In an effort to bridge the gap between American culture and the new democracy in Tunisia, where the Arab spring begun, the U.S. Justice Department contacted the Remarkable Current record label to invite hip-hop artists to tour Tunisia and Algeria as part of a program called Hip Hop Ambassadors.

It's that moment when Dr. Seuss-inspired sneetches - with and without stars on their bellies - are running around.

Daveed Diggs is a new rising force in the Oakland Rap scene. One of the frontmen of Bay Area band The Getback, Diggs wields his powerful lyricism and hypnotic cadences like only a true Oakland-raised MC can. Much of his delivery feels like an instrument itself, riding over bass-heavy beats and reinforced by his witty content.

"If you're going to get in the industry or the game, don't just do it for the money or the fame," says Oakland music treasure Mistah FAB in a recent video he shot directed at the hundred of young local musicians who ask him about ways to get a break.