Imus Blowback hits hip-hop

These two tidbits just in: Russell Simmons is having a closed door meeting with hip-hop execs and urban community members. Kevin Powell oversaw a conversation on Power 105.1, which has announced that it is changing its format significantly: KEVIN POWELL, noted writer,...

Ossining sets black boys apart in two ways

The first way is here. The second way? In an effort to ensure racial diversity, the school system here in northern Westchester County is set up in an unusual way, its six school buildings divided not by neighborhood but by grade level. So all of the second and third...

Opening Day Thoughts in Baltimore

I’m a fair weather baseball supporter. When the Tigers are doing well, I keep up. When they aren’t doing well? Not so much. I’m getting a chance to go to Camden Yards tomorrow. And because I’m not really going to see the game (a colleague of...

Wanna Know Where Malt Liquor Comes From?

I’m coding lyrics for my book project, and I get to “1 million Body Bags” by Public Enemy. About the dangers of Malt Liquor–this track is released around the time St. Ides makes it rounds (with claims of increased virility after consumption)....