By Hunter Walker 11/26/12 1:36pm

Hip Hop 101

Marco Rubio (Photo: Getty)

How GQ Misrepresented Marco Rubio’s Rap IQ

This month’s issue of GQ features an interview with Florida Senator Marco Rubio in which he talks about his favorite rap songs. When the interview went live online last week, many people took note of Mr. Rubio’s rap knowledge, but Politicker couldn’t help but notice he appeared to mistakenly describe hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa as a member of the rap group Public Enemy. However, after reading the print version of the issue it is clear that the discrepancy was caused by an edit made by the magazine and not any rap errors made by Mr. Rubio.   Read More

By Hunter Walker 8/22/12 5:19pm

Outrage

Malcolm Smith standing in Times Square for his denunciation of Lil' Wayne. (Photo: Hunter Walker)

Malcolm Smith Denounces Lil’ Wayne in Times Square

At a highly anticipated press conference in the middle of Times Square, Queens State Senator and potential mayoral candidate Malcolm Smith took Lil’ Wayne to task for saying he doesn’t like New York City in an interview earlier this week. The senator began by repeating Mr. Wayne’s offending comments for the benefit of the handful of reporters who braved the crowds of tourists to witness Mr. Smith’s denunciation of the rapper.

“Let me read you a statement, one word–a couple of words that came from Lil’ Wayne today and here’s what he said: ‘I. Don’t Like. New. York,” Mr. Smith said, slowly reciting each outrageous syllable of Mr. Wayne’s five word comment for emphasis.

Mr. Smith went on to explain why he took “strong exception” to Mr. Wayne’s comments and would like the rapper to issue a formal apology. Read More

By Hunter Walker 8/22/12 11:37am

Rap Battle

Malcolm Smith (Photo: Facebook)

State Senator Malcolm Smith Wants an Apology From Lil’ Wayne

Queens State Senator and potential mayoral candidate Malcolm Smith has beef with Lil’ Wayne. Mr. Smith is holding a press conference in Times Square this afternoon to demand an apology from Mr. Wayne after the rapper expressed his distaste for New York in an interview with MTV News this week.

“The rapper publicly said he flat out don’t like New York. New York City is the birthplace of the Hip Hop music movement,” a press release from Mr. Smith’s office said. “Millions of New Yorkers listen to his music every day. His comments outraged his local fans and residents. The group today will be demanding an apology of the hip hop star.” Read More

By Hunter Walker 5/21/12 10:47am

Rubencito

Ruben Diaz Jr. (Photo: BronxBoroPres.nyc.gov)

Bronx Boro Prez Ruben Diaz Jr. Rapping With Doug E. Fresh [Video]

Move over Marty Markowitz, Ruben Diaz Jr. has taken the crown as New York’s rappingest Borough President.

A little over a month after Brooklyn’s Mr. Markowitz rapped a few bars with Wu Tang Clan member GZA, Mr. Diaz, the Bronx Borough President, joined hip hop legend Doug E. Fresh on stage at Bronx Week Sunday to perform his hit song “La Di Da.” Their duet was captured on video by an audience member.  Read More

By Hunter Walker 8:31am

Old School

Senator Chuck Schumer (Photo: Facebook)

Chuck Schumer Needs To Brush Up On His Hip Hop History

Senator Chuck Schumer mixed up the names of hip-hop icons L.L. Cool J and D.J. Kool Herc, in his speech at the gala scholarship dinner that was the finale of the annual New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus association weekend. Mr. Schumer’s musical mixup came when he told the audience about his efforts to preserve the Bronx apartment building where Kool Herc is said to have first mixed records and rapped over the beat.

“I have kept my promises to you that, while I have clout in Washington, I will do everything I can for our dear State of New York,” Mr. Schumer said. “So, when greedy landlords in the Bronx wanted to close the home on Sedgwick Avenue where L.L. Kool Herc invented hip hop and lots of hardworking people lived, we stopped them.” Read More