Toni Jones- "Who Am I Without Work" - Official Video: Reflections

 Full circle story:

In my time of reflection of the past 12 years as an educator, I’m having to tell myself some truths. One of these truths is that I have been unable to fully process my accomplishments because I’ve kept my eyes on my greater goal. I’ve been glad but not satisfied. I’ve sat in gratitude but just for a moment before I’m on to the next thing. I was abandoned in this work and my response was to carry it all by myself because I could only control me. How could I let the kids down? How could I let the vision fade away? I’ve been on the spin cycle for too long. And yes, I crashed. It's making challenge even more this grind culture, even when you are serving youth.

Today, I had breakfast with one of my Black Student Union (BSU) grads and her mother. They recounted opportunities, events, trips, connections that she participated in and she found a love for game design as a result. They appreciated me for doing so much for them. She is now a lead game designer at a game studio. But I’m just one part of the village that needed to cultivate the seed her mother planted in her.

Impact, to me, has levels. Her story should be the norm not the exception. I disagree with W.E.B. DuBois’ talented tenth theory but it takes a strong, supportive and highly intentional village to increase the percentage. I’m in this for the outcomes. For these post college meetups that credit BSU as having some part in putting them on a career path they love. Not only that, but they come back with the heart to serve the next gen.

She wants to encourage more Black girls to get into the field. She wants to be a mentor and help with resume writing. She wants to teach and help ME now develop a platform for 'gamified' education- I told her my interest and hesitation about going back to school.

Her mother said (speaking about the bigger picture), “No, you don’t have to do everything anymore. She went to school so she can come back and help you too!”

I accept.  🥰

...And because my mind is open to see confirmations everywhere... a song. If you are struggling with your feelings about work, working hard, the grind, etc. LISTEN TO THIS and let me know how you feel after in the comments.

Tyler the Creator- "Find You Wings" - Official Video: Reflections

 

The Afrofuturism Discovery Academy, founded by Sherinda Bryant, seeks to help Black youth discover who they truly are using correct history and positive affirmations so they can re-envision themselves and their purpose for the future. In the genre of Afrofuturism, the rules as we know them do not exist. We can use our beautiful imagination to time travel, explore other worlds and we can even fly. We have a new course that expands on this flying concept that is called "This is Why I'm Fly". In this class, students go back to the earliest historical accounts of people who could fly. Yes, there are stories that enslaved Africans took flight and returned to Africa. We go through some of those accounts and students come to their own conclusions about what happened with those Africans. Certainly, the concept of flying has been used in so many mediums since then. We take a look at some of those uses and discuss the metaphor and themes. What does it mean to you to fly? Why are we so fascinated with this concept of being like a bird, having wings, taking to the sky and escaping some reality? How can we re-envision our current reality so that it becomes a place/society we don't seek to leave?

Link to book

We've heard it before, it starts with us. Tyler the creator challenged listeners to find their wings. To realize their true identity and not the one that we adapt because of our environment. These lyrics stuck out to me: "You can't swim, you're gonna drown, the sharks are comin'... The sky's your home, there's no limit...". This reminded me of a proverb about asking a fish to climb a tree. Why would you ask someone that is not accustomed to a certain environment to be able to live and thrive in it. It's a false expectation. This mentality implies that all humans have the same values and experiences. Not true. Some people get uncomfortable because they refuse to believe this. So in this song, Tyler tells us that we must find OUR (own) wings. Wings being a metaphor for motivation perhaps, for passion, for confidence. This, I believe, must begin with an analysis of what is important to us, our family and our culture. This helps us know ourselves so no one else can put into our minds the version of us that best fits their agenda. After that, finding our 'wings' becomes easier. So, do you really know who you are? Where you come from? What are your values and dreams? Let these answers prepare you for flight!

Koto The Friend - "For Troubled Boys" - Official Video

I remember when Kendrick Lamar, started out like this, a dope underground Emcee with the kind of lyrics that could educate and impress you at the same time.  Nowadays the emphasize of lyrical content is finally coming back slowly but surely and Koto is definitely one of the new rappers who has embraced the genre with respect.

Dreamville - "Under The Sun" (Ft. J. Cole, DaBaby & Lute) - {Official Music Video}

While Covid has had the country on lock we are now back with a vengeance.  Our first feature this month is actually old by date but still dope #AF.  We have some new writers set to post a brand new vibe to UnsungHipHop.  But in the meantime checkout this fire below.

Nick Cannon - "I can't breathe...again!" - {Official Video}

Let me be the first to say I was never really accepted Nick Cannon as a rapper.  Don't get me wrong he's a talented brotha, but his commercial style is not my cup of tea.  That being said I'd like to note that this is the first time we've ever feature Nick Cannon.  This piece is more poetry than rap, and he kills it the message is clear and the words are razor sharp. 

Thundercat - "Dragonball Durag" - {Official Video}

It's not often we post non HipHop artist on our site but when we do it's normally for artist like Thundercat.  When I first heard of this guy I was like WTF now this is what Real R&B is made of.  He's probably like the Andre 3000 version of soul music with his eclectic style and unique voice.  But don't take my word for it checkout the video below.

After Gayle King Dissed Kobe Bryant She Tried To Bate Lisa Leslie To Join The Shenanigans - {Video}

We try to keep our site focused on the unknown and underrated artist in HipHop and Soul music.  But it's been brought to my attention we need to be more informative with out platform when it comes to our culture.  

I agreed, my attempt was to just focus on the art not the artist personal affairs or gossip.  But after further discussion with my team (all 9 of my personalities) I decided to post news worthy events more often.

I've been a fan of Willie D since the Geto Boys, and now he's hosting the kind of News station we can all love and appreciate.  In this clip I 110% agree with his commentary on Gayle and Oprah.  They are definitely working for Team Butter Biscuits, they continue to publicly throw dirt on our black icons.  Please watch video below it's very informative.

Falz - "Talk" - (Official Video)

Falz is a Nigerian Emcee, talks about REal social issues and not just glorifying negative stereotypes of black people.  Which further proves my case that the international HipHip scene is in its Golden Era while American HipHop is mostly stuck in the "Trap House".  I'm Just saying bar for bar we are losing in the conscious HipHop genre. 

James BKS - "New Breed" (Ft. Q-Tip, Idris Elba & Little Simz) - {Official Video}

Probably of the the most diverse collaborations in music this year.  With James BKS behind production Q-Tip, Little Simz, and Idris Elba on the mic, you would be surprised what they came up with.  But hey it's what we do on this site introduce some of the most dopest underground music we can find.  

KOTA The Friend - "For Colored Boys" - {Official Video}

KOTA, is one of the dopest lyricists of his generation and without any hooks, his music still reaches the masses.  Hands down one of my top 10 Emcees next to Kendrick Lamar and J Cole.  This is more proof you don't have to follow any trends or industry standards to succeed in this business.

Murs & 9th Wonder - "God Black / Black God" - {Official Video}

Any real HipHop enthusiast knows you can NEVER go wrong with a Murs/9th Wonder collaboration.  Correct me if  I'm wrong but these two have more classics than Eric B & Rakim.  The point I'm trying to make is when you have great chemistry it gets better over time and these two are a perfect example of HipHop done right. #NoAutoTuneAllowed

Rapsody - "Ibtihaj" - (Ft. D'Angelo & GZA) - {Video}

Today we bring you another very underrated Emcee,  Rapsody.  Like most artist we feature, Rapsody has over 10 years of proven credibility skills in the industry, yet no major exposure on the mainstream radar.  Oh yeah that's right she has too many clothes on and she speaks with intelligence.  The masses don't seem to like black women saying anything empowering.  But let's remember when we STOP supporting garbage it will seize to exist. 

Kevin Gates - "Push It" - {Official Music Video}

Kevin Gates is probably one of HipHip's most misunderstood and very underrated lyricist.  His honesty gets him in hot water on social media but it's not like he's not saying what most people are afraid to say.  

Nevertheless, he's a standup guy who doesn't bite his tongue to be politically correct, and that's why I rocks with this young King.  His music isn't for everybody but they always have a subliminal message that makes you think.  Check him out below and tell us what you think. 

Sampa The Great - "Black Girl Magik" (Ft. Nicole Gumbe) - {Video}

This Zambia born Emcee/Poet has taken the internet by storm. With her flamboyant African inspired attire and dope lyrics to match she is simply awesome.  Based out of Sydney, Australia this artist doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon.  
Her visuals are so hypnotizing and her conscious driven lyrics are blistering with great clarity and depth.  All I can say is wow...!! Can you name another mainstream artist who is NOT getting naked on camera and talking about money, hoes, or cars?  Exactly my point !! 

NAS - "It Ain't Hard to Tell" (Cookin Soul Remix) - {Animated Cartoon}

See this is a perfect example of a classic HipHop song with timeless lyrics.  "It Ain't Hard To Tell" is probably over 30 years old yet the lyrics are still relevant today.  That's the difference between REal HipHop and Mumbo Jumbo Rap.  Nothing will top the art of spitting Bars when it's all said and done true art will always prevail.

Teyana Taylor - "Gonna Love Me (Remix)" Ft. Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon - {Official Video}

Greetings REal HipHop heads, we just had to showcase this Golden Era tribute to HipHop starring Teyana Taylor.  Whom I didn't even know she was a singer alone with being an actor.  Needless to say, I noticed this remix due to the legendary ensemble from the WuTang Clan. 

 This single was done beautifully and respectfully highlighted old and new genre R&B/HipHop collaboration.  We need more young artist to embrace the veterans in the game.  Make sure you check this talented young woman out below and give respect to the Gods who did cameos plus laid down some phenomenal bars.

OSHUN - "Blessings On Blessings" - {Official Video}

It's an a true abomination that female rappers are narrowed down to one individual representing the culture.  There is a reason they don't shine the light on Emcees with a conscious, they can't control them.  Because dumb music don't insight riots or any form of justice, they just sell records.  Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying music with out a conscious merit is totally all bad.  But there needs to be more of a balance in the music industry,  I'm just here to make sure REal lyricist like OSHUN get the same recognition and credit those other mainstream clowns get.  

Ari Lennox/J. Cole - "Shea Butter Baby" - {Official Music Video}

The marriage between HipHop and Soul music when done correctly has always been a staple in the urban community.  Before mainstream we had Jazz which sometimes included a singer and what was call "scatting" artist which was a early form of rap.  

J. Cole and Ari Lennox does an excellent job at keeping this tradition alive.  I haven't heard something this dope since Method Man and Mary J Blige which is a certified classic.  Let us know who are your favorite HipHop & Soul collaboration.  Peace for now ...

Flying Lotus - "More" (Ft. Anderson .Paak) - {Official Video}

This week we are featuring one the dopest underground artist since Andre 3000, Flying Lotus.  What I like about Flying Lotus is that he's not afraid to push the envelope taking the culture to another level while staying true to its roots.  I sense a day we will be back in a new Golden Age of HipHop in the next 5 years.  We all know that REal art doesn't die it comes back around full circle.

Hopsin - "Picasso" - {Official Video}

Hopsin is one of those highly skilled underground lyricists who is highly misunderstood.  Being one of the smartest rappers in the game doesn't come with a whole lot of fan appreciation.  But they do last the test of time, Hopsin has proven himself time and time again.  

Yet in my opinion, he has failed to capture the mainstream audience.  Don't get me wrong despite not being signed to a major label he has become a successful millionaire and probably has more money than your favorite rapper.  But if rappers were paid on lyrical content and complex bars he would be a billionaire. I've been a fan since the beginning when he sounded like the "Black Eminem ". I mean he did admit it was Em that inspired him to rap so yeah I can see why.  Just imagine a Hopsin and Eminem collaboration, now that would be epic.