"True Talent; Cut from a different cloth"

Do you remember the Good ol' days of "real" and "genuine" hip hop music?  I  recall a time like artists/Emcee's such as; Eric b and Rakim, Krs-one, Public Enemy, Doug E.Fresh, Salt n Pepa as well as Slick Rick that had- "something to talk about". When the line dropped; "My mic sounds nice/check one/ my mic sounds nice/ check two/ my mic sounds nice/ check 3 / Are/ U/Ready?!/. I believe that's when Hip Hop was at it's "best" and it was "authentic". When I fell in love with Hip Hop was when I heard Doug E. fresh and Slick Rick's record, "The show". My mom told me when I was at the age of 4 , I jumped out of my sleep and made a pose- then, I started "dancing". I really "miss those days".Growing up in the 80's was cool, and it was about "enjoying life", having a "good time" and "staying out of trouble". Alot of Emcee's back then covered everything, and did not just talk about "sex" and how much "money they had". It wasn't about "killing each other", over money, and "personal beef", either. Now at days, you would never hear an emcee talk about ,"do the right thing", or "stay in school" in their raps. It' s about the "mighty dollar". Well, I have got to tell you about a "new" and "upcoming artist". He is definetely "cut from a different cloth". This artist goes by the name of ,"E-double A.P.M.C."(All purpose Emcee). I have not heard anyone who sounds like him. "His lyrics make you think", as a "concious rapper". He covers "all aspects", of the challenges as a young black man in "society" and the things that matter to him and how he "envisions the world", in his mind.He is not only an artist, but he is "growing" to make the transition to be"great as a father" and an "Emcee". It is," not an easy job", on both sides of the spectrum.  When he is"not in school" or "working at one of two jobs",he "devotes his time in the studio",as well as making time for his son as well. He is a "true artist", in the making. He has "not" let any obstacle stop him. He is 25yrs old, ready to graduate college and ready to accomplish his goals "by any means", as he quotes , "Malcolm X". He was raised in the section of Clinton hills-Washington ave area of brooklyn. His mother Vanessa Howard was not only a poet, but a mother who has raised two boys and made it through college. He knows that being a parent isn't easy and makes time to see his son and takes care of all his needs "financially", "mentally" and "emotionally". He is nowhere near close to "fabrication" or "diluting", when it comes to the essence of real "Hip Hop".  He defines the term- "Original". As a "supporter" and the "mother of his son", I guarantee you that this young artist/Emcee is about making "postive progression" and "bringing back that good 'ol feeling", we felt back then of real hip hop be brought "back to life", with a twist of his own style he will bring to the "Hip Hop game". He has lyrics filled with an extensive and creative plethora of  vocabulary, with catchy choruses and metaphors that will, "capture your attention". I assure you that he is, "worth your time" if you are "willing to listen", to the message he wants to deliver. Feel free to check him out on; Myspace, twitter, facebook and BBM. His name is All Purpose M.C. on blogspot.com.  To all of my readers, thank you for taking time out of your day to read my blog and Godbless you all, I hope you were "inspired". 


                                                                                                                    Written by:
                                                                                                                     Tania Tavarez   
                                                                                                                   

" Growing up in the projects"

As a young woman, I have learned alot, seen alot and experienced alot growing up in the projects. I can honestly say , I would not change a thing about it. Why?  because I have learned what it means to be alert, how to protect myself and survive amongst the trouble around me. It took me a little while, to realize that just because I grew up in the project development does not make me less than any oyther person. I will not become the product of my envireonment. What I will do is become a "great product" out of my envireonment. I have seen fist fights, experienced being a part of a shootout and even been in a fight. However, I have continued to excel, despite the minor bumps I have come across. It's true, you do have to be strong in the mind, and be a leader, and it is hard. Whoever may not have experienced this , wont understand the feeling of "entrapment" or be able to relate to it, but from my heart to yours, I say that it is no easy road, but I will paint my vision through the words on this paper, and I hope it will- "inspire you". Most people call it the "hard knock life", but you know what I call it a "gift" and a "curse". The reason why I refer to it as a "gift " is because of the great people from all walks of life that live around each other and we all share that struggle. The "curse" is, trying to understand how can people from other countries understand us? We all encounter physical and mental pain in our lives, but how can we come together? We are all different in our own way, no matter what color or race you may be, we all strive to "make it" and be "successful". I look at it this way; We all experience grief at some point in our lives.There is a time when we all cry, laugh and even bleed in our lives. The main point I want to get across to you, is that no matter where you came from, it does not- "define who you are or your destiny". What I posses is a "backbone" and "common sense" as a result of growing up in the projects. I did not have everything, but I was given exactly what I needed, by being blessed with two great parents that did not get "high" or "drink", and chose to be hardworking parents to provide for me.I thank God for allowing me to be given two parents that always did their best to "provide" for me and raise me with "morals' and to have "respect" for my elders. I know some of the smartest and most talented people who come from the projects, and I am one example of that. I hope anyone who reads this, understand that poverty does not mean less, but brings you to a level of humbleness, greatfulness and an undeniable desire to-"achieve the impossible". When you face poverty, you appreciate the small things in life and no matter what happens,you know that with determination, even from the projects you can be an "inspiration" to anyone in the world. All it takes , is just a little bit of "faith".