The term "DMV", brought to you by the hard work of local rappers. And phone cards.

Rapper 20 Bello; Photograph by Darrow Montgomery Posted by Sarah Godfrey on Oct. 28, 2009, at 12:50 pm Thanks to the hard work of both hip-hop pioneers and young upstarts throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the DMV is now officially on the map. It’s also in the dictionary. The Urban Dictionary—but still. Most regions with thriving hip-hop scenes have catchy nicknames, but before the whole DMV acronym caught on in the mid-aughts, the greater nation’s capital lacked one. Chocolate City, popularized decades ago, was starting to get a little moldy, and it ignores both the all-important suburbs and the fact that D.C. is becoming more cream-filled by the day. There have been valiant efforts to make “The Middle East” (for middle East Coast, get it?) stick, but it didn’t happen. Ditto for “Tri-State,” which failed not only because it’s already taken but because, technically, only two states are involved. So where’d the acronym come from? In an informal poll of area hip-hop luminaries—from Judah to Kokayi, Head-Roc to Overok—the same three names came up over and over: Wale, DJ Rob AKA Mista DMV, and 20Bello. Actually, there was one other contender, too: MC-turntablist-producer DJ Eurok maintains the first use of the DMV to mean D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (rather than a certain dysfunctional city agency), was on local corner store phone cards emblazoned with phrases such as “Excellent DMV local access.” He may be right, but in terms of making the term hot, credit definitely goes to the hip-hop community. “Since I was a kid we always said ‘DC, Maryland, Virginia’ area in that order,” writes Tyrone Norris of Rosetta Stoned in an e-mail. “I think I hear DMV used most when describing the hip-hop scene in the area. If anyone really pushed that phrase, it was the rappers.” Wale certainly took “DMV” global—thanks to his major-label deal and increasingly high profile, he has been able to sprinkle the term in countless interviews and performances all over the country, but his manager says he didn’t coin the term and doesn’t claim to. “When I started managing him in 06 it was already becoming ubiquitous in the area,” Dan Weisman writes in an e-mail. DJ Rob has the distinction of being the first person to use the term on national TV: He was on MTV’s Sucka Free in 2006 and said he was representing “the DMV.” And when host DJ Cipha Sounds made a dumb joke about long lines, DJ Rob quickly checked him: “Naw, D.C., Maryland, and V-A—get it right,” he said. Rich, the owner of the Target Squad empire, says his crew, and Rob in particular, are the originators of the DMV movement—he recalls that DJ Rob and Target Squad introduced the term to former WKYS radio jock II Face the Wild Boy, who in turn popularized it with on-air personalities. “After II Face started saying it on the radio hard, then [WPGC] 95 started jumping on it,” he says. “And then it was like domino effect, it started jumping, jumping—everybody started saying it.” But Rich stops just short of saying Target Squad actually made up the acronym: “DMV is Department of Motor Vehicles, so of course we didn’t invent it. We wanted to copyright it, but our lawyers said, ‘No, are you crazy? That’s the Department of Motor Vehicles.’” Rapper 20Bello, on the other hand, says he was the first to call this area the DMV and has been using the term since 2003. He offers compelling evidence. 20 possesses a flier from that year, and although a date isn’t listed, he can convincingly authenticate it. “At the end of ’03, I started letting hair grow,” he says. “That’s when me and [fellow rapper] Hevewae did the promo flier. In ’04, ’05 I had cornrows—that was before I started growing my ’locks in ’06, when I was on the cover of City Paper. Before ’04, ’05, my hair wasn’t long, and that’s my picture on the DMV fliers.” In fact, 20 says his former partner Katt Galloway coined the abbreviation during a recording session for a song they did back in ’03, and from then on, 20 decided to put it on everything he did: T-shirts, Web sites such as DMV Undaground, open mic nights. He also recorded a track called “DMV” back in ’05. “I never wanted nothing out of it—I did it because I loved the music, the whole scene. If I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t waste my time saying I did—I don’t get no royalty check every time somebody says ‘DMV’—I get no benefit.” Both the Target Squad camp and 20Bello and crew have people to back up their claims; both also agree that while there are certain bragging rights that come with christening this area the “DMV,” the most important thing is that it has brought some unity to a formerly fragmented region and music scene. “Now you can’t rep D.C. without repping V-A or MD,” says Rich. “This area will be like the bext ATL, the next MIA—we can go platinum in this area,” says Rich. “The main reason I did it was because of unity,” says 20. “Nobody was supporting nobody, people weren’t coming out to the open mics…D.C. wouldn’t support V-A, Baltimore wouldn’t support D.C.…we had to get it under one banner. Now, if you’re rappin’, you’re part of the DMV.” http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/music/2009/10/28/area-codethe-termdmv-brought-to-you-by-the-hard-work-of-local-rappers-and-phone-cards/ www.targetsquad.com Posted by InTheMixWithTre'

New Morehouse College Policy Bans Sagging!!

By: Ismael AbduSalaam

In an attempt to eliminate “inappropriate attire,” prestigious HBCU and private institution Morehouse College has adopted a policy that bans sagging and other styles associated with Hip-Hop culture. The “Appropriate Attire Policy” initiative is the product of Morehouse President Michael Franklin, who is seeking to reestablish what he’s coined as the modern “Renaissance Man.” That individual, Franklin states, possesses the “5 Wells” of being well-spoken, well-read, well-traveled, well-dressed, and well-balanced. Sagging is said to have originated in the penal system, where prisoners were unable to keep their pants up due to belt confiscations to prevent suicides and murder. The style eventually made its way to popular culture courtesy of early 90’s Hip-Hop, when multi-platinum artists like Naughty By Nature and Kris Kross adopted sagging as an accessory to their fashion ensembles. Although viewed as a style for juveniles, some prominent Hip-Hop artists in their 30s and 40s still utilize sagging in videos, concert, and award show appearances. Along with the new sagging ban, students will not be allowed to sport any form of grillz, do-rags, hats, “stunna shades,” hoods, or pajamas to class.

In another controversial move, the Atlanta college has prohibited any students from wearing female clothing, such as dresses, tops, tunics, purses, and pumps. School officials have argued that none of the new rulings were designed to discriminate against students who identify with Hip-Hop or gay culture. Instead, President Franklin states he hopes to have the next generation of Morehouse graduates live up to the school’s legacy, as seen in notable alumni such as Martin Luther King, Jr, Spike Lee , Samuel Jackson, Maynard Jackson, and Saul Williams.

While acknowledging student reaction has been mixed, Morehouse Office of Student Services VP William Bynum explained that the majority of students would just have to make minor adjustments to their dress. "I would say that about 95 percent of the students on this campus feel that appearance matters to them," Bynum told the Maroon Tiger, Morehouse’s school newspaper. "We are not trying to isolate anyone that falls under a category, you can just look at it like its one out of eleven things being addressed." On the gay rights issue, Bynum revealed that administrators first consulted the campus' gay rights oganization Morehouse Safe Space, to make sure their policy was in order. “We talked about it and then they took a vote. Of the 27 people in the room, only 3 were against it,” Bynum stated. Morehouse College has an estimated student body of 2700, and is one of two black institutions to produce a Rhodes Scholar (1994, 2001, 2004).

At press time, the school has just completed its Homecoming Week, which featured concert appearances from Lupe Fiasco , B.O.B., and Roy Ayers.

http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2009/10/25/21997091.aspx

Posted by InTheMixWithTre’

Sharpton seeks rejection of Limbaugh

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4553690 ST. LOUIS -- The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson attacked the bid by Rush Limbaugh to buy the St. Louis Rams on Monday, saying the conservative radio host's track record on race should exclude him from owning an NFL team. Sharpton sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, arguing that Limbaugh has been divisive and "anti-NFL" in some of his comments. Jackson said in a telephone interview that Limbaugh had made his wealth "appealing to the fears of whites" with an unending line of insults against blacks and other minorities. "The National Football League has set high standards for racial justice and inclusion," Jackson said. "He should not have the privilege of owning an NFL franchise -- and it is a privilege." The civil rights leader said he's had contact with numerous players and ex-players concerned about the bid. Limbaugh shot back at Sharpton on his radio show. "Now, this saddens me as well this disappoints me," he said. "I know Rev. Sharpton. Sharpton is better than this. He knows better than this. You know, I didn't judge Al Sharpton's fitness to be in radio when he wanted to earn an honest living for once, given his well-documented past as the author of the Tawana Brawley hoax. I believe in freedom and I also don't discriminate. "Limbaugh said last week that he is teaming up with St. Louis Blues hockey team owner Dave Checketts in a bid to buy the Rams. He has declined to discuss details of the offer, citing a confidentiality agreement. In 2003, Limbaugh worked briefly on ESPN's NFL pregame show. He resigned after saying Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed. Transcripts posted on the radio host's Web site also say that on a January 2007 show, Limbaugh commented: "The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it." Asked about Limbaugh's bid to purchase the winless Rams, McNabb said: "If he's rewarded to buy them, congratulations to him. But I won't be in St. Louis any time soon." NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league is aware of the concerns voiced by Sharpton and Jackson. "It is very early in the process and no transfer of ownership of the Rams has been presented to the league for review," Aiello said. The latest complaints came a day after executive director of the NFL Players Association, DeMaurice Smith, urged players to speak out against Limbaugh's bid. "I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL," Smith said in a statement Sunday. "They risk everything to play this game, they understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life. "We also know that there is an ugly part of history and we will not risk going backwards, giving up, giving in or lying down to it." Players on the 0-5 Rams, who were routed by the Minnesota Vikings 38-10 on Sunday, tried to distance themselves from the controversy. "I'm paying attention, but I'm not even touching that one," running back Steven Jackson said. "Because if I start touching it I might go somewhere I don't want to go." Defensive end Chris Long said he just heard Monday that Limbaugh was part of a group seeking to purchase the team. His reaction: "Oh, is that the guy on the radio?" Reminded of Limbaugh's statements about McNabb, Long seemed to disapprove while adding he didn't care who owned the team. "I mean, those weren't great comments at all," Long said. "But it's not my job to really comment on that." Defensive end Leonard Little, the last remaining player from the Rams' Super Bowl championship after the 1999 season, didn't want to talk about it. "We've got a lot more things to worry about than who's going to be our owner," he said. Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press Posted by InTheMixWithTre'

Michael Vick To Star In BET Reality Series In 2010

Michael Vick has climbed out of the dog house, and back into the spotlight, following his dog fighting conviction. He's back in the NFL and trying to rebuild his image, and is launching a new reality show to help do just that.

This week, Vick announced that he'll be starring in a new reality show on BET in January, where he'll show the general public how he's changed.

The upcoming show is called "The Michael Vick Project," and will focus on his re-entry into the NFL , while taking a look into his recent legal troubles and how he is trying to change the way he was living.

"I just want people to really get to know me as an individual," the NFL quarterback told the L.A. Times. "I am a human being. I've made some mistakes in the past, and I wish it had never happened. But it's not about how you fall, but about how you pick yourself up."

Despite changing his tune, some -- like PETA -- aren't buying it. They say that Vick isn't sincere about his apologies and his efforts are just attempted to rehabilitate his tarnished image with the public.

"People who abuse animals don't deserve to be rewarded," said PETA spokesman Dan Shannon. "They shouldn't be given multi-million dollar contracts ... or given the privilege of being a role model. We don't believe Michael Vick understands the seriousness of his crime. I think he's sorry he got caught, but only time will tell if he's truly remorseful."

Financial details regarding how much Vick is being paid for the show are currently unknown. He does, however, owe creditors around $20 million, which he is paying over a six-year span to emerge from bankruptcy.

The upcoming show is being labeled a "docu-series" style show, and not a typical reality show like other athletes such as Terrell Owens, its producers said.

It will focus on Vick's personal struggles since his release, including the strains on his relationships with his fiance, Kijafa Frink, and his children. He is also set to revisit the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., where Vick spent 1 1/2 years behind bars and the Virginia property where he ran and financed a dogfighting ring.

"This show can be a blueprint for so many kids," Vick told the paper. "I want to show them that things are going to happen, that they're not going to get through life without dealing with some kind of adversity. I want to show that if they have a fall from grace, this is how they can turn it around. We want this to be a story of hope."

http://www.ballerstatus.com/2009/10/08/michael-vick-to-star-in-bet-reality-series-in-2010/

Posted by InTheMixWithTre'

House of Hip-Hop Presents.....Thursday Nights at Weyone Lounge!! The BEST Artist Showcase Featuring the DMV's Hottest Talent.

Check Out Last Weeks Performance by "Main Girl". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0tM7qTnkn4 Posted by InTheMixWithTre'

DMVRADIO.NET Presents....The Artist of the Week!!

The music industry thrives on fresh, new and exciting ideas to stay current on the minds of its consumers. To achieve this feat, the industry must constantly usher in new musical eras. These days, that’s no easy feat to accomplish. With new eras, should come new groups; however these new groups too often resemble other groups already on the market. When a new era is introduced properly, everything should be new. And in these times, a new era calls for a new kind of girl group. A group that combines the charm, charisma and extravagant style, of all the classic female groups, that came before, with each member’s character showcasing the confidence and determination to solidify their mark in the future all while making musical history. Truth be told, the new era has already begun. In the grand tradition of the great ones, we proudly present to you; Shabreia, Demetria, Jahna & Carlisa collectively known as “Main Girl”. Formed in 2008 “Main Girl” boasts the talents of four teen-age young ladies; Shabreia (17), Demetria (17), Jahna (16) & Carlisa (18). All natives of the D.M.V. (DC/Maryland/Virginia), these ladies effortlessly blend the musical styles of Hip-Hop, Pop, Gospel, R&B and Jazz to create a little slice of heaven on earth, for your ears. Their sound as well as their look can be considered; sassy yet sexy, hot yet funky, down-to-earth and youthful, yet humble and mature. That stature of maturity comes in handy for this “Fab-Four” when it comes to each member being able to live up to being a “Main Girl”. Giving up their personal lives, their many circles of friends, any semblance of a social life, and on frequent occasion, a good night’s sleep, these girls remain committed to their music despite maintaining a grueling schedule, that would surely make music veterans shudder. They realize that total dedication, ultimately is a must to achieving their dream and they continually put all other “extra things”, except for their schooling, on the back burner. In many peoples’ opinion, to have the god-given gift of “voice” is to ultimately be free. And to be able to sing extremely well, for these girls, is no different. Singing has become an outlet for “Main Girl” to express themselves straight from their hearts. Whatever they are going through, collectively or individually, they always find a way to transfer and convey those raw emotions to their audience, through song. “We consider ourselves the voice of the youth.” Says Demetria “Our songs are conversations that we have with our female & male friends, a/k/a our fans. It’s like being on the phone or texting all our friends, all at the same time. Since we care about our friends we want to give them something that they can listen to that’s positive, has meaning and will hopefully help them in their own lives. And by doing this we show them what being a “Main Girl” is all about.”

The Ladies of Main Girl currently have a mixtape that definitly shows what they bring to the table in a big way. With cameo's from Drake as well as Gucci Mane this mixtape, just like Main Girl, are a "HOT COMMODITY".

Do yourself a big favor

>> click here to download the mixtape. You will not be dissapointed. We at DMV PROMOS promise you.

Posted by InTheMixWithTre'