GZA The Genius Lectures at Harvard + Gets Inspired By the Scientific minds of MIT for new LP to be Released 2012

Wu-Tang is arguably one of the best things to ever happen to hip-hop and GZA is arguably one of the best lyricists to come out of the Wu Clan thanks to his classic solo effort, Liquid Swords. The wordsmith who has graced the silver screen in the conversational film Coffee and Cigarettes opposite Bill Murray as well as appearances on the Chapelle Show is now headed to Cambridge to lecture on his craft as a guest of the Harvard Black Men's Forum.

 GZA is currently working on a new LP to drop in 2012 on Babygrande Records, where he will visit with great minds of MIT and the Broad Institute for inspiration on the project.

Gary Grice aka GZA/The Genius, a founding member of rap supergroup the Wu-Tang Clan, will lecture about his Clan, his craft, and his creativity on Thursday, December 1 at 4 p.m. The lecture, hosted by the Harvard's Black Men's Forum, will be followed by Q&A and is open to the public. 

The Harvard Black Men's Forum (BMF) is a student led organization focused on providing a space for African-American men at Harvard and combating issues that affect African-Americans at Harvard and around the world. The current President of BMF is Damilare Sonoiki, a junior at Harvard. --Life or Death PR

 For more GZA info follow him on Twitter @TheRealGZA

Read More

R.I.P. Heavy D. 1967 - 2011

There isn't much you can say about hip-hop legend Heavy D that hasn't been said already. He made great music that was agreeable in countless circles. I remember coming to the U.S. from Ghana and having my 30-something year old mother who swore she couldn't stand hip-hop culture one bit knocking "Now That We've Found Love." If only she knew the same Heavy D also made "A Bunch of Niggas." But I've noticed the trend of great people producing great things having a way of transcending prejudices.

 In the wake of his passing, as droves of friends and family recount the deeds of his life, it becomes even more obvious that his music was an extension of his own inner joy.

If there is anything we as a culture could use right now, it is a return to our "inner Hev."


Wearing the moniker "overweight lover" with all the pride in the room, Heavy D was entirely comfortable with his size long before big men were embraced in hip-hop.

He was the tip of the spear in making a celebrated sex symbol and big man in hip-hop culture cool. I'm sure if he were alive Big would tell you the same.

But isn't it the eternal truth that happy people just garner way more positive attention anyway?

I wont disrespect his legacy by whining about hip-hop not having someone to stand in the man's shoes. His music came from a place of contentment, his own.

"His music sounded happy because he was happy."

Music aside, I do wish a similar state of peace for all us. When we are collectively stronger the art will have no choice but to follow. Just from the reaction of the people who knew him it's obvious that Hev was a strong cat.

Transitioning at 44 years of age does feel awfully young, but when all anyone can remember you for is your light and positivity there isn't a laundry list of regrets.

I extend peace and comfort to the family of Dwight Arrington Meyers aka Heavy D from the H.A.S. Magazine fam. His spirit will be sorely missed.


Black Coffee -

Now That We've Found Love -

Read More

The Best of H.A.S.MAGAZINE...mostly [2007-2011]

It's hard to believe that we released our first print issue December 2007 and now we are facing the end of 2011. I'm proud of the 25 issues we've released (even though I've been hard to please) and since we've taken a little time off, I thought what better way to pass the time than with some of our best pieces over the years. There are no ads, no table of contents, no letter from me, just cover to cover features, social commentary and vivid images. There are so many great features but I picked some of my personal favorites ranging from a debate on hip-hop's whereabouts to the prison industrial complex to our usual music, art + fashion features. There really are too many to talk about, so take a minute to view or download this compilation issue to reminisce or get familiar with who we are.

Thank you all for your continued support. As an independent publication featuring the works of independent artists, we need all the support + feedback you can give! Tell a friend, let us know what you like, let us know what you don't like....or just say hi!

 

[Click the image to view.]

Read More

Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes

Open Mike Eagle

By Senyo Twilight

Quick.

Somebody show me to the graveyard that plays host to gimmick-rapper retirees.

Where exactly do those old bones go to fossilize?

When karats and begets tarnish and doo rags and fitted caps get replace by beanies and flea market dashikis, what will ‘bling-bling’ rap have to show for itself?

“the only thing certain in life is death and taxes.” 

Benjamin Franklin

As much as certain rappers try to portray themselves as larger than life, this pertains to them as well.

Current L.A. Art Rap flag-barer and Project Blowed freestyle champion Open Mike Eagle has unleashed his latest album entitled, Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes.

Talk about omens.

This cut  is full of textures doused in heavy synth and soul loops in the same stroke conjures up sonic remnants of the extraterrestrial.

A lot of that “out-of-this-world” sound is thanks in part to producers like Willie Green and E. Super.

A Chicago implant doing big things on the west coast hip-hop scene, Open Mike’s approach to Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes, saunters back and forth between light-hearted and tragic moods. Both approaches constitute a style which is evolving with his growing command of melodies and hook writing. He has improved on the already dope skill set exhibited on his last full-length release, Unapologetic Art Rap.

One would be remiss to dismiss the Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes album as one void of poignant lyrical content. The writing is truly sincere. The term “real rap” is certainly not of place here.

Open Mike really just raps about staying true yourself(see: No Body Nose), being strong enough to chase your dreams (see: Bright Green Lights) surviving the traps of the industry (see: Kings) all the while celebrating just being a regular guy (see: Dishes).

There are traces of the impact that social institutions have had on personal achievement and deeper content that requires some degree of intelligence to fully enjoy.


Nightmares and Bright Green Lights are both standouts in their on rights on the album, with video releases circulating for both.

There’s nothing run-of-the-mill about this album, it talks about normal people and their everyday experience, which has ironically become abnormal.  The word for this album in its intent and execution is refreshing.

And though we don’t wish death on any of the brothers and sisters that make up the exaggerated element of our hip-hop community, we do appreciate the creative and responsible wake-up call that is, Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes.

Read More

Occupy Wall Street Spreads Across the Country

Written by Dialika "Dee" Perkins

They say everything in this world is for sale, and I guess our country's so-called "democratic" government is no exception. Corporations have been infiltrating the system since 1886, beginning with the personification of the corporation to more recently on January 21, 2010 when the United States Supreme Court overruled two important precedents about the First Amendment rights of corporations. The narrowly divided Supreme Court ruled in a 5-to-4 decision that the government my not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections.  (see the full story I wrote about this in print issue #14 here)

While that Supreme Court decision was more than a year ago, people across the world have decided enough is enough! Occupy Wall Street began in New York on September 17 and has since seen supporters in cities from Chicago to Los Angeles to Miami to Houston to the entire world. Celebrities and activists such Russel Simmons, Dr. Cornel West and Michael Moore have stood with protesters to help spread the word and to join in the demands of the other 99%. The other 99% refers all of us who are not one of the 400 most wealthy people and corporations paying little to no taxes. Michael Moore put it best, "There are only 400 of them and 150 Million+ of us!"

New York

Chicago

Los Angeles

Read More

Psalm One Continues Illuminating Young Minds Around the Country Through Hip-Hop

Posted by Dee

Psalm One

Rhymesayers recording artist Psalm One will embark on a nine-city tour (full dates below) for the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ America SCORES, a mentorship program that provides a platform for songwriters to engage and inspire elementary and middle school students in under-resourced neighborhoods. 

In each city Psalm will spend three two-hour sessions with students: co-writing a song during the first two sessions and recording it in a professional studio during the third session. The finished songs will be included on a special compilation CD that ASCAP produces and distributes to each of the schools involved, as well as to music industry influencers. 

Psalm One knows the value of giving back to the community. A former student of Chicago Public Schools, she has volunteered, mentored and tutored students through Charm Lab, a program she started in 2008. After moving to San Francisco, she worked for America SCORES as a poetry and soccer coach and was invited to participate in her first ASCAP Songwriter Residency. She wrote and recorded a song called "Going Smart" with a group of students, ages 8-11, from Reach Academy. The song, a play on the slang term "going dumb," showcased the kids' ability to have a lot of fun and make music in an intellectually responsible way. The following year Psalm One was invited again to participate in the program, this time in her hometown of Chicago where she wrote and recorded a song called "Fly Imaginary Cars" with students from Pope Elementary School.

Listen to "Going Smart"

Listen to "Fly Imaginary Cars"

Read More

Don't Give Up On Troy Davis

By Dee Perkins

Despite his attorneys exhausting all legal possibilities to save Troy Davis from execution, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied Davis clemency. While he is set to be executed tomorrow, we must still keep fighting until there is no time left. Troy Davis has been on death row for 19 years for a crime he continuously pleads his innocence to and for a crime that has little to no evidence and a crime where several witnesses have come forward in support of his innocence.

I have personally been against the death penalty since I ever first learned of it in 4th or 5th grade, for 3 reasons. One, how is killing someone, justified by killing someone? Two, the only way we can fully be sure of one's guilt is by their own admission (and even that can be suspect due to police coercion and torture.) Three, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it cost more to execute than to keep alive?

Not to take the attention from Mr. Davis, but recently Casey Anthony was found not guilty due to lack of "evidence" while Troy Davis' case which also lacks evidence has him sentenced to death. Witnesses say he didn't do it, yet death is still the sentence. Some will claim it's not race, but I truly believe that for Black and Brown people around the world and some others, we will always be guilty until proven innocent...and even then, as we see with Troy Davis, we will still be guilty.

I AM TROY DAVIS.

Help save his life or at least make your voice heard!

Call the Chatham County DA TODAY @ 912.652.7308 to request the withdrawal of the death warrant on Troy Davis' life.

 Artist, Chaz Guest speaks on his personal experience + painting Troy Davis:

 

Troy Davis speaks from death row:

Read More

R.I.P. Tupac

It's been 10 years since 9/11 and 15 years since Tupac was killed and while I've always known that foul play was behind both and that there is more to our government than meets the eye, it's not until more recently that I am really able to link the unnerving sense of urgency that has been passionately burning inside me since my youth to a greater purpose. But all that is too deep to get into right now, but be on the look out for a few exposes and in-depth interviews and contributors writing on some of these topics.

It's not about black or white, man or woman, it's about people. It's not about agreeing or disagreeing, it's bout being aware. To me, Tupac's gift to the world was awareness. Paying him his due respect would mean taking that awareness and adding action to it. We all want change but what are you willing to do for it? -Dee

Read More

Cool Apple Ad Salutes The Crazy Genius

Check out this old ad from Apple for those who dare to think different!



This one is great too!

Read More