“For black America needs a politics whose first mission isn’t the reinforcement of the idea of black America; and a discourse of race that isn’t centrally concerned with preserving the idea of race and racial unanimity. We need something we don’t yet have: a way of speaking about black poverty that doesn’t falsify the reality… Continue reading The Tidal Next Time: Jay-Z’s Examination of Wealth, Race, and Self
Author: Alonge Hawes
Alonge Hawes is a writer from Stone Mountain, GA and the creator of the Blue Collar Hustle web series. in his spare time he enjoys studying African American history and obsessively deciphering the lyrics of Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and Common.
The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 5: The Prince Of Palmetto
I’m livin’ in the 21st century Doin’ something mean to it Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it I guess every superhero need his theme music No one man should have all that power The clock’s tickin’, I just count the hours… Continue reading The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 5: The Prince Of Palmetto
The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 4: Black Definitely
When we talk about black maybe We talk about situations Of people of color and because you are that color You endure obstacles and opposition And not all the time from, from other nationalities Sometimes it come from your own kind Or maybe even your own mind You get judged, you get laughed at, you… Continue reading The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 4: Black Definitely
The Making of a Blue Collar Hustle — Part 3: A Bigger Dream Called Free
“I knew inside when I was outside on the south side Had to take it a step further the way that Ralph tried Oh that’s my stepfather He stressed harder to make that bed and lock them doors For the perfect picture, I forgot to pose Used to rock Girbauds and go out with bros… Continue reading The Making of a Blue Collar Hustle — Part 3: A Bigger Dream Called Free
Black Heroism in Captain America: Civil War
“Hiiipower: the three i’s represent heart, honor and respect. That’s how we carry ourselves in the world, period. Hiiipower, it basically is the simplest form of representing just being above all the madness, all the bullshit. No matter what the world is going through, you’re always going to keep your dignity and carry yourself with… Continue reading Black Heroism in Captain America: Civil War
The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 2: Allegory Of Ajani
“After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American world; a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world. It… Continue reading The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 2: Allegory Of Ajani
The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 1: Views From Stone Mountain
“One for the money, yes sir, two for the show A couple of years ago on Headland and Delowe Was the start of something good Where me and my nigga rode the Marta, through the hood Just tryna find that hook up, now everyday we looked up at the ceiling Watching ceiling fans go ’round,… Continue reading The Making Of Blue Collar Hustle — Part 1: Views From Stone Mountain
4 Your Soul Conceptually: J.Cole’s Thesis On Millennial Black Consciousness
“And I looked into your eyes and knew that you were a queen. Black skin, black hair, the blackest of beauty I had ever seen. Your cries were as melody and the music pierced to the very core of my soul. Simply the thought of parting with this warm bundle of preciousness left the fringes… Continue reading 4 Your Soul Conceptually: J.Cole’s Thesis On Millennial Black Consciousness
Geniuses Need Love Too: Childish Gambino Album Review
“The potential of Black Genius lies within the interest, and inevitably the talents, we all have within us. The potential and capacity to achieve Black Genius grows when that interest is cultivated into skill. Black Genius is realized and achieved in those spectacular moments when we collectively utilize our talent and skill to disrupt and… Continue reading Geniuses Need Love Too: Childish Gambino Album Review
The Ascent Of The Creative Black Man: Kendrick Lamar Untitled/Unmastered Review
“Somewhere near the center of this cosmos we occupy, the creative black personality lives and maintains itself, moving through time, unlocking mysteries, producing reflections and legend. Once, black life and the ceremonies that punctuated it; birth, rites of passage, the praising of natural forces or gods, these and other efforts all found channels of expression… Continue reading The Ascent Of The Creative Black Man: Kendrick Lamar Untitled/Unmastered Review