“These transcontinental urban griots echo the despair, pain, and anger of the South Bronx and Harlem (the world's two major rap centers), which a lot of the cool-jerk white liberals and b.s. black bourgeoisie don't want to hear.”
Originally published January 21, 1981
“Too many people who profess to like rap don't distinguish among its many historic and stylistic differences. Only by placing Rakim in context do you appreciate his mastery”
Originally published August 25, 1987
“Blunts have made it fashionable to smoke pot again. Just about nobody in hip hop circles smokes crack or cocaine anymore.”
Originally published June 22, 1993
Rappers make their livings being articulate, and there's no one better to articulate the '80s from an Afrikan, youthful, working hip-hop perspective
Originally published January 2, 1990
“It’s clear to me that four new African American character types have been crucial in shaping this country over the last 20 years — types that began germinating in the ’70s and blossomed in the ’80s.”
Originally published March 17, 1992