Memories of “Best Of” ‘09..Reaching Back and Moving On…Here’s Why

A lot of people have asked, or called, or emailed asking me about my "acceptance speech" Sunday night. It seems as if a lot of folks didnt quite catch it over the low rumble of a room full of ecstatic(and drunk) party-goers. You've all been witness to my life transition over the past 2 years. Trips abroad to the Czech Republic and Ghana coupled with becoming an investor/owner in Farish st., starting the Jackson Progressives with the big homie Matt. and getting engaged to my best friend in this entire galaxy and love of my life have changed my focus. I have a new passion. Rebuilding this city. Making this city what should have always been but couldnt be because of underachieving leadership, apathy, the fear of change, and the fear of youth. And to me a "rapper" is not going to be able to spark the change that this city needs. Whether fans of my music, my columns, or my activism, Im at a point now where I want to seen as more than just a "rapper". Hip hop is something I DO its not what I AM. It doesnt define me and it doesnt limit me. Ill admit I was a little sad awwwwww:-( that even after you guys have watched and supported me in my new career as a developer that you saw as still...a rapper. Im indeed honored to have garnered your votes and support as "Best Hip-Hop" artist for the past 3 years. But as of...well..now, Im removing myself from contention for the award in the future. Im hoping to you believe in me enough to see me as "Best Public Figure", or "Best Community Acitivist", or "Best Rebel Rouser". Im no longer the Hip-Hop aritst who happens to be a developer and activist, but the Developer and Activist who happens to do Hip-Hop.

Second, I want those of you who may not be "hip hop fans" or may have only begun to look into the hiphop world through my eyes to realize that there are other artists here that are putting in work. The Skipp Coons, the 7:Thirty's, The 5th Childs, The PYInfamous's of the city deserve your undivided attention. No, they dont NEED my approval. No, they don't NEED my blessings. No, you dont NEED my permission to listen to them either lol. They each put out excellent pieces of work in 08. But if my words on Sunday influenced even one of you to give these guys a listen, then it was worth it. Hell, I didnt even put out any new material in 08! Those guys are much more deserving of your accolades than I. Im happy to be doing rock music now. And if MUST vote for me, You can be looking to vote Storage 24as best rock band for 2010..www.myspace.com/storage24live..(cheap plug).

Don't get me wrong. Im STILL one of the greatest to ever do it here! On stage, I have few rivals. Im just not the greatest doing it right NOW. Im NOT retiring and I WILL release new material! Don't worry. you'll get your Kaze fix(smile). Im an MC, not a rapper. The difference is, MC's would do this even if they WERENT getting paid. Its just that music is no longer #2 on my list (after God) Family is. Then Farish Street. In fact music is like 5 or 6 now. and as I told Skipp last night, some days its 8 or 9. And I NEVER thought that would happen so I MUST be going through something right? It's the new generation's time now. Im proud of my accomplishments in music and Ive done all I can do here. Ive reached and cracked the ceiling of expectations for artists in our state. Honestly, I can't call for the old folks in city government and local boards to get the hell out of our way unless Im willing to do the same in an arena where I am the veteran. So kudos to the real "Best HipHop" Artists of '08-09. and here's to one of them winning the vote in next year's "Best Of" Issue.

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