Crimeless Punishment

After three years of incarceration, justice has prevailed for Genarlow Wilson, a 19-year-old Georgia native who was convicted of aggravated child molestation after having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old classmate. Genarlow was released on Friday afternoon after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that his ten year sentence was a cruel and unusual punishment.

The conviction in the Wilson v. State case was based on a video tape of Genarlow receiving oral sex and engaging in intercourse with a 15-year old girl at a New Year's Eve party in 2005. A poorly written Georgia state law led to his ten year sentence; at the time of Genarlow's conviction, provisions for similarity in age that allowed underage consent to be taken into account were only applicable to vaginal sex. So basically, Genarlow spent three years in jail for getting head. Crazy. A former honor student and star athlete, Genarlow is excited about returning to his normal life and picking up the pieces. We are celebrating this long overdue victory for Genarlow and his family.

Drunk Texting: The week in review...

On Tuesday Common's new video, "I Want You" had its world premiere. It was directed by Kerry Washington aka Common's new boo...The video is pretty dope.

Complex Magazine is the Downtown bible and now all of you loyal disciples have a place to worship, the Complex Platinum Club!

On Tuesday the exclusive invite only store opened, it will carry all the products in the magazine. All the products in the store are hand picked by the editors at Complex magazine.
The store is located inside the Training Camp store at:
Training Camp
1079 6th Ave., 41st St
New York, NY 10018
The store will be open Tuesday-Friday from 2 p.m.-7:30 p.m. with private appointments on Saturday. It will carry all the brands that keep you fly: Y3, Adidas, Nike, Jordan, Visvim, Staple, Gilded Age, WeSC, Fred Perry, Supra, DC, Clae, ALife, Creative Recreation, Crate Denim, Penfield, No Mas, Maharishi, MHi, Real Real Genuine, Freshjive, Still Life, Kangol, Baxter of California Men’s Grooming, Nooka, Nixon watches, Paul Smith Eyewear, Modern Amusement Sunglasses and Leica Cameras.
Damn, Leica cameras? that's what's good!

Happy Birthday!

On Thursday night Harlem's Goliath Sneaker shop had an anniversary party. The bass was blasting, the beer was bubbly and the kicks were fresh...everything was super copacetic...Shout out to my lil brother Tyrone, who works at Goliath. Congratulations on 3 years going strong!

This week another track got leaked off the American Gangster album...

Excuses for Nooses

A friend sent me this disturbing video that accuses CNN of reporting biased stories on hate crimes that favor African-Americans. The video in a nutshell: Black people are killers and need to stop crying over the recent noose stories in the news. I am on going on a YouTube hiatus for the evening. Over and out.

Norfolk 7

Exit Jena 6, enter Norfolk 7. A group of 7 African-American boys were caught on tape jumping a 13 year old white boy. We supported the Jena 6 - don't support the Norfolk 7.

No Words

We here at GFC are no fans of racism. However, we also don't condone or dismiss ignorance. You remember the Jena Six, the group of young men in Louisiana who were victims of excessive sentencing in a racially charged series of disputes? A recent YouTube video shows a not so vulnerable side of one the defendants, Robert Bailey. While activists including Mos Def, Cornell West and Al Sharpton protested on his behalf, Robert was allegedly flossing and thugging on his My Space page. Sensationalism could be at play here...You be the judge.

Halloween Fun

Natural Hair: A Glamour No No

If you are a subscriber or reader of Glamour Magazine, I suggest you think twice about that next purchase. The magazine has been added to the long list of companies that "subtly" express discriminatory remarks against Black people. A group of female attorneys at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (a reputable law firm in New York) hosted a workshop on the do's and dont's of corporate attire this past August. A staff writer of Glamour was invited to facilitate the workshop. The first slide of the presentation was the picture of a woman with an afro - a huge no no according to the writer. Dreadlocks were also condemned, and the presenter expressed her disbelief that people still find this hairstyle "appropriate". "No offense, but those political hairstyles really have to go," she informed the room of 40 women, 10 who were African American. Cindi Leive, the editor in chief of the magazine, issued a statement apologizing on behalf of the magazine and expressing that the staffer's opinions on natural hair is not the opinion of Glamour. "Glamour is proud of its diverse readership and celebrates the beauty of ALL women. We have responded directly and openly with readers to assure them of this fact. We have also apologized to the law firm, and we extend the same apology to you."

This type of ignorance is infuriating. As a Black woman with natural hair, I was really offended by the staff writer's comments. She clearly has no clue about Black hair care. To assume that afros and dreadlocks are a political statement is pretty offensive and...stupid. Unfortunately, these types of comments don't surprise me at all.

Mad Scientist

James Watson, the scientist who sparked a great deal of controversy after his assertion that black people are less intelligent than white people (see previous post below), has now cancelled several speaking engagements in Europe. Watson, who works at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, NY, was suspended after the public's reaction to his statements. Watson issued an apology last Thursday, saying "To all those who have drawn the inference from my words that Africa, as a continent, is somehow genetically inferior, I can only apologize unreservedly...That is not what I meant. More importantly, there is no scientific basis for such a belief...I cannot understand how I could have said what I am quoted as having said. I can certainly understand why people reading those words have reacted in the ways they have." Classic case of copping a plea. It doesn't seem to be working in this case, as Watson remains in hot water with his employer. Kudos to Cold Spring for punishing his inexplicable behavior.

That's My N*GG*

Nas Responds back to the black leaders about his upcoming album title, now revised to be called NIGGER

"I'm a street disciple...I'm talking to the streets. Stay out of our business. You ain't got no business worrying about what the word 'nigger' is or acting like you know what my album is about without talking to me. Whether you in the NAACP or you Jesse Jackson. I respect all of them ... I just want them to know: Never fall victim to Fox. Never fall victim to the sh-- they do. What they do is try to hurry up and get you on the phone and try to get you to talk about something you might not know about yet...If Cornell West was making an album called Nigger, they would know he's got something intellectual to say...To think I'm gonna say something that's not intellectual is calling me a nigger, and to be called a nigger by Jesse Jackson and the NAACP is counterproductive, counter-revolutionary."

Click HERE to read the rest of the story.

I can't wait for this album to come out.

Blacks Are Members of the Less Intelligent Race...

...as per respected scientist and Nobel Prize winner James Watson. Watson made less than subtle comments regarding the intelligence of Black people in a recent interview with The Sunday Times, stating that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours - whereas all the testing says not really." He said he hoped that everyone was equal, but countered that “people who have to deal with black employees find this not true”. Watson's arguments were described in a 3-page article on the UK Times Online magazine website. What is most concerning about this story is the fact that these baseless and ignorant statements were made by a respected geneticist who was a recepient of one the greatest academic honors.

For someone that is to be of the more intelligent race, I find this scientist's argument groundless and based on unsubstantiated evidence. What are the "tests" that he references that prove his stance? How does his belief explain the genius of historic and contemporary Black pioneers -- Dr. Benjamin Carson, George Washington Carver, and the builders of the Egyptian pyramids, just to name a few?

But what do I know, I am a member of the less intelligent race, right? To read the complete article, see the related link HERE

N*GG* Please...

This has to be the most hilarious and disturbing definition of journalism. Watch below.

Kudos to Nas for continuously addressing issues, whether it is in a tasteful matter or not is for you to decide. But as your grandmother would do to you, sometimes you need to be force fed no matter the taste; this being one of them.

Seems like "folks" are scared of the word N*GG* now. They weren't scared 300, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5 , 1 year ago. This is straight up comedy, look how they're acting. Do they really care about it's affect on society or are they on the bandwagon with the rest???

Whether or not Nas names his album N*GG*, to me, is not the issue here. I believe he's stuck the challenge to American society and corporate America. Let's see whether or not constitutional rights will be upheld or reduced to obsolete ideals. Let's see if media will continue riding the artist/s or start addressing the idea of corporate responsibility. And most importantly, the continuation of racial and cultural dialogue because we can't allow it to be swept under the rug...Oh yea, last but not least, we can't forget promoting an upcoming album of one pop cultures prominent artists ;)

To teach, learn, and make money at the same time...That's what I call Education at its finest.

PSA: Big Things Poppin

“I give a fuck about the FED’s investigation on me/
I don’t care that they at my shows and they waitin’ on me/
I’ma keep on flossin’, poppin’ long as Toomp is on the beat/
Tell police’s I ain’t stoppin’, I’ma keep it in the streets/
Contrary to yo beliefs, I’m as real as you can be/
Fuck yo thoughts and yo feelings, n*gg* you don’t know me” - T.I. 'U Don’t Know Me'

"Okay my money real big,choppers is still here/
they catch me with it, fuck it I'm doing my lil bid/
and my drop top riding with my glock cock riding/
I'm looking for them niggas',where they at stop hiding, hey!" - T.I. 'Top Back Remix'

This is when art imitates life or vice versa...He sure wasn't lying, peep the photos.


PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Listen folks...The Feds buy albums, The Feds read Feds & Don Diva, The Feds have technology, The Feds are backed by Bush...Basically they don't play games, so WATCH YO MOUTH.

T.I. hope you make it out of this one. Hope this is a lesson learned. Only you know how many lessons should be learned from this situation.

Make Sure You Don't Miss Curfew

Shelwanda Riley, a 15 year old girl in Florida, was recently arrested for a curfew violation. Shelwanda was picked up by an officer and punched and pepper sprayed. Check out this bone chilling footage.

In The News

This past Sunday, two football teams faced off in a game on Staten Island. The Hellfighters, comprised of mostly black highschoolers from Harlem, arrived to find the word NIGGER written in black marker on their team's bench. The players were insulted by the racial attack. The good news: the Hellfighters went on to kick the Seagulls asses, beating them 44-36 and elevating their record to 5-1. Though the win is a bleak victory in the war against racism, it is an example of Black youth defeating ignorance and hate with their talent and not their fists.

A group of lawmakers are pushing for new legislation that will make hanging a noose a felony. State Senators Eric Adams and Bill Perkins and State Assemblyman Dov Hikind spoke outside of Teachers College this past Sunday proposing that a provision be made to the law that currently makes it a felony to draw a swastika on private property. "Just as the swastika rips at the heart of those who have experienced anti-Semitic incidents, this is a symbol of hate,” said Senator Adams. My question is, what's the hold up?

GFCtv: China Loves GFCnewyork

Drunk Texting (Week 1): The Fader Magazine x 49

Fader magazine celebrated the release of the 49th issue last week at Love on Macdougal ...Spank Rock performed...he was a lil much for me...but I love the maggy...

Drunk Texting (Week 1): Jay-Z, Need We Say More?

Jay-Z leaked this onto the internet last week... This is soooo piff...roll up ya dollar bills...lets go!

Drunk Texting (Week 1): Blame It On the Liquor

Week in Review:

Sneaker pimps came to NYC last week...$25.00? Okkk for Nas and Slick Rick, ok. I heard Nas went in though....did like 20 songs...that's wassup...
I went last year, wasn't really impressed...considering I waited in the cold cause the line was hella long... And eerrybody was acting brand new...acting like they too cool for school... Oh yea Ghostface almost spilled his liquor all over my IDs, 1 of 1 in the world.........nah, I'm good.

Noose Abuse

The saga continues - another noose was found, this time at the Church Street Post Office close to Ground Zero in New York City. Employees spotted the noose on a lamppost outside of the post office on Thursday, and the incident was reported to NYPD's Hate Crimes department. The department is still investigating the noose incident at Columbia University, and is combing through over 56 hours of surveillance tapes that the University hesitantly handed over yesterday. Nooses, apparently, are the new trend in promoting racism against African-Americans. These incidents are appalling and shocking, especially in such a diverse city. Be aware people, be very aware.

TheFader.com is "Hip" to Mickey

Check Mickey Factz out on the Fader blog. It's only the beginning of what's to come.

Video: Blue Magic

Directed by Hype Williams

Opening of New Museum

This winter, December 1st, contemporary artist will have a museum in the capital of the world that they can call their's. The New Museum of Contemporary Art, a state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot home located on 235 Bowery, will be New York's only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art.

Designed by Tokyo-based architects Sejima + Nishizawa/SANAA, [the] breathtaking facility will feature beautifully proportioned galleries, a theater, an education floor, [the] renowned New Museum Store, a café, a top floor event space with roof terraces, and more.


Other Relative Links:
New Museum, NY Times Mar 2007
SANAA, Vogue Nov 2006
SANAA Site

Noose Hanging At Columbia University

First Jena Six, then a copycat incident at the University of Maryland. Now, an incident of racial bias strikes in New York City, the capital of diversity in the United States. Columbia University was the setting of the most recent racially biased incident when a noose was hung on the door of an African-American professor at Teacher's College in Harlem. The noose was discovered this morning, and the incident was reported to the NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force. And, just two weeks ago, graffiti was found on the stall of a bathroom in the International Affairs Building which said, "Attention You pinko Commie Motherfuckers and Arab Towelheads: America will wake up one day and Nuke Mecca, Medina, Tehran, Baghdad, Jakarta, and all the savages in Africa. You will all be fucked! America is for White Europeans."

Students are currently protesting on the surrounding blocks of the university's campus on 116th and Broadway, and Columbia's president Lee Bollinger will be meeting with the students later this afternoon. We will continue to do our part and keep you updated - do your part by staying informed.

True Originals

Check us out in this months new issue of Trace Magazine with Common and Lily Allen on the cover. We're apart of the feature titled 'True Originals' which is highlighting the various people and collectives that are influencing the cultural landscape of what we know as the New New York. Also check for Faile, 1992, and A.L.I.E.N., as they're several of the groups in the feature that are leading the way.

Nike & Vault present a photographic exhibition by Boogie

Nike & Vault present a photographic exhibition by Boogie

October 11th-December 20th, 2007

Open Reception:

Thursday, October 11th, 8pm-10pm

21 and over

RSVP @ BOOTS@NIKE.COM

I Like Your Supras

"Ma take my boxers off, but keep my Supras On"

This video is about to take the internet by storm.

Beats, Rhymes, & Life

Brooklyn Bodega & The Hip Hop Institute, in conjunction with VH1 Hip Hop Honors and powerHouse Arena present

• HIP-HOP HONORS PANELS 2007 •

Saturday, October 6, 2007 - 12-2pm
powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Dumbo, Brooklyn
F Train to York Street, A/C to High Street

PANEL #1: A Tribe Called Quest, The Birth and Evolution of a Legend: A Tribe Called Quest is one of the few universally respected groups in the history of Hip-Hop. Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Phife (and sometimes Jarobi) crafted five outstanding albums over a 10 year period that defined what is know referred to as the Golden Era of Hip-Hop. Their music has influenced artists from Kanye West to T.I. to J Dilla and many more. Come join us as we discuss the group’s genesis, evolution and legacy. Let’s separate fact from fiction and why this group holds such a special place in Hip Hop.

Panelists:

Jeff Sledge, Senior Director, Jive Records
Brian Coleman, Author, Check The Technique
Eskay, Writer, Nahright.com
Dallas Penn, Dallaspenn.com, Internet Celebrities
Lynn Johnson, Senior Editor, Fast Company
Buttahman, Director of Music & Talent, MTV

Seconds of My Life

New York City's favorite visual griot, Jamel Shabazz, is at it again with Seconds of My Life. Go Pick it up now.

Seconds Of My Life
by Jamel Shabazz

PHOTOGRAPHY / URBAN CULTURE / NOSTALGIA
HC, 8 x 10.75 inches, 256 pages,
250 four-color photographs
ISBN: 978-1-57687-360-1

OCTOBER 2007
$35.00 USD

Check Out The Exhibition
October 6–November 11, 2007
The powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
For more information please call
212-604-9074 x100

GFCnewyork in Hong Kong

So the team just recently came back from Hong Kong. Mickey Factz had a show out there, so you know it was major. I'll be putting some video footage from the trip up soon, but here are some pics of Hong Kong to get you started.

Congressional Hearings on Hip-Hop Censorship & Responsibility