WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2004
STATE
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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19
Soldiers found outlet for local music scene
The Associated Press
JUNCTION CITY — A group of Fort Riley soldiers, who call themselves Exit Entertainment, are looking to build a hip-hop conglomerate in Junction City.
This month, the group held a talent competition, where Miracle, a southern rapper from Augusta, Ga., selected hiphop groups to perform for Universal Records representatives.
Exit's business manager, Tavares Bethel, said it was a "golden opportunity" for local acts to make contacts and receive feedback from professionals.
"A lot of people don't know this, but there is a lot of talent in this town, and I'm going to try to bring it all out into the open," said Wayne Goode, who started the group about two years ago.
Goode said Exit Entertainment would do more than just produce albums - it would also promote hip-hop in the Junction City area.
Goode said some soldiers exhibited talent that could rival famous rappers like Nas or Jay-Z; all they needed was an outlet to exhibit their talent. These soldiers also bring with them connections to
hip-hop hot spots in New York, Miami and St. Louis.
One of those connections allowed Exit Entertainment to arrange the concert featuring Miracle. Goode said the group also planned to put together more concerts, talent shows and parties.
Exit Entertainment plans to get people in Junction City and the surrounding area to take hip-hop more seriously.
Jean Pierre, who goes by the stage name of Young P, is one of the shining stars of the group. He already has albums that are selling underground, and lyrically, he is considered the best Fort Riley has to offer.
An increase in troop strength at Fort Riley could also help vault Junction City into the hip-hop world.
"None of us are from here," Young P said. "So the plan is make Junction City into another Philly, or make it like New York, ATL or Miami. We are going to make it as enjoyable as possible and bring our homes here."
"This is a peaceful movement, a mission to improve our lives and at the same time make this area the place to be for hip-hop." he said. "This movement is all about the true essence of rap."
Oklahoma tribe upset over Kansas casino loss
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A powerful ally of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma spoke out yesterday against the closure of its Kansas casino by state authorities.
"I think they've been screwed over by the United States government," Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) said during a hearing where the tribe's chief testified.
Young, a 16-term lawmaker with considerable clout in Washington, is supporting legislation by Kansas Democratic Rep. Dennis Moore that would allow the Wyandotte casino.
Despite Young's effort, however, the bill is opposed by Kansas Republicans in Congress, giving it little chance of moving forward. Meanwhile, the tribe is waging a legal battle to reopen its casino.
The state of Kansas shut down the casino in April, seven months after it opened for business across from Kansas City, Kan., City Hall.
Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline sued the National Indian Gaming Commission and its parent agency, the
U. S. Department of the Interior, after the casino opened.
The commission ruled in March that the casino was operating illegally and gave the Wyandottes a week to respond, after which Kline had police and Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents close the casino.
At issue is whether the tribe's land can be used for gambling under federal law. Wyandotte Chief Leaford Bearskin told the House Resources Committee that Congress intended, in a 1984 law, for the land to be considered sovereign and classified in a way that would allow gambling.
"The law that the Wyandotte Nation is following was passed by Congress, not an attorney at the NIGC who arbitrarily decided she had the power to harm my nation." Bearskin said.
Young, a senior member of the Resources Committee, chided Interior officials for failing to respond to his complaints and questions about the matter. He argued that the gaming commission's ruling was a preliminary finding and that action should have come after a final determination.