So Russell Simmons has put out a statement explaining his endorsement of Barack Obama for president.

It's not necessarily a natural choice for Simmons, given how involved he has become in New York State politics. He previously endorsed Andrew Cuomo for office and made numerous trips to Albany during George Pataki's governorship to reform the Rockefeller drug sentencing laws.

In his endorsement, Simmons writes, "I have great respect for the accomplishments of Senator Clinton and I have personally worked with Senator Clinton successfully on issues concerning education, prison reform and poverty."

But in the end, Simmons, who brought rap music from the predominantly black audience into middle class consciousness with groups like Run D.M.C., the Beastie Boys and solo artists like L.L. Cool J, says he’s supporting Obama because the Illinois senator “has and will continue to transcend race in America.”

Although Obama has a wide lead in the world of hip-hop endorsements, Hillary Clinton does have her supporters, including Darryl McDaniels, a.k.a. D.M.C. of Run D.M.C., and Timbaland.

Full statement after the jump.  read more »

THEATER

Ernest Hemingway only wrote one play during this literary career: The Fifth Column, a Spanish Civil War-era drama of espionage and romace that he penned while covering the war in Madrid. The off-Broadway Mint Theater will be presenting the play starting Feb. 26, marking the production's first faithful performance on the stage. [On Sale Now!]

CONCERTS

If Colin Meloy's forthcoming EP of Sam Cooke covers is anywhere near as good as the EP of Morrissey covers he did a few years back, then you won't want to miss the Decemberists front man's April 16 and 17 shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. The EP will only be available on Mr. Meloy's spring tour, and like his Moz disc, it will probably sell out like hot cakes. [On Sale: Saturday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m.]  read more »

Ch-check it out! Adam Yauch, a.k.a. MCA of the Beastie Boys, is launching his own independent film distribution company. "We're kind of winging it," Mr. Yauch told the Hollywood Reporter. He plans to release two to 10 films in the first year.  read more »

From a New York point of view, the AP buried the lede here:

NEW YORK (AP) -- Here's something Madonna can really celebrate: a nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Madge joins heartland rocker John Mellencamp, the puckish rappers Beastie Boys and premier dance acts Donna Summer and Chic among the nine nominees for the hall.

(Even calling her Madge is like an acknowledgement of her non-New Yorkiness!) So we remember that she got her start at the Mudd Club and broke out of the crazy early-80's dance scene, but does anyone else?  read more »

Fight for your right … to wear Prada? “We’re trying to break into a new kind of scene, actually,” said Adam Horovitz, the Beastie better known as Ad-Rock, with a wink.  read more »

Recent water damage already had the congregants at the synagogue, across the street from sex-toy shop Toys in Babeland and next-door to the cafe that in a previous incarnation was photographed on the cover of, and served as namesake for the Beastie Boys album, Paul's Boutique, meeting in nearby apartments.

Buildings department spokesperson Ilyse Fink says it's not landmarked, so if it's dangerous there's nothing to stop it being torn down.