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They became ashamed of their talent because of what others
had to say. When they did not earn much money, their family, friends, and community.”
Remember that blog I wrote called “Word To The Streets”? When did I explain where I was coming from with the music, why I did what I did, and what I was about to do with the movement and the foundation? I have completed that goal. I’ve come to the second part of that story, and it goes like this…> How many have had a dream in the arts, but it was not good enough for their people, so they decided not to continue? They could sing, rap, write, draw, act, model, dance, or tell jokes, but they were decreed by a surrounding of people who looked low on their craft.
Yes, you know what I mean. They became ashamed of their talent because of what others had to say. When they did not earn much money, their family, friends, and community did not respect them. Now, they think back and ask these questions; “What if”? What if I had done it? Where would I be? Would I have followed my calling? Could I have made a difference?! Could I have changed the world?”
But, I’m a fool. A fool who made the right investments and bought…“
But I know how it feels to be ashamed of rap, marked a gangster, a reprobate, a rogue, or a rebel by bigots who refuse to face facts. I know this because I am like them. Fortunately for me, most of my family and friends supported me. They keep me even if I lose or win, allowing me to be myself. Some even tried to influence my cause of action. But I’m a fool.
A fool who made suitable investments and bought the precise assurances to ensure I’m always supported. I am the fool who sacrificed for other people and attended college again and again, to receive an education before anyone could use illiteracy to devalue my talents. This fool protected his credit by securing assets that may never be repressed.
This brings us to my new book, “Written In Gold.” The starting point of my writing career is in the 90s. All of my albums up to this point were written in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000’s style. I wrote a few in Canada, but “While I’m still young” contains most themes from the 90s to the early 2000s. Of course, my producer is a known Jazz legend, and with his help, I pulled inspirations from various genres. Naturally, the songs would be organic.
That was before I started to record. Artistically speaking, I released the album in 2008 when the 90s was its actual point of origin. That album has written materials dating back to the Civil War in Liberia. The album is called “While I’m Still Young.” It’s a goal accomplished before I got too old to enjoy that accomplishment. Some may not get it, but many people wait a lifetime to achieve a goal.
“Written In Gold” is the bridge between these two time periods.
It opens the way for my next big project, “Yesterday was yesterday”.
The same goes for “Dark Horse Romarong.” That album was also set in the 90s and 2000s. Put this way, it is like a time travel to the past, where I wrote the lyrics and then returned to display them in the present. The twist is I switched audiences when I rap in Krio instead of English. Hip Hop Kruzade and Laboramus Exspectantes Vol. 1 marked the end of that era. If you noticed, I used the same images from three photo shoots to promote.
This period between 2008 and 2016 is special because (1) I did in Toronto what many said could not be done, and (2) it encompasses most of my work before when I began. From there, going ahead, I’ll be doing the opposite. My time machine will travel to the future and then return with written materials for the present. “Written In Gold” is the bridge between these two time periods. It opened the way for my next big project, “Yesterday was yesterday.” I hope you enjoy the poems and the collection of songs on the album, and I want to thank all my fans and supporters along the way. I look forward to a new era of excitement. *
