Loose Links: Black Panthers Lyrical References, Mumia Abu-Jamal, DJ Hero 2

Fighting Against The Death Penalty In Honor of Mumia

On November 9, a worldwide protest has been arranged against the death penalty, centered around an upcoming sentencing case for Mumia Abu-Jamal. In the wake of October 10’s The World Day Against The Death Penalty, Workers World profiled the motion to abolish the death penalty altogether. Often discussed in Hip Hop music and literature (read longtime DX writer Anthony Springer, Jr.’s touching 2008 editorial on Mumia here), Mumia is a Philadelphia man who has claimed he was wrongfully arrested for the 1981 murder of Philadelphia Police officer Daniel Faulkner. On November 9, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will determine whether Mumia Abu-Jamal will face the death penalty or a life sentence in prison.

Read Workers World’s Profile of the November 9 Protest Against The Death Penalty here.

Fight The Power

Just as Hip Hop may have educated many young people of the Mumia Abu-Jamal case and sentence, the culture has also taught listeners a great deal about The Black Panthers. Our friends at Complex.com recently compiled a list of five facts from Rap songs that educated audiences of the party. Mumia is mentioned, as is one of our favorite artists, Paris, who is essential listening to anyone with an appreciation for hardnosed political raps – and also where DJ Shadow earned some of his first credits for drum programming.

Read “Fight The Power: 5 Rap Songs That Taught Us About The Black Panthers” here.

DJ Hero 2 Out The Box

Speaking of DJ Shadow – who’s licensed some music to the game, our friends over at DJ Hero have long been telling us about the playlist for this year’s sequel to last year’s virtual deejay game. Well, today is release day, and we’ve been asked to tell our readers, since this isn’t your usual release date. Ch-ch-check it out.