culture

Truth & Treason

It has become increasingly difficult to accept modern films or biographies at face value, especially those described as based on …

close up of cracks on glass

Cracked Mirror: A Broken America

Charlie Kirk was murdered in broad daylight
That’s not Republican or Democratic, it’s evil
And I can have empathy for one who didn’t believe in empathy
Because the day I don’t, I fear that I will become an empty me

Our Country, ‘This OHHH Thee…

As a child, watching Schoolhouse Rock, The Great American Melting Pot was a song I enjoyed every Saturday morning. It affirmed that diversity strengthens us despite everything Americans have been through. Whether our ancestors purchased a boat ticket to come here, were forcibly dragged here and enslaved under inhumane conditions, or were forced off their land down the Trail of Tears, we survived, stayed, and remained.

Forest

The trees give me oxygen, branches close in

Crevices

Fans the flame of regret, what could have been

VP Harris: The Struggle for Black Male Support

It’s a hard place because, for them, you’re not Black enough; you married someone white
You fell in love, not with a color, but with who for you was right
They say you’re not Black Black, a chameleon, when it is necessary
Maybe had you sat down with Ice Cube, opinions would vary

A Moment of Transparency

My relationship with my mom is complicated, intricate, and I still show up when I am able. I don’t spend a lot of time talking about others household because my

God Over Money | Bizzle’s Bamboozled

I’mma kill a n*gga
I’mma kill a J*w
One of those are wrong
One of those are cool
One of these will get a rich Black man canceled
The other one will put a new Grammy on his mantel

Dad

Life came out today
In the worst way
Voice raised, daughter crying
Wife pleading
No heeding to anyone

Hit 100, wreckless, gone
Chest burning, on fire
Called by homie, got corrected
Sent text, got prayer

Black Men and Promotion | By ChatGPT

I believe the right thing should be done. I also understand that in the economic downturn that is about to put the average American on their knees, that I am highly blessed. For any complaint I have had over my 26 years corporate (at 51, I’ve only had four jobs in my life in adulthood), after coming from Ghana I went back to work with a renewed vigor. Being their was humbling and because I’m still processing that trip, that’s all I am comfortable to share at the moment.

Ghana Bound

Ghana is my first identity trip of Africa. I look forward to being intimate with Africa. I can’t wait to feel, touch, taste, smell, see, hear, and experience my first voyage home.

What’s up people?  Well, I have been in school and hosting a Monday Night show on Facebook called Message Monday where two Christian brothers come together and talk about faith, life, fatherhood, marriage, and politics.  What’s major in my world? My second album, My Ode to Hip Hop has been released. There’s seven tracks, two of which had been released as singles previously. Enjoy a synopsis of the album

MY ODE TO HIP HOP

  1. My CityLifting up the City of Chicago, my home, and highlighting the positives in the city. We do have a lot going on negatively and positively in this city but you know the media and people love drama. I partnered with one of Chicago’s most known and influential spoken word artists, Jeronimo, so the old skool (me) could have some young flavor (him) as representative of our uniqueness as local artists. Videography was done by Caliko Films.
  2. The Gospel
    • This track is produced by Leland Philpot. It’s me keeping Yeshua at the center of all that I do and engaging no matter what I am speaking on. No hooks, just flow and one of my favorites.
  3. Dream Too
    • This track is me having fun. On the hook is my man Double G, one of the coldest spoken word artists in Chicago. A great brother in Christ and was grateful to have him on the hook. Dream Too speaks for itself. We have a vision of what we desire for our lives and the work we do to make it all possible. Keep pushing family.
  4. No TrapLeland Philpot is featured on this track. His energy is not only kinetic but off the charts. Duke Digital shot the video and its awareness of police brutality and Black-on-Black crime and innocent victims like Tayshawn Lee and Hadiya Pendleton who were murdered by the merciless in our communities.
  5. For the Heads
    • Yeah, this is just straight #Barz. Hip Hop to the core and what it means to battle rap back in the day. Battle rapping is still very popular but it crosses the line of my generation. If you battle today you’d better be careful. People are pulling out pictures, background checks, and family history to battles these days.
  6. Ode to Hip Hop
    • This track features Rhamell El, a 30 year friend, who I couldn’t wait to collaborate with. We wanted to do it in our  younger years but it was time now. We’re older, seasoned, and have a different respect for the craft and talk God has given us. It’s a tribute to some hip hop greats and to local Chicago artists who have paved the way.
  7. Slow Flow
    • A title with irony as life is a Slow Flow but these barz are not. No hooks, straight through, standing in who I am and who I’ve grown to be as a man, a Christian, a husband, a father, and an humanitarian.

People ask why at 51 I am rapping. It’s what I do along with spoken word. Nope, not famous, not rocking any shows but it’s a gift that I used to engage young people at church, at work, and on the poetry scene. I’ll always write and create. I’ll never stop. I hope you take this journey with me and explore my craft that is all positive, N word, non-women bashing, no profanity, project. Artistry is always the goal and I’m a hip hop head for life, this is my contribution to the genre, to the people, and #fortheculture.

 

Predominately White Institutions: A Danger Lurking for Black Students

Unfortunately there were no consequences for the young racist who sent the message. Typical slap on the wrist justice for such actions. He’ll carry this on to his children, his nieces, his nephews and the cycle will continue. Why? Because in all our humanity some people has lost the concept of what it means to love thy neighbor.

Gun Nation

T’s & P’s

My country, where tears flow
Where guns grow with liberty
Of the I sing
Land that your fathers stole
Land that’s not your you hold