Good to go for another post or so, the never late, always great Really Really Good show is back online! Just in time to hit you with the latest info on the wire, and future deals to transpire. The greatest post in the galaxy goes into orbit with news from Rock The Bells, Al Sharpton, UGK, and HipHop.net, a quick list of hip-hop blogs to watch for. Buckle in for blast off!

The Big Question: Are rap artists responsible for the explosion of gang culture?
By Ed Ceasar

Recent report says black youth need new role models. They urge for a shift from rap stars and sport celebrities as role models to businessmen, lawyers, and professionals.
The report points to gang culture, Hip-Hop, lyrical content, and imagery all linked together with detrimental effects. The British study is well worth the read as it ultimately asks “Is Hip-Hop a bad influence?”

Rock The Bells 2007
The tour that’s being called the "Woodstock of Hip-Hop", Rock The Bells is winding through America with it’s heavy duty line up. For the next month, the juggernaut concert will bring household Hip-Hop names to America, with acts from The Roots, Public Enemy, Nas, and David Banner joining headliners The Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against The Machine. Try to catch the show when it rolls through your town, and check the links below for more info. If you plan on going to the San Bernadino show, you might want to go over the checklist, found floating around on MySpace.

San Bernardino Do's and Don'ts

Hyundai Pavilion at Glen Helen Venue Policy
There is no reentry for this event.
Recommended Items: Hats, a light jacket, and sunscreen.
Items that you can bring: One 20 oz. bottle of water (unfrozen), disposable cameras, ear plugs, unopened packs of cigarettes, and chap stick.

The following items will not be allowed into the venue:
Alcoholic beverages
Outside food and beverages
Audio and video recording devices
Backpacks
Blankets, towels, flags
Any camera besides a disposable camera
Cans, bottles, or any hard containers
Coolers
Fireworks
Illegal contraband
Laser pointers
Lawn chairs
Lighters
Open containers of any kind
Pets
Spiked accessories
Stickers
Umbrellas or parasols
Any weapon or sharp objects
Pepper spray

Picthfork Media Coverage
Speaking of Wu, RZA can be seen in a video from The Hip-Hop Chess Federation, also found online at MySpace.

Al’s Crusade
Rev. Al Sharpton is continuing his campaign to clean up lyrics in music. On August 7th, Sharpton organized protest that stretched over 20 US cities. The “Day of Outrage” was held by Sharpton’s National Action Network, and saw protest in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Detroit, and many more cities. Sharpton has called for more stringent rules regarding the words and imagery depicted in many rap songs. Read more about the issue below.

Rev. Al Sharpton leads protest over rap lyrics

Al Sharpton Continues War On Rap Lyrics, Calls For End Of Gov't Funds To Labels

Al Sharpton + Hip-Hop Music = Political Showdown

Major Collaborations
Universal recently joined forces with Loud.com, with a merger that will see the competitors joining forces. UMG will be a key investor behind the new website, extending the major labels presence online. The popularity of Loud.com and their online talent search will be a nice bonus for Universal, with the possibility of future artist signings as a side feature. Hey, online promotions worked for Sean Kingston, it could work for you too. Check out Loud.com for more.