PRESS RELEASE by the Worldwide Hip Hop Congress & Olympian “Marilyn King”
Olympian Thinking meets Hip Hop. From Beijing to Oakland, CA
On the heels of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there’s more going on than just sports and protesting. Two Pentathlon, Olympian, Marilyn King is utilizing this historic moment to deliver the message that everyone can ‘live Olympic.’ “We are going to deliver to young people the tools they need to make their individual and collective dreams come true.” A framework called Olympian Thinking focuses on the three factors present when ordinary people do extraordinary things. Marilyn says every Olympian and all successful people align the power that comes from Passion, the art and science of Vision and a commitment to daily Action.
In training for her third Olympic team, Marilyn was hit by a truck and unable to train physically. Using only mental training techniques for 7 months she placed second at the Olympic trials for the 1980 Moscow games. Marilyn intends to make what she discovered about exceptional human performance available to the young people of her hometown of Oakland, California, and then worldwide through the global Olympian network. “First, we intend to reach the inner city youth using music, and the Internet. Using sports, music, hip hop and online social networking we will deliver the inspiration, hope and tools kids need to succeed.”
Holding true to this concept, Marilyn is teaming with worldwide 501(c) 3 non-profit Hip Hop Congress which houses its national office in San Jose, California. The Hip Hop Congress provides the Hip Hop Generation and the Post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources and opportunities to make social, economic and political change on a local, regional and national level. Hip Hop Congress is the product of a merger of artists and students, music and community. HHC achieves this mission in a variety of ways. Marilyn met Oakland Rapper, President of RonDavoux Records and National Outreach Director of HHC, DLabrie through organizers from another Oakland non-profit S.A.V.OY (Stop All Violence On Youth). DLabrie is directing the development of a motivational hip hop song and video titled “Yes I Can”, that will connect with young people who are using Olympian Thinking and positively impact their daily lives and their communities. “Hip Hop Congress is all about building bridges between Hip Hop/Urban Arts, Education and Community Grassroots Action. We are in full support of “Olympian Thinking”, we intend to make this universal and empowering” states DLabrie. DLabrie with input from Melanie DeMore wrote this uplifting song based on Marilyn’s Olympian Thinking framework. The song, which was produced by HHC Artist Allseer aka Am/Fm of the group Wasaname An Nem, includes children chanting “Yes I Can” in the chorus. “Yes I Can” will be available online August 12, 2008 to raise awareness of the full launch of OT in Oakland on September 21, the International Day of Peace. DLabrie is designing the music component to inspire other versions of the message by young people and other established artists. “This will be a worldwide movement, bringing together Artists and Olympians from around the world to deliver the message and the tools young people need.”
Marilyn King will be in Beijing, China from August 12 - 20, 2008
Contacts or Inquiries in Beijing - olympianmk@gmail.com
Contacts and Inquiries about the song “Yes I Can” – olympianthinking@gmail.com
Check out “Yes I Can” Song and Video and get other information on
Marilyn King’s Olympian Thinking on These Websites:
Aug. 30: The 2008 DMC USA Finals
Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St. NYC 10013
(New York City) Hip Hop DJ History will be made on August 30th, 2008! The World’s most legendary and longest running DJ battle, DMC will hold it’s 2008 U.S. Finals from 8pm on at The Knitting Factory 74 Leonard St. New York NY 10013. Not only has DJ Slyce, 1997 DMC U.S. Champion, returned to the battle and taken the East Coast title but this national battle will also feature the youngest DJ to ever compete in any DMC battle, 7 year old DJ A-Kidd. Wait! It gets even crazier… this is the first year ever that a father and son will be the same battle. That’s right DJ J.P. Gunnz, DJ A-Kidd’s dad will also be in the DMC U.S. Finals!
DMC went back to the old school and held it’s traditional East Coast and West Coast finals as opposed to many regionals. The top four DJs from both battles were invited to compete on Saturday, Aug. 30th. DJs from the East Coast include: Champion: DJ Slyce (NJ), Runner Up: Emm Are (CT), DJ Solo (NJ) and DJ Esquire (NY). The top four DJs from the West Coast include: Champion: Mista-B (CA), Runner Up: DJ A-Kidd (WA), Tek Threat (CA) and DJ J.P. Gunnz (WA).
The 2008 DMC U.S. Champion wins a roundtrip flight plus accommodations to compete on Sept. 26 & 27 in The 2008 DMC World Finals in London, England, courtesy of Ortofon. He will also win the Rane TTM 57SL Mixer, courtesy of Rane.
More info on the line up to be announced but in the meantime pick up your $15 advance tickets now not only to support the scene but also…before they sell out!
DJs enter DMC with the dream of having their name listed alongside DMC champs like DJ Craze (3x World Champ: 1998-2000), ie.MERG (04 & 05 World), A-Trak (97 World), Roc Raida (95 World), Qbert, Mix Master Mike & DJ Apollo (1992 World), DJ Cash Money (88 World), DJ Enferno (2003 USA), DJ Klever (2000 - 2001 USA), P-Trix (99 USA), DJ Slyce (97 USA), DJ Swamp (96 USA), DJ Rectangle (93 USA), DJ Aladdin (89 USA) and many more.
Press please contact DMC U.S.A. Event Coordinator: Christie Z-Pabon toolsofwar@gmail.com for more info. Please visit: myspace.com/dmcusa or DMCDJChamps.com
Barack Obama is a civil rights advocate, a regional leader for social justice, a national politician and presidential nominee for the Democratic ticket. He has professed to listening to Jay-Z, has been seen politicking with Ludacris and adopted a theme song penned by Will.I.Am. His relationship to Hip Hop could best be described as “Love-Hate.” He admits he loves Hip Hop buts hates when anybody else sees them together.
I myself have a love-hate relationship with Barack Obama. I love the idea of Obama has President and hate the fact that he is an establishment candidate. I love the fact that conservatives try to label him a “civil rights leader” to scare away potential conservative white voters but I hate the fact that it is perhaps an erroneous label.
I have never heard Obama speak on civil rights issues such as the extreme black and brown incarceration rate, the exploitation of illegal immigrants or the gross misrepresentation of disenfranchised and underrepresented communities in the media. I have never heard him take a stance on reparations.
Obama says that he is vying for the highest office to make a difference in the lives of all United States citizens, which I find to be an honorable and respectable goal. But what has he done for Hip Hop lately or ever to deserve such a dutiful following? Considering the way in which we have supported his efforts, celebrated his victories and endorsed his nomination, you would think that we would have something a little more solid to cite for example as to why our community is so elated to see him in this election.
Even I have admitted and still concede that his candidacy is a ground breaking feat showcasing the immense impact that the Hip Hop generation has had on American hegemony and our social psychology.
He is not a revolutionary and his political record is reflective of that. Cynthia McKinney understands, responds to and addresses our communities issues in a sincere and pro-active manner. She is the best person to represent our culture and we should be 100 enough to state this for the record. Obama and McCain should not be the only choices we consider. In the past we have railed against a two-party system. Every other election we claim to be choosing the lesser of two evils, but this election, we have stayed collectively silent, casting disdain over those who refuse to co-sign Obama’s bid from the gate. I was once guilty of this and am now being received with disappointment and frustration for my change of heart.
I am all for Obama in the White House. But let us keep it real as we claim we do in Hip Hop. Let us say that we are voting for Obama because we have come to accept that America is a two-party system that we have to navigate through in order to create substantial change. And while I find that a sobering reality I am not surprised that the elder statesmen of this culture have succumbed to the very system that they once rocked the mic, b-boyed, bombed and put the needle to the record to rage against.
While the baby booming generation told us to free our minds to multi-culturalism, we did it and like our fathers and mothers we will once again conform in certain ways and watch our children kill themselves trying to fulfill our progressive fantasies. We have planted the seeds for a multi-party political system and for an economic system that is fair and moral, however, as history dictates it will be our children who push through the dirt to see the light of those dreams.
I can accept that reality. It’s a multi-generational truth. But lets just be honest about it.
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Krista Keating
Executive Administrator, Hip Hop Congress-National
Program Director, The Women’s Project
For Obama, celebrity endorsements can boost or back-fire
By Tamara E. Holmes
August 7, 2008 — With such high-profile hip-hop celebrities as Russell Simmons, Sean Combs, and Jay-Z publicly supporting Sen. Barack Obama, many political watchers and hip-hop activists expect the appeal of a black presidential candidate to inspire a higher-than-average turnout among hip-hop supporters. But while celebrity endorsements can give Obama a boost, they also have the power to hurt him, particularly if a celebrity attracts controversy.
“The hip-hop community can play a huge roll in the 2008 election,” says Shamako Noble, president of the Hip Hop Congress, an organization that encourages social, economic, and political involvement among hip-hop generation youth. “Obviously Barack Obama is the candidate that the hip-hop community and the black community relates to the most,” says Noble. “We’re finding that there are a lot of people who are very excited about the possibility of the senator as a candidate.”
The University of Colorado Denver’s Hip Hop Congress & fellow students will host its Students for Democracy Right Now event on Thursday, August 21st from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Auraria Campus’ Tivoli Student Union’s Turnhalle. Students for Democracy Right Now is a student organized event that allows students, political grassroots organizations, and elected officials to network, share ideas, and to discuss issues affecting the lives of Americans. The event will provide an opportunity for young voters to actively engage in the political process and to learn how it impacts their lives and their communities. Scheduled keynote speakers are Colorado State Representative Debbie Benefield, Terrance Carroll, and candidate for U.S. Senate, Mark Udall. The event will also feature Hakim Green of the Stop the Violence Movement and Morgan Wells on behalf of Hip Hop, representatives from student organizations, community development organizations and advocates, and a host of vendors and supporters. A wide range of topics will be discussed, including education, community service, and the importance of political participation. Students for Democracy Right Now is open to the public and is open to all ages. There will be opportunities to register to vote and opportunities to learn about various organizations around Colorado. The Tivoli Student Union is located at 900 Auraria Parkway in downtown Denver, CO on the Auraria Campus. ### For additional information and to find out how you or your organization can get involved, contact Thomas Evans at 720-341-7499
Even though I only met D.O. once, 5+ years ago, in Madison WI, gotta support. Check out his tour
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Toronto, ON - Art of Fresh, the funky hip-hop duo, is bringing their ‘fresh’ spin across Canada! Set to release their debut album Back To The Earth on September 2nd 2008, and they are hitting the road for a Western Canadian tour. The group, who blends their classic vibe with a new school twist of soul, will be touring for the rest of the summer opening for two time Juno award nominees Sweatshop Union.
Consisting of rapper D.O. (Defy the Odds) and Slakah the Beatchild, Art of Fresh maintain a unique and distinct energy. D.O. brings his rap and vocal talents to the group, his classic style rooted in his upbringing during the 80s. As a style that contrasts, yet compliments, Slakah the Beatchild brings his 90s influenced skill to the table as the beat-producer for the group. The combination creates a fresh sound - a little bit of soul and flavour mixed with a whole lot of hip- hop grooves.
“We are really proud of this album and hyped for our new tour! Back To The Earth is the product of our hard work and dedication to put out a sound that is truly unique. The album is a full of the butterfat boombap flavor that we are known for!” enthuses D.O., rapper for Art of Fresh.
Back To The Earth is a sound wave of ingenuity, creativity and pure urban flavour. The first single “Out This World” demonstrates the purity of urban soul. Full of catchy beats, driving rhythms and with a backbone of classic hip-hop roots, this single is sure to satisfy old school admirers as well as the new generation of fresh fans.
Both D.O. and Slakah bring an impressive portfolio of experiences and successful solo careers to Art of Fresh. D.O. set the Guinness Freestyle Record for rapping non-stop over 8 hours and 45 minutes, while Slakah has worked with such heavy hitters as Devine Brown, Melanie Durrant, Arabesque and Drake.
Canadian Tour Dates w/ Sweatshop Union:
August 1 Sun Peaks, BC Masa’s
August 2 Sun Peaks, BC Sun Peaks Resort (All Ages)
August 3 Invermere, BC Bud’s
August 4 Golden, BC The Lyric
August 5 Canmore, Alberta The Drake
August 6 Jasper, AB The Atha B Nightclub
August 7 Grande Prairie, AB Better Than Fred’s
August 9 Edmonton, AB Velvet Underground
August 10 Lethbridge, AB Suede
August 11 Saskatoon, SK McGuire’s
August 15 Winnipeg, MB Sonar
August 16 Medicine Hat, AB The Doghouse
August 17 Fernie, BC Fernie Pub
August 18 Kelowna, BC Doc Willoughby’s
August 19 Prince George, BC Rum Jungle
August 21 Nelson, BC Finley’s Irish Pub
August 22 Vancouver, BC Richards on Richards
August 28 Toronto, ON Harlem (Release Party)
Public Relations:
Nicola Krishna
Strut Entertainment
416-861-0387
nicola@strutentertainment.com
A great article by Bakari Kitwana showed up on Newsone.com
Here is a snippet
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Hip-hop’s critics, like Manhattan Institute senior fellow John McWhorter, use mainstream hip-hop music’s association with criminality and sex to dismiss three things:
• the political analysis offered by some hip-hop lyrics,
• the important political work of activists on the ground from The Ella Baker Center and The League of Young Voters to Industryears.com and Hip-Hop Against Police Brutality,
• and hip-hop activists’ legitimate concerns about the state of American youth.
Thus, issues like the need for affordable and effective education, housing and childcare, the inherent racial injustices of policing and prisons, and the lack of living wage jobs don’t receive serious consideration. Neither do the solutions that hip-hop organizers are proposing for them.
Such issues were raised last week at the annual conference of the Hip-Hop Congress, an 80 chapter strong national organization of independent hip-hop artists and grassroots activists that has been functioning for the last decade. They will be raised again this weekend at the third National Hip-Hop Political Convention, gathering in Las Vegas August 1-3. Reverend Lennox Yearwood, who heads the The Hip-Hop Caucus that recently partnered with rapper T.I. to kick-off a voter registration effort targeting youth, is also raising similar questions.
All three organizations, should do themselves and their movement a favor by articulating loudly and clearly hip-hop’s moral center: that hip-hop political organizers are concerned about the negative representations of women, that criminal lifestyles aren’t something youth should emulate, and that young Black, Brown and poor people are concerned about the future of their families and are committed to placing the interest of children first.
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A note from DLabrie and his new project.
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This is DLabrie your trusty NETW3RKER. You have heard alot of Music from Me. But I garantee you havent heard NOTHING like this. This is a MIXTAPE but its REALLY a STORY, AN ALBUM, A STATEMENT!! So make sure if I gave u this or you bought it… pop it in your car, home stereo, ipod, laptop…if u a dj play it on the radio or in the club!! Producers ask for acapellas. After that tell all your folks that the CD is as good as i say it is!! Much love!! u dont wanna miss this PRELUDE to my DEBUT…..MR NETW3RK!! Ask Around on Grannies its already in multiple cities. On Grannies, Slap this!! Tell People to interview me about it (or the million other things im doing),film me,bring me out to perform it,request it at stores or on radio, burn it for a dj, post it on your blogs and websites, support Independent music and cop it asap. It’ll be in stores SHORTLY!! Ask for it… Retailers Order more in BuLK this is a BAY UNIVERSAL CLASSIC. MR NETW3RK COMING SOON!! Love DLabrie
Some great presentations are taking place as I type. Cheri Honkala is here to show us more about PPEHRC for those of us who have not been exposed to it yet. Especially about the March for Our Lives.
Its 1230pm here in Biloxi MS and the Hip Hop National Conference is underway.
After an early morning closed session, the rest of the members have trickled in for an opening ceremonies of sorts. People are reppin’ from Sacramento, Ann Arbor, St. Louis, San Jose, Baltimore, Seattle, Albuquerque, Austin, Oakland, New York, and more. Lots of old friends, lots of new friends. Even got a letter in from big Jordan who couldn’t make it this year. Its gonna be a strong conference.
Not even the weather and potential off shooting storms from Dolly can hold us down. Pictures coming soon.
-Berk
