Fact: Derrion Albert, a high school honor student in Chicago, was murdered on his way back home on September 24th, making headlines everywhere. Accordingly to the Associated Press, this is not the first murder of it’s kind. In 2008, more than 30 students were killed.

Who better to step up and speak on it than superstar rap star Nas, he has always been a community activist with potent lyrics touching on several issues affecting the urban community so he felt the need to send a message to the youth in Chicago and this interview on CNN allows him to share that message along with other thoughts on matter.

Fact: Although Obama’s reviews on the Health Care topic dropped below 50% for the first time in July, after his phenomenal speech last night, accordingly to timesonline.co.uk, “A CNN poll taken immediately after the speech showed a 14 per cent bounce in support for Mr Obama’s proposals, which would make it illegal for insurance companies to drop health coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions and to impose arbitrary limits on what a patient can claim.” Listen to it below and feel free to comment.

Fact: Chris Brown speaks with Larry King about the Rihanna incident, explaining the his plea, the verdict, his feelings towards her and some of his history.

Recent Stanford grad Kamila McDonald just won first place in the beach body contest for the 2009 Miss Jamiaca World Competition last weekend.  Over a month ago, she advance to the top 18 finalist of the 80 who auditioned to compete in the presitious beauty pageant and now she has clinched her spot in the top 10 after winning first in one of the five fast track competitions including the talent competition, beach body contest, online voting people choice and two others.  Right now, Kamila leads the online votes with 20% of the votes (2nd trailing with 17%).  Support this Esface ambassador by CLICKING HERE to vote now (1 time an hour). The theme is “beauty with a purpose”.

Fact: The top 25% of India’s population with the highest IQ’s is GREATER than the total US population…enjoy the rest of the random, valuable trivia facts.

Speak Up! Speak Out!  Week TWO

In honor of the late Michael Jackson’s commitment to promoting unity amongst various cultures and his service to the under-resourced…What role, if any, should the media and/or celebrities play in creating “popsitive” culture?  Why?

Speak Up! Speak Out!  Week ONE

What can you do (personally) to help create “popsitive” culture?

Holla.

Fact:  13 years ago, we lost one of the greatest emcees and leaders in the history of hip hop and one of the most influential artists in the history of entertainment.  Tupac Shakur aka 2 Pac, was a true people’s champ who took a revolutionary stance on many social issues pertaining to the minority, urban communities since his teenage years.  His unparalleled anthology of music proved he was always a man of substance and represented the part of hip hop that I think is truly missing in today’s mainstream music scene. Take 30 minutes out of your day to pay respect and listen to some of his powerful work: youtube, imeem, pandora…life has options.

Fact: Jamar Seay grew up in the Contra Costa county of the SF Bay Area and is a talented, positive, passionate young man with vision.  After a few life-altering experiences, he and his brother created One Life records and J. Seay began his career as a songwriter/producer/emcee. His other passion lies in TV broadcasting, earning his BA in that field from SF State Univ. in 2008.  He recently embarked upon a new project, The Jamar Seay Show, which is an online youtube channel that keep you abreast on current events and the latest fashion in the urban community.  Esface sponsored his first show which featured the Stand for Something design from the Black on Black series released in March (tribute to Black history month). enjoy

Fact: Ragamuffin Clothing, a progressive, revolutionary line founded at Berkeley recently collaborated with the Esface team this year for the Jazz and Reggae Festival, hosted at UCLA every Memorial Day. The collabo has been waiting to happen and finally was officially sparked weeks ago after both President’s, Oladele (esface) and Leandrew (Ragamuffin) had a sit down and met at the Esfac’e Lab on the Peninsula to discuss the opportunities for the strategic alliance. Both companies represent the more progressive, socially conscious side of the urban fashion spectrum with missions that seem nothing short of compatible so we can expect to see a lot more of this synergy in the future.