Chuck D

This award-winning film is narrated by Dr. Angelou and it features NFL legend Jim Brown, Hip Hop pioneer Chuck D, and original poetry from the former US Poet Laureate. Acclaimed author and director M.K. Asante, Jr., illustrates the beauty of Kwanzaa through an exploration of its inspiring culture and traditions. As the first film on Kwanzaa, The Black Candle traces the holiday's growth from its genesis through becoming a global holiday embraced by over 20 million celebrants.

Visually luscious and drenched with the big beats of classic cuts and freestyle rhyming by some of the masters of the music, SOMETHING FROM NOTHING: THE ART OF RAP is a performance documentary about the runaway juggernaut that is Hip-Hop. At the wheel of this unstoppable beast is Ice-T, who takes us on a personal journey into the asphalt roots of the music that saved his life. This film is not about stardom, bling, or beef; it's about craft and skill-what goes on inside the minds and erupts from the lips of rap legends. Ice-T travels from coast to coast, engaging intimately with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem, Nas, Mos Def, Kanye West, Chuck D, KRS-One, Snoop Dogg, Run-DMC, and Ice Cube. The film features original rapping and some classic never heard before a cappellas from the mouths of the creators. What emerges is a mighty soul tribute to the original American art form that brought poetry to a new generation.

Chuck D has not shied away from his public criticism of Hot 97 in recent months, which all stem from his anger over the state of urban radio. Those criticisms eventually led to a Twitter argument between Chuck and Hot 97 radio personality Peter Rosenberg. Jay Electronica later chimed in, and said that Rosenberg needed to publicly apologize to Chuck D. It looks like that apology came today during Rosenberg's 'The Realness' segment on Hot 97.

Public Enemy played a highly anticipated set at Jay Z's 'Made in America' Festival on Saturday, bringing their brand of old school hip hop and political commentary to Philadelphia. Chuck D began the set by instructing 'real hip hop heads' to 'put a fist in the air,' and that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the performance, which featured references to Trayvon Martin (Chuck D: 'He got killed in cold blood'), Mumia Abu Jamal and even a special guest from the Philadelphia school system.