2-Kaep

Under much scrutiny for his 2016-2017 kneeling protest against police brutality during the National Anthem, Colin Kaepernick has become the most popular sports activist of today. Many players have stood behind his protest and knelt with him in their efforts to bring attention to police brutality in America. The protest has yet to win. Many people claim that they oppose the "technique" or "strategy" that Kaepernick has chosen, rather than what he is protesting. Opposers claim that Kaepernick and others are "disrespecting the flag and those that have served this country in the military." Kaepernick has been vocal about what he is protesting and to not get it confused with military veterans and people that are serving this country today. But people aren't hearing him out on that. Even the President, Donald Trump, has been vocal against the protest referring to protesters as "Sons of B******." A lot of people felt offended by Trump's remarks and knelt in "unity" and "solidarity." To me, it seems like the new protesters are standing together against Trump and not against police brutality. There are others like Ray Lewis who said on camera that they were against Kaepernick's display of protest. Claiming that he [Lewis] does too much for the community and military servants to kneel during the anthem. Lewis later finds himself on both knees during the national anthem after Trump's sons of b****** comment. Many people have taken the side against Kaepernick. Do they see his vision of peace? Or do they only want to see whats in front of them? Are they hearing his cry for justice or too caught up in his "deviant" actions? To me, it seems like its just Kaep against the world.

Recently Colin Kaepernick was spotted with a Me Against The World t-shirt with 2pac on it. 2pac is known as one of the most influential rappers in hip-hop for many reasons. He was very outspoken, passionate, genuine, talent and creative. A lot of the time 2pac was criticized for his "Thug Life" approach. For those in the media portraying 2pac, they saw a rebel, outlaw, or even menace to society. For those that had the privilege to be around him would argue against that. Those who read between the lines of his lyrics could hear his cry for justice, change, and improvement in run-down communities. Others that couldn't argue that 2pac only glorified the streets and gangster lifestyle. In the song Me Against The World he touches a lot of issues that happen in many Black communities. He also takes an approach of painting graphic horrors of the hood to grab the listener's attention. A few lines in the song resembles Kaepernick's fight today.

At the beginning of the first verse, 2pac says "Can you picture my prophecy?" He then dedicates a whole verse to problems that occur in many predominately Black communities. He touches on police harassment, people dying from gunfire, growing up seeing people die, children being drawn to that lifestyle, friends dying from this lifestyle, questioning his own life, and feeling like there is no hope to change. Before closing the verse with "It's just me against the world, baby" he challenges the listeners thought and says they only notice us when we are shooting and that no one notices the youth. Kaepernick this whole time has been trying to paint the picture of what police brutality is. It has startled people. He has also shed the light of some communities that suffer from unfortunate circumstances. But can Y'all really picture his prophecy?

"When will I finally get to rest through this oppression? They punish the people that are askin' questions" 2pac highlights oppression and how it makes him feel during the opening of the fourth verse. He also exposes what happens to those that start asking questions to their circumstances. It's ironic because this has literally been Kaepernick's situation for the last two seasons. What many may see as an act of heroism a lot of people in power see as deviance or a threat. As a punishment, the well-established quarterback has been released from the San Francisco 49ers and has not been picked up by any of the other 31 teams in the league since his release.

"Politicians are hypocrites, they don't wanna listen" 2pac then gives a quick reminder that politicians have done little for communities that are suffering. Yes, they have implemented some government assistantships that help many people, but never anything to tackle the root of the problem. It's quite obvious that they don't care when people cry for help then get gunned down for crying. Kaepernick has seen this when the whole country is talking about police brutality and the political correctness between Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter and not the issue itself with innocent people being murdered by someone with a badge. Kaepernick and others have been protesting over a year now, yet the only thing being talked about is the flag itself and not the reason people that have lost their lives.

Colin Kaepernick's protest and 2pac's art is one in the same. Both have powerful messages and stand for justice for the people. As you can see 2pac has had an influence in Kaepernick's life. He heard the cries of 2pac, embodied the qualities that 2pac has stood for and it shows today. Kaepernick has made a pledge to donate 1 million dollars to organizations in the inner city communities. Many media outlets have yet to highlight these actions and continue to paint Kaepernick as a menace like they did 2pac. The connection between the two is so deep and enjoyable, this is why we hip-hop.

My Second Dreamville Experience

Ahhhhh, it was the Summer of 2015, my favorite artist (J Cole) just put out his platinum solo album (2014 Forest Hills Drive) in December, and I have two tickets for me and my best friend. The venue was at DTE, not my favorite place to see a concert, but then again it's not my least favorite. We had seats under the pavilion. This came in handy once it started to rain on everyone that had lawn seats for the show. Even though we had good seats, we wanted to move closer to the stage. We ended up moving directly behind the sound booth. We were so close to the sound booth that we could hear conversations being had in the booth. I really didn't think anything of it. At first, I was thinking it was cool that we were in the middle of the whole concert.

As the first performer (Omen) left the stage I felt excited and ready for Cole to come out and do what he does best. Right before Cozz and Bas hit the stage, I notice that Omen is walking in the crowd to a seat. I tapped my friend in excitement not thinking that he was about to sit right in front of us! Omen went to sit at the sound booth. Without hesitation, I shouted his name. Unexpectedly, he turned around. I reached out my hand for a handshake and told him that I enjoyed Elephant Eyes and his music. He thanked me with a smile and continued on with his day. As a Dreamville fan that was an exciting moment because he has been working with Cole for years now. Day one fans will understand that.

After Cozz and Bas finished performing, it all felt real. J Cole is in the building and the only thing stopping me from seeing him perform is YG. Before YG came out, I noticed a few people walking down to their seats in an almost too calm manner. It turned out to be Cozz (the newest addition to Dreamville at the time). And guess where he's headed, TO THE SOUND BOOTH. At this point, I'm thinking we just came up big time. He was too far for me to shake his hand, but I did get his attention and told him that I appreciate his music.

No more than 20 minutes after I just met Cozz, I notice a bigger man walking through the stands interacting with the crowd giving high fives, taking pictures, and giving hugs. The man himself, Bas. At this point, I was just so caught in the moment that I forgot that I was waiting on Cole to come out. Like the others, I told him I appreciated his music and shook his hand.

This day was very special to me. I met the majority of my favorite rap group. I also had the chance to see my favorite artist for the first time live. Along with seeing them, I spent a good day with my best friend. Many things happened leading up to this day. At first, I didn't think I was going to the concert. Another best friend of mine was killed in a motorcycle accident a week before the show. I wasn't feeling up to going out at the time. But my friend that went to the show with me talked me out of my slump and encouraged me to go and enjoy the show. Going to the show did indeed cheer me up. Especially because I got to meet some artists that I connect with deeply.

Legacy- Jay-Z (Sean Carter)

This blog I will be covering Legacy by Jay-Z. I will not break down the whole song. I will highlight parts of the song that I like and break down how they are relatable to the "real world."

"Daddy, what's a will?" This is the opening to Jay-Z's final song, Legacy, on the Summer's smashing album 4:44. These words are spoken by his daughter Blue Ivy Carter. It is incredible that he starts the song off this way because it is his daughter asking him about what a will in which he further explains in detail throughout the song. Wills are something a lot of African American people do not think about but desperately need. I, unfortunately, come from a family, on all sides, that does not prepare wills for the family left behind. A lot of people in my family do not even think about wills. I hope this song brings the importance to them and answer the questions they may be confused about, like Blue Ivy.

"She might start an institute
She might put poor kids through school
My stake in Roc Nation should go to you
Leave a piece for your siblings to give to their children too"

This lyric right here is profound. Referring to his daughter, he highlights something positive that she could do with the money that he plans to give her. A lot of the times people may come off selfish with the money they have been given. Or may not spend it wisely. He then mentions his stake in the Billion dollar company that he started up with a few partners. This stake is one of the greatest things that we know Jay-Z for. Now people can reflect on their own lives and see their largest stake as something they can pass down (i.e., house, car, business, money. etc.). Next, he includes Blues siblings by suggesting to leave some of the money for her siblings. Some households have more than one child to the family. This mindset of spreading the wealth is key. The mindset of everyone eating or succeeding together is what pushes a group of people further. Finally, he mentions what would be his grandchildren. It is important to remember that a will should continue on to the next generation. It would do the family no good if there was only one successful generation.

"That's called the Red Queen's Race
You run this hard just to stay in place
Keep up the pace
You run this hard just to stay in place"

The Red Queens Race refers back to Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There, by Lewis Carrol. The Red Queen makes Alice run while the land beneath her is moving which makes it hard for her to move. This is the concept of working so hard just to keep up. Those who are not left in anyone's will essentially start at the bottom of the totem pole and have to work very hard for what they earn. Others that may have received something may have a head start in life essentially. We've also heard this concept "keeping up with the Jones'." Having a will that you are a part of can help you go further in life or get you on your feet quicker.

The Lyric that I can relate to the most is:

"General wealth, that's the key
My parents ain't have sh**, so that shift started with me
My mom took her money, she bought me bonds
That was the sweetest thing of all time, uh"

My father was never in my life, and if he were, he wouldn't have much to offer. My mother, on the other hand, had nothing given to her throughout her life and had to earn everything that she has seen in her life. She had me at 20 years old and didn't have much going for her at the time. Since then, she's been stuck "working" and not so much "living." She has been stuck in the Red Queens Race trying to keep up with the Jones'. It was hard growing up seeing her struggle with bills and other finances. She works much harder than she has earned, and her sacrifices one day will pay off. Her greatest investment in this world has been me. She has taken out thousands of dollars worth in loans to pay for my college tuition. I have not gained one scholarship before and during my time in school. It has been straight out of her pocket. I am forever grateful for this act. Not many people have parents who will take that risk in their child, but she see's something in me I didn't see in myself. That act alone is the shift that will change our family forever. I won't say much about my plans and how I wish to see the future unfold for my family, I'll leave that to Jay-Z. He scripted what many people have encountered and experienced in this song. He has also opened a light for people who have not seen such acts of kindness and generosity. He is why hip-hop matter, he is why we listen.