Busy deceiving, achieving nothing
If only I could keep re-using the so much on my mind that I can't recline refrain, life would that much easier. It's been a tough week, fam. Even amidst good cheer and decent daily happenings, I sometimes find myself end up looking back on the past week like what the hell was that about.
It kind of sneaked up on me and kept a low profile until ready to strike. And then - BLAOHW! I caught a cold one on the chin.
On one hand, I got a lot accomplished and conversely, I didn't really do a damn thing this week. Who knows. What I do know is that innate contradictions of mankind have always puzzled me. Naturally, I have my own myriad array of paradoxes and peculiar habits that make me, me. Plus, I have some likes, loves, and lusts, that are definitely in complete contrast to some of my beliefs, values, morals, and sensibilities.
Yet, I like my vices. I bet we all do to some extent. But sometimes, buttons get pushed beyond acceptable terrain.
So recline like a passenger seat Son, relax
As I take you to the max, homeboy you faking jax
Take, for instance, the album cover for Termanology latest mix CD. Yes, you are an ill lyricist. A vivid story-teller. A multisyllabic wordsmith who can concoct some very clever rhyme schemes to match all kinds of beats. Yet, I cannot keep ignoring the gun rap and giving it a pass. I once attended a banquet at the Four Season downtown where Al Sharpton said something akin to the tune of "you can't keep saying you are reflecting reality if that is not your everyday ritual. And if so, also talk about the crust i your eyes and the steps you take to brush your teeth."
Ok, so maybe I embellished the quote a bit but you should get the gist of what I am saying. Stop fronting. And I mean this many ways. There are plenty of a$$hole criminals doing bad, busting their shT, and generally up to no good on a daily basis. Yet, even they have a quote-unquote regular life, where they buy food, play video games, and take a shT just like you and I.
And then there are those who do not tote their (insert gun analog here) on the daily, yet still find it to be a display of their cunning wit when they make-up a new word and accompanying metaphor for shooting someone.
So let's go back to mister packing the mac. With two recent shootings in my city that literally occurred across the street from schools, I see it as unconscionable for this album cover to not only show him toting some steel, but to be hovering over a sprawled out body while he stands in the middle of the street in front of a School Crossing marker. I do think it is a great cover design, yet you be the judge. I usually get annoyed when I read a journalist's misinformed diatribe against my music. They usually miss the point. But there are times when not only do they do get it right, but the hip-hop community also has to flush its own toilet and check itself from within. This is my small part.
You never succeed or progress
Searching for peace through material objects
You go to extremes in the process
Accuse others, when it's you showing your true colors
Busy selling your dreams, but all your cream
Contributes to your lack of self-esteem
-INI & Pete Rock, "Fakin Jax"
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