The Scapegoating of Hot 97

By Khalil Amani

I’m as old or older than most of the people taking shots at Hot 97, so if I sound disrespectful or condescending—chalk it up as someone who isn’t swayed to walk on eggshells because I’m a addressing an iconic hip-hop figure/s. The other side ain’t walking on eggshells! Hot 97 is an iconic…

A Black President! The Influence of Parents… Or the Lack Thereof.





Now we have a black President! It probably doesn’t mean much to you because “Black Pride” is something you never talked about to your children. You hated afros and cornrows and anything that could be perceived as “militant.” In actuality, “militant,” in America means being conscious of the racism towards black people and wanting to do something to change it! You speak of “militant” as something…

*My father, now deceased went to his grave, never coming to terms with his parenting nor reconciling our relationship. This is one of several letters I wrote him, argry, yet cogently written to express my pain, even at 48 years of age. My gift to you, that you may find whatever you need to move on.

“Honor thy father and mother.”—Exodus…

Sovereignty: The Stevie J. Jewel

By Khalil Amani

Many of y’all think that Stevie J. of “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta” is a buffoon, a clown, a ratchet-ass Negro with very little moral scruples—Yea, a new-jack coon, but after this most recent episode I personally have a newfound respect for his mind. I bequeath Stevie…

Hip-Hop Hodgepodgery

By Khalil Amani

I was in New York City a few weeks ago having a coonerific vacation with the wifey. After doing the obligatory tour of Times Square, Empire State Building and seeing a Broadway play (Motown: The Musical), I wanted to go to Harlem to get my blackness and hip-hop…