Hip-Hop Producer Pete Rock: ‘We Lost Our Integrity Chasing The Money’
"The bag as they say has become the problem and the focus point in the culture. Makes it corny when yall make it about money"
There are some people involved in the culture of hip-hop who, over the years, have become either frustrated and/or just sick of the direction that the music genre has taken in recent years. Although it’s not a new argument, it seems that some people who came in at the beginning stages of hip-hop turning commercial are now the “old heads” seemingly complaining about what used to be.
Mount Vernon’s Peter Philips, known to the hip-hop world as Pete Rock, is just the latest artist to make his thoughts known.
The Mecca and the Soul Brother recording artist posted a video clip of another industry legend, Erick Sermon of EPMD, speaking about the current state of hip-hop. Sermon discussed the evolvement of the culture and named earlier hip-hop heads who helped the music change in a way that made it progressive. He states that what we hear today isn’t hip-hop.
“I just think that Hip Hop is just not Hip Hop,” he said in the video clip. “I just think that they should change the name. No disrespect, but that’s not what that is.”
“Hip Hop can evolve, but this is not evolving.”
Pete gave his thoughts while agreeing with Sermon.
“They should change the music to WTF 🤦🏾♂️ tryna create a narrative that aint working. Pile driving the culture straight in the ground. We created real history! idk what da hell they creating today but it damn sure aint history or hip hop thats a fact.”
“We lost our integrity chasing the money. The bag, as they say, has become the problem and the focus point in the culture. Makes it corny when y’all make it about money smh 🌽 Everyone extra sensitive about opinions smh. Soon as you have an opinion you’re a hater automatically lol. Clown shit 🤡 we all out here working to make better music. Why dont try and do the same thing.”
Navigate Those Difficult Work Discussions Using These Methods
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. But contrary to popular belief, not all conflict is bad. It's an opportunity to grow, and even strengthen your relationships with your colleagues
Originally published Oct. 29, 2018
Conflict in the workplace is inevitable. But contrary to popular belief, not all conflict is bad. Sometimes when we embrace difficult conversations at work, it’s an opportunity to grow, innovate, and even strengthen your relationships with your colleagues. One of the most important things to remember about having difficult conversations at work is remembering the power of taking a pause before you react or respond to a situation. You can’t control how people react, but you always have the power to choose your response.
Dealing With Difficult Conversations at Work
Friendly reminder: Not everything deserves a reaction or even a response. You can either step into conflict or step away from it; the choice is always yours. Embracing your power of pause also enables you to:
– Take a few deep breaths or walk away from the situation.
– Refrain from judgment and do a quick self-check.
– Gather your thoughts so you can ask a few clarifying questions.
– Consider the other person’s perspective or objectives.
Think conversation, not confrontation.
Once you decide that a discussion is needed, here are a few tips to help you prepare for a difficult conversation:
Silence the noise, get rid of distractions and do a quick self-check on the story you are telling yourself.
At any given moment we have a gazillion stories going on in our head, especially when we’re in the middle of a conflict. The biggest mistake we make is reacting off a story we’ve told ourselves about a person or situation. Many times we assume, overthink, and even play out scenarios that may be true or false.
Seek facts before feelings.
Ask yourself:
– What evidence do you have to support this story?
– Are you feeding the stories in your head based off past experiences? What else it could it be? Self-awareness is key: How have you contributed to the problem?
– What is your purpose for having the conversation?
– What do you want to avoid?
– Why is it important to have this conversation right now?
– What do you hope to accomplish?
– Describe your ideal outcome.
– What is the common ground or mutual interest that you both share?
Prepare to have a discussion and approach the discussion from a place of curiosity.
Starting from a place of curiosity (e.g., giving someone the benefit of the doubt) helps rebuild trust with someone who may have hurt you. Plus, it helps to create a mutual understanding about finding solutions which benefit the both of you. Take a few moments to imagine you don’t know anything about this person or situation. Sometimes this can help you see things from another person’s perspective and assess their needs at the time.
Watch your tone, and be aware of your verbal and nonverbal communication.
For instance, typing on your computer or scrolling through emails or your social media feed while speaking to someone sends the message that you don’t value a person’s time or what they have to say.
Strive to ask more open-ended questions. Here are a few examples:
I’d really like us to get to a place where we can ______________ and avoid__________. When ___________ occurred, I felt like _____________. Can you help me understand why (describe the problem and the outcome) ________________. The more you show interest in learning about the other person’s perspective, the better chance you have at reaching a positive outcome and mutual agreement. Here’s the thing: You don’t have to agree, but validating that their views are as important as your own sets the tone for respect and a new way ahead.
I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about ___________. I value you as ___________so I really want to hear your feelings about this and share my perspective as well. What are your thoughts about _________?
I notice we have different views about _____________________. So, I’d like to hear your thoughts about____________ . What challenges are you having with____________? What part of__________ makes you uncomfortable? How can we work more effectively as a team?
If we considered __________, what does success look like for you? What are the top two things you’d like to see from me?
To make sure you understand the person correctly, restate what has been said. This also sends the message that you’re actively listening to them.
Dr. Bernice A. King Kicks Off The New Year Celebrating The Legacy Of Her Father With New Initiatives
This year’s theme: It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.
In celebration of the 39th Annual Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Dr. Bernice A. King, The King Center and King Holiday Observance will host several events to honor the late activist and his work. On Jan 4., before the planned activities, Dr. Bernice King spoke at the 2024 King Holiday Observance Press Conference, highlighting the necessity of Dr. King’s mission in today’s climate.
“We face individual and collective choices that will determine whether we will continue to diminish and devastate humanity and the earth or if we will become co-conspirators to shift the cultural climate throughout our nation and world,” she said. “The looming levels of threat to our current existence through physical, sexual, and socio-economic violence, terrorism, wars, and AI, as well as the confluence of hate and genocide, war and genocide, greed and genocide. We are witnessing unprecedented loss of human life, especially among the Black, brown, and indigenous people throughout the world. Yet we continue to sit in silence, turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to the glaring truths of this reality.”
The King Holiday Observance Kick-Off Reception and Book Signing will take place Jan. 9 in Atlanta. Dr. Bernice King is scheduled to sign her new children’s book, Coretta, inspired by her late mother’s autobiography, My Life, My Love, My Legacy. Open to the public, this event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST at the Freedom Hall Atrium in the King Center.
Dr. King’s vision has transcended generations, largely due to the work of the King Center and CEO Dr. Bernice King, who has worked tirelessly to preserve his memory and mission. Ahead of the 2024 King Holiday Observance on Jan. 15, there will be a number of online and in-person activities for demographics of all ages. This year’s theme is It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.
In partnership with the Be Love movement, the King Center will also present a virtual series called “NONVIOLENCE365: Shifting the Climate Through a Love-Centered Strategy” to promote Dr. King’s mission of nonviolence. Starting on Monday, Jan. 8 at 11:00 a.m. EST, the two-day series will encompass a deep dive into Dr. King’s teachings about power, love, and violence and will feature prominent community leaders, including retired St. Louis Police Dept. Captain Charles Alphin, author and entrepreneur Cierra Bobo, and Dr. Vonnetta L. West will helm the training session.
On Jan. 10, children can tag along during a virtual reading of Linzy Binzy: Around the World with Friends as Linzy Binzy learns the power of self-love in the first installment, Loving the Skin We’re In. The event will also feature a puppet show. Special guests include author Bonita Hampton Smith, illustrator Elena Paudel, puppetry artist Jimmica Collins, and moderator Meeka the Bunny. This activity will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EST.
Immediately after the Virtual Youth Book Reading and Puppetry Presentation, attendees can participate in the Global Summit, where speakers will engage in panel discussions, interviews, 10-–to 15-minute Summit talks, and innovative video presentations. From 10:00–4:00 p.m., guest influencers, artists, civic leaders, activists, and global community members will discuss the most pressing issues and how to advance Dr. King’s values in this age.
The Global Youth Summit will occur on Friday, Jan. 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST. The event will help young people meaningfully engage with Kingian Nonviolence to transform the world’s current social and political landscape and will include panel discussions, performances, group exercises, and more. That same day, the King Center is also hosting a Teach-In session for the youth, where educators and trainers will present lesson plans outlining the significant work of the Civil Rights Movement for ages K-12 and reinforce knowledge and skills that they might bring to their academic and career life.
California Becomes 1st State To Offer Health Coverage To Undocumented Immigrants
Healthcare for all is the way to go.
California has started 2024 by expanding healthcare program eligibility to all undocumented immigrants, Forbes reported.
If eligibility requirements are met on Jan. 1, undocumented adults between the ages of 26 and 49 qualify for health insurance through the state’s Medi-Cal program, which is designed to insure coverage for low-income residents. Prior to the expansion, the program only covered undocumented children, persons between 19 and 25, and those 50 years and older.
Approved by legislation in May 2023, 700,000 additional undocumented Californians will be eligible for health insurance.
“This historic investment speaks to California’s commitment to health care as a human right,” State Senator María Elena Durazo (D-CA) said, according to her website.
“In California, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care coverage — regardless of income or immigration status,” Newsom’s office told ABC News.
“Through this expansion, we’re making sure families and communities across California are healthier, stronger, and able to get the care they need when they need it.”
Close to 50% of undocumented immigrant adults in America have reported being uninsured, in comparison to 8% of U.S.-born citizens. Data from health policy research nonprofit KFF shows undocumented adults are more likely to work jobs that don’t provide health benefits, while facing eligibility restrictions with federal programs.
Undocumented immigrants in California will also be allowed to receive preventive services such as flu shots, while older immigrants are eligible to receive age-appropriate health services such as cancer screenings and the shingles vaccine.
Critics don’t think this is the right move. Lawmakers in the California State Republican Caucus claim Medi-Cal is “strained” with close to 15 million citizens already using it.
“Adding 764,000 more individuals to the system will certainly exacerbate current provider access problems,” the caucus wrote last year. During his 2020 State of the Union Address, former President Donald Trump alluded that California would “bankrupt our nation by providing free taxpayer-funded healthcare to millions of illegal aliens.”
The Sheroes In Action: Empowered Mindset, Resilient Force – Female in Law Enforcement and First Response Conference is proud to announce its distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and panelists featuring top African American women in law enforcement. This groundbreaking event, scheduled for April 3 to April 5, 2024, aims to empower, educate, and equip female professionals in their law enforcement and first response roles.
The esteemed keynote speakers and panelists include:
1. Catrina Thompson – U.S. Marshal, United States Marshal Service
2. Estella Patterson – Chief of Police, Raleigh Police Department
3. Telisa White – Chief, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
4. Cherise Moore – Assistant Chief, City of Winston-Salem Fire Department
5. Two African-American Female U.S. Attorneys
These influential leaders will share their expertise, experiences, and insights on topics that align with the five key goals of the conference. The goals are cultivating a resilient mindset, promoting well-being and mental health, fostering growth and professional development, building a supportive community, and inspiring leadership and impact. Additional workshops and trainings will also include the importance of diversity and inclusion, leadership in male-dominated fields, and overcoming challenges in law enforcement and first-response careers.
“I am honored to be amongst these trailblazing African American women as fellow keynote speakers and panelists,” said U.S. Marshal and retired Chief of Police Catrina Thompson. “Their remarkable achievements and dedication to public service serve as an inspiration to all aspiring female professionals in our industry.”
Sheroes In Action Law Enforcement and First Response Conference provides a platform for professional development and the exchange of best practices. This conference is designed to support women in Emergency Medical Services, Firefighters, Police Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, 911 and Emergency Communication Professionals, State Troopers, Probation and Parole Officers, Disaster Response Workers, as well as Search and Rescue Workers.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit SheroesInAction.com.
For press inquiries, contact sheroes@sheroesinaction.com.
Neighbors reported seeing terrified teenagers fleeing the house after hearing gunshots. No suspects have been identified.
A teen mother was killed at a Georgia house party in November, just weeks after celebrating her birthday.
On Nov. 17, Shania Green, who turned 18 in October, attended a party at a residence in Gwinnett County. Officers arrived at the scene shortly after 1 a.m. following reports of a shooting, People reports.
They discovered Green on the back patio, dead from a gunshot wound to the head.
The party was hosted by the homeowners’ son while his parents were away, according to Atlanta News First. Neighbors reported seeing terrified teenagers fleeing the house after hearing gunshots.
No suspects have been identified, and detectives are appealing to the public for information.
Green left behind a 7-month-old boy. Her aunt, Sade Long, wrote that Green was a devoted young mother who loved caring for her son, and described Green’s infectious smile and positive energy that uplifted those around her.
Long has created a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs. There, she wrote that her niece had been excited to finally go out and enjoy herself after turning 18. The campaign is looking to raise $15,000; over $11,000 in donations have been collected thus far.
“On most days you could find her lovingly taking care of her 7 month old son or spending time with family,” Long wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Shania just turned 18 years old last month in November. She was just figuring out who she was as a young lady and as a new mother, navigating life with grace, compassion, and kindness.”
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Gwinnett County police at (770) 513-5300. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477 or online here. A cash reward is available for tips that lead to an arrest.
The Health Equity In Transplantation Coalition Applauds CBC Chair For Urging HHS To Reverse Medicare Cuts
HEiTC leaders applaud Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford for asking HHS to reverse Medicare cuts.
The Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), launched in November 2023 by Rev. Al Sharpton and singer Al B. Sure!, is applauding Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-NV) for his written appeal regarding Medicare cuts.
Horsford penned a letter dated Dec. 22 that urged the Biden administration to reverse Medicare cuts that will leave thousands of Black, brown, and other transplant recipients without a lifesaving blood test that noninvasively detects early signs of organ transplant rejection.
In the letter, which Horsford addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, he asked them to explain why the ruling was made, rescind it, and ensure there were no other cutbacks on noninvasive blood tests, which are able to catch an organ transplant rejection months in advance.
“We share the Biden Administration’s commitment to closing racial disparities in our health system,” Horsford wrote. “All of us sit in government because we believe a better future is possible in which the children and grandchildren of our constituents have fair access to care. We know you share our mission of ensuring equitable care and appreciate your attention to this critically important matter.”
The cuts were announced on March 2 by a private “Medicare Administrative Contractor.” It tied Medicare coverage to an invasive, risky surgical biopsy, which has led to a significant drop in the use of transplant blood tests due to cancellations, delays, or plain confusion as to whether Medicare coverage would still be provided.
HEiTC Executive Chairman Al B. Sure!, who received a lifesaving liver transplant in the summer of 2022, was glad to see Horsford step up for organ transplant recipients.
“After a successful day of action on Capitol Hill last month, I and the entire Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition are humbled to see Chair Horsford make this call,” said Al B. Sure!. “Tens of thousands of organ transplant recipients, a disproportionate share of which are Black and Brown, don’t know at this moment if the gift of life they received will fail them. All because a private contractor was allowed to peel back coverage on a life-saving test capable of catching a rejection before it happened. I want to thank Chair Horsford for being a constant champion of justice for Black and Brown Americans, especially in this moment when we need heroes in government like him.”
The HeiTC isn’t the only group concerned about the Medicare cuts. A group of 14 bipartisan former and current politicians have also urged an end to the Medicare cuts, including Reps. Anna Eschoo (D-CA) and Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), who wrote a follow-up letter pressing for more answers on why Medicare contractors rolled back coverage without public comment and through a billing article.
Former Sierra Leone President Facing Treason Charges Over Alleged Coup Involvement
The failed coup in the West African country took place just five months after the current president was elected.
The former president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, been charged with treason for his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt, The Associated Pressreported.
On Nov. 26, 2023, several gunman attempted an attack on Freetown, the nation’s capital, by breaking into Sierra Leone’s key armory and a prison, freeing some its 2,000 inmates. Close to 18 members of the security forces were killed and more than 50 suspects, including military officers, have been arrested so far. The Sierra Leone government issued a statement on Jan. 3 that Koroma faces additional charges of misprision of treason, which by definition is the crime of concealing knowledge of treasonable acts.
According to The BBC, Koroma has denied any involvement in the deadly attack. West African leaders tried to negotiate a deal for the former leader to be exiled in Nigeria if the charges were dropped. A letter showed he agreed to the deal, but Sierra Leone Foreign Minster Timothy Kabba said the government was not in support of it, describing the proposal as a “unilateral proposition” by the president of the Ecowas Commission.
Koroma’s lawyer, Joseph Kamara, said he was “shocked and in utter disbelief” and called the charges a “dangerous precedent.”
“A dark cloud has shadowed the skies of our country, meaning that we are dragging a former head of state – democratically elected – on trumped-up charges under a political vendetta,” he said.
Since being questioned for this involvement, Koroma has been on house arrest.
He served as president for the West African nation for 11 years until 2018 when current President Julius Maada Bio was elected – just five months after the attempted coup. Tensions were high after the results were rejected by Koroma’s All People’s Congress, as well as facing international criticism, highlighting the lack of transparency in the election count.
Koroma has officially retired from his political life but still remains a heavy influence within his party, often playing host to other dignitaries in his hometown of Makeni.
“These people are paroled into the country that has nothing to do with it,” Adams said during a Jan. 2 press conference. “While they’re here, we are obligated [to provide housing], and that’s why we’re in court saying that the right to shelter should not have an impact on this migrant crisis. This is a real problem.”
Under the rule, the city has had to house over 161,000 asylum seekers seeking shelter since spring 2022. The legal battle started with private mediation; no court date has been set yet. However, migrant advocacy groups hope both sides can come to an agreement.
The majority of migrants have flocked to the East Village neighborhood’s former St. Brigid’s Catholic School on East 7th Street, according to The City. In December 2023, dozens who waited in line were given a wristband with a number and a date to indicate how many people were before them in line. The wait for cots prompted a call to emergency shelters, and migrants were given about a week to secure one.
With temperatures dropping in the city, many were forced to bear the winter cold by sleeping on the street.
“Why is the government letting us sleep in the streets?” said Bryan Arriaga, 19, of Mexico. “With this cold, it’s really ugly. I want a place to sleep, a place to bathe, a place to lie down, sleep like eight hours. I’m really stressed. I’m sad.”
To date, close to 70,000 asylum seekers in New York City are being cared for across more than 200 makeshift shelters. As Texas Governor Greg Abbott keeps shipping migrants to “sanctuary cities,” lawmakers argue that the “right to shelter” rule makes New York City more appealing than other cities.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), who once pushed back on the mayor wanting to tweak the rule, is now defending her colleague. “We do not have the ability to house the entire world,” she said.
The boy joins the high-IQ society with aspirations to become a medical doctor so he can "help people when they are sick."
Six-year-old Chandler Hughes of Texas has accomplished something remarkable for his young age—he was recently admitted as one of the youngest ever members of Mensa, a society for people with exceptionally high IQs.
Chandler is part of a special “fraternity of people who are essentially geniuses,” his family told KPRC.
“It started early,” his father said of the boy who “started reading at one year, nine months.” By age 2, Chandler was already reading and doing math at a second-grade level. He was enrolled in pre-kindergarten but was far ahead of his peers academically.
Now attending first grade at The Imani School, Chandler should technically still be in kindergarten, given his age.
Chandler is drawn to medicine and healing others, so it makes sense that he wants to be “a medical doctor, because I want to help people when they are sick,” he says.
While Hughes’ academic and reasoning abilities are exceptional for his age, his father emphasized the importance of continuing to advance his social skills as well. His school provides an excellent environment to thrive both intellectually and socially. With Chandler’s motivation to pursue medicine and his family’s support, this 6-year-old’s future looks bright.
“He’s in a great environment where his teachers, his peers all support him,” Chandler’s father said. “Just seeing how we can take this and increase literacy and math rates in our community, and for him to continue to succeed in life.”
Mensa works to foster a global community of bright individuals. The high-IQ society was founded in 1946 England by Roland Berrill and Dr. Lance Ware. The Latin name means “table” and represents its non-biased, roundtable membership. Its only requirement is that potential members score in the top 2% on standardized intelligence tests. With over 150,000 members across 90 countries, Mensa has three core goals: supporting human progress through intelligence; furthering research on intelligence; and providing an enriching social network for brilliant minds.
