Author Adisa Banjoko Gathers Rappers and Martial Artists for Worlds First “Hip Hop, Chess and Life Strategy”Exhibition & TournamentRappers and Martial Artists come Together to Teach Young People About the Power of Chess and Life Strategies at FREE Exhibition and Tournament San Jose CA, Feb 12, 2007- Adisa Banjoko, creator of the Lyrical Swords book series is proud to announce the world’s first Hip-Hop & Chess exhibition and tournament event. February 23rd 2007 at the MLK Jr. Library, located at 150 E. San Fernando Street in San Jose , CA from 4-8 PM., join Adisa and many others at the FREE Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategy Charity Exhibition and Tournament. This free event was inspired by Adisa Banjoko desire to help empower today’s youth through education and entertainment. Rappers, award winning martial arts champions and many others will be participating and volunteering their time for Bay Area youth. Scheduled to appear; DJ QBert, Yogafrog, Award winning director Kevin Epps “Straight Outta Hunters Point”, The Jacka, Jay the Butcher, DJ Kevvy Kev, Balance, T-K.A.S.H., Ise Lyfe, Scape Martinez, Izz Thizz, Starski, Davey D, Casual, Saafir, journalist J.R., French Hip-Hop producer DJ Kool Side, battle MC Okwerdz, Hip Hop Congress President Shamako Noble and some surprise guests. DJ Backside will be on hand to spin beats for the event. Some of the of martial artists attending include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Sergio Silva of Open Door Jiu Jitsu, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Denny Prokopos, Ralph Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Gumby from www.onthemat.com and many others. “There are so many rappers who play chess, its mind blowing,” says Banjoko. “On February 23rd we’ll be showcasing to the world a more authentic intellectual side of who these men are, and what they can do. The children of today need to know how many options for success exist to help them to grow despite poverty, violence, broken families, and other factors surrounding them. We are going to show these kids that every obstacle can be overcome with the correct life strategy! Uplifting young minds is the sole reason for this event. We hope to have youth from every high school in the Bay Area participating.” Banjoko plans to host tournaments similar to these in other parts of the nation throughout the year.Hip Hop Chess & Life Strategy exhibition and tournament will commence with teaching chess to the new players while experienced players can play a relaxed game with various rappers and martial artists. There will be tournaments between rappers and martial artist, as well as a tournament for the kids. Prizes will be awarded to participants in the youth tournament. Be prepared to see some surprise guest and observe what is sure to be some unforgettable grudge matches.Hip-Hop historian Davey D stated, “My ultimate goal is to topple the entire Hiero squad. Davey D wants to actualize his dream of “putting the whole damn Hiero Imperium family in checkmate and rule the world.Casual, from the legendary Hieroglyphics Crew is helping to coordinate the event. He also plans to participate. “I play chess often. I refer to my chess games in debate, at work, in dealing with record labels, the law and in negotiations. If you don’t play chess, you don’t stand a chance against me.”Join Adisa Banjoko, DJ Qbert, Balance, The Jacka, Director Kevin Epps and more at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library @150 E. San Fernando Street San Jose, CA on February 23, 2007 from 4-8 PM.Adisa Banjoko is an internationally respected author of Lyrical Swords vol. 1: Hip Hop & Politics in the Mix, and Lyrical Swords vol. 2: Westside Rebellion on YinSumi Press. The books outline the positive correlation between Hip Hop, Islam, politics, martial arts, Eastern philosophy and chess. The volumes interview rappers, fighters and DJ’s like RZA, GZA, Paris, Casual of Hieroglyphics, Mike Relm, DJ QBert, David Camarillo, Royce Gracie, Rakaa of Dilated Peoples and the first Black Int’l Grandmaster in chess Maurice Ashley on the benefits of martial arts and chess. Adisa Banjoko has lectured at universities like Harvard, Stanford and Brown on the political and social trends within the subculture of Hip Hop.Sponsors include www.hiphopcongress.com, www.stateofminds.com www.lyricalswords.com & www.onthemat.com .Sponsor Inquires:Adisa Banjoko (408) 449.9810 or email abanjoko@shinkenpublicrelations.comMedia Contact:Veronica Cohen veronica@shinkenpublicrelations.com