Is This The Future of Hip Hop?

blk_phd
October 19 2006, 11:03AM

I don't know if he has skills, but he has mad sex appeal!! Nice to look at!

Kenneth Winfrey
October 19 2006, 11:11AM

The man is fine. Plus, I've given up on the idea that "White is bad; Black is good." I'm not color-blind, and I am still very sensitive to issues around race, but I'm just not going to make life decisions soley based on race [anymore]. It hasn't served me well...and it probably won't serve music to do so either.

If Black people can become classical artists in the traditions of Bach and Beethoven, then White boys oughta become Hip-Hop artists.

On the other hand, as Keith acknoledges, there is the potential for this to get political. Not just becuase of race, but because Hip-Hop, unlike classical music, is a political movement that is underway, and that has its roots in the experience of the diaspora and Black people in America.

JUWANNA MANN
October 19 2006, 11:22AM

I don't know if he's the FUTURE OF HIP HOP. But I do know he's my FUTURE BABY DADDY!!!!!

OKKKKKKKKKK???? HEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
(snap) (snap)

gs
October 19 2006, 11:39AM

Never heard of him. The future of Hip Hop is more multicultural though. I was watching the VH1 Hip Hop Honoree show the other night and the Beastie Boys got honored....hip hop's first top selling white group. Then the two finalist for the VH1 amateur rap contest were white...none of the brothas made the final cut.

On another note, Keith I admire your work ethics. Although you're away and don't have access to your own computer you STILL have time to post and keep us engaged. I don't see eye to eye with you politically...but I know a brotha that stands out from the pack when I see one!

Derrick from Philly
October 19 2006, 11:44AM

Well, I just got accused a being an Uncle Tom on Andy Towleroad's blog (over the alleged Issiah Washington verbal gay bashing incident), so I don't have anything to say about this white boy--nothin'... no, not a goddam thing!
Now,how do I prove my blackness again? I'll "go down" on Wesley Snipes... if anybody can figure out where the hell he is. The IRS is a bitch, aint she?

cre8ivtyp
October 19 2006, 12:05PM

So does him being "phine" or having "madd sex appeal" make him the new face of hip hop? Phine and sex appeal comes a dime a dozen these days. Skillz on the mic don't. I try not to base everything on race either, but I have to admit to being sensitive to some things when race is involved, and hip hop is one of them. I spend more money, than I like to admit on hip hop music(mainstream and underground) and I have never heard of this kat. I also hate to admit that, unfortunately, alot of brothas and sistas that are in the industry having their music in heavy rotation seems to be putting out crap to make a buck. Last night I saw a documentary, "Pick up the Mic", ", showcasing gays in hip hop. The brothas and sistas were represented heavily, but the white kats had madd skillz that couldn't be denied. Hey, go for what you know if you got the skillz, but to have someone tell me that a white kat is the new face of hip hop, yeah that bothers me.

Tyler
October 19 2006, 12:22PM

Let's consider the fact that what Strive is talking about is corporate hip-hop. I don't know that we can draw a solid line between corporate and underground, but we should be wary anytime a mainstream outlet labels anyone the "new" anything when it comes to cultures and subcultures that are recently appropriated. In the same way, a healthy dose of skepticism would have been in order when Justin Timberlake the thief was dubbed the new king of pop, we should have some now.

I don't think it's a coincidence that white folks are dubbing white folks the new face of black music forms. It has always happened. And we are now in a time of rampant appropriation, which coincides with the rise of pluralism which says that music is for everyone (thus overshadowing the specific cultural experiences that lead to any group's expression).

The fact is this: When these things happen, blackness is ALWAYS erased. This ain't about crying racism. It is racism. Erasure of cultural production is a real problem.

CaliNexus
October 19 2006, 12:41PM

Quit boy. The agenda is: this man is hot. A curious vibe about him that won't stop. Plus: "odd jobs on the side..." he says.

Shabaka
October 19 2006, 12:58PM

He's mad sexy fo sho! I'd have to listen to his music though to know if I like him or not as an artist. But he got body for weeks!

blk_phd
October 19 2006, 12:59PM

Cali-Nexus: His "odd jobs" could mean that he has good work ethic and does not believe in being a bum...LMAO!!! It's nice to see that he will do "odd jobs" to bring home a check!! He can do an "odd job" for me...i'll pay him!!! LOL!!! But did I already state earlier that he is very phine!! If not, I just did!! LOL!!!

s25
October 19 2006, 1:41PM

Hell to the No he is no future of Hip Hop!! I am sorry but one person has never been the future of Hip Hop and its diversity from the onset. Furthermore, he does the respresent the diverse cultures African, Latino, and Native cultures that created and invented Hip Hop. Sure he can appriopriate it and become a mainstream artist, but it is not him cultural difference. I believe whites can be inspired, learn, and appreciate Hip Hop. They could also be active participants in Hip Hop but to say the future of Hip Hop is inaccurrate especially when it was not his culture that created it. Thats like saying a white artist is the future, of the blues, jazz, gospel, etc. There is a thin line between participation and appropriation. But I am not surprise by this because for centuries whites have tried to appropriate colored folks music and sell to mainstream.

Maurice
October 19 2006, 1:45PM

Keith,

You always were a sucker for a pretty face and body. I need to go to the Pink Tea Cup more often.

trent
October 19 2006, 2:10PM

I have never delineated a line in the sand that White is bad and Black is good. I've always understood there to be a mix of both the good and bad and that gray area in between among all groups of people. I'm not really attracted to the guy on the magazine cover, but that is just me and my personal proclivities in men. Anyway, as rap has always had an undercurrent of politics among a number of artists of African descent, I wonder what does it mean for the genre in general as the face producing it become more white. The subtext of cover says, " brings rap back to what 'we' loved about it."

Music is music on one level regardless of who is producing it or singing its lyrics. Its dangerous to stereotype the race or ethnicity of an artist to one genre of it. On another level the market has a tendency to homogenized the work of predominately black genres for wider and whiter consumer consumption.

The Truth
October 19 2006, 2:29PM

No one has ever heard of this guy and no one has ever heard of Strive Magazine. If Vibe Magazine or some other well-known Hip-Hop magazine told me that this guy is the future of Hip-Hop, I would believe it. He is a wanna be.

Troy
October 19 2006, 2:47PM

Definitely the next big thing in Hip Hop, his left nipple says it all! I need a creaky table at ole Pink tea cup and service!:) service!

jared
October 19 2006, 3:30PM

he is a hot looking guy, that's for sure, and i for one would be happy if white, asian or hispanics would take over "rap" at least that way people would not have to hear that vile n-word that the black rappers seem to think make them have talent, when all it does is show they have a very low self respect and little creativity to actually do the genre right imo.

Jeff Hobbs
October 19 2006, 3:48PM

He's pretty hot....for a white guy!:) lol

SAD
October 19 2006, 4:32PM

It is a damn shame we immediately focus on looks - GROW UP!

I am not interested in looks to assist with my personal choice/selction of music. As a black man, I have NEVER been attracted to white men. I can appreciate and admire fine men of all races, but have no personal attraction to white men.

White or Black can identify with the HIP HOP struggle, but looks.... this is the exact reason the fund fell short in collecting monies to assist with the burial of the in Texas. We are focusing on looks and sending our comments on blogs instead of focusing on what is important.

SAD, SAD, SAD!

Cafetino
October 19 2006, 4:47PM

I am so sick of white people trying to act black/latino and capitalize on our culture. He sees black people in the hood, on tv or wherever and he has beats, so he fronts the hood talk, mannerisms, and calls his beats the new hip hop. GET THE F K out of here! If his page reflects his music, he's going to continue waiting tables. You can believe this... if his music has any type of hip hop appeal to it, Diddy, Jay-Z or someone is going to perfect it and he won't even be a memory. He is cute and has thug appeal but drop his ass off in my hood and let's see how real it is.

Deacon
October 19 2006, 5:00PM

True G.C. if PHYNE, I'd have to hear his material before claiming him the future of hip-hop........white or black if you got skillz you got skillz I mean with out a doubt the Beastie Boys are still one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time, after RUN DMC of course.....and can black folk stop hating on Justin Timberlake, why be mad at him because his material is better than most of the crap put out as r&b.....

Queer Texan
October 19 2006, 6:19PM

Ah yes, politics always gets involved.

caf: "I am so sick of white people trying to act black/latino and capitalize on our culture."

What is sold in the mass media market is fair game for anyone to listen to, purchase, mimick, adopt, etc. If one sort of music is "off limits" for other cultures to buy, enjoy, express, then one should ask Hip Hop artists to stay underground and not sell themselves to Sony, BMG, Arista, etc.

When it hits the shelves of Target and Wal-Mart; it's all fair game. For what I can tell, the artistry of Hip Hop is sold to the highest bidder without consideration to race or culture -- from production and marketing, to merchandising. It's willingly sold and willingly purchased.

Gotta love the free market. It's the only way to "get rich or die tryin'."

Shabaka
October 19 2006, 6:29PM

Oh boy...Mr SAD, those were just comments on someone's looks, it doesn't have to get so somber. Lawd! For those who want to check out his music, and I have to admit, it ain't exactly the kind I like to listen to, here's a glance .

chris
October 19 2006, 6:45PM

I`M IN FULL AGREEMENT WITH TYLER.HIP HOP IS A BLACK CREATED ARTFORM.YOU HAVE ALL THESE WHITE ARTIST WANTING THAT ''URBAN'' SOUND.MAJORITY OF HIP HOP MUSIC SOLD IS BROUGHT BY WHITES.SO BASICALLY ALL THE MONEY GENERATED FROM HIP HOP IS GOING TO THE WHITE COMMUNITY.THEY ARE THE ONES THAT OWN THESE LABELS,DISTRUBUTION ETC.YOU GOT THESE SPOILED WHITE KIDS RAPPING BETTER THAN THE BROTHAS FROM THE HOOD BECAUSE THEY CAN REACH A BROADER AUDIENCE.IN A DEEPER THOUGHT.WHATS GOING ON IN THE PROJECTS AND HOODS OF BLACK AMERICA ARE BEING SOLD TO WHITE KIDS IN THE SUBURBS.IT IS VERY POLITICAL BECAUSE MORE AND MORE HIP HOP IS TURNING WHITE.

Texas76132
October 19 2006, 9:09PM

This is not surprising because we all want to see someone who looks like us. It's advertising 101. Dr Dre was the leader when it came to putting a white face in rap. Remember his protege, Eminem? Whites have been the biggest consumers of rap for at least the last five years. The question is how will blacks respond? Will they keep rapping and accept the fact that we live in a multicultural society and know that imitation is the finest art of flattery? Or will blacks abandon rap and leave it to the whites the way it did rock and roll. I hope the black rappers perfect their skill and keep rapping. I just wish they would wash their mouths out with soap before they do it. We blacks have always set the standard when it comes to the culture of this country. Realize it and use it as an opportunity to build a empire instead of a mountain of tears. You can view this as a threat or as an opportunity to further develop something you created. Don't give up another art form just because white people like it too.

Solus
October 19 2006, 9:11PM

Why does everything have to be about WHITE Vs BLACK or BLACK Vs WHITE!? I hear the same crap in the black community as I do in the white community. And it's getting OLD!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!! Skin colour is just another way that God found to add flavour to this world!!

yeahisaidit
October 19 2006, 9:23PM

...i went and listened to some of the tracks with and open mind and have to say i felt a vibe...also a big plus was the fact that live musicianship was an element taking things past just a rapper with a backing track...i don't know 'bout the next big thing but definitely a nice addition to the ever expanding global hip hop culture and consciousness...big ups to the originators and new innovators...

Texas76132
October 19 2006, 9:42PM

One more thing about this subject, but on a larger scale. We blacks need to accept flattery and not view it as selling out to the enemy. That's why we can't get anywhere anymore. I don't see Asians upset because whites (and blacks for that matter) drive their Honda's and Toyota's. Why do we make a big deal every time something on someone black gains broad appeal? Just because people cross the racial divide, it doesn't mean to hate themselves. Remember that the next time you have Chinese food. Isn't time that blacks be allowed to play rock and roll again with about being accused of wanting to be white? After all, we created it.

yeahisaidit
October 19 2006, 9:54PM

...oh and @Texan76132...co-sign with your comments and indeed with your point of view...very well stated...i'm in austin tx. my damn self,(78741)...where you at?

Texas76132
October 19 2006, 11:20PM

Hey, Yeahisaidit

I live in Fort Worth.
One more thing. Some people may not want to hear this, but racism is no longer our biggest problem. Our inability to say that education is important is. Until the black community can say education is more important than sports and entertainment, it will continue to stagnate. Until black people can tell its young that just because they want to learn math and science, it does not mean they are acting white, our children will continue to falter. And especially until Black America can tell its young boys that if they pick up a book instead of a football, it does not mean they are punks, our young men will continue to be the main residents of this nation's jails and prisons. Our refusal to say education is important and learn is making us obsolete. The blacks in the 60's and 70's had it right. They referred to themselves as soul brothers and soul sisters,not Niggas and bitches like we do today. They had respect for themselves and got things done. Learn from the past.

Steve
October 20 2006, 1:27AM

I'd fuck him. Hell, I'd bottom for him. And if he has attitude to go with that look, he can tie me up and do anything he wants.

Kenneth Winfrey
October 20 2006, 2:17AM

For those who would say that White people are "stealing" something: Imitation is the highest form of flattery. When others master the imitation, it's time for a re-invention. When they imitate you, it means that they have learned from you. NEXT!

If GC, Eminem, or Justin Timberlake make music that sounds like [insert any Black hip-hop artists here], then it's up to [insert any Black hip-hop artists here] to make something new. This is the difference between a mere "gimmick" and true self-expression.

As an artist, I do not fear competition because I know that nobody can do "me" the way I do "me." I know that this "secret formula" is always "secret" and always changing because I am always evolving...and nobody can know me the way I do.

See my 1st post. This posessiveness of hip-hop implies scarcity, and a fear of lack. Yet, being proud and Black, I know that we do not "lack" creativity... Although we are great scientists and entreprenuers, we are also very much the art teachers of this world.

darryl
October 20 2006, 7:09AM

A few of the comments on this thread are so shallow. But if this is the future of rap, then one needs to ask: when or if this happens, will people (future listners) remember the origins of rap. Believe it or not, there are people in their thrities (today) who don't even know the Jazz was created by blacks. That's the real issue.

The US has a history of taking other people's culture, making it their own, and never acknowledging the original origins. I don't have a problem with white rappers, asian..whatever. My problem is when those rappers don't even respect or acknowledge the people that imitating. Classic example: Elvis.

So be careful when you are so quick to embrace this notion of a colorblind society or sell your soul because the guy looks so fine. Today's rappers are so quick to put these white chicks in their videos, but are we in theirs? Are we pushing up on Britney (with her black singing style)? Are we pushing up on Christina (with her black singing style)? NO!

loi wade
October 20 2006, 9:17AM

Keith, shut up! You knew damn well what you were doing in starting this discussion(lol). I was waiting for them to finally say it. Of course it is the future of hip hop. And pretty soon they will write us right out of hip hop history. When 8 mile came out I happened to be at the mall where it was showing. Chile the line was out the doors! Allllll the way down the ramp. Filled with four eyed acountant looking whites side by side with the obligatory wiggas. And they actually believed eminems fantasy. Have you ever watched logos 'hip hop homos'? Where are the blacks? Yes they will take over. My soon to be 15 year old daughter gets into arguments all the time at her predominately white school when she tries to educate her classmates about our music history. Hell, established black artists(and you know who you are!) just grin and shuffle when they get to work with white rappers. I miss the good ole days when it was fun to pick on vanilla ice. Now he's coming back. Damn! Damn! Damn!

loi wade
October 20 2006, 9:48AM

And to Texas 76132, I can't believe you said that. There is no way , by the names alone, you can disassociate the japanese with their products. Not only that, every time we buy one THEY GET PAID, do we? See, alot of people don't want to deal with the rape of black society because it's too painful. It is much easier to say Let's join hands and sing 'reach out and touch'. Just acknowledge my contributions thats all i'm asking. And the next time you step foot in a chinese restaurant, tell me who you see working there. You better believe they are going to keep it real!

Deacon
October 20 2006, 12:29PM

As much as you may think whites will take over hip hop it aint going to happen.....the only white rappers to have major success are The Beastie Boys and Eminem and let's be real, they have a larger white following than black....if you were to ask the average white kid about hip hop history they wouldn't have any idea of what you were asking them, and the sad fact is that goes for most young black kids too....the fact is that you will always have whites kids who are into hip hop just like you you have black kids into rock, hell Charlie Pride is one of the greatest counrty music stars of all time but have blacks taken over country music, just because you have one white guy who's is bringing what some some may say is something new to the game doesn't mean he's the next best thing it just means he's doing something different that isn't being done that much in hip hop.

Texas76132
October 20 2006, 8:30PM

Loi wade

Don't let bitterness get the better of you. Blacks get paid too. Every time someone walks into a 24 Hour Fitness Center or a Burger King, Magic Johnson gets paid. Robert Johnson gets paid every time someone buys a ticket for the Charlotte Bobcats or walks into one of his high profile hotels. Simeus Food's International gets paid every time you put something in your mouth. I can go on and on. These are all black owned corporations that everyone frequents. I have not seen an exodus of non-black people from any of these businesses just because the owners are black. Focus less on victim hood and more on the successes. That is why we stalled as a people. I am willing to bet that there are high profiled businesses in your city that are you see everyday and you have no idea that they are black owned. By the way, a black woman in Mississippi is the largest female drink bottler manufacturer in the south of any race. You can bet that woman gets paid. Things could be better, but it ain't that bad either

Texas76132
October 20 2006, 9:04PM

One more thing about this. We need to stop trying to be the perfect victim and take advantage of the opportunities previous generations did not have. Buck Oneal was just buried. His efforts did not die in vein. Major League Baseball and many black owned businesses are entering into some very lucrative contracts. Blacks are also becoming part owners in MLB teams and full owners of minor league teams around the country. Black Americans hardly play the game anymore, but may blacks from Latin American countries do, so it's a mixed blessing. Football and basketball teams are getting just as many minor league black owners as white owners. Just look at Oakland's De Marco Majors. Black businesses outside of sports are making a major comeback according also to the Census Bureau. All of these businesses get paid. It's just too bad so many blacks are too busy feeling sorry for themselves to know it.

Texas76132
October 20 2006, 9:56PM

Sorry for the typos.
I meant to say that many blacks from Latin American countries play the game.

I'm not a Pollyanna when it comes to race. I just realize that MLK was only 38 years old when he died. He was not given the gift of years but he left plenty of wisdom behind for Us. The students at Little Rock High School were teenagers when they put their lives on the line. The civil rights workers murdered in Mississippi were no older than their mid 20's. My point is that generation did not sit around and wait for the next Martin Luther King because there wasn't one. They did not have something that you didn't have so this generation needs to stop saying that the civil rights organizations abandoned Us and the black church doesn't care anymore. That simply isn't true. They did too much for Us to be saddled with that guilt trip. Those people are old and don't deserve that. It can't be everybody Else's fault but yours. This doesn't apply to everyone, but to those it does, you know who you are.

loi Wade
October 21 2006, 8:22AM

Texas, I see your point of view. Really, I am not patronizing you. The point I am trying to make is this one. You and I take the time to recognize the accomplishments of ours. But how many others know our contributions? Whenever we are the innovators of something sweetie, we do not get the recognition we deserve. You need only read a standard history book to see where I'm coming from. Maybe I am a little bitter but don't you agree that I have reason to be? This country was built on the blood sweat and tears of our ancestors. Don't we at least deserve a documented place in history?

Charles
October 21 2006, 10:30AM

Who cares about the future of "hip hop", this is only music and not that essential to anyone's life on the scale that you all are bitchin' about. Yeah, I know that music is SO important in the black community but damn it is only music. For many it is a distraction for their lives, a dream to be fulfilled etc. However it has been escalated to a scale that is now destructive and petty in nature.

Who cares if hip hop goes white or Latin, if you do I hope you have stock in the company so you have a real voice to speak from. If you are a fan just keep in mind this is all engineered and marketed for consumption by the masses.

Texas76132 you are 100% correct in all your statements, as a black teacher of 8th graders I could not have said it better. Far too many blacks are professional victims, when they get what they want and when they don't get what they want. There is no pleasing the masses, just get it straight in your head and your heart and move on.

Jeff
October 21 2006, 1:43PM

Very interesting points made by Texas76132 and I agree with a lot of them. I think lol wade made his point as well. We shouldn't play the victim but we should also recognize a few things. Racism still exists. It's the reason a lot of white artists doing the same music sell more cds, concerts, etc. That won't change. What we need to stop doing is leaving our musical roots behind. We need to support the blues, rock n' roll, and jazz artists as well as r&b, gospel, and hiphop . We just don't do it and if we keep it up, we won't have anyone to blame but ourselves if all forms of african american music is done in white face.

Texas76132
October 21 2006, 8:13PM

loi wade

In regards to your last post: YES, YES, YES, you are correct. I totally understand your position. You are right on point with your statement regarding the recording of true authentic American history. No disagreement with me. It is totally whitewashed. I understand your bitterness. Trust me, I do.

loi Wade
October 22 2006, 3:27AM

Charles, If you think music history is not important, you are WRONG. Music has a way of bringing people together changing negative views. Look what motown did in getting blacks recognition and respect. Look how the words of Tupac gave black single mothers hope. Look what the music of Marvin Gaye did for the moral of our country during the vietnam war. I wonder if harriet Tubman and the underground railroad would have been as successful if it weren't for music? Isn't music an important learning tool for children? I know a lot of teachers who agree. So Yes Chile' I am proud to belong to a group of people that made the WORLD SING! And to Texas76132 ,you remind me of someone I loved dearly but aids stole him from me. Your words sound so much like him. Listening to music calmed him during his last days. And Jeff I'm a lesbian not a man(smile).

loi wade
October 22 2006, 3:59AM

One more thing Jeff. You are right on the money when you made the comment about reclaiming our musical roots. Haven't we given away enough?

Steve
October 22 2006, 10:36AM

And now we're creating despair in the gay community through the lyrics of Beenie Man? Please....

Jeff
October 22 2006, 11:36AM

Yes we have lol Wade. Sorry about that...lol I have to say that it's the 2nd time I've heard someone say "It's only music". Those attitudes are why the music programs are the first to go in schools. Music education is important and there have been studies that show that children do better in their learning overall when they've had some music classes. There are people I know who are getting degrees in music therapy so there is something to it. If we don't educate ourselves, they're going to start telling you that jazz started with Kenny G. You mark my words. There's been a debate going on right now about American music and if you let them, they'll tell us we didn't start anything, lying like they've done throughout history.

loi wade
October 22 2006, 3:09PM

Jeff, Isn't that something? My daughter is in her school choir and guess who has to foot the bill for uniforms and performances? The choir parents. The school certainly finds money for the cheerleaders and everyone else! Hell yes music is central to education. People might talk about rap but I for one am glad so many gangbangers have chosen to leave the streets and express their anger through music. You know you are right about old funny looking Kenny G. Of all the great jazz musicians they always have to pull him out of their ass. Well, I'll be back later. It's Sunday and it's time for me to annoy my neighbors with Mahailia Jackson(lol).

Jeff
October 22 2006, 4:17PM

Yes is it something. It's also the reason people feel they can just illegally download files of their favorite artists. We do it all the time and let someone esle copy it instead of getting it ourselves. It's the reason they feel they can go tape a concert and put it up on youtube or sell it somewhere without the artist's consent which isn't right either. Sorry to digress here but it's important to know that it isn't just music for the artists that compose and perform it. It's their livelyhood.

ChicagoChild
October 23 2006, 12:11PM

What I want to know is when are BLACK PEOPLE gonna step up the RAP/HIP HOP game?

I never thought there would be a day when I would be SICK of BLACK MUSIC. NEVER! Especially the same old SCREAMING, WHINNY, GARBLING, NAGGING Black female voice! And the BEAR sounding, NIGGA swearing, BLACK FEMALE hating, ANTI everything, self-destructive SOUND, that passes for BLACK MUSIC.

I was in the music store the other day, and that WHITE CHICK, Christina Aguilara, was burning up the store AND the tracks with some GET DOWN BLACK SOUL MUSIC. Black men want to rap about killing themselves and those in their neighborhoods. Black women rap about having a big old available BIG ASS. THANK YOU, BLACK PEOPLE!

JLee
October 24 2006, 8:34PM

Keith

Would you focus on this artist if he didn't have a killer bod? Hell, I wonder if Aretha would have made it today with all the focus on looks.

MikeyX
October 25 2006, 2:47PM

I know this dude FROM the Pink Tea Cup and had no idea he was a musician. He has worked there for a while and is always very cordial and polite--a really nice brotha. And I say brotha because I never thought he was white, not that it matters, but my guess was always Puerto Rican or one of NY's exotic mixtures.

Anyway... Put me down with the folk that don't think you have to be black to do Hip Hop or to even be the future of it... Thanks for posting this Keith. I'll have to check out his music. I also plan to ask him about it the next time I'm at the Pink Tea Cup.

steveB
November 4 2006, 12:24PM

I have been going to the Tea Cup for years and like some of you I never knew Glen (G.C.) was into music. One day he told me that he was a musician and asked "what kind of music do you play?" He said, "I am a Hip Hop artist that plays the sax." I immediately became skeptical, so I started asking more and more about it, he gave me the website and said to fully understand what I am trying to do you must see the live show. I went to the live show and was floored!! The guy blew me away, he has a live band with some of the best musicians in the business, a singer backing him up that sounds like Donny Hathaway meets Bobby Bland, his flow is sick and he plays saxophone like Kenny Garrett! I have never seen anything like it in my life. The future!!? I don't know, you be the judge, but if Hip Hop is headed this way count me in! This guy is the truth, black, white, green, yellow, purple.....!