Kendrick Lamar sings the praises of ‘Chuck D Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History’
To today’s social-political driven rappers to thriving rap lyricists like Chuck D, rap has been founded and continues to thrive on creativity, experiences and storytelling. The hip hop icon is one of many trailblazers that has helped paved the way for artists to take on rapping with a message. His new book, “Chuck D Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History” chronicles defining moments in hip hop; from the origin of hip hop, to it’s culture and sound. The 300-page turner is filled with portraits legendary hip hop figures and details 40 years of evolving music. He takes readers on his journey as a rapper. where he recalls originator of hip hop, DJ Kool unleashing “the break” on his turntables in 73’ to “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979. Co-founder of rap group, Public Enemy, Chuck D is respected for his influential voice in contemporary music and his stance on race relations. From calling out President Trump’s administration with new track “Hail to the Chief,” on self-titled debut album “Prophets of Rage,” Chuck D is a force in hip hop, pioneering for today’s political, social, and culturally conscious music artists. “If you want to understand our culture. To learn knowledge itself. Truth about the art form of poetry in motion. The struggle of our community through rhyme and rhythm. This is the book that inspired me long before I found my place in hip-hop,” says Kendrick Lamar. “The power of self-expression. Unapologetically. Taught by the teacher himself. Chuck D!!!. (Courtesy Photo)
Love & Hip Hop: NY star Yandy Smith joins 4x New York Times Bestselling author Wahida Clark for urban fiction ‘The Pink Panther Clique’ Hailing from the Love & Hip Hop franchise, Smith is an all-around media maven and now author, collaborating with Wahida Clark, dubbed as the “Queen of Street Literature,” on the ‘The Pink Panther Clique’. Smith joins former convicts: Jamilla T. Davis, Aisha Hall and Sunshine Smith-Williams, who help to tell the story of characters of Eshe, Milla, and Sun-Sole; three successful women living in the fast lane, whose lives come to a halt at the hands of one bad decision, leading them to serve a 23-year prison sentence. While behind bars, they find their voice and freedom by sharing their stories through fiction. The memoir delves into the real-life experience of Clark, herself. The fun, compelling page turner uncovers the devastating increase of women in the prison system and its ill effects on families and communities. The growing issue hits home for Yandy, who is living out the consequences of her spouse Mendeecees Harris currently serving time on the hit show. “Women are the nucleus of the family. When a mother is away from the household, families tend to fall apart. This is an important issue and I am happy to lead the conversation!” states Yandy. “All four of us are dedicated to the work of providing support for women transitioning from prison to society, community, family and motherhood,” said Clark on using the he novel touch more lives. “The Pink Panther Clique” is published by Wahida Clark Presents Publishing. (Courtesy Photo)
TSEHAI Publishers celebrate Harriet Tubman Press and its debut novel ‘Voices from Leimert Park Redux’ TSEHAI Publishers and Loyola Marymount University unveiled new imprint Harriet Tubman Press to literature buffs who gathered in Leimert Park Plaza in front of the iconic Vision Theater, Saturday October 14 to honor the 20th anniversary of TSEHAI publishing and the debut of author, Shonda Buchanan’s “Voices from Leimert Park Redux: A Los Angeles Poetry Anthology” released last month on Harriet Tubman Press. TSEHAI Publishers preserves and produces an array of historic and contemporary literature for the Black community. Harriet Tubman press is now an extended platform for the voice of African American writers and scholars and a resource for urban readers in Los Angeles. “We chose the name Harriet Tubman for several reasons…to follow her example in paving a new path towards an equal and just society; in honor of our ancestors who endured so much to provide us our freedom; and to proclaim our commitment to document and share our stories to the world over, states said TSEHAI Publishers’ Elias Wondimu” The event included poetry performances and panel discussion from Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Congresswoman Karen Bass who KJLH’ radio DJ host Kevin Nash served as master of ceremonies attorney and political commentator for CNN and NPR Angela Rye; Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; Roland Martin, host of “NewsOneNow.” TSEHAI Publishers is located at LMU’s Marymount Institute for Faith, Culture and Arts.(Courtesy Photo)
