The Power of Hate: Neo-Nazism & Immigration

During World War II Russia suffered by far the greatest number of casualties of any country on either side, losing approximately 24 million people (military and civilians.) Ironic enough, today, Russia has now inherited the same hateful disease that has plagued most Europe during that period – Neo-Nazism.

The collapse of the Soviet economic system in the early 1990s caused great economic and social turmoil, including widespread unemployment and poverty. With their opposition toward immigration as their main platform, several government officials and members of the Parliament created propaganda to tap into popular discontent, particularly among the marginalized, lesser educated, and habitually unemployed youth. What is so troublesome about this, is that the ideals held here are not to far off from some of the messages spewed by extreme right-wing Republicans in our own country.

This documentary produced by Current TV’s Vanguard Journalism, explores the violent epidemic of Neo-Nazism in Russia, their underground recruiting , political support and how they use the internet to spread their hate. I find this short piece insightful and sharp. Let me know your thoughts.

It is not my intent to shed light on this to perpetuate a germ of negative thought or energy, rather to build awareness of topics like this one. As many people sincerely believe that the disease of racism is extinct, nothing could be more false! I’ve seen many arguments made by people in our nation (including public officials and politicians) that are not to far from heading in this direction; they are only off by a degree. We must be careful. I post this video as a reminder/warning that if we do not tweak our negative thoughts and hate… we are no better than people expressing the low vibration and intolerance in this piece. Peace!

-Rasu

Game Rebellion Album Release Concert

Monday, January 18, 2010
Santos party house
96 Lafayette Street New York, NY

http://www.gamerebellion.eventbrite.com/
8pm
$10 ADvance tickets w/CD
$15 at door w/CD

with Performances from
Donnis
Kidz In The Hall
&
Game Rebellion

New Video by Game Rebellion – “Blind”

Coupé décalé

Coupé Décalé is a type of popular dance music originating from Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and the Ivorian diaspora in Paris, France. Drawing heavily from Zouglou and Congolese rhythms, Coupé-Décalé is a very percussive style featuring African samples, deep bass, and repetitive, minimalist arrangements. When I saw this video for the first time it immediately reminded me of a mix of Dancehall dances and Tecktonik. Check out this video of these Congolese youth killing this dance. Enjoy!

Thank You Melly Mel for putting me on to this.

Sybarite Remember’s The Time

Peace Family,

Now that most of the Michael Jackson celebration has come to a cease, it seems that most of us may be all MJ’d out (no disrespect, but I’m just saying…) However, this is one of the best tributes I’ve seen thus far. Its a video created by Sybarite Productions doing live choreography of “Remember The Time” at Columbus Circle, Time Square and Union Square to honor MJ. Check it out:

Friends We Love: 120 w/ Rasu

Peace Family,

This is somewhat of a shameless plug, but most importantly, I would also like to show love to our people over at “Friends We Love.” FWL is an on going interview/documentary series that give artists and movers-and-shakers an opportunity to build on any subject they desire – created by film makers Moni Pineda and Michael Vargas.

A few months ago Mike and Moni of FWL hit me up to stop by the studio and run my mouth for 120 seconds. Needless to say, I stopped by and I had no idea what I was going to talk about. However, I did realize it was chance for me to share my thoughts to the world, so I took advantage of the opportunity. Check it out, let me know what you think. Also, leave comments on the FriendsWeLove website. Continue to support creative people doing creative things.

Direct link here: http://friendswelove.com/video/rasu-jilani-coup-d-etat-brooklyn-120-seconds/

Peace and enjoy!

A Tribute To Rakim

In 1986, I attended PS 37 Elementary School in Springfield Gardens, Queens (NY.) There are three main things I remember from that year… A fight I had with Bobby Ingram while playing kickball at recess (I think it was because he said something about my mother – lol,) my favorite elementary school teacher Ms. Good (one of my favorite teachers ever,) and the first time I heard the God MC Rakim!

From what I can recall, It was one morning while I was taking my daily route to school with my friends the twins, Oscar and Malcolm from 140th avenue. We were reciting the hip hop song “A fly girl” by Boogie Boys, when we approached this older cat (probably in his early 20s) washing his car with the doors swung open blasting music. Anyways, I remember hearing this melodic whistling sound and this crazy fade-in effect that would later be the signature for legendary producer Marley Marl and synonymous with hiphop from out of Queens Bridge. Then, the beat dropped with this heavy bass that automatically syncronized with the muscles in our necks to cause us to do the traditional form of hiphop affirmation – the head nod! Seconds later we heard the lyrics:

“Turn up the bass,
check out my melody,
hand out a cigar,
I’m lettin knowledge be born,
and my name’s the R.,
A-k-i-m not like the rest of them,
I’m not on a list,
That’s what I’m sayin,
I drop science like a scientist”

Simple enough but the timing was impeccable.

“My Melody” By Eric B. & Rakim

My boy Malcolm – who was the most outspoken of us all – asked “ayo my man, who is that?” The dude responded: “whaddup shorty, this cat from Strong Isle (Long Island) named Rakim.” For me, that was it…I was hooked. I’ve never heard anything like that. Granted I was still in my adolescent years, however it didn’t disqualify my taste in music. Prior to hearing Rakim my favorite rappers were Run DMC, LL Cool J & Melly Mel. Everything changed from that day forward, Rakim trumped them all!

Years later, I returned to America from living out in Antigua, and The R. had NYC and the rest of the hip hop game in a headlock (though he had competition with Kool G. Rap & Big Daddy Kane – who performed at prospect part two saturdays ago. see here) what made Rakim stand out from everything else was his rhyme style and pattern. Prior to Rakim, hip-hop music lyricism was usually rather simple from a structural standpoint and the rhymes were rather direct and lacked very little depth. He didn’t simply rhyme couplets like most Emcees, instead Rakim was considered the first emcees using internal rhyme multiple times within just a few lines. Rakim also popularized the use of metaphors with multiple meanings (or double entendres.) This is why he stood out amongst the rest.

So, for about 20+ years of my life I’ve been waiting to see Rakim live, and last week that wish was granted when last Thursday, Frank 151 presented Rakim live @ Highline Ball Room. Me and the family (Daoud, Dahkil & Dallas Penn) went to check out the God MC. All I can say the brother still got it. Check out the footage below provided by Dallas Penn. Also, a special shout out to DJ Synapse of Frank 151 for inviting the Coup to the show.

Celebrate BK With Dallas Penn, CDTBK & Big Daddy Kane

This weekend the Coup rallied up to go check out Big Daddy Kane & Blitz The Ambassador in Prospect Park. Blitz and DJ Ralph McDaniels ripped it and warmed up the stage enough for Kane to show he still got his swag in full effect.  After the show we ran into our homie Dallas Penn of Internets Celebrities. Check it out!

Check out Blitz The Ambassor’s Album “Stereotype” available now online.

Blitz The Ambassador

“I Know You Know” Esperanza Spalding, Right?

“So, pursuing all aspects of my creative self, and continually living each moment that will ultimately contribute to my legacy is what drives me.” – Esperanza Spalding, Nu Soul Magazine

We’ve been seeing a lot of young people evolving into successful young adults and really displaying alternative ways in which they can express themselves. Although a lot of young people love hip-hop, fashion and sports, it’s always refreshing to see unique paths taken. Esperanza Spalding, a 24-year-old native “Portland Trail Blazer” known for playing the bass and creating soulful jazz inspired sounds (that remind you of the Atlantic coastlines in Central America), is making her way to through the universe with Banana Republic ad campaigns, appearances on popular Late Night Shows and concert dates that flood into December 2009. She’s young, she’s talented and she’s someone you should check for. Thanks to Q-Tip and Twitter, I was exposed to Esperanza Spalding. Check out the video he posted:

¿Que rico, verdad? Claro. Check for her album, Esperanza and visit her site by clicking HERE. Check out an exclusive interview by clicking Continue reading ““I Know You Know” Esperanza Spalding, Right?” »

How Do You Feel About Conservative Political Rap?

“The Young Cons have a devout mission to spread the love and logic surrounding true conservatism. Our greatest enemy lies in the lack of understanding of the conservative movement. In a technological era driven fiercely by the main stream media, those who taut the true conservative message of individual responsibility, moral absolutes, and small government are slanted as intolerant, racist, “bible and gun clinging”, corporate fat cats who could not care less about the environment nor the well being of their fellow man.” – The Young Cons

Peace. On my glorious Monday evening, I decided to catch up on some Bill Maher and a little bit of Fox News. What does AHLOT find? One of the most unique and entertaining groups of all time (and no, it’s not Meth and Red). Let me introduce: The Young Cons. They are not playing games. They are super, duper serious and ready to spit. The Hip Hop Community is often known for their liberal perspectives and (so) this is something different for the majority of us. Watch the this video and let us know what you think. Check out this:

Find out more about The Young Cons by clicking HERE. Stay on top of your media coverage. It’s needed. Peace!

DJ Hard Hittin Harry Wears CDTBK on Good Day NY

Monday morning, our brother and one our favorite Dj’s Hard Hittin’ Harry, who was the DJ for the NYE Punk -n-Paint Ball, was showcased for your listening (and viewing) pleasure On Good Day New York. He could be found this morning reppin the coup, wearing our Paradise shirt. What other brand gets there logo represented on Good Day New York (see the sticker on his laptop,) we see you brother SALUTE!!!!!

DJ Hard Hittin Harry poses to flick it up with Good Day anchors Greg Kelly & Rosanna Scotto

You can also check out DJ Hard Hittin’ Harry every Friday at the Gansevort Hotel in the Meatpacking District or online during his weekly web jam session- The Global Jam Session- on Tuesdays 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. He Also spins Rhythm -n- Bounce every thursday @ Katra 217 Bowery & Sundays @ Deity 368 atlantic ave. in Brooklyn at the Unity Sound Reggae party.