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FNV NEWSLETTER #122
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March 25 2003

*Russell Simmons Blasts Demos, Hillary Clinton & MTV
*Big Daddy Kane Says Bush Is A Gangsta
*Afrika Bambaataa & Professor X Speak Out on the War
*What is Fragging?
*Deju Vu Fragging-Rakim Spoke About This
*Davey D's List of Anti-War/Peace Songs In Times of War

The FNV Newsletter c 2002
Send comments to
misterdaveyd@earthlink.net
===========================================

RUSSELL SIMMONS BLASTS DEMOS, HILLARY AND MTV

March 25: As the War Against Iraq wages on the Hip Hop Community
continues to step up and speak out in a major way... First we gotta
give props to Russell Simmons. He came through and set it off this
past weekend on the national broadcast of our Hard Knock Radio Show.

Russell spoke emphatically about how we as a country can find all
sorts of money to go to war but at the same time have no money for
education and social services that are needed to support young people.
He stated that he truly hopes that President George Bush lives up to
his promise of liberating Iraq and that he allows them to fully
utilize their resources [oil]. He noted that he does have his doubts
about Bush's true intentions..

Simmons also explained his plight with MTV and other media outlets.
He felt that there were too few media owners and that they had all but
monopolized war coverage. He felt they weren't really doing a good
job covering the war from a balanced perspective that reflected young
people and people of color. He bemoaned the fact that MTV seemed to
be mimicking the approach of their CBS and CNN counterparts. He
accused the networks of simply cheerleading and being mouthpiece for
the war mongering of the Bush administration. Russell explained that
he and Mos Def and done a number of anti-war commercials but could not
air them on MTV because of their current policy. They told Russell
should they allow the commercials to air, the network would be
obligated to accept commercials from right wing political groups.
Apparently many of them have approached MTV and BET to air
anti-abortion and pro-war ads.

Russell explained that he felt MTV was being a bit hypocritical
because they constantly run commercials from the Army, Navy and other
military outlets. he said thee ads actually encourage young people to
sign and go to war so 'they can be all that they can be'.

When asked why he himself did not purchase a radio or TV station.
Simmons noted that today the current costs make it damn near
impossible. At one point he was ready to purchase some radio stations
but got outbid by Radio One.

Simmons harshest words were directed toward the Democrats. When asked
whether or not he felt his 'friends' in the Democratic Party like
Senator Hillary Clinton had stepped up to the plate to oppose the war,
Russell went off...He noted that the way Clinton and others in the
Democratic Party were reacting was not cool and that they were no
friends of his. He clearly felt they should've been speaking out and
being more forceful in pushing the issue of saying 'No to War' with
Iraq.

Simmons concluded his remarks by addressing the issue of Hip Hop
artist doing anti-war songs. To date there are close to 30 anti-war
songs ranging from releases from Michael Franti to Chuck D to the
Beastie Boys to Zach De La Roca. While Simmons was impressed with the
number, he felt that some of Hip Hop's most popular stars who reach
the masses daily should step up and be in the fore front as well. He
noted that P-Diddy and others have been speaking out and other artist
are currently working on material.

===========================

BIG DADDY KANE & KILLA PRIEST

After Simmons bounced Big Daddy Kane and Killer Priest step into the
studios to share their thoughts on the War. Both Kane and Priest had
been touring and had just arrived from Portland, Oregon. Kane
explained that they could not get into the night club to perform
because of all the anti-war protests that had basically closed
downtown Portland. He clearly understood where the protestors were
coming from.

He also noted that George Bush had used gangsta-like tactics when he
bypassed the UN and pushed us into war. Kane likened the United
Nations to the place where the Five Mafia Families come to meet to
decided how things should be done. Bush pulled a brash move like Joe
Pesci did in the movie Good Fellas when he broke ranks and violated
mafia rules.

He also spoke to the fact that a lot of Hip Hop artists have been
speaking out, but their music and perspective are being shut out by
radio and video outlets. 'Radio stations operate just like the
government, they aren't allowing groups like a dead prez or Mos Def to
be seen and heard so they blow up like a 50 Cent or Jay-Z, Kane noted
. The end result is that many of these media outlets are basically
silencing dissent.

Killer Priest built upon Kane's remarks by noting that many of these
outlets do not care about what rappers are doing or saying. 'It's
just a money thing for them while its a music thing for us', he
pointed out. He said that artist will have to find ways to get around
that control.

Priest also spoke to the fact that there are some within law
enforcement who have attempted to look at lyrics from rap artists like
Killarmy and Wu-Tang and others he's been affiliated with and try to
draw a link between their words and terrorism. Priest noted that
people express themselves and that in no way does he or anyone else
condone shooting or folks following bad lyrics. He also reminded
listeners that there's a war going on at home where we have to deal
with domestic concerns like poverty.
===============================

AFRIKA BAMABATTAA & PROFESSOR X SPEAK OUT

Props are also in order for Hip Hop's Godfather Afrika Bambaataa and
X-Clan leader Professor X. Yesterday they stepped up and called into
our radio show to share some wisdom and perspective about this on
going war. Bambaataa spoke to the fact that what is taking place
seems to reflect the long held predictions and teachings of ancient
scriptures and Nostradamus.

He explained that the world as we know it today will definitely be
changing and that things will get a lot worse before they get better.
He urged folks to be prepared.

Bambaataa also explained that the earth itself is going through
changes. He noted that its a living body that is reacting to what we
are doing. He pointed to all the strange weather phenomenon,
earthquakes and famine all over the world.

Bamabaataa also reflected upon his experience from traveling around
the world when he spoke to issue of how we are seen by people of other
nations. In fact Bam was just returning to the states from a speaking
tour.

'A lot of people around the world are not in agreement with our
foreign policy decisions..but music and culturally they embrace and
eat up everything America throws at them', Bam said

He noted that all over the planet young people are mimicking what they
perceive to be as Black culture. In places like Japan you have young
people tanning their skin and wearing dread locks and afros. In other
countries they follow the images of gangsterism that they pick up from
rap videos 'A whole lot of places that never heard of gansterism are
now talking and acting gangster because of what they see and hear us
do'.

Professor X built off of Bam's remarks by agreeing that there would
indeed be a hemispheric response to what is going on. He noted that
as a community we need to stop allowing ourselves to be told and
manipulated on how we should be perceiving things with respect to this
war.

'It's really quite simple', he explained 'Based upon the laws
governing the United Nations what we are doing is illegal... We are
living in a world where young people are feeling the attitude of a dog
and seeing what its like to be gangsta'.

Professor X continued, 'How much more gangsta can you get when you go
before a body that sets rules of engagement and then decide that
because they aren't moving fast enough or doing what you want that you
then decide to jump up, pull out your guns and step to a situation'?

He encouraged listeners to sit down and really reflect on the often
used word 'gangster'. 'Let's look at who's the original gangster.
Let that word sit with you as you reflect upon the illegal activities
of this country'.

Bambaataa and Professor X really brought home their points when they
spoke about the importance of knowing and understanding history. The
former X-Clan leader noted that alot of people outside the community
study history and have come to understand our legacy better then we
do. As a result power players who wish to make moves are able to take
advantage and advance themsleves because of the things we don't know
or choose to ignore.

Professor X pointed out the make up of our military's front lines that
is compromised of a primarily Black, Brown and poor people who joined
the military to better themselves and escape dire economic situations
where they lived. 'Unfortunately, the government is putting on the
front line and now using the energy of young people who are trying to
correct themselves and improve their lives'.

As we ended yesterday's interview Afrika Bambaataa spoke about the
inspiration behind a landmark song he released in 1984 along with punk
rocker John 'Rotten' Lydon of the Sex Pistols. At the time this song
was released people thought Bam was crazy for both doing a song with a
punk rocker and for the lyrics he spit. Almost 20 years later many
are relistening to the lyrics of that song and wondering what Bam
knew. He xplained that when he wrote the song 'World Destruction' he
was in Paris and had just saw a movie called 'The Man Who Saw
Tomorrow' which was based upon the predictions of Nastradamus. Bam
felt it was important to speak on some of the things he was thinking
about and wanted to make sure his message was global hence he hooked
up with Lydon.. Peep the lyrics to 'World Destruction' and draw your
own conclusion


World Destruction
Speak about destruction. (x3)

This is a world destruction, your life ain't nothing.
The human race is becoming a disgrace.
Countries are fighting with chemical warfare.
Not giving a damn about the people who live.
Nostradamus predicts the coming of the Antichrist.
Hey, look out, the third world nations are on the rise.
The Democratic-Communist Relationship,
won't stand in the way of the Islamic force.
The CIA is looking for other detectives.
The KGB is smarter than you think.
Brainwash mentalities to control the system.
Using TV and movies - religions of course.
Yes, the world is headed for destruction.
Is it a nuclear war?
What are you asking for?
This is a world destruction. Your life ain't nothing.
The human race is becoming a disgrace.
The rich get richer.
The poor are getting poorer.
Fascist, chauvinistic government fools.
People, Moslems, Christians and Hindus.
Are in a time zone just searching for the truth.
Who are you to think you're a superior race?
Facing forth your everlasting doom.
We are Time Zone. We've come to drop a bomb on you.
World destruction, kaboom, kaboom, kaboom!

I'm going out of my mind that makes two of us-
I going out of my mind

This is the world destruction, your life ain't nothing.
The human race is becoming a disgrace.
Nationalities are fighting with each other.
Why is this? Because the system tells you.
Putting people in faceless categories.
Knowledge isn't what it used to be.
Military tactics to control a nation.
Who wants to be a president or king? Me!
Mother Nature is gonna work against you.
Nothing in your power that you can do.
Yes, the world is headed for destruction.
You and I know it, the Bible tells you.
If we don't start to look for a better life,
the world will be destroyed in a time zone!
==========================================

WHAT IS FRAGGING?

By now everyone is aware of the incident that took place over the
weekend where a several hand grenades were tossed into the tents of
sleeping military leaders for 101st airbone unit of the Army. [Shout
out to my cousin who is stationed there.. we got you in prayer] The
result was 15 injured and one man killed. A Sergent named Asan Akbar
was arrested and accused of committing this act. What he is accused
of doing is known as fragging..

My man Bruce Banner of playahata.com broke down the history of this in
yesterday's playahata newsletter.. we are reprinting it for you to
see..
---------------------------------


DID YOU KNOW: The phenomenon of soldiers deliberately attacking those
on the same side became known as "fragging" during the Vietnam war,
because fragmentation grenades were often used. The attacks were
often sparked by confrontations involving racism.Precise figures
remain unknown, but according to some historians at least 600 American
soldiers were killed in fragging attacks in the course of the Vietnam
conflict..

----------------------------------------------------------------------
4.Fragging is awful : A 27-year-old captain, Christopher Scott
Seifert, was killed and 15 servicemen wounded early on Sunday in the
attack on a tented command area at Camp Pennsylvania, the rear base
for the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.George Heath, a
spokesman for Fort Campbell in Kentucky, the division's home base,
said the suspect had been identified as Army Sgt. Asan Akbar. Heath
said the investigation was continuing, indicating that no charges had
so far been laid.The motive was probably "resentment", a US army
spokesman said. Other Muslim soldiers at the camp have apparently
complained about a hostile atmosphere

DEJA VU FRAGGING

Some Hip Hop fans might remember Eric B. & Rakim released Don't Sweat
the Technique (click for audio) in 1992 on that album was a song
called Casualties of War in which Rakim tells a story of being a
American G.I. who in the middle of battle has a revelation and
decides to fraggs his colleagues. Well that kinda sounds like what
happened over the weekend in Kuwait city. Army Sgt. Asan Akbar who
is a Muslim allegedly tossed a grenade on some other soilders killing
one and injuring 12 , Rakim who is a 5% (percenter) an offsplint of
the Muslim religion rapped about the same efforts in 92 and after
reading the words of this you might think he wrote the track over the
weekend.This is bound to be a big debate soon but it's nothing new
about fragging and dissent.



Go to the Army, be all you can be
Another dead soldier? Hell no, not me
So I start letting off ammunition in every direction
Allah is my only protection
But wait a minute, Saddam Hussein prays the same
and this is Asia, from where I came
I'm on the wrong side, so change the target
Shooting at the general; and where's the sergeant?
Blame it on John Hardy Hawkins for bringing me to America
Now it's mass hysteria
I get a rush when I see blood, dead bodies on the floor
CASUALTIES OF WAR!



The war is over, for now at least
Just because they lost it don't mean it's peace
It's a long way home, it's a lot to think about
Whole generation, left in doubt
Innocent families killed in the midst
It'll be more dead people after this
So I'm glad to be alive and walkin
Half of my platoon came home in coffins
Except the general, buried in the Storm
in bits and pieces no need to look for em
I played it slick and got away with it
Rigged it up so they would think they did it
Now I'm home on reserves and you can bet
when THEY call, I'm going AWOL
Cause it ain't no way I'm going back to war
when I don't know who or what I'm fighting for

lyrics courtesy of ohhla
ohhla.com/anonymous/rakim...ty.rkm.txt

by Bruce Banner
====================================

Davey D's List of
HIP HOP ANTI-WAR SONGS
WORTH PLAYING IN TIMES OF WAR

Listed below is a list of other anti-war songs that just aren't being
played by the Clear Channels, Viacoms, Infinities, Emmis', Radio Ones
and other corporate media outlets of the world.. Call up your local
station and ask why? If I missed any songs please drop me a line
mrdaveyd@aol.com We should also take time to note that while many of
these corporate media outlets have refused to play these songs, some
of them mainly Clear Channel have gone on to sponsor Pro-War rallies
using their radio stations to spread the word and their concert venues
to host the rally...You can peep the story here:
www.chicagotribune.com/ne...ar19.story

That wouldn't be so bad until you note not only the absecene of many
of these songs.. but also the fact that last week the radio show
Democracy Now reported that singer/spoken word artist Ani Defranco
performed at a Clear Channel in NJ and was forbidden from giving out
anti-war material during her show.


PEACE NOT WAR [www.peace-not-war.org][double cd compilation]
WAR TIMES 'Reports From the Opposition' [Bay Area Compilation]

2PAC 'Never B peace'
AFRIKA BAMBAATAA 'World Destruction'
ANI DIFRANCO 'Self Evidence'
AZEEM 'George Bush Is A Gangsta'
BEASTY BOYS 'In A World Gone Mad'
BLACKALICIOUS 'Sky Is Falling'
CHUCK D & FINE ARTS MILITIA 'Twisted Sense of God' pt1 & pt 2'
COMPANY FLOW'Patriotism'
COMPANY FLOW 'Infokill'
COMPANY OF PROPHETS 'Hush' [War Times LP]
CONSOLIDATED 'We Gotta Have Peace'
CRACK EMCEE 'Hoeing For George'
CRACK EMCEE 'Red, White & Blue'
D12 & GORILLAS '9/11'
DEAD PREZ 'Know Your Enemy'
DEAD PREZ & The COUP 'Get Up'
DEAD PREZ 'Revolution'
DEAD PREZ 'War'
DE LA SOUL 'Held Down'
DENIZEN KANE 'Lost Found Nation'
DIGITAL UNDERGROUND, PARIS, SWAY & TECH 'Time For Peace'
DILATED PEOPLES 'War'
DJ DISORIENTALIST 'Occident & Emergency'
DJ KUTTIN KANDI '9-11' spoken word piece
DJ SPINNA 'Fly or Burn'
DJ VADIM 'Pacifist'
DJ VADIM 'Ghetto Rebel'
EYDEA and ABILITIES 'Murder of Memories'
ERIC B & RAKIM 'Casualties of War'
FELONIOUS 'Protest'
FUNDAMENTAL 'Rape [Tactic of War]'
GETO BOY '@#%$ the War'
GOAPELE 'Red, White and Blue'[War Times LP]
HANNIFAH WALIDAH 'Soldierman'[War Times LP]
JAHI 'Neva The Same'
JAZZY JEFF AND RAHIEM 'My People'
J-LIVE 'Satisfied'
JURASSIC 5 'Freedom'
KNOWN ASSOCIATES 'World So Cold'
KOS 'Heaven Only Knows'
KRS-ONE 'World Peace'
KRS-ONE 'Stop The Violence'
LIL LARRY 'Peace on Earth'
LUNAR HEIGHTS 'Lick Shots'
MELE-MEL 'World War III'
ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO 'God Bless America'
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD 'We Can Bomb The World to Pieces'
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD 'Water Pistol Man'
MICHAEL FRANTI & DISPOSABLE HEROES 'Satanic Reverses'
MR LIF 'Home of the Brave'
MUD FAMILY 'Peace Not War'
NAS 'Rule'
NAS & JAY-Z 'Rule'rmx
NAS'My Country'
NIDIRAH SHAKOOR 'Winds of Karma'
NO THE PIPER 'God Bless America'
NO THE PIPER 'US History'
ONYX 'Feel Me'
PARIS 'What Would You Do?'
PROPHET 'American Famine'
PUBLIC ENEMY 'Son of a Bush'
PUBLIC ENEMY 'Black Steel In the Hour of Chaos'
QUEEN LATIFAH 'The Evil That Men Do'
RED GUARD 'United We Stand' [War Times LP]
SAGE FRANCIS 'Makeshift Patriot'
SAUL WILLIAMS 'Not In Our Name'
SAUL WILLIAMS 'Anti-War Freestyle'
SAMANTHA LIAPES 'Masters of War' [War Times LP]
SOCIETY OF SOUL 'Migretnation'
TALIB KWELI 'The Proud'
THREE TIMES DOPE 'Peace Ya Self'
TRAGEDY aka INTELLIGENT HOODLUM 'Arrest The President'
WYCLEF JEAN 'War No More'
ZACK DE LA ROCA 'March of Death'
==============================

The FNV Newsletter c 2002
Send comments to
misterdaveyd@earthlink.net