16
General Discussion / Mixtape DJs
« on: December 03, 2008, 03:40:17 PM »
Any Mixtape DJs in SA? like Green Lantern, Drama,Big Mike etc/
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17
General Discussion / RIP Dr. Nthato Motlana
« on: December 02, 2008, 12:16:34 PM »
Another Great South African leaves us. RIP.
Business hails Motlana
Lihle Z Mtshali Published:Dec 02, 2008
ICON: Nthato Motlana garnered numerous awards over his life, but the doctor and anti-apartheid activist is probably best remembered as the father of BEE Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI
Doctor, activist and father of BEE dies after long battle with cancer
THE business community yesterday mourned the death of Nthato Motlana, 83, widely regarded as the father of black economic empowerment (BEE), after a long battle with cancer.
Over his life the respected physician, businessman and anti-apartheid activist had received numerous accolades, including the Sunday Times Business Times Top 100 Lifetime Achiever Award in 2005 and the Financial Mail’s Little Black Book Lifetime Achiever Award.
Motlana led the formation of New Africa Investments Ltd (Nail), the first black company to be listed on the JSE. Nail had holdings in MTN, Metropolitan Life, Johnnic Holdings, the Sowetan and African Bank.
Kwacha, one of Motlana’s businesses, established the first black-owned private hospital in the country, Lesedi Clinic. He was also one of the founders of the country’s first black medical aid schemes, Sizwe.
Motlana had retired from active business life in 2006.
Soweto entrepreneur Richard Maponya said yesterday South Africa had lost a great leader who had contributed much to the present dispensation.
“I have known him for many, many years, from Sophiatown to when we all lived together in Soweto. At one stage he was the only doctor in Soweto, looking after all the people of that township,” Maponya said.
“I have lost a dear friend whom I trusted, but the country has lost a great leader. His contribution will never be forgotten, his name will live forever.”
Brian Molefe, CEO of the Public Investment Corporation, said Motlana was an inspiration to younger generations.
“He emerged as a leader during the most difficult times in South Africa. Not only did he lead the business community, but he was a shining example of leadership for black people.”
Neren Rau, chief executive of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the loss of an icon such as Motlana was huge. “We, as a country, are in a difficult situation as far as skills and leaders go.
“While he wasn’t beyond criticism, he stepped forward at times when the country was looking for leaders. He wasn’t too outspoken, but not too quiet either. He chose his battles well.”
Khamane Matseke, Motlana’s nephew and also the family’s spokesman, said: “South Africans can be truly proud of the incredible contribution Motlana has made. He has touched the lives of so many people over the years.
“He is a true inspiration for young people ... We salute you, Nthato, for showing [us that] nothing is impossible if you have the energy and the will to succeed.” —
Additional reporting by Zweli Mokgata
Business hails Motlana
Lihle Z Mtshali Published:Dec 02, 2008
ICON: Nthato Motlana garnered numerous awards over his life, but the doctor and anti-apartheid activist is probably best remembered as the father of BEE Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI
Doctor, activist and father of BEE dies after long battle with cancer
THE business community yesterday mourned the death of Nthato Motlana, 83, widely regarded as the father of black economic empowerment (BEE), after a long battle with cancer.
Over his life the respected physician, businessman and anti-apartheid activist had received numerous accolades, including the Sunday Times Business Times Top 100 Lifetime Achiever Award in 2005 and the Financial Mail’s Little Black Book Lifetime Achiever Award.
Motlana led the formation of New Africa Investments Ltd (Nail), the first black company to be listed on the JSE. Nail had holdings in MTN, Metropolitan Life, Johnnic Holdings, the Sowetan and African Bank.
Kwacha, one of Motlana’s businesses, established the first black-owned private hospital in the country, Lesedi Clinic. He was also one of the founders of the country’s first black medical aid schemes, Sizwe.
Motlana had retired from active business life in 2006.
Soweto entrepreneur Richard Maponya said yesterday South Africa had lost a great leader who had contributed much to the present dispensation.
“I have known him for many, many years, from Sophiatown to when we all lived together in Soweto. At one stage he was the only doctor in Soweto, looking after all the people of that township,” Maponya said.
“I have lost a dear friend whom I trusted, but the country has lost a great leader. His contribution will never be forgotten, his name will live forever.”
Brian Molefe, CEO of the Public Investment Corporation, said Motlana was an inspiration to younger generations.
“He emerged as a leader during the most difficult times in South Africa. Not only did he lead the business community, but he was a shining example of leadership for black people.”
Neren Rau, chief executive of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the loss of an icon such as Motlana was huge. “We, as a country, are in a difficult situation as far as skills and leaders go.
“While he wasn’t beyond criticism, he stepped forward at times when the country was looking for leaders. He wasn’t too outspoken, but not too quiet either. He chose his battles well.”
Khamane Matseke, Motlana’s nephew and also the family’s spokesman, said: “South Africans can be truly proud of the incredible contribution Motlana has made. He has touched the lives of so many people over the years.
“He is a true inspiration for young people ... We salute you, Nthato, for showing [us that] nothing is impossible if you have the energy and the will to succeed.” —
Additional reporting by Zweli Mokgata
18
General Discussion / FONG KONG
« on: August 26, 2008, 08:49:06 AM »
We all know that the Chinese have a bad reputation of faking ish. Hence eMzansi we talk of Fong Kongs after Senyaka & Kamazu’s ma**ive hit.
But the Olympics reminded people of the Chinese tendency to fake things.
First they digitized the opening ceremony. So, the fireworks that everyone was raving about were actually enhanced by some geeks with computers. I recall peeps on AG going crazy about the fireworks. (I’m sure we can pull something like that off in 2010).
And we later discovered that the girl everyone thought sung beautifully at the opening games was only miming. The real singer was not used as she was not very pretty acciording to the organisers and did not represent the image China wanted to portray to the world. Unbelievable!
Fake fireworks, fake singer. Does it really matter?
But the Olympics reminded people of the Chinese tendency to fake things.
First they digitized the opening ceremony. So, the fireworks that everyone was raving about were actually enhanced by some geeks with computers. I recall peeps on AG going crazy about the fireworks. (I’m sure we can pull something like that off in 2010).
And we later discovered that the girl everyone thought sung beautifully at the opening games was only miming. The real singer was not used as she was not very pretty acciording to the organisers and did not represent the image China wanted to portray to the world. Unbelievable!
Fake fireworks, fake singer. Does it really matter?
19
General Discussion / Groupie Love
« on: July 28, 2008, 10:48:58 AM »
What's up with SA Hip Hop groups Breaking Up all the time? Every week, a group splits up. Anyone noticed this?
Optical Ill (Logic and battle Kat gone)
The LandMynz (Mr C leaving the starting the Federation)
Saudi Westerns (giving Pro Kid the middle finger)
Cashless Society (I understand some old members aint rolling with the crew anymore)
Jozi (with Lu stabbing Ish)
The Monopoly (Young Zulu gone)
Entity
Nymphonik Bastards of the Universe (Lox is in J sec and I hear that he does not want to be part of the group anymore)
Hidden Force (ditching Hoodlum)
Township Frequency (showing Wikid the middle finger and Wikid begging them dudes to take him back)
I hear there’s more to come. I hear that the Glitz is about to kick out Zee Supreme and the Crackboys are about to ditch K9 the Pedigree and Bondizzle the Boss. And I bet groups like Groundworks will not put another record as a crew / a compilation again. + What happened to Life forces?
What’s going on?
Optical Ill (Logic and battle Kat gone)
The LandMynz (Mr C leaving the starting the Federation)
Saudi Westerns (giving Pro Kid the middle finger)
Cashless Society (I understand some old members aint rolling with the crew anymore)
Jozi (with Lu stabbing Ish)
The Monopoly (Young Zulu gone)
Entity
Nymphonik Bastards of the Universe (Lox is in J sec and I hear that he does not want to be part of the group anymore)
Hidden Force (ditching Hoodlum)
Township Frequency (showing Wikid the middle finger and Wikid begging them dudes to take him back)
I hear there’s more to come. I hear that the Glitz is about to kick out Zee Supreme and the Crackboys are about to ditch K9 the Pedigree and Bondizzle the Boss. And I bet groups like Groundworks will not put another record as a crew / a compilation again. + What happened to Life forces?
What’s going on?
20
Politics / HOPE FOR ZIM ?
« on: July 22, 2008, 11:15:54 AM »
Is this the beginning of a new day day for Zim? Let's hope so. Too early to get to tell, but things seem to be moving towards the right directions. With no intervention from abroad.
Hope in a handshake
July 22 2008 at 07:11AM
By Moshoeshoe Monare
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai have shaken hands for the first time in 10 years after signing a historic breakthrough agreement amid subtle tensions between themselves.
As soon as they pledged a commitment towards entering into a two-week intense dialogue for "an inclusive government", Mugabe raised concerns regarding Western interference while Tsvangirai pointed out government-sponsored violence against political opponents.
However, they both paid tribute to President Thabo Mbeki for the breakthrough after the stalemate following the controversial presidential elections runoff last month that saw Mugabe retain power for a sixth term.
'free of violence, fear and intimidation'
The memorandum of understanding signed on the 17th floor of a Harare hotel on Monday prevents Mugabe from taking decisions that impact on talks, such as convening parliament and forming a new government.
During the signing ceremony, Tsvangirai made it clear he did not recognise Mugabe by referring to him as "president of Zanu-PF".
He also made a humorous reference to his "winning party" negotiating with "the ruling party".
The two leaders initially did not shake hands until Mbeki asked them to at the end of the ceremony.
After a four-hour closed-door meeting chaired by Mbeki, Mugabe, Tsvangirai and minority MDC leader Arthur Mutambara signed the momentous memorandum at a press conference.
'There will be no need therefore for any European hand here, we don't want it'
One insider described the 17th floor caucus as tense and one that tested patience.
Mbeki had arrived first and said Mutambara would arrive second, followed by Tsvangirai and then Mugabe.
Mugabe demanded the same order be maintained during the leaders' address to the media, after Mbeki joked that he did not have a coin to toss to decide who should speak first.
The memorandum commits the leaders to put an end to "polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance" and to building a society "free of violence, fear and intimidation".
In the document, they acknowledged that "we have an obligation of establishing a framework of working together in an inclusive government".
The agenda for the talks, expected to start in South Africa on Thursday, includes restoration of economic stability and growth, sanctions, and the land question.
The political part of the agenda includes the new constitution, promotion of equality, national healing, external interference, free political activity, the rule of law, state organs, legislative priorities, framework of new government, security and media issues.
Technically, these were outstanding issues that lingered before the March 29 elections, and their implementation was suspended when Mugabe lost the first round of presidential elections.
The parties also agreed to help any displaced people to safely return to their homes, and that there would be an end to political violence and hate speech.
Ironically, shortly after the signing, tensions and rivalry resurfaced between Tsvangirai and Mugabe, with Mutambara playing a reconciliatory role.
Tsvangirai tacitly lashed out at Mugabe for the violent and economically depressing atmosphere in the country.
"We want to make sure every Zimbabwean feels safe, we want to share a common prosperity for everyone.
"There is no one who can claim he has a monopoly of the sovereign will of the people. Therefore, as we move towards these negotiations, I hope all of us who are signatory to this memorandum will always bear in mind the father and child, the people that have been brutalised, the divisions, the hatred," he said, pledging his commitment to the process.
Mugabe warned against outside interference - a perennial Zanu-PF charge that Tsvangirai is influenced by the West.
"As we embark on the programme of negotiating the way forward ... we shall be doing this as Zimbabweans, entirely as Zimbabweans - with the help of South Africa.
"In that, we cut off whatever (our) influence on us from Europe, from the US. We must act as Zimbabweans. We must think as Zimbabweans, do it ourselves, be masters of our destiny.
"If we do that, there will be no need for us to suffer under sanctions, no need for us to call on Europe to punish us.
"There will be no need therefore for any European hand here, we don't want it. No masters from Europe, no masters from America, no dictation from outside," Mugabe said.
Mutambara urged all the leaders "to put national interests before petty personal power ambitions".
Mbeki said no leader had placed any conditions.
"The (memorandum) was agreed unanimously without reservation from anybody - nobody has said 'I will not come tomorrow if you don't give me a cup of coffee'."
For a copy of the Memo of Understanding, see www.iol.co.za / www.thestar.co.za
http://www.iol.co.za/general/newsview.php?art_id=vn20080722062343407C333885&click_id=2646&set_id=1
Hope in a handshake
July 22 2008 at 07:11AM
By Moshoeshoe Monare
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and main MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai have shaken hands for the first time in 10 years after signing a historic breakthrough agreement amid subtle tensions between themselves.
As soon as they pledged a commitment towards entering into a two-week intense dialogue for "an inclusive government", Mugabe raised concerns regarding Western interference while Tsvangirai pointed out government-sponsored violence against political opponents.
However, they both paid tribute to President Thabo Mbeki for the breakthrough after the stalemate following the controversial presidential elections runoff last month that saw Mugabe retain power for a sixth term.
'free of violence, fear and intimidation'
The memorandum of understanding signed on the 17th floor of a Harare hotel on Monday prevents Mugabe from taking decisions that impact on talks, such as convening parliament and forming a new government.
During the signing ceremony, Tsvangirai made it clear he did not recognise Mugabe by referring to him as "president of Zanu-PF".
He also made a humorous reference to his "winning party" negotiating with "the ruling party".
The two leaders initially did not shake hands until Mbeki asked them to at the end of the ceremony.
After a four-hour closed-door meeting chaired by Mbeki, Mugabe, Tsvangirai and minority MDC leader Arthur Mutambara signed the momentous memorandum at a press conference.
'There will be no need therefore for any European hand here, we don't want it'
One insider described the 17th floor caucus as tense and one that tested patience.
Mbeki had arrived first and said Mutambara would arrive second, followed by Tsvangirai and then Mugabe.
Mugabe demanded the same order be maintained during the leaders' address to the media, after Mbeki joked that he did not have a coin to toss to decide who should speak first.
The memorandum commits the leaders to put an end to "polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance" and to building a society "free of violence, fear and intimidation".
In the document, they acknowledged that "we have an obligation of establishing a framework of working together in an inclusive government".
The agenda for the talks, expected to start in South Africa on Thursday, includes restoration of economic stability and growth, sanctions, and the land question.
The political part of the agenda includes the new constitution, promotion of equality, national healing, external interference, free political activity, the rule of law, state organs, legislative priorities, framework of new government, security and media issues.
Technically, these were outstanding issues that lingered before the March 29 elections, and their implementation was suspended when Mugabe lost the first round of presidential elections.
The parties also agreed to help any displaced people to safely return to their homes, and that there would be an end to political violence and hate speech.
Ironically, shortly after the signing, tensions and rivalry resurfaced between Tsvangirai and Mugabe, with Mutambara playing a reconciliatory role.
Tsvangirai tacitly lashed out at Mugabe for the violent and economically depressing atmosphere in the country.
"We want to make sure every Zimbabwean feels safe, we want to share a common prosperity for everyone.
"There is no one who can claim he has a monopoly of the sovereign will of the people. Therefore, as we move towards these negotiations, I hope all of us who are signatory to this memorandum will always bear in mind the father and child, the people that have been brutalised, the divisions, the hatred," he said, pledging his commitment to the process.
Mugabe warned against outside interference - a perennial Zanu-PF charge that Tsvangirai is influenced by the West.
"As we embark on the programme of negotiating the way forward ... we shall be doing this as Zimbabweans, entirely as Zimbabweans - with the help of South Africa.
"In that, we cut off whatever (our) influence on us from Europe, from the US. We must act as Zimbabweans. We must think as Zimbabweans, do it ourselves, be masters of our destiny.
"If we do that, there will be no need for us to suffer under sanctions, no need for us to call on Europe to punish us.
"There will be no need therefore for any European hand here, we don't want it. No masters from Europe, no masters from America, no dictation from outside," Mugabe said.
Mutambara urged all the leaders "to put national interests before petty personal power ambitions".
Mbeki said no leader had placed any conditions.
"The (memorandum) was agreed unanimously without reservation from anybody - nobody has said 'I will not come tomorrow if you don't give me a cup of coffee'."
For a copy of the Memo of Understanding, see www.iol.co.za / www.thestar.co.za
http://www.iol.co.za/general/newsview.php?art_id=vn20080722062343407C333885&click_id=2646&set_id=1
21
General Discussion / Black People and Horses ?
« on: July 07, 2008, 10:15:31 AM »
Since when are black people into horse racing? I guess this is a stupid question based on stereotypical views of people. and Sdumo was into horse racing a while ago. Anyway, the Durban July was on this weekend. A lot of people from J sec went down to Durban ( the BEE types). And a lot of Durbanites went there as well. But when you want to find out the name of the horse that won the race people give you puzzled looks. Like, “were there any horses racing?” ! Now, I hear that the after parties are dope. Has anyone ever been or know people who go to this event? Is it all about flossing (Cash and other ballers, where you at?) ? or is it just a good social event for meeting and chatting with people?
22
General Discussion / CAN RAP CHANGE THE WORLD
« on: June 27, 2008, 03:22:04 PM »
Column from the latest edition of the Economist? Deacon Frost, you have to read this. forget the Powell pics for a change.
Jun 26th 2008
From The Economist print edition
Can rap change the world?
“WRITING about music is like dancing about architecture,” intoned Elvis Costello, a pop star. So a columnist approaches the subject of hip-hop (which includes rap) with caution. One cannot hope to capture its sound or fury on the page. Instead, Lexington will ask what it signifies. Is it “pavement poetry [that] vibrates with commitment to speaking for the voiceless,” as Michael Eric Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University, believes? Is it “an enormously influential agent for social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilised to fight the war on poverty and injustice,” as the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), a pressure group, contends? Or is it mostly “angry, profane and women-hating…music that plays on the worst stereotypes of black people,” as Bill Cosby harrumphs?
None of the above, argues John McWhorter, in a new book called “All About the Beat: Why Hip-Hop Can’t Save Black America”. Mr McWhorter, a fellow of the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think-tank, is a hip-hop fan. He likens the group OutKast to Stravinsky. He admits that some hip-hop lyrics display an ungentlemanly attitude towards women, but he doubts that listening to violent lyrics causes people to behave more violently. If it did, there would be more opera fans stabbing their ex-lovers outside bullfights.
Mr McWhorter also thinks people take hip-hop far too seriously. Those who disapprove of it vastly overestimate its capacity to corrupt. And those who expect it to foster a political revolution that will dramatically improve the lot of black Americans are going to be disappointed.
The most popular rappers are brilliant entertainers. They have also done a lot to make people aware of the difficulties facing poor urban blacks. But their political views are neither particularly acute nor central to their work. Consider the hot album of the moment: “Tha Carter III” by Lil Wayne. Its central message is that if you are a rap star, you will get laid. The song “Lollipop”, for example, celebrates a young lady who treats Lil Wayne as she might a lollipop.
On the last track Lil Wayne does get serious. He laments that “one in every nine black Americans are locked up” and that “the money that we spend on sending a motherf***er to jail…would be less to send his or her young a** to college.” Troy Nkrumah, the chairman of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention, thinks it wonderful that Lil Wayne is speaking truth to power. But if Lil Wayne is to be taken seriously, it needs to be pointed out that his “one in nine” figure is inaccurate—it is true only of black men aged 20-34, not black Americans in general. And his analysis is simplistic: the government’s spending priorities are not the sole determinant of whether you break rocks or read books.
Earnest hip-hop fans often argue that “commercial” rappers such as Lil Wayne are beside the point. Hip-hop’s revolutionary potential is best expressed by “conscious” rappers who focus on important issues rather than babes, bling and booze. The Roots, a group from Philadelphia, are often cited as an example. Their message? “If I can’t work to make it, I’ll rob and take it. Either that or me and my children are starving and naked.”
But crime and starvation are hardly the only options. Even without a high-school diploma, a black man can probably find a job if he looks. And some manual jobs, such as plumber or cable technician, pay quite well. “It may well be that you can’t write much of a rap about training someone to fix heaters or air conditioners,” sighs Mr McWhorter.
Conscious rappers are often well-meaning. Dead Prez, a duo from Florida, sometimes toss apples into the audience to encourage healthy eating. But when it comes to more contentious political issues, hip-hop offers no plausible solutions; only impotent and sometimes self-destructive rage. In “Lost in tha System” by Da Lench Mob, for example, the vocalist says, of a judge: “He added on another year cos I dissed him. Now here I go gettin’ lost in the system.” The disrespect in question was a suggestion that the judge perform fellatio on him.
Fans love rappers partly because they strike such a confrontational pose. Dead Prez sometimes burn dollar bills to protest the evils of capitalism, and their lyrics accuse teachers of teaching “white man lies”. Mr McWhorter summarises the message of hip-hop as: “Things will keep sucking until there is a revolution where the white man finally understands and does a complete 180-degree turn.” This was true half a century ago in the segregated South. But today, it is nonsense.
The limits of protest
Some people argue that hip-hop is politically consequential because activists can use the music and the culture that surrounds it to communicate with young people who might otherwise shun politics. There is something to this. For example, in 2004 the superstar P. Diddy fronted a fairly successful voter-registration campaign called “Vote or Die”. And HSAN once co-sponsored a rally to protest about a proposed $300m cut to the New York City school budget. The cut never happened. HSAN trumpets this as a great victory. But it is hardly evidence that hip-hop can change the world. That $300m is a tiny slice of what New York spends on its schools, and lack of money is far from the main obstacle to improving them.
Civil-rights activists in the 1960s were inspired by protest songs, but the songs did not drive the movement. Political change requires hard and often tedious work, as the thousands of weary volunteers working for Barack Obama can attest. Incidentally, one might think that Mr Obama’s spectacular rise undermines the argument that a black man can never get a fair shake in America. But Mr Nkrumah shrugs that even if Mr Obama is elected president, he will be powerless to implement progressive policies because the corporate power structure will not let him.
Jun 26th 2008
From The Economist print edition
Can rap change the world?
“WRITING about music is like dancing about architecture,” intoned Elvis Costello, a pop star. So a columnist approaches the subject of hip-hop (which includes rap) with caution. One cannot hope to capture its sound or fury on the page. Instead, Lexington will ask what it signifies. Is it “pavement poetry [that] vibrates with commitment to speaking for the voiceless,” as Michael Eric Dyson, a professor at Georgetown University, believes? Is it “an enormously influential agent for social change which must be responsibly and proactively utilised to fight the war on poverty and injustice,” as the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), a pressure group, contends? Or is it mostly “angry, profane and women-hating…music that plays on the worst stereotypes of black people,” as Bill Cosby harrumphs?
None of the above, argues John McWhorter, in a new book called “All About the Beat: Why Hip-Hop Can’t Save Black America”. Mr McWhorter, a fellow of the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think-tank, is a hip-hop fan. He likens the group OutKast to Stravinsky. He admits that some hip-hop lyrics display an ungentlemanly attitude towards women, but he doubts that listening to violent lyrics causes people to behave more violently. If it did, there would be more opera fans stabbing their ex-lovers outside bullfights.
Mr McWhorter also thinks people take hip-hop far too seriously. Those who disapprove of it vastly overestimate its capacity to corrupt. And those who expect it to foster a political revolution that will dramatically improve the lot of black Americans are going to be disappointed.
The most popular rappers are brilliant entertainers. They have also done a lot to make people aware of the difficulties facing poor urban blacks. But their political views are neither particularly acute nor central to their work. Consider the hot album of the moment: “Tha Carter III” by Lil Wayne. Its central message is that if you are a rap star, you will get laid. The song “Lollipop”, for example, celebrates a young lady who treats Lil Wayne as she might a lollipop.
On the last track Lil Wayne does get serious. He laments that “one in every nine black Americans are locked up” and that “the money that we spend on sending a motherf***er to jail…would be less to send his or her young a** to college.” Troy Nkrumah, the chairman of the National Hip-Hop Political Convention, thinks it wonderful that Lil Wayne is speaking truth to power. But if Lil Wayne is to be taken seriously, it needs to be pointed out that his “one in nine” figure is inaccurate—it is true only of black men aged 20-34, not black Americans in general. And his analysis is simplistic: the government’s spending priorities are not the sole determinant of whether you break rocks or read books.
Earnest hip-hop fans often argue that “commercial” rappers such as Lil Wayne are beside the point. Hip-hop’s revolutionary potential is best expressed by “conscious” rappers who focus on important issues rather than babes, bling and booze. The Roots, a group from Philadelphia, are often cited as an example. Their message? “If I can’t work to make it, I’ll rob and take it. Either that or me and my children are starving and naked.”
But crime and starvation are hardly the only options. Even without a high-school diploma, a black man can probably find a job if he looks. And some manual jobs, such as plumber or cable technician, pay quite well. “It may well be that you can’t write much of a rap about training someone to fix heaters or air conditioners,” sighs Mr McWhorter.
Conscious rappers are often well-meaning. Dead Prez, a duo from Florida, sometimes toss apples into the audience to encourage healthy eating. But when it comes to more contentious political issues, hip-hop offers no plausible solutions; only impotent and sometimes self-destructive rage. In “Lost in tha System” by Da Lench Mob, for example, the vocalist says, of a judge: “He added on another year cos I dissed him. Now here I go gettin’ lost in the system.” The disrespect in question was a suggestion that the judge perform fellatio on him.
Fans love rappers partly because they strike such a confrontational pose. Dead Prez sometimes burn dollar bills to protest the evils of capitalism, and their lyrics accuse teachers of teaching “white man lies”. Mr McWhorter summarises the message of hip-hop as: “Things will keep sucking until there is a revolution where the white man finally understands and does a complete 180-degree turn.” This was true half a century ago in the segregated South. But today, it is nonsense.
The limits of protest
Some people argue that hip-hop is politically consequential because activists can use the music and the culture that surrounds it to communicate with young people who might otherwise shun politics. There is something to this. For example, in 2004 the superstar P. Diddy fronted a fairly successful voter-registration campaign called “Vote or Die”. And HSAN once co-sponsored a rally to protest about a proposed $300m cut to the New York City school budget. The cut never happened. HSAN trumpets this as a great victory. But it is hardly evidence that hip-hop can change the world. That $300m is a tiny slice of what New York spends on its schools, and lack of money is far from the main obstacle to improving them.
Civil-rights activists in the 1960s were inspired by protest songs, but the songs did not drive the movement. Political change requires hard and often tedious work, as the thousands of weary volunteers working for Barack Obama can attest. Incidentally, one might think that Mr Obama’s spectacular rise undermines the argument that a black man can never get a fair shake in America. But Mr Nkrumah shrugs that even if Mr Obama is elected president, he will be powerless to implement progressive policies because the corporate power structure will not let him.
24
Hot Traxxx / Local releases?
« on: April 23, 2008, 10:54:39 AM »
Not much local stuff coming out. (i know there is a lot of international stuff one can download. Half the stuff people recommend is a waste of bandwith)
Mr. C, when is the double disc dropping?
anyone with info on when Krooked (not holding my breath), Morale, B Sharpa, are dropping. and any thing from BAB (Tongogara's click)
and who else is dropping stuff anytime soon?
I'm just looking out for some local ish. HELP!
Mr. C, when is the double disc dropping?
anyone with info on when Krooked (not holding my breath), Morale, B Sharpa, are dropping. and any thing from BAB (Tongogara's click)
and who else is dropping stuff anytime soon?
I'm just looking out for some local ish. HELP!
25
Humour / Jokes / I'm Leaving. Good bye & Good Luck for the future
« on: April 15, 2008, 09:12:47 AM »
Mugabe is gone! Packed up his belongings (excluding the country) and headed out of Zim.
26
Politics / Mugabe clings on despite election defeat
« on: March 31, 2008, 11:10:13 AM »
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=335847&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/
Mugabe clings on despite election defeat
Chris McGreal | Harare, Zimbabwe
31 March 2008 07:16
Robert Mugabe was desperately trying to cling to power on Sunday night, despite his clear defeat in Zimbabwe's presidential election, by blocking the electoral commission from releasing official results and threatening to treat an opposition claim of victory as a coup.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said that what it regarded as the overwhelming win by its candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, was "under threat" despite growing support from foreign monitors for its claim of victory. The party also said it had "security concerns" after a police raid on its election offices on Sunday.
Tsvangirai made no public appearances, apparently out of concern for his safety.
Mugabe's spokesperson, George Charamba, warned Tsvangirai not to declare himself president because that "is called a coup d'état and we all know how coups are handled".
Sources close to the MDC said the party leadership had put out feelers to the military and elements of the ruling Zanu-PF to try to arrange a peaceful transfer of power.
Independent monitoring groups said returns posted at about two-thirds of polling stations gave Tsvangirai 55% of the vote to Mugabe's 36%. The monitors said there was no way for the president to win the election legitimately. He had even lost in his home territory of Mashonaland as well as other former strongholds.
A third presidential candidate, Simba Makoni, a former Zanu-PF finance minister who broke with Mugabe, took about 9%.
Zanu-PF also appears to have suffered losses in the parliamentary election with at least nine members of its politburo losing their seats, including the Vice-President, Joice Mujuru, and the defence, information and education ministers.
The MDC's secretary general, Tendai Biti, said the party was increasingly alarmed at the refusal of the state-run Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to issue any results. "It appears the regime is at a loss how to respond ... We are really concerned by this a**ault on democracy. The primary point of an election is a result. We think there is a constitutional threat to those results," he said.
The commission had in the past begun issuing results as soon as they were posted at polling stations, and collated them by constituency for release within hours of the vote.
The ZEC's chairperson, George Chiweshe, declined to explain why he was still not issuing results more than 24 hours after the polls closed. "This is a complicated election and we will release the results when we have them," he said.
Opposition supporters in some towns, including Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo, publicly celebrated but generally Zimbabweans were cautious, not quite believing that Mugabe would leave office after 28 years in power.
With more than 50% of the vote, Tsvangirai would avoid a run-off election although his proportion might yet fall below the threshold as many of the remaining results are from rural areas where Mugabe traditionally has support.
Biti warned there was still scope for fraud. He said his party was encountering new irregularities, including the sudden appearance of additional ballot boxes at polling stations where the count had been completed.
He also said MDC election agents had been prevented from attending the count at several polling stations where the results then showed Zanu-PF doing significantly better than in surrounding areas.
South African monitors said they believed the opposition had won but would hold off on a public statement until the official results were announced. The Pan African Parliament observer mission warned against further delays in issuing the results.
A British Foreign Office minister, Mark Malloch-Brown, said it was "quite likely" that Mugabe had lost despite "ma**ive pre-election day cheating". -- guardian.co.uk © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2008
Mugabe clings on despite election defeat
Chris McGreal | Harare, Zimbabwe
31 March 2008 07:16
Robert Mugabe was desperately trying to cling to power on Sunday night, despite his clear defeat in Zimbabwe's presidential election, by blocking the electoral commission from releasing official results and threatening to treat an opposition claim of victory as a coup.
The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said that what it regarded as the overwhelming win by its candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, was "under threat" despite growing support from foreign monitors for its claim of victory. The party also said it had "security concerns" after a police raid on its election offices on Sunday.
Tsvangirai made no public appearances, apparently out of concern for his safety.
Mugabe's spokesperson, George Charamba, warned Tsvangirai not to declare himself president because that "is called a coup d'état and we all know how coups are handled".
Sources close to the MDC said the party leadership had put out feelers to the military and elements of the ruling Zanu-PF to try to arrange a peaceful transfer of power.
Independent monitoring groups said returns posted at about two-thirds of polling stations gave Tsvangirai 55% of the vote to Mugabe's 36%. The monitors said there was no way for the president to win the election legitimately. He had even lost in his home territory of Mashonaland as well as other former strongholds.
A third presidential candidate, Simba Makoni, a former Zanu-PF finance minister who broke with Mugabe, took about 9%.
Zanu-PF also appears to have suffered losses in the parliamentary election with at least nine members of its politburo losing their seats, including the Vice-President, Joice Mujuru, and the defence, information and education ministers.
The MDC's secretary general, Tendai Biti, said the party was increasingly alarmed at the refusal of the state-run Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to issue any results. "It appears the regime is at a loss how to respond ... We are really concerned by this a**ault on democracy. The primary point of an election is a result. We think there is a constitutional threat to those results," he said.
The commission had in the past begun issuing results as soon as they were posted at polling stations, and collated them by constituency for release within hours of the vote.
The ZEC's chairperson, George Chiweshe, declined to explain why he was still not issuing results more than 24 hours after the polls closed. "This is a complicated election and we will release the results when we have them," he said.
Opposition supporters in some towns, including Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo, publicly celebrated but generally Zimbabweans were cautious, not quite believing that Mugabe would leave office after 28 years in power.
With more than 50% of the vote, Tsvangirai would avoid a run-off election although his proportion might yet fall below the threshold as many of the remaining results are from rural areas where Mugabe traditionally has support.
Biti warned there was still scope for fraud. He said his party was encountering new irregularities, including the sudden appearance of additional ballot boxes at polling stations where the count had been completed.
He also said MDC election agents had been prevented from attending the count at several polling stations where the results then showed Zanu-PF doing significantly better than in surrounding areas.
South African monitors said they believed the opposition had won but would hold off on a public statement until the official results were announced. The Pan African Parliament observer mission warned against further delays in issuing the results.
A British Foreign Office minister, Mark Malloch-Brown, said it was "quite likely" that Mugabe had lost despite "ma**ive pre-election day cheating". -- guardian.co.uk © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2008
27
Humour / Jokes / CASH vs SpaceVein
« on: March 17, 2008, 09:33:49 AM »
It feels like Kanye vs 50 all over again. Cash & SpaceVein are about to go head to head. Both are dropping their projects in the last week of March. So it’s the Crackboys vs SpaceVein. With the dismal sales of many recent local hip hop projects, this battle seems to have been created by both sides to boost interest in their projects. So, the battle is on to see who can sell more copies by the 4th of April (although some say for SA hip hop, the cut off date should be 4 April 2009).
Cash has promised to stop producing “ That Crack” if SpaceVein sells more copies than him. SapceVein on the other hand has promised to stop using Crack if he sells less that the Crackboys DVD. He even says he might take it further and consider no longer going out with white girls anymore if he is outsold by the boys pushing that White Stuff.
Covers below.
VS
It’s ON!
So, who's taking this one. The Crackboys or SpaceVein. I think the Crackboys have created more hype about their project & have a big network of dealers pushing that white stuff in JSec. But then again, everyone thought 50 would beat Kanye, so this prediction could be wrong.
More info available here: http://www.myspace.com/spacevein &
http://www.demcrackboys.com
Cash has promised to stop producing “ That Crack” if SpaceVein sells more copies than him. SapceVein on the other hand has promised to stop using Crack if he sells less that the Crackboys DVD. He even says he might take it further and consider no longer going out with white girls anymore if he is outsold by the boys pushing that White Stuff.
Covers below.
VS
It’s ON!
So, who's taking this one. The Crackboys or SpaceVein. I think the Crackboys have created more hype about their project & have a big network of dealers pushing that white stuff in JSec. But then again, everyone thought 50 would beat Kanye, so this prediction could be wrong.
More info available here: http://www.myspace.com/spacevein &
http://www.demcrackboys.com
28
General Discussion / SAMA Awards - Best RAP Album
« on: March 14, 2008, 04:05:03 PM »
NOMINEES FOR 2008
Best Rap Album
Hip Hop Pantsula – Acceptance Speech (CCP)
Jub Jub – My Shine (Bonzo Music)
Prokid – Dankie San (TS Records)
Zwai Bala - Christmas Carols 2007 (Gallo)
Slikour – Ventilation Mixtape Volume 2 (Buttabing Entertainment)
Molemi – Amantsi (CCP)
So, who is taking this? I have to be honest i have not listened to most albums on the list. so i cant comment on quality of the music. perharps base on singles. anyway, the judges dont seem to make their choice based on quality , but more on popularity. who are the judges by the way?
my bet is that Zwai will take this again. if he fails, HHP will get it.
Best Rap Album
Hip Hop Pantsula – Acceptance Speech (CCP)
Jub Jub – My Shine (Bonzo Music)
Prokid – Dankie San (TS Records)
Zwai Bala - Christmas Carols 2007 (Gallo)
Slikour – Ventilation Mixtape Volume 2 (Buttabing Entertainment)
Molemi – Amantsi (CCP)
So, who is taking this? I have to be honest i have not listened to most albums on the list. so i cant comment on quality of the music. perharps base on singles. anyway, the judges dont seem to make their choice based on quality , but more on popularity. who are the judges by the way?
my bet is that Zwai will take this again. if he fails, HHP will get it.
29
Politics / APOLOGY FOR APARTHEID
« on: March 07, 2008, 01:57:59 PM »
As you might know, the Human Rights Commission has recently stated that it is not too late for whites to apologise for Apartheid.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080228034706653C206125
Well,someone has / some people have written this apology.
We are sorry that our ancestors were intelligent, advanced and daring enough to explore the wild oceans to discover new countries and to concur and develop these.
> >
We are sorry that those who came before us took you out of the bush and taught you that there was more to life than beating drums and chasing animals with sticks and stones.
> >
We are sorry that they planed, funded and developed roads, towns, mines, factories, airports, all of which you now claim to be your long deprived inheritance so you have full right to change and rename these at your discretion.
> >
We are sorry that our parents taught us the value of small be strong families, to not breed like rabbits and end up as underfed,
illiterate shack dwellers living in poverty.
> >
We are sorry that when they provided you with schools, you decided it looked better without windows or in piles of ashes. We happily gave up those bad days of getting spanked in our all white schools for doing something wrong, and much prefer these days of freedom where problems can be resolved with knives and guns.
> >
We are sorry that it is hard to shake off the bitterness of the past when you keep on raping, torturing and killing our friends and family members, and then hide behind the fence of 'human rights' with smiles on your faces.
> >
We are sorry that we do not trust the government. We have no reason to be so suspicious and short sighted seeing that there has never
been a case where any of these poor hard working intellectuals were involved in any form of corruption or irregularities.
> >
We are sorry that we do not trust the police force and although they have openly admitted that they have lost the war against crime and criminals, we should not be so negative and just keep on hoping for the best.
> >
We are sorry that we basically flung open our border posts, and now left you competing for jobs against illegal immigrants from our beautiful neighboring countries. All these countries that have grown so strong after kicking out the 'settlers', you should follow their excellent example and grow big and strong like them!
> >
We are sorry that we don't believe in witchcraft, beetroot and garlic, urinating on street corners or trading woman for cattle, maybe we
just grew up differently.
> >
So sorry that when we are forced into sharing the same establishments, sometimes we loose our temper, that is totally uncalled for.
> >
We are sorry that your medical care, water supplies, roads, and your electrical supplies are going down the toilet because skilled people
who could have planned and resolved these issues had to be shown away because they were of the wrong ethnic background and now has to work in foreign countries where their skills are more needed.
> >
We are so sorry and should really try harder to be more tolerant and learn to get along with EVERYBODY around us, one big happy family.
> >
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_South%20Africa&set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20080228034706653C206125
Well,someone has / some people have written this apology.
We are sorry that our ancestors were intelligent, advanced and daring enough to explore the wild oceans to discover new countries and to concur and develop these.
> >
We are sorry that those who came before us took you out of the bush and taught you that there was more to life than beating drums and chasing animals with sticks and stones.
> >
We are sorry that they planed, funded and developed roads, towns, mines, factories, airports, all of which you now claim to be your long deprived inheritance so you have full right to change and rename these at your discretion.
> >
We are sorry that our parents taught us the value of small be strong families, to not breed like rabbits and end up as underfed,
illiterate shack dwellers living in poverty.
> >
We are sorry that when they provided you with schools, you decided it looked better without windows or in piles of ashes. We happily gave up those bad days of getting spanked in our all white schools for doing something wrong, and much prefer these days of freedom where problems can be resolved with knives and guns.
> >
We are sorry that it is hard to shake off the bitterness of the past when you keep on raping, torturing and killing our friends and family members, and then hide behind the fence of 'human rights' with smiles on your faces.
> >
We are sorry that we do not trust the government. We have no reason to be so suspicious and short sighted seeing that there has never
been a case where any of these poor hard working intellectuals were involved in any form of corruption or irregularities.
> >
We are sorry that we do not trust the police force and although they have openly admitted that they have lost the war against crime and criminals, we should not be so negative and just keep on hoping for the best.
> >
We are sorry that we basically flung open our border posts, and now left you competing for jobs against illegal immigrants from our beautiful neighboring countries. All these countries that have grown so strong after kicking out the 'settlers', you should follow their excellent example and grow big and strong like them!
> >
We are sorry that we don't believe in witchcraft, beetroot and garlic, urinating on street corners or trading woman for cattle, maybe we
just grew up differently.
> >
So sorry that when we are forced into sharing the same establishments, sometimes we loose our temper, that is totally uncalled for.
> >
We are sorry that your medical care, water supplies, roads, and your electrical supplies are going down the toilet because skilled people
who could have planned and resolved these issues had to be shown away because they were of the wrong ethnic background and now has to work in foreign countries where their skills are more needed.
> >
We are so sorry and should really try harder to be more tolerant and learn to get along with EVERYBODY around us, one big happy family.
> >
30
Humour / Jokes / THE CRACK BOYS ARE IN CAPE TOWN!
« on: March 07, 2008, 08:36:50 AM »
CRACK HAS JUST OVERTAKEN TIK AS THE MOST USED / ABUSED SUBSTANCE IN CAPE TOWN @ THE MOMENT.
CHECK OUT THE QUOTES BELOW.
CHECK OUT THE QUOTES BELOW.
Da "White" All of you mother f***ers should learn from that shit!!!All you underground cats stop frontin' if y'all ain't making shit about your art form/ creativity or otherwise, actually f*** all of y'all!
Like Cash said sometime but I'm add a more on this shit
, y'all can't tell me shit if you ain't making more than R200K pa, hahahaha mother f***ers!!!!
finish yo High Schools!
Universal rep EC niggaz, rep where you were born not where you grew up
Cape Town, Cape Town y'all mother f***ers can suck a dick!
That Battle of Gugulethu shit suckedY'all
a** !
Kaptin, that's a real nigga! This cat's gonna make it and probably make more money than the rest of you f***ers! This nigga is a hard worker sort of like Cash my role model
To Whom It may Offend, stay offended mother f***er!!!!
In the pictures posted by Dplanet, look at the crowd when ILS is performing
I went there and wasn't impressed at allTo all those who claim it was dope, what made it so?
Nice to sight ReArrangedReality there too.
F^!< that's my views,
One