Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is the American hip-hop artist that is currently sweeping the internet. His latest mixtape Overly Dedicated has been getting worldwide attention. Not to mention the huge buzz off his new album Good Kid, Mad City to be released October 22, 2012.

Overly Dedicated features a mix of various underground and conscious rappers. The mixtape also includes many “indie” (Independent) artists like Jhene Aiko and Ab-Soul. Popular tracks off the mixtape “Opposites Attract”, “Ignorance Is Bliss” and “Average Joe” appear to be his testament to life, love and the hood. The Compton California rapper describes his music as not catering to Blacks or Whites but simply everyday life music. “Opposites Attract” is Lamar’s testament to love where he exposes the one fact that “We hate people that love us, love people that hate us”. “Ignorance is Bliss on the other hand appears to “glorify gangster rap and street crime but keeps repeating the line that “Ignorance is Bliss” hinting to the fact that we know not what we do”. “Average Joe” describes his position in relation to his experiences in his hometown. While there is violence and crime all around him he is just another man, affected by life. Kendrick Lamar’s music is very well- rounded and has something for every open-minded listener.

 Good Kid, Mad City is already getting nationwide airplay with the single “Swimming Pools (Drank)”. Kendrick Lamar has a somewhat unorthodox sound with a new and interesting feature in each song and video. He is an artist in the highest sense of the word, detailing both the good and bad of his world. His west-coast sound is filled with beats and lyrics that make you bob your head and think at the very same time. Check out all his music and news at kendricklamar.org.  

Ever since I heard of something called a feminist or womanist, I knew that was something I wanted to be. I wanted to burn my bra in protest like the women on T.V. I wanted to stand for something and not stand alone. I wanted to join a sit-in/rally or march for equal rights. As a younger woman I knew I had much to offer. I believed in my voice and still do. I believe that all women need to be heard. This is not a movement about bashing men. It is about abolishing sexism and empowering women. Sexism has existed since the dawn of time and is often perpetuated by both men and women. So this is an effort to raise consciousness of both genders. The first goal of the feminist is to create stronger bonds between fellow women. There is much truth in the phrase that "sisterhood is powerful". But we as women need to stop judging and ostracizing one another. We all fall victim to the issue of male domination and thus all have a story to share and cause to stop it. Fact of the matter is, everyone can be a part of the feminist movement and in doing so we end sexism, classism and racism. Help to raise the concsiouness!!!!!