Serena Took Australian Open Finals For 5th Title [Video]

Over the weekend Serena Williams won the Australian Open for the fifth time in her career, making her the tournament's winningest player, man or woman. Her and her sister Venus also took home the doubles title in this year's tournament by winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3. The Williams sisters are undefeated in grand slam doubles finals and are 4–0 Australian Open doubles titles.

The Making of Sade’s Soldier of Love Album [Video]

New D’Angelo “1,000 Deaths”

Some new unmastered music from the voodoo child himself. Its always great to get some new D'Angelo that we have never heard before.

Erykah Badu – Jump Up In The Air (Stay There) f. Lil Wayne & Bilal

Her website premiered a video earlier this weekend on Friday with this track playing in the background. This is still the "web" bonus track on this album. This is apparently the first of ten different versions of this song with ten different rappers.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Erykah Badu – Jump Up In The Air (Stay There) f. Lil Wayne & Bilal

Lauryn Hill & Julian Marley – Turn the Lights Down Low Live [Video]

Akon - Oh Africa (Feat. Keri Hilson) Video x Music

Akon with the help of Pepsi and Keri Hilson recorded this song to help make a difference with underprivileged children in Africa. This song will be officially released during the GRAMMY awards. Watch the official Making Of… “Oh Africa” (Behind The Scenes footage) as well as the official video while you're here.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Akon - Oh Africa (Feat. Keri Hilson)

Mos Def: Ecstatic Moments (Photo Exhibition) In L.A.

There’s a photo exhibition that started yesterday at the HVW8 Art & Design Gallery in L.A. called “Mos Def: Ecstatic Moments.” It will showcase rare exclusives images of Mos Def captured by photographer/filmmaker Cognito over the two year span it took to complete The Ecstatic, of either behind the scenes moments or from tour dates around the world.

The show will only last one week, so if you’re in or around Los Angeles, make the trip. If you miss it, the pics will be compiled into a book. Also, there’s an exclusive tee that they’re selling at Union LA for the event (as well as on their online store.)

Joell Ortiz - Exhibit H(aiti)

Joell gives a quick Haiti history lesson over Jay Electronica's Exhibit C.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Joell Ortiz - Exhibit H(aiti)

New Erykah Badu Off New Amerykah Part 2

Yesterday Ms. Badu let the world know that she was leaking a new track via Twitter. The song has not title yet but premiered today at 3:33pm on here site. It's believed to be a track from New Amerykah Part 2 which is set to come out 3-30-2010. To hear the song and see the visuals for it go HERE. The teaser feature snippets of the video for the bonus track, "Jump In The Air," featuring Lil Wayne and Bilal.

Corinne Bailey Rae – It Be’s That Way Sometimes

This is the iTunes bonus from Corinne Bailey Rae’s The Sea album out now.

LISTEN/ DOWNLOAD: Corinne Bailey Rae – It Be’s That Way Sometimes

"A Different World" Episode of The Week: Here's to Old Friends

So much can be learned from this episode and how Dwayne's old friend Milt believed that Hillman (HBCU) was holding Dwayne back, and encouraged him to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania. Dwayne however was reminded of all the great things he got at his HBCU and the feeling of family that Hillman held for its students. He defended the school's academic reputation to Milt and made him realize that its the person that makes the school, not the school that makes the person.

YEBies Update : Myron Rolle

Former FSU player and current Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle talks about his football future and life after his football days are over. Its great to see that this brother has a great plan outside of football and that he wants to work as a doctor to benefit people of poor and undeveloped nations across the world.

PREVIOUS: The Ultimate YEB...

Theo Martins – Veni Vidi Vici [Trailer]

Staying on the topic of Nigeria, here's the trailer for RI's own Theo new mixtape “Channel Surfin,” with DJ Wreckineyez dropping Feb 1st.

More Christian & Muslim Violence In Nigeria

Read more about whats going on over in Nigeria at either of the links. Link 1/ Link 2

The Vice Guide to Liberia By: VBS.TV [Video] Updated

Viewer discretion is advised... I don't agree with everything they reported and said but this is still very interesting none the less.







The remaining 3 parts have yet to come but will be here soon.

Updated: The last 3 parts are here

K'naan - This Is Africa (T.I.A.)

Thursday Throwback Track Of The Day: Mary J. Blige Ft Grand Puba "What's The 411?"

One of my all time favorite songs ever. The way this song flowed together was too incredible.

Today In Black History: Arthur Ashe

On this date in 1970 Arthur Ashe was denied entry to compete on the US Team for the South African Open tennis championships due to Ashe's sentiments on South Africa's racial policies. Ashe was arrested on January 11, 1985, for protesting outside the South African embassy in Washington, D.C. during an anti-apartheid rally. He was also arrested again on September 9, 1992, outside the White House for protesting on the crackdown on Haitian refugees.

Today In Black History: "Steve Biko"

On this date in 1997 South Africa's Truth Commission had the nation's police confess to the 1977 murder of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.

PREVIOUS: Today In Black History

Mos Def - White Drapes (Video) x The Tournament

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Mos Def - The Tournament

CurT@!n$ – CDR Freestyle [Video]

Spotted this freestyle from DopeBoy C over at 2DP

President Obama x Los Angeles Lakers x Wale Freestyle

Earlier this week on January 25, The President welcomed the Los Angeles Lakers to the White House to honor them for winning the 2009 NBA Championship. While the Lakers were in town they beat up on my hometown Wizards. That same day DMV's own Wale dropped a new freestyle.

LISTEN/DOWNLAOD: Wale - O Let's Do It Freestyle

Sade – Skin

The next song to come out off of Soldier Of Love, which is dropping Feruary 8th. This will be added to the weekend rotation immediately.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Sade – Skin

President Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address

RIP Howard Zinn: The Voice of The Forgotten Man (August 24, 1922 – January 27, 2010)

The great Howard Zinn died yesterday at the age of 87 in Santa Monica, Calif, where he was traveling. The Boston University historian and political activist who wrote "A People's History of the United States," made the young and old rethink the way textbooks had taught us the American experience for year in our school systems. I was personally was introduced to Mr. Zinn in 11th grade by my AP US History teacher. I actually still have my book from that class and often reread it. His way of thinking was not one that you often saw from his generation. Reading his book had a powerful influence on many of the books I read after and how I read the standard textbooks I had to read. Zinn challenged regular history with how he charged Christopher Columbus and other explorers with genocide, picked apart presidents from Andrew Jackson to Franklin D. Roosevelt and celebrated workers, feminists and war resisters.

YEBies Birthday: Anita Baker

On this date in 1958 Anita Baker was born in Toledo, Ohio. The eight time Grammy Award winner has had great career that has included her having four platinum and two gold albums. Her biggest hits to this date are still "Sweet Love" and "Giving You The Best That I Got"

The Birth Of A Rebel With A Cause : Angela Davis

On this date in 1944, Angela Davis was born in Birmingham, Ala. Angela Yvonne Davis lived in a section of town called “Dynamite Hill,” because of the violence used by white on black to maintain residential segregation. She would go on became involved with the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Black Panthers, and the Communist Party. The government tried to make a case that Angela brought George Jackson a 9mm pistol hidden in her Afro hair. Angela was on the FBI ten most wanted lists. After apprehension she was jailed for almost a year and a half before being tried for murder and conspiracy. She went under ground until caught and put on trial. In June 1972, Davis was acquitted of both charges in a highly publicized trial.

CurT@!n$ – Exodus [Video]

The Dope Boy C is at it again, this time with the video for Exodus which is one of his most recent joints. The video was shot, directed and edited by Va$htie.

Lyriciss - The Practice [Mixtape]

After a little delay, here's the latest from the DMV's own Lyriciss. You can definitely hear his growth as a MC on this mixtape. Be on the lookout for more music from this dude in 2010.

1. The Practice [prod. Jab The Future]
2. The Future
3. Give 'Em A Show [prod. Jab The Future & Lord Vada]
4. Like Me (f./Theo Martins)
5. Microphone (f./Pro'Verb, ChRis BaRz, & KT)
6. Hustler (f./Kingpen Slim, Laelo Hood, & Rayz) [prod. Lord Vada of EQuinox Professionals]
7. QuESt Drop
8. Still Doing My Job [prod. Sheezy Beatz]
9. It Ain't Hard To Tell '09 [prod. Lord Vada of EQuinox Professionals]
10. Bright Nights [prod. E-Minah aka Grussle]
11. What You Thought [prod. Soulful!]
12. New Day (f./RAtheMC) [prod. Rich Craft]
13. You Wrong (f./Cayan) [prod. Ben Pramuk]
14. Cross Country Connect (f./Fashawn) {SNIPPET} [prod. Mark Henry]
15. Fashawn Drop/They Told Me [prod. G-Way]
16. Successful
17. Shawn Chrystopher Drop
18. Blinded [prod. G-Way]
19. Hard Times (f./K-Beta & Muggsy Malone) [prod. Lord Vada of EQuinox Professionals]
20. We Got It [prod. David E. Beats]
21. Thank You [prod. E-Minah aka Grussle]

DOWNLOAD: Lyriciss - The Practice [Mixtape]

Reflection Eternal Interview With MTV [Video]

The Vice Guide to Liberia By: VBS.TV [Video]

Viewer discretion is advised... I don't agree with everything they reported and said but this is still very interesting none the less.







The remaining 3 parts have yet to come but will be here soon.

Updated: The last 3 parts are here

Malcolm and Martin Mondays

I thought these two guys should always be around at the beginning of each work week reminding us how far we have come, but also how far we need to go. I don't know how long I'm going to keep this but we shall see.

Melanie Fiona Talks With Billboard

YEBies Birthday: Gloria Naylor

On this date in 1950 Gloria Naylor was born in Brooklyn, NY. The Women of Brewster Place and Mama Day are two of her most famous works. Her novel The Women of Brewster Place was adapted into a 1989 film of the same name by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions.

Today In Black History: Constance Baker Motley

On this date in 1966 Constance Baker Motley became the first African American woman to be appointed to a federal judgeship. Before this she was a leading civil rights lawyer. In 1950 she wrote the original complaint in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. The first African-American woman ever to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, in Meredith v. Fair she successfully won James Meredith's effort to be the first black student to attend the University of Mississippi. In 1964, Motley became the first African American woman elected to the New York State Senate. In 1965, she was chosen Manhattan Borough President—the first woman in that position.

The Birth Of "Miss Peaches" aka Etta James

On this date in 1938 Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins in Los Angeles, California, to an unmarried 14-year-old. Etta would go on to have a career that would span over 40 years. For years Etta James has been one of the most overlooked Blues and R&B singers ever. Beyoncé Knowles portrayed the R&B singer in the 2008 film Cadillac Records, which was loosely based on the rise and fall of James's Chess Records.

Today In Black History: Black Entertainment Television (BET)

On this date in 1980 Black Entertainment Television (BET) began broadcasting out of Washington, D.C. Robert L. Johnson founded the network after stepping down as a lobbyist for the cable industry. BET has since branched out to create BET On Jazz, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop.

Wyclef Jean & Mavado – Hold On [Video]

Lauryn Hill Live At Raggamuffin Festival In New Zealand [Video]

Lauryn Hill hit the stage at this year's Raggamuffin Festival in Rotorua, New Zealand and performed her classic hit, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”.

Saturday Cinema : Alex Haley's Roots

On this date in 1977 ABC began televising the Roots mini-series (which would go on to be the most watched mini-series in history), based on Alex Haley's book on his family's journey from Africa to America and their struggles in Pre-Emancipation America. The final episode became the third-most-watched TV program in history with at the time of its airing.

Today In Black History: Liberia

On this date in 1821 Minister Lott Cary left the United States leading a group of fromer slaves, most of whom were members of the American Colonization Society, to colonize a small portion of West Africa. This area would go on to become the Repulic of Liberia by 1847.

Jay-Z feat. Bono, The Edge & Rihanna - Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

This track has Jay-Z along with Bono, The Edge and Rihanna who all came together for Hope for Haiti. 100% of proceeds from the sale of the Hope For Haiti Now album and any of its individual live performance tracks will go to Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam America, Partners In Health, Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, and Yéle Haiti Foundation. 100% of proceeds from the sale of the individual track, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour),” will benefit Partners In Health. This song will be available on iTunes, January 25th.





Listen: Jay-Z feat. Bono, The Edge & Rihanna - Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

Nas & Damian Marley – Strong Will Continue

This has been rumored to be the lead single off the joint venture between Nas and Jr Gong which still has no official release date. All we can do is wait and hope that it drops sometime within the first two quarters of the year.

Listen/Download: Nas & Damian Marley – Strong Will Continue
Previous: Nas & Damian Marley – Distant Relatives (Album Cover & Rumored Tracklist)

B.o.B - Hip-Hop Saved My Life Freestyle [Video]

This is actually over a year old but the video was recently released and who wouldn't mind hearing some B.o.B. when there's a opportunity.

YEBies Birthdays : Jam-Master Jay

On this date in 1965 Jason William Mizell was born in Brooklyn, New York. He would go on to move to Hollis, Queens at age 10 with his family where he would meet Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and create the most influential rap group of all time. Run- DMC was at the forefront of rap and the hip-hop scene and laid the ground work during the "Golden Era" of rap for artists of today.

RIP Jam Master Jay...

75 Most Powerful Women Of Color In Business

Black Enterprise (who was founded by Morgan State alum Earl G. Graves) recently came up with a amazing list of the most powerful black women in business today. They used a unique criteria to make sure they had the top of the top. When the list was all said and done they had a list which included CEOs, CFOs, Sr VPs, and Presidents of many of companies. The list however did not include any elected or appointed political representatives who currently hold national, state, or local office, including state treasurers, comptrollers, or commissioners who have oversight of corporations and industries. It also excluded educators, activists, and heads of nonprofit and civic organizations.

To see the entire list click HERE

YEBies Presents: Weekly Tax Tips For The Win (WTTFTW) Week 3

Welcome to the third edition of the WTTFTW, where this week I want to focus these tips towards Investors. These tips are for those who are saving for retirement or those investing for the right now. Either way you are gonna need to know how to keep Uncle Sam from working you for your savings this year.

Tax Tip 1: Understand Your Capital Losses: The IRS allows individuals to use your capital losses to reduce your capital gains to 0. In cases where your Losses exceed you Gains, you are only limited to a $3,000 deduction on you tax return. However, the remaining losses can be carried forward into future years to offset gains. With the market collapsing in 2008 and slightly recovering in 2009, it is possible you are in a situation where you would be able to use last years capital losses to reduce 2009 gains. Remember that you can reduce the capital gains to 0, and take up to $3,000 in capital losses in this situation.


Tax Tip 2: Contribute to the IRA Traditional. IRA (not ROTH IRAs) contributions are available deductions to taxable income. For 2009, the maximum amount you can contribute to your IRA is $5,000, out of that $5,000, you can keep $3,500 on your 2009 tax return. The biggest benefit is you have until April 15th, 2010 to contribute to your IRA and still take a deduction for your 2009 tax return. That is a huge benefit for taxpayers with extra cash looking to reduce your 2009 taxable income, as well as, help you start saving towards retirement.

Tax Tip 3: Understanding Your Qualified Dividends. Qualified dividends are reported on line 1b of your 1099-Div, these dividends are subject to a lower tax rate of 15%. You can go here for a description on qualified dividends. This tip is to inform you that your qualified dividends from line 1b. are included in 1a. (Ordinary Dividends) on the form 1099-Div. So, in order to prevent double counting and overstating your income make sure your subtract 1b from 1a when entering ordinary dividends.

That's it for the Weekly Tax Tips, check back next week for some more crucial information and remember your W-2's and 1099's should arrive before January 31st. Again, if you have any questions/concerns, just leave a comment.


Peace,

Your Resident Taxpert

QuESt - Exhibit Q

Words from QuESt-

Ok so…I’ve been working non stop for the past couple months on my upcoming
project “The Reason: A Defense Mechanism.” Taking my time making this project is
very important. I want this to be my best work to date. As I want with every
major project that I release. While I’m still working on “The Reason: A Defense
Mechanism”, I took some time out seperately to compose a mixtape with my homie
Dj RTC from the good folks at Ruby Hornet. Its called “How Thoughtful” &
will be presented by YesIamQuESt.com & Rubyhornet.com.Just a little something to
hold everyone over until “The Reason: A Defense Mechanism” is released. “How
Thoughtful” will be released to the world on Feburary 11th. In the meantime
here’s a leak from it called “Exhibit Q”….Why not right?. “The Reason: A Defense
Mechanism” Still has no set release date. But my team and I are aiming for an
early summer release.

How Thoughtful……..

-QuESt

Listen/Download: QuESt - Exhibit Q

Big Sean – MIllion Dollars [Video]

This is the first video from Finally Famous, now hopefully the album will be following not to long behind. What a lot of us wouldn't do right now for a million dollars.

Nardwuar vs. Janelle Monae [Video]

This is kind of old but I thought you guys might get a kick out of it any way, so watch and enjoy. Hopefully we will be getting more great music from this amazing lady sometime this year.

Wale x Raheem Devaughn x Phil Ade x Tabi Bonney x X.O. Live @ Haiti Relief Concert (Video)

For those who missed the show at the 9:30 club, here's a glimpse of what went down when the DMV Hip-Hop scene came together to raise money for the Haiti Relief.

Have You Done Your FASFA Yet?

If there is any possibility of going to school this year, please sign up and take care of your FAFSA. Make sure you get as much money as you can for school from the government this 2010-11 academic year.

Sign up or update HERE

Lyriciss "The Practice" Promo [Video]

"The Practice" is the culmination of struggle, of the hustle and grind, of the interminable will to succeed despite all odds. It is the summation of raw emotion not quite quantifiable and the epitome of optimism at its highest form when life pushes the other way.

iLLVibes made it a point to be a part of Lyriciss' squad to promote this project. We've been students of his music and of his work ethic for a while now, so it was only right that we got on board to do all we can to help push this project. Along with this promo, expect a mini-series of sorts, as we got a chance to catch up with the Voice of the Metro, a documentary chronicling just a few days in the life of Lyriciss. It's the Practice!

Fred Hampton Jr. – D2S Interview (Video)

Jay Electronica – Exhibit A (Trailer)

This was shot at the same time they did the Dear Moleskin trailer.

Today In Black History: The Jeffersons

On this date in 1975 "The Jeffersons" premiered on television. They were formerly neighbors of the Bunkers on "All in the Family," and the Jeffersons moved to Manhattan's East Side.

Today In Black History : Willie O’Ree

On this date in 1958 Willie O’Ree suited up for the Boston Bruins to make his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first black player in NHL history.

YEBies Birthday: David Ruffin

On this date in 1941 in Whynot, MS David Ruffin was born the son a Baptist minister. Ruffin would go on to become a lead singer with The Temptations and then a successful solo career before dying from a overdose of cocaine in Philadelphia in 1991. Still to this day he is remembered as one of the greatest lead singers Motown records ever had. His lead vocal on "My Girl" in 1965 paved the way for for the group and his solo career after.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The date Martin Luther King Jr. was born on was actually Friday, but since its not observed until the third Monday of January I thought this would be a great time to commemorate the rev’s born day.

Raheem DeVaughn – Mr. February X March Madness (Mixtape)

With Raheem DeVaughn having a new album (In Love & MasterPeace) coming out in stores on March 2nd, Radio Raheem decided to put together this mixtape for the fans to hold them over. On here he covers everything from Trey Songz, Wale, A Tribe Called Quest Sade, and more.

Listen/Download: Raheem DeVaughn – Mr. February X March Madness (Mixtape)

Play Cloths Joins The Haiti Relief Effort

The Clipse and Play Cloths have joined the rest of the support to do their part with the Haiti relief effort.

Haiti faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake - and several very strong aftershocks - struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. Over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince faced this catastrophe alone and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. Many people across the country have already started to contribute to the Haiti Relief Effort and Play Cloths must do its part as well. Sometimes it is very confusing when donating due to the high level of corruption within certain charities but in this instance we feel that WYCLEF JEAN is a man we can trust.

So starting today, Friday January 15th @ 3pm est, Play Cloths will release a signature Jack logo t-shirt designed for the Haiti Relief Effort. 100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED to the YELE HAITI EARTHQUAKE FUND (www.yele.org) which is an organization supported by WYCLEF. In order to send the donations as fast as we can, the Haitian Jack t-shirt will only be on sale from Friday, January 15th to Friday, January 22nd (one week only). We will be shipping Friday the following week. We cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is and every little bit we can give helps. We can only hope that our efforts combined with efforts from the rest of the world will help the people of Port-au-Prince immediately as well as create a better Haiti for the future.

Thank you all for your patronage.

Sincerely,

PC

To get the shirt and support go HERE

Gil Scott-Heron – Me And The Devil [Video]

Gil Scott-Heron's first album in 16 years drops February 9th entitled I’m New Here.

Related: YEBies Birthdays...

YEBies Presents: Camari Drew

Let me introduce you to the R&B singer Camari Drew. Hopefully this will be the first of many post from the young DMV artist. Camari has performed with local DC fusion band Lion Turf, as well as opened for Gym Class Heroes. Drew was also a part of the band which won the University of Maryland's Battle of the Bands. This past fall he also did several HBCU Yardfest. Camari is currently working on new material and a mixtape set to drop this spring. Check him out on his Myspace Music page. He had a nice Imeem page put together but we all know what happened to them.

Listen/Download: Camari Drew - Rock Your Hips / Camari Drew - Slow Wind / Camari Drew - You Want It

Happy Founders Day: Alpha Kappa Alpha

On this date in 1908 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the first organization of black Greek sisterhood was founded at Howard University in Washington, D. C. by a group of nine students, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle.

Thursday Throwback Tracks Of The Day: "Self Destruction" & "We're All In The Same Gang"

The Stop the Violence Movement was formed by rapper KRS-One. During a Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy concert, a young fan was killed in a fight. nt. Comprised of some of the biggest stars in East Coast rap at the time, the movement released a single ('Self Destruction') in 1989 with all proceeds going to the National Urban League.The song featured Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie), Stetsasonic (Delite, Daddy-O, Wise & Frukwan), Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E.Fresh, Just-Ice,Heavy D, and Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav).

A year later West Coast rap artists collaborated to create The West Coast Rap All-Stars. "We're All In The Same Gang" was made in 1990 as a anti-violence track for the west coast as gang violence was on a steady raise. It is considered the West Coast counterpart to the Stop the Violence Movement and "Self Destruction".

President Obama Pledges Support for Haiti

Today In Black History: "Sanford and Son"

On this date in 1972 "Sanford and Son" premiered on NBC. It starred Redd Foxx and the original show ran until March 25, 1977.