Oscar Grant B-Day Party at Black Dot Cafe

EKAphotography

Beeda Weeda and friend

The national media attention has pretty much moved elsewhere, yet the tragic shooting death of Oscar Grant on New Year's Day remains a sore spot for many in the community. In death, Grant has become a poster boy (literally) for the case against police misconduct, as well as a hip-hop generation martyr. Let it be said that we'd much rather see people's frustrations and anger being channeled into positive channels than the alternative.

Artists like Too Short, Ise Lyfe, Zion-I, Casual, Sellassie and Jennifer Johns have represented the local hip-hop contingent at numerous Grant-related rallies thusfar, and as first reported on Daveyd.com, this evening, there will be an Oscar Grant Birthday Celebration (he would have been 23) at the Black Dot Café in West Oakland. Oakland's own Beeda Weeda and J-Stalin will be performing their new song "Fuck the Police, We Ain't Listening," along with KPOO's DJX1. As for the crowd, we're expecting a mix of neo-militant turf rappers in hoodies and baggy pants, revolutionary anarchists in hoodies and tight pants, and perhaps a few concerned citizens and ACLU supporters. Proceeds benefit Grant's two year-old daughter.