Shades of hope

A few months ago, I was elated to come across a Palestinian rap group that focused on peace and harmony than on the usual libidinous remarks about women or angry sentiments at some homeboys. Now, here's a feature on a couple of hip-hop acts that don't deserve the bad rap that most rap groups get.

Little Brother, a trio from North Carolina, don't shy away from lyrics that warrant parental-advisory stickers, but their latest CD, "The Minstrel Show," is a concept album that critiques the violence, misogyny, and materialism in much of hip-hop culture. "20/20," the new record from Dilated Peoples, features the Californian trio's characteristic sociopolitical observations rather than the preening and sneering of gangsta rap.

"It is one thing when bad behavior is being talked, but it is a whole other issue when bad behavior is being rewarded," fumes Little Brother's Phonte Coleman. "Cats are going around talking about shooting or killing people - it's not a joke," adds Rakaa.

Beauty and grace shine amid turmoil
A Monitor photographer tells the story behind one of
her recent pictures, taken in Haiti. By Melanie
Stetson Freeman

That's the intro that led me to click on the link for the background explaining what the photo below is about. Brief but thought-provoking. And -- for me at least -- indicative of hope.