History
Black Thought Speaks On How Artists Got J Dilla Beats, Dilla’s Legacy And More (Video)
February 15, 2016
Every year I would go to Detroit for, like, at least a couple of days to spend with Jay Dee; so that I could be one of the first people that got his tape for the upcoming season.
– Black Thought
Imagine if your biggest fans had fans. And your beat tape was ‘distributed’ by your biggest fans making an annual sojourn to your spot to come get it… Or just listen to Black Thought tell you about how he, Common and others used to check for Dilla back in the day.
Black Thought speaks on getting beats from J Dilla and Scott Storch back in the day.
J Dilla made it all possible. His music lives through Thought and all the singers and emcees that breathed over his beats.
Posted in Celebrity, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Videos | 
Tags: Black Thought, J Dilla | 
No Comments »
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution (Trailer)
February 12, 2016
Depending on where you are on the social-political-cultural-racial spectrum, viewing this will make you feel engaged, enlightened, enraged, sad and frightened. Actually, you will feel all those things no matter who you are watching this. It’s just a matter of who you’ll feel them about and in what order you’ll experience the emotions. What could the trailer above be teasing that is that powerful?
New film by acclaimed documentarian Stanley Nelson about the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party.
That’s right. Not the “Captain America: Civil War” character… These revolutionary men and women were way stronger. Too Black, too strong; which is why the government brought its full weight against them. There’s your damn (un)Civil War. Check out the trailer for “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution” (coming soon).
Tragedy Khadafi Speaks On The 25th Anniversary Of ‘Intelligent Hoodlum’ (Video)
January 23, 2016
Distrolord sat down with Tragedy Khadafi to discuss the 25th Anniversary of the “Intelligent Hoodlum” LP a style forerunner to the Queensbridge vibe seen later in the career paths of Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Nas, and Capone-N-Noreaga. Check out the discussion, review of tracks, and more on the classic masterpiece.
Great insights in this. Well worth the watch! Part 1 above. We’ll keep an eye out for Part 2. In the interim, check out Trag’s “Arrest The President” video after the jump.
Posted in Celebrity, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Videos | Tags: 25th Anniversary, Distrolord, Intelligent Hoodlum, Tragedy, TRAGEDY KHADAFI | No Comments »
Schoolly D Speaks On Philadelphia and The 30th Anniversary Of His Hip Hop Classic “PSK” (Video)
January 15, 2016
Schoolly D and DJ Code Money saying it’s so still doesn’t make it feel like it’s so. Been 30 years…damn. Hear them talk about the Philly of old, when it was fun. That environment helped birth “PSK” man. And they’re re-releasing the joint on vinyl. Nice!
Posted in Hip-Hop, History, Music | Tags: Classic, DJ CODE MONEY, GUCCI TIME, Philadelphia, Philly, PSK, SCHOOLLY D, WHAT DOES IT MEAN | No Comments »
Paths of Rhythm With Jarobi White (Part 1) [Video]
January 14, 2016
Everything that A Tribe Called Quest is came from up those stairs in that little window up there.
– Jarobi White
Words from a founding father. This episode clip, in the midst of the 25th anniversary of the debut release of seminal Day Glow movers A Tribe Called Quest, is a wonderful mix of insight and enlightenment. Check it out. Jarobi as the guide has all kinds of ATCQ stories to share.
History: A Celebration Of Confederate Pride… In Brazil? (Video)
January 14, 2016
Sure, okay. The South lost the Civil War (oops, War Of Northern Aggression…whatev). BUT, did you know that by the end of the divisive North American war, there was still legal and thriving slavery farther south; as in South America. Specifically, in Brazil; where then Alabama Senator William Norris led a migration of over 10,000 Confederate loyalists to settle. The town was called Americana, of all things; truly an idyllic place for those slave-seeking settlers who came looking to pick up where they left off not-so-long-ago in The States…to live where things were still the way they should be for the most part.
How do we know? VICE is telling us so (above). Amazing [is one word for it]! Talk about a Deeper South version of Ol’ Dixie. Wow. Check it out. It’s the third story in this episode of Daily VICE.
Today on Daily VICE we head out on the road with legendary punk band Dillinger Four, give advice on how to make your booze taste better, search for buried treasure with deep-sea robots, and uncover the enduring Confederate pride of one Brazilian town.
Daily VICE: A surprising visit to Americana, Brazil, the town where Confederate pride lives https://t.co/EHukty5PqF pic.twitter.com/T3HFMJilyz
— VICE (@VICE) November 18, 2015
Posted in History, Human Interest, Interview, Lifestyle, Series, Travel, Videos | Tags: alcohol, bitters, booze, Brasil, Brazil, celebration, Civil War, Confederacy, Confederate, Daily VICE, Dillinger Four, Slavery, South America, VICE | No Comments »
David Bowie And The Story Of Ziggy Stardust (Documentary)
January 12, 2016
Man. Rest In Power to rock legend David Robert Jones pka David Bowie. We are going to be sad for a bit, knowing that the guy who brought such surreal music and mania to the music world since the 1970s will no longer be here with us.
But his music (and film) work…they will live forever here on this plane with us. Speaking of films, check out this documentary from BBC; detailing the early times of David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust.
Posted in Celebrity, Cover Story, Film, History, Rock, Television, Videos | Tags: BBC, David Bowie, David Robert Jones, Documentary, Ziggy Stardust | No Comments »
Abraham Bolden, America’s First Black Secret Service Agent, Reveals How Intelligence Was Mishandled At The Time Of JFK’s Assassination (Video)
November 28, 2015
Plenty of folks have advanced conspiracy theories regarding President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. But how about one who KNEW the President personally, who had enough access to uncover proof to substantiate his theory? One who is willing to go on record with former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura… Yeah, guest Abraham Bolden is blowing the whistle and the lid off!
Abraham Bolden is the first Black man to serve on a U.S. President’s special detail as a secret service agent. He was appointed by John F. Kennedy himself. And yet, despite that landmark title, he was still sent to prison for what he believes was a set-up for blowing the whistle on the Secret Service’s misconduct prior to the assassination. For this special edition of Off The Grid, Bolden joins the Governor to reveal how the secret service mishandled intelligence at the time of JFK’s murder.
This is a MUST WATCH! The impact of the loss of President JFK was incalculable… but Governor Ventura is damn sure not afraid to try! See his ‘grade’ of JFK as part of an epic, but very reasoned, rant after the jump.
Posted in Activism, History, Interview, Politics, Series, Videos | Tags: Abraham Bolden, Assassination, Ex-Agent, Ex-Governor Jesse Ventura, Former Governor Jesse Ventura, Former Secret Service Agent, Governor Jesse Ventura, Jackie Robinson Of Secret Service Agents, Jesse The Body Ventura, Jesse Ventura, JFK, Mishandled Intelligence, Off The Grid, OffTheGrid, personally appointed by JFK, personally appointed by the President, Secret Service, Stay Vigilant, StayVigilant, The Body, whistle blower, whistleblower | No Comments »
History: Why Do People In Old Movies Talk Weird? (Video)
November 27, 2015
Now, see here… you hear the way they talk here… There’s a history behind it.
It’s not quite British, and it’s not quite American – so what gives? Why do all those actors of yesteryear have such a distinct and strange accent?
Check out the fun and informative lecturette video above. Very interesting!
Posted in Education, History, Lecture, Series, Videos | Tags: accent, Jonathan Strickland, Mid-Atlantic accent, Movies, old movies, old radio, old time, oldtime speak, oldtime speech, Radio, speak, speech, Transatlantic accent | No Comments »
Kevin Powell Speaks On His Relationship With Tupac Shakur, Shares ‘Rikers Island Interview’ Audio From 1995 And More (Video)
November 27, 2015
Very few people know the turmoil that erupted between 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. better than Kevin Powell. A political activist, author, and journalist who first became known as a cast member on the original season of MTV’s The Real World, Powell made perhaps his biggest impact as a senior writer for VIBE magazine in the mid-’90s. It was there that he had the opportunity to chronicle the life and career of Tupac Shakur. He penned three highly acclaimed cover stories about the enigmatic superstar. including one based around an interview conducted when Pac was locked up on Rikers Island.
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Series, Videos | Tags: 2pac, Complex, Complex News, Kevin Powell, Notorious B.I.G., Rikers Island, Rikers Island 1995, Rikers Island Interview, Tupac Shakur | No Comments »
ESPN’s 30 For 30: Chasing Tyson (Video)
November 13, 2015
Plain and simple, in boxing’s mid-1980’s to mid-1990’s, Iron Mike Tyson was that dude! The ‘Baddest Man On The Planet’ was trained and became known for throwing ‘punches with bad intentions’ that left opponents destroyed and fight watchers astonished. Tyson was a star gone nova who cast a commanding shadow over boxing. Meanwhile, there was Evander Holyfield… the man who captured the heavyweight title when he knocked out Buster Douglas, the only dude to date who had knocked Tyson out… the man long-considered a mild-mannered champ, a legitimate champ, but never a truly great champ. In that era, when there were several who might ascend to that status, the way to it ran through Mike Tyson. To be the man, you gotta beat the man; and Iron Mike was that man. Holyfield was ready for that status, ready to take on ‘the man’ in 1991, but Tyson had to pull out due to injury. Rescheduling of the fight of destiny was further delayed when Tyson was convicted of rape later and had to spend time in jail. Even when he was in prison, away from the sport, people overwhelmingly considered Tyson the best of in heavyweight boxing.
All the while, Holyfield was fighting for titles and standing – dramatically gaining, losing and regaining the heavyweight crown. He was fighting. Tyson was sitting. And still, no real respect as a champ on his own… until November 1996. Holyfield, then 34, would finally get his shot at the heavily favored and four-years’ younger Tyson. Truly, this would be when Holyfield could earn the title, not just a belt, but undisputed status as ‘the man’ in heavyweight boxing. Yeah, ’96 gone be that year, when Holyfield was really considered the ‘Real Deal.’ After spending much of The Golden Era “Chasing Tyson,” Holyfield would do it.
Twice.
And that second time… maaaan! Yeah, another incredible 30 For 30 by ESPN. Watch above.
Posted in Film, History, Interview, Series, Sports, Television, Videos | Tags: 30 For 30, Chasing Tyson, ESPN, Evander Holyfield, Heavyweight Championship, Iron Mike Tyson, Mike Tyson, Real Deal | No Comments »
ESPN’s 30-For-30: Trojan War (Video)
October 22, 2015
Ah, college football fans. Let’s talk about the Pete Carroll – USC Era. He took over the program at the University Of Southern California after the 2000 season, and eventually restored the luster and swagger of the once-great Trojans with his football knowledge, upbeat personality and recruiting skills (and a couple of star graduates who’d come back to visit, if recollection serves).
Soon enough, Southern Cal was back! Topping the college football world in home field attendance; turning out win after win, multiple Heisman Trophy winners (e.g. Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush), marquee TV respect (ABC & Keith Jackson don’t just call any game)…
BUT…
There was sinning at the revival of USC. And the worst sin of all D-1 sins, THEY GOT CAUGHT! Lost scholarships, overturned victories, a returned Heisman award… oh my. All of the fall would come to light after the 2006 National Championship game. USC lost the Rose Bowl that year to The University of Texas. Then the proverbial bottom fell the f##k out!
The hurt ran deep and are really only numbing today. At least now we can really talk about it. Well, Coach Carroll, Heisman-winning quarterback Leinart and others can that is. Watch “Trojan War,” an ESPN 30-For-30 special, above.
Posted in Film, History, Interview, Series, Sports, Television, Videos | Tags: 30 For 30, College Football, ESPN, Football, football program, Heisman, NCAA, rise and fall, Scandal, Southern Cal, Trojan War, University of Southern California, USC | No Comments »
Syl Johnson: Any Way The Wind Blows (Trailer)
October 21, 2015
Pioneer soul singer Syl Johnson left the music business in the 1980s to open a Chicago fried-fish chain; having struggled with all but no acclaim fro decades. That does not mean he was totally forgotten though; just underappreciated. Heads have likely heard (knowingly or not) samples from his “Different Strokes” (from 1967) in the works of Run-DMC, NWA, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys… well, you get it. Talk about ‘unsung.’ This documentary will spotlight an artist to whom it was denied for far too long.
Check out the official trailer above.
Buckshot Returns To His Old Brooklyn High School (Video)
October 20, 2015
When Buck spits about the ‘home of The Originoo Gun Clappas‘… well, here it is.
Original Brooklyn resident Buckshot of Black Moon recalls the moment and spot he decided to drop out of Prospect Heights High School and pursue an internship at a music label.
Take a watch of the docu-clip above that goes back to the dawn of ‘Buckshot Shorty’ as an emcee and brings it forward. Full circle.
Posted in Celebrity, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Videos | Tags: 5 FT, BDI Thug, Black Moon, Buckshot, Buckshot Shorty, D.B.D.I.M.C., Dj Evil Dee, Kenyatta Blake, Prospect Heights High School | No Comments »
Race (Trailer)
October 16, 2015
Looks good. The Jesse Owens story should be told with reverence, passion and a duty to the entire truth. A talented brother who wanted, worked and deserved to be the best. He was, and when he went to the Olympics; the world would soon know, too.
Track and field star Jesse Owens overcomes adversity to win four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.
But Jesse and his people deserved, even before all that, to be FREE. And yes, he let the world know that, too. Check out the trailer. Should be something special hitting theater screens February 2016.
Posted in Activism, Film, History, Politics, Sports, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Berlin, Berlin Olympics, Jason Sudeikis, Jesse Owens, Olympic Games, Olympics, Race, Stephan James | No Comments »
Stretch And Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives (Trailer)
October 6, 2015
Well, the Kickstarter Fundraising Campaign obviously went well. And now (drum roll), click play above for the trailer for “Stretch And Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives.”
During the 1990s, Stretch and Bobbito introduced the world to an unsigned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang, and Big Pun as well as an unknown Jay-Z, Eminem, and The Fugees. The total record sales for all the artists that premiered on their radio show exceed 300 million. The late night program had a cult following in the art/fashion world and prison population as well. All would loyally tune in for the humor just as much for the exclusive tunes. Stretch and Bobbito brought a unique audience together, and created a platform that changed music forever.
The movie will be available via Vimeo On Demand on October 22, 2015. Hit the link to pre-order.
Dee Barnes Speaks On Being Assaulted By Dr. Dre Back In The Day & Her Place In Hip Hop History (Video)
September 24, 2015
Kevin Powell interviews Hip-Hop journalist Dee Barnes for HuffPost. That’s right, the story of the woman Dr. Dre attacked back in the day… the story that was missing from the N.W.A. biopic (“Straight Outta Compton”). Many heads have called the omission of this dark moment from the historic Hip-Hop story’s retelling foul. Well, watch and get Dee’s point of view.
Note: This interview is not all about the Dre assault incident. Kevin is allowing Dee to have her say, and then the story comes out. Watch. Very deep. There are still unhealed wounds to this day.
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, History, Interview, Series, Videos | Tags: abuse, assault, Dee Barnes, dr. dre, Huff Post, Huffington Post, HuffPost, Kevin Powell, N.W.A., N.W.A. biopic, NWA, Straight Outta Compton, Violence | No Comments »
Rubble Kings (Documentary)
September 16, 2015
Maaaan. WOW! Shout and respect to Bad Magics for the scoop on this “Rubble Kings” documentary. The story of the cultures, the cultural war… that was ultimately averted because the combatants decided to start a new culture. They stopped the violence and started the party; laying the foundation for Hip-Hop. And it don’t stop!
From 1968 to 1975, gangs ruled New York City. Beyond the idealistic hopes of the civil rights movement lay a unfocused rage. Neither law enforcement nor social agency could end the escalating bloodshed. Peace came only through the most unlikely and courageous of events that would change the world for generations to come by giving birth to Hip-Hop culture. Rubble Kings, the most comprehensive documentation of life during this era of gang rule to date, tells the story of how a few extraordinary, forgotten people did the impossible, and how their actions impacted the world over.
– NewTrailersBuzz
FILM IN THEATERS AND ON-DEMAND NOW: RUBBLE KINGS
– @ojones1
Posted in Film, Hip-Hop, History, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Bad Magics, birth of Hip-Hop, Documentary, gang culture, Gangs, Rubble Kings, stop the violence | No Comments »
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution (Trailer)
September 11, 2015
New film by acclaimed documentarian Stanley Nelson about the rise and fall of The Black Panther Party. Learn more about the movement at The Black Panthers website. In theaters soon. Watch the PBS trailer for “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of The Revolution” above.
The Kickstarter Fundraising Campaign For ‘Stretch And Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives’ Is Going On Now (Video)
September 9, 2015
A chance to contribute to the film that documents the contribution of two Hip-Hop radio icons. Man, Scarface was just talking about Stretch & Bobbito during that last radio interview we just posted here. Talk about full circle!
Peace! Stretch and Bobbito here, 25 years after our first WKCR broadcast. We’re amped to share the history of our landmark show in a feature length documentary titled STRETCH AND BOBBITO: RADIO THAT CHANGED LIVES (www.stretchandbobbito.com). The film, produced by Omar Acosta, was co-produced by us with Kool Bob Love directing and Stretchy music supervising. A classic combo, yo!
The documentary film is all but a reality, having surpassed its fundraising goal. But we linked the Kickstarter… still got a few days to kick in on it. The film is due out October 2015.
(Whew! Do you see all the folks that fell through the show back then??? History!)
Posted in Celebrity, Film, Hip-Hop, History, Radio, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Bobbito, fundraising, Kickstarter, KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN, RADIO THAT CHANGED LIVES, STRETCH, Stretch & Bobbito, STRETCH AND BOBBITO, WKCR | 1 Comment »
