Page Six SPECTACULAR <strong>November</strong> <strong>2008</strong> time. There’s no denying that music does set a particular undertone. The Rightchus Truth by Lamont Lilly aka ‘Rightchus’ WHO STOLE THE SOUL? The following three part essay series was developed that the truth be brought forth regarding hip hop’s glorious past, nostalgic present, and its hope toward a brighter future. I give honor and reference to all the past and present gods of hip hop; hoping that the following words shed a fluorescent light of sincerity toward their American contributions. HIP HOP RECLAIMED: THE TAKE BACK Part III The moment America deems the word “nigger” as socially unacceptable and white folks stop calling us “niggers” at least to our faces anyway, we decide to drop the “er,” adopt an “a” at the end and proudly call it a term of endearment. Again, we can’t blame hip hop for realizations that were present long before it even began (cc: Rudy Ray Moore & Richard Pryor). However, we must be critical in our acknowledgment that hip hop is being used to affirm the word’s acceptance and tolerance without a clear reference and understanding of its historical connotation. There’s no need for the KKK anymore when brothers and sisters now hang themselves; not only literally through our acts of self-imposed violence, but as well metaphorically speaking. It used to be ole’ masta who would openly rape our women, but now it’s us who deliberately devalue them. It’s our music and our videos that exploit them physically, culturally, mentally, and emotionally. It is us who cast them or allow them to be casted in these dehumanizing magazines and videos as pieces of sexual property. And sisters, many of you all are playing yourselves! Don’t get me wrong, I am all man. I just believe that certain behavior and actions belong in certain places. As HIP HOP 101 a very proud God-Father, I just have a problem with adult content being blasted all over cable television, YouTube, BET, MTV, or XXL and Black Men <strong>Magazine</strong> for our sons and daughters to view and idol so openly over-the-counter. Let not our war be declared against today’s young rap artists, who are only lost themselves. Let the war of the masses be casted against a degenerated culture and a generation of complacent token leadership that complains and blames, but does nothing but write books, deliver watered-down speeches and lights candles; offering no mass agenda nor strategic solution (Bill Cosby & Al Sharpton)! Again, though hip hop is in a state of artistic pneumonia, we can’t blame rap music for our community’s overall lack of teaching, love, and guidance of our children. That’s what America wants us to do. Point the finger at surface issues instead of reflecting within to improve and empower ourselves culturally, spiritually, and economically. Brothers and sisters, we must no longer allow our children to feed on such musical bowl-movement. Yet, we wonder why their hearts and minds reap of such foul odors. How did we journey from the musical dynamics of black pride and resistance from artists such as Curtis Mayfield, to the flamboyant distribution of ignorance by artists such Curtis Jackson? The notions of pimpin’ and runnin’ dope, exalted materialism, the degradation of the black woman, and the pleasure of creating bastards, ARE NOT COOL! As a people united, we must stop blaming and begin reclaiming. To those who are wondering what actions you can begin taking right Lamont Lilly aka Rightchus now, the first is to stop supporting one of black America’s worst enemies, BET! Point blank, I’m calling for a boycott of that pawn of ignorance and wasted potential. When black America’s biggest “Tom,” Bob Johnson dropped Ed Gordon and Tavis Smiley, I knew it was time to stop watching. Secondly, without calling any names of particular stations, we’ve got to stop tuning into this mainstream pop rap radio garbage that plays the same top 20 foolish branded songs that aren’t even chosen by us. If you can’t find any positive hip hop radio, broaden you and your child’s mind. Try digging into some Classical, Reggae, or Jazz (90.7 fm-WNCU). Artists such as Gang Starr, De La Soul, and Digable Planets used to eat up some Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock samples. Next, do not purchase for yourself nor your child any music made by artists who disseminate ignorance and promote savaged thinking. There’s a difference between spitting reality and shedding sh**. Lastly, if you’re a parent, understand that it’s your responsibility to filter as much as you can what your child listens to, at least under your own roof. To those I offended….good! Maybe more of us will begin to wake up. Regardless of what anyone may say, the music we listen to does matter and does affect us. If that wasn’t the case, us grown folk would put on some EPMD instead of Luther or Teddy P., when it’s Mr. Nasty On a lighter note, I would like to take this opportunity to pay homage and call respect to several of N.C.’s home bred conductors of hip hop who have remained true to its original principles and code of honor: the very down to earth NCCU professor and international producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder, former NCCU students, the vibrantly world renowned hip hop duo Little Brother (What up Thomas?), Rawkus Record’s and UNC alum, the brilliantly hard-working ‘hip hop professor’ KAZE, two refreshingly fantastic emerging artists Murs and Median, 9th Wonder’s M1 Platoon, the young lyrical disciple also from NCCU, Mr. Jerry Blackwell, the highly insightful hip hop revolutionary, Mr. Solomon Burnett “aka” Kenyatta, and lastly, the exuberant cultural intellect, Pierce Freelon. Let me not forget one very special voice, the stylistic boogie-down sister, Yazarah (former background vocalist for Eryka Badu). Back in Annie Day (NCCU’s Honor Dormitory) we called her Dana. In conclusion, every person of African descent in America needs to go pick up Nas’ “Untitled” album immediately. Even if you aren’t a supporter of hip hop, go buy it for the purpose of intellectual cultural and sociological dissection. Hip hop’s infusion of Marcus Garvey and Langston Hughes really struck a chord of enlightenment this time. He had originally entitled the new album “Nigger,” but was forced to leave it untitled due to the political railroading by the U.S. Congress, Fox News, and the former militant himself the Rev. Jesse aka “Thomas” Jackson. When was the last time any of the aforementioned entities spoke genuinely for the rights of poor black people? My point exactly! I guess The Last Poets said it best…“N*gg*s are scared of revolution!” MUCH LOVE TO HIP HOP MAY IT STAY TRUE & LIVE FOREVER!! Rightchus Truth rightchus.truth@spectacularmag.com
<strong>November</strong> <strong>2008</strong> SPECTACULAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT Page Seven SPECTACULAR YOUTH OF THE TRIANGLE These <strong>Spectacular</strong> Youths are featured in this issue and will be honored at a reception on December 7th at Artful Greetings in Durham. They were nominated by members of the community and selected based on their achievements. Features begin on page 9. Photos: Maurice Noble JABARI FOUST DIONDRA COOPER MYCA TOWNES MIRANDA PATTERSON AMANDA DEVOE MAURICE TROY TAMEIKA RAMSEUR
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