Let's Talk Diversity : Race and Gender

As of yesterday, the Supreme Court overturned "Brown v. Board of Education". The Supreme Court's decision yesterday said that taking students' race into account when assigning them to particular schools violates Constitutional guarantees of equal protection.

But wasn't the Constitution in effect while slavery, Jim Crow and segregation in existence?

Its funny the NAACP wants to symbolically bury the N-word. But "nigga" isn't the problem. Its the "nigger" treatment we are forced to endure with rulings like this.

I wish it was that easy and that racism were a thing of the past. But its not. And how is an organization that still uses the word "colored" leading such a protest?

All this talk about hip hop's influence and town hall meetings with Oprah, and no one was addressing the real issue. Who even knew that this was on the table? We were so caught up in all this Don Imus hype and the very ruling that allowed many Blacks to attend better schools and even get into Rutgers University was at risk.

How will this ruling begin to effect higher education and affirmative action?


Another situation I want to tackle is a bit more personal. I'm having a career issue at the moment. I feel like I'm being discriminated against because I am a woman who knows my shit, lol. When it comes to sports and entertainment, I know my shit. My "dream job" is to be NBA Commissioner. I've always looked up to David Stern. Again I say "dream job" because not saying it can't happen but I am a woman playing in a man's game and its not but so many doors that will open for you. Plus I got a year-round tan, so 2 strikes. But hey you never know. It can happen. But if I knew at 18 years old, what I know now, I probably would have studied nursing.

But the problem I have encountered in talking with men, is that once they find out how well versed I am in sports, not just in stats and scores, but business, there's this intimidation factor that comes into play. I've encountered this personally and professionally while working for others, but never with my own business. Its a crazy situation I don't want to get into, but I just want people who are reading this to know: STEP YOUR GAME UP.

Its really time to we do away with the stereotypes we place on ourselves and others. And we need to address the real issues that exist in our society that really take a toll on our lives. We need to stop acting like they don't exist and or that they will just go away on their own.

Racism is something deeper, but sexism is really just a hang up that comes from you feeling inadequate and having a low self esteem. All these single mothers out here and men have the nerve to still be sexist. I don't get it. What's up with that?

If we're going to discriminate, let's discriminate against this type of stupidity.

But that's the HHM Friday Soundoff. Let me know what you think!

Oh yeah, Hillary 2008....

Jermaine Dupri, Mary j. Blige & Johnta Austin share Songwriter of the Year Award at 20th Anniversary ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards last night in Beverly Hills. (More Pics Here)

HHM Headline Links:

• Actors to Get HIV Tests for New Campaign
• Complete List of Winners of the 20th Anniversary ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
• "Make It Rain" Sells 1 Million Ringtones
• Olympic Gold Medalist Marion Jones Nearly Broke
• NBA Draft:Oden Inks Nike Endorsement Deal
• Lakers, Wolves Talking Garnett to L.A.
• 'We Got Next Summit' with Master P, Postponed to August

ASCAP TO HONOR MARY J. BLIGE: Tonight at the 20th Anniversary Rhythm & Soul Awards
Mary J. Blige will be presented with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to recognize artists and songwriters whose music illuminates people's lives through song, this evening in Los Angeles.

ASCAP will also honor the top songwriters and publishers of 2006. Special awards will be presented in the following categories: Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, Top Soundtrack Song of the Year, Top Reggae Artist of the Year, Top Ringtone of the Year, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song, Top Rap Song and Top Gospel Song.

ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 295,000 composer, lyricist and music publisher members.

WHITE HOUSE THROWS BLACK MUSIC MONTH PARTY
President George Bush hosted a Black Music Month gathering in the East Room of the White House on Friday, with special guests Dr. Dorothy Height and Black Entertainment Television founder Robert Johnson, whom Bush referred to as “my friend.” (Read More)

Weekend Fresh: Athletes Making A Difference

In the first edition of Weekend Fresh, we're highlighting upcoming charity events from several NBA All-Stars.

Check out this starting lineup:

Zo's Summer Groove

July 11-15, 2007
Location: Miami, FL

The premier celebrity charity event of the summer has become a staple in the South Florida community. Now in its 11th year, Zo's Summer Groove has evolved into 5 days of events to benefit the community and Alonzo Mourning's charity work and fundraisers have become a year round effort. For a full list of events visit www.zsg.com


Allen Iverson Celebrity Summer Classic
July 13-15, 2007
Location: Washington DC/Bowie, Maryland

The Allen Iverson Celebrity Summer Classic is coming up. Join A.I. and host of his celebrity friends for his annual softball game on Saturday, July 14 at the Bowie Baysox Stadium at 7pm. The official host for this year's weekend will be MTV personality, Lala. Other invited guests include: Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby, Richard “Rip” Hamilton, Lisa Raye, Vivica A. Fox, Brian McKnight, Alex Thomas, Jada Kiss, Floyd Mayweather, Yolanda Adams, Torry Holt, Marcus Hagans, Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Vince Young, Gilbert Arenas, The Clipse, Method Man, and Zab Judah. With more to added in the coming weeks. Other highlights will include a invitation-only kick off reception at ESPN Zone, with an after party at The Galleria in Washington, DC (open to the public, 21 and over) on Friday night, and the finale party on Sunday, July 15th at Lotus Lounge in DC. All proceeds go towards the Allen Iverson Student Athlete Scholarship Fund and The Crossover Foundation.

For more information visit http://www.crossover-promotions.com/


CWebb's Bada Bling Weekend
July 20-22, 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV

Chris Webber will host his 2nd Annual C-Webb’s Bada Bling Celebrity Weekend, presented by Cadillac, July 20-22, 2007 in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace and various locations. In addition to Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, other confirmed attendees include Nas and Kelis, Nia Long, Hill Harper, MTV personality Sway, NBA players Matt Barnes (Golden State Warriors), Juwan Howard (Houston Rockets), Bobby Jackson (New Orleans Hornets), Kyle Korver (Philadelphia 76ers), Scot Pollard (Cleveland Cavaliers) and former NBA players Doug Christie, along with his wife Jackie Christie, and Mateen Cleaves. This year, Webber will also welcome his Detroit Pistons teammates. The weekend tips off with the Celebrity Poker Tournament , followed by the Friday Night Welcome Party, featuring live performances by hip-hop legends Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick, with sounds by DJ Biz Markie. The high stakes Bada Bling Golf Challenge,takes place on Saturday morning. The Bada Bling Soiree!, the weekend’s marquis event, takes place Saturday night at Caesars Palace. Blue carpet arrivals begin at 7 p.m. for the cocktail reception. The Soiree!, featuring dinner, live entertainment, an auction, and post party, immediately follows. Raphael Saadiq, the multiple Grammy Award nominee and winner who brought the crowd to its feet at last year’s event, returns for another year. Tickets for the Soiree! are $1,000 and include attendance at multiple events. All proceeds benefit The Chris Webber Foundation. For more information on pricing and events as well as to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.cwebbsbadabling.com/ or call (877) 677-WEBB.


LA Stars Celebrity Charity Weekend
August 3-5, 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA

This August, LA Stars will host more than 50 NBA players and celebrities for a weekend of fun-filled charity events to include an evening of music, fashion, and casino games under the stars on Rodeo Drive (yes that Rodeo Drive!), a community renovation project, a carnival, and the weekend wouldn't be complete without a All Star Basketball game. That just wouldn't make sense.

In 2006, Magic Johnson passed the torch to LA natives and NBA All-Stars Baron Davis and Paul Pierce to continue the tradition. The first LA Stars Weekend was held the same year with much success. This year, the organization has added Gilbert Arenas to the team furthering its goal to rebuild, preserve and provide programs and resources to at-risk youth in the Los Angeles area.

Formerly known as "A Midsummer Night's Magic", LA Stars continues Magic's legacy of hosting community events to raise money for worthy causes.

LA Stars will benefit four main entities:

Team Play – The Baron Davis Foundation
Building healthy living and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth

The Paul Pierce Truth Fund
Creating a new community center in Inglewood, CA

Zero Two Hero – The Gilbert Arenas Foundation
Supporting single parent families

The Magic Johnson Foundation
Supporting youth through scholarship and health programs

Check out LAStars.net for more details and check out videos from last year's events. Visitors are also able to register on the site, create profiles, and upload their own videos.

BET Announces Full Line up for Tuesday's Awards Show

"The Main Event" will finally get underway on June 26th at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and will premiere live at 8pm (EST).

Mo'Nique (pictured left at last year's ceremony), will be back to as host with live performances and appearances by: Beyonce, T.I., 50 Cent, Ne-Yo, Ciara, Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Tyra Banks, Katt Williams, Big Boi of Outkast, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Sean “Diddy” Combs, Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Robin Thicke, Mario, Erykah Badu, Nelly, Fabolous, Vivica A. Fox, Charlie Murphy, Al Sharpton, Chuck D, Jordin Sparks, Tyler Perry, Nick Cannon, Michael Clark Duncan and Henry Simmons, and NFL superstar Reggie Bush.

BET will also honor Diana Ross with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Academy Award nominee Don Cheadle with a Humanitarian Award.

In case you miss the program and don't have TIVO, encore telecasts are as follows: Friday, June 29 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT Sunday, July 1 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT; Wednesday, July 4 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT; Friday, July 6 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT; Sunday, July 8 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT; and Saturday, July 14 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT.

Or you can go on YouTube for the highlights!

All Hip Hop: Fabolous Hits No.1
Bone Thugs New Movie and Watch Collection
Mims Teams Up With Dame Dash's BlockSavvy

ESPN: Garnett Not Going to the Celtics, He Prefers Phoenix

50 Cent Signed CD Charity Auction

Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has launched a celebrity mini- store on Swapedo.com - The Selling Tool for Social Commerce. Fans are now able to bid for an autograph CD with proceeds going to charity. Visitors may also purchase t-shirts, CDs, ring tones, create a Meez G-Unit soldier, win prizes and more.

50 leads the pack of popular stores. Other celebrities on Swapedo include American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee and singer/actress, Mandy Moore.

Swapedo.com, which launched in 2006, is designed to be a faster, easier and more cost effective selling and trading environment than any other available today. It is the world′s first and largest peer-to-peer social commerce network that enables users to buy, sell and trade nearly anything they want almost anywhere on the Internet. Users are able to create a free store to sell, buy, or trade items. For more information log on: http://www.swapedo.com/.

50 Cent's Celebrity Mini-Store

MOTHERS OF HIP HOP ARTISTS BAN TO CREATE A VILLAGE

By Talia Ashley
HHM Features Writer

People often wonder what Mothers of today's hip hop artists think. Here's the chance to find out, on a consistent-basis. The African Proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” There are women who take this quote to heart and have decided to act upon it. As a result, the Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation organization has taken root. MHHG or Hip Hop Mommas, as they are affectionately called, are both proud and enthused to take on the challenge of increasing the quality of life for young people, as they are truly our future.

The Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation is an organization created to streamline and place images and lyrics received in hip-hop and other hip-hop influences in perspective, for the audience. But also, they are not only going to hold conferences and speak, but they are also going to be a full service grassroots organization.

The Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation is not an organization created to attack the hip hop industry. The organization is founded on principles of help. The focus is not on the industry, nor the media. The organization’s pillars are centered on aiding the audience and generation, most influenced by the messages provided by any and all of the ideas generated by hip hop, as a culture.

The Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation is a grassroots organization. We are an international school system, prepared to not only aid in rationalizing issues raised and creating problems for youth, guardians, and others in need, but we also take on the responsibility of providing a working-curriculum to help youth spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and socially.

MHHG will host a Motherboard on-line network; establish a (Generational) G-Chat line and On-line network. Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation has partnered with Howard University, Darton College of Albany, Georgia, and other institutions across the nation, along with school county and city systems across the country.

The founders are:

• Ms. Cecillia "Ms. CeCe" Morris, Youth Mentor, Veteran On-Air Personality for WQVE Radio (http://www.wqvealbany.com/), Health Educator - Cousin to T-Pain and Cousin to Daz Dillinger, by marriage.

• Ms. Aliyah Najm "Momma Pain", Youth Mentor, Founder of Goldfire Entertainment, Mother to Rap Artist / Singer, T-Pain.

• Dr. Allean Varnado "Dr. Allean", Youth Mentor, Evangelist, Gospel Singer, Mother of Rapper/Producer Daz Dillinger of the Dogg Pound, Aunt of Hip Hop Icon Snoop Dogg.

They are quickly getting a lot of support from Executives in the Music Industry, Several Key Hip Hop and Rap artists, and Key Politicians.

RapperTrick Daddy has just signed on to be a major part of the organization. Other artists and rappers in support include T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Daz Dillinger, Mr. Serv-On formerly of No Limit Records, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Rampage, formerly of the Flipmode Squad, the Afroflow Tour starring Mike-E, of Def Poetry Jam, Dr. Roxanne Shante` and others.

Roberta Shields, Mother of Ludacris, and Sonja Norwood, Mother of Brandy and Ray-J, are in staunch support of the Hip Hop Mommas. And the list of artists, mothers, educational and entertainment executives, and other people from all walks of life grows seemingly every minute.

Additionally, other Mothers of Hip Hop and R&B Artists will be getting involved. This information will be leaked in the next few weeks via mass media.

For more information, please visit: http://www.myspace.com/hiphopmommas

About The Writer: Talia Ashley is a college professor, youth mentor, and a contractor within the entertainment industry. She is also a co-founder of Mothers of the Hip Hop Generation. Talia can be reached at taliaeashley@yahoo.com.

HHM Headline News

Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos Partner With Black Eyed Peas Front Man, will.i.am, to Design Exclusive New Uniform Collection

Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos has tapped Black Eyed Peas front-man and fashion designer, will.i.am, to create a new uniform collection exclusively for Hard Rock Hotel properties. His new designs will debut at Hard Rock's two newest properties: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi, opening July 7, and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, opening Fall 2007. Hard Rock will roll out the uniforms to eight other Hard Rock Hotel and Casino properties in operation or development in 2008.

will.i.am was on hand to celebrate these innovative designs last night at Get Ready to Rock!, a star-studded event hosted by Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in New York.

Recognized as a fashion-forward, hip-hop performer, will.i.am has earned his reputation as a talented fashion designer. He studied design at the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and then joined forces with Lor-e Phillips, a noted LA-based fashion designer and head stylist for Black Eyed Peas, in 2001 to create the i.am clothing line, which is a tribute to the funk and flavor of his music. Using the i.am line as an inspiration, the two have now collaborated on the new collection for Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, which comprises 27 uniforms for both men and women. The uniforms reflect will.i.am's eclectic vision and capture the core essence of the Hard Rock brand: providing guests with the ultimate rock star experience.

VIBE Magazine Chooses KickApps' Social Media Platform to Power Its Search for the Next Great Rapper

KickApps Corporation, the leader in hosted social media platforms, today announced that it was selected by VIBE Magazine the preeminent brand in urban music and culture, to provide the social media and viral video functionality for the VIBE Verses Rap Battle contest (www.vibeverses.com). Sponsored by the new AT&T, the contest challenges aspiring rap artists to submit videos performing their original lyrics over pre-selected music tracks. The ultimate winner, to be selected by votes from other VIBE Verses community members, will get a $10,000 cash prize, a full page profile in VIBE Magazine and a recording contract from Actual Eyes Media (http://www.actualeyesmedia.com/).

VIBE is the latest in a series of major media and entertainment companies to deploy KickApps, including BET, Universal Music/Interscope, Scripps Networks, and the Arena Football League.
Read more here

Learn the Ins and Outs of Music Industry Management: "The Art of Becoming a Music Manager"

Cool Runnings Management commemorates the 2nd year anniversary of the book, "The Art of Becoming a Music Manager", the definitive source for everything you need to know to work in the music business.

The book has been endorsed by Michael "Blue" Williams, manager of Outkast, at the 2006 Southern Hip Hop Conference and the Canadian Urban Music Conference.

In this book aspiring music managers will learn:

* The roles and responsibilities of managers

* An in depth understanding of the music business

* How artists can protect themselves

* The in and outs of contracts.

About the Author: Everett "Aquarius" Hardy established C.R.M. in 1998 in which his artists have opened up for KRS1 and the BootCamp Click.

Currently Aquarius manages Shorty Lokey aka"Queen of the South" out of Knoxville,TN.

For more information: http://www.coolrunningsmgmt.com/

Things To Do

June 23, 2007: Baltimore, MD - Melo's H.O.O.D Movement 3 on 3 Challenge. This Saturday, join NBA star Carmelo Anthony as he hosts his 3rd annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for boys and girls aged 10-18. In addition to the tournament there will be a "Family Day" with carnival games, food, and more. BET's Rosci and Big Tigger will host. For more information log on to: Melo's Hood Movement Myspace.

Across The Web: Ballplayers & Strip Clubs (FOXSports.com)

On the Mark: The strip club epidemic
Mark Kriegel (FOXSports.com)

First it was cocaine. Then it was steroids. Now it's clear that America's ballplayers have fallen victim to another insidious epidemic.
Contrary to the theory that athletes don't like playing on artificial surfaces, strippers have become the drug of choice for the sporting set.

Now, just months removed from his famous altercation at the venerable Minxx Gentlemen's Club in Las Vegas, Pacman Jones is wanted for questioning about a shooting near Atlanta's equally gentlemanly Club Blaze. There is, of course, no evidence that Pacman, who's been questioned by police a mere ten times in the past two years, has done anything untoward. Rather, this seems yet another example of the Titans cornerback's knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Apparently, he was there at Club Blaze, just him and his entourage minding their business and acting gentlemanly, when suddenly, at 4:15 a.m., there was a dispute over a dancer. Next thing you know, shots are fired a few blocks from the club. According to witness statements, Pacman's entourage fired at another crew, who felt obliged to return the favor.

These things happen, of course. Let's not get carried away. Pacman was not said to be at the scene of the shooting, nor is he a suspect. Better yet, unlike the Minxx shooting — which left a man paralyzed — no one was seriously hurt.

Still, some of you haters out there can't contain your incredulousness or your anger.

How stupid can this guy be, you ask?

But incredulousness and anger won't help the situation. A little compassion is in order. Pacman, currently serving a one-year suspension from the NFL, has a problem. Consider the Minxx shooting. According to police, the incident began when Jones started showering the strippers with $81,020 in cash.

Now you may wonder how a man physically gets that kind of money onstage. After all, how many bills will fit comfortably in the pockets of your cargo pants? But such a question neglects the fact that Pacman was beyond all reason. He had become silly with strippers. This is textbook addictive behavior.

And Pacman's not the only one. Alex Rodriguez leads a classic double-life, publicly extolling the virtues of therapy and marriage. But with every reason to know that the whole world is watching, he brings that busty blonde girl to the Brass Rail, a gentlemanly establishment in Toronto. Again, not the behavior of a rational man.

The stripper problem in sports has been building for years. To my knowledge, the only league that has taken action is the NHL, which admonished Mark Messier for bringing Lord Stanley's Cup to be fondled at Scores. But no one pays any attention to hockey, and so the problem continued to grow unchecked.

Nothing good happens in strip joints. Either the manager gives you up to the gossip columns, or you end up discharging your side arm in the Club Rio parking lot like Stephen Jackson. Or you wind up like Patrick Ewing, testifying in a federal racketeering trial that a Gambino-connected skell arranged for sexual favors on the arm, so to speak. (Just what you want from a game that's bet with a point spread). Then again, you could be Mo Vaughn, and roll your pickup on the way home from yet another evening at the ever-gentlemanly Foxy Lady. Or, like baseball's soon-to-be home run king, you find a girl in a strip joint and make her your wife. Everybody knows that turned out great for Barry Bonds.

But all's not lost. The time has come to talk about this problem that plagues so many. Not just ballplayers. Support groups would be a start. Just think how much Stephen and Barry and Mark and Patrick and Mo could have helped a poor soul like Pacman.

Truth is, a lot of guys can't handle this drug; they find freebasing less addictive. Being a star ballplayer doesn't protect you, either. No matter how much money you have, or how upscale and gentlemanly the establishment, eventually you reach a state of spiritual poverty.

Inevitably, you get to a place that feels like last call in Atlantic City. Suddenly, $81,020 worth of implants and banana lotion is not enough.

MARA BROCK-AKIL, HUSBAND PACT WITH WEINSTEIN CO.: ‘Girlfriends’ duo to produce film for shingle’s urban banner
*The Weinstein Co. has signed husband-and-wife producing/directing team Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil to a writing, producing and directing deal under its urban banner, Our Stories Films.

Their first project under the new pact will be a film about a woman who starts a business to investigate the mates of high-powered women after she herself is left at the altar. Mara Brock Akil will write the screenplay and Salim Akil will direct, reports Variety. The pair’s Happy Camper Prods. banner will produce.

As previously reported, Our Stories was created last year by the Weinsteins and BET founder Robert Johnson as the first label at a studio or mini-major devoted to releasing movies for black audiences. Our Stories president Tracey Edmonds said the shingle was attracted to the Brock Akil project because she offers "a smart, humorous but accurate perspective on modern-day singledom and dating."

The movie will reunite Edmonds with Salim Akil, who collaborated on her Showtime drama series, "Soul Food."

Mara Brock Akil executive produces and writes the ensemble sitcom "Girlfriends" as well as its spinoff, "The Game," both of which air on the CW. Salim Akil has directed numerous episodes of both series.

The Akils film is the second announced project on the Our Stories slate after "Who's Your Caddy?," a Big Boi vehicle about a rap mogul trying to gain access to a country club, which opens in July.
(Source: Electronic Urban Web)

June 18th JumpOff.TV | Hip Hop Newscast

Jump Off TV is a Hip Hop Media, Sports & Entertainment destination, featuring original video programming, a social network and the latest news & gossip.

With humble beginnings in 2003 as a weekly Hip Hop battle night in London's Mean Fiddler venue, JumpOff.TV has evolved into a leading global Hip Hop Sports Entertainment Brand at the cutting edge of the digital revolution.

Check it out at: www.jumpoff.tv

Hip Hop Moguls : An Introduction

The concept of this orginally started as a joke, but it evolved into something more over the last couple of months, something that can potentially have a greater purpose or make some type of impact outside of just entertainment.

This blog will be dedicated to the lifestyles and power moves of the Hip Hop Mogul. As an aspiring mogul myself, I am intrigued by some of these personalities and have studied them for years. So hopefully this site will do the topic some justice. Bear with me folks as we embark on this adventure together of producing a hot blog dedicated to the business savvy and swagger of various personalities of the hip hop generation.

I anticipate on hitting all the marks, making you laugh and making you think. Possibly leaving marks of encouragement and motivation that we tend to need from time to time. On a lighter note, I hope you enjoy this journey. I'm in the process of enlisting some very talented writers to join me on this quest, if you think you got what it takes hit me up at mailto:hiphopmoguls@gmail.com.Stay Tuned.....