Walter Cronkite (1916 - 2009)

As I noted on Twitter (hadn't had time to put it up here), television reporter Walter Cronkite passed away last Friday.

Obviously, I wasn't around for much of his heyday, but as one who calls himself "the Journalist" and earned a college degree in that field of study, I am aware of his impact and respect his craft.

In fact, in one of the first rhymes I ever tried to write (besides this), I envoked his name.

And it went a little something like this....

"Not quite your Walter Cronkite / but I'll be your Journalist

Checkin' all the things that I done seen / and all the things that you done missed"

As you can see, an AP Style Guide and traditional grammer rules were not in play during this writing session.

Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s "The Big Picture" #1

Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s The Big Picture album dropped Tuesday and immediately hit the #1 spot on iTunes Christian & Gospel Chart. I checked a few hours ago (three days later) and it's still holding it down at the top.

Congrats to Da' T.R.U.T.H. for a successful launch despite much marketing effort by his label.

Vidz: "Train Song" by Listener

I'm not as wild about this particular arrangement, but Listener's (deepspace5) "Train Song" has always been a classic to me.

Enjoy the visuals (check the growth of the facial hair) and click here to cop the "Train Songs EP" with 5 different versions of the track.

Braille's Hip Hop Is Music label is back

Photo by Sketch the Journalist

After a near two-year absence, Braille Brizzy has announced the official return of his Hip Hop Is Music label. After overcoming the stress and fear of starting up such a venture, Braille notes he’s ready to resume operations, if even on a small scale.

The first release will be from Future Shock’s Soujourn. Soujournalism: The Summer Chronicles will be dropping September 1. Download the first single and goodie bag for FREE right 'chere.

He also reports that he will be hosting and performing at the National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam on July 29. The event is said to be the largest mentoring program for the blind in the country.

And as for his desire to give away 30,000 copies of the Cloud Nineteen album – he and producer S1 are halfway there. 15,000 have been distributed at shows and events thus far. Look for more to come this summer and with your subscription to Urban D’s S.O.U.L. Magazine.

Exclusive: "Death of Autotune (D.O.A.)" remix by Ruslan of theBREAX

Just got my hands on this exclusive "Death of Autotune (D.O.A.)" remix (Beat re-created by Jruckers) by Ruslan from theBREAX crew in San Diego.

Like Jay-Z, he's got some harsh words for his peers.

"Christian rappers keep doin' what the world do / then cry when they get called out / that's what little girls do"

"Your lack of respect for the culture makes me laugh / but this won't be the first time God spoke through an ass"

Listen and download here.

For reference, here's the Mark Driscoll interview he appears to have sampled and used as inspiration.



What are your thoughts on this track and its message? Too hard? Too risque'? Not hard enough?

Northern California's Joshua Fest Partners with Syntax Records for 6th Straight Year

Joshua Fest, the popular three-day, camp-style rock festival, has partnered with Syntax Records for a sixth straight year. The label has been affiliated with the event since its inception.

In addition to running the official Joshua Fest merchandise booth, offering a physical version of their QualityJunk.com music store, and helping to market and promote the event, Syntax will be contributing musical talent.

Alongside a lineup of groups like Mxpx, Family Force Five, Emery, and Project 86, expect to see Kaboose, Odd Thomas, Propaganda, and Jeremiah Bonds represent the world of hip hop.

This year’s event will take place September 4 – 6 at Quincy, California’s Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.itickets.com/.

What I'm Listening To (WILT): Word & Deed

I'm starting a new feature called WILT (What I'm Listening To.) With it, I hope to highlight projects I've bought or been given that deserve your attention.

I might give it a full review, some bullet point opinions, or just a plug. The bottom line is that it IS currently spinning on my iPod and what I'm feeding my earlobes at the moment.

First up: Teddy P's Word & Deed.

I literally just started vibing to it half an hour ago, but I'm digging it thus far. And, the dude is selling for a SIMPLE BUCK. Get your copy here. It drops next Tuesday, July 28.

And feast on this nice lil promo video for the project below.