A coming of age? Hip Hop at 40

                  

jasiri-x.jpg

 

                        Perhaps it is reaching the level of frustration and dissatisfaction that may cause them to actually make a change. He recently released a song titled: “New Nat Turners” delivering his unique take on  the Kanye West song. He says it’s time for those rappers to take even more action.

“New Nat Turners is an anthem. Once you recognize you are slaves, what’s the next step? The next step is that you’ve got to get free!” he said.

At the 2013 BET Awards, entertainer Jamie Foxx, who has spent time with the family of Trayvon Martin, wore a t-shirt with the slain youth’s image on it, instead of the logo of any trendy fashion designer. In fact,  Mr. Foxx said he said he became inspired to do more after hearing words by the legendary Harry Belafonte encouraging others prominent entertainers to use their popularity and platforms to speak out against injustice.

mos_def.jpg

Yasiin Bey

                      Yasiin Bey, known to many by his rap moniker Mos Def surprised many when a shocking video aired of him experiencing the force-feeding procedure that is used by captives at Guantanamo Bay.

 

Jasiri X said it was one of the most powerful pieces of video he has ever seen.

Truth Universal, a New Orleans based rapper  said in his view, those speaking out—especially those who are more tied to the industry—have heard something making them speak up a little more. In fact, he said even during the recent Essence Fest, there were more independent artists performing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *