from TheGriot

by Amani Channel

I don’t think that Soulja Boy’s publicist is getting much sleep at the moment. The gossip and entertainment blogs are having a field day with the video that rap groupie Kat Stacks made at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead.

She not only claims that the rapper has a substance abuse problem, she gives a quick tour of the hotel room and shows what appears to be lines of a white powdery substance.

I won’t go all into it, but Stacks is a vulgar young lady who’s made a name for herself by bragging about her sexual exploits with rappers.

IF what’s in the video is true, Soulja Boy is going to have to go on the defense, and quickly to help salvage the damage.

Although I’m not really a fan, it’s a shame that anyone’s career could be destroyed by an act of stupidity.

Soulja Boy built his career off of Internet videos and now this one video could be his undoing.

If I were advising him how to manage the situation, he needs to create a Web video message today, to counter Kat Stack’s damaging allegations (Soulja Boy sent a Tweet denying the allegations).

Since it is possible that the video is true Soulja should, 1) apologize to all of his fans about his decision to associate himself with Stacks; 2) recognize and admit that he has a substance abuse problem, and seek treatment immediately, and 3) find a non-profit to work with and develop a partnership to talk to kids about the dangers of drugs, and having sex with fame hungry groupies.

Soulja Boy made a promise in 2008 to be a positive role model, and there’s nothing exemplary about his “relationship” with Stacks, or the image that is now in the minds of many of his fans.

by Amani Channel

OliverWillis – Shirley Sherrod may be considering returning to the USDA.
Police in Orlando, Florida tazer a 3-year-old boy (WFTV-TV)
BlackWeb2.0 shares a list of the 100 most powerful Black women.
Fantasia Barina speaks out about her suicide attempt. (NecoleBitchie)
Being fat can cost you at an Atlanta nail salon. (StraightfromtheA)
BlackTreeTV interviews Spike Lee about his new Hurricane Katrina documentary that is airing on HBO (Pt. 2 is tonight)

by Amani Channel

It all started four years ago today. Oh, the places I’ve gone and people I’ve met.

Since this comes on the heels of my 200th YouTube MUR video.

Please check out some of my favorite adventures here.

You can also watch my videos at YouTube, Blip.tv, Metacafe, Veoh, or DailyMotion.

How do I do it? TubeMogul.

Thanks for inspiring me to do what I do.

Much love & PEACE!!

-Amani Channel aka A.man.I “The Urban Reporter”

by Amani Channel
@ArrestedDevlpment

If you fondly remember hits like Tennessee, Mr. Wendel, and People Everyday, you may be wondering what happened to the group Arrested Development.

Back in the 90’s conscious rap had a place on mainstream airwaves, and A.D. was among the top selling groups.

That was then, and this is now. Popular hip hop tunes now tend to focus on the flashy things in life, but you may not have realized that A.D. is still together touring the world, and rocking shows.

A.D’s front man Speech first sat down with MUR in 2007 to share his thoughts on music, and explain where the band caught its second wind.

Fast-forward to 2010, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that A.D. is still keeping true to its political, uplifting roots.

The groups latest release “Strong” is a refreshing record that will give new and old fans alike a glimpse at hip hop’s past, with a modern sound that will keep your head nodding, while feeding your soul, and mind.

On Saturday, October 21, MUR was invited to get a glimpse at what the world has been buzzing about at Atlanta’s Moods Music during a two-hour Meet and Greet.

For example, “The World is Changing,” a melodic track the features an upbeat acoustic guitar riff was on MTV’s top 10 list overseas in Japan.

That was just one of the songs A.D. performed during the four-song set Saturday.

After a 45 minute Q&A with host Jodine Dorce, A.D. put on an unplugged performance that opened with the first track off the new record called “Bloody.”

Take a listen, and let me know if you think there’s a place for A.D. in the States. I sure hope so, for hip hop’s sake.

Click here for YouTube version.

By the way, if you didn’t know, A.D. hails from Atlanta. On Thursday, August 26, the group returns to its roots with a concert at Chastain Park with Tears for Fears.

If you want to hear more, I’ll post more from the Meet and Greet. Just let me know.

Links:
Flaimahmy
The Pace Report
Harlem World

by Amani Channel

I read this morning that Sarah Palin wants Dr. Laura to fight back, but kill that! I hope she gets of the mic and never breathes on one again.

It sounded like she had waited her whole life to use the n-word on air, and she provided no help to Nita “Jade” Hanson.

I’ve been waiting to hear the other side, and I’m glad that American Morning scored this interview.