So, a few weeks ago I did a segment on the show (BucksTown Radio, Weds 4-6p) about the summer’s latest fashion ‘craze’. It’s called the RompHim, a male version of the popular garment for ladies. Well, it appears that the wave of being trendy has hit Mattel. The makers of the famous “Barbie” toyline introduced their upcoming line of dolls featuring many new skin tones and hairstyles. That second one is what caught most of the attention. Among the many new hairdos, is one that is maybe is the most debated since cornrows in the boardroom (see NBA). That’s right the ‘man-bun’ is making its presence felt. Ol Barb’s longtime beau Ken will be sporting the look and its as hilarious as it sounds. The only thing that would make this any more ridiculous is if they included the RompHim as Kenneth’s wardrobe item of choice. Maybe even include a fidget spinner! Wait, did I just come up with a genius marketing plan? Time will tell how any of these items succeed long term, but for now ‘hilarious’ comes to mind when I think about it all. Also, if they run with my marketing idea, this shall serve as proof to my creating it. Agreed?

-Josh Buckhalter

So, Beyonce announced she is pregnant again. Of course the internet, following protocol, went nuts. While this is her second pregnancy, Bey and Jay ( Bay? Jey? lol) will welcome their second AND third child to the world. That’s right, twins. Queen Bey announced the news with a picture on social media. Three things stuck out from that, not including her belly. First off I took it as a way of avoiding the controversy of the last pregnancy, when people questioned whether or not she was actually preggo. Second, the picture had me imagining all the memes would come from this. The internet is, after all, is undefeated. Lastly, I noticed that with all the drama going on in the world, people will grasp at anything to forget their problems. To that I say, “Let them eat cake!”

It would appear that we are on the verge of something “major” in the hip-hop world. After a series of social media attacks from both sides, Chris Brown and Soulja Boy seem primed to square up in the ring. The two have gone back and forth recently on Instagram starting over Brown’s ex Karreuche Tran, who is the mother of Brown’s child and the object of Soulja’s affection. It moved to Soulja Boy, real name DeAndre Way dissing Brown over his incident of domestic violence involving Rihanna. This led to Soulja challenging Brown to fisticuffs and Brown agreeing after Soulja bought Tran and Brown’s daughter into the matter. The whole ordeal has gotten the attention of several big figures in the entertainment industry, namely 50 Cent and Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather is even said to be training Mr. Tell ‘Em, a claim that has been disputed by Way’s manager, Wack 100. Oh yea, he just happens to also be former 50 cohort, The Game’s manager. Even Iron Mike Tyson has weighed in, giving his vote for Brown. Tyson went so far as to record a song dissing Soulja Boy…for some reason. 
The fact that there is so much involvement from outsiders is what leads me to my assertion, this is good for hip-hop. One of the main objectives rap and hip-hop naysayers have is that the music and culture promote violence. It has been blamed for the seemingly ever increasing homicide rate in most urban communities. The prolific weapon and drug use referred to by artist has, along with its often objectification of women has lead to it being condemned by many. The latter is a different post, but the violence, this is where there is room for impact. While ‘Breezy v. Big Soula’ might not be the “Thrilla in Manilla” 2017, it has a chance to change the narrative. Can you imagine, if one gets knocked out, the hooks and punchlines (see what I did there?) that would be thrown around by rappers in their verses? How about the fact that more artists and personalities are trying to get in on it? Internet personality Riff Raff has challenged to a bout for $2 million and Florida rapper Kodak Black called out Weezy for the title “Greatest Rapper”. 
These may seem like petty insignificant squabbles, but I assure you they are important. They have the potential to change the way that hip hop is viewed. Those on the outside get to see the separation of fantasy and reality as gang members have spoken out against rappers falsely claiming membership. I think it is important the youth know the difference. This is making no mention of the revenue it could generate for the urban community. I think it should happen.-Josh Buckhalter