Urban Lifestyle

Over the past few months, “molly” has become the drug of choice to name drop in hip-hop and Kendrick Lamar has had enough. “Sometimes you have the trends that’s not cool,” Lamar told MTV about the embracing of molly in rap. From a business standpoint, Rick Ross lost his sponsorship deal from sneaker giant Reebok for his controversial lyric that described a date rape where molly was involved.  Juicy J, Kanye West, and T.I. are all rappers who’ve referenced molly in the past but Kendrick believes this wide-spread usage isn’t good for the rap culture. “You may have certain artists portraying these trends and don’t really have that lifestyle and then it gives off the wrong thing. And it becomes kinda corny after a while. It’s really about keeping hip-hop original and pushing away the corniness in it,” Kendrick said. theGrio opinion: Is mainstream hip-hop a grave threat to our children?  Trinidad James says no to drugs Atlanta rapper Trinidad James’ meteoric climb into mainstream hip-hop over the past year can be attributed to his hit single “All Good Everything,” but his lyric ‘Popped A Molly I’m sweating!’ became a popular hashtag via social media. Critics believe James’ success is a byproduct of the drug rap genre being so popular. During a recent interview with XXL, James is aware that doing recreational drugs are wrong, but believes indulging in any activity without balance can become habit forming. “Honestly man, life is based on moderation. Anything that you do, you have to do it in moderation. People overdo it and it turns into people OD’ing or dying, but it’s all about how extreme you go with it,” Trinidad James said about Molly usage being celebrated in popular rap. “Some artists have made some of their most incredible music on drugs, so for me to say that drugs are messing up hip-hop, I’m not going to say that. It’s just that some people really believe so much of what we say, and people honestly don’t understand moderation.”  What’s next? Trends within music come and go, but one can make the argument that Hip Hop’s infatuation with molly may have done more harm than good culturally. Kendrick Lamar #hashtag proclamation to move past  the molly craze appeared at end of his video for “B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” and believes molly rap now stymies the growth of hip-hop as an art form. “When everybody consciously now uses this term or this phrase and putting it in lyrics, it waters the culture down,” Lamar explained. “So it’s really just time to move on.” Do you believe Molly rap still has a place in hip-hop? Let us know what you think in the comments below. You can check out more of Kyle’s music coverage on theGrio music page, and follow Kyle on Twitter at @HarveyWins.

Capo ReVamps J. Cole's Hit For his latest reVamp, Jim Jones puts his own spin to J. Cole's "Power Trip" featuring Miguel. Capo gives the track a whole new title and meaning in which he talks about his hustlin' ways! Philthy Rich joins Jim in "Powder Trip" directed by Drewski.

Jennifer Hudson perform onstage during Fox’s ‘American Idol’Finale Results Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles *E! News says it has confirmed that the first “American Idol” alum turned judge will be Jennifer Hudson. The Oscar winner, according to E!, has signed a deal to join the judges panel for season 13, and the other two spots may be filled by former “Idol” contestants Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken. This is reportedly FOX’s new direction for next season, after the just-wrapped season 12 drew the lowest ratings in its history. A Fox source said of the new direction, “It’s Idol alums bringing in the next generation.” Neither Fox nor J-Hud have commented.

From Black Enterprise: So, everyone is gearing up for the wild trips, fun barbecues or just relaxation for this upcoming three-day holiday. For many, Memorial Day weekend is a time to take a breather, with no thoughts of business, work or boss moves. But for leaders who are constantly on the grind and keeping it moving, this is prime time to hustle. I recently moderated a super-inspiring panel that focused on creating secondary streams of revenue. Organized by a very enterprising young boss in her own right, Ronesha Byng, this event featured a panel of media, finance and entertainment power women including author and relationship coach Tionna Smalls, a Brooklyn, N.Y native who was able to take her self-published book into boss moves overdrive with a new show on MTV. A common theme among the diverse panel of women was that, while others are doing what everyone else does, they do the opposite—something fearless and out of the box—especially when it comes to networking. Smalls noted that she would often attend events, where she might be the only person of color in the room, to network with who’s who of the media and TV industries. Another panelist, travelista Johnica Reed, talked about how she’d use her time during happy hour, not solely for alcoholic debauchery, but to connect with people who’d turn out to be key investors in her advancement. She’s been able to travel the world and write about it—all expenses paid. So, what better time than Memorial Day weekend to put those boss moves into action while everyone is knocking back pina coladas or spending their last at Las Vegas casinos? Here are four things you can do during the holiday—that many people probably won’t be doing—to get a step ahead: 1. Attend at least one quality event: It’s cool to hang out with friends by the beach or pool, but what about being strategic? With so many things going on in major cities during this time, take advantage of the locale you’re in and find time to meet people you don’t already know. Maybe that bartender works celebrity or corporate events. Maybe the neighboring group of women in your cabana also work in an industry you have interest in. Maybe that club owner or promoter has a lucrative network of contacts. You definitely want to be conscious of the timing and environment, but when you’re presented with a key moment, take the time to make your move to build new relationships that could benefit your brand or future side hustle. Read the rest of this story on BlackEnterprise.com.

Chris Rock attends the 2013 FX Upfront Bowling Event at Luxe at Lucky Strike Lanes on March 28, 2013 in New York City *Chris Rock is giving one fan the chance to play a bit part in his upcoming film “Finally Famous,” which also stars Rosario Dawson and Gabrielle Union. The winning bidder will be invited to bring a friend for a meet-and-greet with Rock, and they will be treated to an exclusive tour of the set. Rock’s auction on CharityBuzz.com ends on June 4. The prize is expected to raise $15,000 for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

In a report by a Public Advocate for the City of New York, analyzing NYPD 2012 statistics on stop-and-frisk, it was found that while black New Yorkers were stopped at a higher rate, white New Yorkers were more likely to have weapons or drugs on them. The report from the office of Bill de Blasio finds that black and Latino New Yorkers accounted for 84 percent of all stops. The Public Advocate’s analysis of 2012 data finds: The likelihood a stop of an African-American New Yorker yielded a weapon was half that of white New Yorkers stopped. The NYPD uncovered a weapon in one out every 49 stops of white New Yorkers. By contrast, it took the Department 71 stops of Latinos and 93 stops of African-Americans to find a weapon. The likelihood a stop of an African-American New Yorker yielded contraband was one-third less than that of white New Yorkers stopped. The NYPD uncovered contraband in one out every 43 stops of white New Yorkers. By contrast, it took the Department 57 stops of Latinos and 61 stops of African Americans to find contraband. Despite the overall reduction in stops, the proportion involving black and Latino New Yorkers has remained unchanged. They continue to constitute 84 percent of all stops, despite comprising only 54 percent of the general population. And the innocence rates remain at the same level as 2011 – at nearly 89 percent. The report doesn’t encourage greater searching of white residents, but demands there be a stop to targeting minorities. “New York City does not have sufficient protections against racial profiling and bias-based policing,” the report says.  ”Stop-and-frisk numbers demonstrate that an overwhelming proportion of law enforcement activity affects innocent people in communities of color across the City.” Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.

President Barack Obama is set to sign a bill Friday that awards the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the four African-American girls killed in the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. The children were murdered when a bomb planted by white supremacists exploded at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in September 1963. The deadly blast at the church, which civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. used as a meeting place, was pivotal turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and sparked support for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Not only did the explosion kill the four girls- — Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Denise McNair – another 22 people were injured. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given in the United States. It is awarded to people “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” Each award is specifically designed by the United States mint and individual to the person honored. The signing ceremony is scheduled to take place Friday afternoon, with members of the Alabama congressional delegation and some family of the four girls killed expected to attend at the White House. Alabama Reps. Terri Sewell and Spencer Bachus sponsored the bill, which received final approval May 9. “This bill signing recognizes the legacy of four beautiful little girls whose lives, while far too short, led to permanent change in our society and became an honored part of the civil rights movement,” said Rep. Bachus in a statement. Although Congress has shown broad support for awarding the medal, the idea has split relatives of the four victims. Some are supportive, but relatives of Addie Mae Collins and Cynthia Wesley have both said they do not want the congressional honor but financial compensation. Recent recipients include those who died in the September 11 terror attacks and Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish humanitarian who helped thousands of Jews to flee Nazi-occupied Hungary during the Holocaust. Others who have received the medal include Jackie Robinson, former President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, and Pope John Paul II. September will mark the 50th anniversary of the church bombing. Three Ku Klux Klan members were convicted years after the attack. Two are dead, with one is still serving his sentence in prison. Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter at @Kunbiti

Scott Simon, 24, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars because of a butt dial he made to 911 about his murder plot, May 5, 2013. *Crimes are normally reported to 911, so that help can be sent to the crime scene as soon as possible. But the culprit committing the crime usually is ready to go to jail and is remorseful if they feel compelled to make the call…but not this time. A couple young men, Scott Simon, 24, and Nicholas Walker, 33, got into a fight in a Broward County, Florida Waffle House. After the two were separated and left the scene, Simon followed Walker home and he was shot to death on I-95, according to the Miami Herald. Well, the police have an open and shut case on Simon’s murder plot because of a butt dial he made to 911 where his conversation with friends detailing how he was going to follow Walker home and kill him. (more…)

*Deitrick Haddon certainly knows how to party big! The party was held at Rooftop 3100 in downtown Los Angeles giving you a view of the beautifully lit skyline of the city. Loved ones, friends, family were lined up to see performances by Deitrick and gospel sensation and new reality star Kierra Sheard. The event was hosted by KJLH radio’s Aundrae Russell. Kiki also took part by distributing giveaways during the dance contest! Did we mention there was even a soul train line and plenty of line dancing? Deitrick and beautiful fiancé joined in the fun as they made their grand entrance. EURweb  associate LaCora Stephens (the YES show) was there in full effect to hear Kiki sing to the birthday boy who doesn’t look a day over 30. She said that the birthday bash played the backdrop as a future Pastors of LA episode. The new reality star will be releasing another album this fall entitled: R.E.D. Restoring Everything Damaged. That alone is enough to celebrate.  When asked, “What is the wish you would ask God?” he responded, “He already has. I have a new c.d., the show, my little girl just turned one in April and I’m getting married July 20, 2013. If I was to ask God for more blessings, it would be a sin!” LaCora inquired about Pastors of LA and his soon to be marriage because so many fans have questions. Regarding the show, Haddon stated, “It’s going to be BIG.  It’s going redefine the public’s perception of a pastor.  I’m excited about it, so you have to watch; tune in.” He went one to comment about his new marriage, “I just want to do better than I did before; that’s all I’m asking God to do…to give me the wisdom, understanding and knowledge to make this one work.” If there’s one thing for sure, despite the trials he has experienced, you can’t stop Deitrick Haddon. He informed LaCora that, “R.E.D. is one of my best projects because it’s the soundtrack of my life over the last year.  All the people that have followed me and know that I have been through some things in my life and this has been the music that has carried me through spiritually.  So, I think the songs on the R.E.D. album is going to resonate and connect with people in their life if they’re going through anything.”

.embedded-player { width: 592px; margin: 0 auto 15px; } .embedded-player .embedded-videolink { display: block; z-index: 3; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; position: relative; } .embedded-player .embedded-play { display: block; background: transparent url(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/MSNBC/Components/Video/_Player/mobile/assets/play_btn.standard.png) no-repeat; z-index: 2; width: 95px; height: 64px; margin: -90px 0 0; position: relative; left: 15px; } .embedded-player .embedded-photo { display: block; margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; position: relative; z-index: 1; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embedded-player .embedded-status-box { position: absolute; z-index: 2; width: 85%; top: 50%; left: 7.5%; margin-top: -20px; } .embedded-player .embedded-status-message { text-align: center; padding: 10px; background: #333; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 18px; line-height: 20px; color: #fff; border: 3px solid #fff; } .embedded-player .embedded-caption-box { display: block; width: 100%; background-color: #fff; } .embedded-player .embedded-caption { padding: 0 0 15px 0; text-align: left; font-size: .8em; line-height: 1.2em; } .embedded-hide { display: none; } This video is no longer available. During an interview with theGrio the cast of "The Hangover Part III" talked about the influence of hip-hop music on the film franchise and also the movies' ability to resonate well with diverse audiences The Hangover Part III, in theaters this weekend, is the epic conclusion to an adventure of mayhem and disaster that has captured the attention of film lovers for the past four years. The final installment of The Hangover brings friends Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis together again to kidnap Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) and fend off a murderous gangster played by John Goodman. The Hangover Part III also features Mike Epps reprising his role as the drug dealer Black Doug seen in the first movie. “I’m glad that they brought me back,” Epps said during a recent interview.  “I’m playing a black guy again in the movie.” During an interview with theGrio, the cast of The Hangover Part III talked about the influence of hip-hop music on the film franchise and also the movies’ ability to resonate well with diverse audiences. “The series have really utilized some really great hip-hop, like Kanye [West], they’ve used a couple Kanye songs,” Jeong said. “I think they’ve actually done an amazing job with the soundtrack. It’s really iconic when you’re playing Kanye in the first movie and you’re going into Vegas. I love that sequence.” When asked why The Hangover films seem to have crossover appeal, Cooper said that moviegoers, regardless of their ethnicity, want to be a part of the Wolfpack. “There’s a feeling that you want to hang out with these guys,” Cooper said. “There’s a feeling of wanting to be a part of the Wolfpack, which is kind of a magical thing that was created. Also there’s this universality of physical comedy. There’s a lot of physical comedy as opposed to just verbal comedy.” Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter at @WitherspoonC