Missy Elliott offers encouragement and advice at Norfolk State University graduation

Missy Elliot gave the keynote speech at Norfolk State University's graduation ceremony Saturday. Elliot also offered offers encouragement and advice to the graduates.

Coolio best known for '90s hit 'Gangsta's Paradise,' dies at 59

Los Angeles rapper Coolio, who rose to the national spotlight in the 1990s with his Grammy-winning hit "Gangsta's Paradise," died on Wednesday, his longtime manager Jarez Posey confirmed to ABC News. He was 59.

Coolio, whose legal name is Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was found unresponsive Wednesday afternoon while visiting a friend's house, and emergency personnel were called after he didn't come out of the bathroom, according to Posey. A cause of death has not yet been determined but an investigation is ongoing.

"We are saddened by the loss of our dear friend and client, Coolio, who passed away this afternoon," Coolio's representative, Sheila Finegan​, executive partner at Trinity Artists International, told ABC News in a statement Wednesday evening. "He touched the world with the gift of his talent and will be missed profoundly. Thank you to everyone worldwide who has listened to his music and to everyone who has been reaching out regarding his passing. Please have Coolio's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

[ABBC NEWS

National Museum of African American History and Culture Hosting Hip-Hop Block Party

To celebrate the first anniversary of the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, our museum is hosting a block party on August 13. The day-long event will feature performances by local and national talent, presentations, and activities to explore hip-hop music and culture's origins, elements, and influences.

Tickets are free and will be available on the NMAAHC webpage beginning Friday, July 22 and the event will take place at 15th and Madison Streets NW.

The block party will feature performance during a daytime program and the evening. The daytime program will be hosted by Vic Jagger of Majic 102.3. The artists include the Alphabet Rockers, DMV Showcase curated by DJ Heat (featuring O-Slice, Phuzz, and YungManny), Mumu Fresh, and a DJ mix by J. Period.

The evening program performers include The Halluci Nation and D. Smoke. There will be a dance party following the performance with a mix by DJ Spinderella.

Wu-Tang Clan album 'Enter the Wu-Tang' (36 Chambers) now archived in U.S. Library of Congress

Librarian of Congress spokesperson, Carla Hayden named 25 recordings as audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.

“The National Recording Registry reflects the diverse music and voices that have shaped our nation’s history and culture through recorded sound,” Hayden said. “The national library is proud to help preserve these recordings, and we welcome the public’s input. We received about 1,000 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry.”

Among those recordings nominated was the Wu-Tang Clan album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which has now been archived in the U.S. Library of Congress.

"Wu-Tang Clan's 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) would shape the sound of hardcore rap and reasserted the creative capacity of the East Coast rap scene," a spokesperson commented. "The group's individual artists would go on to produce affiliated projects that deepened the group's influence for decades in hip-hop."

TV One Slated To Air The Final Interview With The Late Rapper DMX On Sunday, May 16

Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes announced TV One will air a special episode of its hit autobiographical series UNCENSORED featuring the late rapper DMX. Hughes made the exclusive announcement on the URBAN ONE HONORS: Virtual Press Conference on Wednesday, April 28. The special is slated to air on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET/7C, immediately followed by the annual URBAN ONE HONORS hosted by Erica Campbell and Roland Martin at 9 p.m. ET/8C. It will feature an interview with DMX just three weeks before his passing and is confirmed to be his final and most transparent to date.

"DMX sat down with our team and was completely UNCENSORED,” said Cathy Hughes. “We have one hour with the late rapper in his own words. For DMX to be with us just three weeks before God called him home, I believe it's truly divine intervention. I thank Nikki from SWIRL films for staying the course because he kept telling her 'no', but thankfully we were able to make it happen. His family, fan club, friends, and supporters will be happy with the way he told his story for the last time. The two-part special will air directly before the annual Urban One Honors. I'm particularly excited because I feel like this will be the biggest night in TV One History."

The hit autobiographical series UNCENSORED explores the lives of popular personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This episode will highlight the rapper in his own words as he discusses his more than 30-year career and legacy in hip hop. Raised in Yonkers, New York, by his mother, DMX was considered a “problem” as early as kindergarten. A tumultuous relationship with his mother caused him to bounce between boys’ homes and eventually detention centers. However, battle rapping solidified his love for the art, and his first break was a feature in The Source Magazine’s Unsigned Hype column in 1991. In 1992, he was signed to Ruffhouse Records. His debut album, It’s Dark, and Hell is Hot, didn’t arrive until 1998, but it peaked at No.1 on the Billboard 200. He quickly followed up with his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, making him the first living artist to release two chart-topping albums in the same year. He eventually released six more studio albums, with three more reaching No. 1 and one reaching No. 2. His success in music primed him for acting. He starred in Hype Williams’ hip hop classic Belly and followed that success with roles in Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds.

Barack Obama pays tribute to Nipsey Hussle

Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to rapper and community activist  Nipsey Hussle in a letter that was read at a Hussle's memorial. 

The full text follows:

Dear Friends and Family of Nipsey:

I'd never met Nipsey Hussle, but I'd heard some of his music through my daughters, and after his passing, I had the chance to learn more about his transformation and his community work.

While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going. His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it -- to build a skills training center and a coworking space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow -- is a legacy worth of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it.

Michelle and I send our sympathies to Lauren, Emani, Kross, and the entire Asghedom family and to all those who loved Nipsey.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

Queen Latifah building $14M worth of new housing in Newark NJ

Hip-hop icon Queen Latifah (Dana Owens) is returning to her hometown of Newark to invest in a cluster of multi-family town homes along Springfield Avenue and South 17th Street.

The $14 million project is expected to break ground in the summer.

Latifah, a co-president of BlueSugar Corporation, is working with GonSosa Development on the project, which is anchored outside of the city’s downtown, spanning the West and South wards.

The project includes 20 three-family town homes and a three-story mixed-used building with an additional 16 units. Plans for the building include a fitness center and 1,900 square feet of commercial space that will be rented to nonprofits. The 60 units in the townhouses will be market rate; the 16 units in the building will be affordable.

Rents for the market rate units will start around $1,800 a month and are expected to open by December 2020. The affordable housing building is expected to be finished in December 2021; units there will be priced according to a person’s income.

[SOURCE: NJ.COM]

Auntie Maxine on Kanye: 'Perhaps sometimes he needs some assistance'

Outspoken Trump critic Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) weighed in on Kanye West's latest string of hot takes this week at a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus. Waters praised the rapper for his contributions to the African-American community while also saying he sometimes "talks out of turn."

"Kanye West is a very creative young man who has presented some of the most revolutionary material in the African-American community," said Waters, who is among Trump's most vocal critics in Congress and has repeatedly called for the president to be impeached.

"But we also think that sometimes Kanye West talks out of turn and perhaps sometimes he needs some assistance in helping him to formulate some of his thoughts," she continued.

"We don’t think that he actually means to do harm, but we’re not sure he really understands the impact of what he’s saying, at the time that he’s saying it and how that weighs on, particularly the African-American community — and for young people in general," she added. "And I think maybe he should think twice about politics, and maybe not have so much to say."

[SOURCE: SFGATE]

Kendrick Lamar becomes 1st rapper to win Pulitzer Prize for music

Kendrick Lamar has become the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Kendrick Lamar has won the Pulitzer Prize for music, making history as the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the prestigious prize. The revered rapper is also the most commercially successful musician to receive the award, usually reserved for critically acclaimed classical acts who don't live on the pop charts.

The 30-year-old won the prize for "DAMN.," his raw and powerful Grammy-winning album. The Pulitzer board said Monday the album is a "virtuosic song collection" and said it captures "the modern African American life." He will win $15,000.

The Pulitzer board has awarded special honors to Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Hank Williams, but a popular figure like Lamar has never won the prize for music. In 1997, Wynton Marsalis became the first jazz act to win the Pulitzer Prize for music.

The Pulitzer Prize is awarded for excellence in newspaper journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition

[SOURCE: CBS NEWS]

Jay Z to Stage Hillary Clinton Concert in Swing State Ohio

Jay Z will stage a concert in support of Hillary Clinton in the swing state of Ohio before Election Day, according to Buzzfeed. Details of the concert were not formally announced.

The Cleveland concert will focus on mobilizing black voters ahead of the November 8th presidential election; while Clinton currently holds a narrow lead against Donald Trump in most polls in the crucial swing state, a huge turnout by the African-American community would make it difficult for Trump to capture the Buckeye State, Buzzfeed reports.

Both Jay Z and Beyoncé have been staunch supporters of Hillary Clinton, participating in fundraisers for the candidate. The couple even hung out with former president Bill Clinton during the Made in America festival in Philadelphia.

[SOURCE]

Leave Snoop Dogg alone!

By George L. Cook III EMAIL

By now I'm sure you have heard or heard about Snoop Dogg's (AKA Calvin Broadus) infamous video rant about not wanting to see the remake of Roots (Not sure if Snoops remembers it though). He stated that he was tired of seeing slave movies and wanted to see something else. Many could care less that he didn't want to watch the new mini-series but were upset by him calling for a boycott of a show no one had seen yet. There's been a firestorm of negative response to his video and attacks on his character. I'm here to defend Mr. Broadus and to tell you why you should leave Snoop alone.

Mr. Dogg is the star of such cinematic classics as Soul Plane (still can't see why that wasn't nominated for an Oscar), the Car Wash remake, and Bones, so trust me he knows what good quality and culturally uplifting entertainment looks like.

When it comes to Snoop's character, I think the attacks are misguided. If you ignore the violent lyrics, calling women bitches and hos, making porn, the murder charge, and the constant weed smoking he's actually a good guy.

Mr. Dogg took time out of his busy day to talk to us about Roots. He could have been doing other things like:

Smoking more weed.

Tending to his Cannabis plants (Trust me he has a few).

Braiding his hair.

Making another bad reggae album (RIP Snoop Lion).

So just remember he didn't have to speak to you ungrateful bastards at all.

Lastly, Snoop called for the boycott to help you. He wanted you to have more time to watch programs that uplift Black America like, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta", "Preachers of L.A.", or "Love and Hip Hop". Not many celebrities would do that for you.

So with all the factors I just pointed out, don't you think it's time to leave Snoop alone?

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Sean Combs launches Charter School In Harlem

Combs announced Monday that the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School will open in the fall. Watch the story below.

Why this Hillary Clinton supporter has much love for Killer Mike

Rapper Killer Mike (His Momma named him Micheal Render) has been a very vocal and active supporter of Bernie Sanders. As a guy who grew up listening to Rakim, Public Enemy, Poor Righteous Teachers, X Clan, and KRS-One, I'm no big fan of his music (I know I come off as a hating old man.). So why you ask would I, a Hillary Clinton supporter have so much respect for this young man?

Because he unlike many celebrity supporters has studied up on things and has a good idea of what is being discussed. When he appears on television, you don't have to worry about this intelligent, well-spoken man embarrassing black people. If you debate this man don't underestimate him and consider him just a rapper because he will destroy you with well thought out arguments.

Killer Mike can intelligently debate the issues and defend his stance on the issues. I can see this young man as a political contributor to a news network or working on or in campaigns one day. And yes, I can see him running for office.

So although I don't agree with him on this current Democratic primary (Go Hillary), I am very proud of these young black man.

George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports. Email: georgelcookiii@gmail.com

Morning Joe Blames Racist SAE Video on Rap Music

Here's one from the that didn't take long, but not as soon as we expected file. On MSNBC's (yes, that channel still exist) the host and guest pinned some of the blame for SAE's racist rant on Hip Hop. They discussed this idea because of the lyrics of Wocka Flocka Flame (apparently he still exist also), who in protest has cancelled a performance for the fraternity. I actually expected someone to make this charge but I would have bet $100 it would have came from Fox News or conservative radio. Watch the video excerpt below:

Hip Hop responds to Michael Brown shooting.

Some have falsely accused Hip Hop of sitting out of the Michael Brown shooting tragedy. That is not true. Some have made statements while others like The Game, T.I., and J. Cole have released songs in honor of Michael Brown or discuss the shootings of unarmed black men. Yes there is much to criticize in Hip Hop but when Hip Hop artist step up and attempt to be socially conscience we need to acknowledge that also. Check out a few of those songs below:

Don't shoot by The Game featuring Diddy, Rick Ross,2 Chainz, Fabolous, Yo Gotti, Wale

Be Free by J. Cole

New National Anthem by T.I.

Nas Teams Up with Google and Microsoft for Tech-Based Scholarships

These are the stories we don't hear enough about. Many Hip Hop stars give back but for some reason it has to be a secret. Of course most rappers are not as socially aware as Nas is but they can aspire to be. Big kudos to Nas. I don't know if they makes up for "Oochie Wally" but it's a start. LOL. George Cook AAReports.com.

[ SOURCE ] General Assembly, a private technical school in New York has created a new fund designed to increase minority participation in the tech world, and it’s receiving help from none other than Nas. The hip-hop artist has enlisted the help of Hirepurpose and tech giants Google and Microsoft to help fund the new initiative. Nas’ own Queensbridge Venture Partners will fund scholarships aimed at African-Americans and Latinos, while Google’s contributions will help fund women’s scholarships and Microsoft and Hirepurpose will fund scholarships for veterans.

Should Sean Combs, ( not Diddy ) give commencement speech at Howard?

Media mogul and businessman Sean Combs will give the commencement speech at Howard University this year. It should be noted that although he dropped out Combs did attend Howard so there is a connection there.

Some have taken issue with a "rapper" ( honestly rapping is not the man's strong suit ) being given the honor of speaking at the Howard graduation ceremony. I believe that those up in arms should keep in mind that Howard invited Sean Combs not Diddy to speak. They invited Combs, a successful businessman who can give valued advice to those wanting to head in the business world.

I think Sean Combs is an excellent choice. What do you think?

Hip-Hop Pioneers Plan a Museum for the Bronx

Before hip-hop became a musical genre, it was a form of expression — and an escape — for its early creators in the Bronx.

Now some of those elders of the genre want to underscore its Bronx roots by opening a hip-hop museum inside the Kingsbridge Armory, a long-empty fortress that is being redeveloped into a national ice sports center. The museum — to be called the Universal Hip Hop Museum — would utilize interactive technology to provide a comprehensive look at hip-hop, including its historical and cultural roots and the contributions of break dancers and disc jockeys, according to museum organizers.

“Many people have a misconception of what hip-hop is,” said Afrika Bambaataa, who is often called the godfather of hip-hop and will serve as the museum’s chairman. “When they say hip-hop, they only say it’s the rapper, and there’s a whole culture and movement behind it.”

The plan for the museum was announced by a group of hip-hop artists and their supporters at a news conference in front of City Hall on Wednesday after a City Council ceremony inside to honor the achievements of Mr. Bambaataa and other early hip-hop pioneers, including Grandmaster Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz and Grand Wizard Theodore. The new museum, which is still being developed, is the latest in a line of efforts to honor hip-hop that date back to at least the mid-1990s.

Read more here: Hip-Hop Pioneers Plan a Museum for the Bronx

Is Nicki Minaj's Malcom X cover disrespectful?

It seems like Nicki Minaj has decided to take the ignorance displayed expressed last year by her fellow Young Money rapper Lil Wayne to a new level. Last year Lil Wayne used Emmit Till's name in a disrespectful manner in a song.

Not to be out done Nicki Minaj has used the iconic photo of Malcom X looking out a window and holding a rifle on the cover of her newly released single, Looking Ass Nigga. Check out the cover below.

I find this photo to be extremely disrespectful and shows that Nicki Minaj has a lot to learn about black history. And to make matters worse it has been released during Black History Month. SMDH! What do you think?

Blue Ivy's hair is an issue? Really?

I must have been under a rock for a few days. Today when coming online to sites like Facebook and Twitter I have just learned that the state of Blue Ivy's ( Jay Z's and Beyonces baby girl ) hair is now an issue. Really?

To everyone talking bad about the baby's hair. To everyone criticizing Blue Ivy's lack of a hairstyle. To everyone who appareantley doesn't have enough important sh*t going on in your own life that gives you the time to talk about a baby's hair.

F*CK YOU!

Blue Ivy is a pretty baby as most babies are and her hairstyle is not important. Adults should not be putting their pscycholgical bullsh*t about THEIR hair onto our children. That's your f*cked up way of thinking. Do everyone and every little black girl a favor and keep that sh*t to yourself.

Being women of color our little girls will have enough challenges throughout life. Let's not put a bogus one on them.

George Cook AAReports.com