This poem written by Philly poet Black Ice is something phenomenal. You might remember him from Fabolous' album "Real Talk" displaying some of his lyrical abilities and droppin some knowledge. He was also the first spoken word artist to be signed to Def Jam by Russell Simmons, after discovering him at a NYC cafe. I love this piece because he explores Race and Rap.
Our businessmen and soldiers have definitely been corrupted by the constraints placed on us in our communities and we don't even realize. I mean, lets look at a typical innercity community: 90% of the households are single-parent, there is excessive pollution and violence, inadequate schools, limited access to resources (quality food, healthcare, social services etc), no centralized leadership, drugs, and hostility (amongst other characteristics). Inner-city's are viewed as the place where we as Americans, don't want to live or end up. We want to live that good ol American Dream and live in the clean, safe, suburbs with no corner stores, liquor stores, and drug dealers standing on the corners. There are organic grocery stores, clean rec centers, schools with qualified teachers and up to date books and technology. Shit I want to live there lol. This "taboo" and "unattractive" inner-city lifestyle is extremely profitable, as innercity lifestyles are exploited by wealthy Surburbanites who sign these ni**as to shuck and jive and tell the stories of the ghetto and brag about jewels and money that we all dream about that most of them don't even have-- but the person who signed em does! They create these communities, hold us back keeping the pot small enough for them, then make even more oney off of our obstacles and struggles. Clever bastards!
My solution: Keep it in the Family. Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z have the right idea. WE need to own the rights to distribution, publishing, production, promotion, and whatever else it takes to let these artists shine, grow, and keep their $$
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