The father of Hip Hop, the GOAT and reigning King of Hip Hop has blessed us with an album. it is a mixture of some of the typical shit that he provides us with. From bars, to interesting sounds through production, and even his voice, but most importantly this album is a master class.
As I've said above I believe that Jay Z has given us many blueprints (pun intended), from how to stunt masterfully, to clever ways to make people know how aware of the current he is. to his ability to be vulnerable, whilst still making the audience feel like he's still holding back. That is the beauty of the Carters, but specifically with that man.
He spoke about his relationship, the role he played in the hurt of his love. To expressing his love for his mother even though her sexuality would have been a huge problem for some. His inability to understand some of the ways that many people express their wealth publicly (specifically rappers with the money on the ear situation). However, I have a few thoughts on what I feel might be one of my issues with Jay Z, and his financial plan, especially for the black community.
Twitter went crazy as people started listening to album, from people already calling it a classic, to some trying to dissect every aspect of the stories, and teachings he poses to us. As I went through the album, I found myself really feeling uneasy especially when it came to the idea of using the blueprint that has been laid down by white people, and ultimately white supremacy, in pushing us forward, to get us economic freedom. It is ultimately hard to take financial advice from a man reportedly worth $800m. But for me it's the idea of how do we get into the door of operating in the system he's telling us to get into, if that very same system was NEVER made for us to thrive? How do we invest money into our communities when many of us can barely survive?
Even with those questions I fully understand where he is coming from as he said he's giving us "a million worth of advice for 9.99". His advice is valuable, because how many black people are in those places that he is at? There aren't that many, so when one comes back to give us game, we should listen. But just remember to listen, and still give yourself room to critic that game.
Ultimately, all I have to say is take it all in, listen, comprehend the information being given to you and learn. Financial freedom is going to take some work, it won't happen over night. Keep working, keep grinding, and hopefully we will all get there... Eventually.
Peace.
Leh xx
Saturday, 15 July 2017
Tuesday, 11 July 2017
What is the problem with being famous for being famous?
It is almost 2am (South African time), and I immediately got the thought of the "beef" that society has with famous people, who apparently don't have any talent.
Now, I know people are already thinking of Kim Kardashian West, or Paris Hilton, or any of our favourite cast members of the Love and Hip Hop franchise, and in South Africa you can think of Skolopad or Zodwa (whom I love btw), and the way that they get portrayed through the media, as well as on social media.
What is our beef with them? Is it that they are watering down the idea of what being famous is? Are they making a mockery of it? Are they hurting the image of our women? Or are we just mad that they dared to be true to them, have a strategy, implement it, and get some money off their personalities? Are we mad that these women, in particular, had the gall to be who they are unapologetically, without fear or sorrow?
I say "we" because up until I started my journey to being "woke" I realised that their choices do not affect me, and therefore why am I mad? So I delved deep within, and realised that I am not mad at them, I don't even know them. What I am mad at, is the fact that this "society", that I not only benefitted from, but followed its "rules and regulations", is a farce. A farce because the way that society works doesn't take into account the differences, talents and capabilities that people have.
We can't all make music, act or do any of the things that would constitute as a talent. So what happens to those that do not have a traditional talent? The people who have capabilities that can't be measured through the spectrum of a talent, do we just leave them to fend for themselves? Or do we let them be who they are, go along the journey with them, grow with them, and consume the product that they provide us with.? Which just so happens to be THEM.
We can't police people anymore like we used to, we don't have that right. If someone makes a choice that puts us at any risk, we have social media to "drag" them, and let them know. But making fun of them shouldn't be the first trope that we turn to. We all should do better to lift them up, support them and help them change their lives and ours, because maybe, just maybe, we might learn something from them.
Love,
Leh xx
Now, I know people are already thinking of Kim Kardashian West, or Paris Hilton, or any of our favourite cast members of the Love and Hip Hop franchise, and in South Africa you can think of Skolopad or Zodwa (whom I love btw), and the way that they get portrayed through the media, as well as on social media.
What is our beef with them? Is it that they are watering down the idea of what being famous is? Are they making a mockery of it? Are they hurting the image of our women? Or are we just mad that they dared to be true to them, have a strategy, implement it, and get some money off their personalities? Are we mad that these women, in particular, had the gall to be who they are unapologetically, without fear or sorrow?
I say "we" because up until I started my journey to being "woke" I realised that their choices do not affect me, and therefore why am I mad? So I delved deep within, and realised that I am not mad at them, I don't even know them. What I am mad at, is the fact that this "society", that I not only benefitted from, but followed its "rules and regulations", is a farce. A farce because the way that society works doesn't take into account the differences, talents and capabilities that people have.
We can't all make music, act or do any of the things that would constitute as a talent. So what happens to those that do not have a traditional talent? The people who have capabilities that can't be measured through the spectrum of a talent, do we just leave them to fend for themselves? Or do we let them be who they are, go along the journey with them, grow with them, and consume the product that they provide us with.? Which just so happens to be THEM.
We can't police people anymore like we used to, we don't have that right. If someone makes a choice that puts us at any risk, we have social media to "drag" them, and let them know. But making fun of them shouldn't be the first trope that we turn to. We all should do better to lift them up, support them and help them change their lives and ours, because maybe, just maybe, we might learn something from them.
Love,
Leh xx
Sunday, 2 July 2017
Music Is Eternal.
My love for music dates back to the time where I would hear songs being played at home. My childhood not only brought me to the beauty and fantasy of television shows like Dallas, but also music was a constant.
I was introduced to rap music from my uncles who would make us watch the Up In Smoke Tour, that had the likes of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg as headlines, but also the beauty of South African music, that was showcased on the Graceland Tour. My upbringing as tough at it was at times introduced me to music, my first love. Things have changed though, especially in Hip Hop, and this might ruffle some feathers, but I love the change. I've embraced the change, I might not understand or know these artists, but fuck it, I love it.
Part of me starting this blog again, is the fact that I'm hoping to move onto a different phase of my life. I'm finishing school next year, starting my company, growing a platform that has meaning and direction, and ultimately building a future for myself. Now a lot has changed, apart from Beyoncé still being the queen of everything, and the fact that she has two fresh babies to add onto her glory. Musically things have evolved. Migos released a platinum selling record (they also proved to be just like every cis hetero male out there), Kendrick released a body of work that is critically acclaimed., Young Thug decided to release a country-soul-rnb-trap album. I fell in love with SZA and h.e.r. Then Jay Z happened, and the world stopped (at least till Donald Trump or Black men decided to ruin it).
As it is accustomed many think pieces and ill-informed takes were posted (unsolicited off course), that left all of us rolling our eyes, trying not find their locations so they can catch these hands. But part of the beauty of a social network like Twitter is knowing that people are bringing you into their minds, and thus their world. Yes, social media isn't always a reflection of the world, but the ability to get an instant idea of what some people think when an artist, especially one like Jay Z, drops an album. Part of the beauty of Twitter is getting a glimpse into someone's thoughts, which to me is a beautiful thing that we don't appreciate and honour enough.
However, there are some takes we just don't need to hear from. We don't need to hear how you wont listen to any of the new releases because its part of the "sheep mentality", no one needs to hear another reason why you think Black Women need to submit to their men, or that homosexuality is a westernized thing. Nope. Spare us. Let us enjoy and consume what the Lord allowed these amazing entertainers to bless us with.
Even with everything going on in the world, trans black women getting murdered at alarming rates, the SA Government not leading with the people as their primary concern, black men talking about black women as if we are their property, or that we don't matter, I was still able to revel in the glory of Black music around the world. I learnt about Giggs (through Drake's offering), Stefflon Don (through the podcast Gyalcast) and h.e.r (through another podcast The Friendzone). I was pleasantly surprised by Cassper Nyovest's Thuto album, I am enjoying the different offerings from Wizkid and Davido.
Ultimately music is everything to me. It keeps me sane, makes me happy, it gets me to reflect on my life, and where I want to go. Music is my lifeline, and I am nothing without it.
If you haven't heard of any of the artists I've mentioned above, please go and check them out. Support them, show them love, keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Peace and Love Always.
Lerato.
I was introduced to rap music from my uncles who would make us watch the Up In Smoke Tour, that had the likes of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg as headlines, but also the beauty of South African music, that was showcased on the Graceland Tour. My upbringing as tough at it was at times introduced me to music, my first love. Things have changed though, especially in Hip Hop, and this might ruffle some feathers, but I love the change. I've embraced the change, I might not understand or know these artists, but fuck it, I love it.
Part of me starting this blog again, is the fact that I'm hoping to move onto a different phase of my life. I'm finishing school next year, starting my company, growing a platform that has meaning and direction, and ultimately building a future for myself. Now a lot has changed, apart from Beyoncé still being the queen of everything, and the fact that she has two fresh babies to add onto her glory. Musically things have evolved. Migos released a platinum selling record (they also proved to be just like every cis hetero male out there), Kendrick released a body of work that is critically acclaimed., Young Thug decided to release a country-soul-rnb-trap album. I fell in love with SZA and h.e.r. Then Jay Z happened, and the world stopped (at least till Donald Trump or Black men decided to ruin it).
As it is accustomed many think pieces and ill-informed takes were posted (unsolicited off course), that left all of us rolling our eyes, trying not find their locations so they can catch these hands. But part of the beauty of a social network like Twitter is knowing that people are bringing you into their minds, and thus their world. Yes, social media isn't always a reflection of the world, but the ability to get an instant idea of what some people think when an artist, especially one like Jay Z, drops an album. Part of the beauty of Twitter is getting a glimpse into someone's thoughts, which to me is a beautiful thing that we don't appreciate and honour enough.
However, there are some takes we just don't need to hear from. We don't need to hear how you wont listen to any of the new releases because its part of the "sheep mentality", no one needs to hear another reason why you think Black Women need to submit to their men, or that homosexuality is a westernized thing. Nope. Spare us. Let us enjoy and consume what the Lord allowed these amazing entertainers to bless us with.
Even with everything going on in the world, trans black women getting murdered at alarming rates, the SA Government not leading with the people as their primary concern, black men talking about black women as if we are their property, or that we don't matter, I was still able to revel in the glory of Black music around the world. I learnt about Giggs (through Drake's offering), Stefflon Don (through the podcast Gyalcast) and h.e.r (through another podcast The Friendzone). I was pleasantly surprised by Cassper Nyovest's Thuto album, I am enjoying the different offerings from Wizkid and Davido.
Ultimately music is everything to me. It keeps me sane, makes me happy, it gets me to reflect on my life, and where I want to go. Music is my lifeline, and I am nothing without it.
If you haven't heard of any of the artists I've mentioned above, please go and check them out. Support them, show them love, keep an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Peace and Love Always.
Lerato.
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