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When it comes to convincing Americans to vote against their best interests, no one does it quite like Trump.

Users on X were quick to point out the irony of GOP voting practices, counting off five bullet points that MAGA supports have used to shoot themselves in the foot.

The official trailer for Novocaine has arrived, and The Mary Sue had the opportunity to sit down with directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen to discuss the Jack Quaid-led movie.

Novocaine follows Nathan Caine (Quaid), a bank executive with a rare condition that makes him unable to feel pain. Despite his unique condition, Caine does not consider himself a “superhero.” However, when his girlfriend (Amber Midthunder) is taken hostage by bank robbers, he takes it upon himself to rescue her. Armed only with his inability to feel pain, Caine sets off on a violent, bloody mission to save the woman he loves. The action-packed trailer already has over a million views, and audiences are excited about this unconventional superhero-esque action thriller that shows another side of The Boys star, Quiad.

Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich history in soul music, but over the past couple of decades, hip-hop has also made an indelible mark. So much so that the city is proposing a permanent museum that will celebrate the music and the culture behind the genre that has come from Bluff City.

According to WREG, at a Shelby County Commission meeting that took place on Dec. 11, the topic was brought up for discussion. Former Greater Memphis Chamber president and former executive director of the Civil Rights Museum, Beverly Robertson of Trust Marketing, spoke to the city commissioners to discuss the proposal for a Memphis hip-hop museum.

“We’ve had a thriving music culture for years, but it’s revving back up after Stax closed down,” she said.

With a hip-hop museum in place, it could potentially be visited by more than 43,000 people each year. They are also projecting that it will have yearly operating expenses of $1.8 million, with an anticipated revenue of $1.14 million. However, it could require more funding, to the tune of more than $700,000.

“Once we get anchored, we will figure out how to generate the revenue to be able to sustain and grow the museum long-term,” Robertson added.

Memphis recording artist Al Kapone, who was responsible for a song on the Hustle and Flow soundtrack, “Whoop That Trick,” likes the idea of a museum.

“The Memphis music scene, especially the hip-hop scene, has been dominating for a long time. We’ve been just as unique as the soul music era.”

The commissioners wanted to know if artists, musicians, and historians from Memphis could be involved in the project if given the ok. They also questioned if there could be an educational component for children, with a possible job-training program in music for young adults. The organizers stated that it could be and there can also be master and production classes, as well as performance and wellness spaces.

Al Kapone added his thoughts and believes that a hip-hop museum can drive more tourists to the city.

“Listen, we need that hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history runs deep,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: National Civil Rights Museum To Host Symposium On 1964’s Freedom Summer

We’re still shouting happy birthday to Hip-Hop! Having turned 50 on Aug. 11, 2023, Hip-Hop culture has changed the lives of many people since its birth. The evolution of Hip-Hop has embodied art, DJ’ing, dance, fashion, hair, jewelry, language, lyricism, music and guess what else—literature ..books.

BLACK ENTERPRISE salutes Hip-Hop books for penetrating the literary space. Here are 10 books from Hip-Hop artists that tell their story and share their perspective not heard through music. 

1.) From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens

Read From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens by 50 Cent (2006-08-15) #books ~ https://t.co/HvL2OVJvUY pic.twitter.com/5I90ZMtT95

— StudentsArena.com (@studentsarenake) October 8, 2018

This memoir, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Kris Ex, is a tale of how 50 Cent navigated his difficult childhood as a youth: dealing with the murder of his mother; hustling in the streets to survive; being shot nine times and achieving the American dream. 

BUY HERE

2.) The Wu-Tang Manual 

Got some new reading material for the upcoming vacation. RAW is captivating right off the bat I can’t put it down and can’t wait to jump into the Wu-Tang Manual @Ugodofwutang @RZA #WuTang #wutangforever pic.twitter.com/nULpRfRrwl

— BakedToaster (@Poolius420) July 19, 2019

The Wu-Tang Manual by Robert Diggs, otherwise known as RZA, and Chris Norris. The Wu-Tang Manual is made up of 4 books that break down all things Wu-Tang Clan—from information about the nine original members, Wu-Slang, and the philosophies and personalities that make the Wu-Tang Clan what it is. If you’re heavy into Wu culture, this book is for you.  

 BUY HERE

3.) Sweat The Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius

RAKIM “Sweat The Technique: Revelations On Creativity From The Lyrical Genius” is available everywhere now…! #rakim #sweatthetechnique #revelations #creativity #lyrical #genius #18thletter #forever #godmc #microphonefiend #lyricsoffury #nocompetition #ther #flowforever pic.twitter.com/i1lZ6rd88k

— HipHopGods (@hiphopgods) October 1, 2019

Rakim Allah’s book is half a memoir and the other half is a writing guide. In this book he details who and what influenced him in his youth (jazz and John Coltrane) while highlighting the reason he is hailed as the god MC. 

BUY HERE

4.) Hurricanes

Rick Ross – Hurricanes: A Memoir (Book Review)

Now available on YouTube: https://t.co/85nSMbzdlV#HipHop #HHT #Rap #RickRoss #Hurricanes #BookReview pic.twitter.com/WNIOGFmCXg

— Pure Rap Podcast (@PureRapPodcast) January 23, 2022

Rick Ross and Neil Martinez-Belkin wrote this memoir about Ross’ upbringing in South Beach Miami during the War On Drugs era, which covers his time as a high school football player, dope boy hustler, and correctional officer. Ross chronicles the making of his debut hit song “Hustlin’” to having a large deal with Def Jam records. This read will give you insight to Rick Ross’ experiences and inspirations

BUY HERE

5.) Decoded

On this day in 2010, Jay Z released his autobiography and memoir, Decoded pic.twitter.com/L7sNcDwtHm

— •UP•NORTH•TRIPS• (@evboogie) November 16, 2019

Decoded, written by rap icon and business mogul Shawn Corey Carter (widely known as Jay-Z,) is a one of a kind memoir that shows the worlds Jay-Z has maneuvered. Beyoncé’s other half tells his story while highlighting the hip-hop art form and culture by deconstructing his lyrics and giving readers a deeper dive into his journey as a artist. 

  BUY HERE

6.) E. A. R. L. The Autobiography of DMX  

[Read] EBOOK E.A.R.L. The Autobiography of DMX >>% pic.twitter.com/btsH2Orvwb

— Linda T. Artman (@Lindatartman) March 11, 2022

The Autobiography of DMX, by the late Earl Simmons and Smoky D. Fontaine, shares X’s upbringing in the streets of Yonkers, New York. Readers learn how DMX overcame struggles involving neglect, physical abuse, drug abuse and jail time. The book reveals DMX’s ability to never give up on his dreams, finding his passion for hip-hop and releasing a no. 1 album four times in a row. X’s story literally shows that if you slip and fall you can still get up.

BUY HERE

7.) Cross The Tracks

Boosie first Memoir ‘Cross the Tracks’ will be released on September 20 pic.twitter.com/DkoeA8yf0l

— SAY CHEESE! (@SaycheeseDGTL) September 2, 2022

Torrence Hatch Jr., the controversial rapper known as Boosie Badazz, gives readers the details of growing up in Baton Rouge and being a local star at the age of 14, and becoming one of the most prominent rappers in the South. Boosie talks about survival, having a second chance at life, and beating the odds after facing death row and ultimately gaining freedom.

BUY HERE

8.) Vibrate Higher

@MrChuckD reading “Vibrate Higher” by Talib Kweli #BookRecosFromCelebs #readmore #read #bookrecos #book #books #reading #author #BlackTwitter #booktwitter #chuckd #publicenemy #blackexcellence #hiphop #talibkweli #raphistory #prophetsofrage #eastcoastrap #blackstar pic.twitter.com/khlwarlcrG

— BookRecosFromCelebs (@CelebBookRecos) April 29, 2022

Vibrate Higher is a rap tale written by Talib Kweli that shares his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York. Kweli writes about what hip-hop has done for his life and how the culture impacts life socially, politically, and creatively.  

BUY HERE

9.) The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

Blunts & Books

The Autobiography of Gucci Mane
Jet Fuel pic.twitter.com/7pPdZLYznZ

— c h a n d l e r (@MrBrickFactory) February 13, 2022

The Autobiography of Gucci Man was written with the help of Neil Martinez-Belkin. Gucci Mane began writing this story while locked in federal prison. Gucci highlights the ups and downs of his life and career, and leans into growing up in poverty, his father’s abandonment, jail time, and how all these shaped him. He shares a bit about the infamous ice cream tattoo and how his career has evolved over time. 

BUY HERE

10.) Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman

LADIES FIRST, Revelation of a Strong Woman by Queen Latifah#BlackAuthors#OurBlackStoriesToldByUs#Readingisfundamental#SelfImprovement#Authentic#Classic#QueenLatifah#BlackHistoryMonth2021 pic.twitter.com/JbF5GJWHc8

— C.A.S.W. (@CherylAnnWill15) February 16, 2021

Dana Owens, our beloved Queen Latifah, wrote an autobiography that is an inspiration to women. Queen Latifah details growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and the difficult decisions she had to make dealing with sex, drugs, depression. The award-winning hip-hop artist shares what it means to be confident and independent, and what life was like being the first female solo rap artist to get a major record deal at 19-years-old. 

 BUY HERE

RELATED CONTENT: KRS-One Talks 50 Years Of Hip-Hop