Ya Heard: Ludacris goes above and beyond

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.”

— E. E. Cummings

Ludacris took the idea of “giving back to those in need” to a completely different level last weekend in Atlanta when he gave away 20 cars to 20 individuals in desperate need of an automobile. In order to
be considered for the automobiles, Luda required that each individual write a 300-word essay explaining why he/she needed the more-than- gracious gift. Among those who received the free automobiles

were single parents and physically disabled people who, even with the challenges against them, were still striving to push forward.

At the event, Luda stated, “We’re not giving hand-outs, we’re giving hand-ups. That’s definitely something that I want everybody to understand.”

That is simply an incredible gesture from the Atlanta native. In the grand scheme of things, the cars didn’t hurt the platinum-selling artist’s pockets too much, but the effort to make such a direct difference
in people’s lives is something to take note of. In the same light, it wouldn’t cost most of us much to give a sandwich to a few homeless people every week; it’s just a matter of making that effort. Shout out
to Luda!

Pundits criticize president     for motivational speech?

President Obama delivered a well-pointed statement to students as they made their way back to school this week and somehow it has created a bit of a national debate as to whether the president
abused his powers. While many of the critics have been … let’s say … pundits of an opposing party, the mere thought of criticizing the president’s initiative on this one humors me. From what I’ve
gathered, it seems that some are upset with the 44th for well … being the leader of this great country.

I cannot begin to understand why people are upset with the leader of the free world for encouraging children to hit the books. While those very critics are busy looking for the lines in between the lines in
between the lines, let us step back for a second and really look at just how politically motivated we’ve become.

I mean it’s hard to listen to opponents of the president when their criticism outreaches their sense of morality.

Former Ruff Ryder Jin turns     to the Lord in new music

Remember Jin the Chinese battle-rapping champion from 106 & Park back in the day? Well after making a name for himself on the BET showcase, Jin went onto to sign a recording deal with Ruff Ryders
Records and released his debut album in 2004. Well now, Jin is a born-again Christian and his music reflects this.

Jin has recently been releasing some new music and it’s great to see any emcee come from a positive and spiritual perspective. I’m all for the Christian-rap thing and all, but something has never quite sat
well with me on that issue. That something is what we’ll get into next week. ’Till then, Peace!!!

Ya Heard trivia

Who was the first hip hop artist to ever win a Grammy?

Be the third person to e-mail me the correct answer and receive two free AMC movie tickets courtesy of the News & Messenger.

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