Poetry: 'Rainbow Train' by James Henderson

Here's James Henderson's first poem published by The Bold Testament. He's our newest writer on the team and he'll be featured on our next newsletter coming September 2013 (Issue #2). James is also a recording artist who's working on his debut mixtape titled, "3rd Coast Sunrise" coming late August.

Read 'Rainbow Train' after the jump.

Jean Pierre Roy

Music: Stalley - Raise Your Weapons

New music from Ohio native Stalley. In this song attempts to invoke a generation to wake up and fight the injustice that takes part of their everyday life. This revolutionary infused song holds a revealing mirror to the listener. Listen to this song after the jump.

American Rapper Stalley

Video: Brother Ali Addressing Trayvon Martin Trail

I've seen a lot of videos of people voicing their opinions on this controversial trial that  has grabbed a lot of peoples attention. I have been sadden by how much division this trial is costing this country. It's  refreshing to see people passionate about a particular topic, but its disgusting to see the hate being thrown around between the people.

RIP Trayvon Martin February 5, 1995 – February 26, 2012

I have already vented on this topic personally, so I have no desire to be another published opinion. I have included Brother Ali's PSA on this topic. It's very emotional unifying. He's genuine when he speaks on loving one another. A message he carries in his music that I wish people take to heart. Check it out after the jump   

Rapper, Brother Ali

Poetry: "...And Everything In It" By Henry Ansah

As the son of immigrants, I was taught from the beginning to
appreciate being cultured. From food to language to family rituals, my
household was different from the next on my block due to its infusion of Ghanaian
and American cultures instilled by my parents. My brothers and I were privileged
to be engulfed with the spirit of adventure and seizing the opportunities to
further our knowledge of the world. I grew up around too many kids who knew
never a father or mother or anyone who could act as a whistle blower and
announce that this world is theirs. I must extol my parents for opening my eyes. 

Read "...And Everything In It" after the jump. 

Jay Long

Video: Lupe Fiasco - #1234 Trilogy

On July 4th Lupe Fiasco released this music video for three songs off his latest album 'Food & Liquor 2'. I decided to post it on our blog because of the generational defining messages this video subliminally delivers. I won't put my opinion out because your interpretation of this video will be different from mine but it is as justifiably correct.

Lupe Fiasco's art deserves the time to be digested. He creates his art for the observer to learn from and discover the critical messages embedded within. This music video is no different. I advise you to pay attention to details and watch this 12 minute video a few times.         

Watch after the jump. Question the thoughts this video made your think about? Ask yourself if this was done accurately? Enjoy. 

American Rapper Lupe Fiasco

Essay: On the 'Tamarrod Campaign' in Egypt by Stefan Patterson

I have been giving much attention to these historical events that have been taking place in Egypt these past few days. It's inspiring to see people organize in effort to oppose a political party that they feel isn't representing their best interest. This restores humanistic thinking and displays the strength of the people, this will have to be respected by the next President of Egypt.

I wrote a few paragraphs on what I think we should take note of as this revolution in Egypt unravels. My essay is not discussing the political history of Egypt but rather the activism from its five originators.  Read it after after the jump.

Egypt's newly overthrown President Mohamed Morsi

Article: Lupe Fiasco's Message to Hometown Grads

Check out what the Chicago MC said to these young black high school graduates in typical Lupe Fiasco fashion. Check out the link after the jump!

Music: Joey Bada$$ - 95 Til Infinity (Music Video)

One of my favorite young rappers in the game right now, all I have to say is that this dude is bringing back real New York hip-hop (at least outside of the underground scene). Check out the video after the jump.

Essay: Lauryn Hill Posts Open Letter About Slavery, Racism & The IRS

Lauryn Hill has been a voice of rebellion throughout her career. Whether it be in the form of making songs about real love, protesting people to rebel or simply vanishing from fame, she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. In this newly posted letter she speaks of her thoughts on the evolution of wickedness and its effects on its victims, and her recent dealings with the IRS. Read her letter after the jump.

Documentary: All-Star Tribute to UGK (Mini-Documentary) and DJ Screw: The Untold Story

Today is June 27th, this day holds significance in the Texas rap scene because 17 years ago a legendary 30+ minute freestyle was recorded in celebration of Demo's birthday. This freestyle being chopped up by Robert Earl "DJ Screw" Davis Jr., this freestyle helped ignite the already growing music scene in Houston, Texas at the time. DJ Screw also assembled the Screwed Up Click (SUC) which consist of now, legendary Texas rappers. DJ Screw is one of the biggest hip hop pioneers not only in Texas but in the whole hip hop industry with being the originator of the slowed (screwed) sound. Even after DJ Screw's death, today many Hip Hop artists and DJs keep his sound alive. See DJ OG Ron C from the Swishahouse camp.

Personally me growing up, Big Moe was always my favorite member out of SUC because of his unique Singing/Rapping style and his ability to laid down the perfect 'feel good' hook on many of his songs and features. Unfortunately he too passed away unexpectedly to a heart attack. You will his melodic stitching throughout the freestyle.

Challenge yourself to listen to the 35 minute freestyle featuring (Big Moe, Bird, Demo, Key-C, Yungstar, Big Pokey, Haircut Joe, and K-Luv) after the jump. You will recognize that this freestyle was and still is heavily sampled certifying its longevity in the culture.

If you're not hip to DJ Screw watch 'The Untold Story' Documentary covering his life.

DJ Screw (July 20, 1971 – November 16, 2000)

For me, June 27th is also a day to reflect on the impact that Texas Hip Hop has made as a whole. Port Arthur's rap duo Underground Kingz (UGK) are heavily respected throughout the Hip Hop community, recently from rappers, J. Cole to Ab- Soul. UGK has stayed relevant and respected for more than 20 years, despite the unexpected passing of 1/2 of UGK, Chad Lamont Butler (know as Pimp C). Bun-B has kept his name alive and still carries on the UGK legacy that fans will never let dwindle.

After the jump watch an 'All-Star Tribute to UGK' by Sama'an Ashrawi. You may recognize his name from clips of your favorite artist's live shows.

Pimp C (left) Bun-B (right)  UGK

Poetry: 'The Escape of June' by Brad McElroy

All around us we see detachment. Breed connection.

Read ' The Escape of June' after the jump

David Bowers

Poetry: 'The Fall of Folly' by Stefan Patterson

This poem is a denouement of division that's caused by our visions and goals. Sometimes as dreamers we get cut off to others when we are barreling down, chasing our goals. What this poem was set to expose is the doubtful environment our goals sometimes muddle in. I hope you earn some insight from my short poem as you gear up for your next set of hurdles.


My hip-hop heads will catch my Jay-Z reference..

Read the Poem after the jump

Vladmir Kush

An Opportunity for Self-Education

What up, what up. I was going to post something regarding Juneteenth (a poem, a piece or what have you) but I decided to not. Many do not know the significance of June 19th; I did not want someone's first impression to be even minimally stained by someone's inevitable bias, even if it is my own. So take a few minutes out of your day and research Juneteenth and maybe formulate what it meant and what it means to you (if anything at all).

Peace.

Album Review - "Born Sinner"

"Imma drop the album same day as Kanye, just to show the boy's the man now like Wanya."

Based on such bravado, you would have thought Muhammad Ali spewed these lyrics during his fighting heyday in the '60s. But instead of a larger than life boxer, a scrawny rapper/producer from North Carolina named J. Cole proclaims he can hold his ground amongst the greats with his sophomore album, Born Sinner.

It's lines like this one that leave you saluting his confidence but disparaging lyrics directly related to the every album you are listening to. The Fayetteville MC utilizes his old tricks to craft his latest project: boastful raps to justify his place in the game and raw emotion to earn his "real" stripes. Even with the staple of ingredients, Born Sinner lacks the direction and unexplainable essence of a classic--a classic that J. Cole was perfectly set up to deliver.

The lyrical content disappoints, especially from a guy who built a reputation on being a leader in the new school of MCs that prioritizes bars over banter. Ironically, Cole too often wastes bars bantering about the bitches he runs into on the daily and the industry-related mischief he indulges in, then scrambles to inject a pathos fueled line to satisfy his content checklist. This continues from song to song with many tracks missing definite purpose or lyrics that are remotely worth deciphering.

read the rest after the jump

Interview: Tupac Amaru Shakur's Last Recorded Interview

Happy Birthday to a music legend Tupac Amaru Shakur. In celebration of his birthday (June 17th 1971) I wanted to share his final interview before he was fatally gunned down in Las Vegas.

Take a listen to this interview after the jump.

Music: Donnie Trumpet ft. Chance the Rapper & Vic Mensa - Zion

Donnie Trumpet, Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa collaborate here to give us a little taste of Zion. You can catch Donnie Trumpet playing a familiar tune from Lauryn Hill's original song "Zion" and Chance the Rapper showcasing his now well known Jamaican influenced flow. Check out the video after the jump.

Music: Trae Tha Truth - Plates Say Texas

Trae delivers a classic H-Town song that probably has all the deceased Texas legends jammin' in heaven. RIP to all the 3rd coast legends, check out the video after the jump.

Documentary: Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds

My comrade put me on to this video not too long ago. A lot more people in my generation are getting into metaphysics as we yearn to learn the origin of this world and ourselves. It's a lot to digest but this is  important knowledge an average student doesn't taught in school. I challenge you to really understand what they are talking about.

If you have an hour or two this afternoon you show dive into this documentary with a open mind and see how you feel about the expressed topics.

I purposely didn't give away too much info on this documentary partly because I'm only on part 3 and here at The Bold Testament we promote self vested thought.

WATCH "Inner Worlds and Outer Worlds" after the jump.

Poetry: 'Washing Dishes' by Stefan Patterson

In celebration of reaching over 1000 views within three weeks of our launch date. I want to release a poem that I've been working on this past week. 'Washing Dishes' is a conceptual poem with open interpretations laced throughout the piece.

As of late, I have been experimenting with my writing, trying to stray away from my previous style, trying to discover new horizons in the art. ' Washing Dishes' didn't turn out being my favorite material but I had a lot of fun writing it.

Check out the "Poetry" and "Essay" tabs on the navigation bar for other new material. Read 'Washing Dishes' After the jump

Salvado Dali - Face And Fruit Dish (1938)

Interview: Elliott Wilson's Sit Down With The 'Born Sinner'

As J. Cole preps the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Born Sinner, he sat down with hip hop insider and journalist Elliot Wilson. The two sat in a lounge setting in front of a live studio audience in NYC and discussed the upcoming album with Cole spilling one backstory after another.
Read the rest after the jump