Game and his Monarch Butterfly Tattoo

“Whats the deal with the new butterfly tattoo on my face and the tears? Man, it just represents new life. I got the teardrop on some bad shit, stupid shit dont even gotta go there but its new life, man. After the shooting and shit, and Hot 97, and all that, donatin money to the kids, [and] my sons birthday. And then I felt like, if in 2001 after I woke up out the coma and shit; if a nigga wouldnt a made it, if I [wouldve] died, I wouldnt have,you know what Im saying? Like, the Hip-Hop world, wouldnt know Game, man.”

Represents “New Life”, that sounds cool. Why would somebody cover up something that represents so much to them? It’s like the ‘LA’ tattoo smashed on his ‘new life’.

The ‘Dark LA Star’.

If you are awake, you will see.

by Staff Writers

In recent years, online universities have opened many doors for individuals from a variety of backgrounds who may not have otherwise been able to pursue further education. Across the globe, this is fueled in large part by the increasing availability of high speed Internet access. While there are still some areas that have lower Internet penetration rates and slower data speeds, which may prevent them from fully accessing multimedia content, individuals from developed and developing countries alike are flocking to online education. In the near future, we can expect to see access to affordable and flexible education programs continue to flourish as the growth of technology access increases in countries across the world.

by Staff Writers

School’s out for summer! School’s out forever three months. If you got busy with your classes and it’s just dawned on you that a summer internship might look better on a résumé than “Beat Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on veteran level,” there’s a slim chance you can still secure an eleventh-hour position somewhere. Unfortunately, at most companies the application process has ended. But look on the bright side: for highly sought-after internships like these, even had you applied months ago, the odds were still strongly against you landing one. Check them out.

1. Google

   We’ve all heard the storiesof how awesome it is to work at Google, so it’s no surprise that every year the giant Internet company is inundated with thousands of applications from college students copping their best “don’t be evil” attitudes. The lucky ones who make the cut get the same perks as regular employees, meaning the gourmet meals, rock-climbing wall, spa treatments, and game room are all theirs to enjoy. They even get to sit in on meetings with Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Best of all, the internships are year-round and have flexible start and end times.

2. ESPN

   When there’s a book out that describes a job with the title, Those Guys Have All the Fun, you know there’s going to be mad competition among students trying to get their foot in the door. For 90 paid summer internship spots with “the worldwide leader in sports” in 2010, 10,000 people applied. That number went up to 13,000 in 2011, and will probably go up again this year. Students can edit video, work as a sideline reporter, produce content for the website, and much more. Helpful hint: try for one of the fall or spring internships. There’s much less competition.

3. Southwest Airlines

   Southwest has a fun, unique corporate culture that makes it one of the best companies in the countryto work for. Because interns are treated like employees and get to get in on the fun while earning experience, a Southwest “NoLimits” internship is highly coveted by college students. Interns are given their own special projects, from designing T-shirts for employees to creating animated safety programs for pilots. And of course, there are the perks: intern Happy Hour, casual dress code, company parties, and flying for free. Yes, free flights. The line starts over there.

   

4. Vogue

   The success of shows like Project Runway and Fashion Star have proven that interest in the world of fashion is as rampant as ever. And although print media have fallen on difficult times, for college women (and men) who want to break into the industry, Vogue is the place they all want to be. Just two years ago, a one-week gig at the iconic magazine was auctioned for $23,000, giving whole new meaning to the phrase “paid internship.” Hopefully that kingly sum bought that intern the privilege of eating in the cafeteria, instead of the closet.
   

5. Pixar

   How many interns get to see their name in the credits of a movie after their summer of work? For the 30 lucky winners of a 12-week internship at famed studio Pixar, it’s a serious possibility. Needless to say, thousands apply for a coveted spot working here alongside some of the best animators and special effects artists in the business. But there’s also plenty of time made for play. Past interns think back fondly on the free cereal bar, dodgeball matches, celebrity sightings, company parties, and movie screenings.

6. The White House

   Ambitious youngsters who dream of a career in “the loop” aim for the top with their internship applications. Current undergrads must compete with 6,000 other current, incoming, and recently graduated college students for a couple hundred spots as a White House intern. These jobs are unpaid, of course (have you seen the deficit?), but applicants come for the chance to serve their country while making connections for a possible career in Washington. At the end, interns are treated to a send-off from the leader of the free world himself.

7. FASB Postgraduate Technical Assistant Program

   An internship with one of the “Big Four” accounting firms is notoriously hard to come by. Imagine then how coveted an internship is that, upon completing it, makes all four companies slobber over you. The Financial Accounting Standards Board awards just six summer and six winter internship positions each year to postgraduate accountants. To even apply, a student has to be nominated by a professor and approved by the dean at their school. When their one-year, salaried stint working with the accounting standards-setting process ends, interns write their own ticket.

8. JP Morgan Chase

   JPMorgan Chase has weathered the banking crisis and remains one of the most stable financial firms in the world. For finance majors, an internship with the company remains a highly competitive and sought-after resume highlight. A summer internship is a common way to begin a full-time career at Chase, as the firm frequently hires former interns. It takes a solid GPA (3.5 or so), but it’s one of the highest-paying internships out there. A spot in research, asset management, investment banking, or elsewhere can fetch upwards of $12,000.

9. Marvel

   After 10+ years of excellent superhero movies, everyone is a comic book fan. For an internship with the company behind Spiderman, Iron Man, The Avengers, and Thor, you’ll need super résumé skills to separate you from the mountain of applications the company receives. The 30-odd positions are unpaid and are only awarded to students who can receive college credit for them, and some of your duties may involve making copies or similarly mind-numbing activities. But that doesn’t stop a legion of comics fans from holding their breath for a spot at the center of the action.

10. Huffington Post

    With its content aggregation bolstered by original content, The Huffington Post is arguably the face of the new journalism of the 21st century, and journalism majors have taken note. Each year since 2009, an internship at HuffPo has been sold at auction for $13,000, $9,000, $14,400, and $5,200, respectively. Interns can take advantage of the company nap rooms, then get back to work sharpening their craft on the forefront of Internet reporting and content production. The company created the Joe Jr. Awards to recognize the best college journalism with a paid internship for students who “live, breathe and sleep journalism.”

11. 

Student loan debt has now reached $1 billion, and the situation has gotten so bad that there are Americans who are having their Social Security checks garnished to pay off outstanding loan debt. Meanwhile, recent graduates sit in a precarious position of underemployment, combined with doubling rates and rising monthly bills as their loans are sold from one lender to another. It’s clear that we’ve reached a crisis point. But what got us here?

There are several places where we can lay blame: colleges, for becoming so expensive and ignorant of student finance, the government, for restrictive policies and inflating prices with student aid, private lenders with predatory tactics, and even students for allowing themselves to get in too deep. The fault lies not with just one, but all of these student loan villains, who have all done their part to bring us to a very real point of trouble. Read on to learn in detail how each of these groups has played a role in the destruction of student loans.

• Colleges

  Although students, Congress, and banks are catching a lot of flack for the student loan crisis, many are pointing out that the high cost of college that creates the need for so many mind-blowing loan bills is the real problem. Cato Institute research shows it costs just $8,000 a year to educate an undergrad at the average residential college, while most students pay double that: $16,000 at public universities and $37,000 at private ones. What’s making up this major discrepancy? Multimillion dollar sports programs, glowing recreational facilities, excessive administration, and tenured faculty who may or may not actually be teaching are the most likely culprits. It seems that colleges can raise their prices because they know they’ll get paid one way or another, whether it’s through grants, scholarships, loans, government contributions, or endowments. Colleges raise tuition, get more aid, and raise tuition again in a vicious cycle that is not at all beneficial to students.

• Financial aid offices

  Whether the heart of the problem lies with price of education or not, it seems that colleges aren’t doing a whole lot to make student loans a responsible process. Financial aid offices aren’t known as places that will gently point out to students that perhaps they’ve gotten in over their heads, even though they often have a full picture of just how bad a student’s financial situation has become. Financial aid offices are in a great place to assess the financial situations of students and give them a reality check before they get in too deep. But it sure doesn’t seem like colleges want to do that. Some, like NYU’s VP of Enrollment Randall Deike, believe that it would be “completely inappropriate” for universities to take on such a role, as “some families will do whatever it takes for their son or daughter to be not just at N.Y.U., but any first-choice college.” Others may be hesitant to point out the problem, as it will likely send students to a different, cheaper college and push down enrollment numbers. U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tom Harkin are working on a solution to this problem, introducing a bill to require that colleges offer counseling to students who are seeking private student loans.

• The federal government

  Government intervention into student finance has been well-intentioned, but produced disastrous results. US News and World Report points out that the federal goals of making a college education within reach, while requiring that debts ultimately be repaid certainly seem reasonable and noble, but have not exactly worked out as planned. Where there was once a $2,500 annual limit on federal student loans, there’s now a $31,000 limit for four years. As the federal government pumps out more financial aid to help students afford college, colleges find that they can charge more for tuition, making education less affordable. And just about everyone can take out a student loan, giving colleges no incentive to keep costs down while students continue to rack up five-figure loan bills just to get a four-year degree. Even if students declare bankruptcy in the future their student loan debt lives on, as the government has deemed that student loans are not dischargeable. Beginning in 2014, student loan forgiveness laws will go into effect, capping federal loan payments at 10% of a student’s income, and forgiven after 15 years. This is excellent news for the future, but it doesn’t do a whole lot to help out those who are struggling today. Loans can be deferred, but ultimately, they must be paid.

• Lenders

  The government isn’t the only one handing out student loans like candy. Once students reach the limit on what they can borrow through federal student loans, they can turn to private lenders with much less favorable terms, but the same non-dischargeable debt. This fills the gap between what the government will provide, and what students need to actually pay for school, but it’s a dangerous situation to be in.nStudents with private loans are often subject to having their loans sold and terms changed, which can alter their loan payments by hundreds of dollars per month. These loans are convenient for students who need them to get through school, but their existence is highly problematic. Lenders like Sallie Mae and Wells Fargo have been accused of making subprime loans to student borrowers, not taking into consideration the risks behind these loans. They’ve given money to students attending schools with low graduation rates, students who may or may not actually finish school, get a job, and have the means to pay back their student loan. What happens then? They just sell off the debt, or, get a government bailout to cover the losses. The five biggest private student loan lenders have made profits reaching well into the billions, but at the same time, were able to get a $112 billion bailout from the government for loans that could no longer be sold.

• Students and their families

  We hate to blame the victims, but we have to ask: what exactly did students think they were getting into? Why didn’t parents save? Many programs exist. Obviously, many students feel that they don’t have a choice, and student loans, even subprime ones, often mean the difference between getting a college degree and not going to school at all (or worse, dropping out halfway). With big plans to get a great job after graduation, we’re sure that most students feel confident that they’ll be able to pay their student loan bills off without a whole lot of trouble. But why aren’t students more wary of taking on so much debt, especially with poor job prospects? We have to point out that there are often situations in which students could have acted more responsibly, and must bear some of the blame for our unfortunate student loan situation. It is possible to graduate college without debt, even if your parents haven’t saved one red cent. Enrolling at an in-state public college, starting out in community college, hunting down scholarships, picking up part-time work and paid internships, and even living at home are all major ways that students can make their school bills more manageable. Would we be in this situation if more students availed themselves of these options rather than taking a blind leap of faith right into crushing debt?

Ultimately, many parties are responsible for the student loan crisis. As we reach a point of decision, it will be interesting to see if and how colleges, Congress, lenders, and students themselves make a change for the better.

This was dope.

After introducing two album cuts, “Don’t Have You” & “Lonely Roller” (ft. J.Nics), Steven A. Clark released the non-album cut “Chemistry” a couple weeks back, a spontaneous collaboration with production team Mr. Familiar. Steven added his own spin to what was originally an instrumental release for Mr. Familiar’s upcoming Time Traveler EP. Steven A. Clark and The Free Lve Collective, a Miami based lifestyle brand, presents an “out of this world” interpretation of visual chemistry. “Chemistry” promo video created and edited by Free Lve.

Download & Streaming Link: http://soundcloud.com/le-music-group/steven-a-clark-x-mr-familiar/s-ub681

New York, NY- May 14, 2012: Members of the X-Men and X-Ecutioners recently reunited to celebrate the life of Roc Raida at the “Roc for Raida” Listening Party at Scratch DJ Academy in New York City. DJs Sean C, DJ Diamond (Diamond Jay), Mista Sinista, DJ Precision, Rob Swift, and Boogie Blind gathered to reminisce about Roc Raida and showcase routines for an intimate crowd.

“Roc for Raida” is available at http://www.djrobswift.com

Directed by Joe Pacheco – peanut butter no jelly productions

This was hella dope.

“Pass Dat” featuring King Sun is the second official single off of Fokis’ upcoming “Vintage Album“, Produced by HipHipHeredia (Fokis’ Older Brother).  King Sun was one of the first and most successful Afrocentric hip-hop artists in the early 90′s, he was a force on and off the mic.  His Gold Selling album Righteous But Ruthless featured the smash single “Be Black“ which solidified his place in Hip-Hop history.

The Vintage album is scheduled for release this summer and features Hip-Hop legends Kurtis Blow, DMC, Grandmaster Caz, Brand Nubian, Kool G. Rap, Spoonie Gee, King T, MC Eiht, Mic Geronimo, N.O.R.E. and more. Created with two purposes in mind, “The Vintage Album” was intended not only to salute Hip-Hop’s pioneers but also to re-create the sound and feel of the early 80’s through the mid 90’s.

The song has been made available as a pay what you want download via Bandcamp.  Pay nothing or pay something, the choice is yours.  

Previously: Show Em’ How To MC Ft. Grandmaster Caz - http://fokis.bandcamp.com/album/show-em-how-to-mc-ft-grandmaster-caz-maxi-single

Download  the Let’s Ride EP Now : http://soundcloud.com/boneyblack/sets/boney-black-lets-ride-ep

Twitter ~ @BoneyBlack
Youtube ~ http://www.youtube.com/officialboneyblacktv
Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/BoneyBlack

This was hella dope.

This was dope.

He Still Think He Raw, Produced Entirely By DJ Fresh, To Be Released May 22

The Song:Next week, on May 22nd, Hieroglyphics rapper Casual will release his latest album, He Still Think He Raw. The album, which will be released through Hiero Imperium, is produced entirely by DJ Fresh & The Whole Shabang, and today, following a string of previous video and single leaks, Casual is excited to release a brand new track from the album, “Sushi” featuring Mr. Town. “This song was inspired by the production,” says Casual, pointing out the beat’s loose, heavy drums and slickly chopped sample. “DJ Fresh’s beat did it all.” Atop that beat, Casual, with the help of Mr. Town, unwinds a series of stroies, each one a sly, salacious tale. “I sip wine, with this chick of mine/ When I see a little fine mama, with a behind on her,” raps Casual. “See, mama didn’t know that I was sushi/ ‘Till she seen other baby trying to seduce me/ No she’s choosing/ And I’m her top pick/ That’s what she get/ For thinking she was hot shit.” Download “Sushi” here: http://media.audibletreats.com/Casual-Sushi_Ft_Mr_Town.mp3 Pre-order He Still Think He Raw: http://www.hestillthinkheraw.com

Included is the MP3 for Quake Matthews “Warrior” (Remix) f/ Freeway & Termanology:  http://hu.lk/cpuoy4uqd3r7

Quake Matthews has returned to the scene with his sophomore release The Book Of Matthew. The track and accompanying music video mark the first solo effort for the Halifax hip-hop artist since 2010’s The Myth.

The Book Of Matthew is available for free download at quakematthews.com. The 11-track project features production from industry heavy-weights like J. Cardim (Lil Wayne, Joe Budden, Ludacris) and Tone Mason (Drake, Jay-Z) and guest appearances from Freeway, Termanology and Canadian R&B crooner JRDN.

The 23-year old described the project “I feel I’ve really come into my own as an artist since The Myth was released. I named the album The Book Of Matthew because it’s a very reflective, personal record of my journey thus far in music. I want to give fans a taste of everything, not just the good times, but the highs the lows and all the moments that define who I am in between.”

Follow Stalley’s Savage Journey through Europe as he tackles Lisbon (Portugal), Paris (France), Antwerp (Belgium) and London (United Kingdom) over a five day span in this five part series.  Check out more at www.stalley330.com and follow @Stalley and @Bluecollargang.  Directed by Kellen Dengler.  Download Stalley’s Savage Journey to the American Dream at http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/16438/stalley_savage_journey_to_the_american_dream.html.

Before the college tours and the studio sessions, Willy Dope and GiF of Par-City were avid party goers in their own right. “I Love This” serves as an anthem that aptly describes Par-City’s early transition into the party life as musicians aspiring to be superstars. Follow them on twitter @GifTheGreat @WillyDope

Par-City’s “I Love This” produced by Tom Davis.

Before the college tours and the studio sessions, Willy Dope and GiF of Par-City were avid party goers in their own right. “I Love This” serves as an anthem that aptly describes Par-City’s early transition into the party life as musicians aspiring to be superstars. Follow them on twitter @GifTheGreat @WillyDope

Par-City’s “I Love This” produced by Tom Davis.

K.R.A feat. Czar — Медицина [prod. by K.R.A][2012][by R1ffRaff]
K.R.A – http://vkontakte.ru/id88106777
Czar – http://vkontakte.ru/id132876864
съёмка и монтаж – by R1ffRaff – http://vkontakte.ru/r1ffraff

This was dope.

Track 10 from REKS’ latest heat rock Straight, No Chaser gets the video treatment. Straight, No Chaser is entirely produced by Statik Selektah and features appearances by Action Bronson, Slaine, Termanology and more.

MP3 Link: http://hu.lk/4j4x1n236utl

Purchase Straight, No Chaser at iTunes: >http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/straight-no-chaser/id515353637

2012 was a crazy year… and album, that’s how hip-hop heads worldwide will remember it. Following in the footsteps of great DJ/Producer and MC duos like Eric B. & Rakim and Gang Starr, Statik Selektah & Termanology once again combine to form the powerhouse group 1982. The formula is perfected and flawless as Statik crafts the perfect sonic landscapes for Term’s more mature and sophisticated delivery; see the uplifting first single “Shining.”

Holding Term down on the microphone side of things are great guest spots from some of the hottest new talent in the game; Mac Miller, Roc Marciano and Freddie Gibbs blend nicely with iconoclasts Bun B., Havoc of Mobb Deep and Lil Fame of M.O.P and Shawn Stockman from Boyz 2 Men. 2012 has already garnered high praise as this month’s Source Magazine has given the full length it’s coveted “Independent’s Day” column and XXL has a great review ready for it’s May 22nd issue. The duo will also hit the road in both the states and abroad, April – July for full tour support of the album. 2012 will indeed be the year of 1982

Statik & Termanology’s 2012 LP will be released on 5-22-2012

Included is a link to “What The Streets Want,” which is a bonus track from 1982’s “2012” LP.

DL Link to 1982’s “What The Streets Want”: http://soundcloud.com/clockworkmusic-2/1982-statik-selektah-7

I like this group. This was dope.

New Free EP Dimensions Scheduled For May 22 Release; “The Birthday Song” Serves As Final Leak

The Song:Earlier this month, Fly Moon Royalty announced their new EP, Dimensions. The EP, which will be released as a free download on May 22nd, is a thank you to fans that supported Fly Moon’s self-titled debut, and following the recent release of lead single “My Heart Keeps Pumping,” AdraBoo and Action Jackson are excited to give fans a brand new track today, “The Birthday Song.”Despite a potentially deceiving title, “The Birthday Song,” says Fly Moon Royalty, isn’t meant to be taken on face value. “This song isn’t your average Happy Birthday song,” explains AdraBoo. Inspired by a close friend, the song is instead about how being around a close friend or loved one can brighten even the darkest days. For his part, Action Jackson delivers a bright, bouncy instrumental, complete with keys, bells, and chimes, as Adra sings on the song’s hook, “You make everyday feel just like it’s a birthday/ Can I share 365 more with you?” Download “The Birthday Song” here: http://media.audibletreats.com/Fly_Moon_Royalty-The_Birthday_Song.mp3

This was dope.

With God Save the King Copywrite delivers another brutally honest record that reaches for new creative heights with all of the crazy punch lines, deep metaphors, true wordsmithing and all of the technical razzle dazzle anyone could ever ask for.

iTunes Purchase Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/swaggot-killaz-feat.-jakki/id495499931

This was dope.

His name says it all; standing at well over six feet tall and with the intimidating muscular build of a linebacker, Big Shug’s physical presence alone is enough to command attention. His voice, a hoarse rumble effective for delivering both fearsome threats or smooth crooning as his alter-ego Shugie Diamonds, is one of rap’s most instantly recognizable. As both a solo artist and founding member of Gang Starr, his name has consistently shown up in album credits alongside hip-hop’s elite for over 20 years.

But despite that, Shug has never courted the spotlight. As countless other rappers, and even Gang Starr themselves, fell by the wayside, he has persevered through fans’ evolving tastes and a changing record industry by staying true to the ideals – integrity, respect for the streets and love of music – that have fueled his career. Nowhere is that more apparent than on I.M. 4-EVA.

Stitching together the various parts of his career into one, this album, true to its title, is a comprehensive look at who Big Shug is, where he came from and where he is going. With his bruising flow over classic DJ Premier produced cuts bringing back nostalgic 90s memories, he pays tribute to the fans who have stuck with him since the beginning. I.M. 4-Eva – Shug’s fourth solo album and his first since 2008′s Other Side of the Game – marks the next chapter in his ongoing maturation as an artist. The album reunites Shug with old friends like M.O.P., Fat Joe and Premier, while also connecting with a new generation of hip-hop fans via collaborations with Reks, Termanology, Singapore Kane and Slaine.

In addition to the 17 all new studio cuts Brick Records has presented a timeless package; a hard back, 36 page book chronicling The True History of Gang Starr as told by Big Shug, plus anecdotes from his 20+ year career, rare never before seen vintage photos and more. Through his words and his music, Big Shug truly shows here why he is 4-EVA. Big Shug’s I.M. 4-Eva LP and The True History of Gang Starr will be released on 7-24-2012.

This was dope.

Cameron GreY speaks directly to “GenerationY” with his new video for “Just Dream” as it encapsulates the hopes, thoughts, wishes and yes “dreams” of all upcoming/starving artists!

Upon releasing his first mixtape, Space Jams, (hosted by Mr. Peter Parker & DJ Ill Will) in 2009 Cameron GreY began opening for established acts such as Clipse, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Travis Porter, Asher Roth, Twista, Chip Tha Ripper, Machine Gun Kelly. Opening up for those artists set the table for his second mixtape, N.A.S.A. (Never Allowing Success To Alter), in 2011, which quickly became a fan-favorite at Datpiff.com.

Continuing a story is never easy (most movie sequels validate as much), but Columbus, Ohio native Cameron GreY’s latest mixtape, Crash Landing, is not necessarily a sequel, as much as it is a continuum from where he left off with N*A*S*A*. Cameron GreY’s music soars with the astronauts and all spacey inhabitants and Crash Landing proves that he cannot be confined to time nor space (nor should you!).

Crash Landing includes a collaboration (“If I Were King”) with fellow Columbus native Copywrite.

Tracklisting and credits for Cameron GreY’s Crash Landing:

1.) “Dreaming” (produced by BraveStarr)

2.) “Crash Landing” (Skit)

3.) “Intro To Crash Landing” (produced by BeatsPlanet)

4.) “I Had To Go” (produced by Kid Flash)

5.) “Miles Above” f/Smitty, Archie T Comma, Meechie Nelson & Cali KiD DuBz (produced by Clyde Strokes)

6.) “Shoot You Out The Sky” (produced by Track Officialz)

7.) “Captains Log Day 1” (Skit)

8.) “No Tomorrow” (produced by Hedonistic Beatz)

9.) “Feet On The Moon” f/Scotty Woo (produced by J Gramm)

10.) “Just Dream” (produced by Ear 2 The Beat)

11.) “If I Were King” f/Cal Scruby & Copywrite (produced by Sean Divine)

12.) “Keep On Rollin” (produced by Ear 2 The Beat)

13.) “Captains Log Day 2” (Skit )

14.) “Mary Jane” (produced by Lady Gwaii)

15.) “Alone With My Thoughts” f/Lady Gwaii (produced by Joey Cutlass)

16.) “Floating In Space” (produced by Downtown Music Production)

17.) “Can’t Go Back” (produced by Downtown Music Production)

18.) “Smoke Signals” (Skit)