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fatwa on Islamic music


SOURCE: The Encyclopaedia of Fatawa, Al-Azhar University, Department if Fatawa: http://www.alazhr.org/Ftawa


Fatwa by the Grand Mufti and Shaykh of Al-Azhar, Cairo, Egypt: Shaykh Jad al-Haq Ali Jad al-Haq (died 1996)

Date: Ramadan 1400 AH/ 12 August 1980.


Translated from Arabic by Shaykh Michael Mumisa Alimiyya (Dar al-Ulum al-Islamiyya), BA Hons., MA (RAU), MPhil (Birmingham), PhD candidate (Newcastle).

Lecturer: University of Birmingham,


1. Playing the tambourine and other musical instruments on special occasions is allowed by unanimous agreement.

2. Listening to music, attending musical gatherings, and studying music of all genres and instruments is allowed as long as it is not accompanied with immoral and sinful acts, or used as a pretext to incite people towards haram (prohibited) behaviour, and it does not preoccupy a person away from observing the obligatory acts of worship (al-wajibat).


Shaykh Jad al-Haq Ali Jad al-Haq was asked a question through a letter published in the magazine Mimbar al-Islam (The Muslim Platform/Pulpit) Number 217 year 1980 regarding the Sharia ruling on music which is not associated with all the things that are normally associated with music. This question had initially been presented to a group of experts and religious scholars who met to discuss this issue but they could not agree on a ruling. They were divided into two camps, those who considered it permissible and those who regarded it prohibited (haram).



When the letter was sent to him, his answer was:

Ibn al-Qaysarani has quoted in his book al-Sama or Listening (Line 31, p.63 published by the Supreme Council for Religious Affairs in the year 1390AH-1970CE edited by Ustadh Abu al-Wafa al-Maraghi) the statement of Imam al-Shafi (founder of the Shafi school of jurisprudence) that:

The main sources (of Islamic law) are the Quran and sunna. If one cannot find an answer in them then he can employ qiyas (analogical deduction) upon them. If a hadith has been transmitted through an unbroken chain from the Prophet and if proved that the chain is also authentic then that hadith qualifies as sunna. Ijma (consensus) is greater than a tradition/narration transmitted through a single chain, and the apparent and manifest (Zahir) meaning will be taken into consideration over other meanings. In other words, if a hadith has the possibility of more than one meaning then the apparent (or literal) meaning will be considered first and given preference over other meanings. If two or more ahadith are the same then the one with the strongest chain will be considered first. A tradition with a broken chain is not accepted apart from those reported through Ibn al-Musayyib.


It has also been quoted in the same book (Line 31, p. 63 and it was published by the Supreme Council for Religious Affairs in the year 1390AH-1970CE edited by Ustadh Abu al-Wafa al-Maraghi): with regard to the listen of musical instruments (al-qadid and al-awtar) which are also known as taghyir or taqtaqa, there is no difference at all between listen to any one of them since we have not found any authentic or even weak evidence in form of tradition (athar) to prove whether they are permissible or prohibited. In fact the scholars of the past (the mutaqadimun) have considered listening to these musical instruments permissible since as a principle (in Islamic law) all things are considered a prior permissible until there is indisputable evidence from the sharia (Quran and sunna) to prove otherwise.

Thus, the Islamic ruling regarding all forms of musical instruments is the same. There is no single evidence from the sharia to prove that they are either prohibited or allowed. All the traditions which have been transmitted and reported to prove that musical instruments are prohibited (haram) cannot be established and proved to be from the Prophet and this has been the school of thought among and dominant view among the people of Madina (ahl Madina) (or the Maliki school). They unanimously agree that listening to musical instruments is allowed. Similarly, the ahl al-Zahir (literalists) have based their position on the principle of permissibility (that all things are judged permissible until there is evidence from the Quran and sunna to prove the opposite).

As far as wind instruments (mazamir) and other musical instruments (malahi) are concerned, a number of authentic traditions (ahadith) have been reported to prove that listening to them is permissible (see the same source from p.71 onwards). The permissibility of listening to such instruments can also be proved through the verse: And when they see tijara (merchandise) or lahw (amusements with musical instruments) they break up for it, and leave you standing. Say: What is with God is better than lahw and (better) than merchandise, and God is the best of Sustainers. Sura Al-Juma: verse 11. The commentary of this verse has been provided through a narration recorded by Imam Muslim (in his Sahih) in the chapter of Friday Prayers (bab al-juma) on the authority of Jabir Ibn Samra that the Prophet used to deliver sermons standing and then he would sit down before standing again to continue with the sermon. Whoever tells you that the Prophet used to deliver sermons while seated is a liar. For indeed I prayed more than a thousand prayers with the Prophet! In a tradition reported on the authority of another companion Jabir Ibn Abdullah: once the Prophet was delivering a sermon on Friday while standing and suddenly a caravan approached from Sham (Levant). The congregation went towards the caravan and only 12 men remained with the Prophet. Immediately after that this verse was revealed. Al-Tabari has also reported the same hadith from Jabir but in his version he has the following addition: Whenever they (the people of Madina) celebrated a wedding they used to play musical instruments and this would distract the Prophets congregation and some members of the congregation would leave to join the celebration. Thus the Prophet would always stand when delivering sermons. In this verse God is scolding them for their actions.

Ibn al-Qushayri also states (from p. 72 in the same source): In this verse God has joined lahw (amusements with musical instruments) together with tijara (business or trade) using the grammatical particle wa (and) which means that the law and ruling that applies to one of them must apply to the other since they are joined together. We know that Muslims unanimously agree that tijara (business or trade) is permissible. Thus, in this verse the Quran is maintaining the status quo as far as the ruling regarding musical instruments is concerned since they were part of the Arab customs and culture before Islam. It is implausible to suggest that the Prophet might have prohibited musical instruments (before this incident took place) and yet when the musical troupe passes by the door of the Masjid God chooses not to reveal a single verse at that very moment clearly and finally stating that musical instruments and music are prohibited (haram) but instead He chooses to merely scold and reprimand (itaab) the people who left the Prophet standing while they went to listen to the musical troupe. It is also impossible to imagine that the Prophet would choose not to clearly state through sunna his ruling regarding music after this Friday incident.

Therefore, the ruling regarding music or musical instruments will be based on the principle of permissibility (in other words we know that Music was permissible and we do not have any verse or sunna to prove that this changed). This can further be supported by the tradition reported by Aisha that she got one of her Ansari maids married to an Ansari man and upon hearing this, the Prophet suggested, why did you not all go to the wedding accompanied by lahw (amusement with instruments) as you know that the Ansari people love lahw. This tradition has been recorded by al-Bukhari in his Sahih under the chapter of marriage (Sharh Umdat al-qari ala sahih al-Bukhari 20/146 in the footnote of the previous source).

In his Ihya ulum al-din (p.1150, vol.6, published by the Organisation for the Propagation of Islamic Culture 1356AH) al-Ghazzali included the 8th book dealing with listening, particularly musical instruments. He writes: If the instruments are devices used by people to incite others to drink and engage in vice such as wind instruments (mazamir) stringed instruments (awtar) and drums[1] (tabl al-kuba) then they will not be allowed. Apart from that, all other instruments such as the tambourine (duff) even if it has jingles or bells (jalajil), drums[2] (tabl), and others, are permitted.

Al-Qurtubi has mentioned in his al-Jami li ahkam al-Quran (vol.14, p.54) a statement from al-Qushayri[3]: Musical instruments were played in front of the Prophet (to welcome him) during his first arrival in Madina and Abu Bakr wanted to scold and reprimand those who were playing the instruments but the Prophet stopped him saying: leave them alone O Abu Bakr so that the Jews (of Madina) will also learn and know that our religion is relaxed and accommodating! Thus, the women of Madina continued to play the instruments singing we are the daughters of Najaar! How excellent and wonderful it will be to have Muhammad as a Jaar (neighbour)! Al-Qurtubi goes on to say: It has been said that the ruling regarding the use of drums (tabl) in wedding celebrations is the same as the use of tambourine (duff). The same applies to all other forms of instruments used in wedding celebrations. It is permissible (yajuz) to use them as long as the lyrics or verses of the song are not offensive or profane (rafath) (see Ahkam al-quran of Ibn Arabi vol.3, p.1494). Al-Shawkani (the Salafi scholar) mentioned the views of those scholars who consider music and musical instruments as haram as well as those who consider them as permissible in his Nayl al-Awtar (vol.8, p.104-105) under the chapter The Instruments of Amusement. He also cited the evidence and proofs advanced by each camp to support its position. After the following hadith: any form of amusement is invalid (batil) for a believer except in three cases: when a man plays with and amuses his wife and family, when he trains his horse, and when he practices shooting with his arrow, al-Shawkani followed it with a commentary from al-Ghazzali: When the Prophet says it is invalid (batil) it does not mean or imply that it is haram. Rather, it simply means that there is no benefit (faida) at all in such actions. Al-Shawkani goes on to say: This (statement from al-Ghazzali) is a correct interpretation and response to this tradition because those things that have no benefit (faida) fall under the category of the permissible things (mubah). Al-Shawkani goes on to cite other proofs including the following hadith: A lady made a vow (nadhar) to God that if God would cause the Prophet to return from one of the battles safe she would celebrate by playing the tambourine (duff) in front of the Prophet. The Prophet allowed her to fulfil her vow to God by playing the tambourine. This permission from the prophet proves that what she did was not in any way sinful (see the same source vol.8, p.104-105). Al-Shawkani then refers to his own treatise written under the title Ibtal dawa al-ijma ala tahrim mutlaq al-sama (the destruction of the claims that there is consensus that makes all forms of listening to instruments haram).

Ibn Hazam (of the literalist school and a respected Salafi scholar) writes in his al-Muhalla (vol.9, p.60) that the Prophet said: All actions are judged according to intentions and every person will get what he has intended for. Thus, (Ibn Hazm argues) a person who listens to music with the intention of disobeying God will be judged a sinner. This applies to all other things apart from music. However, if a person listens to music with the intention of relaxing himself so that he can be strong and active enough to engage in the obedience of God he will be judged as a good and obedient person and his action (of listening to music) is valid. If a person intents neither obedience nor disobedience he will be judged as a person who has engaged in laghw (pointless action) which is excused and overlooked (by God). It will be treated in the same way as a walk in the park (tanazzuh).

Bukhari included a section in his Sahih (vol.9, p171 towards the end of the chapter of seeking permission. Published by Amiriya Press, years 1305 on the margins of Sahih Muslim) as a chapter under the title every form of amusement is invalid (batil) if it keeps an individual away from the obedience of God. In al-Rashad al-Sari he (Imam Bukhari) adds the following statement after the title: even though it would have been permissible under other circumstances just like a person who becomes so pre-occupied with performing optional prayers, recitation of the Quran, zikr, or studying the meaning of the Quran that he deliberately misses the time of obligatory prayers.

According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, it has been mentioned in the book al-Badai (vol.6, p. 269) of al-Kasani under the discussion dealing with that person whose testimony is accepted and credible in a court of law and the one whose testimony is not accepted (considered unreliable): With regard to the testimony of a person who plays musical instruments, the court will see if the instruments he plays are like the tambourine and others which do not incite one to engage sinful acts. In such cases his testimony will be accepted and the fact that he plays such musical instruments will not affect his reliability. However, if he is known to play instruments like the flute (al-ud) or others which incites a person to engage in abominable acts, his testimony will not be considered as reliable because such instruments are not allowed under any circumstances.

In Mujma al-Anhar (vol.2, p.198) under the same discussion it is stated that a persons testimony will not be credible in court if it is discovered that he plays the tanbur (stringed instrument resembling the mandolin) since it is considered as lahw. What is meant by tanbur here is any instrument that incites evil actions among people. However, playing all other forms of instruments which do not have the same evil effect on people will not affect a persons reliability in court unless if he plays the instruments while engaging in indecent forms of dancing[4] since that is a major sin.

A similar view has been expressed in the book al-Durr al-Mukhtar (vol.4, p.398) of al-Haskafi and in the marginal notes (hashiya) of Radd al-Mukhtar by Ibn Abidin, as well as in al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama (vol.10, p.240-242): Instruments are of three types: the first type is of those that are classified as haram and these are awtar[5], the wind instruments (mazamir), ud (flute), tanbur, al-mazifa, al-ribaab, and others. A person who frequently plays these instruments will have his testimony rejected as unreliable in court. The second type of instruments is allowed, for example the tambourine (duff) because the Prophet said: announce your marriages publicly by playing the tambourine. Recorded by Muslim in his Sahih. Our companions and those of al-Shafii mentioned that playing the tambourine on any other occasion apart from weddings is discouraged/disliked (makruh), it is also discouraged/disliked (makruh) for men to play the tambourine under any circumstances. The third type of instruments is those which are classified as makruh (disliked) when they are associated with haram acts such as erotic dance, clapping, and al-ghinaa etc. If it is not associated with such acts then it will not be makruh since they are not primarily designed for that purpose. The school of Shafii in this case hold the same view as our school.

According to the dictionary Lisan al-arab the word al-lahw refers to anything that has the potential to amuse and pre-occupy a person such as music, as well as other things. The term malahi is used to refer to musical instruments (instruments of lahw). It is stated in al-Misbah al-munir that the original meaning of lahw is tarwih (relaxation and amusement) in a way that renders oneself beyond hikma (wisdom).

It has been mentioned in the fatwa of Imam al-Akbar[6] (the great leader) (see p.375-385 in Fatawa Shaykh Shaltut Published in year 1379AH/1959ce by the Department of Culture at Al-Azhar) - the late Shaykh Mahmud al-Shaltut - on the topic of learning music and listening to it that: God created a human with a natural impulse/instinct (ghariza) to appreciate the beautiful and pleasant things that impresses him. Thus, through this natural impulse he is able to calm himself, stimulate himself, and relax his body. For example, a human being by his very nature is always pleased by beautiful sceneries such as a well-arranged garden, the dancing waves of clear seawater, and is delighted by the sight of a beautiful face as well as pleasant aromas. Sharia does not in any way try to suppress these human impulses and instincts, rather, it regulates them. Moderation and adopting the middle ground is the great and golden principle of Islam that has been clearly stated in the Quran in many places, for example: O children of Adam! Adorn and beautify yourselves at every place of worship (masjid) and eat, drink but do not be extravagant. Al-Araf: verse 31. Thus, the sharia expects the human being to adopt the middle path whenever he is responding to his natural impulses/instincts. It also provides guidelines to ensure the human instinct great love for beautiful scenery and lovely sounds is moderated and does not lead to harm or evil.

While on the same topic, the Imam al-Akbar (Shaykh al-Azhar Mahmud Shaltut) also added that he once read a treatise titled Idah al-dalalat fi sama al-alat (an explanation of the evidence on listening to musical instruments) by one of the 11th century great scholars known for his piety Shaykh Abdul Ghani al-Nabulusi al-Hanafi who declared that the traditions (ahadith) used by those who consider music to be haram, if we accept them to be authentic, their meaning is always qualified (muqayyad) by the fact that they mention that type of music which is accompanied by immoral acts, alcohol consumption, fornication, and other vices. In fact, we do not know of any hadith condemning music that has not mentioned these vices. Thus, according to him, music is not haram per se but only when it is associated or accompanied by vices or when it becomes a means towards immoral behaviour. If it is free from such problems and vices, then it will be allowed to listen to it, study it, and participate in musical events.

It has been reported from the Prophet and many of his companions (sahaba), their successors (tabiun), the great leaders of the schools of law and jurisprudence that they used to listen to and attend musical events which were not accompanied by vices or prohibited acts. This is the view held by many of the scholars of Islamic jurisprudence (fuqaha). Their fatwa concluded that listening to musical instruments cannot be considered haram simply because they have a melody and sound. However, it only becomes haram for a person to listen to them when they become a tool to incite people towards immoral and prohibited behaviour or when they prevent a person from fulfilling his obligatory religious duties. It becomes clear while reading the texts and book of the schools of law, the texts dealing with verses of legal injunctions (ahkam al-quran), and lexicography (lugha) that playing the tambourine as well as other instruments is allowed by general agreement (ittifaq) of the scholars particularly when encouraging the army in a battle field, celebrating the wedding, welcoming a guest or a person returning from a journey, and when motivating people engaged in difficult and important manual labour. The only point of difference among the doctors of law (fuqaha) whether music is haram or allowed, as far as we can tell from their books, is when music is associated and accompanied with haram and immoral behaviour such as drinking intoxicants, erotic dances, fornication, and other vices.

This appears to be the position of the Hanafi scholars (see the previously mentioned Hanafi sources). They hold the view that playing musical instruments will be allowed when it does not lead to immoral behaviour (ghayr al-mustashni) and it will not affect a persons testimony or his reliability in a court of law. They defined immoral behaviour (al-mustashni) as those forms of dancing that are categorised as major sins.

The Maliki scholar Ibn Arabi (not Ibn Arabi the Sufi but the hadith scholar) also expresses a similar view in his Ahkam al-quran (see the previously mentioned Maliki sources) that it is just as permissible to use a drum as it is allowed to use a tambourine to celebrate weddings, similarly all other instruments used to announce and celebrate weddings are allowed as long as the singers do not use offensive lyrics.

It is clear after reading Ibn Qudama (the Hanbali scholar) in his al-Mughni when he cites the two jurists al-Shafii and Ahman Ibn Hanbali that he does not disagree or oppose the Hanafi and Maliki position with regard to the conditions attached to the permissibility of listening to Music (that it should not be accompanied by haram).

Whenever the jurists have ruled the use of some musical instruments to be allowed while prohibiting others, it is because the prohibited instruments have always been used to incite the listener to engage in immoral behaviour. This does not mean that the instrument itself is haram. We see this clearly in the way the Hanafi, Shafii, and Hanbali jurists as well as the Maliki scholar Ibn Arabi have explained their positions that musical instruments should not be accompanied by immoral acts and vices.

Thus, after a detailed and thorough study of all the evidence for and against music, the author of the book al-Sama (listening) Muhammad Ibn Tahir Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad Ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Shaybani Abu al-Fadl al-Maqdisi well-known as Ibn al-Qaysarani a great expert in the field of hadith declared that there is no difference at all between listening to one type of instrument or another since there exist no single textual evidence, whether authentic or inauthentic, for or against the use of instruments. Early scholars such as Shaykh Abdul al-Ghani al-Nabulusi al-Hanafi who has been mentioned previously ruled that the use of such instruments was allowed since there was no evidence to prove otherwise. He also argues that the traditions used by those who are opposed to the use musical instruments, if we assume that they are authentic, they have only condemned music when accompanied and associated with intoxicants, fornication and other immoral behaviour. Almost all such traditions mention these vices as the reason behind the condemnation of music. This is also the view of Ibn Hazm who holds the view that the verdict whether music is allowed or not rests on the intentions f the people involved. Thus, if a person listens to music with the intention to relax and motivate himself before engaging in the obedience of God then he will be considered as a righteous person. However, if he does not make any intention whether good or bad, he will not be taken to account for his action and will be treated just like a person taking a walk in the park or sitting outside his house for fresh air.

Similarly, the view held by al-Ghazzali (see previously cited sources) quoted by al-Shawkani in the interpretation of the hadith every lahw (amusement) in which the believer engages in is invalid does not in any way prove or mean that lahw is prohibited (haram) even if we assume that the chain of the hadith is authentic. The Quran states: And, for what your tongues describe, do not utter the lie, (saying) This is lawful and this is unlawful, in order to forge a lie against God; surely those who forge the lie against God shall not prosper (al-Nahl: verse 116).

The argument that is often presented that listening to music, studying it, and attending musical functions is haram based on the legal principles of sadd al-dharia (lit. blocking the ways/ precaution) or that of dar mafasid muqaddam ala jalb al-masalih (prevention of corruption is given preference over the acquisition of benefit) is neither acceptable nor valid because although music is sometimes associated with corruption, this is not usually the case. Therefore, in this case it will be equated to (the early Arab habit of) sitting on the sides of the streets (or street corners). In a tradition recorded by Muslim in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Said al-Khudri, the Prophet said: Beware of sitting by roadsides! The companions then responded saying, O Prophet of God! We do not do any harm apart from just talking important matters. The Prophet then said, if at all you must sit by the roadside then make sure that you give the street its right. They asked him, what is the right of the street/road O messenger of God? Lowering your gaze, removing harmful objects from the street, returning salam (greetings) to those who pass by, and enjoining good while prohibiting from evil (see Sharh al-sunna of al-Baghawi, 12/3338). From this tradition we can deduce that sometimes lawful acts can become prohibited when they are accompanied or associated with immoral and haram behaviour. In such cases the prohibition (hurma) will be contingent upon the existence of such immoral and haram behaviour. In other words, it will not be a purely independent and original ruling.

Thus, adopting the middle ground in such cases in the best position (see al-Muwafaqat of al-Shatibi, vol.4, p.258). For this reason, we are in favour of the ruling that listening to music, attending musical gatherings, studying music of all genres and all types of instruments is allowed as long as it is not accompanied by immoral and haram acts, or used as a tool to incite people to engage in sinful behaviour, and it does not preoccupy a person away from observing the obligatory acts of worship as stated in the chapters of al-Bukhari (see Irshad al-Sari, vol. 2, p.171, the marginal notes of Sahih Muslim). In such cases, it will become haram just like sitting on the side of the road without observing the rights of the road mentioned in the hadith. We take this position because only God and then his messenger have the responsibility to declare things halal (permissible) and haram (prohibited) (see Ilam al-muwaqiin of Ibn al-Qayyim, vol. 1, p. 32). God also states, Say: Who has prohibited the embellishment of God which He has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions? Say: These are for the believers in the life of this world, purely (theirs) on the resurrection day; thus do we make the communications clear for a people who know. Say: My Lord has only prohibited indecencies, those of them that are apparent as well as those that are concealed, and sin and rebellion without justice, and that you associate with God that for which He has not sent down any authority, and that you say against God what you do not know (al-Araf: verses 32-33). Ibn Arabi states (see his Ahkam al-Quran, vol.2, p.782) that the words embellishment of God (zinat allah) in the above verse refer to the beauties of worldly life such as beautiful clothing and its other pleasures because God says, And he makes lawful to them the good things and makes unlawful to them impure things (al-Araf: verse 157). Al-Shawkani wrote (see Nayl al-awtar, vol.8, p.105) that the term good things (tayyibat) in the verse includes all types and forms of good things. The term tayyib (good thing) is usually used to refer to sources of pleasure. This is the meaning that immediately comes to mind when the term is used unless if there is textual context to suggest that this is not the intended meaning. Moreover, this term also denotes generality (umum) and that means it includes all meanings of good. Even if we were to apply it only to some and not all of its included meanings, that meanings that immediately comes to mind when the term is used would be the most suitable. Al-Izz Ibn Abd al-Salam also stated that the meaning of al-tayyibat (good things) in this verse are sources of pleasure.

God the Almighty knows best.





[1] Tabl al-kuba is a type of drum and I am still trying to find out what exactly it is or looks like. From al-Ghazzalis text it seems it is different from the tabl in footnote number 2 below. Mumisa.

[2] Tabl- drums different from the one in footnote 1 it seems. I can get the details soon insha-allah from lisan al-Arab or Taj al-arus in the Library.

[3] Al- Qushayri (d. 465H/1074CE).

[4] The Arabic word used to describe the type of dancing is yatafahasha derived from fahusha literally meansing using obscene language, adultery and prostitution, vile deeds. It is used to refer to erotic dance, belly dance, and other forms of dancing associated with sex.

[5] I am finding out more about these Arabic instruments and their use soon insha-allah.

[6] A title used to refer the Shaykh al-Azhar and in this case it is referring to the late Shaykh Mahmud al-Shaltut.

Tools of War grassroots Hip Hop Newsletter
Nov. 20 - 29, 2009

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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED THE TOOLS OF WAR PARK JAMS THIS SUMMER!!!!

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LYNNE STEWART: ACTIVIST LAWYER SENTENCED TO 28 MONTHS

70 yrs. old. She was supposed to have surgery for breast cancer in December. She was also the lawyer for Larry Davis. You can write to her at: Lynne Stewart 53504-054 MCC-NY 150 Park Row New York, NY NY 10007. Learn more about her at lynnestewart.org  and baltimorechronicle.com/2009/112009Lendman.shtml and topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/s/lynne_f_stewart/index.html

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GRAND MASTER ROC RAIDA: 1972 - 2009

Rest in Peace Friend. I never thought nor did I ever want to post something like this up about you! You have many friends working to preserve your legacy with tributes, fundraisers as well as the Gong DJ Battle. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Upcoming Events Approved by the Family & Friends of Roc Raida include:



Dec. 3: IDA UK FINAL & A FUNDRAISER FOR THE FAMILY OF ROC RAIDA: LONDON
8pm-1am. Bar FM 184 Hopgood St. Shepherds Bush London.  More info: skratchworx.com

Those requesting permission to organize an official fundraiser/tribute - please contact roc4raida@gmail.com with your proposal, including as many details as possible.

Donations can be sent directly to his family through paypal.com using: ladietye@yahoo.com

For All ACCURATE information, official family approved tributes & fundraisers:
http://www.myspace.com/rocraida
http://www.myspace.com/thegongdjbattle
Press, please be sure to fact check your posts against the info on his blog about details of his life as well as his passing.

Download The Halftime Show from Oct. 21, 2009: Special guests: DJ Craze, Shiftee, Roli Rho, Mista Sinista, Sean C, Sugarcuts and Tyeasha (Roc Raida's wife) and more!  http://bit.ly/kMzPz  and watch footage! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-xplnzTcPM

Download DJ Premier's Radio Tribute to Roc Raida
Part 1: http://www.sendspace.com/file/2axsye
Part 2: http://www.sendspace.com/file/9cnkw4

Download Halftime Show's Tribute to Raida
PT.1  http://www.zshare.net/audio/6609950743e88465/
PT.2  http://www.zshare.net/audio/66100639f5fb67af/
PT.3  http://www.zshare.net/audio/661015788f61b835/

Friday, November 20, 2009

DJs GRANDMASTER FLASH, Q-TIP, GRAVY & VA$HTIE @ SANTOS NYC
$15. 21+. Every Friday. Santos Party House 96 Lafayette St. (betw. Walker & White St) Manhattan NYC. santospartyhouse.com. Early arrival is a must! Source: deadlymelody.com.

EXHIBIT: KEO X-MEN TC-5 TOP - BKLYN 
6-9pm. FREE! Also Book signing for: Piece Book Reloaded. Guest Appearances by: Bobbito & Clark Kent + many surprise guests. Wealthy Hostage 1924 Church Ave (Ocean Ave) Bklyn NY. B or Q to Church Ave. Source KEO 12ozprophet.com/index.php/keo
 
ORGANIC HIP HOP CONFERENCE  MIAMI NOV.  20-21:
7pm -11pm each night. Friday: $12 (or $10 + 2 canned goods).  Saturday: Family concert: All Ages. $7 (or $5 + 2 canned goods). African Heritage Cultural Arts Central 6161 NW 22 Avenue, Miami, FL 33142. organichiphopevent.wordpress.com or 754-246-0222.

PIECES 4 REVOLUTION OPEN MIC: NYC
7pm. Every 3rd Friday of the month. An open-mic like no other.  Bring your most powerful work, and be ready to talk about it!   Presented by Pricetags Art and Revolution Books 146 W. 26 St., betw. 6th & 7th Aves., NYC. 212-691-3345. revolutionbooksnyc.org

THE ART OF LYRICS #7: BRONX
8pm-12am. Only Underground Hip-Hop Showcase in the Bronx, every 3rd Friday of the month. Breeze Evaflowin, Niles, Percepto, RuggednRaw, Timeless Truth, Pryme Prolific, Hassan Salaam, Final Outlaw, Verse*all and more! Live painting by D Cross. Hosts: Rhino & Tony Stanz. DJ FredOnes. 18+. $5. The Point CDC 940 Garrison Ave, btwn Manida & Barretto St., Bronx, NY 10474. 6 to Hunts Point Ave, 2/5 to Simpson St. myspace.com/theartoflyrics, thepoint.org, More info theartoflyrics@gmail.com .718.542.4139 x138.

KOOL DJ RED ALERT NYC
12am-2am. Shadow Club 229 W.28th St NYC go to the club or listen to him rock live at 98.7 Kiss FM! Source: Kool DJ Red Alert.

THE PURPLE PARTY: SAN FRANCISCO
9pm. 21+ A Prince Tribute. The Kev Choice Ensemble along with special guest Martin Luther pay homage to Prince, his extended musical family, and his legacy. DJs Dave Paul & Jeff Harris. Shattuck Down Low 2284 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704. $5 before 10:30pm / $10 after 10:30pm. Source: Dave Paul.

AMNESTY NOW: EVERY FRIDAY - NYC
Amnesty Now for the millions of undocumented immigrants. Picket 12 PM - 1 PM every Friday @ 26 Federal Plaza (N.E. corner - Worth & Lafayette) Manhattan larebeldiadelosinmigrantes.blogspot.com
Victor Toro Defense Committee + Panama Alba

DJ PHAT PHILLIE: ZAGREB CROATIA
11pm-4am. FREE! Maraschino Bar, Margaretska 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. Source: Phat Phillie blackouthiphop.com

Saturday: November 21, 2009

BLOWFLY, NINJASONIK + BROOKLYN
10pm. $13 adv. $14 day of. New York Night Train's Mr. Jonathan Toubin. Knitting Factory 361 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn NY 11211 knittingfactory.com

DJ NUMARK: SAN FRANCISCO CA
9pm -3am. Also DJ sHaylow, Platurn &  Ant-1. Mighty, 119 Utah St., San Francisco CA. Free before 10pm. $5 before 11pm w/ canned goods.  Source: DJ Ren trueskool.com

PUERTO RICAN ARTISANS FAIR & EXHIBITION + FREE HEALTH FAIR: BX
10am-7pm. FREE! Comite Noviembre's 4th Annual Fair and 1st annual health fair.  Hostos Community College CUNY450 Grand Concourse at 149th St, Bronx, NY. comitenoviembre.org. Source: cemiunderground.com

PRINCE vs MICHAEL 7th ANNIV. SF CA
8pm - 2am. $5. DJs David Paul and Jeff Harris. 21+. Madrone Lounge 500 Divisadero St @ Fell San Francisco, CA 94117. David Paul BombHipHop.com
 
DJ JAZZY JOYCE: NYC
Promenade 215 West 28th St. btw 7th & 8th Ave. Dress code. AllTheParties.com. Source: Jazzy Joyce.

25 YEARS OF BOMBA Y PLENA: BRONX
7:30. $15 each (reception & concert) Los Pleneros de la 21 and more! 718-518-4455. Main Theater at Hostos Community College/CUNY 450 Grand Concourse (149 St.) The Bronx hostos.cuny.edu

JEFFREY OSBORNE: NYC
6pm doors. 8pm show. Featuring: Elisabeth Withers. $47 adv. $52 day of. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill 237 West 42 St. NYC. 212.997.4144 bbkingblues.com

Sunday: November 22, 2009

URBAN ARCHIVES: BRONX
Feat. work from Charlie Ahearn, John Ahearn, Afrika Bambaataa, Henry Chalfant, Joe Conzo, Martha Cooper, Tats Cru, Stefan Eins, Fashion Moda, Catherine Hazard, Lisa Kahane, Lady Pink, Jenny Holzer and more.  Through March 1, 2010. Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th St. Bronx D or B train to 167th  or 4 to 161st St. Sources: Lisa Kahane and Joe Conzo.

END OF THE WEAK: NYC
8pm. Legendary Open-Mic & Hip Hop Show. Special guests each week. Pyramid 101 Ave. A bet. 6th & 7th St. Manhattan. EndoftheWeak.com.

Monday: November 23, 2009

DJ LORD FINESSE: APT NYC
10pm-4am. $10. 21+.  Lord Finesse of the legendary DITC will be will be kicking off the holiday week early. The musical menu will consists of Vintage Hip Hop, R&B, Rare Funk and Soul. Hopefully we'll see you in the building for this rare DJ appearance by Lord Finesse (DITC)!  APT 419 W. 13th St. betw. 9th & Washington  NYC. A, C, E to 14th.  aptwebsite.com.

Tuesday: November 24, 2009

WIZ KHALIFA RELEASE PARTY NYC
9pm show. Deal of No Deal Official Album Release Party with guests: Ninjasonik and Trouble Andrew. Hosts: Angela Yee & Combat Jack. DJ School Boy and Jasmine Solano. $10 adv. $15 day of.  Highline Ballroom 431 W 16th St (between 9th & 10th Ave) New York, NYC 10011. highlineballroom.com

NOV. 24 YES SHE CAN MURAL: BRONX
The Majora Carter Group unveils the first mural from the Yes SHE Can! series. 2:30-4:30 dance, eat and mingle at 823 Hunts Point Ave. (behind the Post Office) Bronx NYC. Raindate Nov. 25. Come on out and celebrate Uptown Girl Power! Tanya D. Fields
majoracartergroup.com

  NO KID'N TUESDAYS @ TAJ NYC
10pm-? 21+. Taj 48 West 21st betw. 5th & 6th Ave. NYC. Dress code: stylish, trendy, chic (collared shirts for men). Admission at the door man's discretion or RSVP @ NOKIDNTUESDAYS@GMAIL.COM. Source: Chris Medina

TONY TOUCH @ SUTRA: NYC
Special guest: DJ Phat Phillie (Croatia). Toca Tuesdays! Hip Hop & Reggae!  Sutra 16 First Ave. between 1st & 2nd St. NYC 10009. F/V to 2nd Ave. sutranyc.com

THE  LOST & FOUND: BROOKLYN
10pm-3am. Soul 45's, Funk & Latin. DJ Young Chris, Jared, Boogieman + The Honeydripper. Savalas 285 Bedford Ave Brooklyn. myspace.com/foundthelost. Source: Miss Shing-A-Ling.

Wednesday: November 25, 2009

MC CHRIS, WHOLE WHEAT BREAD NYC
Also: I Fight Dragons. 7:30pm. $12 adv. $14 day of.
[MC Chris (the voice of MC Pee Pants on Aqua Teen Hunger Force!]  Knitting Factory 361 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn NY 11211 knittingfactory.com

DEL THA FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN: SF CA
8pm to 11pm. Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell Street San Francisco, CA 94109 trueskool.com

DJs ROB SWIFT, TEDDY KING + : NYC
10pm - 4am DJs Rob Swift, Teddy King and Ill P spin everything under the sun! Free. Filli Ponte 39 Desbrosses St NYC 10013. djrobswift.com

SOULGASM: NYC
10pm-4am. DJ Brian Coxx, Ejoe +. Deep House, Funk & Soul. Hosts: Ejoe & Red. FREE before 11pm. $5. Sin Sin 85 2nd Ave. at 5th St. NYC. 6/N/R to Astor or F to 2nd. myspace.com/soulgasmnyc.  REDness.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

 
CLASS OF 90 w/ DJ ROLI RHO: NYC
9pm-? FREE! Every Thursday! Strictly Hits + 90's Classics (Hip Hop, Reggae & House) Leopard Lounge 248 East 5th st. betw. 2nd & 3rd Ave. 21+ ibpdjs.com . Source DJ Roli Rho (5th Platoon) djrolirho.com

Friday: November 27, 2009

KOOL DJ RED ALERT NYC
12am-2am. Shadow Club 229 W.28th St NYC go to the club or listen to him rock live at 98.7 Kiss FM! Source: Kool DJ Red Alert.

DJs QUESTLOVE Q-TIP, GRAVY & VA$HTIE @ SANTOS NYC
$15. 21+. Every Friday. Santos Party House 96 Lafayette St. (betw. Walker & White St) Manhattan NYC. santospartyhouse.com. Early arrival is a must! Source: deadlymelody.com.

EYEDEA & ABILITIES: BROOKLYN
9pm. Knitting Factory 361 Metropolitan Ave. Brooklyn NY 11211. knittingfactory.com

DJ PHAT PHILLIE: SLOVENIA
10pm-4am. Edo Maajka & Frenkie + DJ: Phat Phillie. 10 Euro. Pretorian Lounge Topliska 2a, Novo Mesto, Slovenia Source: Phat Phillie blackouthiphop.com

Saturday: November 28, 2009

JBX & CHAIRMAN MAO: NYC
10:30pm-4am. 21+. Soul, Funk, Disco-Boogie, Breaks, classic Hip Hop & more. Chairman Mao welcomes special guest JBX (Big City Records/Lost & Found). $10 or email grandgroove@aptnyc.com to be added to the $5 reduced list. APT, 419 @ W. 13th St. (b/t 9th & Washington) NYC 10014 Source: Chairman Mao

TITLE TOWN SOUL & FUNK PARTY: PITT 10pm-2am. Shadow Lounge 5972 Baum Blvd. Pittsburgh PA. 18+, $5 DJ's w/ guest Kevin Coombe aka DJ Nitekrawler from Washington, DC (Money Town, dcsoulrecordings.com). Source J.Malls

DJ JAZZY JOYCE: NYC
Promenade 215 West 28th St. btw 7th & 8th Ave. Dress code. AllTheParties.com. Source: Jazzy Joyce.

Sunday: November 29, 2009

PITTSBURGH RECORD CONVENTION
10am-4pm, FREE! Special appearance by Bill "Chilly Billy" Cardille!  Greentree Radisson Hotel 101 Radisson Dr., Pittsburgh, PA, 15205. 412-331-5021 or fullhouserecords@yahoo.com. Source: J.Malls

KEITH SWEAT: NYC
8pm show. Feat. Sp. Guest Openers: Bad Rabbits.
$35 Adv. $38 Day of. All Ages. B.B. Kings 237 West 42 St. NYC. 212.997.4144 bbkingblues.com

END OF THE WEAK: NYC
8pm. Legendary Open-Mic & Hip Hop Show. Special guests each week. Pyramid 101 Ave. A bet. 6th & 7th St. Manhattan. EndoftheWeak.com.

URBAN ARCHIVES:  BRONX
Feat. work from Charlie Ahearn, John Ahearn, Afrika Bambaataa, Henry Chalfant, Joe Conzo, Martha Cooper, Tats Cru, Stefan Eins, Fashion Moda, Catherine Hazard, Lisa Kahane, Lady Pink, Jenny Holzer and more.  Through March 1, 2010. Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th St. Bronx.  D or B  to 167th  or 4 to 161st St. Sources: Lisa Kahane and Joe Conzo: JoeConzo.com

Jorge "Fabel" Pabon: Upcoming

OCT. 28 - DEC. 14: ETW at NYU's TISCH SCHOOL
Adjunct Professor FABEL Teaching Movement

NOV. 20: CORNELL UNIVERSITY - ITHICA NY

NOV. 30: GUEST LECTURE: NYC
Florida State University in NYC program


POPMASTER FABEL IN BROTHER ALI'S NEW VIDEO: GOOD LORD!
mtvu.com/music/video-premiere/brother-ali_good-lord/

Trailer for APACHE LINE: From Gangs to Hip Hop by Fabel
youtube.com/watch?v=mdmQludvzBQ

The Last BBoys in New York by Fabel
youtube.com/watch?v=ftj0l3MMEOs

Tribute to Frosty Freeze by Fabel
youtube.com/watch?v=c0hhDLyppEI

Fabel is available to teach Popping and/or Locking dance master classes or workshops, host, DJ, appear on panel discussions. He can also present several lecture demonstrations (complete w/ archival film footage) 1. Great Hip Hop Swindle. 2. Foundational Dance Forms Associated with Hip Hop Culture. 3. Apache Line: From Gangs to Hip Hop.

For Bookings, please contact: FabelRSC at gmail.com
myspace.com/PopMasterFabel
youtube.com/user/POPMASTERFABEL

2009 DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

2009 DMC WORLD DJ FINALS RESULTS!

1st: DJ Shiftee (New York City, USA)
2nd: DJ Co-MA (Japan)
3rd: Ligone (France)

2009 DMC WORLD SUPREMACY RESULTS!

1st: DJ Switch (UK)
2nd: DJ Nelson (France)

2009 DMC WORLD DJ TEAM RESULTS

1st: Kireek (Japan) for a 3x in a row!
2nd: Trauma Team (France)
3rd: Bionic Stylus (UK)

View the entire list of competitors, judges, who picked who, etc at dmcdjchamps.com/results09.asp

dmcdjchamps.com dmcworld.com dmcworld.tv myspace.com/dmcusa

PS: DMC USA had great press in 2009!!!   The New York Times + Flavorpill.com + amoeba.com

Hip Hop Connection's August Issue Celebrating DMC's 25th year feat. DJ Craze, Q-Bert, A-Trak, Roc Raida and Cash Money plus photos of legendary moments.
hhcdigital.net/blog1/2009/08/19/hhc-digital-004-%E2%80%93-out-now/

Source: Sally McClintock DMC World Battle Organizer

2009 DMC USA FINALS RESULTS from AUG. 1st! 

2009 DMC USA TEAM COMPETITION RESULTS 

CHAMPIONS: BATTLESTAR: DJ Turbulence and DJ Phonics - 2005 DMC USA Team Champions
http://www.myspace.com/battlestartracks http://www.myspace.com/DJTurbulence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnx7qatkSZc

2nd: THE ANGRY EXS: DJ Etronik and DJ Lodus - 2008 DMC USA Team Champions http://www.myspace.com/theangryexs

3rd: THE DEUCE: DJ Celskiii and DJ Deeandroid http://www.myspace.com/celskiiianddeeandroid
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2945277&id=558632805#/video/video.php?v=100552168814&ref=mf

2009 DMC BATTLE FOR US SUPREMACY

CHAMP: DJ SUPREME:  http://www.myspace.com/djgrandmastersupreme
2nd: DJ SPS: 2008 DMC Battle for US Supremacy Champ: http://www.myspace.com/djsps


Visit myspace.com/dmcusa for more info & how to register!
For dates in other countries check: www.dmcdjchamps.com.

The 2008 DMC USA Finals DVD (feat. everyone from 7 yr old A-Kidd to inventors of the most major techniques in battle DJing: Steve Dee & GrandWizzard Theodore) and the 2008 DMC Battle for World Supremacy & Teams DVD (feat. .DJ SPS, DJ Shub, the infamous DJ Shiftee vs. DJ Nelson battle and more!) Check myspace.com/dmcusa for the paypal link to buy 1, 2 or all 3 2008 DMC DJ Battle dvds.

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All 2008 DMC DJ Battle DVDs are Finally Available!  ONLY $10 EACH FOR A LIMITED TIME FROM DMC USA

Special offers for USA & PR when you order via paypal - copy and paste this link!
Write to usa@dmcworld.com to send in a money order.  .
Anyone world wide can order through www.dmcworld.com/shop/viewCat_h.asp?idCategory=75



Featuring: DJ Slyce (NJ), Mista-B (SF), Emm Are (CT), DJ A-Kidd (WA), DJ Solo (NJ), DJ Esquire (NYC), DJ J.P. Gunnz (WA) plus showcases by GrandMaster Roc Raida, (X-ecutioners), DJ Spictakular (Allies), DJ Steve Dee (inventor of beat juggling), GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch),  Boogie Blind (X-ecutioners) and more special guests! Host DJ FatFingaz aka Mr. Shutt’em Down.  Filmed live on Aug. 30, 2008 at The Knitting Factory NYC!



Featuring Teams: The Angry Exs (Lodus & Etronik from the USA),  Supa (Portugal), Intellivision (Italy), Goldfinger Crew (Spain), Bionic Stylus Crew (UK), Interplay (Germany), TraumaTeam (France) and Kireek (Defending World Team Champions from Japan)

Battling Head to Head for World Supremacy: DJ Shiftee (defending World Supremacy Champion from the USA), DJ SPS (USA), DJ Nelson (France), DJ Switch (UK), DJ Shub (Canada), DJ Impact (New Zealand), DJ Inquisitive (Singapore),  DJ Btwo (Australia), DJ Rize 1200 (Venezuela), DJ Technical (Sweden), Dr. Fad-R (Switzerland), DJ RM (Brazil), DJ 33 (Belarus), DJ Bunta (Japan), DJ Clear (Germany), DJ Craim (Italy), DJ Datflex (Spain),  DJ Irie (Benelux), DJ Jimmix (Mexico), DJ Mikey (Hong Kong), DJ Needlesplit (Denmark), DJ Pipe (Israel) and DJ Ride (Portugal).




Featuring 2008 National DMC DJ Champions: DJ Fly (France), DJ Slyce (USA), DJ CO:MA (Japan), DJ Skully (UK), DJ Shub (Canada), DJ Impact (New Zealand), DJ Inquisitive (Singapore), DJ ALX (Sweden), DJ Rob Bankz (Germany), DJ Soak (Spain), DJ Perplex (Australia), DJ Brickfinga (Austria), DJ RM (Brazil), DJ Damented (Benelux), DJ Niky I (Bulgaria), DJ Cavia (China), DJ Mikey (Hong Kong), DJ Mesh (Israel), DJ Jimmix (Mexico),  DJ Final (Norway), DJ Craim (Italy), DJ Skin Khadafi (Philippines), (Switzerland), DJ 4Tex, DJ 33 (Belarus), DJ RIZE1200 (Venezuela), DJ Nel-Assassin (Portugal), DJ Direct (Denmark), DJ Layzr (Malaysia) and more!

dmcworld.com, dmcdjchamps.com, myspace.com/dmcworlddj,
myspace.com/dmcusa and myspace.com/dmcchampionsounds

dmcworld.com, dmcdjchamps.com, myspace.com/dmcworlddj,
myspace.com/dmcusa and myspace.com/dmcchampionsounds

Weekly Radio & TV Shows

(this will not be a general listing for everyone who has a show, just people we are close to - thanks for understanding)

PUT THE NEEDLE ON THE RECORD w/ DJ BILLY JAM - EVERY FRIDAY
Fridays 3-6pm with Hip Hop Slam's Billy Jam. 91.1 FM NYC. wfmu.org/playlists/shows/29939

DJ DISCO WIZ - EVERY FRIDAY
Hip Hop Chronicles: 10pm-12am urbanlatinoradio.com

KOOL DJ RED ALERT FRIDAY
12am-2am. Live from the Shadow Club 229 W.28th St NYC on 98.7 Kiss FM! 987kissfm.com. DJ Red Alert

DJ FELIX HERNANDEZ: SATURDAY
10am-2pm. Rhythm Revue. Classic soul and R&B with Felix Hernandez on 88.3 WBGO FM. on-line: wbgo.org

JAMES TOP: GRAFFITI NYC TV: EVERY SATURDAY
Every late Saturday/early Sunday morning at 1:30 am on Channel 67 on the MNN network. graffitinyctv.com.

KOOL DJ RED ALERT: SATURDAY
NEW! 12am-2am. NYC on 98.7 Kiss FM! 987kissfm.com

KOOL DJ RED ALERT: SUNDAY
8pm-12am on MAJIC 107.5 /97.5 live from Hairstons Dinner Club in Atlanta GA. Listen at majicatl.com

OLD SCHOOL RADIO HOUR - SUNDAY
Host: TG the Analog Master of Disaster. All of that and more oldschoolradiohour.com.

NOCTURNAL ELEMENTS RADIO: EVERY SUNDAY
 3-4pm Dust One presents a tribute to Hip Hop elements w/ emphasis on the Scratch DJ. nocturnal-elements.blogspot.com

AFRIKA BAMBAATAA: WHCR EVERY TUESDAY
8pm-12am EST Tru-Skool Radio Show every Tuesday on WHCR 90.3fm or whcr.org. Source: Dr. Shaka Zulu

HALFTIME SHOW: 89.1 FM EVERY WEDNESDAY
Wednesday nights from 10:30pm-1am (EST) on 89.1 FM WNYU or online at wnyu.org. Source: DJ Eclipse. (also itunes>radio>eclectic>wnyu).

VIDEO MUSIC BOX:  24/7
with Uncle Ralph McDaniels! Live Video Mixes & Show's onfumes.com/vmb.aspx?channelId=9

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..DUBSPOT- DS14
348 West 14th Street - MEZZ
New York, NY 10014

1-877-DUBSPOT (382-7768)
info@dubspot.com
http://www.dubspot.com..

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About Tools of War

Co-founded by Jorge "Pop Master Fabel" Pabon and Christie Z-Pabon, Tools of War was named with the idea that there are many "tools" one can use in competing/battling within Hip Hop culture: turntables, microphones, paint, one’s body, and especially one’s voice (and so on)! Although the name might appear aggressive, the intent behind it’s use is actually to inform and educate people regarding not only Hip Hop but many other social and political issues. As we grow, we are finding that it has also become a forum for voicing opinions and sharing ideas which might help in unifying and uplifting people all over the world. Please visit us at myspace.com/Toolsofwar

*Disclaimer: Any listing/line-up above is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
contact: toolsofwar(at)gmail.com and fabelrsc(at)gmail.com.

Send an event to consider

Please send a brief paragraph including the following exactly as you see below. Please kindly do not send flyers, attachments or info in all caps or all lower case. Date. Event Title. Start time. End time. Who, what, age limit, cover charge, where including full venue address, cross streets, city, state, zip code plus trains to get there,  website for more info. Source: your name and website.

Please Give Credit Where Credit is Due: We are honored that other news sources want to spread the word about items we list in the newsletter! When reposting news from us, please kindly remember to give us credit (and the person who sent it to us) and encourage people to subscribe!

myspace.com/ToolsofWar
myspace.com/PopMasterFabel
myspace.com/dmcusa

Technics/DMC Merchandise Available from DMC USA & DMC World!

www.dmcworld.com or write to toolsofwar@gmail.com to purchase (wholesale or retail)  in the US & Puerto Rico

2009 Tools of War NYC Park Jams! Photos by Joe Conzo!

http://www.JoeConzo.com

2009 Tools of War NYC Park Jams! Photos by Res One!

http://www.myspace.com/resonenyc

2009 Tools of War NYC Park Jams! Photos by Francisco Reyes!

http://www.Mamboso.net

Afrika Bambaataa, Kool DJ Red Alert and DJ Jazzy Jay / The True School Park Jam Series / 7.16.09 from Noisemaker Media on Vimeo.

Biz Markie and Kid Capri / The True School Park Jam Series / 7.09.09 from Noisemaker Media on Vimeo.

Grandmaster Caz, Grandwizard Theodore and The Original Jazzy Jay / The True School Park Jam / 6.04.09 from Noisemaker Media on Vimeo.

B-Boy Lilou Wins Red Bull BC One B-Boy Battle Again!!!



As salaamu alaikum Brothers and Sisters,

Lilou (Ali Ramdani) our Algerian Muslim brother from France came to the USA this week to battle in the 2009 Red Bull BC One and on Nov. 18th at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC - he battled his way to the number one spot to win the Red Bull BC One title for a second time, since winning the first battle in 2005! This battle aired on MTV last year and I hope this will happen again!!

The Red Bull BC One, is an international Hip Hop dance battle (you might know it as "breakdancing" but that is a word that is used by the media and not what the actual dancers call it. In fact to call someone a breakdancer is more of a diss. The proper term is b-boy or b-girl). 

Throughout the battle he wore a t-shirt that said "I'm Muslim Don't Panik" which as we all know is a very bold statement but a very truthful one too in light of everything we've been going through here in the US with the stereotyping and profiling.

Other Muslim Hip Hop dancers who represented (all from France) in the 2009 Red Bull BC One include Salah who was a judge and Renegade and Jeskilz who performed with their crew - the legendary Rock Steady Crew! 

Here's the website for the battle: http://www.redbullbcone.com/..battle/red-bull-bc-one-usa-..2009
His myspace page is: http://www.myspace.com/..liloustyle

Here's the profile I wrote for him at http://www.redbullbcone.com/..profile/lilou with lots of pictures:

Ali Ramdani aka LILOU is one of the world’s most outstanding and unique B-Boys. LILOU has an extensive history with RED BULL BC ONE. In his first year competing, which was 2005 in Berlin Germany, he took the championship! In 2006, he returned but was eliminated early on in the battle. In 2007, he was selected as one of four wild card B-Boys to compete in Johannesburg, South Africa. He liked the vibe there and says that Africa is his continent because he is Algerian. By the semi-finals, LILOU had won the crowd over so completely with his strong spirit and amazing moves that everyone was chanting “LILOU! LILOU!”…even after he was eliminated and others continued to battle! He recalls, “In South Africa, when the people showed me so much love and screamed my name—that will be one of the best memories for the rest of my life. That was better than money or a title!” Last year in France, he returned to RED BULL BC ONE to judge but for 2009 he is returning to the battlefield!



















-----------------------------

Sincerely,
Christie Z

Ramadan Kareem Brothers and Sisters:
This was lifted from The Palestinian Telegraph. I saw the link on facebook.com.
It is very terrible and not for the faint of heart as the images of deformed newborns (due to the dirty weapons) are absolutely a terrible tragedy. What kind of humans could continue making or using these weapons is beyond me. Don't they realize that they could be hurting themselves and their families too? I only wish all of these articles came with a "what you can do to stop this" link but if anyone has suggestions, please post.
With deep regret, I post this article.

Lifted from http://www.paltelegraph.com/opinions/editorials/2073-depleted-uranium-the-hidden-truth-revealed

Depleted Uranium – The Hidden Truth Revealed

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/8/28/headlines

Carter: All Israeli Settlements Should Be Removed

The Virtues of Fasting in the Summer

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Sent to us from Zeba Iqbal                                                                                                                                                                        

HADITH OF THE DAY from CAIR: 

THE BEST SUPPLICATION FOR FORGIVENESS 

As salaamu alaikum All! Props to Adisa on a great article and great interviews!!!

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=86161197679&id=500274350&ref=mf

http://www.illumemagazine.org/magazine/publish/190/Thugs_in_The_Masjid.php