This week's paper (hitting stands today) contains my feature on R.A.R.E. Nation teaming up with Jasiri X and 1Hood to bring a series of shows and talks by hip-hop figures to town. On Feb. 6, the collaborative's first event will be a talk with hip-hop producer and artist 9th Wonder and Jasiri X. Just the other day, Jasiri dropped a new video, based on his recent trip to Israel/Palestine. Here's what Jasiri has to say about "Checkpoint," below:

I was recently blessed to be a part of a delegation of artists and activists, including Dream Hampton, Ferrari Sheppard, Remi Kanazi, Professor Robyn Spencer, and Bill Fletcher Jr., that traveled to Palestine and Israel. I honestly was not prepared for the level of oppression, discrimination, and racism I witnessed against Palestinians and African refugees.

My new video "Checkpoint" is based on the occupation and colonialism I saw firsthand. "Checkpoint" is produced by Agent of Change, and directed by Haute Muslim.