Tag: Media Studies

When the Music Stops: Why Spotify’s Military AI Ties Should Matter to Artists and Listeners

Culture News

Spotify has been under fire before for its low artist payouts and corporate decision making that seems to prioritize profit over culture. But this time, the controversy is heavier; literally a matter of war and peace.

Daniel Ek, Spotify’s CEO, isn’t just running the world’s biggest music streaming service. Through his private investment firm, Prima Materia, he’s invested roughly €600 million (about $700 million) into Helsing, a European company building artificial intelligence tools for military operations. These tools include AI powered surveillance, battlefield analysis, and autonomous systems, the kind of tech many believe could escalate modern warfare.

For some artists, this is a line they won’t cross. Independent bands like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have already announced they’re pulling their music from Spotify. They’re saying “no” to their art funding weapons development.

Why This Hits Different for Black Creatives

Music is more than entertainment in the Black community; it’s preservation, resistance, and storytelling. Our art has fueled movements, healed generations, and bridged continents. But when the same platform that profits off our streams also invests in tools of war, we have to ask: Whose battles are we funding?

Alecia Renece speaking on various reasons she’s leaving including the Ai 🤖 fiasco.

Military AI won’t just be used in far off conflicts. Historically, advanced surveillance and policing technology have disproportionately targeted Black communities, both in the U.S. and globally. If the profits from our art help fund these developments, we risk contributing to our own harm.

The Choice Before Us

Some may argue, “It’s just business,” but for artists especially independent and marginalized ones, where your music lives is a political choice. For listeners, it’s about where your money and attention flow.

Alternatives like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and even direct-to-fan platforms give more control to artists and avoid directly funding military AI. The trade off? Less convenience, maybe but greater alignment with our values.

A Cultural Call 📱 Out

This moment is an opportunity for collective reflection:

For artists: Are we okay with our streams contributing to weapons technology?

For listeners: Are we willing to shift our habits to protect the culture and communities we love?

When music is our resistance, every play counts. And sometimes, the loudest protest is silence.

Sources of Primary News & Coverage

Background Context

OTF Update: Boona’s Revenge, Boonie Moe Sentencing & What’s Next After Lil Durk’s Arrest

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

CHICAGO — OTF (Only the Family) is back in the headlines, and not for music. From courtrooms to federal indictments, the crew faces some of its biggest challenges yet.

Here’s what we know.

Boona’s Alleged Role in Revenge Case

Rumors are circulating online that OTF affiliate Boona may have been involved in a revenge shooting. Posts on Reddit and Instagram claim the charges include kidnapping, home invasion and murder. Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details. (Facebook, Reddit, Instagram)

Whether the reports are true or not, the speculation alone shows how quickly OTF news spreads, and how hard it is for the crew to escape its street image and their own demons.

Boonie Moe in Court

In a confirmed case, Boonie Moe was sentenced to seven (7) to fifteen (15) years in prison in Douglas County on drug charges. He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. (Facebook, YouTube, X/Twitter)

The sentencing sparked mixed reactions. Some say it’s another example of the system swallowing young Black men, while others point to personal responsibility. Either way, it’s another loss for OTF’s roster.

Lil Durk Facing Federal Charges

The biggest blow came last October when Lil Durk (Durk Banks) was arrested on federal murder for hire charges tied to the ambush of rapper Quando Rondo in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors allege Durk arranged travel, vehicles and weapons for the attack, which killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson. Rondo survived. (AP, Vulture, DOJ)

Durk remains in federal custody while legal experts warn the case could carry decades behind bars if he is convicted.

What’s Next for OTF

With Durk in jail, Boonie Moe sentenced and Boona facing rumors of a revenge hit, OTF stands at a crossroads. Crews in hip hop history have either folded when their leader was locked up or reinvented themselves to survive.

For Chicago’s rap scene, OTF has been more than a music group. It’s been a cultural force. The question now is whether the brand can push past the weight of court cases and controversy or if we’re witnessing the slow fade of one of drill’s most influential collectives, as drill is slowing down.

💭 My take:

OTF can’t move forward off just Durk’s name anymore. Either they evolve or they fade. Simple as that.

Check out my latest video with Street Certified News 📰 touching in detail about the subject.

Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal Unite Chicago for “In the Trenches” Music Video Shoot to Push Peace

Community, Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle, What's Good?

CHICAGO (July 15, 2025) — Chicago based artists Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal united for a high energy music video shoot Tuesday evening, drawing a crowd to the city’s Westside with members from the South, North, West and East Side under the banner of unity and community empowerment.

The video shoot, “In the Trenches,” kicked off at 5 p.m. at a private location. Promoted heavily through social media & word of mouth, the event called on members to “come out” in support of the city’s music scene and collaborative spirit to bring peace.

BTS Vlog with Street Certified News 🗞️

Sporting hoodies emblazoned with “UNITY” and “Tyrant,” Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal delivered performances that reflected not only lyrical grit of the city but also a message of resilience and togetherness. Organizers emphasized the importance of civic pride and representation in local artistry to push for peace ☮️ and love ❤️ through their art.

“This was about more than a video,” a member of the collective said. “It was about bringing the city together and reminding people that Chicago’s got each other’s back. We’re going to get it together”

The location, kept under wraps until the day of the shoot, added an underground feel to the event highlighting the grassroots nature of the project also granting protection for all involved. Despite the impromptu setting, the scene was electric with energy, with many attendees capturing behind the scenes footage and sharing it across platforms.

I was able to reconnect with some community family and meet new people who I look forward to building with.

Here’s some of the people I connected 😊 with:

We’re expecting the release the final video later this summer if not sooner, continuing their message of solidarity and street level storytelling GC said it’s 50 more videos coming, and to stay tune.

I’m going to keep following this beat overall archiving the ones pushing p, hoping that they are true to their word and forever ♾️ solid.

In the name of Ma’at ,

—BK

Easy O’Hare Brings Nightmare O’Hare to Life on Friday the 13th 😈

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Chicago – On the notoriously eerie date of Friday the 13th, Easy O’Hare fused horror and hip-hop in a way only he could, with the release of his latest album, Nightmare O’Hare. Held at The New Jo’s Bar and Grill in Merrillville, Indiana, the release event transported fans and peers into an immersive experience where sound collided with storytelling in a night full of adrenaline, ambiance, and authenticity.

But what’s the big deal with Friday the 13th?

For centuries, the number 13 has carried a reputation for bad luck, and when it lands on a Friday, that superstitious energy hits different. The fear is so widespread it has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Pop culture took it even further in 1980 with the horror classic Friday the 13th, introducing Jason Voorhees; the silent, masked killer who haunted Camp Crystal Lake and slashed his way into horror history. Since then, the date has come to symbolize fear, suspense, and rebellion; making it the perfect backdrop for Easy O’Hare’s latest creative strike.

His statement? It’s giving serial killer energy.

And he’s killing these other rappers especially when it comes to the way he curates his musical projects.

Nightmare O’Hare captures that chaotic yet calculated vibe. It’s raw, cinematic, and deeply unsettling in the best way. The album rides moody production and vivid lyricism, exploring the gritty realities of urban life, survival, and the kind of darkness you face when you’re moving a certain way.

When I rap it gets scary for the competition and we chose a beat selection that fit the mood of how scary it can actually get. With this project I was showing I can pop up outta nowhere with new music at any given time after my listeners hear Nightmare O’Hare they’ll definitely go download the past projects to get all the way tapped in with me.


The theme originated from a past rap beef where I had to switch forms from Easy O’Hare to nightmare

-Easy O’Hare

The Performance

Easy’s stage presence brought the music to life with gritty emotion and undeniable power. And the supporting acts? Just as heavy. The room was charged with energy, filled with people who came to show love and stayed to be moved. It was a whole vibe and yes, the chicken was fire too.

The Artist

  • Rico Moneyy
  • Kdoug Jr
  • Aboog
  • D’kno Mr.KNOITALL
  • ESC Deez
  • Fly cool club
  • Big Nastee
  • Easy O’Hare
  • Coldhard

The Bigger Picture

With Nightmare O’Hare, Easy doesn’t just drop music, he curates experiences and releases projects with precision. He proves that there’s room for 40-year-old rappers who trap 🏚️🪤 with strategy, successfully. This isn’t a moment; it’s a method.

Nightmare O’Hare is now streaming on all major platforms.

Stay tuned for visuals, BTS moments, and more drops by following him on Instagram: @easyohare_

The Culture is the Curriculum: How Hip Hop Became a Social Political Force

Culture News, Economics, Heritage-History, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Scholarly Works, What's Good?

Hip Hop was never just a soundtrack, it was a survival guide, a protest language, and a cultural archive passed through boom bap beats and breath. Today, as the world watches the Hip Hop generation step into political arenas, from local elections to the United Nations, we are forced to ask: Who controls the culture now? And what does it mean to be Black, American, and powerful in a world that still tries to erase the blueprint?

In my new interview series The Cipher & The System I’m going to discussing the state of the culture, the importance of solving our identity crisis and setting a standard for the stewards, creatives, and other associates of Hip Hop that benefit from our Black American culture.

Full video is going through post production, bare with me.

It’s time to set the bar, revolutionize the voice of the culture and if not me then who? Seriously 😒 tho.

From Party to Power: The Political Birth of Hip Hop

What began in the Bronx as a celebration of rhythm, rhyme, and resistance has evolved into a global political force. Hip hop was never just about beats and bars, it was a cry from the margins, a cultural blueprint for survival in the face of systemic neglect.

As pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash turned block parties into platforms for protest, the culture began to birth its own consciousness. From the raw social critiques of Public Enemy to the electoral mobilizations led by artists and organizers today, hip hop continues to shift and our goal is to go back to our roots to use it as a tool to party for power, reminding the world that the mic is mightier than many know.

The Crisis of Identity in the Age of Influence

In a time where virality is often mistaken for value, the Black identity is being reshaped by algorithms and aesthetics more than lived experience and ancestral knowledge.

Hip hop, once a vehicle for self-definition, is now caught between commercialization and cultural reclamation. Who are we beyond the brand deals, trending sounds, and curated lifestyles? This crisis of identity isn’t just a cultural issue, it’s political. It determines who tells our stories, who profits from our pain, and how we define ourselves in the face of erasure and exploitation.

Dr. Daniel Davis on Education, Legacy & Liberation

Dr. Daniel Davis doesn’t just teach African American history, he embodies its living legacy. A leading voice on culturally relevant pedagogy, Dr. Davis believes education is the first site of liberation. In this exclusive interview, he shares why hip hop is not only a genre but a pedagogy, and how understanding our past is key to shaping our political and cultural future. His work centers the value of legacy, not as nostalgia, but as fuel for the fight for equity, self determination, and generational power.

Can We Build Cultural Institutions That Don’t Exploit Us?

Too many institutions built on Black creativity have failed Black communities. Whether in academia, music, media, or the nonprofit sector, the pattern is familiar: our genius is extracted, repackaged, and sold back to us, often without ownership, authorship, or autonomy.

It’s time to ask the hard questions: Can we build spaces where cultural integrity outweighs commercial interest? Where our narratives are protected, not commodified? Where cultural stewards are supported, not silenced? The answer requires both imagination and infrastructure, and a refusal to trade authenticity for access.

The Next Generation Needs Standards, Not Gatekeepers

There’s a difference between preserving culture and policing it. As hip hop enters its fifth decade, we owe the next generation more than nostalgia or elitism.

We owe them standards anchored in ethics, excellence, and historical context. These standards aren’t meant to stifle creativity but to safeguard legacy. Instead of gatekeepers, we need mentors, archivists, and architects, those who understand that true cultural preservation happens not by exclusion, but by elevation.

The youth are watching. Let’s give them more than permission, we must give them principles.

If we don’t teach the history of Hip Hop, we leave its future in the hands of people who never lived it.

Dr. Daniel Davis

Chicago: The Blueprint of Urban Culture

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

There’s something undeniable about Chicago. The rhythm of our streets, the depth of our history, and the influence we hold in shaping urban culture across the nation and internationally, it runs deep. From house music and footwork to conscious rap and drill, Chicago has been a cultural cornerstone, birthing movements and voices that echo far beyond city limits.

That’s why moments like GloRilla giving Queen Key her flowers 💐 hit different. It’s more than just a viral moment, it’s recognition of legacy, talent, and the resilience of a city that has long been under credited and over influential.

Queen Key has always represented raw, unapologetic energy, the essence of what it means to be from the Chi and its surrounding communities. For another artist to publicly uplift her on tour is a powerful testament to sisterhood and respect in hip hop, especially amongst women at that young women, in an era where the city’s women are claiming space louder than ever.

Chicago isn’t just on the map, we are the map. The artists, the culture, the style, the stories, we influence the world, and it’s about time that legacy is consistently honored.

Flowers 💐 today. Crowns 👑 tomorrow.

Easy O’Hare Is Still Taking Flight ✈️ : From Cabin Pressure to Young Bulls

Culture News

Chicago-Easy O’Hare, a standout voice in Chicago’s hip hop scene, teamed up with producer Uncle JoNH III to release Cabin Pressure, a tightly crafted 9 track album that dropped in 2024. Known for its gritty sound, sharp lyricism, and unapologetically Chicago feel, the project showcased Easy’s ability to turn personal stories and city life into immersive music. From soulful samples to streetwise bars, Cabin Pressure solidified his rep as an artist with staying power.

Single from Cabin Pressure

One of the album’s highlights, “KeepItTall,” featuring ESC Deez, has received new attention with a freshly released visual that captures the raw chemistry between the two. Watch the new video below 👇🏽. It’s a reminder that real art doesn’t fade, it grows with the artist.

Adding to the momentum, Easy O’Hare and ESC Deez recently joined forces again for “Bs,” the official theme song for the upcoming TV series Young Bulls. Promoted globally by Milwaukee’s own KB The Playmaker, and executive produced by industry veterans Stan Sheppard and Glasses Malone, Young Bulls shines a spotlight on Midwest talent, and Easy’s voice leads the charge. Check out the “Bs” video here, and you’ll see why this duo continues to demand attention.

From the Cabin Pressure cockpit to television soundtracks, Easy O’Hare is flying on his own frequency and the culture is catching up.

Listen to Cabin Pressure on all platforms and click here to listen.

Stay tune for Cabin Pressure Reloaded & catch him performing this summer.

Fat Money Levels Up: From Donda 2 Collaborator to CincoDeToven with Zaytoven

Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

Chicago–Fat Money (formerly Ty Money), a prominent Harvey-Chicago rapper and lyricist, continues to make significant strides in the hip hop scene. Renowned for his sharp lyricism and deep rooted Chicago influences, Fat Money has been a consistent presence in the industry since 2014, releasing multiple studio albums and mixtapes.

In 2022, Fat Money collaborated with Kanye West on the Donda 2 album, contributing as a co-writer and recording several reference tracks for both released and unreleased songs. This collaboration not only showcased his versatility but also solidified his position among hip-hop’s elite with a sought after swag & sound. He’s also worked with Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre.

Building on this momentum, Fat Money has unveiled his latest project, CincoDeToven, a collaborative effort with legendary producer Zaytoven. This release is part of his annual CincoDeMoney series, traditionally launched on Cinco de Mayo. CincoDeToven blends Fat Money’s incisive storytelling with Zaytoven’s signature trap symphonies, offering a fresh yet familiar soundscape for fans.

Meanwhile, Kanye West’s Donda 2 has been at the center of several legal disputes. The album, initially released exclusively through West’s $200 Stem Player device, faced challenges due to its unconventional distribution method. Producers like ATL Jacob, who worked on tracks such as “Pablo,” “Keep It Burning,” and “Louie Bags,” have reported not receiving payment for their contributions, citing confusion over royalty distributions stemming from the album’s release strategy. 

Additionally, West faces multiple lawsuits over unauthorized samples used in Donda 2. Notably, Ultra International Music Publishing sued him for allegedly sampling Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 track “Move Your Body” without permission in the song “Flowers.”  Another lawsuit by Artist Revenue Advocates LLC claims that West misused music created by several artists in his songs “Hurricane” and “Moon” without proper authorization. 

Despite these controversies, Fat Money’s trajectory remains upward. His collaboration with Zaytoven on CincoDeToven and his involvement in high-profile projects like Donda 2 underscore his growing influence and commitment to pushing creative boundaries in hip-hop. Listen, purchase, and save the project here.

The Latest in Hip-Hop: Diddy & Jay-Z Faces Explosive New Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault of a Minor in 2000

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks
Jay-Z
Diddy
I do not own the rights to these images

In the latest chapter of what’s quickly becoming one of the most shocking scandals in entertainment, Sean “Diddy” Combs & Jay-Z is facing new legal trouble. A civil lawsuit filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act alleges that Diddy & Jay-S raped a 13-year-old girl during a post-MTV Video Music Awards party in 2000.

The anonymous plaintiff, now 37, claims she was drugged at the party and later assaulted by Combs and another unidentified male celebrity. According to the suit, a well-known female celebrity allegedly stood by and watched the attack happen. These are serious allegations that have cast an even darker shadow over Diddy, who’s already been accused of sexual abuse in multiple other lawsuits over the past

The Accusations in Context

This latest case isn’t an isolated incident, it’s one of several lawsuits filed against Diddy under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The law, which temporarily extended the statute of limitations for survivors to bring forward cases of sexual abuse, has opened the floodgates for long-hidden accusations in the entertainment world.

Diddy is also grappling with federal sex trafficking charges and remains in custody after being denied bail twice. While his legal team continues to deny all allegations, the number of claims stacking up against him paints a troubling picture. The story is still unfolding.

What About Jay-Z?

Reports didn’t mention Jay-Z in connection with earlier filings on October 20, but the latest refiled lawsuit on December 8 naming Jay-Z, does directly implicate him in this case. This leaves questions hanging about whether other figures in the industry will be dragged into the legal drama.

His legal team released a statement via Roc Nation on X:

PR Team’s Communications
Lawyer of Plaintiff ‘s Response via X.

Why This Matters

For years, the hip-hop industry (and many others) have been dogged by rumors of abuse, exploitation, and unchecked power. Now, with lawsuits like this coming to light, the culture and society are being forced to reckon with its darker side. The allegations against Diddy don’t just implicate him but they raise concerns about how power, wealth, and influence have shielded people from accountability for decades.

As this story develops, it’s clear that these accusations are bigger than Diddy & many in power, it’s a human rights issue.It’s about a systemic issue that has harmed too many people for far too long.

We’ll be watching as the court proceedings unfold. Justice, it seems, is finally knocking at the door of the elite but let’s hope it doesn’t just clean out the predators in Hip Hop only.

Sources: NBC News, CrimeOnline, People,

Celebrating the Heart of Education: National Teachers Day & Week

Community, Culture News, Scholarly Works

Chicago, IL– National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week are dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions of educators in the United States. The history of these observances’ dates back to the 1940s.

  • Early Advocacy: The idea for a day to honor teachers was first proposed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953. She persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators.
  • National Teachers Day: In 1980, the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates began discussions with Congress about creating a day to honor teachers. The NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March.
  • Presidential Proclamation: In 1985, the NEA Representative Assembly passed a resolution declaring the first whole week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first entire week of May.
  • Official Recognition: In 1980, Congress passed legislation officially designating National Teacher Day as the Tuesday of the first week of May. This became a national day to honor teachers.
  • Continued Recognition: National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week have been celebrated annually since then. Schools, communities, and organizations nationwide use this time to thank teachers for their dedication and hard work.
  • Global Observance: While the specific dates and names may vary, many countries worldwide have similar observances to recognize the contributions of teachers.

These observances allow students, parents, administrators, and communities to express their appreciation for teachers’ vital role in shaping the future.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2