Another Installment of Somebody Scream! (The Radio Show)

Yesterday marked another successful run of Somebody Scream! (The Radio Show) as part of the WBAI's bi-annual Hip Hop Takeover marathon. Following a summer of preparation, I'm proud to say it was another great program. Guest included journalists Akiba Solomon and Ta-Nehisi Coates. The discussion centered on the political climate leading into the presidential election as well as the history being made during this election. In between the talk, DJ RPGEEZ provided the mix, doing turntable tributes to Public Enemy and the late Isaac Hayes. Thanks to the producer of the Hip Hop Takeover Ifé Dancey for, again, including Somebody Scream in the marathon's line-up. And this year, we added a give-a-way for listeners who received, what else, a copy of my book. Below are posted two MP3 files of the show because, as part of the marathon, the show preempted two regular WBAI shows in the middle. But check out the show and let me know what you think.

Part 1

Part 2

A Chuckle on Obama's Elitist Profile as a Step Forward for Black Folks

Instead of getting upset at criticism of Obama as the "elitist," why not see it as the progressive evolution in the public image of African-Americans. At least that's the way The Onion portrays it in this hilarious video. Man, how far we've come, indeed. Oh, and pass the Grey Poupon...

Portrayal Of Obama As Elitist Hailed As Step Forward For African Americans

Quiet Subversion: A Quick Look at a T. Monk Rebellion

It's been a minute since we last blogged. Been putting the final touches on another episode of my radio show "Somebody Scream" as part of WBAI's Hip Hop Takeover (Hint: it's coming Saturday, August 30). But for the resurface, I just wanted to post a video of REAL anarchist-graffiti, a historical and classic piece of smooth subversion by the legendary Thelonius Monk. I think this clip is from 1958 for the TV show Sounds of Jazz. Don't take my word for it: that's what the guy says. But I just love this clip because it's an example of how black folks can raise hell, turn the world upside down and pluck white supremacy in the nose—all without saying a word or breaking a sweat. Below, check out Monk doing his classic "Blue Monk" while the equally legendary Count Basie looks on, giving a smile/smurk at Monk's piano playing. Tension between old and new school? Who knows. Either way, watch how the bassist and drummer look on Monk admiringly as sound leader. And check out the baffled host (the white guy), looking confused, trying to wrap his brain around the sounds he was hearing. While, in the middle of it all, an emotionless Monk, in bamboo shades, snap cap and suede shoes, hunched over the piano, conducted melodic anarchy. Ebony magazine, not long ago, did a cool issue and didn't include this man (at least from what I saw). For shame...LOL. I know we're in an age where youth is king and the Now is what's hip. I say screw that concept and always dig in the crates of history, especially if it's the best....

Radio Discussion of the Politics which Gave Rise to Hip Hop

Still on the book promo grind. This time it's a radio interview on WICN's Inquiry with Mark Lynch. More than just the music, this discussion wholly involves the politics which gave rise to hip hop culture and hip hop music. Give a listen and join in on the discussion....

A Note on the "Swing Vote"

My point about the New Yorker not wanting to really parody the hick racists who think Obama a terrorist Muslim and Michelle an angry black radical because it's not profitable is proven this weekend. The biggest comedy this weekend—probably the biggest film this week— will be the film Swing Vote, about the fate of a presidential election hinging on a white southern, uninformed, male voter. Instead of parody or satire about this group, we get Jimmy Stewart-like feel-good cinema about the lovability of this segment of America. i.e. We don't want to upset the apple cart or the money train or the true symbols of America. That's it. I'm done on the cover issue.