My Two Cents Are Priceless

I have a docket full of assignments to complete as I’m typing this. Thanks to a number of distractions, I’m here right now, with specific words that have absolutely nothing to do with my GPA. Due to the numerous folks with uninformed opinions & severe lack of context as they’re speaking on the various hot topics of the day, I felt the need to address some of the commentary I’m seeing on almost a daily basis. Now, let it be known that I don't think my opinion takes precedence over anyone else's, nor do I feel that I’m right about everything I say. However, I will say that I’m smart enough to know when a particular topic or subject is not my cup of tea, so shutting the fuck up when it’s being discussed is no problem at all. That being said, if I speak on it, I do my absolute best to ensure that nuance and context are part of the narrative. I speak with passion & conviction because that’s the type of person I am. Also, I know what I speak of when I open my mouth, and I wi...

We're a month into 2016, but Happy New Year to all of youse anyway! May this year bring you much success, triumph, peace of mind and unforgettable moments. Shoutout to the people using the start of the new year as a reset to prioritize their lives, and put things into motion while thinking/talking it into existence. Keep your eyes ahead and focus on the big picture. A little hard work & faith can go a long way. Never mind those who carry the seeds of doubt with them wherever they go. Their truth isn't your reality. I got some words for the people who feel it's their duty to make comments on others who make commitments around this time to better themselves. So what you don't need the New Year to push the reset button. Everybody ain't you & trust me, NOBODY WANTS TO BE YOU! Why would I want to be a negative, vibe killing, energy leeching asshole who thinks people don't like them because they're "blunt & honest". No, that's...

I wrote "Play Your Position" a few years ago, while I was in the midst of an annual purge, where I server ties with those who aren't bringing positive energy to my cipher. Looking back, I realized I came a long way from where I was as an adolescent. At the same time, I know I still have a ways to go, and that I'll forever be on the path to becoming better than I was yesterday. It's a journey that doesn't end until our bodies go beneath the earth. From time to time, we have to reflect on the steps we took to get to where we are now, no matter how excruciating the process might be. We won't be proud of some of our past actions, but we gotta own up to them. It's from those transgressions, we're able to grow as humans and become who we are today. I can honestly say that I'm not the same person I was when I first wrote this. However, I can say that my belief in being an asset that can help others as well as help myself has never wavered. If you kno...

Let me start off this post by biggin’ up the OG Shea Butter Jones, along with the whole THC family! I expressed in Culture Wars the need for us to create, develop, build & sustain our own vehicles in which to distribute our cultural contributions & The Hood Collective is doing just that. It is an honor to be building with like minds who share the same vision. It's even better to be doing this for the streets, reppin' the urban proletariat, bringing to the forefront a perspective which will no longer allow itself to be silenced! I made it clear in The Rebirth that this blog will be a safe space for those who express progressive ideals. I'ma make it plain in this one that this is a product of THE HOOD! My worldview is from the lens of the ghetto. Though this environment was created with a pre-determined destiny, who says we can't change that destiny into something that will benefit the occupants of the inner city? Whether you know it or not, we are all bo...

Let's start with facts. Jay Z is a hypercapitalist. The foundation of his economic principles were built & solidified in the vicious drug game of the 80s. All he did was take that same model into the rap game at a time when the industry was being co-opted by institutions who had the resources to take advantage & exploit hip hop culture's limitless earning potential. He's the product of a Post-Civil Rights marketing of individualism, Reaganomics being the standard. Woven into his lyrics are vivid elaborations of obtaining & maintaining wealth for himself & his small circle of trusted associates. Now, I'm not against the accumulation of capital to better the life of self & loved ones. At the same time, in the cultural tradition of Blackness, social responsibility comes with that territory. A certain degree of integrity must be shown. Especially if you made your fortune off the strength & support of those same Black people. He can't blame us f...