Yes, I’m excited about this…I’ve been thinking of new artists, new segments and I’ve profiled artists, from Europe, North America and Australia but not the continent of Africa. I am very much a Pan-Africanist(if I can use that term in 21st century) but I wanted to take it to the continent. I call this the Super combo post because it’s an International hip hop post, ‘If ya don’t know, now ya know’(haven’t done that in a while) and a Politican’ post.
I first heard of K’naan through my FAVORITE video channel VH1 Soul…wooooo back in ‘05′ /’06′ when I saw the video ‘Soobax’ off his first album ‘Dusty foot philosopher’. First thought was ‘who is this! and where is this!’ I would later learn this Somolian to the core now living in Canada MC is a serious artist with a lot to say. In my opinion he’s reppin’ Somolia to the fullest and right now putting the continent of Africa on his back. I’m gonna hit yall with several videos because this guy deserves a lot of shine.
CNN International: Inside Africa clip of K’naan speaking about Obama/hip hop and further in the clip Africa’s take on President Obama.
DJ ENUFF Alist Radio Freestyle props to okayplayer
K’naan EPK(peep youtube for part 2/3 sorry it’s a lot to post lol)
K’naan-ABC’s-featuring Chubb Rock!!(are you kidding me)
K’naan-Soobax
His new Album’ Troubador’ drops February 24th! I will definitely buy it and I hope you all do as well.
This is a brand new post segment I am introducing called Politican’(yall know the slang for having a deep conversation/meaningful convo) I want to explore issues that the mainstream media, may or may not be talking about. This will cover domestic as well as interntional issues. I want to start with an international issue. Everybody knows about the current mid-east situation. I will be doing several segments on the Palestinian/Israeli issue.
I listen to NPR radio in the mornings sometimes and particularly the show ‘Democracy now’ and the featured writer Bill Fletcher, Jr. was on there a few days ago. The conversation touched on the current situation in Gaza. Here is his article ‘The inauguration in the shadow of gaza’
I have found it difficult expressing my emotions in connection with the inauguration of President Obama. In the face of the jubilation, particularly but not exclusively among African Americans; in the face of the hopes and fears; in the face of severe crises across the USA and the planet; it has been difficult for me to express my sentiments.
Yes, this is an exciting and historic moment. Of that, there is little question. I, like most other African Americans I know, never conceived that we would see a Black person assume the Presidency. Looking at the Inauguration ceremony one could not help but remember the countless demonstrations that have been held on the Washington, DC Mall, including but not limited to the famous 1963 March on Washington, that have demanded the expansion of democracy and fought to guarantee that someone of color would have the right and the opportunity to assume the Presidency of the United States…
‘Yo son, we gonna take this up north real quick’…(that was my mixtape DJ voice impersonation)
This is my favorite post that I do. I love to find new artists/new to me from around the globe. Once again I’m takin’ it to the T Dot aka Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her name is Ayah, props to Okayplayer for the mixtape. I bump this mixtape all the time ‘Ayah is a Problem’…she has a deep soulful voice with a lot of hip hop flavor. I can’t wait for her album to drop. Toronto is quickly becoming my new favorite city I’ve never visited LOL, there is sooo much going on up there from Caribana(which one day I will attend, if anybody out there reading with means hook a sista up LOL) the multi-culturalism to the music scene. Oh! Shout out to the T dot representatives that were down for the Obama inauguration! Anyway peep the video up top and below and go get the mixtape!
Obama interview about Hip hop…I love this, I agree with his views
We are officially in the era of the Obama administration! I was there on January 20th. It was COLD! But a wonderful day, clear blue sky and so much love and positive energy was in the air. Oh the title is a rebuttal to the song ‘My President is Black’, sorry Jeezy I know you can do better. Seriously though, President Obama is a cool dude, yall saw the ebony cover LOL… Here is the inaugural speech.
I was talking to my friend and we were taking a trip down memory lane. I had to take a trip across the pond because the music coming out of England ‘back in day’ was on point. I loved all of the black music coming out of the UK. I was into any british really LOL… Here’s a little acid-jazz/dance/soul for you.
Soul II Soul-Keep on Moving
Brand New Heavies- Dream on Dreamer
Incognito-Still a friend of mine
Loose Ends- Slow Down
I hope you all enjoy. If yall can think of anybody else, any other songs, feel free to post a comment.
Okay everybody yall know I have to give background on this. When I say I absolutely love, I mean this album, it is an under statement. I was in high school when this album came out and honestly I think this was a turning point, it solidified my appreciation and love for music in general. This album was thought provoking, I learned from it, the beats, the lyrics. Can’t say enough…so without any further delay…
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star: DEFINITION!!
…What you thought I was done LOL, naw…this is a two for one post but I’m gonna continue with the black star theme. Here is the other half of Black Star, the mighty Mos aka Mos Def. Real quick though, I love this song, I love the fact he did this in Cuba(I can’t wait to visit that Island…lift the embargo!!) Just zone out to this joint, ‘I want my people to be free…for black people to free…’
This is how you celebrate new years!!…this is from Sydney, Australia, one of the first places on earth to bring in the new year. I wish everybody many blessings in this upcoming year. Remember try to keep an optimistic mind frame and reach as high as you can for everything you want to achieve in this year. It’s 2009 baby, ‘we fittin’ to the tip top baby’(common)
