Michael Eric Dyson, referred to by many as the “Hip Hop Intellectual” is back with a new book, entitled Know What I Mean: Reflections on Hip Hop.
According to Dyson‘s website, the book touches on topics from “the creative expression of degraded youth that has garnered them global exposure” “the vexed gender relations that made an art form a victim of its success” “the political elements that have been submerged in the most popular form of hip hop” and “the intellectual engagement with some of hip hop’s most influential figures.
Even more, Jay-Z and Nas have lent their thoughts and words for the “Intro” and “Outro” respectively.
“Although he wasn’t there for either of us then, his preaching and his
intellectual actions are there today for countless brothers and
sisters, regardless of skin color, and regardless of who they pray to
at night. He is there telling everyone who was born into a life that
seems destitute and destined for failure that there is a way out. He is
there reminding us all not to let our situation be an excuse when it
can be a resource. Just as important, he is telling all of those
countless people whose minds are closed by bigotry or contempt that hip
hop is American. Blackness is American. I am American.” – Jay-Z
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To read the full intro by Jay-Z please visit Dyson‘s website.
