 I just got an email from Toni Blackman of the Freestyle Union which is based in Washington DC. They are by far some of the dopest freestylers I've seen. They give new meaning to the phrase 'microphone fiends'. Anyway, Freestyle Union has been hooking up this cultural exchange of sorts with Hip Hop headz over in South Africa. The scene over their is definitely happening. I recently did a radio show that focused on some of the haps going on over there. I was happy to hear that it was very progressive in many aspects..There are dope freestylers, some cool radio shows and folks are definitely embracing the unifying and uplifting spirit within Hip Hop. At the same time I was troubled to hear that in some cities South African youth had adapted some of Hip Hop's seedier facets. The sensationalistic aspects of Hip Hop's 'East/West conflict was made known and now there are youth gangs that have formed 2Pac and Biggie factions. How sad. Hearing this made me realize the importance of my earlier remarks about owning the tools that present our messages. Who knows what sort of machinery was at work to highlight and promote that sad chapter in Hip Hop's history. Thank God Freestyle Union is over there breaking bread and helping bring a different side to the game. I believe Public Enemy will be touching down over there in the near future as well. As for Freestyle Union, they will be throwing down at the Millennium Celebration with President Clinton... That's right folks you heard it hear first.. A positive and very dynamic side of Hip Hop culture will be represented front and center on the lawn of the White House as we close out the century. It won't be no iced out kids in shiny suits and fur coats, sipping crystal and moet pretending to be players while getting played representing us. It won't be no bandana wearing, gang sign throwing, crotch grabbing, mean muggin', thugged out gangstas putting their imprint on Hip Hop. It won't be some kid who was manufactured, slickly marketed and heavily pushed by some major record company who's only concern is to get maximum exposure to sell records representing us. It'll be some folks who really represent the essence and more importantly the spirit of what this whole thing we call Hip Hop is about. Props and congratulations to Freestyle Union. I'm sure the First Family will get a kick out of hearing some dope emcees!
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