COLLEGE GRADS ARE STUCK WITH STUDENT LOAN DEBT AND NO JOBS, by Wayne Hodges

APPLE VALLEY, Ca – Houston, we have a problem. College graduates are leaving school saddled with student loan debt, shaky futures and, most importantly, can’t find decent jobs. Scary. Very scary. Megan Thomas, contributor to MSNBC.com, wrote an excellent article that chronicles the experiences of MBA graduate Michael Barreto; who was subsequently forced to move back home with mom because he couldn’t find work. . “Right now I’m just trying to find any sort of full-time work that would allow me to live on my own and save money for the future,” said a disappointed Barreto.

Here’s more depressing news: the economic forecast calls for darker clouds, heavier thunderstorms, and hail with no sunshine in sight. Why? Job outsourcing, in addition to dwindling consumer confidence and sweat shops, practically ensures an extension of our nation’s economic downturn. A couple weeks ago, Geoffrey Heathcock (a.k.a. Professor Rock) provided some key information involving the “Consumer Confidence Indicator.” The data was not good. As of June 2010, consumer confidence dropped roughly 9.8% with unemployment remaining close to 10%. Scary. Very scary.

Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Why is he raising points about employment and consumer confidence? It’s simple. Many of us are encouraging our children to attend college directly after high school. However, there’s one teeny-weeny problem. Right now, the average grad student accumulates approximately $100,000 in student loan debt. If the trade off is a $12 per hour job at Starbucks, does it really make sense to push higher education? Employers claim college grads are inexperienced and generally unprepared to be productive inside the workplace. But I was always under the impression college provided such experience.

Let’s be frank. The system is broken.It’s time for legislators to get off their keysters and implement the repairs necessary to rejuvenate the economy. This includes curtailing job opportunities overseas, providing incentives for domestic manufacturers, and revamping the college education system to provide graduates with the experience necessary to gain top notch employment after school. Otherwise, we’re headed for a cliff like Wile E. Coyote. Somewhere, the Road Runner is laughing. “BEEP BEEP!”

Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com

NBA PLAYER LORENZEN WRIGHT FOUND DEAD IN MEMPHIS, the Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Relatives and friends of Lorenzen Wright  gathered Wednesday and grieved for the former NBA player who has been missing for 10 days, as police investigated the discovery of a man’s body outside of Memphis. Wright’s uncle, Curtis Wright, told The Associated Press that police called the player’s father, Herb Wright, on Wednesday afternoon with the news he had died. Sgt. Alyssa Macon-Moore of the Memphis Police Department wrote in an e-mail to the AP that police were investigating the death of an unidentified man beside a wooded area about 15 miles south of downtown Memphis.

Asked if the man was Wright, she wrote they could not confirm the victim’s identity Wednesday night. The family issued a statement through a cousin of Lorenzen Wright, Camella Logan: “Lorenzen’s family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss.”

Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion, arrived at the scene Wednesday night with a handful of family members. She crossed the crime scene tape and tried to talk to police when she was told to move back. She sat in a TV van before returning to the tape. Two officers then let her through.

The distraught Marion then started running down the road toward the crime scene before being stopped by an officer. She spoke with officers and then walked back past reporters without speaking straight to a van. The 34-year-old Wright was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22. Wright played 13 years in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers with 17 games in the 2008-09 season.

Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall. He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career games. By nightfall, nearly 200 people had visited the road blocked off by police while TV news helicopters showed investigators scouring the grounds for evidence. Police brought in a mobile command center that further blocked off the scene.

Former NBA star Penny Hardaway, who played at Memphis two years before Wright, said he heard the news from a friend and went to the scene near where the body was found. “I cried. The emotions hit me immediately. It’s just sad because we lost a good person and a brother,” Hardaway said. Elliot Perry, another friend and former Memphis player, was also at the scene. Wendy Wilson, who once worked as Wright’s personal assistant, was also there and said Wright often used the road police had cordoned off as a shortcut to his mother’s house.

“He was a good person. He did not deserve to die this way. God is not pleased with this,” Wilson said. Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley issued a statement late Wednesday, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Lorenzen Wright. We lost a member of the Grizzlies family. Lorenzen delighted fans on the court with his passion and off the court with his generosity in a Memphis community that watched him grow throughout his playing career …”

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

DESIGNER STEPHEN BURROWS DISHES ON MICHELLE OBAMA PANT SUIT, by Lisa Marsh

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s got to be her color. First Lady Michelle Obama loves that green-ish, acid yellow color, and seems to wear it in every iteration she can find. Her most recent foray was in a matte jersey pant suit made by Stephen Burrows paired with an Erickson Beamon techno deco belt. Obama wore this ensemble to speak with students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Joy of Motion Dance Center, as they rehearsed a segment from the Broadway show ‘Hairspray’ at the White House on July 19.

“The color is called ‘Sunrise Yellow,’” Burrows tells StyleList. “It’s almost the color of Isabel’s (Toledo) dress for the Inauguration. We sent it in red, green and a blue-ish teal color,” but this is what she kept. “Ikram (Goldman, a Chicago retailer and Obama’s de facto stylist) called and requested that we send pants suits in color,” Burrows continues. “The suit is inspired by one I made in the 1970s,” and Burrows added, “My family freaked out when they saw it.”

For more on Michelle Obama’s fashion sense, click the arrow.

SUPERMAN SAVES A DESTITUTE FAMILY FROM REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURE, by Michael Dougherty

LOS ANGELES (Asylum.com) – In the nick of time, the Man of Steel saved a family’s home … for real. A couple facing foreclosure found the collateral they desperately needed with the discovery of an Action Comics #1 (aka, the Holy Grail of comic books) in their basement. As any true fanboy knows, Action Comics #1 is the most significant comic of all time because it was Superman’s debut. In fact, the issue birthed the entire genre of the superhero.

The fortuitous find occurred when the anonymous family began the painful process of packing up their home due to a bank’s foreclosure proceedings. The house had been in the family’s possession since the 1950s, which is probably when the wife’s father stashed the issue in a box with some other, mere mortal titles. When they first realized what they had found, they contacted Stephen Fishler, co-owner of New York’s ComicConnect and Metropolis Collectibles.

“They said they came across a box that had magazines in it and some old comic books,” Fishler told Asylum. “And that they came across what appears to be an Action #1.” Fishler points out that “99.9 percent” of similar calls he receives turn out to be about reprints, so at first he was dubious. “They took a cell phone picture of the book and texted it to me, and I realized it was an Action #1,” he says.

Fishler is no stranger to this title, having brokered the record-breaking sale of an Action #1 in February (for $1 million), only to break that record a month later by selling another copy for $1.5 million. This copy will go on display at this weekend’s Comic-Con in San Diego, where it will also be officially graded. Fishler figures it will garner a VG+ (Very Good) rating and should fetch upwards of $250,000 when it goes up for auction on ComicConnect.

Asylum was able to get a reaction from the owner (who wants to remain anonymous), who said through Fishler that the family was “still a little shell-shocked about finding this book. I was so nervous when I realized what it was worth. I know I am very fortunate but I will be greatly relieved when this book finds a new home.” Thankfully, it looks like they’ll get to keep theirs.

UNIFIED GOVERNMENT MAYOR JOE REARDON TACKLES THE HOMELESS ISSUE, by Crystal Booker

KANSAS CITY, Kan – On Tuesday, July 27, Unified Government Mayor Joe Reardon announced his initiative to end homelessness in Kansas City, Kansas. He has entrusted this task to the Wyandotte Homeless Services Coalition. One of the fund raisers for this cause is the Mayor’s pajama Party which will be held November 19th from 5pm-8pm. All of Wyandotte County is encouraged to wear pajamas on this day to show their support for those less fortunate in the community; who are homeless and unable to wear pajamas at night. Afterwards, Mayor Reardon took time to discuss his initiative.

Crystal: Exactly what is the Mayor’s Initiative?

Reardon: The Mayor’s Initiative is really two fold. Number one, it’s more than one government and more than one entity that can start to address the needs of our homeless population. It’s all of us collectively. It’s raising the awareness of everyone in the community. To say as we look at the health of this community, we need to look at those that don’t have a place to call home. And then secondly, it’s to raise funds. It’s to say there are ongoing costs to operate emergency shelters and beds. And we need to all participate in helping to offset those funds; then to leverage every federal dollar we can to try to address long term solutions.

Crystal: Under your leadership, Kansas City, Kan. has come a very long way. Where is the future of the city going?

Reardon: Well I think it’s to address the need for emergency beds, which we are lacking here in our community specifically. But secondly, it’s to work with the federal government to focus on the continuum of care to identify those that need emergency shelter, but to take them into a permanent solution to homelessness. That’s very important and it speaks to the broader challenges of health in the community as well.

Crystal: I want to thank you for taking time to speak with me.

Crystal Booker, a distinguished member of the Kansas City Film Critic’s Circle, is the movie critic of Kansas City’s Magic 107.3 FM. She is also a contributing writer to I Love Black Movies.com. To view her movie reviews, click here. For the latest reports, check out “Crystal on the Scene.” She welcomes both your questions and comments at crystalb@crystalsbonusandreviews.com

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS PARTS OF ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW, Wired from CNN.com

PHOENIX, Arizona (CNN) — A federal judge has blocked one of the most controversial sections of a tough Arizona immigration law, granting a preliminary injunction Wednesday that prevents police from questioning people about their immigration status. That provision requires police to “make a reasonable attempt to determine the immigration status of a person stopped, detained or arrested” if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person is in the United States illegally.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton’s ruling, in response to a motion filed by the federal government, came with scant hours to go before the law goes into effect. She also blocked provisions of the law making it a crime to fail to apply for or carry alien registration papers or “for an unauthorized alien to solicit, apply for, or perform work,” and a provision “authorizing the warrantless arrest of a person” if there is reason to believe that person might be subject to deportation.

Seven lawsuits are seeking to block implementation of the law, signed by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in April. The law, which also targets those who hire illegal immigrant laborers or knowingly transport them, is to go into effect Thursday. One option is to ask the judge to revisit the issue after more complete fact-finding, Toobin said. A second option, which is more likely, is taking the case to the court of appeals.

“I think this a case very much destined for the Supreme Court,” as other states pass similar laws, Toobin said. The Court of Appeals could take up the case in a matter of days, but the earliest the Supreme Court could look at it would be October because the high court is in summer recess. President Barack Obama, a critic of the Arizona law, was not expected to comment on the ruling Wednesday. The Justice Department issued a statement saying the court “ruled correctly.”

“While we understand the frustration of Arizonans with the broken immigration system, a patchwork of state and local policies would seriously disrupt federal immigration enforcement and would ultimately be counterproductive,” the statement said. “States can and do play a role in cooperating with the federal government in its enforcement of the immigration laws, but they must do so within our constitutional framework.” Opponents say the law will lead to racial profiling, which is illegal.

Supporters point out that the law prohibits racial profiling and people cannot be stopped and asked for proof of legal residence based solely on their looks. In addition to the U.S. Justice Department, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy, the Christian Leaders League of United Latin American Citizens and other individuals or groups have asked the judge to halt the law, commonly known as SB 1070. Bolton heard arguments in the case last week from the Justice Department and the ACLU.

The separate hearings were held in Phoenix, where Bolton sits on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Bolton’s courtroom was packed during the two July 22 hearings and protesters chanted outside throughout the afternoon. Seven protesters were arrested on civil disobedience charges, according to the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. The legal arguments revolved around a range of issues, including racial profiling, effective enforcement and possible harm to Arizona’s citizens.

Attorneys from the Obama administration presented their case at the second hearing. The administration’s challenge contends Arizona’s law would usurp federal supremacy on immigration. Brewer attended the hearing. Arizona has argued that the federal government has not done a good job of securing the border. “A law unenforced is no law at all,” said state attorney John Bouma. The American Civil Liberties Union and a coalition of civil rights groups argued earlier in the day that the controversial law amounts to racial profiling and will have a profound effect if it goes into effect.

“It treats people of color as suspects first, rather than citizens,” attorney Karen Tumlin said after the hearing. Bouma said the law would not treat people unfairly. “These are hypothetical arguments. Local police are enforcing immigration laws all over the country,” he told Bolton. Those in favor of the law say SB 1070 is consistent with federal law. They say the law explicitly prohibits racial profiling and they are challenging the legal standing of many of the groups opposed. They also contend opponents of the law have not been able to show there will be any harm from its implementation.

During the first hearing, Bolton said the law has a section allowing parts to still take effect even if other parts are struck down, according to CNN affiliate KNXV. Tumlin, managing attorney for the National Immigration Law Center, and other lawyers and foes of SB 1070 repeated assertions that Arizona’s law should be rejected.

“We are here to defend the rights of those who cannot stand up for themselves,” said Terri Leon, CEO of the Friendly House, which supports the legal challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union. Bolton heard a challenge to SB 1070 by an Arizona police officer the previous week.

GENERATION Y: LOTS OF STUDENT LOANS, NO JOBS AND A GRIM FUTURE. By Megan Thomas

APPLE VALLEY, Ca (MSNBC.com) – They are perhaps the best-educated generation ever, but they can’t find jobs. Many face staggering college loans and have moved back in with their parents. Even worse, their difficulty in getting careers launched could set them back financially for years. The Millennials, broadly defined as those born in the 1980s and ’90s, are the first generation of American workers since World War II who have cloudier prospects than the generations that preceded them.

Certainly the recession has hurt young workers badly. While the overall unemployment rate was 9.5 percent in June, it was 15.3 percent for those aged 20 to 24, compared with 7.8 percent for ages 35-44, 7.5 percent for ages 45-54 and 6.9 percent for those 55 and older. Among 18-to 29-year-olds, unemployment is the highest it’s been in more than three decades, according to a recent report from Pew Research Center. The report also found that Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are less likely to be employed than Gen Xers or baby boomers were at the same age.

Millennials are generally well-educated, but they have have been cast as everything from tech savants who will work cheap to entitled narcissists. The recession has pitted these younger workers against baby boomers trying to save for retirement and Gen Xers with homes and families. Just ask Michael Barreto. Eleven months was all it took to bring him from post-graduation autonomy back to his parents’ home in Apple Valley, Calif.

Armed with an undergraduate degree in literary journalism from the University of California, Irvine, and experience from an internship, the 23-year-old Barreto believed he had a better chance than many of his peers to find a job. But more than a year after graduation, Barreto is still struggling to find employment. “Right now I’m just trying to find any sort of full-time work that would allow me to live on my own and save money for the future,” he said. Like many of his peers, Barreto left college with roughly $21,000 in federal loans. (The 2008 average for college students was $23,000, according to the College Board.) Barreto’s parents also took out loans to help him afford college.

Despite landing a job at Panera Bread Co. to support himself while looking for a job as a journalist, Barreto drained most of his savings to pay for his living expenses. He was eventually forced to move home and defer his loans. The high unemployment rate among young Millennials can affect them financially and psychologically throughout their careers, according to a report by the Joint Economic Committee. “The ’scarring effects’ of prolonged unemployment can be devastating over a worker’s career,” according to the report. “Productivity, earnings and well-being can all suffer. In addition, unemployment can lead to a deterioration of skills and make securing future employment more difficult.”

Many Millennials have sought refuge back at school from the worst job market since at least the early 1980s. Yet that strategy, too, can backfire as students incur staggering amounts of debt to pay for advanced degrees that might not help them out much in the job market. Jordan Hueseman, 23, accrued roughly $100,000 in student loans at the University of Denver earning a bachelor’s degree in international business and a master’s in business administration. On the job hunt, he found his graduate degree sometimes hindered more than it helped.

“At one point, I applied to Whole Foods, hoping they might see some potential for me to move to some type of management position,” Hueseman said. “The e-mail I received from them said I was far too overqualified for any of their hourly positions and as such would not be considered for a position.” Hueseman said that after one job application, he was told he should leave his degrees off his resume. Hueseman said he was tempted to follow the advice but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“It’s a personal thing for a couple of us and a bit prideful, but the idea we just spent five years  — and a hundred thousand dollars for some of us — obtaining two degrees, to go ahead and wipe that right back off our resume in hopes of getting a $12-an-hour job at Starbucks would really be depressing,” he said. Even if they did feel inclined to do it, they’d be competing for that job with their peers and with plenty of older jobless workers. About 15 million Americans currently are out of work, 45 percent of them for at least six months.

GM DAYTON MOORE HAS STRUGGLED TO BRING TOP TALENT TO KC, by Wayne Hodges

KANSAS CITY – Ok, it’s time to pull the plug on the Kansas City Royals. On Monday night, franchise pitcher Zack Greinke and the boys in blue got their behinds kicked, 19-1, by the Minnesota Twins. “It was bad. It was bad the whole time,” said a disappointed Greinke. “Every fastball was hit hard.” No diggity? Folks, skip bad. This game was ugly. Ooh, it was ugly. And when I say ugly we’re talking Flava Flav, Jack Nicholson, Herman Munster, Shabba Ranks, Jimmie Walker type ugly. To add insult to injury; obscure Twins third baseman Danny Valencia, fresh up from the minors, hit his first career homerun (a back-breaking grand slam in the first inning). Can you believe that? The dude didn’t even homer in the minor leagues.

Yet, Valencia found both the strength and guts necessary to pimp slap our hapless major league baseball franchise. Afterwards, he poured salt in the wound by talking a little smack. “What better way to start it off?” Valencia said with a big grin. “Not just hit a home run, but a grand slam, and off a guy who’s an accomplished big leaguer and won the Cy Young. It was great.” Then, on Tuesday night, Valencia pounded out 4 more hits in an 11-2 smackdown of KC; becoming the first Twins rookie to collect as many in back-to-back games. Yes, records are being broken in KC. And not in a good way. Valencia’s production confirms the Royals are officially the biggest joke in baseball.

Speaking of jokes, the real reason for KC’s on-field futility is owner David Glass. You know it. I know it. And old ladies shopping at the grocery store know it. Unfortunately, the owner won’t fire himself. I guess that’s one of the perks of being the head honcho in charge. So, for sanity purposes, it’s imperative the blame be placed elsewhere. Scapegoat #1 was former manager Trey Hillman. Scapegoat #2 should be general manager Dayton Moore. I’m serious. Time for Dayton to pack his bags and go. Look, Moore looks real cool in his sunglasses. He gives the perception he knows what he’s doing. But let’s face it. The guy has failed miserably in acquiring legitimate major league caliber talent.

Even worse, Moore is primarily responsible for screwing up the promising career of the reigning American League Cy Young winner. Pretty sad. First, Moore inexplicably shipped Greinke’s favorite catcher, Miguel Olivo, out of town at the conclusion of last season. Then, as an encore, Moore parted ways with longtime signal caller John Buck who promptly transformed himself into an All-Star catcher with Toronto this year. As a byproduct of Moore’s ineptness, the Royals are stuck with broken-down, 37-year-old has been, catcher Jason Kendall.

Trust me; Greinke has certainly noticed the difference in catchers. EXHIBIT A: In lasting only 4 innings, Zack coughed up his worst effort of the season; giving up 6 runs in the first inning alone. He was mercifully removed after serving up two more runs in the fourth. Greinke (4.01 ERA) is scheduled to become a free agent in a couple years. It would be foolish to re-sign with KC. Although a perennial loser, former GM Allard Baird, fired prior to the hire of Moore, offered something in the form of consolation to fans by delivering All-Star caliber players to KC’s roster in a list that includes the aforementioned Greinke, Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye and Johnny Damon.

Yes, the team stunk under Baird. But at least he gave us a reason to visit the ballpark. Moore, on the other hand, hasn’t brought diddly squat to KC. And this year’s roster serves as a painful reminder of that. Hate to say this. Really, I do. But Moore has to go. Plain and simple. Time for Glass to hand him that one-way Greyhound Bus ticket out of town. Because in the words of R&B group Rose Royce: “Love don’t live here anymore.”

Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and legislative intern with the Kansas Senate. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com

HIP-HOP LEGENDS RUN DMC REPRESENT THE ESSENCE OF RAP MUSIC, by Wayne Hodges

QUEENS, New York - “I’m the King of Rock, there is none higher. Sucker MC’s should call me sire. To burn my Kingdom, you must use fire. I won’t stop rockin til I retire…” Remember these lyrics? You should. Because this phrase, in my opinion, signifies the climax of contemporary rap music. These cocky words were spoken by the big three, known to many around the world as ‘Run DMC.’ That’s right baby. I’m talking about Joseph Simmons (DJ Run), Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell.

There’s no question Run DMC is the most influential rap group to ever hit the hip hop stage. In addition to droppin’ funky rhyme after funky rhyme, the group has been largely credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. Billboard smashes “King of Rock” and “Tricky” remain popular today. And, in 2007, the crew was appropriately named the “Greatest Hip Hop Group” of all-time by MTV. Run DMC, to be candid, is more than just a group of talented vocalists. Run DMC, in my opinion, epitomizes true hip hop greatness.

HIP-HOP DIVA MC LYTE DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges

BROOKLYN, New York – Yeah boyz! Ms. Lana Michele Moorer, better known as MC Lyte, made her mark in a male-dominated industry by releasing “def cut” after “def cut.” At the tender age of 12, Lyte released her first single “I cram to understand u.” The song, which focuses on a lying boyfriend’s addiction to crack cocaine, was produced by Lyte’s older brothers and became a somewhat modest hit. Then, in 1988, Lyte released her debut album “Lyte As a Rock” and the rest, my friends, is history.

In 1989, Lyte delivered her second album “Eyes on This” which featured the hit single “Cha Cha Cha.” One year later, Lyte turned to producers Wolf & Epic to push out her third album “Act Like You Know.” After taking a three year breather, Lyte returned to drop the ever popular “Aint No Other” album which featured the hit single “Ruffneck.” The song earned Lyte a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Single” and was the first ever gold single by a solo female rap artist. Unbelievable! After transferring her contract to Elektra records, Lyte hooked up with Missy Elliott on the def #1 track “Cold Rock a Party” and showed no signs of slowing down.

Lyte also made a cameo appearance on the “Sunset Park” movie soundtrack with her biggest pop hit to date entitled “Keep On, Keepin’ On.” The single reached #10 on the “Billboard Hot 100.” After Rhino Entertainment released “The Very Best of MC Lyte,” the talented artist mounted a comeback with “Da Undaground Heat,” Vol. 1 with production team “Maad Funk” in 2003. During this time, Lyte released her first album on her own label with vocalist/comedian Jamie Foxx. The album entitled “Da Underground Heat Vol. 1″ went on to receive yet another Grammy nomination. What can I say? MC Lyte is without question the original diva of hip-hop.

DOUG E. FRESH IS KNOWN AS “THE ORIGINAL HUMAN BEAT BOX.” by Wayne Hodges

HARLEM, New York – Hip-Hop pioneer and record producer Doug E. Fresh, born September 17, 1966, is nationally known as the original ‘Human Beat Box.’ The legend from Harlem captured the interest of hip-hop fans worldwide by giving accurate imitations of drum machines and special effects using only his mouth, teeth and tongue. As a member of the Boo-Dah Bliss Crew, Fresh made his recording debut in 1983 with the hit single “Pass the Boo-Dah.” A year later, Fresh made an appearance in the movie “Beat Street” before releasing his first solo records “Just Having Fun” and “Original Human Beat Box.”

In 1985, Fresh’s hit single “The Show” dominated the music charts. The record featured the “Get Fresh Crew,” DJ’s Barry B. and Chill Will, and MC Ricky D who would later achieve fame and fortune as Slick Rick. The Show, though popular, was just the beginning of Fresh’s greatness. In 1986, the hip-hop icon released his first full-length album with the “Get Fresh Crew” entitled “Oh, My God!” The album received accolades worldwide for incorporating elements of reggae and gospel. In addition to “The Show,” other notable tracks included “All the Way to Heaven” and “Play this Only at Night.”

In 1988, Fresh released his second album “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” The album was so cold, it appeared on Billboard magazine’s charts. The notable track from the album “Keep Risin’ to the Top” received major play on virtually every radio station across the U.S. After clashing with management of Reality/Fantasy records, long-time friend Slick Rick was asked to leave the group. In hindsight, Rick’s dismissal proved to be a blessing in disguise as the eye-patch wearing artist went on to kick booty with his popular 1989 solo album “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.” And yes, the album reached #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

But, enough about Rick. Let’s get back to today’s feature. On May 23, 2007, Fresh performed variations of “The Show” with “American Idol” finalist Blake Lewis; the first ever hip-hop performance in ‘Idol’ history. Fresh’s appearance was viewed by over 200 million people worldwide. In addition to producing music, Fresh has also hosted several events for celebrities Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, former President Bill Clinton and many others. To add icing to the cake; in 2008, VH1 ranked “The Show” number 51 in its ‘100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop.’ What can I say? Doug E. Fresh is a true music legend.

‘A TRIBE CALLED QUEST’ DOMINATED THE CHARTS IN EARLY 1990’s, by Wayne Hodges

QUEENS, New York – Ah yeah. In 1985, a musical talent was born by the name “A Tribe Called Quest” (TCQ). The New York based group is composed of rapper/producer Kamaal Ibn John Fareed (a.k.a. Q-Tip), 5-foot hip-hopper Malik Taylor (a.k.a. Phife Dawg) and DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad. A fourth member, hip-hop artist Jarobi White, made the fatal mistake of leaving the group after their first album. What was he thinking? After forming a union with fellow music group “De La Soul,” TCQ became a central part of the “Native Tongues Posse” before achieving major commercial success in the 1990’s.

By creating crisp innovations of hip-hop and jazz, the group was largely credited with expanding the art of contemporary rap music. And, believe me, TCQ had more hits than the New York Yankees. Check this out. Many of their songs, such as Bonita Applebum, Scenario, Check the Rhyme, Jazz, Electric Relaxation and Award Tour, are still regarded as legendary classics of the genre. During a remarkable ten year stretch, TCQ released five albums; three of which were highly acclaimed.

In 2006, former member Jarobi White came to his senses and re-joined the group. Afterwards, TCQ went on a highly celebrated U.S. tour to give fans a taste of real hip-hop music. And they may not be done. Rumor has it the group is planning to release another album sometime in the near future. As iconic pioneers of alternative hip-hop music, TCQ received a ‘2005 Special Achievement Award’ at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. The group was formally honored at the 4th VH1 Hip Hop Honors. And the group received the well-deserved distinction of “most intelligent artistic rap group during the 1990’s” from Allmusic. What can I say? ‘A Tribe Called Quest’ and hip-hop are synonymous.

Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and MPA at Kansas University. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com

To see Chubb Rock’s “Treat me right” video, click the play arrow.

ROYALS TAKE ANOTHER SAVAGE BEATING AS THE TWINS ROMP 11-2, the Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Milestones and historic firsts just keep piling up for both the happy Minnesota Twins and the battered Kansas City Royals. Danny Valencia became the first Twins rookie ever to have four hits in back-to-back games, equaling Monday’s feat in an 11-2 win Tuesday night. The night before in an even worse 19-1 drubbing, he’d become the first Twins rookie to smack a grand slam for his first major league homer.

Altogether, the surging Twins also hit double-digits in runs for a third straight game for the first time since June 11-13, 1967. But on the other side of the baseball diamond, the Royals are in a horrible slump. Before the two lopsided losses to Minnesota, the Royals were beaten 12-6 on Sunday by the New York Yankees. Never in their history had they allowed this many runs (42) and hits (53) in three consecutive games. “We need to do something,” said Bruce Chen, who gave up 11 of the Twins’ 19 hits and six of their 11 runs. “We need to do something soon.”

Valencia had three RBIs and Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer and J.J. Hardy all had two as the Twins totaled 19 hits one night after getting 20. The Twins have won six of seven, and over their past four games against Baltimore and Kansas City have rung up 47 runs on a whopping 72 hits. Perhaps no one appreciates the way Minnesota hitters are tearing it up more than Minnesota pitchers. “It’s amazing,” said Carl Pavano (13-6), who went five innings and gave up five hits and one run while winning a career-best eighth consecutive decision.

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=3fc615e4-13fa-4016-86b6-068280420078" target="_new" title="">Twins hammer Royals</a>

“Just watching the at-bats and watching the guys who are stepping up. You’ve got the usual guys who get their knocks every night. But then you’ve got these younger guys who are having big days.” Valencia, the rookie third baseman who was 4 for 4 with a grand slam Monday night, had two singles and a double in his first three trips to the plate against Chen (5-5) but took a called third strike from Robinson Tejeda in the seventh. “That was a bad at-bat,” Valencia said. “But he made some good pitches. You can’t get a hit every time.”

Until then, he had nine hits in 10 at-bats going back to Sunday in Baltimore. Then, facing Victor Marte in the eighth, he had an RBI single, making him 4 for 5 with three singles and a double. “This is rare. It’s definitely rare,” he said. “It’s great to have, but it’s something that probably could never come again. It’s been a great time for me and it’s been a great time for the team. We’ve been winning, and you couldn’t ask for anything more.” Mauer, who was 5 for 5 with seven RBIs Monday night, doubled and scored in his first at-bat on Tuesday and was 2 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

According to Royals manager Ned Yost, there is nothing mysterious about the collapse of the pitching. “The problem that we’re running into is we’re throwing too many pitches. We’re not commanding the ball down in the zone,” he said. “We’re not making quality pitches. The pitch counts are rising way up and we’re overexposing (the bullpen). Those guys are in there every day. It runs into problems.” It also doesn’t help that the pitchers the last three games have faced the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Mauer and Valencia.

“They are both great offensive lineups,” said Yost. “You make a bit of a mistake and they’re going to crush it somewhere and they’ve done that. Some of the pitches (the Twins) are driving to the gap or hitting the ball out of the ballpark, they’re all mid-thigh and higher and a good part of the plate. That’s just a recipe for disaster.” Pavano was not as sharp as he’d been while throwing a shutout against Baltimore in his previous start. But he gave up only one run on five hits in five innings, walking three and striking out two and winning for the fifth time on the road. Jose Guillen’s sacrifice fly in the fifth was the first run Pavano had allowed in 18 straight innings.

Chen was charged with six runs on 11 hits as the Royals lost for the 12th time in 15 games and dropped into a last-place tie with Cleveland in the AL Central. The Twins picked up right where they’d left off in Monday night’s rout, taking a 2-0 lead on RBI singles by Cuddyer and Valencia in the first. Cuddyer, Mauer, Delmon Young, Valencia, J.J. Hardy and Drew Butera all had a multihit game for the Twins. In the third, Young doubled and went to third on Cuddyer’s single and Valencia and Hardy followed with RBI singles. Mauer, Young, Cuddyer and Valencia all had RBIs in the eighth. J.J. Hardy had a solo homer in the seventh.

Game notes
The old record for runs and hits allowed in three straight games was 40 and 50. … Cuddyer’s first-inning single stretched his hitting streak to 12 games. … Pavano retired the side in the fourth on eight pitches. … Scott Podsednik’s RBI single in the sixth extended his hitting streak to 14 games, matching his career-high.

Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press