Stories by Jeff Chang

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Vision: How We Can Beat Conservatives With Progressive Culture

Posted on: Jan 25, 2011, Source: The American Prospect

Culture is where people make sense of the world, where ideas are introduced and emotions are attached to concrete change. Let's bring it into our political cause.

After Targeting Van Jones, Glenn Beck Takes His shot at Hip-Hop Activist Yosi Sergant

Posted on: Sep 10, 2009, Source: Can't Stop Won't Stop

Glenn Beck uses smear attacks to push for White House staffer Yosi Sergant's resignation for organizing artists to support Obama's national service program.

Whatever Happened With the Jena 6?

Posted on: May 27, 2008, Source: Huffington Post

Eight months after the protests, justice still awaits the Jena Six.

Eulogy For the Alt-Weekly

Posted on: Nov 3, 2005, Source: AlterNet

What happens when the 'alternative' newspaper is no longer alternative? One writer shares his opinion on the New Times deal.

Getting Home Before It's Gone

Posted on: Sep 25, 2005, Source: AlterNet

As corporations get rich, real estate developers circle and Katrina evacuees resettle far from home, grassroots organizations are shifting from relief to demanding the right of return.

Frustration and Survival in the Astrodome

Posted on: Sep 15, 2005, Source: AlterNet

To Barbara Bush, the Astrodome is a poor people's heaven. From the floor of the Dome, however, life seems a lot closer to hell.

Can White Hollywood Get Race Right?

Posted on: Jul 18, 2005, Source: AlterNet

Film critics proclaimed 'Crash' one of the best recent movies about race. Our cultural critics disagreed; so they sat down, Ebert and Roeper-style, to make their case.

New World Order

Posted on: Feb 10, 2005, Source: AlterNet

In an excerpt from 'Can't Stop Won't Stop,' author Jeff Chang looks at hip-hop feminism, neo-soul as marketing strategy and the endless cycle of cool.

This Ain't No Party

Posted on: Jun 24, 2004, Source: AlterNet

The first National Hip-Hop Political Convention was inspired, passionate, energizing – and a great leap forward into activism.

Selling the Political Soul of Hip Hop

Posted on: Jan 7, 2003, Source: The Nation

"Political rap" is no longer about protest, but a marketing niche for corporate executives eager to sell the hip-hop lifestyle.

Is Protest Music Dead?

Posted on: Apr 15, 2002, Source: Metro Silicon Valley

Music used to be the dominant voice against war. Now it's easier to shut up and get paid. What's really going on?

Prophet of Rage

Posted on: Jan 16, 2002, Source: AlterNet

Chuck D talks about Mumia, getting older, the suicide generation, and a new Public Enemy album slated for later this year.

The New Coup Debut

Posted on: Jan 8, 2002, Source: AlterNet

These days, it's tough being a revolution-minded rap act called the Coup. Their recent attacks on U.S. foreign policy and their new album, "Party Music," may not make things any easier.

Time to Elevate: Hip-Hop Resists Terror and War

Posted on: Nov 25, 2001, Source: AlterNet

The Hip-Hop generation is poised to take on added importance after 9-11. Can activists and artists of color lead the generation through the crisis?

The Hip-Hop Generation Can Call For Peace

Posted on: Sep 17, 2001, Source: WireTap

"At one time, others dissed our generation by saying that we were privileged, that we had never been tested by war.[This was before Bush's father opened the Persian Gulf War.] The fact is that hip-hop was born under the conditions of war. It grew and spread as a global alternative to war."

Hip Hop's Historic Summit

Posted on: Jun 19, 2001, Source: AlterNet

Put rap stars like Puff Daddy and LL Cool J in the same room with leaders like Louis Farrakhan and Kweisi Mfume, and what do you get? An agenda for political clout and conscious hip-hop.

The War on Youth

Posted on: Mar 31, 2000, Source: Colorlines.com

By proposing legislation to tighten juvenile justice on both state and federal levels, the nation has waged a war on youth -- particularly low-income youth of color. Once rehabilitation programs are out of the picture, what options do kids in trouble have left?