I love all these articles about cultural appropriation that doesn’t discuss cultural misappropriation. They entertain gestures of humility but don’t explore the presence of guilt because of blatant acts of thievery and disingenuous concern for today’s hottest and most stigmatized topics.
Originally, Macklemore inspired this piece. The Grammy’s, life, Ghostface Killah’s legacy inspired this. And then I figured I shouldn’t write this out of anger, just in case my emotion causes the message to be blurred. Oh yes, Robin Thicke, you are not Marvin. It’s not so much about race as it is about the audacity of people incapable of being dignified enough to tell the story as it is.
Wallabees are significant. His Staten Island, fast-paced flow is what made him Ironman. His enigmatic flow and sick storytelling style is why you copped Supreme Clientele.
At 3:57 Monday morning, my newsfeed was flooded with status on whether or not the natural hair movement needed to be properly defined. I find that definition is always required when Africans attempt to heal thyself. Jamilah Lemieux wrote an honest piece for Ebony.com. It’s why I like her. Then, naturally, Nikki of Curly Nikki responded. It is clasped onto the wings of a Kumbaya song. I have had dreadlocks since the 4th grade, I am now 29, and it “ain’t been no crystal stare.”
Exclusion and inclusion are interesting concepts. Inclusion only becomes a problem when the party who created the tools and ideals of it are blacklisted. Robeson because of his loud disdain for racism. James Baldwin had to live black in Paris. Ya’ll wouldn’t let Ali be great. Historically, ringleaders of the exclusion clubs abhor being the victims of segregation. Absentmindedly, they can’t comprehend why we all just can’t be friends or that finding peace, enlightenment and renewal are often gradual, personal journeys one must take. There’s a damn near invisible line between flattery and pilfering.
Many would argue that this isn’t the real issue. But we be of two identities. The issue is history. For far too long, others have written our story. Plagiarists have penned lies. It is important for those yet to come to be aware of the numerous, authentic features of African people; the long list of our innovations; and that our heritage does not begin with slavery. The truth needs to be properly documented—verbally, in print or otherwise.
There is no need for polls or debates when the truth is apparent. When it is told both the heart wrenching and heartfelt then maybe we could be good real friends.
BECAUSE colorblindness don’t solve a thang.
Cherchez La Ghost lives forever. Did Du Bois think it would take us this long?
The Karamoko Way 
I love it. But please don’t hold back a thing. Be angry. Let it flow
I feel like we talk about this so much, I don’t have anything to add to the topic lol but what I will say is Cherchez La Ghost is the shit! But seriously, I think what’s more sad is the people of African descent, or Black people, or whatever word one uses to describe our people, is when we don’t know we created/started something. I will never forgot when I was in college and a friend of mine really thought Asians or more specifically Japanese people invented b-boying/break dancing. So on top of it being appropriated, they have people thinking they created it.
“It’s not so much about race as it is about the audacity of people incapable of being dignified enough to tell the story as it is.”
I think that sums it up in a good way though, give credit where credit is due.
Wait. Hold up. Not breakdancing
YES BREAK DANCING! I was mildly offended, especially because it was a woman who proclaimed to be a lover of music/hip hop culture
Not possible lol…she must of just like rap & love the jabbawockeez
“They entertain gestures of humility but don’t explore the presence of guilt because of blatant acts of thievery and disingenuous concern for today’s hottest and most stigmatized topics.”
Do you think there is a presence of guilt? If so, by whom?
Yes but shrouded by greed…like dang I know this ain’t right but let me rock out to this Jamaican beat…I.e. gwen stefani
And/or its dubbed artistic evolution…or they say music sees no color
I just don’t think they feel guilty about it lol if they do, like you said, it’s shrouded…pushed way down in the jungle DEEP (catch that reference?) 😉
Lmao..yes I do lol
“They look to us for the latest trends, but when it comes to residuals they look right past us.” – Illmatic …Our culture is so rich and hard not to imitate; yet, we’re the only ones that don’t benefit from our own inventions and creations and turn it into generational wealth. Too many wannabe MLK’s and not enough real Malcolm’s!
Definitely. Nas knows what’s up!