Message Video: Lupe Fiasco - Strange Fruition

Lupe Lupe Lupe. This guy is something else.

The Fiasco has dropped the video to the opening track of The Great American Rap Album, "Strange Fruition." The video is tagged below (and don't think I got the links mixed up, this is the actual visual.) Of course, an unorthodox approach to a video for a song with such an earthly and poignant message will cause commotion...and conversation. With that being said, here it is.



Oh yeah, this is the actual video by the way lol. Proceed!

Spoken Word: 'Estate of Mind' by George The Poet

Hello everybody, yes there has been a slight drought on our blog but I've positioning The Bold Testament movement to make some noise this upcoming Fall. Please stay tuned and follow BT's twitter account (@BoldTestament).

Amongst the planing, I recently got back from a family vacation to London, UK. It was a great humbling experience as well as a opportunity to spread BT's name. Seeing people 5,000 miles away connect with the words of the BT's writers really showed me how powerful our art truly is. It also was inspiring to see poetry inside of the Tube, the city's most popular form of transportation.

This is not my personal blog so I'll get back to the topic. I would like to shine the spotlight on a young spoken word poet by the name of, George The Poet. This 21 year-old from Britain is also reintroducing the power of poetry to this generation. He recently got signed and is doing shows all around Europe. Check out his, 'Estate of Mind' after the jump. Maybe The Bold Testament will try to get him to preform at UNT. We'll see.. enjoy this poem.

British Spoken Word Artist, George The Poet

Poetry: 'Poppy Seed Tea' by Shane Ax

Here's a poem from a early supporter of The Bold Testament movement. In 'Poppy Seed Tea', Shane Ax questions the introspection of a young adult's mind. This poem will check your pulse. Thank you, Shane for contributing to our blog. Here at The Bold Testament we are enthusiasts of truthful art that  circulates our generation. Don't be afraid to be heard.

You can check it out 'Poppy Seed Tea' by Shane Ax, after the jump.

Article: Is Texas Backtracking?

The other day, I was at working chatting it up with a regular customer. The guy, whose a self-proclaimed hardcore liberal, broached the issue regarding a key portion of the Voting Rights Act being struck down by the Supreme Court. He was clearly vexed about Texas republicans wasting no time in pushing Voter ID, seen by many as an indirect way to wane minority participation at the polls.

I was familiar with the historic piece of legislation but had no idea about the Supreme Court's decision or Texas' swift reaction to it. When my customer explained what was going on: the poll tax came to mind and so did gerrymandering, the latter remains a sinister issue in Texas and warrants investigation and referreeing. Later, I went home to find out more details about this and came across an interesting article that laid everything out on the table. From the outside looking in, I just hope the Lone Star State and those in charge are not pushing forth to go backwards.

Peep the article after the jump!

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.