Since news broke earlier this month that MTV has settled on Brooklyn as the site for the 21^st season of “The Real Word,” there’s been a flurry of rumors and speculation. Brooklyn was selected because of its proximity to Manhattan and “cachet and vibrancy.” According to The Brooklyn Paper, one property owner in Carroll Gardens claims he’s in negotiations with the show to rent his entire building. However, the paper reports MTV reps are negotiating with a swanky new loft space in the Downtown area (which, mind you, is on a fairly crappy street).

"The Brooklyn season, like the Hollywood season, will focus on what people loved about 'The Real World' when it launched in 1992 - genuine people, meaningful conflict and powerful stories," said the show's co-creator Jon Murray in a press release. "We're thrilled that MTV is allowing 'The Real World' to turn 21!" Um, yeah.

In a related story, Kevin Powell (aka the Angry Hip-Hop Journalist who appeared on the show’s debut season in New York), has long ditched his reality-show roots. After a stint writing for Vibe and publishing books and poetry, he’s officially entered the world of Brooklyn politics. This week Powell (pictured) kicked off a congressional campaign to unseat incumbent Rep. Ed Towns. (Social critic Dr. Michael Eric Dyson has apparently called Powell "a mighty wind of fresh air.")

Says Powell on his web site: "My life-calling is to be a servant for the people, period. Money, fame, status, personal achievements, and all that means very little to me when pain and suffering are still real on this planet. I am interested in the powerless becoming powerful."

Just like the future cast members of “The Real World Brooklyn,” I’m sure.