Black Lives Matter

This is a repost from my IG on Monday, June 1st for those of you who don't follow me there.

Truth is, I wouldn't even have this little forum if it weren't for the originators DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Grand Wizzard Theodore. The fact that hip hop and scratching came out of hardships/living conditions I could not even begin to imagine makes it all the more impressive that it even exists.

Throughout my years, several DJs saved my life. In high school, this music saved me, taught me about craft, practicing, expression, gave me an outlet. But most importantly, it showed me a way to connect to people. Crews and DJs like De La Soul, DJ Prince Paul, Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff showed me it was okay to do something outside the status quo. I am not on expert. I'm still trying to learn. I still feel like a bit of an outsider no matter where I go. But in my heart I know everything is connected somehow. DJing taught me that. But this music, and turntable subcultures has always welcomed me. I'm forever grateful for that.

Regarding the news today, Ladybug Mecca gave me a list of books to read and ways to help as she is much more knowledgable on these topics than I am. I'm beginning my deeper education about it all now. I feel the need to have the information so I can properly explain to my children what's going on right now. What's happening in the world today is long overdue. For clarity's sake, I know this is not about music. It's just I've spent so much of my life scratching on turntables that it's become the lens through which I understand the world. Free-associating here... I still use the Grandmaster Flash designed mixer. He called it the "Empath". He designed it with an empathy for the needs of the DJ. Society has some needs right now that aren't being met. It's possible that true empathy is one of the key ingredients required for us to function better as a whole. 

Do what you can, Help where you can. Do it from a place of love. All that is broken will all function better someday. Do some soul searching and start the "difficult" conversations as DJ Jazzy Jeff would put it. Perspectives will change. For me, I'll be here reading, talking with my children about it and practicing. DJs, scratch it into your system. #BlackLivesMatter