I’m sure, if you even made it this far, that you see the title and think, “Oh Lord, another angry article about racism.” Well yeah you can leave now, coward. The reason for writing this article comes from three things. One, most of my heroes are in all actuality dead by way of murder, and I plan on writing a book about it. They aren’t all black. Two, I’m tired of people being racist and getting offended when they get called out on it. Here’s a thought, hmm stop being a racist! Three, I’m really into progressive, positive, think for yourself hip hop. As a journalist I voice my opinion on things and I like to see the feedback from you, my readers.
It occurred to me today, while binging on Jhene Aiko’s Sailing Souls album, that people around me as well as those beyond my immediate reach, have a misshapen view of reality. Selective misshapen realities, I will deem this.
My girlfriend is latina and experiences racism probably more often than I do here. She had a recent run in with a person. This article is dedicated to her and all those that struggle with it.
The song I couldn’t seem to get out of my head, from Aiko’s album Sailing Souls, is Sailing NOT Selling featuring Kanye West. It’s one of the best singles on the album for many reasons but the lines I like the most are “See I gotta lot to say and I ain’t afraid to say it” and “Set sail or get sold.” With the first line the track pulls you into her world that sits you down and makes you listen to her struggle. The second took a bit of research until I found Aiko’s words on it. Basically that line means sail your soul or go after the things you want in life not what others want you to do. In her case money was held over her held by her record label, but she took it upon her self to pursue her art rather than “selling out.” I’m about to sail my soul.
