Album Art & Public Address Intro
I chose the cover for this CD because I was trying to convey to the masses that it was all about trying to make the world a better place. I felt that the masses would most easily recognize and identify people like Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, and Nelson Mandela, as people who dedicated their lives to positive change. I decided to put them up on Mount Rushmore to suggest the idea that we as a society should be marveling at monuments of heroes of social justice and not men of power who perpetuate inequality. As, I said on the CD's Public Address Intro, the actual Mount Rushmore monument was made on Native American stolen land, and it was made with assistance from the K.K.K. In the intro I basically wanted to give people a reality check and to introduce some of the types of subjects that were to come. On the back of the CD we featured a painting from my friend Popx, who is an artivist who paints entire walls and buildings in the UK and NZ with amazing art pertaining to social justice. He and my other amazing friend P1, a similar type of ultra talented artist from the UK, created the image on the front of this CD. He also did the images on the front and back of the CD that would follow this one (Tha People's Music). The Popx painting on the back of this CD is of a huge group of people demonstrating and holding a sign reading "United for Peace & Justice" with an amazing quote from Dr. King about poverty and social justice above them.
The Camden 28
After seeing the documentary film of the same name I felt compelled to try and bring more attention to this compelling story. Rappers like Biggie Smalls were famous for telling stories and I thought this was the type of story a rapper could and should be telling. Like the film, I wanted to build the story and save the surprises until toward the end. I felt I could make the story accessible to an audience that wouldn't spend the time watching a political documentary like this one. It was incredible to see the excitement of the documentary's director telling me of when he first heard the song. It was memorable to meet actual Camden 28 member Father Doyle and perform in his church in Camden, NJ years later at a peace festival. The most amazing thing was when another actual Camden 28 member, Eugene Dixon, told me of how his grandchildren had seen the movie and heard of what the Camden 28 did, but they never cared until they heard my song. From that point on Dixon was a hero to them. That is one of the stories that inspires me and demonstrates to me the power of political hip hop.
Universal Healthcare
I wanted to address many topics in this one and primarily how, why, and where we should have universal healthcare. Years later on my MisEducation CD I felt I did a better job addressing the topic but I am still proud of this song as well. I also felt it was important to talk about where the money really goes when the authorities claim to be helping an area out in talking about specifics like football stadiums and fancy universities in poor communities. A frequent collaborator, "Why," (as in why do we kill people who kill people to show that killing is wrong?) contributed by performing some of the hook vocals and by helping me in the writing process to keep the hook short and simple so that it would be more memorable and powerful. There have been many amazing times where crowds would chant the hook with me at live performances.
The Real News
I wanted to explain to people that the news is not objective and does not simply report facts or what is going on. The corporate media (all the major/mainstream media) prioritize making as much money as they can (profit). Seeing more social justice and equality is simply not a part of their business plan. They are a business, they always side with authority and virtually never with the people, and they almost never investigate or seriously question business or governments. I listed some examples in the song of independent media who prioritize human needs over amassing profit. On future CDs I would list more examples on the inside packaging and in songs as well. People will continue to be misinformed until and unless they find alternative sources of information that produce content in everyone's interest, and not just the interests of the rich and powerful. Currently, I often recommend Democracy Now as one of the best sources of independent media.
Intelligence
I felt the rhyme patterns on this one were formidable and highly advanced. The important connection to make here is that the CIA is the US government. With them overthrowing democratically elected leaders in other countries, supplying weapons, training, and funds to ruthless, dictators, locking up people without a trial in Guantanamo Bay and secret prisons around the world, and spying on US citizens, it doesn't make much of a case for the US being a democracy. Because the CIA is known for phone taps, I thought it would be creative to use a studio effect that made the song sound at times like a phone conversation or a dispatch.
Free Your Mind
There is a ton of hypocrisy in religion that I addressed here. I also conveyed the idea that it's be great if people actually followed the true message of Jesus and other religious figures and loved everyone, renounced violence, and helped the poor. I paid homage as well to religious people who have set a great example like Father Michael Doyle of the Camden 28 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Equality
Homophobia and heterosexism are rampant in our society and in hip hop and I wanted to take a strong stand against it and to make the statement that gay people should be treated just like anyone else.
They Don't Want U 2 Know
I liked the bounce to this track that producer Ox made and I especially felt it was important to address the idea that diamonds and other jewelry are just rocks. On this one I sought to convey many critical facts and ideas that people should know and be concerned with.
The Real News Remix
I had too much to say about the problems with main stream (corporate) media so I did two songs about it. When looking for a beat one of the studio engineers came up with the idea to flip the track for The Real News backwards. We liked this backwards version of the beat even better than the original! I'm proud to say many crowds have chanted the first part of this hook along with me at performances.
Global Warming
People have really appreciated me performing this acapella at events dedicated to environmental justice. I wrote it for that purpose. One organizer said nothing the first time he heard it. He just gave me a hug and seemed like he was near tears to see that a rapper could take on an important subject like this.
Take My Advice
Along with Its Time this was one of my oldest songs I eventually would release. I loved the mystical sound of the track. I'll always remember that a young gay man told me that he was moved to tears the first time he heard it. I felt the third verse was the most powerful but I had fun with the entire concept here.
Keys to a Better World
I felt the concept on this was at times very advanced but that it was also very simple: Here are the three basic problems; and here is how we can fix them. The production quality is lower than the other tracks because this track was recorded in a studio in Philly that was far inferior to my usual studio in Blackwood, NJ. I still love the flow and how it goes with the beat and how I was able to break down the message. Producer Andyman of the UK told me he made this beat and others like it when he was dealing with insomnia. I loved the mystical, middle of the night vibe.
Outside the Box
Producer GPH of the Netherlands was talking to me one day on MSN Messenger and he sent me a picture of a red sky he had just taken from outside his window. It was a surreal scene and soon after he sent me this otherwordly beat, which he said that he had made just for me. I think the music is a beautiful work of art on this one and so the lyrics are about not conforming, abstract art and ideas, and departing from the status quo (the norm). This was really the only track on this CD that wasn't entirely political. It also was about the idea of just being yourself and being original. I think fans of any musical genre from classical, to R&B, to jazz, etc can appreciate this piece of music.
Words from Pam Africa
This is a skit between songs from Pam Africa, a leader of The Move Organization in Philly. She is a fiery, powerful speaker who has fought for justice for decades. We have supported each others' efforts for years and Why recorded this from a speech she gave at Independence Mall in the city. Pam, like Mumia Abu Jamal who she fights for justice for, is good at getting to the roots of our societal problems.
Solutions
After hearing my 1st CD a guy wrote me and said, "Yeah, but what can I do about it?" I started writing this song as a response. In later CDs I'd suggest more solutions inside the CD packaging and in my lyrics like buying sweatshop free clothing, supporting independent and unionized businesses, buying only Citgo gas, getting only a Credo cell phone, and overall doing the best you can to try and help make this world better by working for a society based on cooperation and not competition.
End of the Newark March
This was a recording done by Why of Larry Hamm, a leader of The People's Organization for Progress in Newark, NJ. He is an amazing speaker and has worked for the interests of the people for decades. He hosted The People's March for Peace in Justice in Newark, NJ in 2007 and this was taken from that. In this track Larry talks about not having a chance to speak in Washington, DC. However, years later I am happy to say that I was there to see him do it. I was on stage that day in Newark with him and other people I admired like Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, the poet Remi Kanazi, Lady JAM (who sung the We Need Peace track from this CD), and others. Thousands attended this rally and march that day in Newark, NJ which is an area where it's harder to hide the true nature of this country.
F Bush (Remix)
This track really shows how I've evolved since it was written in 2006. I no longer rhyme using quasi curse words like "buck" or "ish" as I did on this song, because I've found more effective and direct ways to express myself. Looking back, I know it doesn't matter who is in office, it's a corrupt and decadent system that we need to fight. I hinted at these ideas in the third verse, which was added on for this album. The first two verses were from my first CD. This song was very popular in 2007 because of Bush's unpopularity at the time. If people got my CD because they hated Bush and thought getting rid of him would fix everything; they could learn that the struggle was much bigger than that and why by listening to the entire project.
It's Time (Club Mix)
My friend DJ Filthy Rich, a talented rapper and producer from the UK made this for me one night and I thought it showed his creativity and ability. He was a funny guy I enjoyed talking with and I was saddened to learn of his death before this CD was released. He was in his 20's. I'm not sure what happened exactly and I don't know much about it. I included this as a tribute to him. RIP DJ Filthy Rich.
Bring the Troops Home
I felt this would be a moving, perfect way to end the album. This memorable and rhythmic chant was started by Larry Hamm at The People's March for Peace and Justice in Newark, NJ and thousands were a part of it. I want people to roll their windows down and turn this up. I do this chant to this day with crowds as a tribute to Larry and to support the US troops by bringing them home from unjust wars of imperialistic conquest that do nothing to make anyone safer and only serve to increase profits and power for a small number of elite oligarchs.
Free Your Mind
There is a ton of hypocrisy in religion that I addressed here. I also conveyed the idea that it's be great if people actually followed the true message of Jesus and other religious figures and loved everyone, renounced violence, and helped the poor. I paid homage as well to religious people who have set a great example like Father Michael Doyle of the Camden 28 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Equality
Homophobia and heterosexism are rampant in our society and in hip hop and I wanted to take a strong stand against it and to make the statement that gay people should be treated just like anyone else.
They Don't Want U 2 Know
I liked the bounce to this track that producer Ox made and I especially felt it was important to address the idea that diamonds and other jewelry are just rocks. On this one I sought to convey many critical facts and ideas that people should know and be concerned with.
The Real News Remix
I had too much to say about the problems with main stream (corporate) media so I did two songs about it. When looking for a beat one of the studio engineers came up with the idea to flip the track for The Real News backwards. We liked this backwards version of the beat even better than the original! I'm proud to say many crowds have chanted the first part of this hook along with me at performances.
Global Warming
People have really appreciated me performing this acapella at events dedicated to environmental justice. I wrote it for that purpose. One organizer said nothing the first time he heard it. He just gave me a hug and seemed like he was near tears to see that a rapper could take on an important subject like this.
Take My Advice
Along with Its Time this was one of my oldest songs I eventually would release. I loved the mystical sound of the track. I'll always remember that a young gay man told me that he was moved to tears the first time he heard it. I felt the third verse was the most powerful but I had fun with the entire concept here.
Keys to a Better World
I felt the concept on this was at times very advanced but that it was also very simple: Here are the three basic problems; and here is how we can fix them. The production quality is lower than the other tracks because this track was recorded in a studio in Philly that was far inferior to my usual studio in Blackwood, NJ. I still love the flow and how it goes with the beat and how I was able to break down the message. Producer Andyman of the UK told me he made this beat and others like it when he was dealing with insomnia. I loved the mystical, middle of the night vibe.
Outside the Box
Producer GPH of the Netherlands was talking to me one day on MSN Messenger and he sent me a picture of a red sky he had just taken from outside his window. It was a surreal scene and soon after he sent me this otherwordly beat, which he said that he had made just for me. I think the music is a beautiful work of art on this one and so the lyrics are about not conforming, abstract art and ideas, and departing from the status quo (the norm). This was really the only track on this CD that wasn't entirely political. It also was about the idea of just being yourself and being original. I think fans of any musical genre from classical, to R&B, to jazz, etc can appreciate this piece of music.
Words from Pam Africa
This is a skit between songs from Pam Africa, a leader of The Move Organization in Philly. She is a fiery, powerful speaker who has fought for justice for decades. We have supported each others' efforts for years and Why recorded this from a speech she gave at Independence Mall in the city. Pam, like Mumia Abu Jamal who she fights for justice for, is good at getting to the roots of our societal problems.
Solutions
After hearing my 1st CD a guy wrote me and said, "Yeah, but what can I do about it?" I started writing this song as a response. In later CDs I'd suggest more solutions inside the CD packaging and in my lyrics like buying sweatshop free clothing, supporting independent and unionized businesses, buying only Citgo gas, getting only a Credo cell phone, and overall doing the best you can to try and help make this world better by working for a society based on cooperation and not competition.
End of the Newark March
This was a recording done by Why of Larry Hamm, a leader of The People's Organization for Progress in Newark, NJ. He is an amazing speaker and has worked for the interests of the people for decades. He hosted The People's March for Peace in Justice in Newark, NJ in 2007 and this was taken from that. In this track Larry talks about not having a chance to speak in Washington, DC. However, years later I am happy to say that I was there to see him do it. I was on stage that day in Newark with him and other people I admired like Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, the poet Remi Kanazi, Lady JAM (who sung the We Need Peace track from this CD), and others. Thousands attended this rally and march that day in Newark, NJ which is an area where it's harder to hide the true nature of this country.
F Bush (Remix)
This track really shows how I've evolved since it was written in 2006. I no longer rhyme using quasi curse words like "buck" or "ish" as I did on this song, because I've found more effective and direct ways to express myself. Looking back, I know it doesn't matter who is in office, it's a corrupt and decadent system that we need to fight. I hinted at these ideas in the third verse, which was added on for this album. The first two verses were from my first CD. This song was very popular in 2007 because of Bush's unpopularity at the time. If people got my CD because they hated Bush and thought getting rid of him would fix everything; they could learn that the struggle was much bigger than that and why by listening to the entire project.
It's Time (Club Mix)
My friend DJ Filthy Rich, a talented rapper and producer from the UK made this for me one night and I thought it showed his creativity and ability. He was a funny guy I enjoyed talking with and I was saddened to learn of his death before this CD was released. He was in his 20's. I'm not sure what happened exactly and I don't know much about it. I included this as a tribute to him. RIP DJ Filthy Rich.
Bring the Troops Home
I felt this would be a moving, perfect way to end the album. This memorable and rhythmic chant was started by Larry Hamm at The People's March for Peace and Justice in Newark, NJ and thousands were a part of it. I want people to roll their windows down and turn this up. I do this chant to this day with crowds as a tribute to Larry and to support the US troops by bringing them home from unjust wars of imperialistic conquest that do nothing to make anyone safer and only serve to increase profits and power for a small number of elite oligarchs.
