was on a vacation in the ghetto

There's 8 Million Stories in the city it's a pity

We live and we die. We breath air for life out of necessity. We laugh heartily out of need. We long for love out of a fear of being alone. Yet, we're all alone in some way; stuck knowing only our thoughts and realiant upon self for sustenance and cheer. Otghers may lend a hand, but the relay race ain't getting won if we don't reach for the baton.

Don't come around town without the hip in your hop
Cause when the shit hits the fan, that ass'll get dropped

"That's the way it's been. It ain't going to stop. Police can be here 24/7, and people will still find a way to shoot each other."If we keep turning blind eyes to the issues in front of us; we'll all end up with Slick Rick eye-patches. Let's make our Children's Story have a bright future and happier ending. And though this weather really fuqing sucks, I hope the Peace Walk still gets a good crowd to turn out because if there's one thing we need in this city right now; peace is at the top of the list. Although it is neck-and-neck with jobs, training, economic development, more role models, and hope.

I'll have you left without a job, like Isley from The Love Boat

We boast and brag and posture with a reluctance poise that only reveals a small hint of our insecurities. Never being fully confident in self is the greatest weakness. So we mask our worries - both personal and worldly - with a facade of fearlessness and freedom. Free from worry. Free from guilt. Unafraid of responsibility. Are we free of being afraid? Or afraid of being free? Either way, the cheebah smoke of existential living oft can be just a thick cloud of smoke.

I open up your pores like a plate full of collards

So here's a toast; to the Class of 2006. to moms on the grind going for theirs. to families working hard to keep the link in the chain. to health, wealth, and knowledge of self.

Salud/Word.