Hot Off The Presses: Barack Obama At DNC, Daddy Yankee, Fat Joe, DMX & More
Published: Friday - August 29, 2008
Words by BallerStatus News Staff
Barack Obama (Photo: Getty Images)
With more than 70,000 people crowded into Denver's Invesco Field, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama delivered a 50-minute speech he called the new "American Promise" on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s landmark "I Have a Dream" speech. During his an acceptance speech, Obama promised change, which has been the mantra of his campaign. "America, we are better than these last eight years," he said. "We are a better country than this." He later added: "Change happens because the American people demand it -- because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time. America, this is one of those moments. I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming." Although his campaign has been criticized as being more Hollywood than policies, Obama spoke on his plans, if elected, that include tax deduction for the middle-class, fixing our need for foreign oil, helping college students pay their tuitions, investing in alternative energy, ending the war in Iraq, and providing equal pay for equal work. "Our government should work for us, not against us," Obama said. "It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity, not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work. That's the promise of America -- the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise and fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper." ...
Although Obama has the overwhelming support of the artists of the urban community -- with artists such as Nas, David Banner, Diddy, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Young Jeezy publicly endorsing the candidate -- reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee surprised many earlier this week when he showed up at a Phoenix high school to endorse Republican Senator John McCain, saying he's "a fighter for the Hispanic community." Latino rapper Fat Joe, however, isn't happy with Daddy Yankee's choice, and told MTV News he's "a sellout." Joe revealed that when he heard the news, he became nauseas. "I opened the newspaper and got sick to my stomach," Joe told. "I felt like I wanted to vomit when I seen that. The reason why I called him a sellout is because I feel he did that for a [publicity] look, rather than the issues that are affecting his people that look up to him. How could you want John McCain in office when George Bush and the Republicans already have half a million people losing their homes in foreclosure? We're fighting an unjust war. It's the Latinos and black kids up in the frontlines, fighting that war. ... We over here trying to take the troops out of Iraq and bring peace. This guy immediately wants war. If not with Iraq or Afghanistan, he'll start a new one with Iran. I feel real disgusted that Daddy Yankee would do that. Either he did that for a look, or he's just not educated on politics." Fat Joe even challenged Daddy Yankee to a debate over who's the better candidate for the Latino community. ...
DMX pleaded guilty to attempted marijuana and cocaine possession to get out of his Miami drug case on Wednesday (August 27), and now awaits extradition to face more charges in Arizona. According to the Associated Press, X (real name: Earl Simmons) was sentenced to time served, and is still in custody, waiting for Arizona authorities to pick him up on drug and animal cruelty charges there. He pleaded guilty after a judge denied bail earlier this week, which would have kept him behind bars until an October trial date. No word as to when he will be moved to Arizona. ...
Lil Wayne missed an Arizona court date on Tuesday (August 26), regarding his felony drug and weapons case -- which stems from an arrest back in January. At the time, it was unclear as to why he was absent for the date, an emergency medical procedure was what was cited. His attorney recently revealed that Weezy was recovering from several root-canal operations and was ordered by his dentist not to fly, the Yuma Sun reports. "As a result, the court waived his appearance for that hearing," Tilson said. "He still must appear at future hearings." The rapper is scheduled to appear in court at the next court date on October 9. ...
T.I. set two records this week with his latest single, "Whatever You Like." The track recorded the biggest jump on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart when it leaped from no. 71 to no. 1 in three weeks. It also holds the best digital opening week for a rap track, selling 205,000 downloads. It's T.I.'s first no. 1 on the Hot 100. ...
Cam'ron made a rare appearance on Dipset radio to give an update on what's coming from him. The rapper said he was calling in from Switzerland to talk with Dipset A&R DukeDaGod, and give some updates. "The album called Crime Pays. It will be out this November and when I get back I'mma come up to the station and f*** with y'all." ...
Editorials & Columns Soulstice From France Blog #3: Day 4 Embarking on a 9-show winter tour in Europe, one of my goals was just making it through the tour without getting sick. ... full story
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