Tag Archives: Philosophy

Profound Hip Hop Quote #13: Homage to Philly Edition

2 Apr

“PSK, we’re makin that green
People always say, “What the hell does that mean?”
P for the people who can’t understand
How one homeboy became a man
S for the way we scream and shout
One by one I’m knockin you out
K for the way my DJ kuttin
Other MC’s, man, they ain’t sayin nothin
Rockin on to the brink of dawn
I think, Code Money, yo time is on”

—Schooly D, “PSK, What Does It Mean?”

When people think about the origins of hip hop music, they immediately think of New York.  Of course, much respect is due to New York; however, there were and are many talented rappers who hail from Philadelphia.  This month, I would like to pay homage to some of the Philly rappers from the past and present who have made an impact on this culture and on me.

I was in grade school when Schoolly D released the song, “PSK, What Does It Mean?” in 1986, yet I will never forget the first time I heard it.  While I was outside playing, this guy walked by with a huge boom box on his shoulder with the base blaring for all to hear.  The instrumental was alluring, and the way the guy was rapping over the beat was so mesmerizing; I couldn’t help but bop my head and try to sing along to the catchy hook.  Even though the song was not played within my household, I heard it booming from people’s cars and radios at school, in the neighborhood and at the park.

Are these lyrics the most profound; not quite, but it’s the hidden message behind the entire song that is extremely notable. When I was very young, I learnt about acronyms and thought it was so cool that this guy was using them in a song.  Years later, I learned that PSK did not stand for what I thought it stood for: according to the song.  It actually represented the Park Side Killas, a street gang from West Philadelphia.  I grew up in a neighborhood called Logan, in Northwest Philadelphia and was only a naïve sheltered child, so I knew nothing about  gangs nor West Philadelphia.

In researching further, I found that Schoolly D’s song  is often recognized as one of the most influential gangsta rap songs and played a significant role in the molding of future gangsta rappers such as NWA and Ice-T.  PSK is a perfect example of how some people become so attracted to the beat that they either do not take the time or just are not mature enough to know what the song is really talking about.

When is the last time that you did more than listen to the beat an actually analyze the song?  Do you just automatically sing along or hop out on the dance floor without knowing what the artist is really saying?  Even though I do consider the song to be a classic, Schoolly D taught me a valuable lesson; a song is more than a solid beat and words.  Dig deeper to find the true meaning.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
An acronym is a word created from the first initials in a series of words such as PSK which means Park Side Killas.

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Ten Things: A Celebration of Women

31 Mar

Tanya Harris, mother and sisterDuring Women’s History Month, most people acknowledge well-known actresses, political figures and activists for their accomplishments and all that they have done to help women in the past and present, but what about the others who often go unrecognized.  It is the last day of Women’s History month, and though we should celebrate women year round, I could not allow this Women’s History Month to go by without celebrating women who have made a direct impact on my life.  Unfortunately, I cannot name everybody because it would be never-ending, but I would like to pay homage to some that immediately come to mind.

PS.  If your name is not on the list, please note that it doesn’t mean that you haven’t positively impacted my life or had a major influence on it.  I have much love and respect for everybody who has ever supported me directly or indirectly.

  1. My mom: She has always supported me and instilled me with values and ethics.  Also, she knows the importance of a good education and kept me motivated about all of my endeavors.
  2. My sister: Even though our personalities can be night and day at times, we’ve developed such a strong bond over the years.  She has been there for me, gives me sisterly advice when needed and accepts me as I am.
  3. My grandmothers (Maternal and Paternal):  It was such a blessing to be able to grow up knowing my grandmothers.  Interestingly, they were polar opposites, but I learned a great deal from both.  They taught me so much about life, struggles and overcoming obstacles.  Also, I learned how to bake cakes and cookies from my paternal grandmother.  I miss them both dearly.
  4. My best friend: Since grade school when we realized we had the same beauty marks between our eyebrows we have been like sisters.  It’s great when we get together and share goals or just have girl talk.
  5. All of my female relatives (Aunts, Cousins, nieces): Yes, I must group these relatives because I couldn’t dare exclude one.  They all have either had a hand in raising me, growing up with me or making me the person I am today.  Family is important to me, and I love when all of us women and girls are able to talk and enjoy each other’s company at family functions.
  6. All of my female teachers and professors:  Without them, I would not have such wonderful people to emulate.  Many of their teaching strategies and techniques I have employed in the classroom.  Something that most of them have in common is that they love what they are doing and display a caring nature.  Even though many of them may have retired, I’m sure they still expound wisdom.
  7. Former Supervisor at Rosemont College: She taught me so much from my time as an undergraduate  student then employee of Rosemont College.  She has always been encouraging and made it very clear that she was proud of me when I received my Master’s degree from the college.  I’m glad we still have a relationship today after my departing from Rosemont.
  8. Friend from my former place of employment (I’ll refrain from naming the place as a courtesy):  When the environment became extremely toxic and I found myself in an emotional turmoil, she really supported me and prayed with me regularly.  Though it was a difficult situation, I didn’t feel alone, and I thank her so much for being a friend and confidante during my time of need.
  9. Former direct supervisor at Delaware County Community College:  This woman is so sweet and caring and genuinely wants what is best for the college, especially the students.  She took a chance on me as an adjunct instructor with only a year experience, and within a year requested that I come on as a temporary full-time faculty member.  Without her, I would not be in my current position as an Assistant Professor of English for which I am so grateful.
  10. The Mystery Women:  There are so many people whom I have yet to meet or have met briefly who will have a positive impact on my life.  I would like to thank you all in advance and hope that I have been and will be as influential as these wonderful women have been and will continue to be for me.

Please feel free to share your comments.

All the best,

Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

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Love for the Devil

30 Mar

People just need to admit that they’ve got love for the Devil.
Before you think my life must be disheveled
let me level with you.
I’m not a heathen;
I’ve got my reasons for this strong assertion.
By all means, I’m a spiritual person,
which is actually what got this thought picking at me,
Won’t rest: it’s what’s getting me to speak out.
No doubt, the devil has his place
in most religious doctrine
having bouts with God and his people, including me of course.
But what I’ve observed is how some folks treat the two
like they’re equal
giving this “Devil” what desires.
Cue the sanctimonious choir to bellow out
“The Devil is a liar!”
Of course, he is…but is he the only one?
Yes, we’re all guilty of telling a lie or two
omitting the truth,
but some people lie to themselves about how much
they want or even need the Devil in their lives
almost as much as they need God.
Sounds twisted don’t it?
Well, let me break it down for you.

Thank God for that new ride,
but rebuke the spirit of Satan as the repo men
hook your car up to the tow truck.
Made you get that Audi A6 hot off the lot
on a minimum wage pay check
Was it not you who failed to be circumspect?

Wow, look at how God moves!
Blessed you with the perfect spouse.
Shortly thereafter, calling out Lucifer
as the reason for your broken house.
Life is just not fair!
Forced you into having an affair
because you have no free will right?

Thank God for the job interview you thought you’d never get.
Stressing about receiving your last unemployment check.
Now you want to dance all over the Devil’s head.
Had you dead tired, hung over
celebrating the night before
for a job you ain’t even got yet!
Dancing on his head?
More like a warm embrace as you waltz through the
church
mosque
temple doors
letting him take the lead.
Sounds like that’s what you want to me.

Praise God, you dodged a bullet!
That’s all you need is one more mouth to feed.
But come next month
it’s all on the Prince of Demons
when your semen got you
caught up with baby mama number five
Why?

Just stop it!  I got it!
Who truly wants to experience shame?
Most look for a way to shift the blame.
Don’t give a second thought to God
teaching you a lesson
or that your so called mishap
might actually be a blessing.
Got to love that Devil!

by Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

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Ten Things: People Past and Present I’d Love to Meet

28 Mar

Tanya HarrisYears ago in grade school, my teacher gave us an assignment: write an essay about someone you would love to meet and why?  Of course, I selected someone  famous because who wouldn’t want to meet someone who’s famous right?  Then in high school, the very same question was posed again.  However, this time we were to develop a list of interview questions and this “person” about the impact he or she has made on society.  For me, this would be more than a famous person but a person whose existence clearly impacted the world or just me on multiple levels in a positive or negative way.  Most recently, I posed this question to one of my classes, and it made me start thinking again about who I’d love to meet.  Of course, there are more than ten people, but these are some people I’d love to meet for both selfless and selfish reasons listed in alphabetical order.

  1. Common (Lonnie Rasheid Lynn)
  2. God*
  3. Langston Hughes
  4. Martin Luther King Jr.
  5. Maxwell
  6. Michael Jackson
  7. My Great Great Grandmother
  8. Oprah Winfrey
  9. President Barack Obama
  10. The Childhood Version of Myself

*Of course, God is not a person, but who wouldn’t want to meet God and have a relationship with him prior to actually dying?

Who we want to meet and why we want to meet them says a lot about ourselves.  Please stay tuned for detailed reasons behind my selections, and feel free to share your thoughts and selections with me as well.

All the best,

Anonomz aka Tanya

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Profound Hip Hop Quote #12: Special Women’s History Month Edition

26 Mar

“It’s been three weeks since you’ve been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again
‘Member when he told you he was ’bout the Benjamin’s
You act like you ain’t hear him then gave him a little trim
To begin, how you think you really gon’ pretend
Like you wasn’t down then you called him again”

—Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”

Oftentimes, I hear both women and men utter disparaging remarks about the other in regard to behaviors and treatment and that they’re only after “one thing.”  But do people acknowledge their own roles as enablers in the way they are being spoken to or treated.  For example, some women will say guys are nothing but dogs.  Even though I do not necessarily agree with that statement, let’s analyze it for a moment.  If guys are dogs, there is no denying that they still come in different breeds and will require proper training based on their breed.  Also, I ponder over why these very same women who claim that men are dogs allow these “dogs” to take them for walks instead of the other way around.  They say, “A dog is always going to be a dog,” or “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  Curiously, some women never stop these “dogs” who are “barking up the wrong tree” then seem so surprised when they receive ill treatment, are used or are only sought after for sex when the “dog” made his intentions clear from the beginning.

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge an exceptional female lyricist and vocalist who is still revered by true followers of hip hop music.  Even though people are still awaiting a follow-up CD to Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” she will always be one of the most powerful female rappers of the 90s.  Even in 2011, many female artists aspire to have rhyming skills and a stage presence that she has.

In “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Lauryn Hill drops knowledge about a circumstance that occurs more frequently than most would like to admit: relationship misconceptions.  When people enter relationships, the hope is that they will make their intentions known.  Nevertheless, there are people who ignore the signs and pretend that they didn’t know what the “deal” was until everything starts to unravel.  How can you make a person love you let alone like you when he (or she) has made it clear that he (or she) is only there to dog you or use you?  Most people know that sleeping with a person is not the answer, yet they find themselves traveling down this route anyway then wondering how they ended up stranded on the highway of love and desertion.

Take heed to what people tell you and show you early on in a relationship rather than ignoring the signs; then you may be able to avoid heartbreak in the future.  As Lauren Hill says, “You act like you ain’t hear him then gave him a little trim.  To begin, how you think you really gon’ pretend.  Like you wasn’t down then you called him again.”  Too often do people, not just women, compromise their values, ethics and standards to be with this guy or girl who has made his or her intentions clear: a relationship with a rock solid foundation is not the objective with these people, so why think that is what you will receive?  If you want more out of a relationship and want to be treated with a certain level of respect, you must first treat yourself with respect, and accept nothing less from those with whom you come in contact.

Women’s History Month is drawing to a close.  Don’t let it go by without expressing yourself by paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Lauryn Hill abbreviates the word “remember” to “member” for dialectical and meter  purposes.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote Week #10: Special Women’s History Month Edition

12 Mar

Yes, I’m blessed, and I know who I am
I express myself on every jam
I’m not a man, but I’m in command
Hot damn, I got an all girl band

—Salt n Pepa, “Express Yourself”


How comfortable are you with expressing yourself? Sometimes this task can prove to be difficult for women.  How does a woman successfully express herself while gaining the respect she deserves from her male counterparts without being perceived as overly aggressive or too emotional?  Should women even care about how they are perceived when they are expressing their “true” selves?

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge two great female lyricists who truly paved the way for female MCs who preceded them.  Salt (Cheryl James Wray) and Pepa (Sandra Denton) are one of the most powerful female rap duos of the 1980s and 90s.  They addressed issues such as being independent, love, partying and enjoying life  and even practicing safe sex.

In “Express Yourself,” Salt n Pepa encourage the listeners, both females and males, to be themselves and not feel the need to assimilate or to follow behind others just to fit in with the crowd.  Specifically, in the lyrics provided, Pepa rejoices in knowing how blessed she is and declares, “I know who I am.  I express myself on every jam.”  Do you know who you are, or are you a mere carbon copy of what you think people expect you to be?  Pepa also acknowledges that she does not have to be a man to be “in command”  without bashing men.  Instead, she acknowledges her own achievements in having an “all girl band.”

We are all “blessed,” in one way or another and mustn’t be afraid to express our “true” selves.  Women, especially, must hold their heads high and be proud of who they are.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that you are original?  There is no one in the world like you.  Even if you have an identical twin or a doppelganger (out there somewhere) your personalities and fingerprints are not alike.  So why would you not want to be you?  Your uniqueness is what makes you special.  Knowing that I am special with unique talents and gifts has definitely helped me  with embracing the idea of expressing my “true” self.  Don’t let this Women’s History Month go by without expressing yourself by paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Salt n Pepa use the standard couplet rhyme for these specific lyrics.  However, she does employ  an internal rhyme in the second couplet focusing on the assonance of the “and” sound: “man,” command,” “damn” and “band.”

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #9 Special Women’s History Month Edition

5 Mar

Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind
If you don’t believe, well here, listen to this rhyme
Ladies first, there’s no time to rehearse
I’m divine and my mind expands throughout the universe

—Queen Latifah and Monie Love, “Ladies First”


Are you a lady who is empowered or has empowered others?  Do you know any powerful women who have or are presently paving the way for others?  Perhaps this person is your grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague or mentor.

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge one of the great female lyricists to command respect as an MC and a person.  Queen Latifah, aka Dana Owens, may only be known to some as an actor, or a Cover Girl model who occasionally releases a jazz and R & B compilation.  Nevertheless,  there once was a time when she was a force on the microphone as a rapper.  Over twenty years ago, Queen Latifah teamed up with London rapper, Monie Love, to give women a voice and to acknowledge how far we have come and why we are deserving of respect from our male counterparts.

Queen Latifah implores the listener to not simply accept what others say but to create her own destiny.  “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind.”  Most people have heard the old cliche phrase, “Sometimes people are their own worse enemies.”  Unfortunately, many women give up or choose to use their sexuality instead of their brains before they even get a chance to enter the game of life because they do not think they are capable of meeting their goals or being respected as women because of brainwashing and conditioning.  Even though women may need to assert themselves in a more fastidious way than their male counterparts at times, this does not mean that they cannot or will not be victorious.

We are all “divine,” but women must also recognize the power of the mind.  It starts with a thought; then it will manifest itself throughout the universe.  Be positive, embrace your “womenhood,” and do not allow anyone to suggest that you should come second; take care of yourself first.  If you are a man, embrace the women in your life.  Support them in their endeavors; give them the respect they deserve.  Just think, Queen Latifah’s song, “Ladies First” started out as an idea and became a classic empowerment rap anthem for ladies.  It has definitely impacted my life and a multitude of others.  Don’t let this Women’s History Month go by without paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Queen Latifah uses the standard couplet rhyme for these specific lyrics.  However, she does employ  a slant rhyme for the first couplet focusing on the assonance of the sound: Blind and Rhyme.  The long “I” sound resounds.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #8

26 Feb

“We spent the last year writing rhymes doing shows and chopping records
And traveled all around the world to spread the message
‘Cause ain’t no rest for the weary when it comes to my team
We only sleep on December the 32nd”

—Little Brother, “Not Enough”


At what lengths are you willing to go to achieve what you want out of life?  Will you fight for it at any cost even when it does not seem plausible or reachable?

Little Brother, one of the most talented rap duos birthed in the 21st century, did just that! Though Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh’s talents and tight lyrical abilities have been lauded by most underground artists and “hip hop heads,” they have often been unrecognized by “mainstream” hip hop listeners and radio stations.  Perhaps it was due to lack of promotion or lack of awareness on behalf of music listeners; nevertheless, for nearly ten years, these guys did not stop, and I loved being a part of their sleepless journey.

Interestingly, I did not hear “The Listening,” their debut CD until a few years after its original release.    Their sophomore album, “The Minstrel Show” was my first listening experience, and I did not know what to expect from such a controversial title.  However, I loved every song and interlude and understood why the CD had such an intriguing title. I then thought to myself, these guys from the “South” are flawless, and their rhyming skills ant witty usage of figurative language cannot be denied!

When I heard these lines in “Not Enough,” I knew that many people, not just underground “hip-hop heads” could relate to their plight.  Even though there is this constant struggle of being accepted and striving to reach their goals, they managed to persist.  Do you fight for what you want?  Once you realize what you want, do you establish clear, concrete goals, and apply yourself wholeheartedly to reach those goals.  No matter how unattainable they may seem to be or how mentally or physically exhausted you may be, there “ain’t no rest for the weary.”  While you sleep on your dreams another day goes by with no progress being made, and there is probably someone living out the dream you so desperately want to be a reality.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Little Brother’s Phonte is the czar of figurative language  and witty rhymes.Perhaps is was his college education at North Carolina Central University or his exposure and affinity towards poetic techniques.  Regardless, the lines from “Not Enough” contain a compelling example of an allusion, which means an indirect reference.

“We only sleep on December the 32nd.” As you may know, or should know, there is no December 32nd.  Why doesn’t Phonte simply say, “We never sleep?” He selects a date that does not exists to not only pique the interest of the listeners but to stimulate their minds requiring some critical thinking to realize this fact.  What makes this line so brilliant is he chooses a date that would be the last day in the year if it did exists, which suggests that he has worked all year non-stop yet still refuses to “sleep.”

Also, Phonte has a lyrical finesse when it comes to rhyming.  Some rap artists simply rhyme word like, “cat” with “hat” or even “cat” with “cat” again.  This would be considered an ab or aa rhyme.  Phonte, incorporates an aaba technique using slant rhymes.  This is where part of the syllable of a word rhymes through consonance (rhyming of consonant sounds) or assonance (rhyming of vowel sounds).  When one reads “records,” “message,” and “32nd” he or she may say, “that doesn’t even rhyme!”  On the contrary, it does.   Upon listening to the song, the “eh” sound in re-cord, mes-sage thirty-sec-ond can be heard.

Lastly, Phonte uses the word “sleep” which could easily be substituted with “stop.”  Why “sleep?”  Of course, it is being employed in this instance as slang, but Phonte has something much more meaningful in mind.  Why sleep when you can live out your dreams?

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #6

12 Feb

“Love, life, music: this is what it sounds like.
Letting the good times overshadow the bad,
as long as we alive, that’s a reason to be glad
Love, life, music: this is what it feels like.
Many ways to die one way to live,
turn negative into positive.”

—Nicolay featuring Eye Plus Eye, “Love Life Music (Remix)”

What is love?  What does it feel like?  What does it sound like?  Is it always about romance?  With Valentine’s day approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to select a song that addresses love in some way.  At first, I wanted to use a romantic rap song, which is difficult to find these days.  Then it occurred to me that love is more than romance, and perhaps we’ve gotten too caught up in the commercialization of Valentine’s Day focusing our attention more towards the expectations of cards, hearts, flowers, chocolates, dinner, jewelry, etc.

The first time I heard Nicolay’s CD “The Dutch Masters Volume I” I was drawn to the mellow, melodic sound and authentic beats and was then initially introduced to one of the featured artists Eye Plus Eye.  His lyrics are so simple yet so profound.  Instead of the common phrase, “Live, Life Love,”   or “Love, Life, Laughter,” which can be found on many types of decor, he rearranges the order and includes music as an essential part of his life.  I’ve always been extremely fond of music because it has often worked as the catalyst for my thoughts, actions and life.

The lyrics of this particular song suggest that we let the good times overshadow the bad. Conversely, many of us harp over the little things and do not acknowledge the many blessings bestowed upon us.  Are you getting so caught up in how much you “hate” the snow during the winter instead of loving the fresh air and the ability to actually shovel snow while others are bedridden or cannot even walk?  Are you bitter and angry because you have “no one” special in your life to love you  or believe that your life has nothing but negativity?  Have you ever taken the time to fall in love with yourself and with life?  Perhaps you’re not as alone as you think and have not reached out to your family and friends who may feel just as lonely or dissatisfied with their lives.

Love is about more than romance; isn’t it?  Everything may not be perfect in your life; I know it is not in mine.  But I am constantly learning and have been making the effort to embrace spirituality while controlling my thoughts and actions, thereby leading me to a more positive existence.  Negative versus positive: It’s all about perception right?   This is a journey we all must take.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:

Nicolay & Eye Plus Eye’ title for this track allows for an excellent lesson on the significance of the comma and how it can change the meaning of a phrase or sentence.   The title, “Love Life Music” includes no commas; interestingly though, if one was to insert a comma after “life” it would give the impression that the song is about a person’s “love life” versus each word standing on its own yet collectively representing something more.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #5

5 Feb

“These cats drink champagne and toast to death and pain,
Like slaves on a ship talking about who’s got the flyest chain”

—Talib Kweli and Hi Tek, “Africa Dream”

February is Black History month; it is a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of our ancestors and how they have impacted the lives of not just Black people but all people.  I’ve always been a fan of Talib Kweli since the days of Black Star.  He is a true lyricist and often tells it like it is while teaching lessons through his music.  The first time I heard “Africa Dream” I was lured in by the beat of the drum  and absolutely captivated by the lyrics.  Then I heard the last lines and kept pressing rewind thinking to myself, this is one deep brother…not just a common day rapper.

Slavery is a part of our history and always will be.  Nevertheless, it has not stopped many Blacks (Notice I say Blacks, not African Americans, because this includes the entire African Diaspora) from being successful and making positive contributions to society. Sadly, there are several of us who are so far removed from the past struggles of our people that we fail to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.

Why glorify killing and celebrate playing a role in the deterioration of our communities?  Is it just in some peoples’ nature, or is it a learned behavior?  Is it all about survival and no longer about what is morally and ethically acceptable?    Maybe it’s all about the new slave masters: blood and drug money, so-called power and superficial respect.

Presently, we are faced with several racial, gender, culture, class and religious issues that involve all people.  What role are you playing in our future?  We must all be held accountable for our actions, both good and bad.  When you reflect on what you are doing or what you are saying will it be perceived as a detriment to society or something that is going to catapult us into greatness?

How absurd would it be if Kunta Kinte bragged about the chains that bounded him while he lay across from his friend on the slave ship? Are you really bragging about the “figurative” chains that are keeping you enslaved?  Are you chasing after that money at any cost: your family, your friends, your own life?   Maybe you’ve worn the chains for so long that you’ve become accustomed to them and simply consider them to be a way of life.  It’s not always easy for anyone, including me, to do the “right” thing while in chains, but we can all start searching for the keys to unlock ourselves from the mentalities and situations that have kept us enslaved.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:

Talib Kweli has a few attributes in these particular lines. The first is slang.  Using the word “cats” to represent “men” is one.  More than likely, Talib chose “cats” because people often make the reference to “cool cats.”  Of course, these “guys” think they are “cool.”  Talib also uses “flyest,” which can be considered the “best“ or as nice as it gets.  Lastly, it is no coincidence that these are the last lines presenting an excellent example of an analogy.  The guys glorifying death and pain are being compared to slaves in chains.  He could have used a different correlation; however, this connection with slavery makes the impact that much more powerful.

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