Powell Busts a Move at Concert for Africa

Even if the NFL isn't a fan

(NEWSER) - It takes awhile for these things to become official, but the Wall Street Journal says it looks like this is the "Year of the Dougie" in sports. For the uninitiated, the dance involves some limb flailing and, crucially, running fingers through the hair. It's been a staple on college and pro fields since hip-hop group Cali Swag District's Teach Me How to Dougie got popular. More»

Speech Debelle is first woman to win Mercury in 7 years

(NEWSER) - Years of living in hostels and on the streets of London proved, at long last, a winning combination for rapper Speech Debelle, who today was awarded Britain’s prestigious Mercury music prize, the Guardian reports. Speech Therapy, the debut album by the 26-year-old (real name Corynne Elliot), represents a “remarkable new voice in British hip-hop, tough, warm and reflective,” the judges said. More»

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton ended her African tour today on a note of optimism colored by disdain, the New York Times reports. The secretary of state visited seven nations over 11 days and made her final remarks on the Cape Verde islands off the coast. “I leave Africa after this remarkable trip even more committed,” Clinton said. She commented on the “joy and energy Africans have,” as well as on having “seen the worst humanity can do to itself.” More»

Kids are coming out of the woodwork earlier to become Internet sensations

(NEWSER) - Grime—a musical genre fusing, among other things, hip-hop, electronica, and Caribbean influences—is being rejuvenated and redefined by “youngers,” the new generation of Internet-savvy MCs reaching for the charts, the Independent reports. “The ‘olders’ grew up listening to rap and hip-hop and other artists from the US,” says YouTube star Griminal. “But the younger generation, we grew up listening to that plus all the UK talent. So I’d say we’ve got a better balance.” More»

African musician is a mystery, gaining in popularity

(NEWSER) - An up-and-coming player in the genre of “hipster world music,” Prince Zimboo Abakunamabooba is an African hip-hopper with 999 wives—or is he? Zimboo, who has been performing “deliriously funny music” since at least 2007, “is something like the African Borat,” writes Jonah Weiner for Slate, “a character who exemplifies and satirizes stereotypes of Otherness for laughs.” And since teaming with one of MIA’s producers, Zimboo is gaining notoriety. More»