In the early ’60s and at the age of 15, Little Millie Small made British pop music history by giving Island Records its first major hit with her remake of “My Boy Lollipop.” In the U.S., she was dubbed “The Blue Beat Girl,” a reference to the genre of music from Jamaica that evolved into ska (and a term which would give us the legendary ‘Blue Beat‘ record label), which would eventually give us the reggae we know today.

Millie was one of the few female performers to be involved in the music that grew from the Caribbean islands and she should not be slept on!

So check out “My Boy Lollipop” below and get more Millie after the jump!

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This stunning video tells of the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society. More info at thegirleffect.org

80’s cult classic Heathers that inspired movies such as Mean Girls and Jawbreaker is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary with the release of a specialy edition dvd this Tuesday July 1st. Out of all the teenage films of the 80’s, Heathers is the one you have to see! Heathers is a dark comedy about four high school girls, three of them whom are named “Heather” rule the school through intimidation and sex appeal. The film stars a very young cast made up of Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and Shannon Doherty.

The special edition dvd will be available in different DVD covers (one with Ryder, Doherty, Slater, etc) and comes with extras features such as director commentary and alternate ending.

The ever-so-fly ladies of WAH have updated their website and made all back issues of the their super-fresh ‘zine available for download!

Join their mailing list for future updates and make sure you check out their blog…these ladies drop some necessary knowledge!

Word up to the lady at 1:02 & 2:30!

Video images: Venus Zine
Edited by: Jill DiBiase

Last year at Hip Hop in the Park in Berkeley, I was blown away by a trio of amazingly-talented, political artists called Rebel Diaz, who performed beautifully melodic and militant songs about fighting for justice and serving your people.  Yesterday, two of the members, Rodstarz and G1, were arrested in Hunts Point in the Bronx while witnessing NYPD harass a street vendor selling fruit.  Here is their official statement: 

 Early this Wednesday (6/18/08) Rodstarz and G1 of the group REBEL DIAZ were up in Bronx on Southern Blvd in Hunts Point, when they noticed the police were harassing a street vendor who was selling fruit. The two went over to witness the cops in action and when they saw the police being abusive they pulled out a cell phone to video tape the incident and asked for the officers badge numbers. Subsequently they were beaten, detained and taken to 41st Precint in the Bronx under the direction of Captain McHugh. Rodstarz and G1 will be going to criminal court Thursday (6/19/08) and are being charged with obstruction of justice and assault.Be there in front of Bronx Criminal Court 9AM215 East 161st. Street Between Sheridan & Sherman Ave, East of the Grand Concourse. Take the 4, B, D to 161st Street Yankee Stadium Station. See You There, Support Our Brothers!Please call the 41st precinct 718-542-4771 or arresting Officer MacHugo @ 718-542-8745 to demand:1. Drop All Charges2. Release Rebel Diaz!For more information contact La Peña del Bronx at the following: e-mail: lapena2006@hotmail.com  Tel:718-292-6137WWW.REBELDIAZ.COMWWW.MYSPACE.COM/REBELDIAZALL OUT TO THE COURT!!!! 

  Please spread the word and mobilize!

I’m the resident WP reader/fiend (as opposed to WWD), so I had to share my excitement on this new musical experience, that is Wax Poetics Digital! The site has thousands of new releases and vital reissues available for download now! The tracks for sale, in digital format, will interest all Wax Poetics readers, as the stock spans Brazillian to breaks, Latin to lounge, and of course, plenty of classic and unearthed jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop (aaawwww yeaaaaah!).

Check it out now at digital.waxpoetics.com!

Also, be sure to head out and celebrate the official launch of Wax Poetics Digital with two of my personal favorites, The Budos Band and the charming and talented, DJ Amir. Check the details:

Tracks from Wax Poetics Digital have been hand selected by the Wax Poetics Staff and are ready to be played tonight on the Record Rundown. The Wax Poetics Record Rundown broadcasts every Thursday from 10pm to Midnight on East Village Radio.

Check the details on that after the jump!

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Graff geeks (word up to GDK!) of the world: REJOICE! When I saw this post, I totally geeked. Read on, Sistahs!

The graffiti movement is one that has long influenced streetwear, culture and art in general. Sasha Jenkins (Ego Trip Magazine, White Rapper show) and Legendary Artist Chino BYI in conjunction with 10. Deep clothing gives you a look behind the scenes into the graffitti before it’s immoratlized on walls, the beginnings of masterpieces. Piecebook: The secret drawings of graffiti writers, a compilation of sketches from world famous artists will be on prominent display on Thursday June 12th as 10. Deep holds a gallery reception for the release of the book. The event will showcase prints from select artists featured in the book and for sale at the event will be a special package including a copy of the book, a Piecebook tee and sharpie. Check out more info on the book here.

*Sigh* Well-designed pieces make my brain smile.

Image & Source: High Snobiety

“You have to meet my friend Sheila,” a friend said to me a few weeks ago.

Now, I always try to surround myself with good people and learn to trust their judgment but it always intrigues me when friends say that I “have to” meet someone. Who is this person and what is it about them that makes their friends tell others they “have to” meet him or her?

…and then you meet them and their very energy makes you smile and you feel almost enlightened as you realize, “Ahhh, this is why I had to meet this person.”

That’s what went down with Sheila Red aka Shred One.

We were introduced and within an hour of meeting her, I said to myself, “People need to know about Shred One!”

So who is she? Get introduced to Shred One after the jump!

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