Author: Aniefre Essien

Aniefre is a Los Angeles native with varied interests ranging from the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira to an undying love of Lakers basketball, even in the lean years. He's an alum of both San Francisco State University (BS) and the University of Michigan (MBA), and is a firm believer in education as its own reward.

Contributor Spotlight: Aniefre Essien

Contributor Spotlight

Why is writing important to you? I spend a lot of time reflecting on life and pondering its meaning. I’m big on “how” you think about something, i.e. the filter you use, will determine how you understand it. That said, I like sharing ideas to help refine how I, and people who read my work,… Continue reading Contributor Spotlight: Aniefre Essien

Vol 9: Digital Overload; Why Streaming Alone Will Kill Music

Peace. Art, more so than any other discipline, captures the emotion of what it means to be human. And of all the art disciplines, music is the most powerful. And of all the music genres, Hip Hop, with its soul stirring beats and rhymes, is second to none. But we’re now faced with a dilemma—especially… Continue reading Vol 9: Digital Overload; Why Streaming Alone Will Kill Music

Vol 8: Negus Album Review

Peace. I’ve always felt that an emcee’s lyrics were a reflection of their emotional maturity and critical thinking abilities. For example, if you don’t have anything to say, it’s because you’re not insightful—or you’re dumbing your music down because you think it’s what suburban kids want you to be. You’re the type of emcee that… Continue reading Vol 8: Negus Album Review

Vol 7: “Radio Raheem” is the Most Woke Song Out

Peace. With all of the coonin’ going on with black celebrities scared to speak up for the oppressed, the latest single from Otayo Dubb (@tayodub), titled “Radio Raheem”, gives life to all of the real ones out there. I wrote a few volumes back about what defines a real emcee, and Otayo displays his real… Continue reading Vol 7: “Radio Raheem” is the Most Woke Song Out

Vol 6: Prayful’ Hate

Peace. Hate is rampant. I won’t say it’s at an all-time high because I’m a student of history, so I’ll say it’s alive and well—fueled by the internet. People love nothing better than having a hot take, shooting down someone or something. No matter what someone says, and no matter how positive their intentions or… Continue reading Vol 6: Prayful’ Hate

Vol 3: Think Happy Thoughts While Catching Hell

Peace. Black folks have been catching hell since we’ve been in this country, and we keep catching hell today. There’s a perpetual pressure and need for black folks to find a way to balance our mental anguish and rage—born of micro-aggressions, aggressions, and disrespect—with positivity in order to function. Thank God (love) black folks have… Continue reading Vol 3: Think Happy Thoughts While Catching Hell

Vol 2: Everyday Struggles—Hip Hop’s New Counter-Culture

Peace. Welcome back to Music for the Rest of Us—an exploration of dope music made with artistic integrity. If you missed the first edition, you can read it here. In short, this column is dedicated to music that’s about something more than just the turn up. I just finished listening to Mark Battle’s new release:… Continue reading Vol 2: Everyday Struggles—Hip Hop’s New Counter-Culture

Music for the Rest of Us: Welcome

Peace. Welcome to the “Music for the Rest of Us.” It would be logical to ask, “Just who exactly comprises us?” There’s my general definition, which is anyone who loves great music that was created with artistic integrity. Like most people, I have a wide range of musical interests that span several genres, and I… Continue reading Music for the Rest of Us: Welcome