1973年、5月2日、ニュージャージー州の高速道路、ニュージャージー・ターンパイクで、パトロール中の州警察官が殺害される、という事件がありました。その首謀者として名前が挙がったのがブラック・パンサー党党員、のちのブラック・リベレーション・アーミーのメンバー、アサタ・シャクールです。
ラッパー、今は亡き2パックのゴッドマザーとして知られているアサタ・シャクールの影響力はとても大きく、特にヒップホップ界では、彼女を題材にした作品も多く発表されています。シカゴを代表するコモンもその一人。わざわざ彼女に会いにキューバまで行き、「ア・ソング・フォー・アサタ」で革命の闘志、アサタ・シャクールの勇気を讃えています。
Posted in 2Pac, Black History, Common, Uncategorized
Tagged 2Pac, 2Pac生きている, Assata Shakur, アサタ・シャクール, コモン, ブラックパンサー, Black Panther, Common, 黒人人権運動, FBI
The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival went down Saturday (July 11) at 50 Kent, New York City’s largest celebration of hip hop culture, the 11th annual event featured performance s from Common, Mobb Deep, Freeway and more. Harlem2Nippon’s guest reporter Erina covered the Fes.
Where Brooklyn At?
Reported by Erina
Getting closer to the venue on Kent Avenue, loud woofer sound made me high already.
Yeah, outdoor Fes for real! It’s on! New York, baby!
When I got there I saw a long ass line that appeared to be endless. I guess I have no choice but be patient. Finally my turn came and I went through a torturous mandatory body check. The security not only checked my purse and looked inside my wallet but grabbed my boobs and my ass and messed up my head band and ordered me to open my mouth! The couple before me tossed their drinks hurriedly as consuming alcohol in public is prohibited under the NY law.
The place was rather small compare to the many outdoor festivals taken place back home in Japan, but seeing the background with Manhattan’s skyscrapers I felt awesome! I’m in New York, hell yeah!!
People are screaming for Mobb Deep. Damn, they are already on now. I thought I did my homework but the moment I saw them on stage I was brown away and forgot everything I studied about the duo. They were so cool! I couldn’t recognize any of their songs as I was totally exhilarated. The crowd went crazy over 3 particular songs that must have been their big hits. (It turned out songs they performed were “Shook Ones Pt. II,” “The Survival of the Fittest,” and “Quiet Storm.”) Watching old music videos I remember them as young teenage boys and now they so grown but Mobb Deep prove that they’ve still got it.
Next artist coming to the state was Common, so I thought. But I guess not as came somebody I didn’t know. A few other people so called opening acts kept performing for a while. Then the stage was cleared only music was heard. Common was nowhere to be seen. We are waiting for him. We keep waiting, waiting………damn, how long do we have to wait?
Finally MC showed up and introduced again another guests. This time guys dressed in suits and bowties……Are they gonna rap in this ridiculous outfit? Instead they talked about Black Muslim teachings. The way they talk reminded me of Malcolm X. No wonder they sounded so much like Malcolm that they were the members of Nation of Islam.
Ok, the wait is over. The same MC finally announced the main performer, Common! Yeah! Last time I saw him was at night time but it’s still bright outside and I can see his face. He hasn’t changed.
He performed “Testify” and “Go,” from my favorite album Be then “The People,” and “The Food” that made us all sing along. His song “Get Em High” featured in Dave Chappelle’s film Block Party (2005) was my favorite.
Now, who’s gonna be today’s surprise guest?? I’ve been thinking about since yesterday. Is it Q-Tip or the Academy winning song Glory’s writer and co-performer John Legend……?
When he brought a female rapper the sound of frenzied screaming rippled through the audience. Who the hell is that…….? Lil’ Kim……? No, that’s not her. Who could that be?
As the sun set and the Manhattan skyline began to flicker to life across the river, the last strains of Common’s Grammy-winning single “Glory” faded away as he raised a clenched fist to the sky.
His finale was electrifying! So Beautiful. Thank you, Common!
On the way home, me and my friend were still discussing who the evening’s surprise guest was. My friend insisted that was Lil’ Kim and I said she’s not. We checked iPhone and saw Foxy Brown’s name tags on Instagram. OMG. Really? Brooklyn native emcee Foxy Brown? I can’t believe it. Was that the big sister Foxy Brown featured in “Luire” when I was in high school? I wish knew (not that I know any of her songs.)
(Foxy Brown made a surprise appearance at the 2015 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival to perform “Ain’t No N***” and “Oh Yeah” with Common.)
Posted in Event, Music, Uncategorized
Tagged Be, Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, Common, Foxy Brown, Freeway, Glory, John Legend, Mobb Deep, Nation of Islam, Quiet Storm, Shook Ones Pt. II
By Ken Simmons
Academ y Award and Oscar winning entertainer Common performed a moving and revealing autobiographical concert spanning his entire 23 year music and acting career May 6, 2015 at Madiba Harlem MIST.
Posted in Event, Harlem People, Kanye West, Music, Uncategorized
Tagged Common, Erykah Badu, J Dilla, John Legend, Kanye West, No I.D., Oscar, Selma
For the fourth consecutive year, LL Cool J will host The Grammy Awards on February 8, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The two-time Grammy winner from New York City has served as the MC for over 10 Grammy shows, tributes, and specials. He also produced The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night, and A Very Grammy Christmas television special.
“I’m thrilled to again be part of music’s biggest night,” says Cool J. “The performances and moments you see on the Grammy stage are nothing less than amazing throughout the years, and this year’s show is shaping up to be one you will never forget.”
“As both a Grammy-winning recording artist and an accomplished actor, LL Cool J’s wide range of talent, dynamic personality, and charismatic energy make him the perfect choice to host the Grammy Awards,” says Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. “His unique expertise allows him to set the right tone for the show and connect with everyone — from his musical peers to fans at home. We are honored to have him back.”
The performers for the 57th annual Grammy Awards include Madonna, Pharrell Williams, John Legend and Common, Usher, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Miranda Lambert, AC/DC, and Eric Church.
Williams, Smith, and Beyonce lead all artists with six nominations and will compete for Album of the Year. Last year. Williams won four awards: Album of the Year for Random Access Memories with Daft Punk, Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Get Lucky” (also with Daft Punk), and Producer of the Year-Non-Classical.
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