Ground Zero Mosque. . . .Why Not? (By: Hawwii Gudeta)
>>>>>>>>>>HOOKEDUPB ©
(Up ‘N Coming ONLINE MAG)
Ground Zero Mosque. . . .Why Not?
By: Hawwii Gudeta
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and the Islamic community, is set to build a 100 million dollar mosque an Islamic cultural center, two blocks away from ground zero in the state of New York. This plan has raised heated controversy throughout the state. Citizens of New York and the family members of the victims from 9/11, feel as though this plan is a direct slap in the face. Iman Feisal Abdul Rauf the conductor of the mosque says, this plan has to be implemented because they want to portray to America what it is to be a true Muslim, and that the negative actions performed by the terrorists on 9/11 do not define the beliefs of Islam.
The word Jihad is the Arabic word for struggle or effort. The Holy Qur’an states that Jihad is the struggle or effort to strive in the path of God, unfortunately, the meaning of this word as been thrown into war in the name of religion. It has been perceived negatively by the terrorists of the Middle East and has now created a twisted meaning for the citizens of America. Rick Barber who is currently running for Alabama’s second congressional district, states that Jihad threatens our families, our freedoms and our way of life. He also says and I quote “the word Islam means surrender and if we do not elect candidates to stand up for what we believe in, then surrendering is exactly what we’ll be doing.” This is the exact issue that Americans deal with today. If this is the perception of a political candidate, you can imagine how Americans view the Islamic community as a whole.
I recently conducted surveys here in Toronto and asked people of the Muslim and non Muslim faith to tell me what they thought of the construction of the mosque at ground zero. A young lady from Scarborough said that the culture center would break the animosity Americans feel towards Muslims after the terrorist attacks. The young lady feels the attacks on 9/11 isolated and marginalized Muslims throughout America, especially in the state of New York. She states by building the mosque at ground zero it would effectively put the Islamic culture into the mainstream because of the location and it would bring about positive dialog and break any barriers Muslims face in society today.
Daisy Khan the wife of Iman Rauf and the executive director of the American Society for Muslim Advancement states “that the purpose of the Islamic center is to project a different message of Islam, one of tolerance and love”. Mrs. Khan says that Islam over the years has been used as a veneer to fulfill the needs of political agendas, which must come to a stop now. By having a mosque at ground zero it would be a complete blow to the extremists. It would show the terrorists that the Islamic community is condemning terrorism. The center would be dedicated to showing the nation what it is to be Muslim and what it is to be an American. Imam Rauf feels that the current need of Americans and the current need of the world are, to combat against terriosm; the couple believes it would portray a positive message about the Islamic faith globally. The building of the mosque is not to purposely offend families of the victims from 9/11. About three hundred Muslims died at the World Trade Center, so the Islamic community and the families of the Muslim victims understand the great loss in that respect. Imam Rauf and his colleagues at the Cordoba House, contacted F.B.I. agencies right after 9/11 took place, to ensure that these extreme acts of violence is stopped within their community. Essentially the goal is to eventually come together and end any negative ideas Americans have towards Muslims and to also end any negative ideas Muslims have towards Americans.
So do you think America needs an Islamic cultural center right at ground zero? Well, why not? The center would be open to the public; which in turn would be extremely beneficial for other faith communities because this gives them a chance to learn about the commonalities their religion shares with one another. The plan would also strip the label off of Muslims in America as second class citizens. By purposing reasons to not build the center, only intensifies any hatred presently brewing among the nation. Opposing the cultural center would show Americans that separation between different cultures and religions is tolerated. If you are a person that practices a certain faith, whether you are Christian or a Jew, you understand that this will bring communities together and it would positively bring about actions of peace and non-violence. There are several similarities and differences between religions but in the end the message among these religions is transparent; the devotion to God, peace, and love for all humanity.
>>>>>>>>>U HOOKED?
Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/ground-zero-mosque-why-not-by-hawwii-gudeta/408110507392
A Blast From the Past
>>>>>>>>>>HOOKEDUPB©
(Up N Coming ONLINE MAG)
A Blast From the Past
Column By: Lyndsey Brown
It’s amazing how music doesn’t get old it grows on a genre or music industry altogether and creates new avenues for future inspiration. It is common that “classic” or billboard hits of the past make a come back in future years. New and current artists have been known for performing covers by their favorite artists or even doing remixes; directors of movies and commercials also re-use songs to influence the feeling you will get from their product/service. Music from the Golden Years such as Redbone’s single “Come Get Your Love” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7eloXr2iak is a song I think we have all heard of at one point; but is it the original or a cover?
What happens is that not everyone follows or even pays attention to music on a knowledgeable level and don’t realize that the latest song out or in that fun commercial is actually a remake or cover. If you ever get the feeling of nostalgia when listening unconsciously, your brain is probably saying that you have heard this song before, but you just can’t figure it out!
That recently happened through a conversation that lead to the discovery of a Fusion/ Rock song from the late 60’s early 70’s: “Come Get Your Love” by Redbone (a Native American band from Los Angeles). Redbone- “Come Get Your Love” was the bands best and last smash single in 1974- popular in both UK and the United States; number five on the Billboard Hot 100, even holding the #1 spot on many charts around the world. Making it a song that many people have heard, and from the success rate- loved! Once the song started playing I knew I had heard it before.
Searching the Internet it became apparent that I definitely heard the song before but it wasn’t from Redbone it was from Rap/Techno/ Pop band Real McCoy from Brazil. Real McCoy covered “Come Get You Love” in the 90’s the single stood at the Top 10 and the album “Another Night” went platinum. What Real McCoy did was change the genre to Techno and style to Urban Pop re-creating it with innovative 90’s appeal. Over all the success was a reflection of the original by Redbone approximately 20 years earlier.
The emotion, the style Redbone music brought out in people is what makes it timeless leading to the Real McCoy cover of a Techno/ Pop rendition of “Come Get Your Love” and many more commercials after that. Below are Youtube links of the Real McCoy- “Come Get Your Love” remake, and two commercials the song was featured in long after its original fame:
Real McCoy - “Come And Get Your Love”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kctlBvsaFuE
Alltel Commercial - Lemonade Stand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlBxHG4vfKw
Pringles (HQ high quality)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZdaKr1uEF0
A couple extremely interesting “tid bits” about Redbone are: Jimmy Hendrix (part Native American) encouraged Lolly Vegas & Pat Vegas (members of Redbone) to form the first all Native American Rock band which led to a record deal with Epic Records in 1969, and it is rumored that Redbone gave Rock band KISS a chance before they were famous by allowing them to open at their shows.
>>>>>>>>>U HOOKED?
Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/a-blast-from-the-past/408010842392
“It’s all killer- no filler!”
>>>>>>>>>>HOOKEDUPB ©
(Up ‘N Coming ONLINE MAG)
“It’s all killer- no filler!”
Nadim Interview
Nadim is an ambitious rapper from Mississauga who has just dropped (May 28, 2010) a new mixtape “Revenge of the Backpacker” Vol. 2 and had his release party on the same day. Nadim played it smart by getting talented artists to do features on the ‘tape with the hopes that alot of people will listen and take in the messages. He has strong values, and points of view, and isn’t scared to tell his side of the story (politically). He works hard at what he does; he is artistic in many forms- and definitely has the attributes of a leader. MC Nadim has 12,221 profile views on his Myspace account. Also he was featured on a handful of mixtapes that got tons of promo online (see his “Accomplishments” album online). With his current goals to get the mixtape circulating everywhere and anywhere! “Serious” Nadim and HOOKEDUPB got together and did up an interview to give you a better picture of who Nadim is and of course talk about the Mixtape “Revenge of the Backpacker”:
Why do you rap?
Um, just feel like there’s a message to be heard…Hip Hop is lacking now a days so I feel like I’m coming back just bringing back substance to Hip Hop. I do it for Sheer joy and energy you get from performing and being in the studio. I enjoy working on my craft!
How many hours of the week do you work towards your musical goals?
Whatever chance I get! If I’m not at work I’m doing my music. In my free time I’m writing, recording, networking; when I was talking to you I was at work. About 40 hours a week, the music alone is a full time job.
Who do you think are the GTA’s TOP underground artists?
Besides me (LOL)...
Quite a few:
-Empire and the whole crew,
-Mason Payne,
-Gully tha Kid- he’s doin’ his thing,
-Camoflaudge,
-Tory Lanes is- doin’ his thing…
The list is really big, there’s a lot! I don’t even listen to American music I just listen to music made here, I’ll give them the views and hits.
It has always been hard to protect your music from duplication but with the Internet today, how do you protect your music from being re-used (it happens)?
It happens? It hasn’t happened to me! No one has my beat selection or my flow. My goal's not to be the stereotypical rapper, I’m hard to duplicate. And you know I would take it as a compliment! We all try to emulate other rappers that we like and inspire us. Every artist tries to emulate other artists anyway. You are accustomed to listening to that type of music, you get what I’m saying – right!?
What do you do to stand out from all the other rappers in Ontario alone?
I just do me, I feel like others jump on the bandwagon of everyone else. I’m not trying to do that, "I’m not trying to be 50 Cent/ Soljah Boy". No disrespect but that’s not who I’m trying to be. My music is to have a message to create awareness with things like racism, poverty, and political topics. I make good music too; create music with a message bringing awareness back into Hip Hop.
I noticed that you’re on a lot of high profile mixtapes; which one got YOU the most attention?
I would say: Critically Acclaimed: T.O Meets Premo (Mega City Mixtape- Vol. 3-Mixed by DJ Cristylz). Toronto’s- GTA’S best artists on that ‘tape: peter Jackson, Mason Payne, JD Era, Redway, Empire, Adam Bomb, Pyes…everyone on that ‘tape is “stupid Talented”. It got lots of love from all the Hip Hop websites. DJ Christylz wanted to let the world know that Toronto artists can do what the American’s can do too, if not better! It’s got swag, substance – I bump that tape regularly- you should really get that one. Now a day’s, it’s not what you know- it’s who you know. It was world known! It was being played in England…
On May 28, 2010 I hear you will be releasing a mixtape can you give us the details on that?
Ya it was out on May 28, 2010, there was a huge party for it with Mezziah from Empire; he hosted the party same with DJ Christylz. I did a lot of features; I went everywhere Pickering to Calgary. There are artists that are well known and there are artists who I think deserve more shine. On this CD I am confident in enough to say: there’s something for everybody there!
MC NADIM ft. MASON PAYNE “END OF DISTRUCTION” is a powerful track; will it become an actual video in the future?
That one isn’t a tune for a video. I wanted Mason Payne on the ‘tape; he mixed and mastered most of it, so I was like: I’m putting you on the ‘tape! He said: “get me a beat” so I showed him one beat and he was like: “nah”. Then I showed him this one and he said, “I’m hoping on this”. But, as far as a video goes maybe we should let the fans decide, we could if you went to see the video for it and hit me up with requests at http://www.mcnadim.com OR e- mail me at elmassdaboss@hotmail.com .
Youtube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/MCNadim
Who or what inspires you to keep doing what your doing?
Well God fist, family, good friends… God almighty is the reason I’m here. Friends pick me up when you need it- the Hip Hop industry is a bitch! Haters get a shout out too; haters give me the most inspiration, ’cause they keep me going people telling me I can’t do it, motivates me to do it even more. I listen to everything and I mean everything: Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, Country, House- Jungle. I don’t leave any genre out of my life ‘cause its only going to make me a better artist.
What track is on the up and coming mixtape that you are excited about getting out to the public?
There’s so many, I’m confident; it’s all killer- no filler! It has the best beats that will bump your speakers.
Okay three songs:
~> “Middle Of The Night” ft. GT {story telling- back to the roots}
~>“Ready Or Not” ft. Sash {In that song im Like: here I am-lol}
~>“Dip It” ft. Mezziah {Proof that I could be top 40 for sure!}
The whole ‘tape is crazy; have the most respect for everyone who participated with the ‘tape!
What your style?
Hmm, think of it like this: I have versatility, no limits. As much as I say I’m a rapper- I eat and breathe it- I write, do scripts, poetry, and draw Ect. Just look up- there’s no limit, no formula- I just do it! I just do me!
Final thoughts/ Shout Outs?
I just wanna take the time to thank all the people that have been pushing me through the years, I Love Y'all! My Baby Bro Naji "Ninja", Big Savvy, Nix, Rony, Golden Orchard, Juvey, Redroom, Feta, GT, Durdy, Mezziah, Mason, Nki-Louise, Aquarius, Vanessa Diab, Oliver, Young Stitch, PJ, Vaginaville, KOTD, Ozz, Team Canada Mixtapes...there are way too many! Oh Yeah, "Hi Haters"!
CONTACT NADIM:
Elmassdaboss@hotmail.com
Twitter: @mcnadim
FaceBook FanPage: MC Nadim
>>>>>>>>>>U HOOKED?
Original post on HOOKEDUPB MAG FB: https://www.facebook.com/notes/hookedupb-mag/its-all-killer-no-filler/407393152392