There was a period in the early aughts when Definitive Jux (nee: Def Jux) seemed like it was going to be the future of hip hop. While the label featured plenty of experimental, boundary-pushing, and politically minded acts, Lif stood out as the most “conscious rapper” in the traditional sense. It was clear though, that label head El-P envisioned that as an important part of Def Jux’s identity, as the first record it put out was 2000’s Enter the Colossus EP, from Lif.
Technology
Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone
If you own an iPhone, you might already be aware that there are tons of tricks you can do with your smartphone to make the experience smoother.
However, there may be some tricks that you don’t know about yet, and we’ve got six great things you should absolutely try with your iPhone and six things that you should avoid with your iPhone.
Let’s dive in.
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A woman on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Six things you should absolutely do if you have an iPhone
Tip 1 — Back up your data
Make sure to back up all of the data on your phone routinely. Use Apple’s iCloud to store important texts, photos, videos or anything else in the cloud, so it’s always there if anything happens to your iPhone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap on your Apple ID
- Select iCloud
- Tap iCloud Backup
Ensure the “Back Up This iPhone” toggle is enabled.
Back up this iPhone toggle (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Your iPhone will now automatically back up daily when connected to power, locked and connected to Wi-Fi.
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Tip 2 — Explore the accessibility settings
Discover the power of iPhone’s accessibility features, designed to make your device more user-friendly for everyone.
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Within the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options categorized by needs:Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Vision:Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
- Adjust Display and Text Size for better visibility.
- Enable VoiceOver to have the screen read out loud to you.
- Set up a Magnifier to use your iPhone as a digital magnifying glass.
- Mobility:Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
- Use AssistiveTouch to navigate hands-free with customizable gestures.
- Control other devices with your iPhone using Switch Control or Side Buttons.
- Hearing:Modify audio settings to balance sound output.Turn speech into text with Live Speech Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
- Modify audio settings to balance sound output.
- Turn speech into text with Live Speech
- Set up Sound Recognition to have your iPhone notify you of certain sounds.
- Cognitive:Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
- Reduce distractions by limiting notifications with Guided Access. To turn on, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access > Toggle on Guided Access
- Get help with tasks using Siri Shortcuts.
- Enhance awareness by adjusting the UI to reduce motion or limit auto-play video previews. To turn it on, Go to Settings > Accessibility > Select Motion, then turn on Reduce Motion
You can use Siri to quickly access these features. For example, say “Hey Siri, turn on VoiceOver” to enable the VoiceOver feature. Remember, you can always customize these settings to fit your personal needs and preferences.
Accessibility settings on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE
Tip 3 — Wi-Fi Calling
Learn how to make Wi-Fi calls on your iPhone during a service outage.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Phone
- Select Wi-Fi Calling
- Toggle the switch to ON for “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone”
- If Wi-Fi Calling is available, you’ll see “Wi-Fi” in the status bar.
Wi-Fi calling on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Service outages can happen for various reasons, but, thankfully, you can still make important phone calls from your iPhone with Wi-Fi Calling.
BEST PORTABLE PHONE CHARGERS OF 2024
Tip 4 — Download your favorite e-books for free
Did you know that if you have a library card, you can get free audiobooks and e-books for your iPhone or iPad with Libby?
- Visit the Apple App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “Libby” and download the app.
- Open Libby and sign in using your library card.
Make sure you get a library card from your local library and enjoy free access to your favorite titles. Check out the free digital perks you may be missing out on by not having a library card.
Libby app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 5 — Learn how you can use your iPhone to sign documents digitally
For most documents in every U.S. state, your digital signature is as legally binding as a physical signature. Apple makes it easy to sign PDFs with a digital signature, allowing you to sign with just your finger and the touchscreen.
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- Open the document that you need to sign. This can typically be done within the Mail or Files app.
- Tap the Markup icon (which looks like a pen tip).
- Tap the “+” button, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
- Select “Signature” from the menu.
- Use your finger to draw your signature on the screen.
- Once you’ve created your signature, tap “Done.”
- You can then drag the signature to position it wherever you need it on the document.
- Tap “Done” again to save the changes to the document.
Sign documents digitally on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
This method is commonly used for signing PDFs and other documents directly on your iPhone, and it’s a feature that’s been praised for its convenience and ease of use. Remember, the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the version of iOS you’re using and the app in which you’re viewing the document. Always make sure your device is updated to the latest version to access the most current features.
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Tip 6 — Turn your iPhone into a countdown timer
Got a big event coming up? Did you know you can turn your iPhone into a countdown timer for any event, no matter how close or how far away it is? No matter the event, you can use your iPhone to make it feel more exciting and special with a special countdown!
Adding the Timer to the Control Center on iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Control Center.
- Scroll down to find the Timer option.
- Tap the plus button (+) next to “Timer” to add it to the Control Center.
Accessing the Timer from the Control Center:
- For iPhones with Face ID:Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to access the Control Center.
- For older iPhones with a Home button:Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
Using the Timer:
- Once you’ve opened the Control Center, tap on the Timer icon. The Timer icon resembles a clock face with a circular arrow indicating the passage of time
- Tap “Start” to begin the countdown on the Timer.
Countdown timer on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- This timer will continue to run in the background even if you navigate away from the Control Center screen.
PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL DATA NOW
Six things you should absolutely avoid if you have an iPhone
Tip 1 — Don’t connect your iPhone to public Wi-Fi networks
This is an easy way to fall victim to hackers and scammers. Instead, if you are out in public and need Wi-Fi, you can use your iPhone to create your own private hotspot. Creating a hotspot is easy, to create one:
- Open the Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Cellular (or Personal Hotspot, depending on your iOS version)
- Toggle the switch next to “Allow Others to Join” to ON
If it’s your first time using the hotspot feature, a popup will appear with the network name and password. By default, the network name will be the same as the name of your iPhone. To ensure privacy, type in a new Wi-Fi password and select WPA2 security protocol for encryption.
A person on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 2 — Avoid clicking on links you don’t trust
Never click on links you do not absolutely trust. Don’t think that your iPhone is a fully safe device. While iPhones are more secure than other devices, getting some third-party good antivirus protection for your iPhone is still a good idea. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams.
Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Tip 3 — If your iPhone gets wet, don’t use rice to dry it out
While rice is a common age-old trick to getting wet electronics dried, Apple has recently warned users that rice could damage the internals of its iPhones. Instead, you should:
- Lightly tap the iPhone against your iPhone with the charging connector pointed down. This should pull some water out
- Wait for 30 minutes, then try to charge your iPhone
- If liquid is detected in the charging port, leave your iPhone in a dry area for 24 hours.
- Retest the charging connector after 24 hours.
Remember that all iPhone models since the iPhone 12 are able to withstand a bit of water safely.
X over iPhone in a bowl of rice (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip 4 — Don’t let robocalls jack your phone line and sell your personal data
There are a few different steps you can take to stop robocalls from bothering you on your iPhone. The easiest way is to silence unknown callers:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap “Phone”
- Tap “Silence Unknown Callers”
- Then, toggle ON Silence Unknown Callers.
This will silence calls from numbers not in your contacts list, automatically sending them to voicemall. Calls from known contacts will continue to come through normally. Check out more tips on how to get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services here.
Please note: While this feature can significantly reduce interruptions from unknown numbers, it may also inadvertently block important calls from numbers you haven’t saved, such as calls from medical offices, schools or businesses trying to reach you for the first time. Also, remember to save new contacts to your phone to avoid missing important calls and to check your voicemail periodically for any messages left by silenced callers.
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Tip 5 — Don’t forget to shield your iPhone: Turn on stolen device protection now
This security measure adds an extra layer of defense, ensuring that your personal information remains safe even if your device falls into the wrong hands. To activate Stolen Device Protection, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode for iPhones with a Home button).
- When prompted, enter your passcode.
- Scroll to find Stolen Device Protection.
- Toggle the switch to ON for Stolen Device Protection.
By turning this feature on, you’re fortifying your device with additional security requirements when it’s away from familiar locations like home or work. It’s a smart move to keep your iPhone and the sensitive data it holds secure.”
Tip 6 — Don’t fall for phone number spoofing
Don’t fall for phone number spoofing. Scammers can use spoofed phone numbers to text you, hoping that you will click a fake link and enter your personal details. Trust your instincts when something feels off about a text message, even from someone you know, there’s a good chance something is off.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Start implementing these tips today, and discover the additional ways you can easily enhance your iOS experience. Remember to always value your privacy when using your iPhone. iPhones have a tendency to be regarded as the safest phone, and while this is true, you still should always practice the best security habits when online.
What’s the most unexpected way you’ve used an iPhone feature to solve a problem or enhance your day? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Most Americans don’t trust AI. It’s proven that it doesn’t know what safe toppings for pizza are. People don’t even want to listen to AI music. But none of that matters for some of America’s wealthy, who are turning to AI to teach their kids instead of traditional schools.
Companies like Forge Prep and Alpha School are charging families tens of thousands of dollars to turn their kids into beta testers for AI tutors and “interactive project-based workshops.” Unsurprisingly, Silicon Valley have been major adopters of this new model. Shaun Johnson, a San Francisco-based venture capitalist, told the Wall Street Journal that he plans to send his son to a $75,000 year Alpha Kindergarten. He said, “We recognize that education is likely broken the way it is and there’s going to be entrepreneurs that try to fix it… You want someone to be able to think on their feet and navigate the world, not necessarily a recitation of facts in a particular discipline.”
Ignoring Johnson’s fundamental lack of understanding about modern pedagogy, it’s unclear how notoriously sycophantic AI will train children to “think on their feet and navigate the world.” It’s also concerning that Alpha School co-founder MacKenzie Price has said she plans to keep “hot-button social issues” out of the classroom. Which, in the current political climate, could cover women’s rights, America’s history of slavery, and our immigrant past. That might not seem like a major issue when you’re talking about kindergarten, but in some locations, Alpha School goes through high school.
Companies like Forge also don’t share performance metrics, so there’s no evidence that these AI-guided private schools are improving educational outcomes.
Mr. Lif’s follow-up was 2002’s Emergency Rations EP, a sort of place setter for the full-length I, Phantom just a couple of months later. It opens with a skit about Lif missing, apparently having been abducted by government agents. In 2002, Pitchfork suggested the bit was “unfortunate and sophomoric.” In 2026, it seems alarmingly prescient in a time when masked agents are disappearing suspected undocumented immigrants, prosecuting political opponents, and banning established news organizations from the White House.
Even if the opening skit feels a bit ham-fisted, the rest of the EP is enough to overshadow it. What follows is seven tracks of fiery political raps, surprisingly catchy hooks, and flawless production that runs the gamut from gothic underground, to classic boombap, and futuristic synth meltdowns.
What keeps the relentless, rapid-fire dystopian lyricism from getting too tiresome is the loose concept in which Lif plays the role of a revolutionary trying to organize an uprising in the face of an oppressive police state. “Let me nutshell-tell my life story, but I got to hurry up, and kick it, ‘cause the Feds are lookin for me,” he raps on “Jugular Vein,” which serves as the EP’s mission statement. It hints at his revolutionary ideals while relishing in some particularly nerdy boasts, like “You can use Eddy, now I’m Dr. Bosconovitch,” referring to a tough-to-unlock character from Teken 3.
I’d argue, though, that the Edan-produced “Heavily Artillery” is where the album really kicks into gear. The relentless military march of the drums, video game explosions, and low drones create the sort of chaotic backdrop that Lif’s urgent raps demand. On “Home of the Brave,” Lif gets more specific, calling out policies of the Bush administration, the Afghan war, and America’s thirst for foreign oil.
So Americans cheer while we kill their innocent families
And what better place to start a war,
But build a pipeline, to get the oil that they had wanted before
America supported the Taliban to get Russia out of Afghanistan
That’s how they got the arms in
They’re in a war against the Northern Alliance
And we can’t build a pipeline in hostile environments
He spits these lyrics over his own beat, that melds sharp gated drums with synth war horns. Calling out corrupt politicians and American hypocrisy is nothing new, but in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, dissent was often shouted down quickly and sometimes violently. Lif wasn’t alone it taking the Bush administration to task, but he was one of the earliest, along with Sage Francis. (Later rappers like Immortal Technique, Eminem, Mos Def, Jadakiss, and more would become more outspoken, but often veered into conspiracy theories.)
“Pull Out Your Cut” is an old-school funk-infused tribute Lif’s favorite rappers from Wu-Tang Clan, to Ultramagnetic MCs, and KRS-One. But it’s also an indictment of toxic masculinity, way before such things were popular.
Dudes are acting macho and they don’t know why
A famous never-written motto is that “boys should never cry”
Keep all those emotions bottled up – now what’s up?
You can’t communicate once you became an adult
“Get Wise ‘91” sees Edan hop back behind the boards and on the mic, while “The Unorthodox” is a stuttery boombap piece.
The whole thing culminates in El-P’s lone production credit on the album, “Phantom.” A synth bassline dashes about, bustling with rage as echoes of Lif’s musings on suffering under an unfair system swirl in the background, mirroring the smothering nature of capitalism. It’s also an early example of El-P learning how to bend his post-apocalyptic, noisy, and futuristic beats into something anthemic, as Lif closes out his case against the status quo with a call to the people:
Single mother, who are you? (I phantom)
Office worker, who are you? (I phantom)
Caught up in the system, who are you? (I phantom)
Tryin’ to earn a living, who are you? (I phantom)
Depressed and uninspired, who are you? (I phantom)
Hard-workin’, broke and tired, who are you? (I phantom)
Seekin’ education, who are you? (I phantom)
Can’t get ahead no matter what you do? (I phantom)
Unfortunately, with the disintegration of Definitive Jux, Mr. Lif’s Emergency Rations can be hard to come by (so is I, Phantom, for that matter). You can find it, unofficially, on YouTube and on Bandcamp, but it’s not available on major streaming platforms.
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A scam text showed up today that would make many parents stop cold. The message said:
“Hi mom, text me here on my work phone. Dropped my actual phone in the sink earlier and it’s completely unresponsive now.”
The text came from an unknown number. Then it asked me to text a different unknown number. That detail is important. The scammer wants to move you into a new conversation before you stop and verify who is really on the other end.
The message seems personal right away. There is no weird link. There is no obvious demand for money. Instead, it starts with a little family panic and a believable excuse. That is what makes the Hi Mom text scam so sneaky.
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YOUR FAMILY COULD BE ONE PHONE CALL FROM A BANK SCAM
A fake “Hi Mom” text can look personal, but the unknown number and request to text another number are major warning signs. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why the Hi Mom text scam feels so believable
This scam works because it sounds ordinary. A child texting from a work phone seems possible. A phone dropped in a sink sounds believable. A short message from someone who sounds rushed can feel real enough to make you respond. That is exactly the point.
Scammers know parents may react quickly when a child appears to need help. They do not need a perfect story. They only need a small opening.
Once you reply, the scammer can keep the conversation going. Then the request may change from “text me here” to “can you help me pay for a new phone?” or “I need money right now.”
Every word in the scam text has a job
Here’s how the scammer uses each part of the message to make a strange number feel believable.
“Hi mom”
The scammer does not use a real name. That makes the message easier to send to many people. Still, if the person reading it is a mother, it suddenly feels personal. That one phrase tries to create an instant emotional connection.
“Text me here”
This tells you to respond on the scammer’s terms. It also keeps the exchange inside text messages. That gives the scammer time to think, type and adjust the story based on how you respond.
“On my work phone”
This explains why the number looks unfamiliar. The scammer knows you may wonder why your child is texting from a strange number. So the message gives you an excuse before you even ask.
“Dropped my actual phone in the sink”
This is the hook. People drop phones in sinks, toilets, pools and puddles all the time. The detail feels normal enough that you may not question it.
“Earlier”
This word creates a fresh problem without giving many details. It suggests the accident just happened. However, it avoids specifics that you could check.
“Completely unresponsive now”
This line blocks the most obvious verification step. If you try to call the real phone, the scammer has already given you a reason it may not work. That can make you more likely to text the new number instead.
GLOBAL SCAM CRACKDOWN LEADS TO 276 ARRESTS
Scammers use believable details, like a broken phone or work phone, to make you respond before you verify the story. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What could happen if you reply to a fake family text?
The first message may seem harmless. The second one may start the real scam. The scammer may claim they need money for a replacement phone. They may ask you to pay a bill because their banking app is locked. They may push you to use Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, crypto or gift cards.
Some scammers may also ask for a one-time security code. They may pretend the code is needed to restore the phone, verify an account or fix a payment problem.
Do not share that code. A verification code can let a scammer break into your bank, email, Apple ID, Google account or phone carrier account.
Why this scam targets parents so well
Parents are wired to respond when a child sounds stuck. Scammers know that. They use concern, timing and confusion to lower your guard.
The message also avoids overexplaining. That makes it feel more natural. Many real texts from family members are short, rushed and a little messy.
However, the biggest warning sign is the two-number setup. One unknown number sends the message. Another unknown number gets placed inside the text. That handoff is the scammer trying to pull you deeper into the trap.
Ways to stay safe from the Hi Mom text scam
Before you respond to a message like this, run through these steps to make sure you are dealing with your real family member.
1) Do not reply to the message
Avoid answering, even to say the sender has the wrong number. A reply can confirm your number is active. That may lead to more scam texts later.
2) Call the real person directly
Use the phone number already saved in your contacts. Do not call or text the number inside the suspicious message. If your child or family member does not answer, try another trusted way to reach them.
3) Ask a personal verification question
Ask something only the real person would know. Make the question specific. Avoid anything a stranger could guess from social media.
4) Never send money from a sudden text
Pause before sending money because of any urgent family message. Be extra careful with Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, gift cards and crypto. These payment methods can be fast, and some are hard to reverse.
5) Do not share verification codes
Never send a one-time passcode from your bank, Apple ID, Gmail, phone carrier or payment app. A real family member should not need your private security code.
6) Use strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software can help protect your phone, tablet and computer from malicious links, phishing pages and hidden threats. This becomes even more important if a scammer sends a follow-up link after you reply. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
7) Use a data removal service
A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears online. That matters because scammers often use exposed details to make their messages feel more convincing. No service can remove every piece of data, but it can help cut down what strangers can find. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Reporting, blocking and calling your real family member directly can stop the scam before it turns into a money request. (Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
8) Report and block the message
On iPhone, tap Report Spam or Report Junk if the option appears. Then delete the message.
You can also forward unwanted texts to 7726 , which spells SPAM.
On Android, block the sender and report the conversation as spam in Google Messages.
What to do if you already replied
If you already responded, focus on ending the conversation, protecting your accounts and saving proof before the scammer pushes harder.
- Stop texting right away.
- Do not explain yourself. Do not argue with the sender. Do not try to catch them in a lie.
- Take a screenshot of the conversation. Then call the real family member using a trusted number.
- If you shared a verification code, change that account password immediately using a password manager. Also, check recent account activity.
- If you sent money, contact your bank or payment app right away. Speed can make a difference.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Hi Mom text scam works because it feels familiar. The scammer starts with a small family problem instead of a big demand. That makes the message feel less suspicious and more urgent. The safest move is to pause before you reply. Call the real person using a number you already trust. If the story checks out, you can help. If it does not, report and block the message. That tiny pause could protect your money, your accounts and someone else in your family.
Have you ever received a fake family emergency text that sounded almost believable, and what detail gave it away? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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