« 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 19 20 »

KBBTV: A Conversation With Ma Dukes (RIP J-Dilla) 

Dilla Day 2012 in Boston was very special. Soulkore Productions' celebration included live performances, a show of Dilla inspired art, Maureen Yancey, (Ma Dukes) sat down with KBBTV and spoke in depth about her son's early life. covered everything from the first sign of his love of music, how the family's musical atmosphere influenced his work, his love of classical music, how she tried to persuade him into a career in science and the R&B legend who almost kept the Ummah from forming.

Added by: Chinita, 27/Feb/12 | Comments: 0

Misuse of Political & Economic Terms 



The following are actual quotes that I have found on various online chat boards which I have modified to prove a specific point. They also reflect a common thought process I find when speaking with people about politics in the real world:

"Democracy (generally with a paternal figurehead at the helm) is no more or less than a means to render a populace into a bunch of ineffectual teenagers."

"Without a doubt democracy is evil, maybe not as much as the theoretical democracy everyone raves about, but it is purely evil."

"Finally someone else is showing an interest in the fact that there are no free Americans and we are turning into a fascist democratic country."

Beyond a handful of right-wing extremists who worship Ayn Rand and Ludwig von Mises, most people would consider these statements to be absurd, and for good reason. But if you replace the words "democracy" and "democratic" from each of these statements with the words "communism" or "socialism" these statements become justified, right?

Not exactly.

It is not my intention to compare democracy with either socialism or communism, but rather to show that these terms are commonly thrown about in conversation on a daily basis in a very irresponsible fashion to attack political ideologies and practices that we disagree with. We are, in effect, taking meaningful economic terms and relegating them to the status of pejoratives equivalent in their meanings to George Carlin's seven dirty words. Doing this makes political discourse extremely difficult and horrendously inefficient. Not only does it prevent those who actually understand these terms from effectively communicating with those who do not, but it also clouds discussion between likeminded individuals who lack any proper understanding of these terms. By dissecting these three quotes above we find that in the first, communism/socialism is equated to a welfare state, in the second it is vaguely categorized as evil, and in the third it is held, in conjunction with fascism, as antithetical to freedom. Not only are all three of these definitions very vague, but they are also largely contradictory. If two parties with a common goal cannot come to an agreement as to the nature of the enemy with which they are at war, how do they expect to win the battle against it? In order to have truly meaningful political discourse we need to educate ourselves and those around us of what these terms and others we use regularly and do not fully understand mean from both a theoretical and practical assessment of these ideologies and their histories.

Unfortunately, as with most political terms, traditional dictionary definitions of each are inadequate. The dictionary at reference.com defines socialism as "a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole" and communism as "a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state." [1][2] While these do reflect a narrow perspective of what these terms mean, there are a broad variety of socialist and communist ideologies, many of which have existed for close to or in excess of 200 years, that do not fit into these definitions. Mutualism, for example, was an economic theory created by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, a self-described socialist whose writings predate those of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels, which seeks "a society in which the economy is organized around free market exchange between producers, and production is carried out mainly by self-employed artisans and farmers, small producers' cooperatives, worker-controlled large enterprises, and consumers' cooperatives." [3]

So if the dictionary definitions of socialism and communism are incorrect, what are the correct definitions of these terms? Though most official definitions of socialism point to some form of common ownership, the most concise definition i have found that encompasses all of its various forms is "workers' control over the means of production". This means that whether the capital is controlled by one individual who owns his business and does his own labor, or by a large group of people such as a community who control labor directly and equally, it is socialism. Of the various socialist ideologies, communism is the most well known. It is defined as a form of socialism that includes remuneration based on the guiding principle "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need".

By these definitions, equating them with fascism and a welfare state are laughable. But again, here is a term being used as a pejorative with little understanding of what the term means. The following quote from Benito Mussolini may give us a sufficient definition:

"The corporate State considers that private enterprise in the sphere of production is the most effective and usefu [sic] [typo-should be: useful] instrument in the interest of the nation. In view of the fact that private organisation of production is a function of national concern, the organiser of the enterprise is responsible to the State for the direction given to production.

State intervention in economic production arises only when private initiative is lacking or insufficient, or when the political interests of the State are involved. This intervention may take the form of control, assistance or direct management." [4]

So as per Mussolini's definition, fascism is a system in which private entities control the means of production in a market system with limited government interference in the economy. Upon researching the definition of capitalism we find that fascism is strikingly similar. In the case of capitalism we find that, for once, the dictionary definition actually suffices:

"an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth." [5]

So, in essence, the above definition could equate to private ownership of the means of production. As such, one could argue that fascism is a form of capitalism in which there is minimal state involvement. Additionally, one could extrapolate that the U.S. economy could be accurately described as fascist, and therefore capitalist. However, when one evaluates whether or not the U.S. economy is socialist or communist, we see that it is as far from either of these as possible. The U.S. economy is marked by high levels of privatization and very little workers' control.

Even more interestingly, if we look at the common examples that are brought up when people discuss socialism and communism, none of them resemble workers' control either. Here's an in depth analysis of Communism in the U.S.S.R. by Emma Goldman:

"Industrial planning and all the processes of production and distribution are in the hands of the central government. Supreme Economic Council is subject only to the authority of the Communist Party. It is entirely independent of the will or wishes of the people comprising the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics. Its work is directed by the pollicies and decisions of the Kremlin. This explains why Soviet Russia exported vast amounts of wheat and other grain while wide regions in the south and southeast of Russia were stricken with famine, so that more than two million of its people died of starvation (1932-1933)." [6]

So it seems this leaves us with no existing examples of socialism and communism existing in reality and only theoretical incantations as well as the assumption that, in practice, it automatically leads to tyranny and despotism. But this assumption, too, is false. though they are less known, there have been examples of both large and small scale socialism existing in the world, some of which continue to exist to this day. The most glaring example is the Spanish Revolution. During the Spanish Civil War of 1936, when Francisco Franco was focusing all of his efforts on militarily fending off the State Communists, the people of Spain, as well as immigrants from elsewhere in the world, took over approximately 70-80% of the country on a completely egalitarian platform. In rural areas money was abolished and production and consumption was handled on the basis of mutual aid. in more urban areas, such as Barcelona, various types of currency were created and used in that specific region. Here, George Orwell discusses the collectivization (workplace democritization) of industry throughout Spain:

"The country was in a transitional state that was capable either of developing in the direction of Socialism or of reverting to an ordinary capitalist republic. The peasants had most of the land, and they were likely to keep it, unless Franco won; all large industries had been collectivized, but whether they remained collectivized, or whether capitalism was reintroduced, would depend finally upon which group gained control." [7]

Some other important examples, both past and present, include the Ukrainian Free Territory, the Israeli Kibbutzim, and Freetown Christiania (which still exists, in its present form, as a socialist community).

But nonetheless, it is not my goal with this article to persuade people to any particular line of economic or political thought. It is merely my goal to convince others to choose their wording more wisely when partaking in political discussion as it will make their conversations more fruitful. If in writing this I convince just one person to be a bit more conscientious about their choice of words, then I will be content.


1. "socialism." The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. 19 Feb. 2012. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/socialism

2. "communism." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 19 Feb. 2012. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/communism

3. Kevin Carson. Introduction. Mutualist. Web. 3 Jan. 2003. http://www.mutualist.org/index.html

4. Benito Mussolini. 1935. Fascism: Doctrine and Institutions. Rome: 'Ardita' Publishers. 135-136. Web. 2010 http://www.publiceye.org/fascist/corporatism.html

5. "capitalism." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 19 Feb. 2012. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/capitalism

6. Emma Goldman. Red Emma Speaks: An Emma Goldman Reader, third edition. Alix Kates Shulman. American Mercury, volume XXXIV. April 1935. Web. http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/63/227.html

7. George Orwell. Homage to Catalonia. 1938. Web. 2003. http://www.george-orwell.org/Homage_to_Catalonia/4.html

Added by: eboyd, 20/Feb/12 | Comments: 0

Chuck D Speaks on the Legacy of Soul Train & Don Corneilus 

‎CHUCK D Speaks on the Legacy of Soul Train & Don Corneilus with Davey D, the day they got the tragic news about Don Corneilus killing himself.. Chuck gives a history and rundown about Don and his show Soul Train.. they also talk about the irony of this happening on the first day of Black History month. RIP Don Corneilus

Added by: Chinita, 06/Feb/12 | Comments: 1

God Father Afrika Bambaaataa-Speaks Early Years Of Hip Hop-Black Spades to Zulu Nation, Hip Hop 1970's, Gangs,Culture & Importance of Funk + 

The God Father of Hip Hop Afrika Bambaataa gives an indepth look at what Hip Hop was like during the early days in the 1970s.. He talks about the importance of Funk Music.. He talks about the early gangs and the culture of violence. The forming of Zulu nation and the racial tensions that existed in NY as Hip Hop was forming.. Bambaataa also breaks down many of the myths surrounding early Hip Hop

Added by: Chinita, 23/Jan/12 | Comments: 0

Update from our brother Gabe Rosales VNON (Vital Nonsense) Movement/Band 

Break down of what the Vital Nonsense movement/band is and about. All proceeds of performances go to secular childrens charities. Download entire album at www.gaberosales.com FREE and or donate to the cause.


Added by: RealHipHopForever, 18/Jan/12 | Comments: 0

Brooklyn Boheme: Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Artists Documentary (Trailer) "Brooklyn's equivalent of the Harlem Renaissance" 

Brooklyn Boheme is a love letter to a vibrant African American artistic community who resided in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill Brooklyn during the 80's and 90's that included the great Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Branford Marsalis, Rosie Perez, Saul Williams, Lorna Simpson, Talib Kweli just to name a few. Narrated and written by Fort Greene resident Nelson George, this feature length documentary celebrates "Brooklyn's equivalent of the Harlem Renaissance" and follows the rise of a new kind of African American artist, the Brooklyn Boheme.

This community of artists made this part of Brooklyn a mecca for young black and Latinos, where they were bonded by great ambition, good times and jamming parties.

Brooklyn Boheme is a chronicle of that magical time as a flowering of great art made by black Americans. The documentary is a funny, joyous look at a time and place with charismatic storytellers and dazzling photography telling this amazing story.

Inspiring, dynamic and colorful, Brooklyn Boheme will make you wish, you too, would have been invited to the party. Document already had a screening with good views, they are finishing touches and will be ready for public viewing soon.

Added by: Chinita, 12/Jan/12 | Comments: 0

ATTN GREAT PEOPLE: GUERRILLA REPUBLIK WILL LAUNCH THE FIRST EVER SOCIAL NETWORK SITE OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE 1/13/2012 



ATTN GREAT PEOPLE: THE LONG AWAITED DATE IS ALMOST HERE! ON 1/13/2012 GUERRILLA REPUBLIK WILL LAUNCH THE FIRST EVER SOCIAL NETWORK SITE OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. AS FEDBOOK CONTINUES TO IMPOSE CHANGES ON US AND VIOLATES OUR PRIVACY, WE NEEDED TO FIND A REMEDY FOR OUR PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO STAY CONNECTED ON LINE AND NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THESE HEARTLESS SOCIAL SITES. INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, WE FOUND A SOLUTION. ON THE 13TH WE WILL OPEN THE SITE FOR TESTING AMONGST TWO DOZEN PEOPLE BY INVITE ONLY AND GIVE THEM A CHANGE TO CONTRIBUTE FEEDBACK. SHORTLY AFTER WE WILL BEGIN TO OPEN THE SITE FOR PUBLIC USE HOWEVER THERE IS AN APPLICATION PROCESS AND WE WILL NOT TOLERATE HATRED OF ANY KIND IN THIS NETWORK. HIP HOP AND EDUCATION IS OUR WEAPON OF CHOICE. AS THE USER, YOU WILL BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR PRIVACY. IN 2012 WE WILL SHOW EACH OTHER AND THE WORLD THAT WE CAN BE SELF RELIANT AND WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY. LET US ALL EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE TO Gannon Nexiv WHO HAS BUILT A SOLID, CORPORATE FREE WEBSITE FROM SCRATCH FOR ALL OF US. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THAT EVERY WARRIOR ACROSS THE WORLD THAT HAS CONTRIBUTED AND SUPPORTED ANY OF THESE PROJECTS. PLEASE STAY TUNED IN FOR AN UPDATE. WE ARE THE HOME OF UNDERGROUND, NON COMMERCIAL/NON COMPROMISED MUSIC WITH A PURPOSE AND WE WILL REMAIN THAT WAY. ONLY THE REALIST FEEL THIS 


Added by: Chinita, 08/Jan/12 | Comments: 2

GUERRILLA REPUBLIK PRESENTS:THE GRAND OPENING ONLINE STORE & LOVE AND SACRIFICE VOL.9 FT. DEAD PREZ, JASIRI X, Davey D, Mookdatruth AND MORE 



THE GRAND OPENING OF THE OFFICIAL GUERRILLA REPUBLIK ONLINE STORE WILL BE TODAY 12/21/2011 AT 5:00PM PACIFIC TIME. THIS IS A MONUMENTAL EVENT FOR US AND WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU ALL TO CELEBRATE WITH US. FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN WAITING AND ASKING WHEN AND WHERE TO PICK UP G.R. GEAR,WE WILL INITIALLY OFFER 5 DIFFERENT STYLES OF OUR ORIGINAL LOGOS ON SHORT SLEEVE, LONG SLEEVE AND HOODIES WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT COLOR OPTIONS. BABY, CHILDREN AND WOMAN'S APPAREL WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE STORE WITH LIMITED OPTIONS HOWEVER WILL CONTINUE TO GROW VERY QUICKLY. ARTIST/GREP COLLABORATION GEAR WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY AFTER. WE ARE ALSO HONORED TO ANNOUNCE THAT LOVE AND SACRIFICE VOL.9 FTP EDITION WILL BE RELEASED TODAY 12/21/2011 WITH THE GRAND OPENING OF THE STORE! THIS IS A 21 TRACK/21 GUN SALUTE ALBUM THAT HONORS THE LIFE OF OUR PEOPLE WHO'S LIVES WERE STOLEN BY THE CORRUPT JUDICIAL SYSTEM. THIS ALBUM FEATURES MANY EXCLUSIVE TRACKS FROM SOME OF THE GREATEST ARTIST IN HIP HOP. (TRACKLIST AT THE END OF THE POST) WE HUMBLY ASK FOR A MINIMUM $1 DONATION FOR THIS ALBUM WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE PROJECTS AND OUR FIRST CONVENTION IN 2012. 


TRACKLIST
01. Fuck the Law by Dead Prez
02. Dark Suits by Lost Order Of The Ancients, Produced by Spoken Dagger
03. Abuso Policial (Police Abuse) by AfroNattyVoz, Produced by LAV Producciones
04. Stay True by Daze featuring- AK, Produced by AK
05. Fuck Tha Police by K-OTIC 1, Produced by DJ RAZE-R
06. She's Screaming by Son of Saturn, Produced by Vint Mentalz
07. Fried Bacon by Warchi7d, Produced by Warchi7d
08. Who's Illuminati by RIISHII G7, Produced by Blunted Sultan
09. Conspiracy by Capital- X, Produced by Engineer
10. Poor Man's Rap by GINSU
11. Who's Ya Enemy? by Q-Storm, Produced by Sinista of Freemindz Inc
12. Seven Twenty Degrees by Tos-El Bashir featuring- 720 PURE SUFIs, Produced by Kogeemo Recordings
13. Carnage 777 by Jewelz Infinite (Atma & TrustOne) featuring- Sick Sinse, Produced by Vint Mentalz
14. Sensory Deception by The Political Animals
15. Fuck the police by Ptah Ra Tehuti, Produced by DJ Troop
16. OG- 3 by Jasiri X featuring- Davey D, Produced by King Sym
17. Our Streets by Mookdatruth
18. Cost of Freedom by Eternal Love, Produced by DJ Mindcontrol
19. La Paz Es Un Pretexto by Rebel Zulu featuring- Julian Conrado
20. Be All You Can Be by Marcel Cartier featuring- Intikana, Produced by Agent of Change
21. Welcome to Guerrilla Republik Worldwide by Rabb Love

Added by: Chinita, 21/Dec/11 | Comments: 0

Login form

Statistics

Search


[ Full Size ]

Worth a visit

ads ads ads ads ads ads