What I See - December⁰⁷ by D2Nott

Another year has come to an end.  Look at how far we have come.  Many were not paying attention at first and they now realize that we are doing the damn thing.  Thinking of what I was doing this time last year and smiling.  There were and still are many that doubt, but like a great man once said, the truth comes to the light.  What I see was was a great idea though I did not understand its significance at first. But I guess some people like the way I put humble thoughts on a page knowing that you would not believe me if I talked shit or shared some real life experiences month to month.  If you don't believe me take it from the HNIC himself:

Trying to treat things like it's the first time you did it Trying to treat things like it's the first time you did it is sometimes hard because after you gain a certain swagger its kind of hard to come off humble. One year since my father first posed the question of whether I would be interested in writing a monthly article; 12 months later here I am. Thanksgiving always puts people in a giving mood. An overused statement but it's better to give than receive, especially when you are able to.

Young Sapling

This young sapling that stands next to me, taller than I; but I with more rings, more branches that stretch in various directions, what do I say to him? He stands with me in the same grove, I have seen more sunsets, and I have witnessed more changes in season. He can only be what his DNA is, how can I ask of him what I still struggle to be? How can he define his goals and ambitions, when I, more than twice his age, have not attained my own? What does he see? Is he looking towards me or is he looking to the horizon?

What I See!!

I'm not quite old school, I'm not Hip Hop, but I am a part of rap. So he stands tall, wonder how and what his goals should be, should I emulate what I see on television? He comes from seeds, I'm not gangster, I'm not a thug, he can't change his DNA, and he can't change his skin color. How do I tell him that he will always be faced with the challenge, that his color defines people's perception of him without knowing him. That it's more than one battle, it is a lifelong war, to move to challenge, to conquer, but to conquer with love, and appreciation of those that went before you and those who are to follow...

No music playing in the background, but there is a beat, there is rhythm. I do I make it prophetic, do I use metaphors, because there is a vernacular of what he is accustomed to, what captures his attention. Do I quote the existentialism: of "I must find a truth that is true for me... the idea for which I can live or die" from philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. What about Chomsky, Shakespeare, Biggie, Tupac. Do I want to be poetic, and at the same time prophetic? Am I trying to entertain him or share some wisdom?

What he sees is no different; it's just from younger eyes.

Read full article: Young Sapling

NottHead

I guess being in college and having to read more than the average person gives me a different perspective than the average teen. Reading a little of the book "e thinking. Before going off on a tangent let me pose this question to you. "What happens to a dream deferred?" You are witnessing it now in hip-hop. With so much going on, hip-hop is at the forefront of most conversations along with the style and awareness that comes with it; the combination sets it apart from other music genres.

What we won't do for the love of the mighty dollar, but that'll have to be another month's topic. With another 2pac album set to release this December, and news that the Rick Ross album has been pushed back to February, just in time for the release of the Jordan XX3. The best is yet to come. Albums from Beanie Siegal, DJ Drama, Bow Wow and Omarion's joint album, along with Ghostface Killah, Chingy, Scarface, Mary J. Blidge, the Dream, Birdman, Scarface and Wu Tang all still set to release this year. Freeway, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Cassidy and Jay-Z are all experiencing individual success, having released albums this month. Not to forget Katt Williams' American Hustle (The Movie) and Mike Jones' movie American Dream are slated to hit stores just in time for Christmas.

Speaking of which, Jay-Z acquired the Artful Dodger clothing brand for $15 million dollars and signed rapper Jadakiss to Roc-A-Fella Records. It was also announced that a new 40/40 Club will open in Spring of 2008, inside of the newest hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, The Palazzo Las Vegas.  E-40 unveiled his latest investment in "40 Water" a flavored water/energy drink.

Don't think rappers are the only ones putting plans into action. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has teamed up with the National Hip-Hop Political convention to launch a crusade against police brutality in the African American community.  The goal of the Cease Fire Campaign is to educate and inspire people to rally around the countless victims of police murders, misconduct and false arrests in their local areas. www.Myspace.com/freeallpoliticalprisoners

You Owe Me

Every continent love when I spit it
Corners to blocks, even the cops feel it
Brothas on lockdown on their cots feel it
It's real in the field the Last Mohican
Who survived in the streets and did something decent
Now I got plans to buy the whole hood
Legit' now, I ain't gotta lie to no judge
I make hits now, money I flip now
Hood fella every honey wanna kiss now

Nas - You owe me

In other news, popular hip-hop DJ Funkmaster Flex has announced a partnership with Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit to promote Windows Automotive. Windows Automotive is a software platform designed to improve in-car "infotainment" for drivers. Hip-Hop stars Kanye West and Lil' Wayne are honorees in GQ's 12th Annual Men of the Year issue.  The story of legendary Hip-Hop collective The Juice Crew is coming to the big screen in a new movie titled The Vapors. Also, Mayme Johnson, the widow of Frank Lucas' mentor Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson, has a new book entitled Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson, Mayme Johnson takes aim at Lucas' larger than life image as she reveals the true extent of his relationship with the Black mafia boss.

I know that these are the days and times in which I build the foundation for manhood and the rest of my life. Modeling after success, laying a blueprint not just of the game but for life; without those before me paving the way you wouldn't be reading this article. Trying to put family first is not always easy, I know. It's pretty much understood that everyone is not going see things the way I do but that's probably why you are in the situation you are in and why I am laughing.

Not trying to "kick knowledge" or anything, it's just 'what I see.' Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

D2Nott