Ya Heard: Peace out, ‘Rap City’

"Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who also knows why will always be his boss."

—Ralph Waldo Emerso

Say it isn't so! BET has announced the cancelation of television's longest running hip-hop program, "Rap City." "Rap City" has been on the air for 19 years, and certainly played a role in promoting hip-hop to unforeseen heights.

Back when MTV was only playing high profile videos by the likes of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or LL Cool J, "Rap City" was the only place to find talented up and coming artists such as OutKast, Lords of the Underground, Nas, Jay-Z, etc. on a regular basis.

Nonetheless, I will say I was disappointed when Viacom (owner of MTV, VH1, and a number of other media outlets) bought BET a few years ago. Following the transaction, "Rap City" seemed to take a downward turn.

The network says "Rap City" will be replaced by a new show called "The Deal," in which pop-up facts will be shown. Think VH1's "Video Pop-up Video." Apparently, the freestyle booth will still be in place.

The final episode airs Oct. 29. Hopefully, the network will make the last episode monumental.

Back when "Yo! MTV Raps" aired its final episode, every relevant emcee participated in a massive historic freestyle session forever sketched in hip-hop's collective memory. No more "Rap City." Man, the times are changing.

BLINGING THEIR WAY INTO HISTORY

An enormous display of generosity is being shown by some of the biggest names in hip-hop as a large catalogue of hip-hop jewelry is being put to good use. Sohh.com reported that jewelry previously owned by artists such as Kanye West, Missy Elliot, Biz Markie, MC Lyte, and Diddy among others, will be auctioned off in an effort to develop a permanent hip-hop exhibit in Washington, D.C. Some—not all—the proceeds go to the National Museum of American History.

According to the Web site, some pieces to be auctioned include a Diddy diamond and platinum bracelet, Lil' Jon's record-holding, 12-pound "Crunk Ain't Dead" diamond pendant, Kanye West's diamond, black Jesus pendant and even a diamond-dusted Rolex once owned by the late Notorious B.I.G.

Get this, the auction was scheduled to be held Oct. 1, but had to be postponed to March 5 because of growing interest. Good thing, too, 'cause I don't get paid this week.

No, but I would like to see the bidders. For some reason, I keep envisioning a bunch of closet hip-hop freaks who'll break out their "Crunk Ain't Dead" pendant at the office party in Malibu. Come on, someone will be there for that reason alone.

'GIVE BACK' CONCERT COMes TO D.C.

In case you haven't heard, Kanye West's Dr. Donda West Foundation and the Live to Give Campaign presents the "Give Back" Concert in Washington, D.C. on election day, Nov. 4. The concert's aim is to encourage individuals to participate in the presidential election.

Presale tickets to the show are available until Oct. 9. Those with presale tickets will be invited to meet the Washington Wizard's Antwan Jamison at D.C.'s ESPN Zone.

The two artists to perform at the concert have been kept secret thus far and will be announced on Oct. 10 and Oct. 20. Shhh, some sources expect Kanye to be one of those performers.

Maybe I'm buggin', but doesn't Give Back sound like it should be a free show? Fans have been giving to Kanye for years already. Hey, just a thought.

For tickets, visit Livetogiveback.org or call 301-605-5324.

REGISTER TO VOTE!!!

The deadline for voter register is Oct. 6 (Monday!!!!). Whoever it is that you plan to vote for—or not vote for—please make it out to the polls to make that happen. Do not wait until the last minute to try and register either. If you are not registered, put this paper down or close the window on your computer and begin the process of making your vote count.

For more information, call 703-792-6470.

YA HEARD TRIVIA

What goes up and never comes down?

Be the first person to send me the correct answer and receive two free AMC movie tickets courtesy of the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger…Until next week, Peace!!!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or .