Love Supreme: A Universe Made In Heaven on Earth, manifested by Mindbender Futurama

WORD TO SLUG AND SAGE:

Sage Francis has recently recorded a free song titled "Conspiracy to Riot" in response to the unjust arrests of of journalists, protestors and ordinary bystanders by this year's Republican National Convention in St. Paul MN.

The RNC was marred by the arrest of numerous journalists, including "Democracy Now!" host Amy Goodman and two of her colleagues. Also arrested was Jared Paul, colleague of Sage Franics.

Francis writes, "out of the thousand unjust arrests that will happen this year, why am I focusing on this one in particular? Jared Paul is a fellow Providence poet and musician. We've lived together, toured together, protested together, argued with one another from time to time, and shared many incredible moments over the past 15 years. He is a social worker, a community organizer, a selfless human being and a champion of justice. He'd do the same for me in return. He'd probably do the same for you."

To raise awareness of the situation and money for Paul's ongoing defense, Sage Francis recorded a song, "Conspiracy To Riot," and will be giving it away for free at www.ConspiracyToRiot.com . Jared Paul's complete story is there, along with a place where donations can be made to his defense fund. Slug (of successful independent group Atmosphere) posted his bail.

Francis added, "this has less to do with a friend of mine possibly looking at jail time, and more to do with citizen's rights continually being trampled on. There are thousands of innocent people in jail right now because of their lack of finances. This is a principle thing as much as it is personal."

WWW.HIPHOPDX.COM

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CHRIS ROCK, THE NEW REVOLUTIONARY?

WOW

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COLIN MUNROE IS WONDERFUL.

HOW WONDERFUL? THIS WONDERFUL!

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KARDI, ALWAYS.

BIG UP TO STOLEN FROM AFRICA!

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THIS IS WHAT TIME IT IS:

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WE DON'T BELIEVE YOU, YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE:

Busta Rhymes has had an interesting week. After previewing his new album, unveiling news about a new release date and a new dance, Busta's gotten the chance to perform in London, even after overcoming a conflict with the UK High Court. After all of this, he has been able to come out and reveal his new found joy.

In a recent interview with Tim Westwood, of Westwood Radio, Busta spoke on all of this.

"A lot has changed in the last two months since I last seen you. They detaining me for 12 hours in the immigration," he said, speaking on his immigration hold up before his recent London show. His attitude has also changed to one of joy.

"[I] got a new label situation. I got a new album release date, December 9. I'm happy,"

The songs on his new album may feature some songs that were set to release on his final Interscope album.

"First and foremost, all the records that was gonna come out on the last records was my records," says Busta. "So at the end of the day, my records are on the new label."

He also spoke on what the label move meant and how he felt about his former label, saying, "Big up to Interscope because they put up two hot leak records for me."

A new song that's got some people talking, for better or worse, is "Arab Money." Speculations of a politically incorrect connotation swarmed the song at first, but Rhymes spoke on what it should be taken to mean.

"It's called 'Arab Money.'...'Take the Money' or 'Arab Money'," he said before speaking on his interpretation of the song. "Sometimes, people like to twist things. We ain't mockin' the culture. we ain't tryin' to be disrespectful. Ain't no racism going on right here. If you listen to the song, you see that we are actually acknowledging the fact that the Arabian culture, a middle East culture is one of the few cultures, that value passing down hard work riches that's been built amongst the family."

"It would be nice if a lot of other cultures did the same thing. Feel me? So, I would like for it to be like that in my culture where we could build things to the point where we got so much that we don't need to rely on other cultures to contribute majorly in a financial way, or in whatever other way, to societies, communities or whatever governments we might live in. So, we are actually biggin' up the culture. At the end of the day, I want to be like that. I think a lot of us want to be like that."

His new album is set to hit stores December 9. He is also featured on JakeOne's White Van Music.

WWW.HIPHOPDX.COM

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KID CUDI IS IN G.O.O.D. HANDS:

G.O.O.D. Music's latest addition, Kid Cudi, recently spoke to Urb.com about contributing to Kanye West's 808's And Heartbreak, his upcoming album and how it feels to be a part of West's label. In addition to his solo offering, due in early 2009, the Cleveland native can be found on at least two songs on the West's upcoming album.

"It was dope, helping him brainstorm and all that stuff," says Cudi, who often refers to himself as "The Man on the Moon." "It's like being in the studio with myself 10 years from now. The energy is intense and it feels dope that someone like him gets my vision."

Early reports describe 808's And Heartbreak as an album that relies heavily upon singing and Antares' Auto-Tune technology. While Kid Cudi didn't necessarily deny the rumors, he says singing sometimes has its merits.

"When I’m saying it or listening to it or singin’ it back, it just feels good, rather than just saying a rap," says Cudi. "It sounds a whole lot more interesting…it doesn’t sound so dry. It brings a lot of my character out. I’m a real feel-good type person. And I feel like I have a real good spirit in me. I feel like I can portray that through the melody."

West has yet to give a specific date for 808's And Heartbreak, only stating, "I changed my album to November something 'cause i finished the album and I felt like it." Kid Cudi previously released a mixtape in conjunction with the streetwear clothing company 10 Deep.

WWW.HIPHOPDX.COM

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not much else matters, except this:

Duckdown boss man Buckshot was released from the hospital on Thursday (10/3) after spending eight days in intensive care after suffering from a series of seizures.

The rapper was originally taken to the hospital following his return from an oversees tour. After returning to the States, Buckshot endured a number of seizures and was rushed to receive medical treatment.

Buckshot is not believed to have a history of health issues, however, according to a spokesman for his label, doctors say the rapper was “physically drained” and perhaps exhaustion triggered his seizures.

The rapper was released from the hospital under his own care and to show his turn around in health, he danced his way out of the facility.

“I want to thank all the fans who called and wrote emails extending their well wishes and prayers,” Buckshot said in a statement. “All the support helped me recover that much quicker.”

The rapper has a number of projects on the table. First, is a collabo album with KRS-One for Duckdown. Then Buckshot and 9th Wonder will team again for their third album together. And Buck will reunite with his partners DJ Evil Dee and 5FT for Black Moon’s fourth studio album.

WWW.XXLMAG.COM

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AND THIS TOO, CAUSE THE SONG IS DOPE:

His new song is called “Gettin’ Up” and fittingly Q-Tip is calling on his fans to do just that. And take a stand while they’re at it.

The A Tribe Called Quest front man took to his MySpace blog and asked that his fans help him work toward getting his video aired on BET’s 106 & Park.

“[BET] kinda played me,” the rapper wrote.

Tip explains how he tried to have his video listed to be voted on by 106 & Park, however the clip was never placed among the poll. He cites the network telling him the video was “different.” Although Tip makes it clear he’s not slighting the network, he is asking for his fans to support his having taken a chance.

“I have been doing my music for a long time and I want to continue,” he wrote. “But when you are a real artist and you take chances, which my whole career is based on, you have to force your way through to be effective sometimes. BET feels my video is “different” meaning it doesn’t fit. I want to change that. My video “Gettin’ Up” was posted four days ago and is already over 100,000 views thanks to you! Now let’s take this to the mainstream. A win for me is a win for Lupe, Mos Def, D’Angelo, The Roots, the Cool Kids, Pacific Division, J-Dilla, etc. If BET is forced to play it when it’s time for other artists of our nature to [get] play it will be easier.”