Hip-hop hypocrisy

I was just reading the Dec. 28 "A-List” issue of Xpress and was reminded of the huge Bele Chere hip-hop controversy this summer. It brought up a few things that had apparently been swimming just below the surface of my awareness for a while. I remember Moog's Emmy Parker making a big, big deal about […]

Let’s get real about race

Thanks to David Forbes and the Mountain Xpress for covering the lack of hip-hop at Bele Chere in the Aug. 10 issue [“Not Too Kool”]. DJ Kool and Doug E. Fresh would have been a wonderful addition to the lineup. The suggestion that they pose any sort of "risk" in comparison to other artists is […]

People are not born prejudiced

Regarding the Aug. 10 Xpress article, “Not Too Kool,” my daughter is a white, female, Jewish hip-hop artist (check her out at heidid.com). She does not drink, smoke or take drugs. She graduated valedictorian of her high school class. As my youngest son wrote at the tender age of 7, "People are not born prejudiced. […]

Omitted email: City staffer believed Bele Chere head would consult with APD about hip-hop act

Sandra Travis, program director for Asheville’s festivals, has denied consulting with the Asheville Police Department before deciding not to book a hip-hop act for the Bele Chere festival. However, a new email reveals that one of Travis’ staff believed otherwise, asserting her boss would consult with the APD “about community temperament.” The city omitted the email from an earlier release to Xpress.

Fist Family reunion


Former Asheville rappers Fist Family returns for a reunion show (not with each other — they’ve been going strong all along — but with friends and Gurp City South members) and a record release. Friday, June 10 at Emerald Lounge. Click through for video from the band’s new album.