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Davey D's FNV Newsletter
In Today's Issue:
April 30 2001

*Craig Mack Heats Up On Sunshine Anderson
*Above The Law on Death Row
*Lennox Lewis Knocked Out of Rap Game
*The IBM Graf Caper
*Slim Shady to Get Naked
*Concert Drama For Lil Bow Wow


Send comments, questions and concerns to
mailto:kingdave@sirius.com
The FNV Newsletter
written by Davey D
http://www.daveyd.com
http://www.rapstation.com

========================

It looks like songstress Sunshine Anderson is about to catch some heat. It coming in the form of rapper Craig Mack who apparently has heard enough of her hit song 'Heard It All Before'. Craig Mack for those who don't recall was Bad Boy records first big star when he dropped the classic song 'Flavor In Ya Ear' back in Summer of '93. He's been for hiatus for a while, but apparently decided to come back with a vengeance. He'll be using Anderson's same beat and will drop some searing lyrics that will no doubt represent the male perspective on the infidelity matters Anderson raises in her song. Look for the record to appear on the sound track to an upcoming movie starring Martin Lawrence called 'What's the Worse That Can Happen?'. The movie should hit theaters the first week in June. The soundtrack should hit the streets on May 23rd.

Folks in New York, LA and the Bay Area may have already heard the soundtrack's first single 'Music' which is a monster cut featuring Eric Sermon and the late Marvin Gaye. Many are saying this is Sermon's best record ever. He apparently recorded the song before Gaye was shot and killed by his dad. Also on the soundtrack is a smoking duet featuring Queen Latifah and Mary J Blige, a remix of the hit song 'Southern Hospitality' by Ludacris and a track from Snoop called 'Fuck What They Say'. This particular song captures the raw essence of Snoop before he left Death Row.

On a side note the people behind this soundtrack are MC Hammer's brother Louis Burrell and Eric B of Eric B & Rakim fame. Louis explained that he's been hard at work putting together a conglomeration of 4 record labels under the umbrella Omega Music Group.

Big Hutch a.k.a. Cold 187um, KM.G a.k.a. Vin Loco, and DJ K-oss of the west coast legendary supergroup, "Above The Law", have officially became inmates of Suge Knight’s Death Row Records. The group known for creating the popular "G-Funk" sound and mixing gangster and Black conscious lyrics that has produced many street anthems including "Murder Rap", "Untouchable" (whose video was banned from MTV), "The Last Song", "V.S.O.P.", "Call It What You Want", "Kalifornia", and the infamous single "Black Superman." After severing ties with Tommy Boy Records in 1998 over lack of promotion, marketing, and basic enthusiasm, the group decided to go back to the traditional route by re-structuring their newly created independent label, West World Records. In 1999 the label released Big Hutch’s (a.k.a. Cold 187um) debut solo album "Executive Decisions" which according to "The Source" was one "of the best albums to come out during the summer" and Above The Law’s seventh album "Forever-Rich Thugs." The group felt that both albums again fell by the wayside due to the lack of distribution.
Fast forward to the year 2000-2001.

With several records out to keep the name "Above The Law" in the streets, the group was approached by several major labels about a new record deal, including Ruthless Records. According to group leader Big Hutch, "instead of taking two steps forward these deals would have had us going three, four steps back."

Since the untimely demise of the legendary record mogul, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright, Above The Law really haven’t been given the creative control and financial backing that they had since they signed with Ruthless Records in 1989, but that would all soon change. Unbeknown to Above The Law, Death Row Founder Marion "Suge" Knight, although currently incarcerated, is looking to put Above The Law back in the limelight, which will help re-establish Death Row Records as a major record label powerhouse as it was in the 90’s.
After finally getting in contact with the group, Suge made an offer that the group couldn’t refuse. After the smoke cleared, Above The Law would be able to get full creative control, financial support, good distribution, promotion, and marketing, all key elements that they haven’t received from other labels in recent times.

Some believe that anyone aligning themselves with "Suge Knight" or "Death Row Records" could pose career ending situations, the group disagrees with that notion totally. Says Big Hutch, "We have known Suge for years and he knows how our whole collective operates and we see eye-to-eye on how we want Above The Law to be presented to the streets, the people, and the industry….Suge is giving us the artistic freedom we haven’t had in years." With Knight looking to be released from prison in the next two months, the group has been in the studio working on their Death Row Records debut release."

In addition to recording their album, Big Hutch/Above The Law has produced and appeared on tracks for the Death Row compilation "Too Gangsta For Radio", Snoop Dogg’s "Dead Man Walking", fellow labelmate Crooked I’s upcoming debut album, and the recent Tupac release "Until The End Of Time." Hutch is projecting that the new Above The Law album will be released this summer.

Above The Law protégé’, Kokane, whose vocals can be heard on albums such as Dr. Dre’s "The Chronic 2001," Mr. Short Khop, and "Snoop Dog Presents Tha Eastsidaz," has also rejoined the fold and is back collaborating with the group.
Finally, it looks like all the pieces of the puzzle have finally been put back together and the record industry and the buying public will once again be witnessed to the return of one of the world’s most infamous rap groups.

Bad news for former Heavy weight boxing champ Lennox Lewis. As you know, he was kocked out over the weekend in a bout that many feel he didn't take too seriously. Not only did he lose the championship, but he may have also lost what he hoped to be a burgeoning music career. You see, Lewis had recorded a rap song called 'The Man'. In the song Lewis brags about being the heavyweight champ and how is will knock any and everybody out. The song was gonna be released in a few weeks, but that would be foolish and a case of false advertising since Lewis is no longer-'The Man'.

The IBM Graf Caper

When I first heard this report, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. We're talking about IBM and their attempts to use Hip Hop expressions in an ill fated campaign for their new line of Linux products. For those who don't know, company employees were busted big time in Chicago for running around and doing graffiti which included peace symbols, hearts and penguins on sidewalks as a way to advertise their new product. They also spray painted the name Big Blue. According to IBM spokespeople, the graf was supposed to be done in biodegradable chalk, instead, cats got caught using paint. IBM employees used embarked on a similar graf campaign here in San Francisco. Needless to say Chi-Town city officials weren't pleased. IBM will be fined and made to pay for clean up costs..The employee who was caught will also be charged. I guess IBM will cover his bail. Fortunately, they won't experience jail time, police beat downs and other harsh penalties that have often been meted out to graf writers from the hood who have been caught. What I found so 'interesting' about this campaign was the fact that several years ago Chicago Hip Hop native Upski had made some noise by writing on city sidewalks. Could IBM have been borrowing a page from his book? Were they trying to court the Hip Hop community? In anycase, IBM's feeble attempts garnered them some national press-proving once again that Hip Hop makes people money even when they disrespect it..!

Slim Shady to Get Naked

Mr Slim Shady is back in the news again. This time it has been revealed that he will appearing nude in an upcoming issue of Cosmo over in the UK. Em alreaxdy sits on the cover of one of Cosmo's current additions, but he's fully clothed. In the UK edition, Eminem will be blowing freely in the wind with other celebs. Supposedly a stick of dynamite will cover his manhood. If thats not enough there are reports that Eminem is looking to get a place over in the UK. He has people looking for a comfortable apartment. Last piece of news about Slim Shady is that he's pleaded no contest earlier this week for assault charges against a member of the Insane Clown Posse. Prosecutors aren't pushing for jail time but we'll have to see what the presiding judge decides.

Concert Drama For Lil Bow Wow

More drama in the world of Hip Hop. This time it comes at the hands of Lil Bow Wow. During a concert in San Bernadino, the young rap superstar had his concert cut short after a group of older kids decided to bumrush the front of the stage and wound up trampling three teenagers. The kids who were injured were sitting in a special VP section. The concert was cut short and parents of the injured blamed concert promoters for not having enough security. Refunds will be given to everyone who attended the concert..

Missy Elliott to SHINE

Missy Elliot is making noise as of late. First she will be honored at next week's Online Hip Hop Awards with a SHINE Anti-Violence Award [Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday]. Missy will be rewarded for the work she has done to stop domestic violence. For those who don't know, Missy grew up in a household where domestic abuse took place. She noted that she was glad to help get a positive message out to kids who may be going through such drama. Missy experienced this trauma up until the time she was 18. She wanted them to know they are not alone. Missy gets major props for her efforts.

In other Missy news she is set to release a song called 'One Minute Man' which she describes as a Hip Hop sex therapy song. Its dedicated to all those guys who are quick to do the do and leave women yearning for more satisfaction. Missy told MTV news "We need to find a way to stop you from being minute men. If you gotta think about what you doin' tomorrow, whether it's cut the grass, what you gotta cook, whatever. ... I'm here to help you along with that." Featured on the track is ATL rap star Ludacris. The pair shot the video in LA this past weekend. This won't be the first time someone has taken the fellas to task for being short winded in bed. Folks may recall a few years ago there was a group called BWP [Bytches With Problems] who did a song called Two Minute Brother'. In many ways such songs do make cats step up their game. Lastly folks may wanna look out for Missy when she starts doing work for Britney Spears' upcoming album.

Will Hip Hop Matter In NY Elections?

Russell Simmons steps up his involvement even more yesterday. He has come out to endorse and help campaign for NY public advocate Mark Green. Russell came out and offered up the introductions for Green who launched his campaign yesterday and promised to 'move beyond' the legacy of Mayor Giuliani. Green promised to cut police abuse while maintaining low crime rates. Green as of now happens to be the favorite in the crowded mayoral race. What's interesting about Simmons endorsement is the fact that it will put him in the opposite camp of a number of Hip Hop pioneers and Bronx based Hip Hoppers who have come out to help Bronx Borough president Fernando Ferrer. Ferrer has definitely stepped up his involvement by issuing a proclamation as well as participating in Hip Hop Appreciation week activities. Simmons promised that NY's next Mayor will be elected by the Hip Hop community. It will be interesting to see if he can bring the Hip Hop audience to Green or if Ferrer will be able to successfully court them. I'm just happy that for once the Hip Hop community may be a factor in New York's next election.

We'll see if these respective candidates step it up a notch by addressing Hip Hop issues like profiling at rap events.. Well also see if they run ads on Hip Hop mediums, like Hot 97, BET, Hip Hop websites and other outlets. It will be interesting to see if these candidates use Hip Hop style tactics like employing street teams and wrapped vehicles. It will also be interesting to see if any of Hip Hop's icons step forth and offer up endorsements. Will KRS stomp for Ferrer or Green? Who will Zulu Nation endorse? What's Rocksteady's pick? How will a Mobb Deep or Jay Z endorsement factor in to NY Mayoral election? Will DJ Clue make a mix tape espousing the virtues of his pick? Will Star and Buckwyld on Hot 97 start clowning all the candidates who they don't like while reserving praise for their pick? Where do progressive cats like Mos Def, dead prez and Talib factor in? Will Conrad Muhammed get an artist to run or will he mobilize cats to put their weight behind a particular candidate? Will some of Hip Hop's Republican icons step up and move the crowd? [yes there are a few-right Pete Nice?] In any case I'm loving the possibilities..

With all the madness that has gone down in the Big Apple this past couple of years-ranging from Diallo to Louima, there is absolutely no excuse for anyone in New York's Hip Hop community to not be involved this upcoming election. Its been suggested that since Hip Hoppers do have a potential strong factor in New York's mayoral race that its no mistake that we have some overt attempts to criminalize the entire community. Will associations with the Hip Hop community result in oppoenents painting a picture of candidates breaking bread with irresponsible thgs, gangstas and criminals? For example, lets say the Zulu Nation decides to come out and support a particular Mayoral candidate, will they be seen as a liability? Lets say they endorse Ferrer.. will his opponents be able to counter by picking up a copy of the NY Daily News and point to the article where they erroneously declared them to be gang? Zulu should sue them and NYPD for tarnishing their name. Them being classified as a gang limits their ability to effective advocates in certain circles. Lets all keep our eyes and ears open.. What do you all think Will New York's Hip Hop community be a factor in the upcoming Mayoral elections?

The following is a true story from famed photographer Ernie Paniccioli. What he experienced the other day is something that many of us who are writers, photographers, studio owner, deejays, promoters etc can relate to..Ernie clearly captures the angst and frustration. If you see yourself in this story,., Please take heed and shape up?

Dave, Please indulge me for a moment. The following rant was induced by a no show by Brother Rahzel:


A PHAT Awards go out to my boy Sway of the Wake Up Show and MTV fame for holding his own on CNN last Thursday. They had a discussion about Hip Hop and bad behavior amongst rap artists. Sway remained calm and stated some keen facts that made the host back up. His most telling remark was when she announced that she had done all this research to see how many rappers had gotten arrested over the past year. Sway countered by pointing out that it was interesting that she spent a lot of time doing research on rap artists and yet had not done a comparison to see if there were similar problems amongst other musicians from different genres. The host admitted she had not. Sway calmly pointed out had she done so she would have discovered there have been similar numbers of incidents amongst rock and other musicians who have been arrested for assault, domestic violence and drug possession. Sway pointed out recent incidents involving artists like Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst which went unreported. Ironically two days later REM guitarist Peter Buck was arrested for assaulting flight attendants.

A WACK Award goes out to conservative radio talk show host Ken Hamblim who calls himself the Black Avenger. During that same CNN show, he got into a heated exchange with Chuck D. Chuck remained calm and stated his points. Hamblim who stated he thought rap artists were hoodlums suddenly started acting like one himself. He told Chuck he wasn't talking to some guilt ridden scared white boy [Hamblim is Black].. He then resorted to espousing that he was from the 'streets of Brooklyn'. He started bragging that he was from the hood and even named off his street corner. I was appalled and shocked. Here we have this 50+ year old man talking major trash and acting like he wanted to throw blows on national TV. No wonder cats act thuggish. They have their elders like Hamblin setting good examples with his outburst. Usually the cats who claim streets and brag about being from the hood are thugs and gangstas. Perhaps Hamblim is a gangsta talk show hosts who makes a living dissing Hip Hop. It was very sad to see. He gets a WACK Award. No one likes to see cats old enough to be your dad or grandfather act a fool on national TV.. Phat Award goes out to Chuck D for not reacting to this man's ridiculous outburst.


A PHAT Award goes to the folks in Albuquerque, New Mexico.They will be hosting a two day Hip Hop conference at the Sunshine Theater on the 27th and at the University of New Mexico on April 28th.. The focus is on 'The Five Elements of Change-Initiating the Youth's Self Respect Through the Roots of Hip Hop' The conference will center around four concepts: learning of one's and other's culture, media awareness/media literacy, violence prevention, healthy life styles, community development, and Hip Hop culture's original intent, through workshops, panel discussions, and multi-cultural performances. Participants include; OMD, 5th Platoon, Fabel, Mr. Wiggles, COCO144, Spy(FC), Dan One(FBA) Ket (AOK/ Stress), Dj Able, Rock (uks), Sourpatch Kids, Furious Styles, Dj Sug, Zimbabwe Nekenya, Loco Bloco(SAMBA), The National Conversatory of Flamenco, Danza Azteca, Pow Wow Fancy Dancing, and Basement Films

A PHAT Award goes out to Ja Rule who got married to his high school sweet heart over the weekend. Apparently she's the inspiration for his hit song 'Put It On Me'. According to published reports Ja represented with a with a white suit complete with a white doo rag and white brim. He was so moved by the ceremony homeboy shed some tears.. Good luck on the marriage and may you have years upon years of happiness..


A PHAT Award goes out to all the folks who worked diligently to put on an incredible conference in Madison. I was so sad to have to leave early.. But while I was there, the organizers had organized several hundred headz and community activists and were set to lead a march and hold a rally on the steps of the state capitol to talk about the prison industrial complex. Boots of the Coup was the keynote speaker. I will have some more detailed articles about the three day event..Also let me give out PHAT Awards to Afrika Bambaataa, Fabel of the Rock steady Crew and his wife Christie Z Pabon. They sat on a panel called Hip Hop's 5th Element-Knowledge' and seriously broke things down.. It was incredible panel and I'm looking to get a copy of that session to both play on air as well as make into an MP3 for all to enjoy... Bam was in top form as he spit so much game I almost missed my flight because I stayed overtime just to hear everything he spoke on. Bam's main points was the issue of Mind Control.. and how corporate America manipulates us and keeps us distracted and blinded. As I listened to these three speak it made me wonder why they aren't used more in interviews and commentaries about Hip Hop related matters. After hearing Bam's breakdown about Mind Control I clearly understood why.. Such powerful words would awaken too many people and kick them into action.. America thrives on us remaining asleep..

A WACK Award goes out to anyone who sleeps on the following albums.. KRS-One's 'Sneak Attack'. The Blastmasta has returned and is really making noise. On the commercial copy, the label did not include the commentaries made by KRS that I got on my advance copy. Don't sleep on Mystic's album 'Cuts for Luck and Scars for Freedom' This is by far one of the best albums out there.. Lastly don't sleep on Hi Tek's new album 'Hi Teknology'.. he is severely underarted but delivers with his new masterpiece.. Again Wack Awards to anyone who sleeps on these three Phat Albums..

A Wack Award goes to the Fat Joe and Cuban Link for creating more drama at a time when police are using such activities as an excuse for a crack down..Read the story below.. and ask yourself.. when will it all stop??

There appears to be no end to the madness in the world of Hip-Hop in NYC these days..... Terror Squad members Fat Joe and Cuban Link are apparently at odds with one another. The tension reached a boiling point this weekend in the Bronx (sat 4/21/01 ), at Angie Martinez's album release party, which jumped off at Jimmy's cafe.

According to sources the beef escalated, due to Cuban's aggravation about his debut album being constantly pushed back. It was scheduled to drop in February of this year, on the Terror Squad's label imprint. Apparently, Joe wasn't in the best of moods when his younger protege stepped to him to voice his grievances. Whatever the case may be, witnesses say after a brief but violent verbal exchange. Fat Joe sliced Cuban Link in the face with the base of the medallion that swung from the end of his chain.

Ironically, the platinum medallion that Fat Joe transformed into a weapon of destruction, was actually meant to be a symbol of love. The piece was a iced out tombstone meant to commemorate the tragic death of former Terror Squad member the late great Big Pun. A stunned crowd of party people looked on in disblief as blood began to stream down Cuban's face. The club was quickly evacuated. Sources say Cuban is in stable condition, recuperating in a undisclosed Bronx location. As always you can trust the people at OUTSOUTH will bring you facts, first and foremost.

Send comments, questions and concerns to
mailto:kingdave@sirius.com
The FNV Newsletter
written by Davey D
http://www.daveyd.com
http://www.rapstation.com
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