Book Recommendation: Dreams from My Father

My latest read is Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by former president Barack Obama. The book is a memoir, first published in 1995 that recounts Obama's early life leading up to his enrollment at Harvard Law School. Throughout the book, Obama takes a deep dive into exploring the many experiences he faced growing up as a young biracial man in America. Dreams from My Father is split into three parts, which represents three distinct chapters in his life. The first part is titled "Origins", and analyzes his childhood experiences in Hawaii and Indonesia. He speaks on his relationship with his grandparents, his mother, and the one time in which he was able to meet his father. As you will see by reading, Obama's relationship with his father is a recurring theme throughout the book. He often struggles with the contrast between the physical distance of his father living in Kenya and the intangible influence that follows him around the globe. The second part ,"Chicago", speaks on Obama's time as a young community organizer in the city's South Side. Readers are able to gain a sense of the beautiful struggle that created an intimate bond between Obama and the city of Chicago. It is amazing to see how this period foreshadowed the rise of the future politician. The final part is titled "Kenya", in which Obama takes readers along for the monumental journey of visiting his father's home country. In Kenya, Obama meets members of his paternal family and learns of his rich ancestral history. This was an incredibly powerful part of the book, as Obama is able to gain a sense of himself through exploring this vital piece of his identity. I enjoyed Dreams from My Father not only for its autobiographical perspective of a future world leader, but also for what it had to offer in its story of self-discovery and interconnection of culture. I encourage you to check out this powerful memoir for yourself, which you can do by ordering using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams-from-my-father-barack-obama/1100832650#/ 

My Awakening

It seemed like any ordinary day in my middle school experience. I had taken the two-hour bus ride from home, with my sights set on finishing my seven-hour shift and returning back to my PlayStation. Little did that young twelve-year-old know, that the perception through which he viewed society and himself would on that day change forever. Up to that particular day in my life, I innocently viewed my world as a place where other’s perception of me was solely based on my character. I had heard of America’s dark past, but I naively believed that we had all overcome the ludicrous sentiments that were prevalent in the time of my grandparents and earlier generations. It was not until that morning period in sixth-grade language arts that I realized my appearance was subject to being associated with cruel and demeaning stereotypes.

My teacher was introducing the class to a new research assignment. It was a paper in which we were to study the neurological effects of any topic of choice. The example provided, which the teacher read aloud, was on a street drug known as “crack”. In one of the sentences of the example, the term “crack baby” was used. I then found out that one of my classmates said my name to a group of kids when that term was read by the teacher. As one of two Black students in the class, it was apparent that this remark was made about my race. Though long ago, I can still recall the painful sensation that took place when I heard those words. I felt isolated from the rest of my classmates, consumed by a combination of anger and sadness. This event marked a dramatic shift in my mindset.

From that day on, I never truly felt accepted into American society. It showed me that no matter how intelligent, successful, or well-mannered I thought myself to be, I could still encounter people that sought to confine my existence within their lines of distasteful preconceived generalizations. I was moved to discover how such generalizations could be made on something as trivial as skin color. I began to read books that elevated my consciousness of the Black American experience. It was comforting to see how others have encountered similar experiences to the one I had on that day in sixth grade. I became more aware of the atrocities that have affected Black Americans for centuries and I even viewed myself in a different light. With my life I was working to prove a more positive perception of Black Americans.

Though spawned from a negative experience, I consider my altered state of perception to have had a desirable impact. It motivated me to discover more about my identity as a Black American. It taught me that America’s dark history still seeps through the cracks into our current society. This altered state of perception was vital for my growth towards viewing the society in which I live through a more enlightened lens.

Illmatic Turns 24!

On April 19, 1994, Nas released his masterful debut album, Illmatic. The timeless ten-track project is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all-time. With hits like "N.Y. State of Mind" to "One Love", Illmatic certainly stakes its claim as a monumental project within the Hip-Hop community. Even outside of music, Illmatic has been praised in academia. The album was selected in Harvard's library as part of the institution's Hip-Hop archive. Likewise, Harvard has named a fellowship in honor of Nas. This rich body of work has shown how we can begin to view Hip-Hop intellectually. With vivid storytelling and poetic delivery, Nas invites listeners into his life as a youth in Queensbridge. Each time I listen to Illmatic, I can close my eyes and picture myself riding through New York. The album's complex subject matter and diction speaks to the wisdom and maturity that Nas possessed at this early stage of his career. Considering the album was released when he was twenty, Nas established himself as a truly unique artist with this debut project. Features include Az, Olu Dara, and Q-Tip. The production of the album gives you that early '90s east-coast vibe. Production credits include DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself. Illmatic in my view, stands as more than music. It's an experience that pulls you in, gives you knowledge, and allows you to appreciate the complexity of true Hip-Hop. I often listen to the album while writing papers, because Nas will spit out sophisticated words that I can use in my next sentence. If you call yourself a fan of Hip-Hop without having listened to this album, I have to say you've played yourself. On this day, tune in and listen to Nas as he graces the mic with "mechanical movement" on the masterpiece of an album that is, Illmatic. My favorite tracks are "The World Is Yours" and "Halftime". Thanks for reading!

Reflecting on Jackie Robinson Day

Often times in life, we face moments in which our character is tested. There are times when we must think beyond ourselves and immediate desires, to consider the ripple effect of our actions. It is a rough journey, where obstacles of fear and self-doubt must be overcome. These are the moments that separate the hero from the commoner. Reflecting on examples of these moments is important, as it inspires us to act courageously when our own character is tested. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson faced such a test when he took the field in his Major League Baseball debut. Coming out of the Brooklyn Dodgers locker room, Robinson was making perhaps the most monumental entrance into a sports contest. This would be the game where he broke the racial barrier that existed in baseball during the time. We can only imagine the type of thoughts that raced through Robinson's mind at this moment. He was facing the expectations to represent his community, to withstand physical and verbal abuse, in addition to the pressure of performing well in his first MLB game. It takes a person of tremendous character to respond to such a task. This day transcends sports, as an honor to all of those who have worked to break barriers. When I think of Jackie Robinson, I am reminded of the composure that it takes to make a difference despite adversity. Had he not maintained composure throughout the many slurs and pitches aimed at his head, he would not only have held himself back, but also the great multitude of black players and people that stood on his shoulders. Each time he made a hit or stole a base, the impact was much greater than a simple boost to his stats. He showed that when provided the opportunity, people can excel in anything, regardless of the labels placed on them by society. Jackie Robinson's legacy stands as a testament to the power of character and how individual actions can affect the circumstances of others. When he took the field in 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate and swung to break a glass ceiling for baseball and humanity. 

Book Review: Black Privilege

My latest read is Charlamagne Tha God's book, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It. I must start by advising viewer discretion for anyone that chooses to purchase this book. It was published in 2017, and follows the story of Charlamagne's life. If you're unfamiliar with Charlamagne, he's a prominent media figure whose work can be found on his radio show The Breakfast Club, his podcast Brilliant Idiots, his television show Uncommon Sense, and more. Black Privilege is an autobiographical account of his eventful story. He describes his upbringing, his rocky adolescent years, and his ascent in the media industry. He walks you through his school expulsions, jail experiences, multiple job terminations, and much more. My favorite aspect of this book is the self-help element within it. Through all his mistakes and shortcomings, Charlamagne is able to draw valuable lessons. Despite some crude stories and details, he drops some serious knowledge in this book. His personality is certainly expressed through the pages, with his brutal honesty and unrestrained sense of humor. Never have I read a book that made me laugh out loud as much as this one. It really captivates you within his experiences, and by the end you'll feel that you know him personally. He touches on some serious topics like race, homophobia, and gender norms. Some of his advice includes living your truth, viewing losses as lessons, and accessing your personal privilege. If you're of age, and you can handle some suggestive language, I definitely recommend this book. It's motivational, it's humorous, and it's insightful. Read and learn how a young boy from a trailer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina became a renowned media personality.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Privilege-Opportunity-Comes-Create/dp/1501145304

Ordering Equality: A Reflection on the Greensboro Four

The scene is February 1, 2018. I walk into a Starbucks, and stand in line. I gradually get closer to the register with my order in mind. I’m finally face to face with the cashier, and I place my simple yet usual order, “ a grande hot coffee.” The cashier enters in my order, and gives me my total. I hand her the due amount, and she hands me my coffee. Upon observation of this transaction, one would deem it normal. However, let us take a step back 58 years prior, and try to play out a similar situation. Four college freshmen are in a Woolworth's. They take a seat at a lunch counter, and place an order for a cup of coffee. The staff refuses to serve them, as store policy prohibits service for the men at the "whites only" counter. The men refuse to accept this denial of service, and remain seated at the counter. Despite requests and glares from other patrons, they remain seated in these seats until the store closes. The impact of this day would mark the birth of a monumental revolution in American history. It was the birth of the sit-in movement, an effort that served as a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. On this day, these college freshmen exhibited resilience, courage, and passion in the face of injustice. These were educated individuals who simply requested service, but were denied on the basis of their appearance. This day inspired a movement that would make waves across the country. As a college freshman myself, I can only imagine the valor it took to execute such a plan. This effort exhibits an example of pure leadership. Four men willing to walk into dangerous territory, and attempt to improve society. Imagine yourself as a black man in 1960, attempting to defy a white establishment. A period in which you can't even rely on the police to protect you. On this date of February 1st, it is important that we honor the heroic actions of these four men. It is with extreme gratitude that I commend the efforts of Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.) , and David Richmond. On February 1, 1960, these men placed a tall order. They ordered equality. They ordered first-class citizenship. They ordered a better America. Let us take this day to reflect on the efforts of these four men, and their contributions to our society. On this day in history, an entire nation was served at a single lunch counter.

The Man Within Me: A Singular Perspective of the Collective African-American Struggle

A man has been abducted from his home, and is displaced into a foreign land. He is stripped of all ties to his home; and is forced into a language, a religion, and a law to abide by. He is also forced to labor for his kidnapper. This labor is excruciating, and takes a toll on him physically, mentally, and spiritually. He labors for so long that he builds wealth for the kidnapper and others in the land, with nothing to show for himself. He tried many times to escape. He tried to run away, he tried to articulate his struggles to the masses, he even tried to kill his kidnapper. These attempts only led to worse punishment. It wasn't until outside forces realized this situation was wrong, and joined him in the fight to achieve freedom. This achieved freedom is worth celebrating, but his struggle doesn't stop there.

Upon freedom, he is set out into the world. He has no remembrance of life before the kidnapping. All he knows is this foreign land, and the struggle he has endured. Now, his best option is to try to make it in this foreign land. There's a problem though. The people of this land do not accept him. They refuse to associate with him, and regard him as inferior. They refuse to eat with him, refuse to go to school with him, and even refuse to use the same bathroom as him. How can he succeed in a society that doesn't allow him to participate? He is forced on his own. He is able to do some amazing things on his own. He starts successful businesses, creates beautiful art, and is even able to invent. There's a problem though. Anytime he builds a business, creates a piece, or invents; his work is destroyed, stolen, and he never receives due credit. He realizes he's in a lose-lose situation. Things must change.

He begins to organize, and advocate for his fair treatment. This organization is pivotal, but he still faces internal struggles. Part of him wants to continue to fight for equality in this land, and part of him wants to go back to the land he was abducted from. Nonetheless, he expressed his struggle to the world. He's been mistreated, excluded from society, and disconnected from his history. This land he made wealthy has treated him like anything but human. He was even forced to fight for this land in war, knowing that they treated him like an enemy. It was important for his story to reach a wide audience. The word is spread, and his story becomes a highly publicized issue. Others join him in the fight for equal treatment in this land, this land which ought to be considered his home after all these years. This battle for equal treatment is hard-fought. It takes protests, arrests, and even deaths for him to receive the rights of a human being. It's a slow process, but eventually the government of this land prohibits discrimination against this man. Another step in the right direction, but it doesn't stop there.

Although it's now unlawful to discriminate against him, he still faces injustice. It turns out that the hate against him is engrained in the society. The society has painted him as a villain, someone to be feared. He now faces an institutional struggle. It's hard for him to attain a job, find quality housing, and receive proper education. It seems that the law wasn't able to rewire the perception of him among citizens of the land. He realizes he is still not accepted. He has to find an alternative way to survive. This causes him to fall into all sorts of traps. One of his biggest traps was drugs. Drugs led him to multiple arrests, and nearly destroyed him internally. This continued mistreatment led to frustration, which he sometimes expressed through violence. Although the government now called for his equal treatment, this was still a dark period for him. He had to develop consciousness, and learn to love himself despite all the madness he faced. This included looking back on his struggle, finding some peace within himself, and building off the great contributions to society that he never received credit for. Things have improved from this period, but the struggle continues.

The man still lives today. He lives with anxiety that the pattern of his history will repeat itself. He lives with curiosity of who he was before the kidnapping. He lives with pressures of society that try to box him in. He lives with an education system that tries to marginalize his contributions to society. He lives with those that try to disregard his struggle, and encourage him to simply move on. He lives with those that tell him to leave the land he helped build, and go back to the land he was abducted from. He lives with the scars and internal struggles of his journey. Most importantly, he lives. He lives in my ancestors. He lives in my family. He lives in me.

Thanksgiving 2K17

There's something special about coming together with family members. You share genetics, memories, and traditions with these people, which produces a unique sense of intimacy. One of my family's most valued traditions is our Thanksgiving reunions. We all travel from our different locations to meet up at a family member's home. It's a time for us to catch up with each other and share details relating to our work, school, and other extraordinary life happenings. This year, Thanksgiving was hosted by my aunt in South Carolina. She did an amazing job to make things flow smoothly, and made sure everyone was comfortable. There was an array of dishes. The food was spectacular, of course. My favorite dishes were the smoked turkey and macaroni & cheese. I definitely overindulged, and had to resist a food coma for the rest of the evening.  After eating, it was time for the Slice of Heaven cooking contest. The contest is a family tradition that was established in 2010. My mother and her siblings compete to make the best version of a chosen food item. This year's food item was cake. We had four contestants this year, and four judges. The winner was none other than my mother. It was her first time winning, and bringing the trophy back home. While everyone was gathered at the conclusion of the contest, another cake was placed on the table. Only this cake was not another contest entry. My cousin and his wife were announcing a new addition to the family. They presented us with a gender reveal cake. It was a huge surprise that no one saw coming. The cake was sliced, and a pink frosting emerged. It was a legendary moment. We all rejoiced with the news that our family was growing. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and excitement. You wish that times like these could last forever. These times provide positive memories that stick with you for a lifetime. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving, and the day was filled with rich experiences. Just know that I did eventually succumb to that food coma, and didn't awake until around noon on Friday. For a visual representation of my family's Thanksgiving, check out my sister's vlog below. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your holiday season.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Turns 7!

Seven years ago, Kanye West released his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The album consists of thirteen tracks, with features from Bon Iver, CyHi the Prynce, Jay-Z, John Legend, Justin Vernon, Kid Cudi, Nicki Minaj, Pusha T, RZA, Raekwon, Rick Ross, and Swizz Beats. It stands as an important piece of Kanye's discography. During this period, Kanye was under much scrutiny for a controversial interruption during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. This among other pressures, led him to undergo a self-imposed exile in Hawaii. In some cases, artists make great work during times of turmoil. It's similar to finding a diamond in the rough. I certainly consider this project to be one of those cases. It was reported that West never slept a full night at the house he rented in Hawaii. Instead, he chose to take power naps in the studio, and had rented three rooms so that songs could be crafted simultaneously. He flew in a variety of premier artists and producers to collaborate with. One of the most interesting stories I found surrounding the development of this album, was that Kanye hired two private chefs, one for hot food, and one for cold food. The album is regarded as one of the most expensive albums to make, with an estimate listed at $3 million. He really invested his all into this project. Listening to the album, it's evident that plenty of time, thought, and energy was put into the composition of this album. It's truly a work of art. Through expressing himself, Kanye allowed us to experience his mindset during this time. You can feel the emotion he puts into crafting tracks like "Blame Game" and "Lost In The World." There's a theme of dealing with pressures of the celebrity lifestyle, relationship/personal issues, as well as internal struggles. This theme resembles the pressures Kanye faced in real life during this period. Throughout his career, Kanye's work has always reflected the essence of his current lifestyle. His work is a realist perspective of his life. For this reason, it's unfair to divide his career as "old" or "new" Kanye. He's the same artist in a different space. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was a "dark" space that yielded "beautiful" music. My favorite tracks off the album are "Gorgeous" and "Runaway." Thanks for reading.

Hip-Hop as a Human

Here's a piece I wrote when I was 16, around the time when Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly released.

Hip Hop is like a human.
Upon creation it started out saying random words like a crying infant that struggles to communicate with you (infant stages/rappers delight era).
 Next, it grew into a child and its only goal was to have fun. It began to build relationships with a core group of people that shared its common values (childhood/Run-DMC era).
 It then grew into a teenager. At this stage it battled through a confusing period, still about being cool and having fun but yet wanting to be understood (early teenage years/ late 80s early 90s).
 Next, it developed into an older teenager and it wanted to appear hard, be heard, and struggled to find itself. It did crazy things to express the chaos within it, so it turned to crime and often gave off a negative and dark vibe. Unfortunately, this gave off a negative impression and caused some people to stay away from it and damaged relationships (late teenage years/gangsta rap era).
 After the transition it became a young adult and experienced a rejuvenation, while it still held on to some of the baggage from it's teenage years, it started to be more about fun again and was filled with new energy (young adulthood/2000/early 2010s hip hop).
Today, it has taken its past experiences and wants to change for the better. As it knows one day it won't be so strong, and has to make the most positive impact it can while it still has this energy. It plans to combine this energy with the wisdom it has picked up along the way (adulthood/ Kendrick Lamar/ J. Cole/ current state of Hip Hop).

4:44 Tour Review!

On November 17th, I attended Jay-Z's 4:44 tour in Charlotte, NC. It has been going on since October 27th, and will last through December 21st. The tour is in support of Jay-Z's thirteenth studio album, 4:44, which released in the summer of 2017. Vic Mensa serves as the opening act. I won't spoil the set list for you, but it covers a wide range of Hov's career.  He has so many hits that the show could've went on for hours longer. I had a great time. The stage design consisted of an octagon in the center of the arena. I thought this was cool, because it allowed each section of the audience to have an equal perspective of the performer. The screens at the concert also moved around, which was a nice visual aspect of the show. My last time seeing Jay perform was in 2011 during the Watch the Throne tour. He's laid-back, but his music has the power to set an arena on fire. You have to respect his longevity in the game. Not too many artists have a catalog of hits from the 90's till 2017. As a fan, I wish I could hear all of his work performed. If he somehow did a total catalog show where he performed everything, you would definitely catch me in the crowd. Those in attendance received a six-month free trial of Tidal. The tour is ongoing, so if possible, I highly recommend checking it out. You have to take advantage of the opportunity to witness a living legend. Thanks for reading!

Old School vs New School: The Importance of Balance

It is apparent that Hip-Hop has changed dramatically since its birth. Production techniques, subject matter, mainstream influence, and more are in constant shift as the culture grows. Due to this change, we see a divide that separates fans according to time periods. Today we see "old heads" that are quick to express disdain for the current generation of Hip-Hop. Likewise, we see a new wave of artists and fans that dismiss the old school as played out. There seems to be a polarization within the culture. If there's anything I've learned in my eighteen years on this Earth, it's that strength lies in unity. We would get more out of the culture if elders supported the youth, and if the youth respected the elders. I'm here to offer a neutral perspective, and promote the importance of balancing old school and new school within Hip-Hop.

Old school. The original. The blueprint. They've paved the road traveled on today. They've planted the seed for what is harvested today. What right does the new generation have to live off this hard work without paying due respect? "The kids today aren't talking about anything." "I'll just stick to 'real' Hip-Hop." It's a common argument coming from what we call "old heads", or fans devoted to the preservation of old school Hip-Hop. I can definitely understand this. You see the culture you celebrated from your days as a youth being transformed into unrecognizable form. It's not uncommon to reminisce and yearn for the "good 'ol days." However, resisting change can turn out to yield an unproductive result. In order for Hip-Hop to last, change is necessary. Don't get me wrong, I love old school Hip-Hop, but if the culture didn't evolve it wouldn't survive. Imagine if the U.S. still used World War II weaponry today simply because it worked in the past. It wouldn't stand a chance against those that put more effort towards advancing. It's fine to prefer a certain era, but be sure to remain a part of the culture. We still need the lessons of World War II weaponry, to build off of for future success. Value lies in the wisdom of the old school that is only beneficial if the culture is unified. I encourage the old heads to balance your listening, and find some new school artists that you can support. They're out there, you may just have to go beyond mainstream radio. Grow with the music, so that the culture you once loved can live on.

New school. The wave. The future. They keep it fresh. They carry the torch. Why should we focus on the past? "Music is more fun now." "That music is for old people." "I'm not wasting my time listening to that outdated music." It's a common position held by the younger generation of Hip-Hop. This could have been me if I wasn't exposed to old school at a young age. This is some of my peers. I can understand it. What's the point of listening to music that came out decades before you were born? It's fun to stay in the moment. However, you'll gain a clearer perspective of where you're going if you know where you came from. History provides a formula for success and a record of mistakes. As philosopher George Santayana stated, "those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." We know some negative events that have transpired within Hip-Hop's history, and by learning we lower the risk of making these events cyclical. Trust your elders. They've seen similar obstacles, and can provide guidance. Continue innovating, but make sure you're mindful of the rich history that precedes you. I encourage the new school to balance your listening, and find some old school artists that you can appreciate. They're out there if you do your research. A flower doesn't grow without roots.

Let's unify the culture, so that we may be able to move on stronger. The "fad" they once called Hip-Hop is still here forty years later. At what point do we realize that enough is done already to divide us? It's counterproductive to separate the culture based on time. Picture a relay race. Does the current runner reluctantly hand off the baton to the next runner? No, because it would only slow the team down. In order to be most efficient, the current runner has to confidently hand off the baton, knowing that the next runner will keep the team moving towards success. Likewise, the new runner wouldn't be able to run without the efforts of the previous runner. The role of smooth transition is key for the team's chances of success. In Hip-Hop, this smooth transition is done by understanding our teammates, or other generations. We have to balance our perspective, and learn to appreciate the other side. After all, we are connected.

The Black Album Turns 14!

Fourteen years ago on November 14th, Jay-Z released his eight studio album, The Black Album. This album was considered to be a sign off project for the rapper. He was suggesting retirement, and even held a farewell concert at Madison Square Garden. In retrospect, we know this retirement was short-lived, but this theme of "fading to black" was a major concept regarding this album. One of Hip-Hop's greatest was gearing to leave the game. In the book  The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene, law 16 is "use absence to increase respect and honor." Hov very well may have been using this tactic to his advantage. He's a clever individual, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was his intentions. Nonetheless, he gave us a classic album to go along with all of this. The album consists of fourteen tracks that include some of his greatest hits like "99 Problems", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", and "Encore." We also hear the work of some legendary producers on this album. Production credits include Just Blaze, Kanye West, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, The Neptunes, Rick Rubin, and more. I consider it my second favorite Jay-Z album behind Reasonable Doubt. My favorite tracks on this album are "What More Can I Say" and "Public Service Announcement (Interlude)." You definitely have to check this album out if you haven't already. It's a certified classic. Thanks for reading!

The Incredible True Story Turns 2!

Two years ago on November 13th, Logic released his second studio album The Incredible True Story. I hope his day one fans don't scold me for this, but this is the project that really turned me onto his music. It takes you on a journey with an intriguing story line that takes place within some truly extraordinary tracks. Features include Big Lenbo, Dria, Jesse Boykins III, and Lucy Rose. I did some research on the album, and found that the underlying plot of the project is actually part of a pretty mind-blowing story inspired by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. What stands out to me is the vibrant production in tracks like "City of Stars." It gives off that sci-fi vibe, that I feel really speaks to Logic's experimental nature in his art. The lyricism showcased on this album is also "incredible." I enjoy the skits, my favorite being the one at the end of "Fade Away." When I heard it was the anniversary of this album, I had to write about it. It's definitely one of my go-to projects. It's so hard for me to pick favorite tracks off of this album, but I'll go with "Young Jesus" and "Innermission." If you haven't already, check this one out. Thanks for reading!

NHYN Interview!

On November 12th, I had the chance to interview American born and Dubai based artist, NHYN. NHYN is an emerging artist with two solo projects, Pharaogamo and his latest, Dwaynism. His work incorporates a unique style, a transparency that allows listeners to feel the emotions that drives the music. In this interview, he gives us a detailed perspective on his life as an artist. We discuss his beginnings, his inspirations, and his visions for the future. Check out his latest work "Bounce It" and "Wait."

LAMON: I know you've mentioned this in earlier works, but for new listeners, what led you into becoming an artist?

NHYN: I would say dropping out of school. Prior to dropping out, I was making music everyday. In my room making beats, or if I was in class I'd be writing rhymes. I realized obviously I don't need to be here, maybe I need to go do something in music. So that's what led me to drop out and chase this dream. I actually had a conversation with my mentor before dropping out. I was like "yo, you think it would be a good idea to drop out of school?" (laughs). Everybody kept telling me it's a bad idea, saying I'm gonna fail, and giving me rates about the success of dropouts. I was like forget it, just going to try it out and take a risk. 

LAMON: Did moving to Dubai have any impact on your art?

NHYN: Definitely, my lifestyle has changed. I have new content to write about. It's different dealing with foreign women. Some just know you're black and from America. Driving crazy cars, or seeing crazy cars and mansions. It's like I got the lifestyle, before I got the actual money. I got used to having a driver, maids, and little small things like that. It definitely feels like I'm really rich (laughs). Living over here in Dubai gave me freedom to create without stressing. 

LAMON: Is it different looking at current events in the United States from an outside perspective?

NHYN: Yeah, people over here usually worry about their own problems. Whenever I hear something happening back in the United States, I'm just like "man, America is crazy." It's a lot going on over there, but over here there's like nothing going on. Sometimes it sounds like war is going on back home. It's different over here. They really appreciate our culture though. They listen to a lot of rap too. They mostly listen to older rap though. They haven't really caught on with the new wave of music. I feel like that's my job over here, to put them on some new music. 

LAMON: How big of a role does your team play in supporting you art?

NHYN: My team plays a pretty big role. Currently we're planning, and just trying to take it to the next level. 

LAMON: Are there any particular artists that inspire you?

NHYN: I listen to a lot of Andre 3000 and Kanye West. Of course, Kendrick Lamar. I hate listening to Kendrick Lamar, because I don't wanna sound like Kendrick but I love his music. A few of my friends also make some really dope music. My friend Lawrence, who I grew up with as a kid and we reconnected when I moved to Atlanta. Also my homie Millic who lives in Korea, and he's a really dope artist. 

LAMON: Artists do so many things nowadays, you can't really put a label on it. 

NHYN: It has to be that way. We have to do all the work. Even with business, we have to be the artists and the business owners. You have to learn to sell yourself, which is cool. It's a learning experience. I'm just glad I went to business school, even though I dropped out (laughs).

LAMON: Let's talk about the creative process. When crafting a song, do you already have a direction planned? Or is it more based on the vibe in the studio?

NHYN: Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to do before I go into the studio. When I turn on a beat, sometimes that idea can turn into something totally new. Basically, the vibe is everything. I can go in motivated to make one song, and then make another song that I end up liking more. Getting in front of the microphone, and putting on the headphones is where you really create the vibe. Also just hearing your voice. I can write a song back home, and then go into the studio and not like how it sounds at all. Hearing myself on the microphone really is what determines if I like a song or not. 

LAMON: Is there a release to be able to express yourself through art?

NHYN: Yeah, it's definitely a bit of release. A lot of frustration, but definitely release. Because once you express yourself, then you have to be bold enough to put out the music. It's like I made this song and I like it, but will they like it? You stress about that. A lot of times that's what takes me so long to put out music. I have to go through the psychological process, and be mentally ready to put it out. You have to have that mentality to put it out and say "let's see how it works." I actually had "Bounce It" for a whole year. I debated on whether I should put it out. You know what's crazy, I actually dropped "Bounce It" a month before I told anybody I put it out. I only did that to see the feedback I would get if no one knew about it. I got a lot of great feedback from it, and people were sending me messages saying they heard it. It got a good reaction, so I decided to really put it out there. 

LAMON: The thing about art is that it really gives you freedom for self-expression.

NHYN: You've gotta really go with your instincts. If I would've really went with my intuition, I probably would've let it go a long time ago. I'm learning that now, to really trust my instincts. I'm trying to push myself to get past myself. I wanna be able to release more music, and I want people to know what's going on in my life. 

LAMON: What's the meaning behind the name NHYN?

NHYN: NHYN (nine) represents the number for universal love. That's why the logo I created is a heart. It's a complex heart like a puzzle, because love is difficult. I felt like NHYN is a representation of what I'm trying to do in the industry. I'm trying to be that piece that brings everyone together. Whether it's helping a producer in the studio, or a homeless person on the street. I'm trying to be that vessel that can really relate to people, that they can say "he really cares about me and my well-being." Nine represents completeness, like being spiritually complete. That's how it feels, because I made the album Dwaynism which is talking about self-love and self-worth. I had to basically relocate to Dubai and go through that process of looking at who I am, and what I'm trying to do. NHYN represents me. 

LAMON: Are there any artists that you wish to work with?

NHYN: Andre 3000 for sure, Erykah Badu, definitely Kanye West, and Frank Ocean. These are artists that do a lot for me, I really like these people. Andre 3000 is the best rapper in my opinion, I feel like people forget about him until he drops a verse. When he drops a verse, it's a big deal. 

LAMON: As an emerging artist, how do you maintain humility as your publicity grows?

NHYN: I don't know if I'm humble at all. I'm just very introverted. I don't really think in terms of publicity growth, just individual growth. I'm not too pressed about fame, I don't really care about that. The bigger I go is just a bigger platform. I wouldn't say I'm humble, I wish I was humble. Behind closed doors I'm probably boastful. Then I'm just quiet, because I don't want to come off as boastful (laughs). 

LAMON: Are there any milestones that you plan to accomplish throughout your career?

NHYN: I want a Grammy, but only because I've been working on my speech for awhile. I've been preparing for like four years.

LAMON: Hopefully we hear it one day.

NHYN: It's definitely going to be a dope speech. I think I only get like thirty seconds anyway, so I'm trying to make the best thirty seconds ever. Kanye West has the best Grammy speech right now, so I'm trying to top him. 

LAMON: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

NHYN: Stay in school, don't chase your dreams (laughs). Nah, but I would say learn the business. That's the main thing if you're trying to get into music, learn the business. You might end up losing a lot of money, because no one is going to treat you better than you treat yourself. Always remember that you are a brand, and you have to treat it as such. It's a marathon, and not a quick race. If you're really into music for the long run, it's definitely a marathon. There's a lot of ups and downs, but they're all important for your journey. 

LAMON: I'm aware that you studied audio engineering, what role did that play on your development as an artist? 

NHYN: For starters, I know what quality sounds like. I know what to look for when I'm making a record, what sounds pleasing to the ear. Going to Los Angeles for audio engineering allowed me to meet other aspiring artists. It allowed me to network with them, and meet other people that wanted to help out. That's what led me to moving to Dubai. Studying audio engineering in LA really catapulted my career. 

LAMON: What impact do you plan to make with your career? 

NHYN: Spreading love and teaching people. I also want to add to the culture, I feel like I have a lot to bring. I've been through a lot in these 25 years, and I feel like I have wisdom. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I just have to be patient. You have to take risks for that big reward.  

Thanks for reading!

Laugh Now, Fly Later Review!

On November 7th, Wiz Khalifa released a project titled Laugh Now, Fly Later. It consists of ten tracks, with only one feature from Casey Veggies. This project is keeping the fans satisfied until the release of his upcoming album Rolling Papers 2. In this one, Wiz operates in his classic style. Relaxed bars that make reference to his herbs, affluence, and carefree lifestyle. He also takes the opportunity to advertise his product, KK. His lyrics stress the theme of making the most out of life, and not caring about the opinions of other people. Some artists will abandon the style that attracted fans to them. I don't see this happening with Wiz. He knows his formula, and he keeps his work consistent. This is a solid project. My top track on the project is "Figure It Out." He gives listeners some advice on that track, which I won't spoil for you. It's a good project to vibe out to on your aux cord. Check it out. Thanks for reading, and remember to enjoy life! 

Boomerang Review!

On November 10th, artist, Jidenna released an EP titled Boomerang. The project includes six tracks, with features from Quavo, Wale, Tiwa Savage, Maleek Berry, Sarkodie, Burna Boy, and Dot Cromwell. It is his first project since his debut studio album The Chief. The EP includes rhythmic songs, like title track "Boomerang" and "Spy Candy." He also includes the remixes of his hits "Bambi" and "Little Bit More", with tracks titled "Bambi Too" and "Little Bit More (Remix)." I've always appreciated the versatility of his art. He has the ability to rhyme smoothly over tracks, and the ability to create vibrant party records. He approaches music with a unique style of sophistication. Not too many artists are rapping about rocking suits. I'd characterize him as a smooth criminal. Calm and collected on the surface, but he's still a savage under the radar. You'll notice this too, if you take a look at his lyrics. My favorite on this project is the opening track "Decibels", the production and cultured lyrics makes for a nice song to vibe too. Overall, it's a fun project to listen (and dance) to. Check it out. Thanks for reading, and remember to enjoy life!