Human Interest
The ‘Scratch DJ Academy’ Opens up a New School Chapter In Atlanta (The @KoolKila Report)
February 18, 2014
After three years of consideration and strategic planning, the world-renown Scratch DJ Academy has now opened a new school chapter in Atlanta, GA. Saturday, February 15th, Scratch DJ Academy held an open house for it’s new facility located within the SAE Institute. The event was packed with aspiring students, industry professionals and music enthusiasts of all kinds. Founded in 2002 in New York City, NY, by Jam Master Jay (hip hop pioneer and DJ for Run DMC), Scratch DJ Academy continues to attract individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of DJing. Several chapters have already been established in the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and now Atlanta. After students successfully complete courses, they can receive certification for their education. Professionals already established in the business can also take courses to update themselves about the latest technologies for DJs. Hosted by instructor DJ Hapa and other academy employees, visitors were able to see the musical gear used in classes, meet new employees, and witness live DJ performances. DJ Hapa also hosted a panel discussion to introduce a few of the instructors for the school, including Atlanta veterans DJ Jaycee, DJ Jelly, and DJ Sky. Another contemporary favorite in Atlanta, DJ Sofa King Evil, was on hand to introduce himself as well. Classes are slated to begin in March. For more information, visit: www.scratch.com. Also email at info-atlanta@scratch.com.
Posted in Cover Story, Education, EVENTS, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Shots | 
Tags: Atlanta, DJ, DJ Culture, DJs, Kool Kila, Scratch DJ Academy | 
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Why Engagement Rings Are A Scam (Video)
February 17, 2014
A few years ago I got into a debate with a few friends of mine about how many of the diamonds & jewelry that most rap artists wear do not have really have any REAL value. I tried to educate them on the history of engagement rings, blood diamonds, & an a myriad of things that could be easily researched through google, but people don’t always listen to you unless it’s on television or something. Well go ahead & watch this and should you & your significant other decide to get engaged you may want to invest in real estate instead of spending heavy for something that doesn’t have any REAL value. But I have to agree with the college humor crew….. Most of you will still buy them anyway.
Posted in Cover Story, Education, Fashion, History, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Videos | Tags: Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Why Engagement Rings Are A Scam | 1 Comment »
VICE Names Atlanta The ‘Strip Club Capital Of The World’ In New Mini-Documentary ‘Strip: Atlanta’ (Video)
February 13, 2014
I have many friends who have worked or are currently employed at strip clubs in Atlanta from bartenders, bouncers, DJs, & dancers. I’ve traveled all over the world & for as long as I’ve actually lived in Atlanta I’ve always considered this city to be the strip club capital of the world. Even when friends or associates of mine visit, one of their priorities while in Atlanta is to go to a strip club. Most of us who live here are already familiar with strip club culture in Atlanta than any mini-documentary could cover in 30 minutes, but VICE’s London based music journalist Jo Fuertes-Knight tries to do just that. The mini-documentary doesn’t cover any new ground for residents of Atlanta, but they do manage to stop by just a few of the popular spots like Magic City, Diamonds Of Atlanta, Kamal’s 21, & the legendary Clermont Lounge. Atlanta is truly the strip club capital of the world when I think of all the spots that VICE didn’t cover in this report. It would have been cool if they had the opportunity to visit other spots around Atlanta as well like Onyx, Stiletto’s, Strokers, Blue Flame, Pin-Ups, Goosebumps, Club Blaze, Follies, Shooter’s Alley, & several others just to name a few. Yes…after just typing this list of spots it’s clear that Atlanta truly is the strip club capital of the world if not for the sheer number of strip clubs per capita around the city.
Roundtable Discussion On “Elementary Genocide†(Video)
January 31, 2014
Remember that documentary trailer we posted last year with Supreme Understanding (Activist/Author) dropping that insight? Well, it’s out now. Standing room only at the premiere screening of “Elementary Genocide†in Atlanta (Georgia, USA). After the screening, a roundtable discussion headed by Supreme Understanding and other panelists Dr. Torrance Stephens (professor, Clark Atlanta University), Tracey Syphax (Author/Activist), Stone Erickson (Teen Sci-Fi Author of the Year), Kalonji Changa (Community Organizer/Author) and Edward Garnes, Jr. (Educator).
Posted in Film, Human Interest, Videos, Youth | Tags: Atlanta, Documentary Screening, Elementary Genocide | No Comments »
VICE: Life As A Truck-Stop Stripper (Documentary)
January 31, 2014
VICE content from correspondents Natalia Leite and Alexandra Roxo. Their roadshow gone Gonzo – called Every Woman – has them traveling, living and working in different women’s jobs and documenting the experience. Makes for interesting viewing, especially this episode which details their time as strippers at a truck-stop.
Everyone knows what charming places strip clubs can be, but perhaps there is no club so charming as one in Moriarty, New Mexico—a truck stop with taxidermy and the bras of former employees on the walls, a few poles, a shitload of black light, and plenty of titties. Never mind that The Ultimate Strip Club List website describes it as the place “where strippers go to die.â€
Yeah… another score for VICE! Start with Part 1 above, and finish with the ladies (Parts 2 and 3) after the jump.
Posted in Human Interest, Lifestyle, Series, Videos | Tags: Alexandra Roxo, EVERY WOMAN, GONZO, Natalia Leite, STRIPPER, TRUCK-STOP, VICE | No Comments »
Snoop Dogg Talks About Life On A Different High On ‘CBS This Morning’ (Video)
January 30, 2014
Snoop Dogg was up for another Grammy (as Snoop Lion this year), but this CBS morning show expo shows him in a different light that’s so gangsta in a good way. Nearly 20 years of married life, loving and coaching the kids, no longer toting a gat, and visiting the White House on top of all that. Watch the above vid for that and more. It’ll make you proud of the Dogg Father. On some grown man ish.
Posted in Hip-Hop, Human Interest, News, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: CBS, CBS This Morning, Snoop, Snoop Dogg | No Comments »
Moving The Race Conversation Forward (Video)
January 24, 2014
Ever watch the news, especially in mixed (race) company, and felt a different way than most gathered about a particular story… the chosen slant of the reporting, the ‘witnesses’ interviewed on scene, the ‘coming up next’ teasers. Did you get a hold of yourself – telling yourself it was nothing. Well, no, it was something. It was just something hard to explain. And now that we have friends from all backgrounds in our circles, it is something that is harder to talk about. That racial conversation we have been reluctant to have in our circles of friends and en masse; don’t worry, Race Forward is going to spark and spur on the conversation. Above is an introductory/companion video for a special paper on the subject.
Moving the Race Conversation Forward is a report by Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation that aims to reshape and reform the way we talk about race and racism in our country. The paper includes content analysis of mainstream media (finding two-thirds of race-focused media coverage fails to consider systemic racism), analysis of seven harmful racial discourse practices, and case studies of successful interventions to counteract these trends.
DOWNLOAD/READ: MOVING THE RACE CONVERSATION FORWARD (PAPER)
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Human Interest, Videos | Tags: Race Forward, Racism, The Center for Racial Justice Innovation | No Comments »
From Compton to the NFL: Seattle Seahawks Star Richard Sherman (Video)
January 21, 2014
With all the controversy surrounding Seattle Seahawk Richard Sherman’s sideline interview with reporter Erin Andrews & the huge playmaking win for the Seattle Seahawks over the San Francisco 49ers, we felt it necessary to remind people of Richard Sherman’s journey from Compton to Stanford & onto the NFL. It may not entirely slow all the haters, but it may allow people who don’t know his story to find a new respect for him. More video below….
Swaziland: Gold Mine Of Marijuana (Video)
January 21, 2014
Smokers are gonna get high on the greenery scenery to start in the video above, but stick around and take in the economic reality that drives grandmas and other good people into this business. It stinks (and not in the good way). People are just making a living the only way they can, by farming the only tax-exempt produce in Swaziland. That ‘tax exempt’ part is a huge loophole favoring growers in the sub-Saharan monarchy’s economy. Everything else is taxed to hell in a land where 2/3 of the population lives below the poverty line. So Swazi weed is not just a means of escape from the day’s humdrum or from the ails of the AIDS epidemic gripping the populace; but probably the only way to any level of prosperity for the citizenry.
Swaziland is a landlocked country sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique. Despite Swaziland’s small size, it boasts more hectares of land dedicated to growing Cannabis than all of India. It is also home to Swazi Gold, the legendary sativa strain.
Hamilton Morris travels to Swaziland hoping to chemically analyze the cannabinoids present in some of the local strains. Instead, he finds a country steeped in political corruption and economic turmoil. Cannabis is viewed by many growers, users, and politicians as a drug that will cause insanity, but it may be Swaziland’s only hope for economic stability.
Posted in Human Interest, Lifestyle, Opinion, Politics, Series, Travel, Videos | Tags: cannabis, cannabis sativa, marijuana, sativa, Swaziland, VICE | No Comments »
‘Friday Night Tykes’ Docuseries Follows Texas Youth Football & What It Is Doing For & To The Kids (Video)
January 20, 2014
Thinking baseball is still America’s #1 sport? C’mon man! It’s football. I’m from Ala-damn-bama… ROLL TIDE! So, trust me, I know how much a religious experience football in America can be. And peewee youth football, forget about it. At that level you have an insane mix of kids who are only beginning to learn what the spirit of competition is… and parents who have been possessed by that spirit. Came across this Esquire Network series ‘Friday Night Tykes’ (airing Tuesdays 9 PM EST) … named with an obvious flip on the movie and TV series title ‘Friday Night Lights’ (and the love of young folk football is related just as crazily in both). Now, Alabama is wild about its football; but Texas…
In America, football is king… and nowhere is football bigger than in Texas. With exclusive access to the 8 to 9 year-old Rookies division of the Texas Youth Football Association, this 10-part docuseries follows five teams on and off the field during the 2013 season. Throughout, coaches and parents offer insight into why they believe they’re teaching valuable lessons about discipline and dedication, but also grapple with serious questions about parenting, safety and at what price we’re pushing our kids to win.
You might be able to tell that this hits a personal chord for me. Got a li’l something after the jump that’ll show you why.
– @ojones1
Posted in Human Interest, Series, Sports, Television, Videos, Youth | Tags: Esquire, Esquire Network, Friday Night Tykes, Peewee Football, Youth Football | 1 Comment »
VICE: Buttloads Of Pain (Video)
January 20, 2014
Wow. I know you’ve heard something on this, but now VICE is on this. The real story will be told now. And as you already know, back-alley butt enhancement injections are NOT good. They are bad… dangerous… deadly!
[It] was the transgender community that really pioneered the backroom butt-injection scene in the 1980s and 90s. For a male transitioning to a female at that time, it was a ridiculous notion to think that insurance would foot the bill… [But the] phenomenon of butt pumping has even crept into popular culture. Every time Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Lopez wears a swimsuit, tabloids and gossip websites furiously debate whether their bodacious butts are the result of an intense squat regimen or ass injections. Former stripper and hip-hop model Vanity Wonder, who boasts ample 34-23-45 curves, wrote a book about her addiction to illegal butt shots and the 16-plus times she had her butt pumped up. Nicki Minaj, who is known for her huge rump almost as much as for her platinum-selling albums [even raps about it on her] guest verse on the remix of Big Sean’s ‘Dance (A$$)’: “Kiss my ass and my anus, ’cause it’s finally famous / And it’s finally soft, yeah, it’s finally solved! / I don’t know, man, guess them ass shots wore off!â€
– VICE
But WHY would anyone do this? Man, click to play above, watch, and learn. Y’all know we love a thick backside on here, but this illegal back-alley life-threatening sh!t must cease! Getting an ass to die for ain’t worth dying for.
It’s important to point out that there are legal butt-enhancing procedures. The FDA deems both implants and fat transfer—where fat is liposuctioned from areas like the patient’s stomach and transferred to his or her fanny—to be safe when conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, many women choose the black-market procedure to save money. Legal implants and fat transfers can cost up to $10,000 more than their illicit counterparts.
– VICE
READ: BUTTLOADS OF PAIN (VICE)
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Lifestyle, Opinion, Series, Videos | Tags: back-alley, black market, butt enhancement, butt injections, buttloads of pain, Constantino Mendieta, Dr. Constantino Mendieta, Gluteal Sculpting, illegal enhancement, implants, Oscarina Busse, PLASTIC SURGERY, The Art of Gluteal Sculpting, VICE | 1 Comment »
COVER STORY: Hip-Hop At Harvard University With Nas (Video)
January 16, 2014
Queensbridge emcee to Harvard University honoree. Nasir “Nas” Jones, take a bow! Harvard asked the brother to create a Hip-Hop fellowship in Nas’ name 30 years after his rhyming and grinding started. This is happening! Check out what Hip-Hop at Harvard looks like above. Hip-Hop heads, you are going to be SO proud watching this!
“The same youth you want to protect… you need to understand them by understanding the music they listen to.”
– Nas
Posted in Cover Story, Hip-Hop, Human Interest, Series, Videos | Tags: Akrobatik, Ammunition, Boston, By Design, Harvard University, Hip-Hop Archive, HipHop, HipHop Archive, Nas, Nasir Jones, Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship, The Hip-Hop Archive | 2 Comments »
Snoop Loves The Kids… Enough To Keep Them Safe From Concussions While Playing Youth Football (Video)
January 15, 2014
Hey, the NFL has all kinds of media focus on the concussion problem in its sport. But by the time they get them in the pros, those athletes have been bouncing their brains around inside their helmets (inside their skulls) for around 20 years; since youth football days. Who’s attacking the problem at that end? Who’ll get some spotlight shone at that stage. No stranger to the stage, Snoop Dogg has picked up the flag.
There is, of course, a secondary problem that should quickly move to the top of the chart; caused by parents’ fear of injury to their kids. Fewer and fewer children are participating in organized leagues that have positive impact on the lives of youth, like the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL). Snoop wants the word out that his league is working the problem, and getting somewhere. If only he could get some NFL “oomph” behind the push.
“In my league, we’ve had less injuries over the last two years because of what we’re teaching. “I feel like if we go down to the levels and the NFL comes to the hoods and teaches us what they want us to do, by the time they get to the NFL, they’ve been practicing this their whole life.â€
– Snoop Dogg
Hopefully, what has been a hood-doing-good success story will not fade away. Just peep the video above highlighting good gridiron stuff from Flo-Rida’s and Snoop’s youth leagues. Shout to HipHopDx for this.
Posted in Celebrity, Cover Story, Human Interest, Sports, Videos, Youth | Tags: Concussions, Football, Snoop, Snoop Dogg, Snoop Lion, White House, White House Visit, Youth Football | No Comments »
VICE: Fresh Off The Boat With Eddie Huang In London (Video)
January 8, 2014
Ah, Great Britain. Ye old country. So much to do there, and Eddie is ‘Straight Off The Boat’ trying to do it. Another 3-part video episode. Above (part 1), we start in Brick Lane – where the Middle East meets the West. This East London community is now home to Turks, Jews, Bengalis and the food they eat… Cricket anyone (to play, not to eat… blechk)? Then there’s breakfast you can’t refuse and some sexy photography (in part two); and to wrap, some community involvement and more food (in part three).
That’s the short version. Check after the jump for parts two and three to view the rest of the story(ies). Eddie Huang does it again!
Posted in Human Interest, Lifestyle, Music, Series, Travel, Videos | Tags: Eddie Huang, Fresh Off The Boat, London, VICE | No Comments »
HBO: Sex/Now (Documentary Series Trailer)
December 26, 2013
Yoooo! Sex over the Internet into the future?? Interactive cyber-vagina?? Click and watch the series teaser for ‘Sex/Now’ right nowwww! Premieres Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 11 PM EST on HBO.
Posted in Human Interest, Lifestyle, Series, Television, Videos | Tags: HBO, HBO Documentary Films, HBO Documentary Series, Sex/Now | No Comments »
After 40 Years Apart, Hall Of Fame Guitarist Santana Reunited With His ‘Magnificent’ Drummer, Found Living Homeless In Oakland (Video)
December 25, 2013
Emotional video above, as guitar legend Carlos Santana is reunited with his old drummer, Marcus “The Magnificent†Malone, after discovering he had been living on the streets for 40 years. Shout out to Daily Mail UK and Stanley Roberts of KRON4 TV News of Oakland (California, USA) for ultimately bringing us this touching reunion story.
‘Man! You don’t know how hard I prayed to get to see you.’
– Malone to Santana (upon seeing him again for the first time in 40 years)
– @ojones1
Posted in Human Interest, Rock, Television, Videos | Tags: Carlos Santana, Marcus “the Magnificent†Malone, Marcus Malone, Santana, The Magnificent | No Comments »
Heaven Can Wait: The Story Behind The Wall (Mini-Documentary)
December 25, 2013
“…the situation in Chicago…the war going on in the streets with these kids…these children are too young…haven’t lived for their maximum potential yet…[to] society and the world…their energy, their leadership…Heaven can wait for these kids…They haven’t had the opportunity to live…”
– Kevin “Mr. Soul” Harp
Great story-behind-the-story (visually delivered by w. Feagins Jr.; music by the homie Focus…) exploring the meaning and motivation behind the “Heaven Can Wait” mural. Artwork by Atlanta-based artists Craig “Flux” Singleton, Kevin “Mr. Soul” Harp and Goldi Gold. Moving piece.
People, watch this piece. A worthwhile holiday wish: Peace and a cease to the violence and loss of life and vital youth energy going on in Chi Raq (an unfortunate nickname for modern Chicago, for more see our earlier post here). And in this holiday season (and seasons beyond), please hug your loved ones (esp. the kids) extra tight.
Black & Latino Students In The U.S. Can Attend Medical School In Cuba For Free (Video)
December 20, 2013
Doctors come out of med school with huge debt to repay. Probably why we “understand” why a trip to the doctor can cost so much in the United States. But wouldn’t it be a boon to making healthcare affordable if doctors could graduate debt-free? Well… somebody’s already doing that… Cuba!
All too often though, we want to vilify those (like Cuba) we are told to treat as the enemy. Remember the uproar over Bey and Jigga’s trip to Cuba (y’all gone learn today…wrote a song ’bout it)? You’dve thought it was the missile crisis all over again. But fortunately, to balance bad-mouthing of some, we have folks who declare that there are at least some things we can appreciate about the neighbor 90 miles south of South Florida (USA). For instance, check out what the Black Left Unity blog hipped us to about another bright spot of Cuba’s medical outreach.
Currently there are two Detroit (Michigan, USA) students attending LASM on a full scholarship. Contact us at IFCO
418 W 145 Street
Harlem, NY 10031
www.ifconews.org
ifco@igc.org
(212) 926-5757
And if you don’t know, now you know. So, next time somebody spouts that ‘Communist Cuba the bad guys’ stuff … You hit ’em with the link to this story. Oh, and tell them the US is actually doing some ‘bad medicine’ down that way. Remember the Gitmo force-feeding? But we’ll keep this peace positive. Thanks for the good medicine, Cuba.
Check out more video after the jump, including a great piece from PBS Newshour.
Posted in Cover Story, Health and Wellness, Human Interest, Opinion, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Affordable Care, Affordable Care Act, black, Cuba, Debt-free doctors, Fidel Castro, Latin America, Latino, Medical School | No Comments »
Mandela Tribute In South African Department Store (Video)
December 18, 2013
Soul-stirring performance in tribute to the late Nelson Mandela… in South Africa… in a Woolworths produce section. Unexpected? Definitely! Will you LOVE it? DEFINITELY! Watch.
On Saturday, 7 December 2013, Woolworths had planned a performance at our Parkview store in Pretoria to support our Operation Smile Christmas campaign. The Soweto Gospel Choir’s planned a rendition of James Brown’s I Feel Good. But, after Madiba’s passing the choir decided on a tribute instead. They chose Johnny Clegg’s Asimbonanga.
– Woolworths SA
CNN Talks To Heisman Trophy Runner-Up ‘AJ McCarron’ And His Friend ‘AJ Starr’ (Video)
December 16, 2013
2nd place for the Heisman Trophy; 1st place in our hearts. Thank you, AJ McCarron, for showing us how a star shines. The University of Alabama quarterback became fast friends with a fellow student, AJ Starr, who he first noticed hanging around the practice field – rain or shine.
Great story. Makes me proud to be an Alabama alum. Roll Tide, AJ. Both of y’all!
– @ojones1
Posted in Human Interest, Sports, Television, Videos | Tags: AJ McCarron, AJ Starr, Heisman, Heisman Finalist, Heisman Trophy, The University of Alabama, University of Alabama | No Comments »
