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In order to gain a better understanding of the origins of hip-hop culture in Athens, you have to know someone who was there. Or know someone who knows someone who was there. The lives these individuals lived, and the stories they have to tell, aren t going to be easy to find on Google or even at the local library. Willie Wester is one of those who was there, and his personal account of how hip-hop made its way into his life, and ultimately saved it, is the stuff of great autobiographies and feature films. Born in Hempstead, N.C., in 1969, Wester s family moved to Gainesville, Ga., when he was 6 years old before settling in Athens when he was in the seventh grade. It was then, as a student at Clarke Middle School, that Wester s lifelong love of hip hop began. ....
Without Cedric Huff, the Athens hip-hop scene would look vastly different than it does today. Huff, who performs under the name Amun-Ra, is considered one of the architects of the local scene, according to Montu Miller, chief operating officer at ATHFactor Entertainment Group. “Amun-Ra is pure hip-hop, uncut, no dilution, unapologetically original,” said Miller. Born on the west side of Athens in 1972, Huff came from a family of entrepreneurs that owned local restaurants, clothing stores, and barber shops. Growing up around self-made business people inspired and encouraged Huff to become an independent artist at a young age, which mirrored the work ethic that was the foundation of hip-hop music and culture. ....
Assembling coaching staff is first challenge for Steve Sarkisian at Texas Share this story John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports With the announcement that Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is now the 31st head football coach for the Texas Longhorns, the focus turns to how Sarkisian will build his first staff on the Forty Acres. As Sarkisian has grown and matured in the years since several alcohol-related incidents led to his dismissal at USC, he’s put increasing emphasis on the value of his assistants. Sarkisian compared being a first-time head coach to a fire hose and admitted that he initially tried to solve all of the problems by himself. ....
UMATILLA For the 178 people that decided to go to Combat Cafe in Umatilla on Saturday, there was a surprise waiting for them at the end of their meal. When it was time to receive their check and pay, they were instead given a note informing them that their meal had already been paid for thanks to the Marine Corps League #1240 and the Veterans of The Cross. “In the spirit of giving we had two of our veteran groups wanting to pay it forward,” Combat Cafe owner Beth Chambers said. “We are so happy to spread some Christmas cheer since we chose the weekend before Christmas to do it. Together with some other personal donors, they raised $2,025.” ....