“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
Tag: Hip Hop
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
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
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 5: A Rapper Named Fred
Peace. Fred might be the corniest name ever. And a rapper named Fred?! Let me tell you now though, if you stumble across music from the emcee Fred the Godson, you’d be a fool to judge his music by his name. I’d assume he’s well known in New York Hip Hop circles, as he’s been… Continue reading Vol 5: A Rapper Named Fred
Vol 4: What Does it Mean to be an Emcee?
Peace. Art is subjective and that’s a good thing. There is no formula for creative magic, so trying to prescribe it is impossible—and wack! I think where a lot of Hip Hop heads go off the rails is when they try to set themselves up as the lords of the genre: “Who deserves five mics,… Continue reading Vol 4: What Does it Mean to be an Emcee?
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