Fonky Fridays on Clifton Alley. Many of you have heard rumors about 'em. A lucky few have experienced them. And an even smaller few have been to Clifton on crappy weeks that turned them off to the idea. BUT the majority of folks who've been a part of Fonky Fridays will tell you that they're friggin amazing!

For those who don't know, a few months back we started spending every Friday up in the lab with a bunch of the homies, instead of running amok at overcrowded clubs buying overpriced drinks and hitting on oversexed girls. After going thru several name changes, often depending on level of intoxication, the all-star funk band of crazed lunatics "MugShot" has begun a slow journey toward world domination...

Big shots out to LA Mike, P Funk Paul, Mix Master Wolfy Wolf, Hoss aka Hot Sauce from the Bbq Crew, Tunabutter, Blufoot, Mack Funk, Farmer Johneric, Pause, DJ Spliff, Chuck Chilla, the horn player dudes who I didn't meet cuz I knocked out, and anyone else whose blessed a session with the Funky Friday fam! Peep video below for a lil introduction, & come thru if you got a free Friday and a bottle of liks to contribute...

If you know Aidger, you know he don't like swine. Except on pizza. And hopefully you know about the Fightin Words open mic that he hosts along with DJ Starchild (Divine Forces Radio), in support of the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, every 3rd Thursday at Chuco's Justice Center in Inglewood.

Recently Fightin Words got a visit from the LA Weekly, who did a write up on the show for us! Peep it below... the next Fightin Words is October 15th, and we've got a ton of dope guests lined up! Come thru and have a great time saying Fuck The Police with the fam...

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Fightin' Words: Inglewood Open Mic Summons Rhyme and Rhythm to Stop Police Brutality

The night of August 20, a light burned on the street corner near Crenshaw Blvd. and Florence Avenue. Inside Chuco's Justice Center, a group of about 20 minorities, all under the age of 35, bobbed their heads and swayed their arms to the disheartening professions of their inner emotions regarding the effect of police brutality on their lives.

At the monthly open mic night called "Fightin' Words," citizens of Inglewood take peaceful action through poetry and music to stop police brutality. The event is an outlet for those who have been affected by controversial police violence and gather to share their stories through rhyme and rhythm. People from the eclectic crowd took turns going up to the mic to profess their sorrows as DJ Starchild spun hip-hop records as back up to the rhymesayers.

Aidge, host of Fightin' Word

"Five people died from police brutality in the past year," said Aidge, host of the event. The latest victim was Marcus Smith, 31, who was fatally shot by police in Inglewood on May 17, 2009. Police claim Smith pulled out a gun, but witnesses say he was an unarmed peacekeeper.

One man with a shirt depicting a deceased loved spoke about finding spirituality and one young woman spoke of her hope to stop sexual slavery. "Yes, I will dedicate my life to fighting your special breed of tyranny," said Georgie, a young female participant from the crowd.

Pictures and stories of people who have been killed in police altercations lined the walls, and despite the room made of cold cement, there was an unexpected warmth of support emanating from the group for one another.

RIP

​Aidge, vivaciously spit into the microphone and dictated to the crowd, "If you don't know someone, introduce yourself." He believes that change can be made through poetry. "I've been stopped and searched for no reason [by police], embarrassed, had my head cut open...but mostly it's [Fightin' Words] for the family members of people who have been killed by police."

Fightin' Words aims to bring people together who share the same pain. The event is held every third Thursday. Go here for more information.

What up family... I wanted to start shit off with some updates on what we've been up to, but I lagged on that for a few days. And now someone who means about 3 million times more to hip-hop than we do has passed on, and it's only right to pay homage to a TRUE legend & inspiration to our community --> ROC RAIDA. If you don't know who Raida is, please escort yourself off our web page. You have some homework to get to.

Anyway, just heard via the evil messenger that is Twitter that this brother passed away today. From what I don't know, but that's not important. What IS important is to remember what Roc Raida did for the music and culture I've loved since I was sporting a bowl cut & a Voltron lunchbox. Take some time today to look back on his accomplishments, incredible innovations in turn table wizardry, and enjoy the ride he & the X-Men have taken us on over the years.

Much love to Roc Raida's family, friends & crew.Don't even need to say it, cuz it's been said like 500 times this year. But cherish the day fam! Show the people close to u that u love em. And do it NOW. But not before watching Roc Raida's dedication to Jam Master Jay!!!



~Aidger

What up, What up??