FAQ For You

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Craig and This Blog...

Q: Who the heck is Craig anyway?

A: I'm a hip-hop journalist straight outta the Maryland suburbs. I've lived in both coasts and in the middle. I write about hip-hop and the like for magazines, newspapers and websites. I also have a full time regular 9-5 gig...well...more like a 7:30-6:00. Here's an old article that highlights some relatively unimportant stuff I did in the midwest.

Q: Why is this site called State of the Union? Is this a magazine?

A: This isn't really a magazine. It's a blog and a place where some of my writing is archived. State of the Union got it's name from a now defunct hip-hop magazine I briefly put out in Colorado between 1997-98.

Q: Can I put my link on your site?

A: I'm working on that section of the site, so you can e-mail me.

Q: I'd like you to review my album/single/movie/pan flute solo.

A: Send all product with a bio (if you've got one) and production information to: Craig Smith 4808 Moorland Ln. #1104 Bethesda, MD 20814-3110

*Vinyl is welcome!*

Q: If I send you a package, will you get me a news item/review/feature article?

A: Nothing is guaranteed, but i'll do my best to check it out.

Q: I'd like you to write for my magazine/newspaper/website/roll of toilet paper.

A: Get at me and let's talk.

Q: I'd like to advertise on your site.

A: This site has no advertising.

Q: Is this all the stuff you've ever written?

A: Nope. I've done several items for URB and Stress in particular, that aren't available on-line.

Q: Who do you write for?

A: Currently I write for: The Washington Post, The Washington Post Express, URB, Elemental, Baltimore City Paper, HipHopSite.com and Culturama.Org. I've contributed in the past to Allhiphop.com, Washington City Paper, SF Weekly, Stress, SOHH.Com, DailyMix.com, HiFiArt.com, While You Were Sleeping, AllMusic.com, 88HipHop.com, Platform.net, StrictlyHipHop.com and VinylExchange.com.

Q: Why should we listen to your opinions about music?

A: This is just one man's opinion. I'll admit I have a great deal of knowledge and experience within several types of music, but I always recommend checking out stuff for yourself. If you think what I thought was off the mark, let me know. On the other hand, if you are nodding your head in agreement after reading one of my pieces or learned something cool you'll take with you afterwards, let me know also!

Q: Do you love hip-hop?

A: Yup.