American Hip-Hop's Worldwide Influence

By Andrew Woolford
http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/salinger101

In a search for hot topics in the Caribbean I ran across an interesting article in the Trinidadian Express. The headline read: “G-Unit Member Shot Dead” so, I open the link thinking: 1. God I haven’t watched T.V. in a while; 2. About time another one get shot, and; 3. Which one got shot?

But in reading the article my prejudice about G-Unit was destroyed, proving that I’m truly pompous.

G-Unit is a bona fide gang in Trinidad and Tobago, and the gang member that got shot was 48-year-old (yes Ripley Believe it or not) Berresford Ash aka Berry. The schematics of his death are a bit graphic and straightforward. What was interesting was the general response to the article made by the Trinidadian people. They blamed American Hip-Hop for the negative cultural influence on the tiny twin island. And they were serious.

In 2007, Bling’d: Blood, Diamonds and Hip-Hop, a documentary about the influence of hip-hop on the diamond industry and culture in Sierra Leone, West Africa, was released. The very enlightening documentary was produced by hip hop journalist Raquel Cepeda. In the flim, Cepeda takes recording artists Paul Wall, Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan and Tego Calderon to Sierra Leone so they could hear first hand the atrocities that come with the demand for diamonds.

Hip-Hop in Sierra Leone is becoming a big part of the country’s culture. When Raekwon asked a crowd if anyone could “spit a freestyle”, viewers of the documentary get 2 minutes of off the top of the dome ripping and rhyming.

These artists were shocked by what they saw and heard; they were oblivious to the effects their music had on other cultures.

Raekwon spoke for the hip hop industry when he said, “Our music is an expression of us, [and] we’re not praising it". So, why are people constantly blaming hip hop for cultural problems?

Hip-Hop critics blame Hip-Hop artists for calling each other a “nigga” and they also blame them for misogynistic lyrics that perpetuate words such as whore, slut, bitch, tramp, and my personal favorite slore (a hybrid of slut and whore, talk about Phuzing it). Now the conscious world and the international community are blaming Hip-Hop for the formation of gangs and gang related violence.

Who knows if this global influence was the goal or the inevitable consequence of gangster rap, but what is known is that there is a break down on communication from 50 Cent’s mouth to the foreign listener.

Now Ash’s death was an unfortunate event, but to blame hip hop influence for his death is just ridiculous. G-Unit stands for Guerilla Unit, for those who bob their heads and don’t read. Guerilla is a type of warfare, where combatants attack and then run. Why would there be a need for a Guerilla Unit in Trinidad?

Trinidad is among the largest economies in the Caribbean, being the only island nation to produce and manufacture petro-oil, and being able to cope with the rise in food prices. Why is there a need for militia on an island where there is no war?

MURDERER:YOUR INSIDE MUST BE HOLLOW

Written by Anessa C.M. Hodgson

What do Samuel Harewood, Keyanna Jones, and Nathan Allsbrook share in common? No, they are not big time entertainers nor are they famous politicians. Truth is, to most people they are just random names lost in a sea of faceless individuals, who we read about on page 6 of the newspaper on our way to work every morning. In fact Jones, Harewood, and Allsbrook are just 3 minority teenagers from inner city New York who became the victims of heinous crimes all of which resulted in their deaths all within days of each other. Keyanna Jones, the first of the murder victims died at age 15 after being stabbed to death in a commotion which occurred only moments away from her home. Like wise Allsbrook and Harewood both died steps away from their doorsteps in fatal shootings. Harewood lost his life at 17 and Allsbrook at 15. At 15 and 17 you should be thinking about sweet sixteen’s and the promise of becoming a legal adult, but for these young teens life was cut short by the continuing cycle of violence which has taken a stronghold on inner city communities across the United States. Violence has become a serious issue within urban culture. There is no justifiable reason on this earth why young people should live in fear of losing their lives at the hands of violence especially in their own communities. These individuals were stabbed and shot, left for dead, as the air slowly escaped their body only leaving behind the remnants of lives that were short lived. Is this the message which society is sending to the youth, go ahead and pat yourself on the back if you make it past 17 because in these communities you can die from violence at any given moment? If anyone has said it, Tupac has said it best. “They say there ain’t no hope for the youth, well the truth is then there’s no hope for the future.” If three teenagers who all hail from the very same city can all die within 4 days and due to violent crimes then what are the statistics looking like for tomorrow. The issue here lies far deeper than the loss of Keyanna Jones, Samuel Harewood, and Nathan Allsbrook, the issue lies deep in the fabric of the communities. It is unimaginable that one day the whole world will unite and hold hands singing “Koombyah”, but is it too much to ask that people behave as civil beings and acknowledge the fact that we are all strokes on a universal canvas of humanity. The violence in this modern day society is deplorable, shameful, and downright inhumane. With all the knowledge we posses of morality , there are still people who act barbaric, stabbing and shooting one another as if this a game. There is no game here, no humor, no light actions; this is an issue of a severe magnitude. Killing teenagers is wrong, killing anyone is wrong. There is no righteousness and no admiration to be found in a murderer, one who takes the life of another is a being that is cold and heartless. These teenagers were not given the opportunity to flourish or develop, they were given no choices; their development was stumped and cut short by individuals who saw fit to deprive the world 3 more possibilities of greatness. Isn’t the very essence of life learning and growing, not killing and mayhem? The teenagers that lost their lives in New York City and across the United States will soon only be drops in the bucket as this societal ill continues to infect the national community. Violence should not be something looming over one’s head as they go through their day to day life. Put down the guns and knives, if not for yourself then for Keyanna Jones, 15, Nathan Allsbrook, 15, and Samuel Harewood, 17, and all the other children who have paid the ultimate price.

BET Awards '08

Once a year families across America gather around to bask in the celebration of a year in African American History. No, this isn’t Black History Month or Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s the BET Awards and this year, not unlike the passed 7, the spectacle brought its equal share of pros and cons. This all but anticipated event has finally come back around for the summer and as usual BET will be sure to play it constantly; every 3 hours on the hour. In all, this last year in Urban Culture was fair considering the comebacks of major artists such as Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Usher. Other than that, it was filled with Hip-Hop Dance records that BET made sure to acknowledge each and every day. What a shame… but back to the Awards!Truth is, I could go on and on about how HORRIBLE I felt the awards were this year but, I decided to narrow it down to five good things and five bad things. Bad News First!

5. Why is MC Lyte stuck doing voice overs for the BET Awards? It’s bad enough I have to hear her on every Pizza Hut or Applebees commercial, now she’s talking to me before we go to the commercial? Two thumbs down!
4. Lil’ Kim. That’s all.
3. Am I the only worried civilian who feels that Kanye’s mouth will be the death of America? The dude is cool on record but, for every award show I’m going to need a muzzle nearby.
2. Usher. Being that he was gone for 4 years, I was really expecting a major comeback. Love In This Club= Cheap Re-Entry into the game. It was weak. Moving Mountains isn’t "moving" sales either. He definitely could have brought it at his first award show since his return. No Lil’ Wayne or Beyonce cam? Get it together, fam. Chris Brown is in the process of stealing your spot.
1. Who in their “right” mind gave Keyshia Cole’s mother and sister a mic? The whole essence of their presence was pretty disappointing. Had her sister been there alone or her mother had a sedative, it would have been a much better show. “Holla!” and “Man Down” aren’t making people laugh now that they see you REALLY act like that. No offense, but Crack definitely is Whack.

The bad was indeed shocking and a bit bewildering while the good things about this years BET awards definitely delivered in all aspects. Some more than others.

5. Ne-yo. The performance was really good. Still not in route to become the future King of R&B but it was worth watching the show. Kudos to Ne-yo.
4.5. =] Ciara's performance was bananas. Or was it Chris Brown's? Whichever it was, Ciara took control of the entire stage.

4. The Al Green tribute was great. Jill Scott has a sultry, dominating voice that could turn anyone out; Anthony Hamilton looked groomed which is a good look on his part, and; Maxwell. Jaw-dropping and unexpected explains his performance. It had been awhile since he’d last been seen on stage and the comeback was phenomenal.
3. When BET changes the hosts of any of their awards shows, they tend to think any and everyone is a comic. Mo’Nique definitely set the bar high when she first hosted the urban event but lowered it during her second appearance. D.L. Hughley entered the game and played it well. The Warren/Marvin Sapp gig was hilarious! It was more than a step up from Damon Wayans. That was just sad.
2. I know a great deal of people are tired of T-Pain by now but he is a completely underrated performer. He was introduced as “… ft. T-Pain” for Chris’s Sake! There is no doubt that he is heard on every radio, seen on every T.V., and read in every magazine. Not a King but a force to be reckoned with.
1. Alicia Keys is a reigning queen in Music, period (beside Beyonce of course). Her albums have sold millions and she has solidified her name in the game by becoming a world renowned artist. She delivered what has become the best performance of the night, by far; a classic. But I do have a question: Should she have been the one to bring out all of these girl groups? I can understand the respect but the chance should have been given to someone who was actually in a girl group or presently is in one. Nevertheless, Alicia stole everyone’s heart and MADE the BET awards. Even with the horrible wig. =]

All in all, The 2008 BET Awards receive 3.5 Bolts from Phuzion Magazine. They weren't the greatest, but if it just happened to be on your television while nothing else was on, you can watch it. 'Til next year folks. Phuzion is signing off.

By. Geoffrey T. Witherspoon Jr.

Sorry for the Delay! =]

We at Phuzion Magazine apologize deeply for not tending to the page as often as we should have. Starting a magazine is definitely a great step as far as social lives and working goes. However, we have managed to pull it together. There are a couple things that are going on with the magazine right now that we would like to share.

1. We have a FACEBOOK page! Phuzion Magazine has developed a group on the infamous social networking site that we hope will aid with the promotion and recruitment processes. If you would like to know more and are a part of FACEBOOK at the moment, you should definitely be sure to join the group and Get Involved. (Myspace is next.)
2. Phuzion Magazine may be getting a lot of promotion in the up-coming weeks. We have been in talks with a couple companies and hopefully all goes well and we will be receiving head on interviews with the stars and celebrities you love most. Wish us Luck!
3. As some may know, we have agreed that Fridays will be the day we upload new posts and info about the Magazine. So be on the look out.
4. Definitely let us know what you think about the site and how we are distributing the news. Do you like it? Do you hate it? Leave us constructive criticism at our e-mail address: PhuzionMag@gmail.com and don't forget to get involved with the project. We are looking for all who apply, so just hit us up!

That's it for now. And remember to Phuze It! every time you want to know whats going on in the news!

Sincerely,
[=Phuzion Magazine=]

What's Wrong w/ Natural Hair?!

When we Forget our Roots...

By: Naya Scarbrough

When we’re in a rush to work or school in the morning, we need the quickest possible way to get ourselves ready. Some may pick out our clothes the night before, some eat breakfast on our way to work, and some of us relax our hair so that it’s always ready to go. The sad thing is that this need for speed and manageability damages our hair and scalp. Most relaxers contain lye, an ingredient that is capable of decomposing dead bodies. Doesn’t sound like something that belongs in hair, does it? Even “no lye” relaxers, which lead people to believe that harmful chemicals are not in these relaxers, are just as bad for hair. A “no lye” relaxer is a lighter relaxer, but it is still dangerous.So, with this information, why don’t we just go natural? Natural hair is safe, and though it may take a little more effort to maintain, it is easier to keep hair healthy this way. Considering the damage a relaxer and heat styling can do to hair (especially blow drying and flat ironing after a fresh relaxer) just about anything is healthier than a relaxer. Some say that they choose to relax their hair because it’s easier to style, but there are plenty of beautiful, natural styles. Some relax their hair so that they will not stand out in the workplace, especially when the workplace is predominantly white, but everyone should be proud of the hair that they are given. Frizzy hair, curly hair, nappy hair, all kinds of hair can be healthily managed at the same price or less than relaxed hair costs to keep up. Salon charges alone start at $500 a year; $500 to constantly damage your hair. When you eliminate relaxing from your hair care plans, you save money and your hair.So start taking care of your roots, by showing off the roots that gave you those fabulous locks!

Welcome to Phuzion!!! =]

OK!... So it seems as if we at Phuzion Magazine have finally gotten around to creating a Blog that would serve as the base of our operations (for the time being of course). We'd be able to upload recent articles, polls, video blogs, updates on the Magazine etc., with just the click of a button. But I'm guessing we should first introduce Phuzion as a whole!! =].... So exciting!

Phuzion Magazine is an urban publication in the works that we hope will bear the fruits of success in the future. It has one major goal that we hope will bring together people from all walks of life: To 'Phuze' the likes of Entertainment, Fashion, Culture, Lifestyle, & Politics under one roof (or Magazine =]). We've chosen these 5 categories for more than obvious reasons, but just in case..........................................

a)Entertainment, in today's world, is life! Throughout the day it is merely impossible NOT to come across a Television, Radio, Movie or anything else of that nature. Entertainment runs society and we wanted to make sure we incorporated the greatest aspects of Entertainment into the magazine. We'll be sure to include Celebrity updates, Local Events, New Television Shows & Specials, as well as all else that can be included within that realm of the Magazine.

b)Fashion is a must. It seems like the latest trends in fashion will change just as night & day. With that said, we've made it a point to keep up with the popularity of urban couture by contributing this section. When those Skinny Jeans you bought yesterday go out of style, Log onto Phuzion Magazine before you step outside. Lord knows a fashion mishap can ruin your image...=[... Fashion? Check!

c)Culture....... Is it our color that brings us together? Or is it our appreciation of Culture & Diversity? The question has arisen quite a few times and the answer is still undetermined. This is what we've dedicated this section of the Magazine to. We at Phuzion Magazine appreciate diversity and have devoted space to exploring and learning to appreciate the many cultures the world has fostered. In a time where it seems as if culture is ruling entertainment (Reggae, Telemundo, Bollywood, etc.) it would be pointless to pass judgement without learning more about the affect Culture has on different people. We got culture on LOCK...

d)Lifestyle. While mentioning diversity and the many walks of life we have, we have to mention Lifestyle. Whether you're a young, single mother, homosexual, or home-less, you will definitely have a spot in Phuzion. It's one thing to be biased against a certain group because of their circumstances but we believe one should always strive to understand the reasoning for the person's situation. Life is Hard.....

e)Lastly, but certainly not least, we have Politics. Coming into this project Politics was something that remained atop the list as far as objectives. Though complicated at times, it is Politics that seems to affect the four other categories directly. Being that the demographic of this magazine is primarily High school & College students, it goes without saying how important Politics will be in our futures. Bringing it to the forefront would definitely be good for the following generation and so forth.

A result of other more successful magazines such as VIBE & XXL, Phuzion hopes to follow in their footsteps while still remaining a separate entity. Being able to distinguish ourselves from the rest is a great task that we feel will perpetuate the creativity of the magazine. And from here on out, all we can do is HOPE FOR THE BEST!........ THANKS!

Sincerely,

[= Phuzion Magazine =]

Welcome to Phuzion Magazine! We hope that you will enjoy each and everything that we will have posted. If you know anyone who would like to get involved in writing, photographing, or designing for the magazine, or just have any questions, please contact us at

PhuzionMag@gmail.com .