The My-Stery: The “Label” of (Afro)futurism

I have not done this post in a while, so here it goes: Recently, Shadow and Act reposted an essay from last year, “African Renaissance, How The Prefix ‘Afro-‘ May Arrest Imagination & Manifesto Salesmanship,” by Phetogo Tshepo Mahasha. I had a few thoughts about it that I formed during a private conversation with Cosmic […]

The My-Stery: Lupe Fiasco’s ‘Bitch Bad’ and the Chaotic Nature of Minstrelsy

Last week Lupe Fiasco premiered his video for “Bitch Bad.” With its use of minstrelsy and blackface, the video as well the song brings to the forefront once again the complicated position of the black entertainer in popular culture. What is the role and responsibility of a black entertainer to themselves and their audiences? What […]

Otherworldly Videos: Hip-Hop and Shakespeare?

Award-winning rapper Akala describes the similarities between Shakespeare’s works and hip-hop lyrics and rhythm. Akala wants to challenge those who have power to define and allow certain people to be “custodians of knowledge.” His lecture makes one think of what is poetry and what is knowledge or intellect.