With the word “Urban” in the air the debaters discuss exactly what the word means.

Here are some of the questions that were raised and discussed during the debate:

Is “Urban” Music Black Music?

Why was it created?

Do all genres come from black music?

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As far as I am concerned the word “URBAN” should be banished!

Your thoughts please…

Adam Deacon

I have said on numerous occasions that for some strange reason British actor Adam Deacon seems to have become the ‘go to person’ when mainstream media outlets want to venture in to topics relating to all things “URBAN”. He recently appeared on the Eddie Nestor radio talk show to discuss the Stephen Lawrence trial/verdict  which for various reasons raised an eyebrow.

Anyway now in a recent interview featured on US entertainment mogul Steve Stoute’s The Tanning Of America website he talks about Race in the UK.

Check out excerpts from the interview below,

What box do you check on the Census?

Normally just White British.

A recent Gallup/USA Today poll found that many Americans feel that Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of racial equity has been achieved. What do you think?

I’m not sure how it is in America, but I think we are a long way off in Britain from what Martin Luther King dreamed of. Only recently in the UK we just witnessed the trial of Stephen Lawrence. It was a racial attack  but it took 18 years to put these guys to justice for a racial crime which everyone knew they were guilty of. So no, I still think we have a long way to go. Racism is still there but I just think it’s a lot more undercover these days.

What do you think of Jay-Z’s statement that “Hip-hop has done more than any leader, politician, or anyone to improve race relations”?

He might have a good point there. Everyone does listen to hip-hop, so I guess it does bring people together in a way. I don’t think people watch color when it comes to music anymore we have got past that now. If I’m honest, politicians don’t do a lot so I’m sure hip-hop must have had a bigger impact than any politician  has. That and Sesame Street!

How important is race when it comes to dating or marriage and do you have a preference when it comes to dating or marriage based on race?

I used to have a massive crush on mixed race girls; I had a massive stage of that. Everyone said I would grow out of it and I did eventually. Still love them, but now I like all types of girls. I’m like the United Colours of Benneton out here! I love blonde girls too. I would love to find myself a nice English rose one day maybe. But on a serious note, I think that it matters a lot less these days. I guess it all depends on the individual’s family or beliefs. Everyone is different.

In what aspects of your life is race still a factor?

I guess being an actor, my race counts a lot ’cause it’s probably one of the first thing a casting director would want to know. I find with myself its not so much a race thing that is a factor in my life but my class. I think that’s more of an issue for people in the UK for me.

Do you have a problem with non-African-American people who grew up on hip-hop using the n-word?

Everyone has their own opinion innit and ’cause I’m not Black I wouldn’t wanna say if it’s right or wrong but I know it can be used as just banter and it don’t have to be said in a harmful way. But generally, it’s just not a great word.

What is your tanning moment?

When I directed my own movie Anuvahood, people tried to say it would probably just be Black people that went to the cinema to watch it but I knew that wouldn’t be the case. All  young people would relate to the comedy and they did. They all  went out to watch it and they understood it too. Its not a Black and white thing anymore, it’s a culture

CLICK HERE to read entire interview.

“Everyone has their own opinion innit and ’cause I’m not Black I wouldn’t wanna say if it’s right or wrong but I know it can be used as just banter and it don’t have to be said in a harmful way.”

What the hell? The word “Nigger/Nigga” is wrong. END OF!

Your thoughts please…

Idris Elba

BBC America has announced that they will co-produce the third series of the hit BBC Drama Luther starring Golden Globe winner Idris Elba.

The new series will air later on in the year.

BBC Worldwide America’s general manager Perry Simon said,

Luther has been integral in establishing our new Dramaville franchise, the home for groundbreaking British drama. We’re excited to work once again with the incredibly talented writer Neil Cross and executive producer Phillippa Giles on this new ambitious four-part mini-series.”

I look forward to tuning in to the third series.

Elle Magazine (France) is in trouble after one of their fashion bloggers posted an article on the magazine’s website implying that President Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are the first fashionable African-Americans.

Blogger Nathalie Dolivo who can only be described as an ignorant little idiot believes that the Obamas have been influential in helping to improve the black race’s sense of style.

She wrote,

“For the first time, the chic has become a plausible option for a community so far pegged [only] to its street wear codes.”

“But if in 2012 the “black-geoisie” has integrated all the white codes [of fashion], they [do so not] literally. [There] is always a classic twist, with a bourgeois ethnic reference (a batik-printed turban/robe, a shell necklace, a ‘creole de rappeur’) reminiscent [of] the roots. It [has] shifted, [it is] new, desirable, powerful.”

Oh dear…The not so subtle racist shots just keep on coming folks!

So according to Nathalie before the Obamas came along black people had no fashion sense and wore tracksuits and trainers for hundreds of years right up until the President and the First Lady moved in to the White House.

And can somebody please tell me what “black-geoisie” means????? And what are “white codes of fashion?”

All I can do right now is just laugh at Nathalie Dolivo’s blatant stupidity.

Singer Rihanna is out to make as much money as she possibly can and while she still can. I admire the girl’s hustle.

Rihanna is set to join the Sky Living family. In her first ever television project, she’ll be executive-producing and appearing in an original and hugely ambitious new fashion series exclusively for Sky Living HD.

Synonymous with cutting-edge style, Rihanna is searching Britain for the next generation of raw, undiscovered designer talent and has hand-picked Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts to head up the challenge for her.

The show will celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity in the British fashion scene. With Rihanna, a fashion icon herself, and Nicola, who created her own Dainty Doll make-up range, at the helm, the show will recognise the increasing influence popstars have on mainstream trends.

With her world-class reputation and passion for style, Rihanna is perfectly placed to find an aspiring designer worthy of the chance to break into the hugely competitive world of fashion. Tasking Nicola with fronting the search, Rihanna will be heavily responsible for casting and will be involved in editing post-production.

Rihanna – who has sold 20 million albums – will also be hands-on as the programme showcases Britain’s most promising fashion designers. Over ten weeks the unknown designers will be challenged by Rihanna and Nicola to create outfits for a string of musicians and celebrities.

The final challenge and ultimate task for the winner will be to design a unique stage outfit for Rihanna’s Wireless performance in Hyde Park in July 2012. The chance to dress one of the world’s most famous women for an event that will attract worldwide coverage is the perfect springboard for the aspiring designer’s future fashion career.

Executive producer, Rihanna said:

“I’ve always had a great love of fashion. It’s a constant source of inspiration in my life, and is a big reason why I’ve grown into the person and artist I am today. I have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage. I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show.”

Nicola added: “I was so flattered when Rihanna asked me to work with her on this show. I’m so excited for us to get started on finding a new up and coming British designer who just needs a chance, a little bit of help in getting their skills noticed. There are talented people, undiscovered because they don’t have the means, or their circumstances are too far away from the fashion world. This show is here to discover those people and give them a shot. I’m looking for someone who can think outside the box, and who isn’t going to give up at the first hurdle. Ultimately, someone who can’t go ‘undiscovered’ anymore. I love both Rihanna’s music and her style. I love that she isn’t afraid to try new things. Her style is personal and that’s something I’m a fan of. You can see a genuine love for fashion in her. She is definitely one of my style icons.”

The series will come exclusively to Sky Living HD in summer 2012.Here’s how you can be a part of it.

[Thanks Ronke]

Rev Canon Dr John Magumba

Via The Guardian

A Church of England vicar has been jailed for two and a half years after carrying out dozens of sham marriages allowing illegal immigrants to live in the UK.

The Rev Canon Dr John Magumba was presiding over so many weddings involving foreign nationals his diocese put him in charge of a working party on how to handle marriages for foreigners – and how to spot sham weddings.

Magumba, a father of six originally from Uganda, “asked no questions” when marrying a stream of Nigerian men and eastern European women who began flocking to his parish in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, from across the UK.

The 58-year-old told local churchgoers that African worshippers did not feel comfortable around so many white parishioners so he set up separate “African services”.

The number of weddings rocketed after Magumba became the team vicar for St Mary’s in Rochdale, St Peter’s in Newbold and St Luke’s in Deeplish.

He also admitted two counts of theft from his church councils by not declaring income from weddings and funerals.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of conspiracy to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law by a non-EU person.

He also admitted two counts of theft from his church councils by not declaring income from weddings and funerals. Continue Reading…

Shame and disgrace. Look where greed and deception gets you.

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Your thoughts please…..

Adam Deacon

Actor Adam Deacon (28) announced on Twitter today that he has become an official ambassador for the youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

I am now an official ambassador for the @PrincesTrust n just been given the red royal badge to prove it!! haha..… twitpic.com/8bi62b—
Adam Deacon (@realadamdeacon) January 25, 2012

trust me the young persons voice has just got a lot louder!!!..let's do this! lol #RoyalBacking—
Adam Deacon (@realadamdeacon) January 25, 2012

Wow, I had no idea that Prince Charles was such a big Anuvahood fan.

Not only has Adam become BBC Television/Radio’s official spokesperson and go to person when it comes to the subject matter of “URBAN” youth he is now also in with royalty.

I am impressed. Congrats Adam.

Chris Nathaniel (left) with co-founder of NVA Ent Paul Boadi (right)

NVA Entertainment Group founder Chris Nathaniel has been arrested over the murder of London teenager Danny O’Shea.

O’Shea was chased down by a mob and stabbed to death near his home in East London last year.

Nathaniel (39)  and a 33-year-old man were questioned and later released on bail until March pending further inquiries.  Nine other suspects aged between 22 and 43 were also questioned over the murder before being bailed.

Last year Nathaniel helped to broker a nine-figure deal between rapper Jay-Z and footballer Ashley Cole which will bring Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club restaurant to London this year.

Victim: Danny O'Shea

Click HERE to read more about this story.

[Thanks Lorraine]

When this news was first brought to my attention this morning I was shocked. I am still shocked. It doesn’t make any sense. Something just doesn’t quite add up here with regards to this arrest and the entire story.

Rest In Peace Danny O’Shea.