing out to my dad that boasting about this guy in church literature was not such a great thing to do, though my objections were never taken that seriously.

Posted by Clyde Smith on February 27, 2005 in Events, Media Coverage, Politics | Permalink

February 27, 2005

Awards: Oscars, Razzies, Césars, PLUG, Groovevolt, Wired

With the Oscars airing as I post this, the big questions seems to be, “What will Chris Rock say?” I’m so glad to see that guy doing well. He may well show himself to be a homophobic asshole in the long run, but he’s one of the best commentators on racial relations we have right now and that’s no small thing. Plus, a little controversy might be good for the Academy Awards’ rather uptight image.

Speaking of people I respect, Halle Berry surprised many by turning up to receive her Razzie award for bad acting in Catwoman and even parodying her acceptance speech for a 2002 Oscar. I’ve always been impressed by her willingness to take difficult roles, as she did in Monster’s Ball and to put her money where her values are, as she did with Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. I’m not saying she always succeeds, but I appreciate her willingness to take risks.

Official Site: Golden Raspberry Awards

Will Smith was awarded an honorary César Award, which he dedicated to Nelson Mandela. The César Awards are the French equivalent of the Academy Awards

The PLUG Independent Music Awards recently honored the following:
Female Artist Of The Year : Jean Grae
Hip-Hop Album Of The Year: Madvillain – Madvillany (Stones Throw)
DJ Album Of The Year: RJD2 – Since We Last Spoke (Definitive Jux)
Record Producer of the Year: Danger Mouse

Earlier this month, Groovevolt Music and Fashion Awards went to Kanye West for Album of the Year and to Sean John for Best Urban Fashion Line. The following are winners in the Hip Hop category:
Best Male Album: College Dropout, Kanye West
Best Duo or Group Album: Speakerboxx/The Love Below, OutKast
Best Song Collaboration, Duo or Group: “U Make Me Wanna,” Jadakiss & Mariah Carey
Best Song Performance, Solo: “Roses,” Andre 3000
Best Deep Cut: “Class Reunion,” Wyclef (featuring Monica)

Danger Mouse recently won a 2005 Wired Rave Award in the Music category for The Grey Album beating a strong shortlist that included The Streets for A Grand Don’t Come for Free.

Posted by Clyde Smith on February 27, 2005 in Awards | Permalink