Human Interest
From Gangs To Gardens (Documentary)
September 8, 2015
We do this in Hip-Hop! For the community’s health, no beef with peeps and no beef going into your peoples – that’d sum up where Ietef Vita aka DJ CAVEM stands on things. Refreshing points of view like this and more put forth in the “From Gangs To Gardens” documentary on the ex-gang member (co-produced by M1 of Dead Prez) – trailer above, full film linked below – and in Vita’s “Wheat Grass” music video presented after the jump.
Better living, that’s the real bling according to the B-Boy, O.G. (Organic Gardener), vegan emcee and youth advocate Vita. Respect.
Brother Ali and A Class Of Denver 5th Graders ‘Hang Out’ To Learn From Each Other (Video)
September 8, 2015
This is so dope!!! Part of what we love to do here is bring you coolness that just does not get to see the light of day elsewhere…but should.
5th Grade Students from Denver, CO interview Brother Ali to discuss names and their importance to the individual.
– Paul Clifton
This Google Hangout interview features Mr. Clifton’s students asking questions to guide informative discussion that enriched the speaker and the audience. Ali thanked the kids for teaching him as he was signing off. In the beginning Ali was asked, “What kind of person are you?”
Ali answered, “Well, I try to be a good person… [v]ery connected to The Creator, to myself, and to my heart and other people, and to my community.”
(Note that he did NOT reply ‘the dopest emcee’ – or anything me-me-ME centered – Brother Ali showed up and showed respect and love to those children and they showed it right back. Hip-Hop is the culture. Ali is an example of how we’d love those in the Nation to live – reaching, teaching, uplifting youth… partnering with others (i.e. Mr. Clifton)… giving of self and offering to do it again and again when called up… with a spirit of thankfulness.)
In a word: DOPE!
Posted in Celebrity, Education, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Interview, Videos, Youth | 
Tags: Brother Ali, Paul Clifton | 
No Comments »
His Shaolin Technique Is Very Good: This Monk Is Runs On Water (Video)
September 7, 2015
Okay, first one that comments that the monk is running on boards on water… slam the door behind you on the way out. Do you see how small the boards are?? Furthermore, even though Shi Liliang could claim god power with such a feat of near super-human achievement, he is still so humble; and his cause, so noble. He did it (1) to show what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself and (2) to raise funds to send kids to school. Watch this clip please!
Shi Liliang, a monk who made headlines last year running 118 meters across the surface of a water reservoir, established a new personal best of 125 meters on Aug. 29.
Posted in Human Interest, Travel, Videos | Tags: Monk, new record, run on water, Shi Liliang, walk on water, water board, World Record | No Comments »
Styles P x Jadakiss Are Bringing The ‘Juice Of Life’ To The Hood (Video)
September 2, 2015
So, these hardcore Hip-Hop heavyweights decide to go into business outside music. It’s a familiar tale. Not this one; at least not familiar enough. Salute to Styles P and Jadakiss who have decided to bring life back to the block – in the form of juice bars. They serve the real deal, too. We’re not talking about the stuff that may as well be a big cup of sugar water; but the fresh fruit-veggie-vitamin-mineral super-nutrient drinks that provide HEALTHY (and tasty) alternatives to the place up the street that smells like fries or overpriced hot cocoa… or to energy drinks from the convenience store cooler.
Watch the video highlighting the move SP and J-to-tha just made and the positive response from folks in the hood and more. This is Hip-Hop… the LIFEstyle. Good stuff, brothers!
Obviously the whole world can't make it to @JuicesForLife but if we and all the other juice companies spread the word It's a good job done.
— g -host (@therealstylesp) September 2, 2015
Posted in Celebrity, Health and Wellness, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Videos | Tags: Bringing Juice Bars To The Hood, Eating Healthy, JADAKISS, Juice Bars, Juices For Life, Styles P | 3 Comments »
Dr. Umar Johnson Gets Detailed on ‘The Breakfast Club’ About Issues Affecting the Black Community (Video)
September 1, 2015
Although I don’t speak with Dr. Umar Johnson on a regular basis I still consider him a friend. I went to school with Umar Johnson before he became “Dr. Umar” & it wasn’t uncommon for us to have many conversations years ago about what’s going on within the black community. Not only are we both from North Philly, but we have both served as the President of our school’s Black Student Union at different times. We’ve organized & traveled to the historic Million Man March in D.C. with a large group of brothers as well has having mentored young students through an organization called ‘Positive Images’ back in Pennsylvania for a few years. He was always an avid debater on a variety of issues & always held true to his convictions. Rarely have I’ve seen him back down from a heated debate even if it centered on something as simple as hip hop music or sports during lunch in the cafeteria. One thing that I can co-sign is that Umar has always been consistent in who he was & in his beliefs.
So of course it’s difficult for me to believe any of his recent detractors who try to say he’s anything less than authentic. Dr. Umar Johnson didn’t just pop up overnight because he’s been doing this for as long than I’ve known him. I’m excited yet not surprised to see him finally breaking through with his greater message to better the situation for African-Americans & others around the world through a Pan-Africanist viewpoint. Although he continues to travel around the globe delivering his message & through a variety of grassroots lectures that most people have posted on youtube, I feel proud & happy to finally see him start to reach the audiences who best need to hear his message. It was always his life work to do what he’s doing at this very moment. Check the interview with Dr. Umar Johnson with “The Breakfast Club” at Power 105 in New York above & get some food for thought.
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, News, Opinion, Radio, Videos | Tags: Breakfast Club, Dr. Umar Johnson, education, Power 105, The Breakfast Club | No Comments »
Odell’s RoundTable: “Is Experience The Best Teacher?” (Video)
August 31, 2015
On this episode of Odell’s RoundTable the panel discusses Is Experience the best teacher? Think about that question for a minute can experience best teach you in relationships? Do you need to have bad experiences in a relationship to appreciate a good one? Just because someone else has experienced something can you learn from them or do you have to experience it yourself? These questions and more are discussed. The discussion is moderated by Odell aka ArtByOdell along with co producer Dre Day. The regulars of the panel like DJ Knotts, Tierra Alita & Petrina are there as well along with two first timers at the Round Table. Mr Be Everywhere himself Sean Falyon along with Filmaker/Photographer Artemus Jenkins join in on the discussion. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher and on SoundCloud.
PREVIOUS: ODELL’S ROUNDTABLE – WHAT IS MONOGAMY IN 2015 (VIDEO)
Posted in Cover Story, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Romantic Comedy, Videos | Tags: ArtByOdell, Discussion, Love, Men, Odell, Odells RoundTable, PODCAST, Relationships, Sex, women | No Comments »
Big Piph x Tomorrow Maybe – “Untouchable in Deez African Streetz” (Video)
August 14, 2015
Two folks I feel honored to know – JayForce (really cool dude who is a real Force in ATL Hip-Hop and purveyor of The Culture worldwide) and the homie Big Piph (who JayForce has greenlit me to post on before). Piph is also a positive force in Hip-Hop worldwide; even teaching about the art/culture on a United Nations trip a while back. That’s right, and that ain’t all. Check out the ‘Experiences’ section of his www.BigPiph.com site for his globetrotting edutainment and real life adventures.
To me… What is really so dope though… To this day my brother answers when I call, does what he can (for whoever he can), and is a straight up and down good person… who just happens to be one fly azz emcee! I have borne witness to that since back when he appeared on a talk show I produced years ago.
As Biz rapped, “Damn it feels good to see people up on it!” See Big Piph back on it in the Motherland. Got a montage-style video above for him and his band Tomorrow Maybe doing “Untouchable” live.
– @ojones1
Posted in Activism, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Travel, Videos | Tags: Big Piph, BPTM, Epiphany, Tomorrow Maybe, Untouchable, Untouchable in Deez African Streetz | 1 Comment »
Shade Balls: Los Angeles Is Fighting The Drought… With Science (Video)
August 14, 2015
How about that? Engineering (e.g. applied science) solves another real life problem. The world is better when more and more smart people are around to think about and fix problems. Los Angeles (California, USA) has been in the grips of a deadly drought. And in the rest of The States, we have looked on helplessly. But I think they are onto something here.
This is a good case of ‘black-balling’… deters water loss from evaporation, development of algae, wildlife contamination… PLUS, I cannot stop watching the cool clip of a big batch of shade balls being dumped into the LA Reservoir.
MORE: SHADE BALLS TO PROTECT LA’S WATER (HUFFINGTON POST)
– @ojones1
Posted in Human Interest, Science, Videos | Tags: drought, environmentalism, Eric Garcetti, Huffington Post, LA Reservoir, Los Angeles Reservoir, Water, water conservation | No Comments »
Statik Selektah – “Harley’s Blues” (Video)
August 3, 2015
Statik Selektah with an edutainment visual – emphasis on the edu[cational] – called “Harley’s Blues” (music appears on Stat’s “Lucky 7” project out now). Enjoy and be informed.
Statik Selektah, and his bride-to-be, Fran, recently had their first baby girl (Harley Emma Baril) and they have been inspired to call attention to HG (hyperemesis gravidarum), a disease that affects the pregnancy process for 2% of women worldwide and one that his fiancé Fran suffered with during the pregnancy of their daughter.
Statik & Fran are excited to share that they have a beautiful, healthy baby girl, because they were able to treat this disease early in the pregnancy.
The background instrumental for a portion of this video was created using Harley Baril’s heartbeat from inside the womb. Additional instrumentation by Brady Watt (bass), Kafele Bandele and Sean Taylor (trumpets), Cas Weinbren (keys).
Sandra Bland: How Did An Improper Turn Signal Lead to Her Death? (Video)
July 24, 2015
Recently the country has had their eyes on Texas yet again for another encounter of cops and the treatment of Black Women. Â A couple months back there was the incident of cops in McKinney TX violently attacking young black children and a young sista was slammed to the ground and sat on by a Race Soldier I mean officer of the law. Â Now in Waller County, TX the sad story of Sandra Bland who was found dead in her jail cell after she was arrested for a turn signal violation. Â The local cops have claimed it is suicide but the Bland family disagrees and thinks their is foul play. Â A lot of people across the country thought the same especially since Sandra Bland was an outgoing 28 year old who just landed her dream job at her alma mater Prairie View A&M University. Â That doesn’t strike me as someone who wants to kill themselves over a traffic stop. Â Dr Boyce Watkins uses his platform to speak on this topic and invites Yvette Carnell founder of ( BreakingBrown.com ) & Benjamin Dixon ( TheBenjaminDixonShow.com ) to join him and go deeper into this incident and what it represents. Â The sad reality is this traffic stop led to this woman’s death and the officer who is paid to protect and serve did his part to ignite confrontation. Â This is great discussion by free thinkers not controlled by corporate media. Â Video of the officer pulling Sandra Bland over after the jump.
-ArtByOdell Twitter/SoundCloud
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Human Interest, News, Panel, Politics, Videos | Tags: Benjamin Dixon, Breaking Brown, Dr Boyce Watkins, Police Misconduct, Sandra Bland, Your Black World, Yvette Carnell | No Comments »
18-Year-Old Builds A Gun Firing Drone (Video)
July 22, 2015
Isn’t that always the way? Straight from the movies. Actually, straight from our history books. Humanity makes a revolutionary technological advance, and someone finds a way to weaponize it. Drones were already militarized by the time most of us found about about them in real life. In the civilian sector, we postulated about the ‘peeping’ aspects of drones. However, we relegated a lot of our thinking about this tech to the cool side (delivering food and beer, capturing images in new ways).
But now some young’n (Austin Haughwout) puts a GUN on one??? C’mon son.
Oh but don’t worry. The U.S. government is on it. They’re like… ‘Nobody, but nobody, is gonna make killer drones… but U.S. us.’
The FAA said Tuesday it is investigating whether Austin Haughwout of Clinton [Connecticut, USA] violated its regulations, which prohibit the careless or reckless operation of a model aircraft.
– USA Today
Posted in Human Interest, Technology, Videos | Tags: air drone, Austin Haughwout, drone, flying drone, Gun, gun-firing drone | 1 Comment »
Hip-Hop In The Holy Land: Meet The Palestinian Godfather Of Rap (Documentary)
July 20, 2015
Comparisons to the tensions in Chicago were drawn with that Chiraq documentary episode we posted on here. Well, now let’s go East to a hotbed… for tensions and conflicts, yes, but Hip-Hop, too? Check out this expo on the rap scene in Israel and Palestine, including an intro to Tamer Nafar, co-founder of DAM (Da Arabian MCs), the first Palestinian rap group to break through.
Posted in Film, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Series, Travel | Tags: Da Arabian MCs, DAM, Episode 1, Hip Hop in the Holy Land, Israel, Noisey, Palestine, Palestinian Rap, Shows, Tamer Nafar, The Godfather of Palestinian Rap, VICE | No Comments »
Tariq Nasheed’s ‘Code Of Conduct Tour’: Atlanta Q&A Session (Video)
July 17, 2015
National bestselling author and producer of critically acclaimed documentary series “Hidden Colors”, Tariq Nasheed spoke in Atlanta recently at the Alliance Theater. Â Tariq is currently on his “Code of Conduct Tour” where he started off in Philadelphia making a stop in Atlanta and finishing in Detroit July 18th. Â I was in attendance for the lecture and it was information filled as Tariq gave the packed theater a set of codes that the African American community can put to use to empower the community. Â This clip is from the Q&A he had after his speech and be on the lookout the full lecture that will be available for purchase soon Click Here to follow Tariq Nasheed for updates.
-ArtByOdell Twitter/SoundCloud
PREVIOUS: TARIQ NASHEED – HIDDEN COLORS 4 (VIDEO)
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Posted in Activism, EVENTS, Human Interest, Lecture, Politics, Progressive, Videos | Tags: Atlanta, Code of Conduct, Lecture, Melanoid Nation, Tariq Nasheed | No Comments »
The Ladies Of The ‘Boom Boom Room’ host ‘ArtByOdell’ & Ms Sina of ‘Love & HipHop Atlanta’ (Video)
July 12, 2015
One of our chief writers for the site ArtByOdell was invited to be a guest on the Boom Boom Show hosted by Sue Yung & Ms Lola for Live Hip Hop Daily. For this episode regular co host Lola was absent so Sue Yung invited Ms Sina from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta to help her co host. As a guest they spoke with ArtByOdell about the Beatz & Lyrics show he is a co host on also about his personal podcast Odell’s RoundTable . The ladies also spoke with Odell about his personal thoughts on relationships, dealing with ladies and current pop culture incidents like a couple being arrested in Miami for sex on a beach, Tyga current alleged situation with a transexual. Lots of laugh and funny conversation and make sure to check out the Boom Boom Room show every Thursday 9pm Est on LiveHipHopDaily!
Big Sean Proving That One Man Can Change Detroit (Video)
June 24, 2015
I think kids in general have raw talent… It’s before the world gets to them… All they have is their imagination and their beliefs…
– Big Sean
Awesome stuff! Big Sean giving back to the community and tapping an undervalued renewable resource: the energy youth can devote to pursuing dreams (like he did). Feel the power in this clip!
What does Infinite Possibilities look like? For Big Sean it’s going back to Detroit where he first imagined a life in music. Big Sean returns to his high school, Cass Tech, to build a recording studio and inspire the imaginations of a new creative class. The Infinite Possibilities of ZX Flux #IMAGINEDBY Big Sean and adidas Originals.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Reveals The ‘Progress’ In Police Relations In McKinney (Video)
June 19, 2015
Not sure what Comedy Central is going to do when Jon Stewart leaves his 11pm ET time slot in August… Not sure what the world of political satire is going to to. In truth, in the news cycle at large, he is one of the few consistently bold enough to even bring viewpoints like this to light.
Sure, lots of folks have been talking about the police-raided pool party in McKinney (Texas, USA); about the way-too-far response of the police called for what was mostly a misunderstanding. The above clip puts a bit of comedy sauce on top of the crap sandwich that is another instance of law enforcement’s general disregard for Black people. But it provided a framework for correspondent Jessica Williams’ frank commentary about the so-called ‘progress’ we have made in police relations in the U.S. Start above with Stewart’s lead in and finish with Jessica’s report after the jump.
Posted in Comedy, Human Interest, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: abuse of power, Jessica Williams, Jon Stewart, Police brutality, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | No Comments »
Liu Dejian Shows Us How To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before (Video)
June 17, 2015
Okay, so when Captain James T. Kirk and his crew took the Enterprise (and the Star Trek sci-fi franchise) on its maiden voyage, the colloquialism ‘take it there’ did not exist. Five decades after that first five-year mission, Liu Dejian, founder of mainland China’s online gaming firm NetDragon Websoft, did something so bold that true Trekkers should fall to their knees…then get up and come aboard!
Dude BUILT the Enterprise! Well, he built NetDragon Websoft world headquarters modeling it after Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Enterprise 1701-D. And before any haters or nitpickers say a damn thing, let Liu boldly show you the restroom. Duuuuude… the doors whoosh like on the Enterprise!
Enjoy (or hate) the clip above!
– @ojones1
MORE: STAR TREK HQ (CNBC)
Posted in Business, Human Interest, Interview, Science Fiction (Sci-Fi), Television, Videos | Tags: China, Liu Dejian, NetDragon Websoft, Star Trek, The Next Generation | No Comments »
Male & Female Relationships: “Does Size Matter” on Odell’s RoundTable [Podcast+Recap Video]
May 27, 2015
The Round Table is back with another episode for you to check out.  The topic of discussion is “Does Size Matter” of course there is an obvious thought when that phrase is said.  The discussion goes much further than just the sexual connotation including size of someone’s bank account weight size and more.  Moderated by host Odell joined by co-host Dre Day & guests Lady Godiva, Ali Rai, Lady T, and Sheriff Quick sure you will enjoy the discussion.  So listen, comment on SoundClud page and share with others.  Stay connected email the show ortshow@gmail and follow on Twitter @ORTSHOW
–ArtByOdell Twitter/SoundCloud
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF WOMEN AGES 18-50 ANSWERING ‘DOES SIZE MATTER?’
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Posted in Comedy, Cover Story, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Opinion, Podcast, Relationships, Romantic Comedy | Tags: ArtByOdell, Dating, Men & Women, Odell, Odells RoundTable, PODCAST, Relationships, Round Table, Sex | No Comments »
World Soccer Pioneer ‘Paul Canoville’ Speaks On Being 1st Black Player Signed to ‘Chelsea FC’ (Video)
May 25, 2015
When it comes to Sports being the first or a trailblazer can be good and bad at times.  It’s great if you are the first to set a world record or obtain hall of fame for having the most championship rings.  Well when you are the first to break the color line it can be a difficult process and Paul Canoville knows exactly how that feels.  The first black player ever signed to Chelsea FC (Soccer Team based in London, England) Paul experienced harsh treatment from his own fans and people associated with the team.  His love of the sport helped him push through and he helped the team secure championship silverware and now he is an advocate for the club speaking to kids  about pursuing their dreams and dealing with racism.  On his first trip to Atlanta I got a chance to speak with him for a few minutes about his experience at Chelsea and his foundation.  With Atlanta getting a MLS Soccer team in 2017, we can expect more visits from Soccer legends across the pond!
–ArtByOdell Twitter/SoundCloud
CHECK THE VIDEO TO ‘BLACK & BLUE: THE PAUL CANOVILLE STORY’ BELOW…
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Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Human Interest, Sports, Videos | Tags: Chelsea, Chelsea FC, English Premier League, Football, London, Paul Canoville, soccer | No Comments »
Nas Presents ‘Shake The Dust’ (Documentary Trailer)
May 19, 2015
Out on iTunes and other video-on-demand outlets today, “Shake The Dust,” a documentary about breakdancing’s global influence, is executive-produced by Nasir Jones aka Nas and directed by journalist/photographer Adam Sjöberg. The film tells the stories of rappers, DJs, and B-boys across Uganda, Yemen, Colombia and Cambodia. Above is a teaser clip featuring Ugandan breakdancer Fahadhi Kiryowa. Please watch. Powerful and heartwrenching. His mom… the most important person in his life… on the eve of the biggest performance of his life… damn.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: SHAKE THE DUST (ITUNES)
Posted in Art, Film, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Shots, Trailer, Travel, Videos | Tags: Fahadhi Kiryowa, Nas, SHAKE THE DUST | No Comments »
