Change the Thought Posters

This is Just Cool-Now go Vote.

EX-FELONS CAN VOTE! SPREAD THE WORD...like now!

This is serious, people. Because if you let McCain in, I'm out! I'll be blogging from the Southern tip of Wales. Keep on thinking this is a joke. And PLEASE don't fake like you don't have a crazy uncle Remus that's been locked up...this is not that kind of blog.

The law stating that Ex-Felons can't vote has been disenfranchising Brown and Black people for the better part of this century. What they're saying is: YES we snatch you off the street as soon as look at you and YES we pass out sentences like Jolly Ranchers, And YES we humiliate you in prison, and YES we make it impossible for you to get a job when you get out...but by taking away your right to vote they're saying YOU CANT DO JACK ABOUT IT!

Some of your politicians have been fighting to get rights for ex-felons...that could mean Tens of Thousands of potential voters for Obama. So let your bank robbing Uncle Ro-Ro know: The time is now. We only have a few short days to register.

Thanks to Thanks to The Liberator magazine, UptownLife.Net, Around the Way Girls , T.K. Borsay, Tish Brown, Rashida Harris, D.J. Laylo, and anyone else I'm forgetting for the help spreading the word.

October 8th is the deadline to register.
Check below and see if your state supports real change. (Use your mouse/cursor if you are having trouble seeing the entire grid–or switch browsers)

JUSTUS-Political Cartoon.

Yay Reggie Butler. This is cute! So now you have 4 jobs huh?

Reginald Butler, rnb, is a visual artist and writer. He has worked as an animator, color artist and designer within the New York animation industry. Credits include work for Sesame Workshop, MTVU, Nickelodeon, Curious Pictures, and color supervision on Fox’s Ninja Turtles Fast Forward.

Now I want a strip with JUSTUS whooping The Boondocks Azz, we pull that one off?

Kh.

http://www.isitjustus.com/

Awww Mary!

This commercial is so damn cute, Mary J. Blige sits with herself in all her different stages in life...My Mary version is the one with the hat turned to the back that they picked up on the street. Lol. Real Love!
Imagine if Madonna picked up all her different selves. They would have to rent out two minivans! But check out the phrase " the wisdom to leave the baggage behind". While she drops off the bags, nice!

The Liberal Dream Team

I've been slowing down on the whole blog lately–my bad. I've been too caught up in PalinGate. But I'm back and ready for change. Are you?  How about in the form of my new media SuperFriends Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann ( Keith doesn't give a damn what comes out of his mouth, and I'm glad as long as it's left wing).  And for temperance there is the semi-conservative Chris Matthews. The first openly lesbian pundit, Maddow is sharp, saavy and not afraid to go toe to toe with her peers. Matthews and Olbermann are so opinionated that MSNBC demoted them during the Republican Convention to shut them up. The Superfriends are a force to be reckoned with. All they need is an 'S' on their chests.

I'm doing the casting special so Rachel is my Wonder Woman, Keith is my Batman and i'm casting Chris as the Wizard of Oz ( Just because he has a big head and I'm not always sure if he's the good guy).

McCain is Tickle Me Elmo and Obama is The Green Lantern...'cause he's black.

Go team go.

Turbo and the Broom ( Taking you Back )

I just finished watching this. It funny when you take a look back at old "greats", like Purple Rain, they're so bad that they're funny and they're not supposed to be.  Take Breakin' the movie for example.  The guys outfits were strange, the beefs didn't make any sense and the acting was just bad, but I was shocked that even after all this time Turbo's Broom Dance was still the Jam. Timeless.

I'm posting this dance short just for you. Make sure click the word " site  "and watch it...

South African Rap Song Banned for Incitement to Violence

The song ' Get Out' by Zimbabwean-born hip hop artist Zubz has was banned in May 20o8  on the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC. The right wing party called Freedom Front Plus stated that the song contained hate speech. { why am i getting this info so late? My South African links ( Shani, Lion ) you guys are letting me down man}.

The crazy thing is that a lot of these African hip hop artists sound straight out of brklyn...but better because they have MUCH better lyrics. I listened to the lyrics of Zubz 'Get Out', sounds like just another track off of a Nas album to me...whats the big deal? If you play this same song in NY it won't do anything-no riots, just a little barbershop talk. Just another argument not to shoot the messenger.

Dag. after doing research I found out that Zubz apologized in May 2008 for the offensive lyrics. This just takes you back to the age old question started with Malcolm X. Is it wrong to respond to injustice and violence with violence? Isn't that equality and survival? And if you don't use violence to demand and insure justice then what are they supposed to be doing Iraq...well, y'all know what they're doing in Iraq. lol.

Come to the site to check out the video.  Here are some of the lyrics:

Tell my people: {Fight!}
Tell the oppressor: {Get Out!}
You know you really need to
{Watch Out}
See, that condescending tone you adopt when you talk to me
Can get your head blown–Serious { Watch Out}
Mistake my kindness for weakness
Just like your forefathers did
I'll blind you with heat quick {Get Out!}

Kh।

Looking for New Hip Hop?:)

This Labor Day week(end) has been the jam so far. Thanks to those of you that shared it with me.

I jumped at the chance to interview new talent DJ K-Salaam at B.B. Kings this passed Sat for The Liberator Magazine. Why? His first and second c.d.s are named " The World is Ours" and " Whose World is This" respectively. Weird huh? Plus they feat some of my favorite artists, Mos def, Buju Banton, Sizzla,... So The Liberator sends me in to The Black August Benefit featuring: EPMD, Bilal, Joel Ortiz, Q-Tip, DJ Scratch and many more

I'm all excited I'm press y'all, I'm thinking we're going to be back stage sipping passion fruit mojito's with Q-Tip. Not exactly. Me, my +1 and some guy from MTV were standing outside forever. I had to take off my heels, I was waiting so long. It's cool. Aside from the initial confusion the show was exciting.

The Black August Benefit Concert is put together to support political prisoners. If revolution is your thing, so is this following list of underground hip-hop artists:

1) Rebel Diaz- (The DR (?)) Overall this group of 3 is okay but I really like the girl she steals the show in spanish and English

2)Immortal Technique-(Peru). VERY angry. I like that a lot. He's got a big voice for such a little guy

3)Homeboy Sandman (around the corner)-if you've ever ridden the 'F' train you've seen his stupid flyers...he's actually pretty dope. He's got a 90s feel to him, like The Farside, but on speed & better lyrics

4)Blitz the Ambassador-(Ghana) I liked that he rapped with a live band. Hes a little too much like Black Thought of the Roots, and he knows it. But he's still a hot performance.

5) Joell Ortiz-(Puerto Rico) Any minute now he's going to blow up

6) of course DJ K-Salaam:( Iran ) check him out esp. if you're a reggae fan. I don't know how he did it but he made Sizzla and Young Buck sound good....together.

-never thought i would see EPMD live, thnks The Liberator!-

Marijuana, Pu$$y, Cake and Ice Cream

"Mr. Kuti, it has been said that the things you love most in the world....are marijuana...p-p-p-pussy, cake and ice cream. Is this true?" Sahr Nguajah as British Official

"Yesssssssss." Sahr Nguajah as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

" And now that we've gotten your attention...". Sahr Nguajah

Fela: A New Musical was playing last night. Off broadway is clearly to big for this program. It was amazing. As evidenced by the long standing ovation at the end. Director Bill T. Jones did his thing with this. And he knew it too because after the show he took his shirt off and got down with the drummers. The music was-of course-crazy but the acoustics made it otherwordly, the mixed media photo projections, creative story interpretation, audience dance lesson, drum solos, Sahr Nguajah's very charismatic portrayal of Fela...amazing! The best way to tell it was sick was that after the show we kept getting pulled into conversation after conversation with strangers with big smiles on their faces saying " so what did you think?"

I think it was the bomb. Go See It.

(* mom & dad sorry for the language. -love u)

www.felaoffbroadway.com

Vogue is at it Again ( India )

They just won't stop making these annoying fashion " statements". Vogue India is published in a country where millions of entire families make it on $1.25 a day. Their latest "statement"? Even people with tuberculosis can look fly. Vogue is putting India's toothless poor in overpriced designer gear. This baby is rocking a $100 Fendi bib, but how much food does he have to spit up?

Reggaeton Artist Daddy Yankee backs McCain?!

From Photographer M. Christian:


His entire email message was a excercise in the kind of well thought out political rage that I like to encourage here on The World Is Ours, but i'm going to shorten his message so you guys get his quick point, see below:
"...Then tell me why the fuck is Daddy Yankee endorsing McCain?!? Who the fucks brave idea was that?!? Did they offer him expidited legalization and naturalization papers in exchange for his appearance..."

And yes Christian, I think McCain IS handing out green cards. The republicans vying for votes is getting just silly. Palin looks like something out of Good Housekeeping-I'm not trying to hand her the country. they need to start calling it The Republican Show; you know, like Maury.

French Electronique Group ( JUSTICE )

This video is sick. I love the T-shirt graphics, Takes me back and present...unfortunately

Thanks to photographer Ram Burgess for not only passing me the info but also a free download. AND for the Trinidad info, your mom is the Jam!

Thanks To Daniel St. James, because of him i think i actually have this group on my Itunes....somewhere.
Go to the site to see the actual video, click off my little music bear and listen.
www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com


"Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé (b. 21 May 1979 in Besançon) and Xavier de Rosnay (b. 22 July 1982).[1] They are the most successful group on Ed Banger Records,[2] and are managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter. Their debut album † was released in June 2007 to critical acclaim.[3][4] It was later nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Electronic/Dance Album" and came in at number 15 on Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2007[5] and number 18 on Blender's "25 Best Albums of 2007" list.[6] It was nominated for the 2007 Shortlist Prize, losing out to The Reminder by Feist. Justice is known for incorporating a strong rock influence into their music and image"

Jean-Michel Basquiat ....."Downtown 81"

from photographer Ramulass Burgas ( thnx Ram):

"I am sharing with you a film {trailer} staring Basquiat। A metaphorical explanation of his road to "success". Starring mr. Basquait himself, Downtown 81 was a film project that was created in the 80's but wasn't completed because of financial difficulties. The sound was misplaced during the film's incubation period, but in 2000 the rights to the film was aquired by the original directors and resurrected with voice overs, Saul Williams dubbing the voice over for Basquiat himself."

Go to the site to see the trailer www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com

Ram passed along a download of the whole movie but I don't know how to add it to the blog. If anyone wants it, send me an email.

Kh.

Pharrell Williams + Domeau & Peres =ORIGINAL CHAIR DESIGN

This is from VA's own Juliette. Thank you! Dope. So Pharell Williams designed a chair with designer Domeau & Pérès. It's called The Perspective Chair. The chair is kind of goofy looking until you see the concept behind it:

Says Pharell:

“I had often wondered what it’s like to truly be in love, not lust for once.. So I decided not to ask what it was like in someone else’s shoes or what it was like to sit in their seat.. I decided to sketch out my own experiment; the perspective chair.”

I would like to call attention to the fact that the womens feet are tilted hard in the front. Interesting. So Pharell what kind of doggy style love would you call that exactly? I think you're still Lusting, Babes. Nice try tho....

Emergency Blog:Slant Eyed Spaniards

First off, I want to say this whole thing has caused me a great deal off pain. Three [count 'em] THREE of my friends cursed me raw via email over this. They were up all late at like 2:15 in the morning giving me the digital business. { Drink some damn cocoa and get to bed!} There were exclamation points, curse words, and even other languages. Then after taking me emotionally hostage they demanded that I include this in a blog. So I'm going to say the thing that got me into trouble with them: I DON"T Think the Spaniards were purposefully being racist with this incredibly stupid move. I don't think they meant to insult or even to tease their asian hosts. I think they misguidedly were trying to give the Chinese a shout out, that just went really wrong. I mean why would they intentionally be clowning them? They should just fire the PR guy and call it a day.

Yeah! So what Tish, Chris and Mark...what you got to say about it now? For real though< i'm not putting out a new challenge. Y'all play rough! But I'm loving the passion, as always. Lol!

Kh.

GRAF ARTIST "KET": Maridueña Mean Mugging the World

Convo over Instant Message Around Oct 2007:

Me: Ket! They called you "prolific", Babes! You're on your way!

Ket: Lol!

(or something like that.)

It may be that I added that exclamation point, because in my mind's eye I'd love to believe that Alain "Ket" Maridueña was at his screen Laughing Out Loud for real. Probably not. The truth is I've spent hours around Ket: In business meetings, at his lecture, in my car... and in all of that time I don't have a memory of him smiling. Ever. The only reason I know the man has teeth is because I've seen him chew food. But I'm still not sure: he could have gummed it and swallowed.

So what were we talking about in the I.M. convo, way back when? In 2007 a mutual friend hit me up and led me to an online news article reporting Ket's recent arrest for insane counts of vandalism. The article's writer was tossing around big words like: "master artist" and "prolific vandal". Go Ket! Now, my reaction may seem strange to some, but I knew that the man who labeled his publishing company From Here To Fame would understand . It's every creative's dream to make his or her mark on the world and Ket's arrest and ensuing media frenzy proved he'd done just that.

Years ago I sat next to Ket in a theater watching some performance art. In the dark I looked down at his arms and on it was tatted the phrase " Yo Puedo Mas QueTu". Loosely translated it's: My Will is Stronger Than Yours. Nice. The tattoo made an impression on me. Intensity and focus are the markers in some of my favorite people in this world and Ket has focus pouring off of him like sweat. It's always been my personal belief that every man ( even the deadbeats ) achieves what he truly strives for. Ket's tat shows me he is striving to take over the world and his resume backs him up: Publisher, Writer, Activist, Lecturer, "Prolific" Graf Artist, Founder of Stress Magazine and Complex , Consultant to Marc Ecko's Under Pressure video game, Producer of animation Three Thug Mice. Ket's got a lot on his mind. Maybe that is why he never smiles.

So what is Ket into now? Who knows! I do know he's busy. Do you know how long this article took to get together??! It started in NY, broke for Copenhagen, picked up in Santa Fe and finished up in F*#k-If-I-Know, U.S.A. The last time i "spoke" to Ket he was texting me party directions from Colombia ( Yes, the country!). Ket is running around the world blessing it with his Mean Mug. And I ain't mad at him.

Well, I'm hating a little, but I ain't mad. Go Ket!

TALKING WITH THE ARTIST:

Khia_Rocks: When did you know that this ( art ) would be "what you were about"?

Ket: I am not so sure but in high school I was so fully into it that I could see it being in my future. As I matured I realized that unlike earlier generations of painters that quit when turning 16 because of the legal implications I was just getting started. By the time I started my first business in college and incorporated art into it I knew this was a part of me.

Khia_Rocks: What drives you in your career?

Ket: Wanting to work with friends, on projects that I enjoy, and having to pay bills.

Khia_Rocks: What is biggest misconception people have you you?

Ket: Some people think I am a maniac and violent. Others think I am very unapproachable. I'm just serious about what I do that's all. I like to get things accomplished and have no time for the flim flam.

Khia_Rocks: What is your proudest accomplishment so far?

Ket: Starting and running a respected magazine business that stood for something.

Khia_Rocks: What was the last thing that made you crack a smile?

Ket: My girlfriend photographing me having my favorite dish for dinner today in Santa Fe.

Khia_Rocks: Sigh. I'm going to need you to stop making things up.

www.SupportKet.org www.FromHeretoFame.com www.ThreeThugMice.com

Son of a...

This is in from my new  design "mentee" Karelia Jo Moore.   See? mentoring is a two way street. Webster's dictionary is evolving to fit today's world. If you click the link, there are two voice references for the phrase "Son of a Bitch":

You have the traditional "Son-of-a-Bitch", and then if you click on version number two it sounds like "S'um Bitch!". Do this when you're up late and overworked. Very Special.

This prompts the second discussion. Is this mess "hoodrat" or "red-neck"?

CLICK HERE FOR THE SON OF A....

Eddie Murphy's Golden Child is the DALAI LAMA?

"I-I-I-I-I-I want the kniiiife...."

I'm talking to my ( buddhist?) homegirl and she is describing the selection process of the Dalai Lama:

Friend: " The soul of each dalai lama is reincarnated over and over again in the body of an infant"

Me: You mean like The Golden Child?

Friend: The child posseses wisdom way beyond his years. He understands things without anyone telling him, he is wise

Me: Like the Golden Child Right?

Friend: They search all over Tibet to find the reincarnated child. Then they take him away to protect him from people who want to hurt him and so he can fulfill his destiny.

Me: ( Getting Really Excited) Gasp! Like the Golden Child!

Friend: (Laughing) Yes....Like the Golden Child

See that's what I love about media, you can entertain people and still pass on a really cool message...that unfortunately takes 16 or so years to sink in. But this revelation comes right at the moment that the current Dalai Lama is fighting with the Chinese government as they are trying to find their own Dalai ( The anti-Lama, I guess). 

The Dalai Lama is on his way out of this world. But even though he may be dying, until things get right, he is refusing to be reborn.  You hear me?: He is going to stop his own reincarnation. 

Now that's gansta. Just stay away from that bloody porridge.

My Public Apology to Esen ( TAKE A RECORD)

 Indie record company Take A Record had their website launch yesterday and I missed it! I didnt' get to support one of my favorite New Yorkers ( D.J. & Rapper Esen ). His beats are nice. I'm so sorry E! I'm all about artist support, esp. my friends. I was all dressed ( i even had on the red and gold DC kicks u like) and, i DID leave my house to go, but things got kind of retarded in queens and I never even made it out of my borough. I know I missed a good time.

I owe you....a jamba...or something, I dunno, we'll talk.  

So, fam, most of the artists are available on Itunes. Check out the Site:

www.takearecord.com

Kh.

Mixed Chicks Gets a Mixed Reaction

Mix Chicks hair products for the well...mixed. First off I think this is a dope and much needed product line. From talking to multi-racial friends about their experiences growing up, I know it is really tough. I took all my products over my girlfriend Kali's house one night to try to Kitchen Magician her son's hair.Just so you know A dollop of kemi oil, and a little too much leave in conditioner makes a hot mess!

BUT,the name...MIXED chicks ugh! I've never liked the word mixed since i was a child
(I was sensitive because the word applies to my big brother). It's like they're saying that you're taking 2 valid things "black" and "white" and creating something " other".

Plus ( Sigh ) I can see some tragic , confused girl trying to smooth her weave edges back talking about some: "i got indian in my family". For instance why is Chris "mega-black" Webber using the product? See what I'm saying? Let the coonery begin...

Mixed Chicks call me in a few years when you're ready to rebrand. But until then, Best of Luck!

Murals and La Misma Luna

Highly recommend this move La Misma Luna/ Under the Same Moon. About a little boy trying to hitchhike from Mexico to find his mother in East LA. You will look at immigration differently. I was misty eyed 10 minutes into it.

Athletes Wanted to Save Tibet

Last week an ad designed by Ad House Manifest Communications was posted by FREETIBET2008.org. The ad reminds us all that we can speak against injustice. I don't think i have any athletes on my blog roll, but tell a friend.

(For my friend Mark Bierschbach)

They Blogging Me Now, Mayne

I'm the latest in the Nuvany Nice " Grinding " Interview Series. About creatives in NY getting their hustle on. Note that I'm fresh off a flight, poised with my credit card ready to spend ALL my hardworked ends.

Click here to read nuvany-nice.com

While your there check out the site. They're selling some cool stuff.


Also check out my "Chucked" story on the Minus-Five Design Blog.Peace to Portfolio Center Grad Sarah Coffman.

Kh.

Dope, DOPE lyrics to the future President!- Joell Ortiz

Intro'd to me by Radio Rose: Underground NY rapper JOELL ORTIZ is DOPE! I had to type this in by hand, so you know it must be that fire. I don't have that kind of time on my hands. Keep your eye on this dude. I predict big things. Obama we all hope your listening...

Dear Future President:

I grew up with no brothers and sisters
and my moms was on public assistance
and her husband was missing
she developed this disgusting addiction
that had her on some of the ugliest missions
so she missed some appointments
she was supposed to keep my coverage consistant
I was a chronic asthmatic
huffing, puffing and whistling
Can't get a breath I wish for death,
It hurt my chest when I cough
...oh yeah i'm from the projects in New York

{we love basketball!}

But last summer my my boy got left on the court
some kid reached next to his shorts
put some lead in his thoughts...

...My other homey sells crack
he always telling me its wack
every day he filling out apps.
but they don't call him back
Background checks spotted his felony
but that ain't fair.
You make a mistake
You can't fix it man
this world don't care....

...I get mad when I see what other artists do with a mill
with a couple g's I gave my P's a few computers for real...

Joell Ortiz feat. Dante Hawkins album unknown " Letter to Obama"

Chile! Cuba! Brazil!: Estilo Hip Hop World Premiere!

This passed thurday, Tish Brown, Rodney and I followed talented movie editor Cinque Northern to Clearview Cinema here in NY for the premier of the big project he has been working on for the passed 3 years. Peace to stylist Tisha Brown for the phone call and dragging me out, that movie was more than banging it is absolutely necessary! You could tell how necessary but the ecstatic appreciation of the crowd. The movie is the baby of directors Loira Limbal & Vee Bravo. It took 7 years 400 hours of film ( poor Cinque ) and several continents to create the film. It was finally distilled down to 3 charismatic artists/activists: Cuban rapper Magia, Chilean rapper Guerrillero Okulto, and Brazilian rapper Eli Efi. Eli now lives in NY and spoke after the show.

Each of the artists spoke of their personal journey in the film and their connection to the art form. Each of them uses hip hop to battle against the oppression they feel in their own communities:
Guerrillero Okulto fights against the remnants of a Chilean dictatorship.

Magia battles with the effects of slavery on the minds of her community as well as its effect on the perceptions of Black Women.

Eli Efi is an activist in Brazil and keeps his integrity and personal vision in the face of a community in which 87 ( EIGHTY SEVEN!!) percent of black men don't graduate high school and make 125 times less than their non-black counterparts.

I wish I could tell you where to see the movie tomorrow, unfortunately it doesn't launch until 2009. But mark your calendars. The movie is on PBS March 2009. And if you do anything you must, must, MUST see this film! Click (here) to go to The World Is Ours! and see the movie trailer



The crew and I chilled with the directors, Eli and their friends after the show. It broke my heart to hear Eli describe how disappointed he was, after moving to NY, at how shallow the art form that grounded him in Brazil had become in its own Birth country. But as he says " Hip Hop arrived so we can change the world". We still got time.

Loira and Vee are interested in anyone who could help spread the world and who wants to get involved in the projects. Check out the many, many links I'm posting below to get in touch if your interested.

www.estilohiphop.net, www.myspace.com/djlaylo, www.myspace.com/eliefi