Month: March 2007

found at Macomb Daily, so credit to the newspaper and thanks to all of you who gave me the link to the article:)

credit to rap basement
It is called Don t Hate, it has some raw accents that are so typical of King Gordy s know how…listen to it here!
I am happy to see D12 back, moreover with skilled emcee King Gordy…enjoy:)

George Hunter / The Detroit News
MOUNT CLEMENS — Eminem and his ex-wife, Kim Mathers, have agreed to play nice.
The two signed a “parental cooperation” pact this morning, agreeing not to disparage each other, Friend of the Court referee David T. Elias said.
The rap superstar had filed a motion in Macomb County Circuit Court to prevent his ex-wife from trashing him in the media, because he said it could harm their 11-year-old daughter, Hailie.
Kim Mathers appeared in court this morning for a hearing on the matter. The case was assigned to Elias by Chief Circuit Judge Antonio Viviano.
Eminem did not appear in court, but spoke with his ex-wife via a telephone conference this morning, Elias said.
“I’m pleased to report that both parties have signed a parental cooperation order,” Elias said. The order states that both Eminem and his wife will refrain from making public disparaging remarks about each other.
Kim Mathers left the hearing without speaking to reporters. But a response to Eminem’s motion, which was filed by her attorneys Friday, said, “(Kim) states that after years of enduring (Eminem’s) public derogatory statements both in his lyrics, during his performances and in the media, she decided it was time for the public to hear her side. (Eminem) must forget the lyrics he wrote and the effect those lyrics have on the child.”
The response goes on to cite Eminem’s song, “Kim,” in which he raps about killing a woman named Kim.
“This song is a detailed account of how (Eminem) plans to murder (Kim). It is heard everyday by millions of people. It appears (Eminem) was not so concerned at the time he wrote these lyrics of how a gruesome and detailed account of how he was going to murder her mother would affect the minor child.”
The motion also said, “(Eminem) has a tattoo that is directed at (Kim) and depicts a grave with a tombstone that reads, “R.I.P. Kim, Rot in Pieces. Again, did (Eminem) not consider the effect such inflammatory statement would have on their minor child when he obtained this tattoo?”
Kim Mathers, is twice divorced from Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers. Eminem complained in his motion that Kim, who lives in Macomb Township, has recently granted television and radio interviews in which she has claimed Eminem is “slacking very much when it comes to the kids” and that there is “nothing positive” between Eminem and his daughter.
The couple was first married in 1999 and divorced several years later. They were remarried in January 2006. Eminem filed for a second divorce in April 2006.
Harvey Hauer, Eminem’s attorney, said this morning: “We’re very happy the court was able to bring a resolution. The most important thing to Marshall is Hailie.”
You can reach George Hunter at (586) 468-7396 or ghunter@detnews.com. You can reach George Hunter at (586) 468-7396 or ghunter@detnews.com.

As an occasional reader of the UK s Daily Mail, I was utterly shocked to read some statements made by columnist Melanie Philips.
According to what I read and if I understood well the points the journalist named above wanted to make, one should consider that slavery was evil, but a mea culpa from politicians and church is a little bit over exaggerated.
Melanie Philips also implied that, besides white slave traders, there were also black and Arab traders, so victimizing black people is a little bit too much of an exaggeration, as far as she is concerned.
Really? Do you really have a sense of proportion, Mrs Philips? I agree: there might have been a minority of black and Arab traders, but do you know how many white people participated to evil slave businesses?
Should I mention that Melanie Philips is white? Does her skin color matter? Yes, it does matter, because the columnist belongs to that category of white persons who think from their comfortable all white point of view.
In conclusion to what is supposed to be a brilliant demonstration of literacy and history, Mrs. Philips, extra poles on the current gang related problems that black people encounter in our contemporary society. Of course, those problems are not slavery related. Or maybe yes, they are.
If you consider that black people were leaving peacefully in Africa, in a simple, nevertheless organized society and demanded nothing to no one.
All of a sudden, huge crews of invaders from America, England, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and many more countries came to capture those people, put them into chains, made them travel in most inhuman conditions, sold them for money and used them as free working forces in their plantations, raping their wives and daughters, murdering the men that rebelled against their detention condition in a very merciless manner.
What is the link with today s society? You don t see the point? Here it is: the descendants of the many slaves are living here. Should I mention that your country built most of its wealth on those slaves sweat? Or this that just another unimportant detail of history to you?
The slaves descendants didn t ask for anything: they were born here and have the same rights as you!
If there are gang related problems, it is because those people don t have the same chances as you. Have you considered that black people are often singled out in dirty ghettos and have less chances to access a better education? That s the reality, but some of you middle class white persons seem to be blind to such problems!
As a white woman, I am advocating black people s cause, because I know how it feels to be singled out by your color. I have lived such situations through my bi racial kids. However, I am happy to have educated them to never be ashamed of their color, nor of their heritage from both sides.
Do you realize, Mrs Philips, that when you step out of our house, you will never be singled out because of your skin color? People will never describe you as a white woman, while they will single out a black woman because of her skin color. She won’t be described as a person, a woman, but most people will talk about her skin color first, which will never happen to you when you will step out with your comfortable middle class mentality.
Maybe Shilpa Shetty was right when she stated that middle class racism was the thing to fear in Great Britain.
Unlike France, contemporary Great Britain doesn t seem to have a big racism problem- in appearance only.
Racism is officially banned and you cannot be discriminated against in as a job seeker because of your color. However, having lived there now for 8 months approximately, I could observe that racism wears a phonier garment in the UK: people live side by side, but secretly hate themselves by communities.
Most white British people cultivate a secret hatred for Indians who can t stand Blacks, most of the time, and the list goes on.
In conclusion, I don t think we will ever erase racism from the roots of our earth.
But we can fight against it with our whole heart and apologize for history s evil mistakes, for the next generations to learn the lessons.
It is because of people like you, Mrs. Philips, that some people are encouraged to deny the Holocaust or other similar crimes.
Give a sincere apology when an apology is due. No matter if the prejudice goes back to two centuries, the new generations continue to carry the scars of their ancestors sorrows-in other forms of modern slavery.
Copyright © 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

I discovered E-Dro thanks to the UK magazine, The Hip Hop Connection. When I started reviewing his mixtape, I was impressed with E-Dro s skills. The DC artist has something consitent to say to his listeners regarding black folks condition, politics and much more…E-Dro kindly accepted this interview with me.
Discover more about him with the following interview!
1. What motivated you to become a rapper and when did you get started?
At an early age I loved music. I use to grab whatever I could find to use a mic and sing along with the lyrics on the radio. When I heard Run DMC, LL Cool J, Doug E Fresh, Fat Boys etc I loved it. I just knew I wanted to be a rapper.
2.Which artist influenced you most and why?
I would have to say that Tupac influenced me the most. His energy, style and character influenced me to push harder. I understood where he was coming from you know? I felt the good, bad and the ugly in his music.
3. In your song Black Man you are talking about the difficulties of the black community. As a mom of two bi racial kids I have been confronted with racism in my country too. Are there very strong racial tensions in the DC community at the moment?
I mean racism is and probably will always be around but to answer your question I would have to say yes. It’s not as in your face as in the past but black man live it everyday. From racial profiling to employment opportunities to affordable housing it’s all here. You know when you’ve reached the black side of town here. It goes from manicured lawns, no litter in the streets, the roads are smooth to trash everywhere, boarded up buildings, more police presence etc.
4. According to you, can hip hop help towards more fraternity between people?
Yes, Hip Hop has already bridged the gap for all races of people. It’s brought together the south and the north the east and the west. It’s Global. Hip hop is my generation and the generations after me voice in this world. We don’t stand up on Capital Hill voicing our views we do It in our lyrics. I think it reaches more people that way.
5.Tell me a little bit about your collaboration with DJ L.E.S…
That was really inspirational for me. I had the opportunity to work with someone who has been working with NAS. I grew up like damn those NAS tracks hot and here I am working with the same guy. Life’s crazy like that.
6.Nas recently ignited a huge debate, stating that hip hop was dead. What is your point about the current state of hip hop?
Hip Hop has changed. I feel where NAS is coming from. Don’t get me wrong there are some really good rappers today. But the game has changed. Back in the day rappers where in it for the long haul. It was more than just making a quick dollar or one hit wonder. That’s why today Ice Cube, Dr. Dre’ NAS, Scareface etc.still get major respect. A lot of performers today let the track do most of the work. The lyrics are not that great. But I do give respect to some of the artist today because they have that drive and want to be the best at what they do.
7.Which artists have you collaborated over the years?
There been so many. Known producers and artist are Chink Sanata, DJ LES, Ken Lewis. Video Director Gil Green, Upcoming artist and producers Phazed Out, Jett Black Fool “ The Real L.O.C”, Natalia, Melisa Duncan, Candice Will, B Love, Akir, Block Pounders, Dr. Mind Bender, Bob Smoke and so more. As for my current project I can’t release the details just yet still in talks.
8. How did you come up with the nickname E-Dro?
I use to go by the name Equipp and my brother O use to make fun of it. I decided to change it so I kept the E and at the time Dro was all I know and you can figure the rest..lol
9. What is the biggest challenge you had to face since you got started?
Capital has been a really major set back in my career. In this game it’s not enough to be a good rapper. If you don’t have the financial support backing you it’s almost impossible to become known. The second major issue was finding the right team, with the same direction as you. You can waste a lot of time if your not on the same page.
10.You collaborated with DJ L.E.S. Would you envision a collaboration with Nas?
HELL YEAH!! I love NAS’s flow. He be saying some real in his music. His Vocab is off chain. I just like him all around. He has never allowed the success to take him on a power trip at least in my eyes. Point blank I would love to have that opportunity.
11 Besides hip hop, what kind of music are you listening to?
I love R&B and of coarse the oldies. I really want to do a Rock N Roll track though. I love to challenge myself so any music for that matter I would be up to trying. I’ve already done a Opera track called “Katrina”. I’m just versatile you know?
12.If you could summarize your music and its message within a few words, how would you define it?
Original and Reality.
13.What inspires you to write your songs?
The tracks talk to me. They tell me what I should say. If there’s something going on in the news or my life that also influences the music I will create.
14. What is your preference: old school or new school rap?
I can’ t really give you one or the other. I like both. The old made the way for the new. I can sit back and listen to some NWA ,LL, KRS1 and still get hype. Or I can listen to some TI, Luda, Jeezy and get just as hype. In no way can I say one is better than the other just different times we living in.
Listen to E-Dro s music here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

In our modern world in which rudeness is a way of life for many uneducated people, many of you might say that internet relationships don t matter and that friendships don t exist on the computer…I don t agree.
When you talk to a person on the net, no matter if you are nice or not, you are talking to a REAL person. When you are hurting through disgraceful and rude words, you are actually hurting some real feelings.
I have developed, through the years, besides my real life friendships, some friendships through the net. I also had the chance to talk to several of them cyber friends on the phone. I was even lucky to meet a fellow blogger who travelled 350 kms to meet me.
Kasey Jay of Pontiac was one of those dear internet friends. We both shared a common dream of success in the hip hop business and i did anything to help promote Kasey Jay s Flosse Wear, the best I could.
Not only did we share our dreams and hopes, Kasey also had this genuine passion for rap music in common with me.
Like me, he knew what it meant to come from a hostile environment and to keep grinding, having been raised by a single mom in the ghetto. Kasey was one of those young entrepreneurs that is very much needed in America. He was a model of courage and hard work to me.
At only 28, he had to die. The circumstances of his death are still unclear.
Dear Kasey, thanks for being a friend and a confident for a little while. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me on the Detroit scene. You will always have a special place in my heart. I will never forget you.
I will bring a symbolical rose to you today made of scented thoughts that represent the respect and friendship i had for you.
Your friend always and ever,
Isabelle
More about Kasey Jay can be found on his my space account and on my personal website.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

I would like to tell my readers that I just got a message from Uncle P from Detroit rap, telling me that a friend of mine, from Pontiac, Kasey Jay had been found dead in his appartment. I am deeply saddened by the news and I will dedicate the nice young man an article asap.
Kasey was a promising young man, with lots of good projects in the making, he had just launched his urban wear line, Flosse Wear.
Although I never met him, i have been talking to him for several years. Kasey has always been such a nice person. I have dedicated him a section on my personal website in order to promote his clothing line.
I will miss you, dude. May God bless your soul. You had a golden heart.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Thanks to Donna for the article:)
George Hunter / The Detroit News
Talking trash?
Some of the harshest things Kim Mathers said about her ex-husband came in a Feb. 16 interview on WKQI-FM’s (95.5) “Mojo in the Morning” show.
“I can’t stand him. He’s an absolutely horrible person, and he gets worse every day. I vomit in my mouth whenever I’m around him or I hear his name. There’s nothing left in me for him. Nothing at all.”
“He’s not very well-endowed. If you’re going to have sex with Marshall, make sure you have a little blue pill, because otherwise it does not work.”
“Since he left the house in February (2006), I don’t know what he’s doing. His visits are few and far between, and when he does come around it’s nothing positive.”
Eminem was “always yelling and complaining about something,” when he was around the children, Kim Mathers said, adding that their daughter regularly asks, “Why’s Dad acting so weird?”
MOUNT CLEMENS — Eminem is taking his ex-wife to court to force her to stop talking trash about him.
The rap superstar, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, is scheduled to appear in Macomb Circuit Court on Monday after filing a motion intended to prevent ex-wife Kim Mathers from disparaging him in ways that he believes could harm their 11-year-old daughter, Hailie.
The motion seeks to prohibit Kim Mathers from making “derogatory, disparaging, inflammatory and otherwise negative comments” about him in public, because, the motion claims, her comments would harm Hailie.
Kim Mathers, who lives in Macomb Township, has recently granted television and radio interviews in which she has claimed Eminem is “slacking very much when it comes to the kids” and that there is “nothing positive” between Eminem and his daughter, according to the motion, filed last week.
“Complicating the situation for the child is the fact that her father is an internationally known public figure,” the motion reads. “It is simply impossible for her to be shielded from the kind of media campaign currently being waged by (Kim) against (Eminem) …
“For girls in the 11 to 14 age range, personal embarrassment is one of their most powerful and painful emotions,” the motion said. “If by some chance the child missed a particularly pungent insult about her father by her mother, it is all but certain that her friends and her friends parents are aware of it and that it will be shared with her.
“This Court must enter an order to protect the child from further harm by requiring that (Kim) desist from any further behavior likely to expose the minor child to humiliation and hostility,” the court document said.
Attorneys for Eminem and Kim Mathers could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Eminem divorced his wife for the second time in December. The couple agreed in an out-of-court settlement to share custody of Hailie.
The couple also adopted Kim’s niece Alaina, 12. Kim also has a daughter, Whitney, 3, from another relationship.
Eminem once wrote a song called “Kim,” in which he raps about a husband who puts his baby to bed, then kidnaps and murders his wife.
In February, Kim Mathers fired back in an interview with WKQI-FM’s (95.5) “Mojo in the Morning” show. She said the interview was her chance to speak up in defense of the many negative things her ex-husband has said about her in his records.
“I can’t stand him,” she said. “He’s an absolutely horrible person, and he gets worse every day. I vomit in my mouth whenever I’m around him or I hear his name. There’s nothing left in me for him. Nothing at all.”
In the interview, she also said sex with her twice ex-husband was “bad,” and added “he’s not very well-endowed.” She also said: “If you’re going to have sex with Marshall, make sure you have a little blue pill, because otherwise it does not work.”
Kim Mathers also said in the interview, “Since he left the house in February (2006), I don’t know what he’s doing. His visits are few and far between, and when he does come around it’s nothing positive.”
She also said Eminem was “always yelling and complaining about something,” when he was around the children, and said their daughter regularly asks, “Why’s Dad acting so weird?”
The couple was first married in 1999 and divorced several years later. They were remarried in January 2006. Eminem filed for a second divorce in April 2006.
You can reach George Hunter at (586) 468-7396 or ghunter@detnews.com.
More Metro/State Headlines

Written by Jason
Friday, 23 March 2007
Eminem is headed to Macomb Circuit Court this Monday (March 26) after recently filing a motion to stop his ex-wife Kim Mathers from publicly bad-mouthing him.
According to the Detroit News, Eminem, (real name Marshall Mathers III), recently filed a motion seeking to prohibit ex-wife Kim Mathers from making further “derogatory, disparaging, inflammatory and otherwise negative comments” about him publicly, claiming that such comments are potentially harmful to their 11-year-old daughter Hailie.
“For girls in the 11 to 14 age range, personal embarrassment is one of their most powerful and painful emotions. If by some chance the child missed a particularly pungent insult about her father by her mother, it is all but certain that her friends and her friends parents are aware of it and that it will be shared with her. This Court must enter an order to protect the child from further harm by requiring that (Kim) desist from any further behavior likely to expose the minor child to humiliation and hostility,” the court document reads.
Since their second divorce was finalized this past December, Kim has granted a number of television and radio interviews. Eminem cites some of her negative comments in his court motion including claims that he is “slacking very much when it comes to the kids,” and that there is “nothing positive” between the rapper and his daughter.
Last month, Kim appeared on WKQI-FM’s (95.5) “Mojo in the Morning” show and spoke about her ex in detail, saying “I can’t stand him. He’s an absolutely horrible person and he gets worse everyday. I vomit in my mouth whenever I’m around him or I hear his name.” She added that sex with the rap superstar was “bad” and claimed, “he’s not very well-endowed… If you’re going to have sex with Marshall, make sure you have a little blue pill, because otherwise it does not work.” Additionally, Kim made claims that Em was “always yelling and complaining,” around the children and that Hailie regularly asked her “Why is Dad acting so weird?”
Kim justified her comments by saying the interview was her chance to speak up in defense of the negative things Eminem has said about her on his records.
The couple originally married in 1999 and later divorced in October 2001. The pair would reconcile in late 2004 before tying the knot again in January 2006. The second marriage would last less than three months, with Eminem filing for divorce on April 5. The couple agreed to an out-of-court settlement to share custody of Hailie. The Mathers also adopted Kim’s niece Alaina, who is 12. Kim has another daughter, three-year-old Whitney, from another relationship.

Hip hop is one of the musical genres that is probably the most listened to among today s youths. It is, however, one of the most misunderstood and discriminated against by politicians and comfortable middle classes adults.
Hip hop has yet to be rediscovered as a whole- I mean the culture and the music altogether. In our world of modern technology, hip hop indeed lacks intellectual commentary, which would certainly help to do away with some usual misconceptions about it.
Some people do think that hip hop is only about big money, big jewels, hoes and big cars. Some teenagers think they are hip hop because they dress hip hop and because they listen to mainstream rappers.
Some politicians are convinced that rap music leads our youths to violence and drugs.
Wrong! Only misinterpretations of the true message hip hop actually conveys will lead to violence related behaviors. I have observed young suburban people in front of their houses who think they are cool gangstas because they are smoking one joints or two, wearing a hoodie, listening to the latest 50 Cent hit and carrying a knife. The same guys will enjoy spitting at the neighbor s gate and scaring one or two 70 year old grannies.
That’s not being gangsta, young people. That’s being naughty.
Let me ask you one question, guys: what do you know about ghetto life? Probably very few things. If you actually knew how it looks like to live in a ghetto, you wouldn’t be keen on imitating a lifestyle just to fit into a culture that definitely isn’t your heritage.
It is actually hard to live in the ghetto. I know what I am talking about: I have lived there for years, struggling as a single mom to raise my kids in a very hostile and dirty environment. The ghetto is a place that teaches you about life. I have dealt with realities some of you could barely ever swallow, not even in your dreams. I am not talking that way to raise your pity, I want you to understand that living in the gutter far from being a fairy tale.
The ghetto is a place most people are trying to leave, it is not a pleasant place to stay. The most realistic description of the ghetto as a whole is Grandmaster Flash s. Broken glass everywhere, piss on the floor, living on the edge…welcome to the jungle.
When you can and whatever your assets are ( talent, diplomas, cleverness, dirty deals…), you are trying to elevate yourself in order to escape from this no man s land.
The ghetto is a place that will require from you to have character and to be ready to face the worst. Closer to hell than to heaven, the ghetto s rough environment will shape you and teach you some hard life lessons.
How many people have dealt there with loads of unpleasant situations, trying to make the best out of their circumstances?
How many courageous women have struggled all alone, endorsing a man and a woman s role, keeping their heads up, for their kids sake?
How many kids have grown, left on their own, dealing with irresponsible parents, facing dangers and developing, day after day, the will to succeed, despite all?
How many people have seen their world turn into a nightmare within a few minutes over there?
How many people have watched their homies take bullets and die in front of their eyes?
As Detroit emcee Supa Emcee says, it s hard in the heart of the streets. Most people aren t outlaws by choice, but by necessity. Drug deals, hustle, robberies happen because many people are left with no other choice. It is truly a matter of survival.
The American government in particular will always try to censor emcees voices, because they point their fingers at the scars the same government left among the poorest classes of society.
Ice Cube s hit, Why We Thugs, explains the vicious system that was created by men who now claim to protect average citizens from a violent society that originated from their own policies.
Let s go down to the very heart of the streets, in which real emcees rap about real problems. It will remind you of the birth of hip hop. Hip hop was born in a state of perpetual emergency, in the Bronx. A bunch of people who knew how to handle a mic and instrumentals, put their flow in action and used it as an outlet for their rage.
A rage that offered the most realistic social commentary and strong political analysis of America s ghettos. A creative rage that was transformed into an abundant and rhythmic torrent of flooding words.
A rage that expressed the pain of racial and ethnic minorities.
The very heart of the hip hop spirit has much more to do with expressing people s pain than with making money, even though hip hop is a useful tool for skilled emcees to reach fame and fortune.
I want gangsta rappers to keep telling people about what is going on in the ghettos. I want them to describe the crude and awful reality like it is. It want them to keep pleasing our ears with high quality rhymes. I want the voice of the underprivileged to be heard and understood.
Many mainstream rappers need to realize that they are actually spoiling good and insightful hip hop in favor of a distasteful, superficial, bad quality hip hop. They are thus influencing a specific category of suburban teenagers to behave badly, making them believe that it is cool to be a drug addict or a violent thug. This is not what hip hop is about.
Hip hop is the mirror of the streets. It is the voice of the people who live and struggle in an horrific jungle of hatred, poverty and racial discrimination. It is probably the key to stopping racism and inequality, because of the strength of its message all over the years.
It will probably remain a fiction to many comfortable people who are unable to relate to the culture, though.
No matter how much people want to shut down the messenger, hip hop s message won t be overheard.
Not only do many emcees have something consistent to say, rap music is also about blessing a mic with some inventive rhymes, a tornado alike flow delivery totally matching with some good, rhythmic beats. In short, a real expression of talent.
Dig a little deeper and you will discover diamonds in the dirt of the depressing ghetto landscape, like its unique gem: quality rap music straight from the streets.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved