Today is World AIDs Day-Remembering Eazy E & Hip Hop’s Stance Against a Dreaded Disease

Thanks to DAVEY D for this great post:

"...I just feel that I’ve got thousands and thousands of young fans that have to learn about what’s real when it comes to AIDS. Like the others before me, I would like to turn my own problem into something good that will reach out to all my homeboys and their kin. Because I want to save their asses before it’s too late.”

-EAZY E

Many of us have forgotten these haunting words from the late Eazy E who died from AIDs back in 1995. His death sent shock waves within the Hip Hop community and helped open people’s eyes. His death also helped shatter the myth of that HIV and AIDS was solely a gay white man’s disease. Today as we acknowledge the 22cd World AIDs Day where the theme is Universal Access and Human Rights, most of us are far more educated and understand that AIDs is a worldwide situation that has impacted all communities. Sadly in spite of the urgency, many of us have reverted back to what is deemed as irresponsible behavior. Many of us have looked at the success of people like basketball player Magic Johnson who was diagnosed with HIV and come to believe that this disease will not touch us…

READ MORE at his original post and get links to FAQ about HIV & AIDS.

Below is a classic live performance of "America (America Is Dying Slowly)" by Wu-Tang & Killah Priest from 'Yo MTV Raps":

Rhymefest Opens Up About Fatherhood

Thank you and props to DAVEY D for presenting this intimate, insightful and compelling Q&A between Rhymefest and his 10 year old son. We celebrate Father's Day this month and although many issues are present within father/son relationships, there are many great benefits of what strong fatherhood can provide both parent and child. Alexie F. is a great father. My Dad is a great father. I am not yet a father but these issues are dear to me.

Two days ago, June 2nd, Rhymefest appeared at a townhall/book release event in Brooklyn for "BE A FATHER". "BE A FATHER" was written by April Silver Lauren Harris of the Ford Foundation and featured contributions from Hip Hop scholars, activists and artists. These essays and poems deal with fatherhood and manhood within the African American community. Rhymefest, a contributor, was on hand to kick a freestyle about fatherhood but instead did a Q&A freestyle with his son. They each prepared 5 questions and neither knew in advance what they would be. The profound exchange between father and son, so publicly, impacted all those in attendance. When I listened to the audio below, I am not ashamed to say it bought tears to my eyes. Whether you are a father or a son, their conversation will cause you to reflect on similar emotions that you may have held...

Original article HERE


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