School

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 City
    • Lifting 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 Trap
    • Leland 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 right 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

BEAN

My present stress traumatic disorder knocks at the door
I answer, all I see are silhouettes of young people
I didn’t meet them in this life, but the visit mean in the spirit
And I fear again, chasing the dollar and career
That I have failed to be human

Open Letter to Mike Huckabee

Part of my spiritual growth is standing for the marginalized, the forsaken, and the forgotten. That is the life I work to live daily in honor of my Lord Yeshua.

Where Did I Go Wrong?

My son
Where did I go wrong
What song didn’t I sing of love
What gift didn’t I give from the heart
What birthday did I miss
What event didn’t I attend

Free flowing

African history was not a part of my upbringing. I was about survival. No different from any other African child …

The End of Possibility

I have never cared for most board meetings. If there is no willful intent to actively listen and address parental concerns regarding administrative changes then don’t open board meetings to the public. Parents were not heard and that corporate adage of “the board of directors knows what’s best” is arrogant.

Reaching Our Young People

When five students raised their hand when I asked if they had lost a sibling to gun violence but only one said they had received counseling…

Year of Da King: Positive Images of Black Men

I think the movement is important to Chicago because currently men are being demonized and all thrown into a bag there is no balance in the narrative that is being put out.  I personally don’t think there is an attack on masculinity.

The Land of Opportunity

After fixing my immigration status I was able to go back to finish my BA. During this long journey with many sacrifices…

7 Years…Part III-Final

I interviewed 5 times at the Noble Network of Charter Schools 7 years ago.  I remember going from cracking jokes …

A Man of Passion: A Student Champion and Leader

“We need more men stepping into the roles of fathers, and modeling how to overcome the negative influences of the streets, by capitalizing on opportunities. Education is the greatest equalizer, with it you can go in any room and compete.” ~ Vondale Singleton

Chicago News. A Short Story

The weekend of August 28 in Chicago was great. The Cubs pitched a no-hitter and it was front line news. …