May we never be afraid to hope again.

Now its time to get to work Presidet Obama.

There are moments in life that are transcendent. Moments that are simply much lager than any one being, any one though, any one wish, dream or desire. Moments that inspire, astound and mobilize. These moments and instances are often few and far between, and sadly, they most commonly occur due to a horrific act or event. In modern times, both in the US and abroad, humans lack the ability to truly come together and world for a common goal unless we have been shocked into action by an act of either man made or mother natures brutality.  Too often, it is only when we are confronted with our innate fragility that we in fact become powerful.

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Dear Tropical Weather Systems:

Rain rain go away. (more…)

Dear Isaac,

I can’t believe you are gone.

You were from an era where men where MEN, capital M-E-N: strong, dynamic, undeniably sexual, sensual and flawed. A bygone era where artists weren’t afraid to stand for something besides their jewelry box. A time when artistic excellence was unparalleled.  You represent an era where songs where 10 plus minute long opus’ were the norm, music wasn’t rushed to fit a playlist; your music was robust, sensuous, frenetic, flush with instruments. With every key stroke and horn blare, your body responded to his music as if it were an ancient language, deeply ingrained in every fiber of your being.  When the horns swelled, so did your soul. (more…)

Dear Foxy,

Inga.. whats going on? Lets chat, woman to woman. it would seem you’re making choice ( i know i mean, shit is just happening to you) that is constantly putting you in messy situations.  A once fledgling career is now  but a memory. Not quite distant, but not quite current, despite that whole mixtape debacle (I know, they fucked it up, had you had you’re way it NEVER would have been released as it was).  In the latest move you’re featured in the cover of XXL (Yay!!) in a glamor shots that was taken at the cheap photographer in the ghetto mall (no yay). Methinks you need a bit of career rehab. (more…)

In numerology, the number five signifies coming to life, invention, vitality, enjoyment, play, and creativity. The Grammy nominated Kentucky rap quintet Nappy Roots is the literal personification of all that the number 5 represents. From a 2003 appearance in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar as one of the few Hip Hop acts (and one of the most requested!)  to participate in a USO tour, to artistic collaborations with everyone from Kanye West to The Dave Mathews Band, Nappy Roots has come a long way from throwing house parties as undergrads at western Kentucky State University. True entrepreneurs, Nappy Roots have been steady grinding, releasing mixtapes and touring, staying in touch with fans and creating music that has been a southern stew of blues, rap, politics, alcohol, weed, sex, soul and fun. After taking the industry by storm with 2002’s platinum selling Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz, and following that up Wooden Leather a year later, Nappy Roots earned themselves a plethora of accolades and fans across the globe. They are the epitome of grown ass men, unapologetic and true to themselves with their word as their bond.

Those words have kept them bonded to diehard fans as they navigated the often tumultuous music industry. An exit from Atlantic Records and down a member (R. Prophet left to pursue a solo career), five years later, official Kentucky Colonel’s Skinny Deville, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, Scales and Big V have spent the last 5 years grinding hard and with the August 5 release of their 5th CD looming, and a new deal with Fontana/Universal, Nappy Roots is poised to establish themselves once again as a force to be reckoned with.

I recently had the opportunity to have a very candid conversation with Skinny Deville about where Nappy Roots has been, why the fuck the rap biz is all sorts of fucked up and what’s on the horizon for one of rap music’s most creative groups. (more…)

Dear Justin,

Die you ignorant Cracka ass cracka. I’m sorry, that was rude. To the point, but rude nonetheless.

Frankly you don’t deserve much more. You are the kind of talentless douche bag that I generally try and ignore, however you have seemingly wormed your way into the word talented and are spreading your craptastic doucheness and racist antics in a rather broad way. (more…)