"So in a couple years baby, I'mma bring you some nets." It looks like Jay-Z made good on his promise to bring the New Jersey Nets to his native Brooklyn. There was a ceremony held to celebrate the launch of the new arena in Brooklyn that will be used by New Jersey Nets starting in 2012. So why does Straight Outta Hip Hop care about this? Not only is it just dope that Brooklyn is getting a team, but it also shows the great impact hip hop can have in both the corporate sector and, more importantly, our communities.

Some may think that bringing a basketball team won't make any difference to a city, but even something as simple as that can do wonders. I'm from Oakland, CA. Just like anywhere, there are "good" and "bad" parts to the city, and those "bad" parts can be pretty rough. But trust me, when the Warriors made their playoff run a few years back and beat the Dallas Mavericks, the city was unified, even if only for a few weeks. Not only will money be pumped into Brooklyn once the Nets move, but along with the arena, but "three residential buildings, a day care facility, senior center and health care facilities will be built. The mayor says affordable housing units will be included, as well" (New York 1). Jay-Z was obviously an integral part of bringing the Nets to Brooklyn, and being that New York is the birthplace of hip hop, it is only fitting that one of the most decorated hip hop artists ever, helped bring such a positive aspect to one of its boroughs.

While nobody expects every hip hop artist to be able to have the power and influence that Jay has, I would hope that this would inspire artists to do what they can to bring something positive back to their neighborhoods. So often, we hear artists talk about how they'll never forget about the hood and where they came from, yet too many of our neighborhoods are still struggling and in the same position that have been in for years, even though there have been dozens of people whom have come out of those neighborhoods to be successful and gain a ton of wealth. By no means do I expect Brooklyn to make a 360 degree change, but I do believe that there will be a significant change over the long haul. There will be more job opportunities and a sense of hope; something that people can rally around. If those that have garnered wealth and power, even on a smaller scale, give the extra effort to bring something to their "hoods" that people can find hope in, both the neighborhoods and those that come from them will be better off. In turn, it will help to better hip hop.

Let me know what you think about the New Jersey Nets moving to Brooklyn. They're struggling right now, but maybe they can turn it around in the next couple years.  Any idea what other artists could potentially do? Let me hear what you have to say.

On another note, I encourage everybody to download the Hip Hop Hope Dealers app for their iPhone, iPod, Palm Pre, etc. They are doing great things on the website (http://www.hiphophopedealers.com) and have graciously added Straight Outta Hip Hop to the app, as well. Visit their website and download the app. Thank you to all those that already have.


Peace.