Hip-Hop Artist Obibini Grinds Hard On His Cover Of Desiigner’s Panda (@Obibiniboafo)

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

@Obibiniboafo Covers have often carried a negative connotation — they were once seen as a less talented or unsuccessful artiste act of “stealing” work from another composer, to make that quick buck. These days, music covers are recognized as one artiste paying homage to another in a show of love and admiration of the other’s music.

Released from toontoom studios, “Grind Time” is a cover of Desiigner’s billboard chart topper Panda. Written and performed by OBIBINI the song paints from an artiste’s perspective, a lyrical picture of a nation, intelligently describing the socio-economic landscape of the country. Obviously Black Infinitely Bold Intelligent & Naturally Inspiring, OBIBINI the lyricist from Africa Ghana, did not mix words, boldly pronouncing this song as the ‘illest of all covers’. Reality lyrics, no tricks or gimmicks; listen, it’s all about the money; “Grind Time”, a narrative of current happenings in Africa Ghana.

Story by: Adokwei Addo

Hip-hop Artist Jasiri X honored by the Chicago Theological Seminary (@jasiri_x)

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Jasiri X (photo by Leah Johns)

On May 13^th, Jasiri X was awarded the highest honor by the Chicago Theological Seminary, the Doctor of Letters degree. Fifty-nine years ago, the same institution honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Doctor of Divinity degree. In his newsletter, Jasiri laments on how, “today, we still fight against the same injustices Dr. King fought against.”

Catch Jasiri X at the Hollywood Dormont Theater in Pittsburgh, PA on June 17 at 7pm; Allied Media Conference in Detroit, Michigan on June 18 at 4PM and the 2016 People’s Convention on July 8 at 1:30pm

American Songwriters Wants Congress To Reform Music Laws

Posted on May 21, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Brian McKnight

On May 18^th, the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) presented a 575,000-signature petition in an effort to get reformed the federal laws from 1941 that regulate how songwriters license their works. The signatures come from artists including Monica, Brian McKnight, Omi (of “Cheerleader” fame), Nate Ruess of .Fun, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, as well as writers like MoZella (who co-wrote Miley Cyrus’ No.1 song “Wrecking Ball”) and Priscilla Renea (who’s written for Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, Rihanna and Demi Lovato).

In a statement, ASCAP President Paul Williams said, “We’re asking policymakers to stand with songwriters at a time when our future livelihoods and the future of American music are both in jeopardy. Streaming has vastly changed music listening habits but licensing laws haven’t kept up with the way people consume music today, so songwriters are struggling… We’re asking legislators to recognize that songwriters deserve laws which enable them to be paid fairly for the use of their music.”

Puff Daddy Announces First-Ever Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour (@iamdiddy)

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

BadBoy-flex-hiphop Due to overwhelming fan demand, after quickly selling out Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the May 20th and May 21st Bad Boy reunion concert, Puff Daddy has officially announced the first-ever Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour.

Kicking off August 25th in Columbus, Ohio Puff Daddy and the Family will take the stage for 25 dates, performing a plethora of hits that has welded Bad Boy’s place as the driving force behind the culture of hip-hop and R&B music. Setting the bar for the best of music experiences, Puff Daddy will bring together Lil Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, 112, Total, Carl Thomas, LOX and French Montana for a must see moment in music history.

With a combined 38 platinum and multi-platinum selling records and over 400 million units sold worldwide, the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour will give fans the opportunity to see every artist bring their signature styles together for the first time ever.

Puff Daddy and the Family will also kick off the Today show’s Summer Concert Series in NYC, this Friday, May 20th, to give fans a sneak peek of what they can expect from this upcoming tour. Tickets for the tour will be available to the general public at Live Nation as well as Ticket Master that same day.

Source: Revolt TV

New Hip-hop Video: KRS One – Take Em Out (@IAmKRSOne)

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

00-Krs One One of the most dominant hip-hop artists from the 80s, KRS ONE, is back in the forefront of the rap game. The legend just released a brand new music video that is loaded with battle lyrics, all aimed at MC Ren. Though we have tried to find out why KRS ONE & MC Ren are at odds we were unsuccessful. Whatever the reason for the ‘beef’ between both men, we are excited that KRS ONE is dropping bombs again. Watch, share and comment on the video.

Slick Rick Is Now Officially A U.S. Citizen (@therulernyc)

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Friday, April 15, Ricky Walters, more popularly known as Slick Rick, was sworn in as a U.S. citizen in New York City.

The British-born MC won a 23-year legal battle against the Immigration and Naturalization’s Department of the United States of America; a battle which, at one point landed him in jail, and multiple times threatened his legal status to live in the country.

In addition to being a hip-hop icon and a storytelling legend, Slick Rick is also now, officially, an American citizen.

STIC OF DEAD PREZ LAUNCHES NEW RECORD LABEL THAT IS “BIGGER THAN HIP HOP” (@STICRBG)

Posted on March 2, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

00-Stic Internationally acclaimed Hip Hop artist Stic of dead prez continues to expound on the meaning behind dead prez’ smash hit and philosophy “Bigger than Hip Hop” with the launch of his new record label, RBG FIT records, dedicated to establishing and curating a new genre of hip hop, which emphasizes healthy living, dubbed “Fit-Hop”.

Like the Straight Edge movement of the Punk scene, which is vegan, sober, and socially conscious, “Fit Hop” too advocates healthy, holistic, sober lifestyles but from a hip hop cultural perspective. In 2009, Stic founded the RBG FIT CLUB and later released his ground breaking “fit hop” album The WORKOUT that debuted at #1 in sales on ITunes fitness charts and has inspired a global following of the RBG FIT CLUB movement with millions of views of the album’s videos. And now his signature “Healthy is the new Gangsta” movement continues with RBG FIT RECORDS.

With all the poppin’ pills and sippin’ syrup, misogyny and negativity being promoted in today’s popular music, RBG FIT Records will offer a unique positive alternative strong enough for the streets but wholesome enough for the whole family to enjoy.

“Through dead prez’s music we have been able to inspire people around the world to become more active for social justice and I want to continue using our revolutionary but gangsta approach to help expand that platform to promote and encourage holistic health.“ says Stic.

Stic made a personal lifestyle transformation in his early twenties when he came down with gout in his leg brought on by the typical rap lifestyle of too much booze, burgers and blunts. He healed naturally when his wife, author and Holistic Nutritionist Afya Ibomu encouraged him to switch to a plant- based lifestyle. Upon healing he was inspired to take up a decade long study of the martial arts, and has also become an avid long distance runner and a certified Running Coach with the Road Runners Club of America.

Fit hop artist and personal trainer Coach Nym is RBG FIT records debut artist. His single “Worth the Sacrifice” is available now on iTunes and wherever digital records are sold. More details at www.RBGFITCLUB.com