All Entries in the "Commentary" Category
Top 5 Dead or Alive
Ever since Pac and Big died, we’ve heard emcees constantly attempt to include themselves on the “Top 5 Dead or Alive” rapper list. Hip Hop fans have compared their personal Top 5 lists with those of their peers, debating about the merits and flaws on each others’ bill. While it’s definitely been fun to participate in the Great Hip Hop debate, I’ve found it more exciting to broaden the “Top 5 Dead or Alive” discussion to encompass history’s most revolutionary figures.
Why The N-Word, Saggy Pants, and Ignorant Rappers Won’t Die
If you’re a member of the Hip Hop Generation, three relentless fires have burned in your debate circle for the past two decades: the n-word, saggy pants, and ignorant ass rappers. For sure, you’ve been unable to escape the controversies surrounding these topics…
Between Martin, Malcolm, and Modern
Oftentimes I find myself pondering who I would have faithfully followed during the turbulent Civil Rights Era. Would I have been a loyal supporter of Dr. King’s nonviolent resistance? Or would I have sided with brother Malcolm X in his militant approach to Black Nationalism?
Thieving French & Haitian Reparations
by Tre B.
I’ve been meaning to get around to learning about the history of Haiti for a good minute since it was the first independent African/Black republic in the Western hemisphere. I also want to predict what will happen to Haiti, from an international relations standpoint, due to the recent earthquake. The best way to [...]
Haiti and Apocalyptic Politics
Watching the current rally calls and pledges of aid to Haiti as a result of this unfathomable natural disaster, I can’t help but to feel proud that citizens across the world feel compassion for our wounded brothers and sisters. This makes me smile, only not too bright.
Finding Progression in Assimilation Nation
by Demetrius D. Walker
Growing up in the United States, it is impossible to escape the implicit and explicit tenets of White Supremacy that embed themselves in the subconscious of every American. While the engine of this domineering machine is not as robust as it was in its heyday of slavery, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow, it [...]
Slamming Sammy Sellout Teaches Us A Lesson
The perpetual optimist, I am ever so grateful to Sammy Sellout for giving me a platform to discuss the overarching problems that are indicative of his predicament. First, as a man of mixed Negro and Latino heritage I must address the problem of race misidentifcation in the Black and Hispanic community.
Tyler Perry: Cunning or Cooning?
Nobody in Hollywood can hold a candle to Tyler Perry’s meteoric rise to stardom in the last decade. From niche market gospel plays to Black blockbuster bravado, Perry is the American Dream realized - a rags to riches phenomenon. Despite Tyler Perry’s cinematic and syndicated success, anchored in applying Christian family values to modern day strife, there are those who choose to label the brother a sell-out.
What The Murder of Derrion Albert Says About America
You’ve seen it by now. The whole world has seen the carnage that ensued amidst the brawl that resulted in Derrion Albert losing his life. Shock, astonishment, and tearful resentment filled your psyche as you watched Black youth try their best to destroy each other on a Chicago street corner.
The Politics of Machine Gun Machismo
AR - 15s were designed for the US military to quickly and accurately strike enemy forces on the battlefield. This lightweight machine gun’s sole intent is to kill. Despite these facts, radical 2nd Amendment enthusiasts find it acceptable to suddenly exhibit their gun “rights” in opposition to Obama’s healthcare proposal. This is very odd considering that healthcare has absolutely nothing to do with the 2nd Amendment. So what is the deeper message being conveyed by these fanatical pistol pushing partisans? Upon closer examination of their actions, it is apparent that they are fighting to uphold White supremacy and social inequality.
The Future of Blacks in Hip Hop
The Future of Blacks in Hip Hop: Masters or Slaves?
By Tre Millyanz
“Ma, what is this crap you’re listening to? That’s old white people music!”
This is a statement talking about Hip Hop I imagine happening 20 to 30 years from now. Granted, it’s hard for us to imagine now, but look at what happened to Jazz, [...]
Racism Still Exists In The Age Of Obama
With REO needing relief from the corporate plantation and me needing some fresh air and a Red Stripe, we decided to join the festivities at The Baker St Pub. Little did we know that the night would end in frustration, disbelief, and anger over blatant racial discrimination…
Michael Vick And The American Double Standard
As the owner of two loyal pit bulls, I felt no sympathy for Michael Vick when the laws hauled this dimwit off to the penitentiary. Vick got what he deserved. Anyone that promotes the unnecessary destruction of living creatures is a heinous, vile individual. Finding pleasure in the violent demise of animals trained to rip flesh from bones is despicable. However…
World Day: Michael Jackson’s Eternal Legacy and the Reason for His Death
Many of my friends have asked me why I waited so long to post an article on my childhood hero Michael Jackson. The truth is, until today I didn’t know how to absorb the news. Every time I tried to sit down and write how I felt about Michael’s passing, I became too overwraught with tender childhood recollections of watching Moonwalker.
What The Senate’s Apology For Slavery Really Means
You probably missed it, (I know I did), but the United States Senate issued a formal apology for slavery a few days ago. [Begin Sarcasm] Thank you Uncle Sam! This news made my Juneteenth shuckle buck all the more livelier, as I not only celebrated my ancestors learning of the 2 year old Emancipation Proclamation, but now the great-great-great grandsons of their slave masters unanimously concluded “My bad.” So now that the federal government has come clean after 144 years, I guess everything is all good. Break out the tea and crumpets, chicken and watermelon, gin and juice… celebration time Negroes! [End Sarcasm].
