The Experienced Listener Says, "Platforms & Hustles: The BalanceBetween Fame and Activism"

#TAKEOVERFL

There’s a disco that occurs in our society every time a new cause rises up.   It starts with a call to action.  That call reaches the common people first.  And then, eventually, the common people start relaying the call to people of great influence, who may be able to do some things that common people generally can’t.  The first group of influential people… are typically deaf.  More concerned about maintaining their influence than using it, they distance themselves from controversy and agitation by all means.  The other group, however, receives the call.  And then something significant happens--- that group subdivides.

The Experienced Listener Presents: YHAP (Young Hearts At Party), by F.Durty

The Experienced Listener Presents:  YHAP (Young Hearts at Party), by F. Durty



[caption id="attachment_1950" align="alignleft" width="300"] Young Hearts At Party Album Cover[/caption]

I’m writing this review with a hole in my roof.  Now, just meditate on that for a minute…

The Experienced Listener Presents: Joey Bada$$ “Summer Knights” vs.Killer Mike & El-P “Run the Jewels”

This is the first article of my “Vs.” series of reviews.  Rather than do a lengthy breakdown of one album, I take two albums that I feel are of similar caliber and aptitude, and I pit them against each other.  This isn’t a sanctioned fight; if you want that, continue to debate about Born Sinner and Yeezus.  I want to take vs. to a secluded location where we can really get technical and highlight some raw talent in its raw state.

Summer Knights by Joey Bada$$

[caption id="attachment_1902" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Summer Knights Album Cover[/caption]

VS.

[caption id="attachment_1901" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Run the Jewels Cover[/caption]

Run the Jewels by Run the Jewels (Killer Mike and El-P),

First, let’s get familiar with the artists:

The Experienced Listener Says, "Rock the Mic Wit Akuma Beads!!"

[caption id="attachment_1893" align="alignright" width="118"] My SFA2 heads feel me on this one...[/caption]

There's an affinity between Hip Hop and martial arts, ya'll know it.  "Wu-Tang Clan", anyone?  "Battle" rapping?  C'mon, it's obvious.  Matter of fact, what got me hooked on the Street Fighter series was when I saw Chun Li do her Whirlwind Kick, because it looked like the windmill/headspin that a Hip Hop break dancer would do.  But with more sexiness of leg action.

The Experienced Listener Presents: King Remembered In Time, by BigK.R.I.T.

[caption id="attachment_1848" align="alignright" width="300"] King Remembered In Time by Big K.R.I.T.[/caption]

The Experienced Listener Presents:  King Remembered In Time, by Big K.R.I.T.

Me and my students don’t have the same tastes in music.  …I hate to admit it, but I’ve gotten old; even at just 30, when I say “Goodie Mob”, my students are totally oblivious to the movement called Soul Food that came out in 1995 (Age Against the Machine drops August 27^th by the way!!)