Keepin' Heads on Straight

NOTE: THIS ENTRY WAS WRITTEN PRIOR TO MY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SHOW...PROPS TO KOOL MOE DEE!!

I had an idea about a ‘meet the press’ type show where the guests were emcee’s and people who generally identify with Hip Hop culture. The host of my show would be Michael Eric Dyson.

Dyson and guests talk about music, culture, politics, environment, education, incarceration and solutions to the most pressing issues within the Hip Hop community. A visible exchange between men and women of color, in conversation about issues that are relevant, would without question be attractive to viewers. Imagine seeing and hearing, on a weekly basis, conversations between Michael Eric Dyson, Russell Simmons, Fashawn and Gipp. Or MED (Michael Eric Dyson), Common, Immortal Technique and Jean Grae. Mos Def, Ice Cube and Baby. David Banner, Phonte and Blu. Dope right? You’d watch right? You’d listen to these people, because on some level you believe in these people. You see them as worthy to bestow upon you images and ideas of their live’s. You enjoy their beats so much that you’re willing to accept whatever words ride the track.

Just a conversation amongst peers. Imagine the impact the image alone would have on our children. They’d want to hold conversations. They’d see it was okay for people to have a difference of opinion and remain cool. They’d see how another segment of the population presents themselves. Suits aren’t mandatory, but if the guests feel like a suit, more power to them. It would show Hip Hop and the world it’s most beautiful self.

Shit would have to come on HBO or something though, to allow for the colorful commentary I’m certain would result from such gatherings. Those willing to participate would have the unique opportunity to communicate their feelings and ideas in a form that can be understood by Hip Hop and non Hip Hop folks. Real Time with Bill Maher the remix (prod by J. Dilla).  

It’s what the world needs. It’s what Hip Hop needs. For the people who rely on their information from images on T.V. to have access to information that has a direct connection to their everyday lives would be uber. A chance for the world to see us in a circumstance other than music video, doing an interview or the occasional movie roles. We’d see Hip Hop being given a respect not seen before within mainstream media.

This idea could have come out of my love for Hip Hop or the asstasticness of pretty much all media representations of people who look like me. Call Mr. HBO and see if we can’t make this happen.

Peace. Power.