Hip Hop was conceived as a competitive art form.  B-boys challenging each other for the title of best dance crew, graffiti writers trying to outdo each other, rappers battling, DJ's competing with one another for supremacy.  The underlying theme to competition in Hip Hop has always been about skills.  It wasn't about fame or fortune, being the best was about how skilled you were in your craft.  

Somewhere along the line the Hip Hop community has lost sight of what battling is all about.  Critics named Jay Z as the best rapper based on his popularity, financial status and record sales even when his skills as an MC were lackluster at times.  

The shift in battling occurred in 2012 when legendary battle rapper Loaded Lux came out of retirement to battle Calicoe.  Loaded Lux used intricate wordplay, complex vocal patterns and witty metaphors to solidify his spot as rap's most revered MC.  Lux forced people to pay attention to lyrics again.  He forced audiences to think about what was being said by using double and triple entendres, personal attacks with no references to material wealth or blazing guns which of recent has been a nor in battle rap.  

Kendrick Lamar posted a tweet after the battle was released to the public saying he loved it, and he has watched it numerous times.  No doubt this battle has a profound effect on Kendrick.  Loaded Lux, crowned as the winner, remained humble, applauding his opponent for a great performance, saying "steel sharpens steel, we can be the best of friends but when we are in that ring the objective is to get that win by any means".  

Fast forward to 2013, Kendrick Lamar contributes to a song by Big Sean entitled "Control" where he says he wants to murder the new crop of MC's, take their core fans, and raise the bar for lyricism.  This is familiar territory for the young lyricist.  On the song "The Heart Part 3" which Kendrick released three days prior to his debut album, he asserts similar claims - "I need to separate myself right now, I need a better way to take your fans now".  He also compare himself to Tupac Shakur.  

Kendrick Lamar "The Heart Part 3"

The difference between Kendrick's bold assertions is that on the latter song "Control" he decides to mention specific names.  He challenges his peers to step up their lyrics in the true spirit of Hip Hop tradition.  It was commonplace to see rappers practicing their rhymes for hours, or B-boys working out new impressive dance schemes in the park.  Kendrick says he would rather practice his craft and work to be labeled the best MC rather than to attend clubs and parties which have become synonymous with rappers in the modern era.  It is true that little thought is being placed in the creation of most rap songs today: just put a catchy chorus to a danceable beat you can have a hit.  

Kendrick sent a shockwave through the industry with various artist issuing responses to his controversial verse.  I applaud Mr. Lamar for having the confidence to challenge his peers artistically.  Kendrick is a force to be reckoned with - he comes in the spirit of Nas, Andre 3000, Freestyle Fellowship and Ras Kass.  He was crowned as King Of West Coast Hip Hop by legend like Dr. Dre, Snoop, The Game and more.  As a lyricist one cannot deny the quality and focus that he puts in his music.  He is at the forefront of a new crop of MC's who are pushing the art of Hip Hop.  There was a time when artist like Kendrick were overlooked and labeled as "backpacker" and too intelligent, but this is slowing beginning to change.  People are fed up with rappers who lack substance.  In the spirit of Hip Hop its time to sharpen the sword and focus on our craft.  Kendrick has forced people to have a real conversation concerning lyricism.   Lets use this energy as a way to produce the best songs possible.  This is the perfect time for a lyrical renaissance!!!  

Footage Of Richard Raw performing "Public Enemy" during Black August Weekend/Happily Natural Day in Atlanta. 

Public Enemy appears on "The Proletariat" which can be purchased on 

Amazon or Itunes 

ONCE AGAIN IT'S ON!!!! 34th Annual Black August Commemoration & 11th Annual Happily Natural Day is just months away!!! Panels, Performers, Vendors, 5K Run & More for the ENTIRE family!!! Rockin' live in Atlanta, Georgia August 23rd-25th!!! WEEKEND SCHEDULE: 34th Annual Black August Commemoration and 11th Annual Happily Natural Day Atlanta BLACK AUGUST WEEKEND IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR Friday August 23rd: FTP Movement Presents... Organizing is the New Cool Film Screening 7PM to 10PM - Location: Omenala Griot Museum, 337 Dargan Place, Atlanta 30310 Saturday August 24th: Happily Natural Day Festival (Indoor) Noon to 7PM - Free Admission South Cobb Recreation Center 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell, GA 30168 Celebrating its 11th year of existence, Happily Natural Day, the nationally recognized festival out of Richmond, Virginia, will be rocking again in Atlanta adding an extra dose of flavor to The Black August 33rd Anniversary Weekend. Happily Natural Day is a powerful summer festival dedicated to holistic health, cultural awareness and social change. Some past guests that have participated in Happily Natural Day include: Queen Afua, dead prez, Ashra Kwesi, Dr. Llaila Afrika, Phil Valentine, Del Jones, Runoko Rashidi and more. Also… Saturday August 24th: CREW LOVE: 34th Annual Black August Commemoration Edition 9PM to 2AM - $10 Location: 585 Wells (Southern Mill Lofts/Ambient Studio) off corner of Metropolitan, Atlanta, GA 30312 Guaranteed to be one of the most powerful events of the summer, more than just a concert, this commemoration is where some of the most necessary and accomplished freedom fighters and community activists unite with some of the most relevant artists of our time to bring about a unique form of edutainment. This is where theory meets practice! Sunday August 25th: RBG Fit Club, HABESHA Inc., and the FTP Movement Presents... Black August Block Party and 5K Run for Freedom Habesha Gardens - 477 Windsor St. Atlanta, GA 8AM to 7PM - $25 for 5K Run, Free Admission to Block Party

With Brixton Saint, Richard Raw, Suburban Sensi and Fiyah B

Location: World Cafe Live At The Queen

500 N. Market Street 

Wilmington De, 19802

Thursday, August 15th 

8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

All Ages

For More Information click HERE

Check Out Richard Raw's Interviews With Christopher X of "The Black Perspective"

LOCATION: EVERLASTING LIFE  (VEGAN) RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

9185 Central Ave Capitol Heights, MD

$10.00

7PM - 11PM

Once again Umar Bin Hassan of The Last Poets, Dr. Baruch & Precise Science brings you the most eclectic and soulful experience in the DMV. This time we have our G-Rep brothah Richard Raw from Delaware doing a set. Mic2Mouth Music's own Ka'Ba SoulSinger sharing his soulful sound with the people. Also the Sound Lounj for the first time is introducing an author to the platform. The talented, strong, and humbly genuine sistah..Kimadda Bititi Agyeman introducing her new book Sista's 4 Change. We have $5 roundtrip transpo with Dade Hendrick from Soul 57 on Florida Ave. NE for those who need it. Come on in and enjoy Excellent Talent, Excellent Food, with some Excellent People

Richard Raw will be performing as a special guest of The Sermon on August 9th 2013.

Location: Time Restaurant, Whiskey Bar & Taproom

1315 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

For more information click here

Preserving The Art Of Hip Hop!!

There seems to be an effort to preserve the Art of Hip Hop. There is a growing number of organizations and free thinkers who are tired of the corporate controlled hip hop that seeks to advertise to consumers. Rap songs that lack true artistry and add no value to society are now questioned. We cannot sit around and continue to create only "bangers, club anthems and love songs”. We need songs that seek to inspire growth. There are so many issues that must be addressed and we as hip hop artists have a responsibility to use our voices as revolutionary daggers. As our dear brother Amiri Baraka said, "We Want Poems That Kill".

By Richard Raw

Check out Harvard University's W.E.B Du Bois Hip Hop Archive Institute Fellow and Rap Music Follower Tahir Hemphills Hip Hop word count, an online searchable database with over 40,000 Hip Hop songs from 1979 to present.

The Hip-Hop Archive and the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute at Harvard University announced today the inception of the Nasir Jones Hip Hop Fellowship. According to the press release, the fellowship will help fund future exceptional Hip Hop artists:

For More Infomation Click Here

Richard Raw's Official Statement On The Zimmerman Trial

First I would like to send peace of mind and blessings to all friends and family of Trayvon Martin.  I am sorry for your loss and the unjust verdict in the Zimmerman Trial.  As an artist known for creating music that speaks directly to the revolutionary spirit of the people, I know that many are waiting for me to release a new song to address the Zimmerman trial.  However, if you have ever really listened to my music, you would know I've said all that there is to say about any and everything that pertains to this trial.  So a new song is NOT forthcoming.  I am however, willing to work with artists and others who wish to join me in community outreach/development and the work necessary to ensure that justice is always served and that no other young black/brown male or female has to be murdered in cold blood as Trayvon.  If inspirational music is what you need, I already have that.  But right now is not the time for a new song.  It's time for action.  I plan to continue working in the community and if you are down with that then lets go....

The NYC Climate Justice Youth Summit will be felt throughout the City with the rhythm and sounds of the Legacy Circle, The Welfare Poets, Speakers of the House, The Machine, Richard Raw, Circa '95 and Brother North from Division X....where will you be? Have you registered? Young People of Color: Frontline Resistance!!! Bring it!!

To Register Click Here