How Can We Help Kids Define What Is and Isn’t Healthy Sexuality?

by Akiba Solomon on March 5 2012, 9:52AM

In an age of free porn, rape-promoting video games and stupid advice videos from grown men, childhood sexual exploration is trickier than ever. There are no easy answers. Herewith, a few starting points.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Gender & Sexuality, Too $hort

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Too $hort Calls XXL Video Debacle a Blessing in Disguise

by Akiba Solomon on February 23 2012, 2:20PM

Bad publicity, an enlightening conversation with activist dream hampton and “karma” produce an a-ha! moment for the rapper who instructed middle school boys to “turn out” their female classmates.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Gender & Sexuality, /NOW Blog

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5 Things Too $hort & Hip-Hop Media Can Learn About Sexual Violence

by Akiba Solomon on February 23 2012, 11:33AM

Ways to regroup and do better after the debacle of Too $hort’s violent, rape-celebrating XXL.com video.

Topics: Akiba Solomon, Arts & Culture, Gender & Sexuality, Too $hort

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Happy J-Dilla Day!

by Jorge Rivas on February 10 2012, 5:08PM

James Dewitt Yancey, known in rap circles as Jay Dee or J Dilla, passed away at the age of 32 six years ago.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

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Get Ready for Big Freedia To Shake the U.S. with New Orleans Bounce [Video]

by Jorge Rivas on January 27 2012, 3:38PM

On Wednesday night Big Freedia brought bounce to national television with a performance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live late-night talk show. Freedia performed two recent songs, “Excuse” (above) and “Na Who Mad” (below). You can watch the full episode on…

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

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Das Racist’s Himanshu Suri: Rapper, Jokester, Community Organizer?

by Channing Kennedy on January 17 2012, 9:36AM

The joke-rap critical darling has never shied away from race and politics. Now he’s heading home, to help SEVA NY fight for fair representation for Queens’ newest immigrant communities.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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Eight New Albums for Your Fall Music Playlists

by Jorge Rivas on October 4 2011, 9:45AM

From New York City diva Maluca to Bay Area based Los Rakas, we’ve rounded up some artists who should be in your headphones this fall.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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My Dark, Twisted Jay-Z and Lil’ Wayne Fantasy

by Akiba Solomon on September 2 2011, 11:00AM

On the heels of the so-called beef over who’s richer, I dream of a world where these two monster MCs use their ample powers for the good of everybody—including women.

Topics: Akiba Solomon

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Headed Back to Class? We’ve Got Songs to Start the School Year Off Right

by Bryan Gerhart on September 2 2011, 9:00AM

Whether you’re nostalgic for your playground days or worrying about how to pay back student loans, we’ve got a playlist that will help ease you into another school year.

Topics: Arts & Culture, Back to School

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The Unapologetic Homophobia of ‘Tyler, The Creator’

by Jorge Rivas on August 31 2011, 3:11PM

MTV’s Best New Artist hurls hundreds of anti-gay slurs on his new album. “I’m not homophobic,” he has explained. “Gay just means you’re stupid.”

Topics: Arts & Culture, Media

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K’Naan Returns to Somalia After Two Decades

by Jorge Rivas on August 23 2011, 1:19PM

The Somali-Canadian rapper was greeted enthusiastically by people in his struggling homeland..

Topics: Arts & Culture

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Kreayshawn: “There Are, Like, Times When It Sucks Being White”

by Jorge Rivas on August 3 2011, 4:31PM

East Oakland’s white rap phenom Kreayshawn’s still talking—and banking a million-dollar record deal.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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Akon Responds to Lupe: Obama’s No Terrorist, But Maybe GOP Is

by Jorge Rivas on August 3 2011, 12:43PM

WATCH: The Senegalese-born R&B star responds to Lupe Fiasco’s critique of President Obama, saying he’s seen for himself how differently the world thinks about America now.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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James Murdoch’s Hip-Hop Head Days With Rawkus Records

by Jamilah King on July 21 2011, 3:29PM

Ta-Nehisi Coates reminds us that the man in the middle of Britain’s phone hacking scandal bankrolled an influential hip-hop label in the ’90s.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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You Maaad!—How Fox News Uses Hip-Hop to Create Race Panics

by Adriel Luis, Nico Cary on July 19 2011, 9:47AM

How the network uses black rappers to scare white parents, court their kids and make millions.

Topics: Arts & Culture, Media

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Queer New Orleans Hip-Hop Star Big Freedia Goes On National Tour

by Jorge Rivas on July 13 2011, 1:02PM

The Queen of New Orleans’ bounce scene goes on national tour.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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The Black Eyed Peas Are Taking a Break

by Jorge Rivas on July 12 2011, 1:41PM

The chart-topping, anthem-cranking group said during a recent performance in England that they’re going on “indefinite hiatus.” Tear.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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Rapper Bow Wow Writes Moving Letter to Fans About His Daughter

by Jorge Rivas on July 8 2011, 1:40PM

The child star recently revealed the he’s a father. And he’s determined to be a good one.

Topics: Media

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Lupe Fiasco Debates Bill O’Reilly on Obama Being ‘Biggest Terrorist’

by Jorge Rivas on June 23 2011, 1:01PM

The rapper agreed to appear on the show to defend his controversial comments about the president.

Topics: Arts & Culture

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Top Songs on Our Colorlines.com Summertime Soundtrack

by Jorge Rivas, Jamilah King on June 22 2011, 12:25PM

Whether you’re kicking back at the beach or lounging around the office, we’ve got a list of songs to help get your summer started off on the right foot.

Topics: Arts & Culture, Summer

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