Last year was an amazing year for the Universal Zulu Nation. Check out this video which reviews last years Hip Hop celebrations in London and Leeds. The event had special guests such as Talib Kweli, Akala, Rodney P, Chester P, Jonzi D, Blak Twang and more. It also featured workshops, Hip Hop exhibitions, screenings and live Hip Hop discussions.
Nkiru Books was the oldest African-American bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Initially founded by Leothy Miller Owens in 1976, the bookstore was bought by Brooklyn MCs Talib Kweli and & Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey) in 1997. Thereafter it was operated as the Nkiru Center for Education and Culture, a nonprofit organization promoting literacy and multicultural awareness for people of color. In its last incarnation it was located at 732 Washington Avenue, but was regrettably closed in 2002.
A few days ago, Talib Kweli spoke on his decision to reopen the bookstore online: “Our community continues to need multicultural education and even though we weren’t able to save Nkiru’s location, we were able to help it’s legacy thrive. Now in 2015/16 you would be hard pressed to find a bookstore that is not dominated by Eurocentric ideals about what is important culturally and historically. It is because of that I’ve decided to reignite Nkiru Books online. I’ve started modestly, for now it’s a part of my online store Kweliclub.com but I had to start somewhere! If literature, education, history and culture are important to you, please visit the Nkiru Books section of Kweliclub.com. Right now we have books that I’ve hand selected, but we hope to expand and have as many titles as possible. Soon. I promise however, we currently have something for everybody.”
Purchase books from Nkiru Bookstore via www.kweliclub.com
Jonathan Savoy, 14 years old rapper (Photo by Matthew Williams)
Young people are our future, and with proper guidance, training and mentoring their natural God-given talents and creativity can be channelled to positive and progressive endeavours.
On Sunday, December 13, Jadakiss will be celebrating the release of his latest album, “Top 5 Dead Or Alive” at Liv Nightclub (4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach). Music will be provided by DJ Stevie J and Don P.
“Top 5 Dead or Alive” is the fourth studio album by American hip-hop recording artist Jadakiss. The album was released on November 20, 2015, by D-Block Records and Def Jam Recordings
One of the most relevant hip-hop artists out today is Jasiri X. His music is educational, informative, controversial and entertaining. X’s latest project is an eleven track record entitled “Black Liberation Theology.” If the album was to be summed up in one word, that word would have to be powerful!
“Black Liberation Theology” features David Banner, Rhymefest, Tef Poe, Jacquea Mae, Claire Mortifee and 1Hood; with stellar production by Akil Esoon, Idasa Tariq, Black Czer, Twilite Tone, Just Blaze and RLGN. Stream all songs here: http://jasirix.bandcamp.com/album/black-liberation-theology
Macy Gray
Raggamuffin is Australia’s premier reggae and roots festival and features an unrivalled line-up of top international and local artists.
From new reggae and urban acts to the bona fide legends, the festival has already seen huge artists such as UB40, Mary J Blige, Lauryn Hill, three of Bob Marley’s sons, Ice Cube, Chronixx and Cypress Hill take the stages, alongside Kiwi favourites including Katchafire, House of Shem and Aaradhna.
Going into it’s ninth year, the next Raggamuffin will take place on Saturday 20 February 2016 and includes first announcement headliners such as Macy Gray, Beenie Man, XZibit, Sly & Robbie and more.
Beenie Man
The one-day festival features 12 hours of music over one jam-packed day, as well as a vibrant village market area and VIP ticketing options. Raggamuffin IX returns to Auckland’s The Trust Arena for the second year running.
Giving back is an important mantra of Raggamuffin, with the festival this year partnering with Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust – an organisation which provides music therapy to special needs children. A portion of all tickets sold will be donated to the cause. For more information visit https://raggamuffin.co.nz/
C.E.O. of Headliner Market Group, Michael Gardner & Louis Oliver in association with The Abebe Lewis Marketing & Branding Group presents hip-hop legend Nas at LIV on Sunday, tonight, November 8th.
Last time Nas was at LIV it was an unforgettable night. He celebrated the 20 year anniversary of his debut album “Illmatic.” The famed rapper took over the stage and gave an insane performance that kept the crowd getting low and wanting more.
LIV goes down inside the LIV Fontainebleau Hotel, which is located at 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami, Beach.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 