As the end of Black History Month approaches, the end of another historical moment came last night as Jus Rhyme was eliminated from the (White) Rapper Show. Jus’s anti-racism rants earned him a niché spot on the show as the “social conscious” within the White rapper collective.

Last night, the White rappers went to Motor City to battle it out 8 Mile style. After taking the tour of the city, meeting the likes of Insane Clown Posse and Kid Rock – the melanin-deprived emcees took it to the Shelter. Home of the late Proof, D12, and Eminem, Jus just couldn’t cut it on the battling tip.

Always the hip-hop enthusiast, Jeb Middlebrook breaks bread with HHDX as he talks about his brand of edutainment, compares his fifteen laws to the business of hip-hop and gives his thoughts about his experience on the (White) Rapper Show.

HHDX: From you doing the show, you lost your fellowship for school at USC. What would you say was more important for you – entertaining the masses or gaining your PhD?
JR: I guess it would have to be both. They’re both important to me. For those who watched the show and were concerned, I got a break and I was reinstated back into my fellowship at USC. Being on the show was a test for me to see if I can juggle them both. I’m working on getting my Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies.PhD. My dissertation is about the recording industry, Black music and the prison system and the relationship between them all. I am just starting on my research right now, but I am interested in the Gangsta rap lifestyle. There is a history of rebellion and celebration within the music. But you also have these institutions established here in America whose objective is to silence Black America. So, my question that I’m trying to state is – What does that mean when that type of voice is celebrated? What is the power within that voice? How can it change and help communities? Within Gangsta Music, the artists have all harnessed their voices and their energy and utilize it for positive social change.

HHDX: But doesn’t the message still don’t add up? The imagery behind being a “gangsta” and the influence that that carries weighs more than the community services that they do behind the scenes. Do you have any thoughts, Jus?
JR: You can slice and dice it up, but everyone gives what they can, when they can. But I can see how you can make an argument. You don’t want to take two steps backwards and only take one step forward. But I honor everyone’s movements. At the end of the day, I feel like myself, all of us… we’re not perfect. I don’t hold others to a standard that I cannot adhere to, too. Lil’ Wayne, Ice Cube, Jesse Jackson, Barack Obama all do what they do, as well as I do… and the world needs them to stand out and speak out. They need a Barack Obama and an Ice Cube. They both have unique voices that play out to a broad appeal within the community. Continued on page 2 »