Q: Who the heck is Craig anyway?

A: Head over to the bottom of the links page and click on "Articles written about me."

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

A: Well, this isn't really a magazine. It's 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: Send me the info and I'd be happy post most URLs in the links section of the site.

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 8200 Wisconsin Ave. #304 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, Washington City Paper, Baltimore City Paper, HipHopSite.com and Culturama.Org. I've contributed in the past to Allhiphop.com, 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.