RSSRead Books…
I love to read, which is funny to say now because I used to hate books. It’s also funny because although I get through tons of books, I’m an incredibly slow reader (shouts out to my public school education). When friends or colleagues ask me what’s my favorite book, they’re usually surprised by my answer. “Illmatic by Nas,” I tell them. “But it’s not a book, it’s a rap album,” they respond, as if I’m on some dumb shit. That’s when I give them “the look,” thinking to myself, should I school ‘em up?
Do I have to break down the arbitrary nature of titles and that a book is just the written form of someone’s experiences, ideas, and imaginations, compared to an album, which is an audio form? Should I explain to them that while they were tearing through Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby and the rest of their school’s assigned readings, I was in the back of the class with my headphones on taking a sonic tour through Queensbridge projects?
While they were on some “Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo,” I was analyzing lines like: Deep like The Shinin’, sparkle like a diamond/Sneak a Uzi on the island in my army jacket linin’…
But before I give them a lesson in American history, (yes, Illmatic is a moment in American history… more on that later) I stop myself and simply tell them to buy it on iTunes along with the audio versions of Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby.
In a nutshell—Fuck titles, get knowledge… Whether it be reading books, listening to albums, looking at art art, or having a conversation with a homeless person, it doesn’t matter just get knowledge.
29 Comments, Comment or Ping
Terry
I can get down with the overall message of getting knowledge from everywhere, but something here is lacking. I’m concerned about the danger of equivocation. While there are no absolutes in the knowledge heirarchy, all sources of knowledge are not created equal because they are influential. Albums are not books, and books are not albums… regardless of “classic” status or social contribution. Illmatic is valuable and powerful in its form, because it conveys its knowledge through the audio medium. I doubt it would carry the same weight as a book of poetry because a large part of its appeal is in its performance by a charasmatic lyricist. By the same token, a book is not replaced by the movie based on it just because its in video format and reaches a larger audience.
The literacy gap is one of the most powerful distinctions between social groups throughout American society. The ability to read material for entertainment or information is crucial to the development of our consciousness in a globalized world lest the masses become even further irrelevant. There is no replacement for reading.
Just like learning basic math skills: “getting your paper” doesn’t mean shit if you can’t count. In a capitalistic society, I implore you to get as much paper as you can. But I don’t care how well you APPEAR to be doing, at the end of the day, you still have bills to pay. Reading and math are basic because they can teach one self-education and ownership. All that glitters, is not gold- and platnium chains are still chains when at the end of the day you owe another man for your delusion.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
I agree. All sources of knowledge are not created equal because they are influential, but isn’t it their influence that gives them value. Is a well-written book valuable if no one wants to read it. If not, can we even call it well-written. And if we measure a books value by its social contribution , why not an albums.
To me, it boils down to effectiveness. As a teacher, I’d rather show my students a movie that engages them and makes them want to learn more than assign a book a that only half of them read.
The literacy gap is real and it needs to be corrected, but I’m from the school that believes we should write more books in the language and voice that the affected social groups relate to. Authors like Donald Goines may not get love from the NY Times book list but they introduce a lot of people to reading. And remember, most books in America are written in standard English, whereas music is the universal language.
There is no replacement for reading but there definitely is a replacement for encouraging people to read. We can give them assigned reading in school or we can bring in music and allow them to deconstruct the themes in the music by asking them to bring in books that they think relate. Maybe the assignment should be bring in a book that relates to one song on the album, read it and tell us why they’re the same.
Getting your paper does mean shit. This is America. Knowledge is power, but so is wealth. George Bush has basic skills but he still running shit. Basic math skills are just fine if you can get people to count for you, which is an intellect in itself. Reading and math are important and they are about self-education but what’s more important is teaching their importance. Don’t get it twisted, the first sentence of this post was “I love to read.”
And once again you’re right, all that glitters, is not gold and platnium chains are still chains when at the end of the day you owe another man for your delusion. I agree 110%. It’s exactly what I say about most people’s college degrees.
[Reply]
RBT
I feel you troublman I was a cliffnotes reading ass nigga back in the day but it was “it was written” for me. I have definitely learned more life lessons through songs and records than from books thats not to say one is better than the other though. I still read hella slow too but I understand the power of knowledge I feel like everything I take in (regardless how I get it) Im raising my stock.
[Reply]
*SB*
I would have to agree with Terry…song lyrics are not equal to books…but they definitely provide knowledge and culture in a way that a book cannot…I always look at song lyrics as poems (and some of the best poems might I add)- a poems are a respected form of literature…but nothing replaces the ability to digest and interpret literature….
My english teacher told us in my freshman year of college that if we were not reading substantive material for atleast 30mins a day…then we were falling behind and doing ourselves an injustice…looking back on that…he was completely right!! the brain is a muscle that needs its daily exercises and good-books is the best equipment (in most cases).
This article also makes me think about how important it is to incorporate different learning styles into student’s curriculum…its been proven that not everyone learns best by reading out of a book, some people are more audio/visual learners…i attended a charter high school where the entire curriculum was project-based learning (hands-on) and the students were able to really benefit from executing projects within the different subjects rather than being forced to engage in traditional forms of learning…dont get me wrong there was a considerable amount of reading/ research that had to be done to complete the projects but the incentive motivated the students…instead of always having to write a report…i.e. you could write a play that mimicked a theme that was studied…or build something to demonstrate the angles and concepts of geometry and physics…so I think its important that we acknowledge the power of these alternative forms of information…
[Reply]
*SB*
troublman
you brought up a VERY sensitive issue for me……i dont know if more books should be written in a way that those affected are use to hearing…i understand we should communicate so that everyone can understand but thats a problem in itself…we should not need that type of assistance….i know, i know! there are tons of reasons why people are not able to read/understand complex material but its like the public education system… the standards are constantly dropping so that students can move on to the next grade…thats terrible…we cannot give these people a half ass education and send them into the world with a diploma even though they have a reading comprehension of an 8th grader… the high school exit exam in California does not even contain material that a 12th grader should know….its at the freakin junior high level-WTF!!…the fact that we are not holding the standards of literacy across the board is why people cannot communicate at different levels…it adds to their struggle to survive and excel in this complicated world…So im not sure if writing books that cater to that is appropriate…maybe we should be investing our energy so that they can read all types of books…
The ability to read dense material is another matter which distinguishes us in society… it was originally done to seperate the nobles from the common person and sad to say- it still does…its what seperates the private school student from the public school student…its what seperates those who are educated in the United States from those who are educated overseas…..lets face it- we all know the US has one of the worst education systems in the world…theres a reason for that…its our standards for what is acceptable! Lets stop trying to make things simpler and start educating those on how to analyze and critique at the level of the people who run the world….how are we suppose to play hardball if we’re being trained like pee-wees?
[Reply]
Terry
SB-
I think that the questions you raise about the standards of education are right on point.
Troublman, while effectiveness and alternative education styles are important, this is exactly relevant to the nature of change in a globalized marketplace. You are right that college degrees can keep people pigeon-holed into particular modes of thinking and career paths. It is also true that the level of competition is steadily rising, and as a result these expensive receipts continue to lose their value. However, the social gap continues to grow along wealth gap. It should be obvious to everyone watching our plummeting economy that we competing on a world scale for jobs and capital. Interactivity in a well rounded multimedia education is key, but the fundamentals have survived the test of time for a reason. If people cannot digest more complex material in all its forms than that which is handed on a silver platter (ie specifically marketed to their demographic for a profit by those whose primary concern is the bottom line, not the survival of the culture- MTV, BET, etc), then they have little hope of surviving in an economy where the average American job is the equivalent of several people who will worker longer hours for less money from… wherever.
Freedom and empowerment come through ownership. Those who lease for a living with no hopes of moving forward, have the illusion of choice, not the real thing. If you can’t eat and have no roof over your head, how effective are you?
[Reply]
"A Mom"
Books were always an escape for me as a child. I could read anything and I was not a fast reader either. But growing up I stop reading for sometimes because I became more involved with what I called real life and I need to brake away from the dreams I had reading books. I read Romeo and Juliet and the Great Gatsby as well as many other books. I feel reading is very important but for young children now a day I think society can offer more than just reading. We have computers and so many other things that can help our children learn reading skills as well as interacting and I think that books are a very good tool that goes along with so much more. But nothing compares with close interaction with teacher mentors etc. I think that interaction makes us want the read so that we can talk about it.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
SB
What is substantive material? And whose standard of substantive should we abide by? Poems are some of the most complex and abstract forms of writing. If I read a book of poetry is that substantive? If so, is reading lyrics inside an album substantive? If I read shakespeare than my education is better than if I read Nas?
I think its wrong to equate to bringing in books written by writers with different topics and a different voice to lowering the education level. That’s like saying ESL in a negative thing. And then think about the other side.
How about the communities with high literacy level but no cultural knowledge. Shouldn’t they be exposed to the cultural knowledge that we grew up with. It’s not about lowering standards, it’s about expanding what we know as education. Shouldn’t the teachers in public schools be educated in the language of the kids they’re teaching.
What’s seperates private school and public schools are the parents of the students. They allow these teachers to come in their community but don’t hold them accountable for making sure they’re kids learn. And they don’t hold their kids accountable also. Private school parents make sure their kids learn.
[Reply]
*SB*
Troublman…
substantive is a subjective term- i should use a different one… but i am referring to the difference in complexity and styles of writings…for instance, there is an obvious difference between reading a comic book and reading a book on the brain and the mind ;-)…
forgive me if you think i was inferring that books by different writers, voices and topics as inferior or lowering the education level that was not my intention…i fear changing the way some books are written would be just giving people another crutch to lean on and an excuse not to learn things right…and by “right”…i mean the same tools that the commuities with high literacy use to seperate themselves and demand respect!…Its all about leverage!!
i just want the masses to be educated in a way that will enable them to compete in this world and ensure a future for their children…therefore we have to know how to play the game and be twice as good at it, in order to change it….
I completely agree we do need to expand how we look at education which is why i made that comment about different learning styles…culture is another component that should be incorporated… people are ignorant in all types of ways which is why I believe they have a terms like “street-smart”, “book-smart”…they signify a person strength in certain areas
Im sorry its more than concerned parents that differentiates private schools and public schools…the curriculum that is approved as well as the resources that are provided to execute that curriculum makes a huge difference…the money and power to check these lazy ass teachers and administrators makes a difference too…
[Reply]
Terry
I agree with you SB. It isn’t just parenting and mentoring. Resources and curriculum roles that are just as crucial. My public school became so overcrowded that students would out number teachers 30-1 in every class. Each student wouldn’t even receive a text book. Public schools are held to the standards of the state, which insists on standardizing tests for all areas instead of the needs of the students. School funding is based on property taxes, which means that the higher the social class of the area, the more resources the school can use towards education. Private schools eliminate all the fluff and are held directly accountable by parents who are directly paying for the service. As far as quality of education, there is no comparison.
“Communities with high literacy level but no cultural knowledge”
Troublman- What communities are you talking about? How is it possible to lack cultural knowledge?
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
What if the comic was on the mind and the brain, couldn’t it be just as complex? But that not the real question. The real question to ask is whether it could be as effective in teaching about the subject? Read a neurology journal, which is published for scientist and then read a paperback title on the same issue. I do both. the paperback is marketed toward consumers interested in science not scientists and the language is a lot more effective in creating an understanding.
And in terms of playing the game twice as good, we first have to get kids to show up to the tryouts. Our kids aren’t dumb. They just don’t apply themselves because the cirriculum doesn’t interest them. Understand that competing in today’s world is not about knowledge it’s about creativity.
Daniel Pink outlines it well in his book “A Whole New Mind.” He references three trends that are effecting the the value of our knowledge–Abundance, Aisa and Automation.
There are so many people with degrees why hire you or your kids. Especially when they can outsource jobs to Asia where their is cheaper labor and workers are better trained. And what these workers don’t know and can’t do can be programmed into a computer.
One things that there is not enough of and can’t be automated is creativity,the ability to think outside of the box.
And you’re right it’s not just parents, but it’s not money also.
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/02/07/opinion/letters/130130.txt
Check it out. There have been numerous studies done on the topic.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
TERRY
The debate rage on about class size. There are studies that prove class size matters and others that say is doesn’t. I’m surprised that you haven’t held the students accountable.
From my knowledge, the kids that come to school wanting to learn are the ones that succeed.
For one, the parents are paying for their school which pressures them to achieve. Secondly, The difference between private and public school is that kids in private school understand the importance of learning. They’ve been raised since an early age to think about what college they would go to and so have their classmates. This breeds a competitive environment that all students can succeeds in.
Access is definitely an impediment. School without books and computers are at a disadvantage. Still, how about the schools with books and computers and the kids don’t learn?
In terms of the communities with high literacy levels but lack cultural knowledge, I’m refering to the teachers in the pubic school who can’t relate to their students. They have no idea how to make the lesson plan interesting and relevant. they don’t inspire kids to want to learn. Knowing a lot does not mean you’re a good teacher. It means you were a good student. Good teachers are measured by their effectiveness to make kids want to learn.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
A MOM
I agree with what you said. Books are a tool that go with so much more. I also agree that the interactions you have with teacher and mentors are the most important. I remember the moment that I really started to want to learn. it stated when one of my professor told me that I was smart. The realest thing about it was that the conversation occurred outside of class. I call him my best teacher not because he the books he assigned, the way he ran his class, the time he put in outside of class inspired me to want to be smart and to work at educating myself…
[Reply]
AL!
I wish I had something to add to this great dialogue going on…but all I have to say is Illmatic is one of the greatest albums of all time…and don’t hate on Great Gatsby…I liked that book, lol.
[Reply]
Q.
i’m not one for saying albums are books, but i do feel torn with ways to educate our children.. in some ways i feel like SB, where we are dumbing down the way we educate are children.. We’re catering to their weaknesses in so many different ways.. i remember seeing the new Beowulf.. i remembered the book, but walked away from the moving feeling that it was a good way to educate our youth on the classics..
then i had to rethink it, as i felt we were just dumbing it down.. so i was once again torn between us catering to the weaknesses rather than making them read it and comprehend the language or written word.. on one hand, one can say “at least they are learning” and on the other hand one can say “are they really learning?”..
[Reply]
alwayswrite
i am proud to acknowledge that my writing style represents the culture i was raised in. hip-hop/rap. my writing influences are: Nas, my high school english teacher, Mr. Snow, never forget him, recognized my talent and gave me Illmatic. Since then, i’ve been on. E-40, Ghostface, 2pac (west coast nigga), Big, 3XKrazy, but also, Toni Morrison and Shakespeare (by far the best writer of sonnets ever), Edgar Allen Poe, just off the top of the head at the moment. all that to say this: writing is a honest transcription of introspection. you don’t need knowledge of the supposed “Canon of Literature” to do that. Right on Troublman. The subject needed to be brought up.
[Reply]
Malia
I’m down with reading in any venue!!! I started with Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines…LOL—-yall can’t tell me I don’t have street cred!!! Sad but true but my tastes evolved into Toni Morrison, Octavia E. Butler, Gloria Naylor, James Baldwin, Zora Neale Hurston…I could go on and on, but I have a point. I think you should read what you like!!! It may start out fundamental but as you grow to love reading your tastes in genres will grow as your knowledge expands. Let the kids start slow….they’ll be alright!
[Reply]
Terry
Illmatic is an interesting example to start with. First, if students are going to explore it, then they have to do so from the contextual as well as analytic standpoint. Yes, it has the cool factor that makes it interesting stylistically, but what about its substance? Where does it fit into a much larger cultural landscape? If Nas is perceived as an artist who helped define a movement, what is that movement? These are questions that I can see would allow his work and significance to breathe in a classroom.
However, while his craft is important, it is no replacement for the works of Langston Hughes, Gil Scott Heron (one of the fathers of hip-hop), Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright…etc. All of the previously mentioned writers explore similar territory and many do it in a more comprehensive, intense, entertaining and instructional way. They have also stood the test of time and remained relevant. I’m not certain that the same can be said for Illmatic just yet. It has an authentic, but esoteric quality but is still far from the most accessible of albums. Also, what practical application does Illmatic have in the lives of students?
Furthermore, while Illmatic is important, much like its contemporaries, it is a footnote in all of hip-hop, black history, and the larger American consciousness (I’m not sure about its standing in the world as a whole). Hip-hop’s foundations are rooted into genres well before them. Jazz, rock and roll, spoken word, punk and many other current musical genres were breaking down barriers, and stripped of their significance by the mainstream and finally assimilated and added to the oldies greatest hits radio stations.
[Reply]
Terry
As far as education goes…
“The paperback is marketed toward consumers interested in science not scientists and the language is a lot more effective in creating an understanding.”
This may be true but school is exactly the time and space to learn to break down the technical jargon to make it accessible. Diluting the process to hand out better grades and raise self-esteem is questionable, especially when these same kids will be expected to compete with their peers who hit the ground running as soon as they hit college.
“They just don’t apply themselves because the curriculum doesn’t interest them. Understand that competing in today’s world is not about knowledge it’s about creativity.”
Also true, but that’s only half the story. Creativity isn’t just a talent that you are born with, it has to be nurtured. If you don’t know what’s been done before or you don’t have access to material, then you are in serious trouble when surrounded by those who have a more extensive background. How can you break down borders and boundaries if you don’t know that they exist?
“Abundance, Aisa and Automation.”
What do these mean and how do they apply to the conversation?
“And you’re right it’s not just parents, but it’s not money also.”
I checked your source and it’s not backed by any citations that explain where this data is coming from. The author may be on to something, but fails to distinguish what exactly the difference is between the public and private sector. I agree that throwing money at the problem isn’t a solution, but recognize that it is an important factor. If you are in the public sector the distribution of wealth is as important as the amount of capital. There is a difference between being rich and being wealthy. The private sector is cultivating wealth and using cutting edge resources to do it.
“The debate rage on about class size. There are studies that prove class size matters and others that say is doesn’t. I’m surprised that you haven’t held the students accountable. From my knowledge, the kids that come to school wanting to learn are the ones that succeed.” AND “For one, the parents are paying for their school which pressures them to achieve. Secondly, The difference between private and public school is that kids in private school understand the importance of learning. They’ve been raised since an early age to think about what college they would go to and so have their classmates. This breeds a competitive environment that all students can succeeds in.”
I don’t hold the students accountable because I believe them to be pawns in a system. The individuals who wish to succeed in a failing system are often, sadily, the exception, not the rule- even in colleges across the country. School systems themselves play a much greater role because they decide the curriculum. You point out through your own examples in the second paragraph that students play a little role.
“Access is definitely an impediment. School without books and computers are at a disadvantage. Still, how about the schools with books and computers and the kids don’t learn?”
All of the factors that we have been discussing have to work together: parents, mentors, resources, etc. But to believe that kids who are disadvantaged in this system will be able to compete against those with all of these factors in play is more than optimistic. I want to believe, I truly and sincerely do, but…
[Reply]
alwayswrite
What is more practical than conversation of ideas between individuals who share the same craft promoted through different media, i.e. books and albums/music? Lyricists/rappers and writers, the ones you mentioned, are all narrators. Students connect with the canon of writers via modern day writers–lyricists/rappers, hip-hop–about a common narration. That’s entirely practical. And, those mentioned writers, if they listened to Illmatic will agree with its pertinence and practicality. The fact that Illmatic is important in hip-hop, black history, etc. shows its substance and practicality. You answered your own questions. Plus, ask Nas what he read? He’ll cite everything you cited. Impractical? Certainly not. If you extract the beats, melody, and rhythm, Illmatic is a collection of essays/short stories. If you need that extraction to get it, then extract. But, if you extract, then you are missing out on the context of his art form.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
TERRY
Now I’m unsure of your argument. You’ve listed Langston Hughes, Gil Scott Heron and Maya Angelou, all self-described poets, yet you claim Nas’ contribution is less valuable.
Are you saying that Nas just doesn’t compare to his the historic greats or are you saying that poetry is of more value when it’s digested in a written form. If you’re saying the latter, I’d press you to ask a poet what has more value, the written or the spoken forms of their work.
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
TERRY
You just described my whole argument when you stated that “school is exactly the time and space to learn to break down the technical jargon to make it accessible.”
Accessibility is the key. Why do you equate bringing in other form of learning as diluting the process. I’m not talking about raising self-esteem to give students better grades, I’m talking about raising relevance so that they’ll be interested enough to want to explore further.
“Creativity isn’t just a talent that you are born with, it has to be nurtured.”
You right, it has to be nurtured, which is exactly why we have to stretch our kids minds by making them understand that music is intellectual.
In term of Abundance, Aisa and Automation, read the paragraph beneath where I listed these factors. They refer to what SB said about enabling our kids to compete in this world and ensuring a future for their children…
“If you don’t know what’s been done before or you don’t have access to material, then you are in serious trouble when surrounded by those who have a more extensive background. How can you break down borders and boundaries if you don’t know that they exist?”
Serious trouble, really? You’re in serious trouble if you can’t think critically, not if you can’t reference old works. And shouldn’t they be responsible for breaking down borders and boundaries by being able to relate to what I consider the classics. Or should I just accept their standards?
To me your argument is like saying that writing sheet music, or listening to classical music is more intellectual than writing raps and listening to hip-hop. I’m a musician. I play an instrument and I started writing sheet music when I was 12. Ironically, I first heard illmatic when I was 12, just before I started playing my trumpet.
I’m glad that you want to believe. I’m different though. Instead of believing, I work to make it come true.
[Reply]
"A Mom"
Great conversation. Boy you young people sound so educated. I feel like I’m growing everyday when I read your comments. All of you bring up very good points. I think if we went out and talked to young students in middle and high schools we could get a better understanding of what influences there interest in reading and who, what, and why they don’t. Some of us as teachers, parents and mentors need to know because something is not working well in our educational system.
[Reply]
Q.
Malia, WHAT???!!!
Yea, you have street cred.. Donald Goines is the truth.. But Octavia? Parable of the Talents??? I see you Malia, I see you!!
Overall, I’m not sure if this is about forms of literature/education, or if an album is a book.. In my opinion, as soon as you put a pen to the pad, you’re a writer.. Forms of writing can be argued until we turn blue.. Rapping, scholars, op-ed pieces, etc, all writing in my book, which if done correctly can be used as an educational tool (good or bad)..
My worries with this conversation is understanding if we are suggesting that we need to dumb down our education system.. As we evolve, we will see more courses like the Tupac course that is stretching into the Ivy League coursebook.. Dyson has been single-handedly trying to push hip-hop into lecture series, but he’s one of the few voices that can do it in a manner that it’s truly educational.. I know i’m not well-versed enough to successfully incorporate hip-hop into curriculum as a full-fledged course, but i know i put it into my talks.. it’s the bridge that connects us, and it’s sturdy enough to support us..
BUT, it has to be supplemental to the overall education system.. We can speak in ebonics, because that’s all our kids are learning.. We’re bilingual.. Point blank.. We know ebonics, but we also need to know the english language.. Slang is part of our vernacular, but it’s not THE vernacular..
I guess i’m wondering if we aren’t catering to our lack of overall educational skills.. I made it through, just as many of you, without having the need to dumb it down.. We all can..
[Reply]
alwayswrite
Q,
Nice. I think Terry said something similar as far as progressive courses, i.e. hip-hop, 2pac, Nas, etc. being supplements NOT replacements. The new thought should never replace the old thought, especially when the two are so connected. That would be a tragedy. :1.
[Reply]
Malia
Q—————————AND YOU KNOW THIS!!!!!
“Mind of My Mind”….”Kindred”…what?!?!?! I even wrote two chapters of a sci-fi thriller….it was a mix of Goines and Butler, and the first five pages were off the hindges!!! Please believe………….
No I don’t think we’re catering…well I can only speak for myself, but I don’t give kids no shorts! If I read—-you read! We imitate our atmosphere, my mom would read 500 page novels with me in her arms, I would be so riveted and I would read along with her. I think TROUBLMAN is right, they need to be INTERESTED in what they’re reading. That’s FIRST…..once the love of reading takes root, the tree will grow and flourish over time. You should know all about that with your mentorship programs REAL MEN READ!!!
I think we need to SMARTEN UP!!!! We “dumb down” our own selves when we talk about irrelevant ish, and then expect our children to want to be better. That’s one of the things I loved about TROUBL when I was first introduced to it. Black people (not labeling any particular set but just saying that it was predominate at the time) being progressive, talking about relevant, vital subjects like this, our most valuable resource….OUR CHILDREN!!!! Making a difference in the world, making change by design. Defining it for ourselves by way of written word……
We have to start somewhere right? Who’s gonna set the standard if we don’t? Like TROUBLMAN said, society will do it for us….and that would be a shame!
[Reply]
BIG Tone
The BEST hip-hop album EVER!
[Reply]
PB&J
i agree that knowledge can come from a plethora of sources, but a book is a book and a cd is cd. lol.
[Reply]
Troublsome
I think what Troublman is trying to say is that, Illmatic was one of the dopest albums ever.Nas pants very vivid pictures what he talks about. The album reaches its climax,just like aevery great book, and end with you wanting to read more, with every single moment leaving you in anticipation.
[Reply]
Reply to “Read Books…”
SEE ALSO
♦ TROUBLMan - Not My Family
March 28, 2008
♦ Johnny Haze - Theme Music
May 5, 2008
♦ TROUBLMan - Konichiwa
February 11, 2008
♦ TROUBLMan - Theme Music
April 1, 2008
♦ TROUBLMan - Theme Music
March 3, 2008