A new voyage is coming our way on May 17, 2013 with Star Trek: Into Darkness, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Benedict Cumberbatch! Check out the new teaser from Paramount Pictures below!

There will be a full trailer coming our way before the holidays, and if you’re going to see The Hobbit when it hits IMAX 3-D on the 14th, you’ll be able to catch a full 9 minute preview!

Get more Trekkie treats at: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/startrekintodarkness/

By: Kathy Iandoli
—
Having lived in the Northeast for my entire life, I can safely say that I’ve never witnessed a storm of Hurricane Sandy’s magnitude. There have been hurricanes here, but the devastation experienced across State lines up and down the East Coast this time is something I can’t remember ever seeing in my 30+ years on Earth. Millions of people were without power, and some still are without. Towns are wiped away. My apartment still had no power as I typed this, though I’m safely in my mother’s home, where I return whenever a crisis hits (regardless of its size).

For several days though, I had zero WiFi and minimal cell phone service. As I sat in my mother’s lit home with what I felt like was no access to the outside world, I tried to remember a time when this was my everyday life. I couldn’t.

It wasn’t even that long ago in theory. I got online for the first time in 1998; bought my first cellphone in 1999. That means I survived 18 years without either in my life. And as a child, it’s a lot harder to occupy yourself than it is as an adult. However, being without those two “necessities” during Hurricane Sandy was crippling.

For some reason I had no desire to read one of my paper books. All of the books on my luxurious iPad I’d read and I couldn’t purchase any more because I had no internet. I attempted to start this piece earlier, but for some reason knowing I couldn’t get online was like my laptop was inadvertently teasing me as I sat with a lit screen and no web access. It’s like an ice cream truck traveling around suburban blocks and only offering water.

I did have to write a few articles during my internet absence, but I couldn’t go online to Google any information. I had no Wikipedia; I had no online dictionary. At one point I searched for my leatherbound encyclopedias. That’s how bad it had gotten.

However did I survive with just a Smith Corona Galaxis and a collection of Brittanicas to write my school essays and term papers? What did I do when I was at the mall with my friends and had to call my mother to pick me up? Oh right, I used a payphone. What’s a payphone now though?

By mid-week after the storm, I heard that a local mall had internet access so I raced over there. When I got there, there were over a hundred people (all within 10 years of my age) seated on folding chairs at one of the designer department stores with all of their gadgets plugged in, hard at work on their devices like they were a bunch of addicts. So I joined my people, fired up my laptop and went to work.

Since so many people were using the WiFi, the internet was running incredibly slow. They suggested I attach a cable and work off a cable modem, but I was highly offended. Then it hit me: when I first got online, I had a 36.6 kbps dial-up modem. I used to wait for the little yellow AOL man (who vaguely resembled a Keith Haring painting) to run from the dialing box to the “connecting to host” box before finally getting the “Welcome! You’ve Got Mail” message. Sometimes that took over three minutes to complete back in 1998, and I was losing my mind in 2012 over a 45-second delay in loading webpages.

Further, I was annoyed that I was asked to connect a cable, because I knew I would lack mobility, forgetting that I was tethered to my desk for ages with a cable modem attached to a computer that was too heavy to ever carry around with me. My fellow Gen-Xers that surrounded me shared a similar sentiment, I could tell. The only difference was that I was the only one sitting in a puddle of guilt because I have always claimed to be the type of person who was above digital obesity.

Erykah Badu refers to herself as an “analog girl, in a digital world” and I thought that was I as well. It’s not. And while Hurricane Sandy swallowed some people’s homes, I was wading in a kiddie pool of “first world problems.” Who did I think I was anyway? I got up from my folding chair and walked around the mall, where the millennials were having their own crises. The only difference was they needed power outlets and that was it. Their necessities live on a 4g network (what’s WiFi?), so while their service was limited, they had more than most. It’s a vicious cycle, really.

I am happy to report that my internet access has fully returned and balance has been fully restored. But is there a sense of balance, really? I felt damn near incapacitated by my inability to go on Facebook. When did I become that person? When did we as a society become those people?

Gen X-ers come from the last line of the analog world, and now it feels like we’ve forgotten our roots, roots that the generations after us will never have. I don’t know if I can personally reverse my way of thinking, but I do know that I need to dull my connection to being so connected.

By: Kathy Iandoli
—
Is it safe now? Can we emerge from the stock cans of marinara sauce and bottles of olive oil in our New Jersey homes? Since December 3, 2009, it felt as though there was nothing we could do, as Italians from New Jersey wouldn’t somehow end up with a reference to “GTL” or “grenades” from that point on. MTV’s Jersey Shore changed the face of reality television, similar to the way MTV did with The Real World when it debuted in 1992 – only this time, the experience brought a whole slew of racial and geographical stereotypes with it. Now, it’s over.

Before Reality TV became the accidental face of regular TV, it was this Truman Show-esque portrayal of the lives of the everyman and everywoman. Of course there were minor modifications – you know, that whole financial thing. That was the gateway drug, though, to this fantasy life resting on a foundation of arguable reality. It allowed that Midwest housewife to dream about the possibility of living in a cushy apartment in a metropolitan area with six other strangers in their 20′s, where a typical day consisted of alcohol poisoning and sexual debauchery.

It also gave that secret wanderlust, a hope of hopping in a Winnebago with some other fit 20-somethings and climb rock walls and act like Tarzan. For those without cable, it was the idea that if they could just get on that desert island, they too would be a member of the Tribal Council. Or if marriage didn’t come fast enough, there would be a basket of roses ready to hand out to a line full of hopefuls.

It’s a weird misleading world, reality TV, but when it trickles down to an everyday understanding of anthropology, that’s when things get dangerous.

Jersey Shore took place in Seaside, New Jersey for most of its three-year stint, with the exception of that brief time in Italy (we’ll get into that later). For the Garden State resident over the past 20 years, Seaside and Wildwood are the getaways between Memorial Day and Labor Day, where partying is the priority and most inhibitions are left at the door.

Gone are the days, though, where Seaside’s good clean fun consisted of walking the Boardwalk to eat zeppolis and winning a half stuffed pink panda bear by throwing a beanbag at metal milk bottles. Now, there is nightclub domination, where tanning on the beaches with hospital waste by day only provides a no-need-for-bronzer glow by night at the club. It’s grown, it’s not sexy, and it’s far from categorically Italian. People don’t live in Seaside; they show up there.

Jersey Shore made Seaside this hedonism for Italians from NJ. The truth of the matter though, is that the cast isn’t entirely from New Jersey; nor are they all Italian. However, subliminal imagery like random placement of Italian flags, coupled with the girls’ hankerings for “guidos” had everyone believing “Oh this is what Italians do!” Not all Italians.

While The Sopranos depicted one hot pocket of Italian culture (the mob), Jersey Shore took an attribute of youthful reckless culture and called it “Italian from New Jersey”. To add fuel to the fire, the cast spent a season in Italy, leading viewers to believe they were all going back to their “motherland” to wreak the same level of havoc they did in Seaside. Any legit Italian who caught one of the Italy episodes can attest to the fact that the Italians looked at the JS cast with scorn, not acceptance.

If you are Italian, this show was a Tyler Perry film in your eyes, plain and simple.

From there, the Style Network’s Jerseylicious was born, pushing the stereotypical boundaries even further by suggesting that all Italians from New Jersey could do was tease hair and slather on makeup. It’s a vicious cycle that even throws gender into the fire and can warp perceptions for anyone unfamiliar with Italian people in real life.

Sure, shows like Love & Hip-Hop, Basketball Wives, and Bad Girls Club have other classifications of people feeling exploited, but for Italian people, we’ve gone from the mafia to the tanning bed in the eyes of television. There is no middle ground to which we can reside if we choose neither lifestyle.

For those who have never met an Italian person in real life, here’s a little message for you: we don’t all look alike. We all don’t believe in communal living marked with diverse sexual exploits, hair gel abundance, or liquor sponsorships. We all don’t singe our olive complexions with UV lamps and spray chemicals to attain an orange glow. We eat meatballs, we don’t call our women that. That is not our reality, no matter what reality TV has taught you.

And further, there is a lot wrong with New Jersey (starting with our present governor), but not all of our state looks like a wasteland with rusty rollercoasters and melted frozen margaritas in hurricane tumblers on a dampened boardwalk. But alas, as previously mentioned, Jersey Shore has been cancelled. At least we can dance La Tarantella to that.

By: Darrell W. Butler
- TFW/Parisi Sports Performance Coach; ACE, NFPT CPT
—
J.Lo’s and Kim K’s and CoCo’s oh my! These are just a few of the famous derrieres, in the world today but the list goes on…and with good reason! A well-defined set of glutes is not only eye catching and aesthetically pleasing, but also the basis for speed, power and strength. It’s no coincidence that most of the top sprinters and gymnasts in London this past summer had buns of steel.

“Ain’t got a motor in the back of your Honda”? No worries my friend, here are seven moves that you can do at home to help bring up the rear view! Please note that it’s always best to first consult with your physician before starting any new exercise or nutrition program.

1. Squats (with a Jump) – A squat is exactly what it sounds like, but if you’re unsure how to perform this movement, pretend that you’re sitting in a chair – or if imagination isn’t your thing, you can literally sit on a chair. If your knees can handle it, instead of merely standing back up, jump as high as you possibly can, then land softly and repeat for a full minute!

2. Single Leg Sit and Stand – Sure, there’s a nerdier fitness trainer name for this exercise, but hopefully this name will remind you how to perform this movement later. All that you have to do is sit on a sturdy chair or bench, raise one foot into the air and then stand up using the other. It helps to focus on something that’s not moving, exhale and apply the weight to your heel not your toe.

Still having issues? Use a higher chair or if need be, quickly touch the floor with the elevated foot to help you, but the goal is to eventually do this without “cheating.” Aim for 10 on each leg.

3. Alternating Lunges – Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a large step forward with your right foot. Hold that position as you bend your left knee towards the ground until your right knee forms a 90 degree angle. Hold this position for a second and then return to the starting upright position.

Repeat this movement on the opposite side by stepping forward with the left foot. Continue to alternate between legs for a full minute.

4. Step up to Knee Raise – Position yourself in front of a platform or sturdy bench. Place your entire right foot on top of the platform. Exhale, and drive your right heel into the platform as you step up with your left foot. Raise your left knee toward your chest then return your left foot to the floor. Repeat for a total of 10 repetitions. Reverse your foot positioning to perform this movement on the opposite side.

5. Mule Kick to Glute and Hamstring Raise – Kneel with your hands on the floor. Draw your right knee in toward your chest then extend your right leg straight behind you. Repeat for 30 repetitions, then place your forearms on the floor. Extend your right leg behind you and raise it as high as possible. Lower your right leg until your toe touches the floor, and then raise it as high as possible once again. Repeat for 30 repetitions, then perform both movements with your left leg.

6. Hip Lift to Single Leg Hip Lift – Lie on your back. Bend your knees to place the bottom of both feet entirely on the floor, shoulder width apart. Support your weight with your feet and upper back as you raise your hips as high as possible. Hold this top position for a three count, and then lower yourself back to the floor. Repeat this movement for a total of 15 times.

Now raise your right leg into the air, and repeat this movement only using your left. Switch legs and repeat, making sure to do the same amount on each side so that you don’t end up walking in circles later!

7. Butt-blasting cardio! – Remember how I said that sprinters tend to have great glutes? Well then why not train like they do? Literally run as fast as you can for a predetermined distance or time, rest and then repeat. Walking on a high incline (hill or elevated treadmill) is also great for enhancing your bootyliciousness, just make sure not to sprint uphill as this could strain your knees. Also, try not to hold on to the treadmill for long periods of time, because it could affect the way you walk since holding on tends to cause you to shift your hips and waddle!

Stair climbers and step mills are also great options, but an actual flight of stairs is even better! Try hopping up and down from the floor to the bottom step (hold on to the rail for safety) 15 times, then running up and down the stairs (not holding on if possible). Repeat this as many times as you can handle!

Reebok also celebrated Rick Ross’s #1 album debut with a fantastic cake! Watch the original video, produced by WOKE Productions for UrbLife.com!

CLICK HERE for more photos from the event on RadioPlanet.tv!

By: Kathy Iandoli
—
If you’re a grown woman, then you know the first time you were called the female four-letter word: ma’am. Okay maybe you don’t remember the first first time, but you can pinpoint your exact emotions. It’s horror, it’s sadness, it’s the feeling that you’re…old.

I don’t really recall the first time I was called ma’am in life, but I do remember the first time I was called ma’am in my career…

I was interviewing a famous rapper (we shall not name any names). I was really excited to speak with him, being a fan of his music. We had an amazing interview – covered a range of topics, including his beginnings, his father, his fans, etc. At the end of the interview, we embraced and he said to me, “Thank you so much, ma’am.”

Eek! He wasn’t a Southern gentleman (unless New York City moved to the South), he wasn’t my maître d’, he wasn’t in the Victorian Age. Nope, he was 19 and I wasn’t.

I entered Hip Hop journalism in my early 20′s, which at the time was the median age for both writing about Rap and participating in it. True, guys like Jay-Z and Nas challenged that age limit once 30 crept up, but for all intents and purposes, Hip Hop is/was a “young man’s game.” Now, being a woman in my 30′s, I’m violating the two descriptors that arguably make up Hip Hop.

These days, the fictitious changing of the guards has opened up the gates to even younger talent. Odd Future has 16-year-olds in their collective. Throw high schooler Joey Bada$$ into the mix, and you see artists of all ages picking up a mic. While in the past Gen-Xers saw Shyheim the Rugged Child garner some entry level success, plus Lil Wayne starting at 15 and slowly running the game by 27, we have all gotten quite comfortable with the notion that everyone is welcome in Hip Hop.

When, however, is that welcome mat pulled from under you? For me, it was the day that I was called ma’am. It didn’t stop me from continuing my career, but it certainly changed my perspective.

It’s a weird reality to face. Some of these kids (look at me saying “these kids”) don’t know anything about Scott LaRock; they probably barely know who Biggie was. While it’s our duty as documentarians of the culture to immortalize these figures, it’s still an uphill battle.

There’s also that nagging topic of gender. Will Nicki Minaj’s shtick be as cute at 40? How well will her pink wig really hold up then? Even in the battle against Lil Kim, the below-the-belt retort was that Kim was “too damn old to be fighting Nicki.”

It’ll eventually catch up to the men in the game. 2 Chainz’ sciatica will someday prevent him from wearing even one chain around his neck, Chris Brown’s hips won’t swivel that well in 15 years. It’s all relative. What happens then though?

I remember every year showing up to the Rock Steady Crew Anniversary, watching the architects of this culture congregate to keep the essence of real Hip Hop alive. It was beautiful; it still is, but I just have stopped showing up to it. I don’t have any real reason, other than the fact that I feel completely detached now from Hip Hop’s past just as much as I feel detached from Hip Hop’s future. I’m a 33-year-old woman living Hip Hop’s present. Whatever that means.

So where does that leave me? I’m evolving into an elder stateswoman in the game, moving into a reporter of Hip  Hop…no longer a member. Do I still love the culture that gave me my first sonic butterflies the first time I heard “Mass Appeal”? Of course! Am I forever indebted to rappers for giving me something to write about for the past ten years and beyond? You betcha. Do I still check for new talent and support accordingly? Always.

Will you find me in the pit with an iPhone filming a freestyle battle at 3AM though? Hell no. Can I speak with Earl Sweatshirt about the hottest clubs in New York City. Absolutely not. I’ll leave that to the new guard.

For now, I have a lane until I no longer have one, and will I ride that ‘til the wheels fall off?

Yes ma’am!

Summer doesn’t end officially until late September, so we’re not out of the heat yet, and there is no excuse to slack off on your workouts in the meantime. You’ll still have to be strategic in your approach to beating the heat, so here are some key recommendations for a successful outdoor workout as you enjoy the transition from Summer to Fall.

1. Adjust your workout times

If your schedule is flexible, it might be wise to workout earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature isn’t as high and the humidity is most likely lower. The sun tends to be most dangerous between noon and 2:00pm, so instead of taking that lunchtime walk outside, maybe try hitting the stairs or if there’s a mall nearby, walk around there, just try not to get too distracted and end up at Cinnabon!

2. Dress appropriately

Light colors are highly recommended as they won’t attract the sun’s heat quite as much as darker options. Natural, loose-fitting fabrics also work best, so if you have a white cotton tee; that should be your first option!

Some fitness companies also offer specialty workout clothes that provide heat protection. You can typically find the sun protection levels indicated on the label. Whichever option you choose, the fabric should be breathable and comfortable as not to cause chaffing or excessive sweat buildup.

Complete your look with a hat and dark wraparound sunglasses to help protect your eyes and prevent headaches.

3. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

No matter the duration of your workout, and no matter how much of a breeze there is, you’ll want to cover your exposed skin with a layer of sunscreen. The particular SPF level can be determined by your sensitivity to the sun but typically the higher the better. Look for a sunscreen made for sport activities and sweat, however to ensure that it will feel comfortable and remain effective throughout the duration of your workout.

Aside from preventing sunburn and decreasing the risk of cancer, sunscreen also helps prevent wrinkles, so this should be a no-brainer to include in your summer pre-workout routine!

4. Stay hydrated

This is more than merely a fitness cliché – proper hydration levels are even more essential when it’s hot outside since you’re likely to sweat more than usual. Water will not only help to keep you cooler, but will also help prevent cramps, dizziness and heart palpitations, while simultaneously keeping your metabolism humming.

Please note that I specifically said water. Sports drinks and other sugary beverages combined with the heat may actually have an adverse affect on your stomach and your blood sugar levels. Unless you’re an endurance athlete working out for an extreme amount of time, water is always the best option.

Although it goes without saying that both options are better than a Presidente Margarita, so choose your beverages wisely!

5. Still eat… and not just ice cream!

Sure, the heat may cause you to lose your appetite, but it’s still vital that you get a proper balance of nutrients into your system; especially if you’re going to place heavy demands on your body by working out in the sun.

If you frowned throughout the entire section on water, you’ll find comfort in the fact that you can also fulfill some of your bodies hydration needs through water based vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and more. Please note that I only said “some”, so I’m not suggesting that you run around the neighborhood carrying a cooler full of veggies! You’ll still just have to suck it up and drink the H2O buddy!

It’s especially important that you eat a high quality meal that’s balanced with protein, carbohydrates and essential fats after your workout to replenish the nutrients and fluids lost during your routine.

6. Take extra breaks

You’ll have to remember that you may not be able to perform as efficiently in extreme temperatures as you could under normal circumstances. Forgive yourself and allow yourself to take breaks.

There’s a fine line between “pushing through the pain” and “pushing too far.” To help learn the difference, keep an exercise and food journal, particularly on workout days. Perhaps your sluggish feeling is the result of ignoring one of the several tips listed above? Perhaps it’s due to even higher temperatures that day or your body struggling to adapt to your new routine.

Whatever the reason, it’s best to listen to your body in the moment, allow time to rest and adapt and then further analyze the situation at a later time.

7. Remember that your flexibility may not be the same indoors

How cool is it that after your workout in the sun, you can suddenly stretch yourself info a pretzel like Gumby? Amazing right? If you’ve ever taken a Bikram or Hot Yoga class you’ve probably also noticed a similar effect. That’s because the human body is much more flexible in heat as the blood flows easier and the muscles are able to expand and relax.

It’s a great feeling to pull off a split when you used to not be able to touch your toes, but keep in mind that your superpowers won’t be the same once you return indoors. Remember those old Ball Park Franks commercials where “they plump when you cook ‘em”? Or even better, have you ever put one of those Easter Peeps in the microwave? They got huge right?! But once you took them out of the heat, they shriveled back down.

The same can be said for your flexibility, so enjoy the added mobility, and use it to work on becoming more flexible since you will maintain some of the gains. Just know that you may have a harder time replicating this feat in the winter!

By: Erika Nunez
—
Last Summer, I shared with you the importance of knowing your body shape and how to flatter it using different styles of bathing suits. Before your beach and pool time runs out, I want you to grab some items that are sure to help you keep the style flowing! An alternate bathing suit, beach bag, and multi-purpose sunglasses… check! Day-to-night cover up and an eye-catching iPad case?! Check! Let’s go!

1. Another Bathing Suit

Let’s face it, between all of the brunches and lack of crunches, your favorite bathing suit may not fit as well as it once did, which is why I encourage ladies to pick up a one-piece bathing suit. Whether its printed or has deep cuts in the front or back, this choice is sure to help minimize the problem areas us ladies usually have (ie: Buddha bellies).

Eclairee Bathing suits are to my liking because they are sophisticated, yet stylish and some of the swine suits have a mesh v-neck that respectfully opens the neck line, providing a slimming look. Choose your favorite here on Eclairee.com!

Guys, it’s always great to stock up on surf-style drawstring swim trunks! Affordable options can be found on Amazon.com!

2. Beach Bag

Prints with a splash of color are favorite, because they instantly add a look of refreshment and luxury. I have been noticing the use of colorful prints with pops of bold colors more now than ever! Find a bag that is big enough to hold all of your day-to-night needs, like this Ikat tote from The Limited.

3. Eyewear

Aviator lenses are a universal “cool” magnet, they usually look great on any face a few of my faves are these. My only suggestion would be to be mindful of the color you choose, it can make a huge difference. You can always visit SunglassHut.com for some online exclusives to find your perfect pair.

4. Body Wraps

Gaining confidence is an ongoing process for both men and women, so fortunately there are great options for cover-ups floating around. They look great as you sit poolside, or if you’ve just had enough of flaunting all of your assets for the day. Try some playful, colorful and moderately priced options from MakaiBeach.com!

5. Jackets

Field jackets offer a unique way to make a beach outfit look casual and cool. The temperature usually drops a little during the late nights, and a nice Burberry jacket is an absolute essential if you’ve got a little cash for the flair! Not only is it very functional because of all of the pockets, but it can also keep you dry from the summer rain.

6. Sandals

Pedicured toes deserve to be seen all year round! For men, incorporating a pair of leather flip flops definetly shows growth and maturity in your fashion sense, and women love nothing more than to see a man comfortable in his skin. American Eagle offers a plethora of options for the stylish fella, they’re moderately priced starters to step it to a more luxurious brand when you’re ready!

Ladies, we wear open toed shoes/pumps pretty often. I love comfortable flats on laid back days, and brands like Miu Miu offer the right amount of glam and sensibility. Splurge a little in the name of fashion!

7. Gadget accessories

I love neon colors as much as I love bright white, and when it comes to making my tech sexy, this Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad sleeve (available at Neiman Marcus) is perfect.

When you pull out your tablet heads will be sure to turn! Guys, don’t be afraid of neon colors… no one will judge you, they will add character to anything you wear!

Follow me for odd, fun wardrobe facts at Twitter.com/ErikasNStyle! Enjoy everything fashionably, and please thank me later!

We’re ready for the July 20 release of The Dark Knight Rises! In celebration, UrbLife.com is giving away two tickets (**Hollywood Movie Money vouchers) to see the film!

UPDATE 7/19: Congratulations to Jacy Gardner on winning the two passes!

To enter, please do one of the following:

– Log in to UrbLife.com and reply to this post with your name
– Tweet us @UrbLife with hashtag #TheDarkKnightRisesHMM
– like us at Facebook/UrbLife and reply to the contest post

One winner will be announced right here on Thursday, July 19! For additional contests and special promotional giveaways, be sure to like Warner Bros. Latino on Facebook! Facebook.com/WarnerBrosCine

The Dark Knight Rises stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman. (CLICK HERE to watch the trailer)

**Hollywood Movie Money is a free admission voucher to see a predetermined film (The Dark Knight Rises) redeemable nation wide starting 7/20/12 through Thurs., 8/16/12 in any theater excluding AMC Theaters.

Follow Warner Bros. on Twitter @WBpictures

By: Kathy Iandoli
—

Is racism ever in style? Your response is more than likely an emphatic “NO!” but ask your teenage daughter or your younger brother that question, and their answer might be different. We’re living in a skewed society, where our President is Black but our greatest rapper is white. For most of us, the aforementioned existed in reverse for as long as we can remember. The generation after us, though, has a different reality.

The Millennials, as they’re called, have no specific religion, no specific race, and no specific sexual orientation. They pull from their parents’ Baptist beliefs, sprinkle in some Buddhism learned in hot yoga, and add it to a mosaic of atheist sensibility to form what they think is God or at least what She would want them to believe.

The wounds of slavery and segregation have been replaced with a new ideal of biracial love, and the result is a cultural amalgam. Meanwhile, anti-Bullying campaigns and shows like Glee are allowing sexual liberation and free love without the psychotropic ‘70s.

Did we cause this? You’re damn right we did. And there’s nothing wrong with it.

Why shouldn’t the generation after us be allowed to express themselves in any way possible? Why should they have to live within the confines of things like Catholic guilt if they don’t have to? The problem lies in the idea of wiping away the past, to the point where everything is forgotten. Even slavery, apparently. Has Hip Hop contributed to this problem? Probably.

Since its 30+ years in existence, Hip Hop has inched its way into the mainstream. In the ‘80s, Hip Hop wasn’t exactly omnipresent in commercials. However, brands like Sprite had Kurtis Blow rhyming in the name of soda (25 years later they had Drake), making the culture in its infantile stages really feel like it was going places.

Kurtis Blow Sprite Commercial, 1986

Then McDonalds swooped in with the McDonalds rap (“Big Mac, McBLT, a Quarter Pounder with some cheese…”) and eyebrows started rising. Was Rap music the vehicle to promote some brand, or was some brand cosigning the advancement of Rap music? It was a tough call then, and it’s still a tough call now.

While things like Bboys in Starburst commercials and rapping hamsters are gut-wrenchingly offensive to most Hip Hop purists, it’s also diluted the abrasive perception of Hip Hop. In doing so, it’s left the door wide open – for anything and everything. Today, we’re witnessing the fusion of Hip Hop with other genres, film, fashion, food, whatever – thus making Hip Hop the gateway drug for a lot of offensive behavior.

Having started as a predominantly Black culture, something gets lost in translation when being okay by Hip Hop standards means being okay with things like racial humor or non-Black people’s use of the N-word. Gen-Y rapper V-Nasty of Kreayshawn’s “White Girl Mob” went under fire several times for her repeated use of the N-word, only to have it swept way under the rug once Gucci Mane cosigned her.

It doesn’t stop at the music, though.

Take Adidas launching and then discontinuing their “Shackle Shoes,” sneakers paired with ankle shackles resembling those worn by slaves.

While there was no intentional humor in the shoe release, the tongue-in-cheek aspect of taking a consistently Hip Hop cosigned clothing line and pairing it with slavery imagery is blatantly obvious. Regardless of the fact that the shoe was immediately pulled, it passed through a number of channels that okayed this design.

The photo above was taken at Urban Outfitters, and while that franchise caters to more of an indie (read: hipster) crowd, having “Urban” in your store name means there’s an element of obligation to not offend your demographic that resides in “Urban” areas. But that’s just the problem: they’re oblivious to the fact that they’re offending anyone, and the youth that support these brands don’t even understand historically why any of this would be hurtful.

As society inches further and further toward that melting pot it’s claimed to be for the last 40-something years, will we reach a point where the past is really that forgotten? Let’s hope not, or else we’ll be bowing before a new generation who would much rather abolish sleevery than slavery.