Marvin and I learn a lot of things about the world we live in and the world at large as we go through news in November.
You see there is a disconnect between what the Black community cares about (End of the Lockout) and what the rest of the world cares about (Occupy Movement).
Then there’s a connection between what the community and world cares about (Conrad Murray’s guilt) and what they DON’T care about (Oprah’s South African school).
Not passing any judgement, just noticing what issues get the most coverage on television and, more importantly, views on websites.
Section 80 Report (November)
Marvin and Saul are back and more opinionated than ever. Topics include:
Love & Hip-Hop (Season 2)
End of NBA Lockout
Occupy UC Movement
First Class Graduates from Oprah’s South African School
Vybz Kartel Escapes from Jail
Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty of Manslaughter
R.I.P. Patrice O’Neal (with a feature of his stand-up performance)
Directed by: Marvin Hodelin of SimplyDop3 Productions
Music by: BlackMuzik Productions, “A Conglomerate Intro” (Intro by Kendrick Lamar, “Chapter 10”)
This is what we can all learn from [Jay-Z]: when the odds are against you, and you have the depth of clarity to listen to your own instincts and follow what is true for you, you may not become a Jay-Z, but you will become the BEST that you can be.
But his material success isn’t actually the most impressive thing about him. It is, I believe, that he was able to transcend his environment and became someone who truly believes in himself and inspires others to do the same.
He has helped define a culture that has helped impact not just millions of kids, but has been able to dominate a generation. So I think that his ability to affect millions of people throughout the world, and to do that in such a way that it is done with intention and clarity and purpose, makes him a Master.
If you don’t know who you are before fame hits, you will definitely end up losing yourself in all the other opinions around you. And that’s why I think Jay-Z has stayed on top for so long, because he is not defined by anyone other than himself. He sets the trend, he doesn’t follow it.
Hip-Hop, like all art, holds up a mirror to society and shows up who were are and how we’re evolving. It provides a voice to people who might not otherwise have their voices heard. Jay-Z is holding up a mirror for a lot of people. And what I realize is that it doesn’t matter whether I agree or you agree with every message, it reflects what many people are thinking and feeling… and that’s why we all should pay attention to what he has to say.
The point that impressed me the most about this Master Class was when Jay-Z spoke about learning from his failures and no longer chasing after success, but following his truth. And in doing that, he has become one of the most successful people in the country. And that’s a lesson for all us: find your truth and follow it.
1. You don’t want your cologne to be intrusive. 2. Rap has done more to help race relations than anything else. 3. There’s no white or black club because they are enjoy the same type of music. 4. It’s difficult to teach racism in the home when the child idolizes a Jay-Z or Kanye West. 5. You don’t want to bring trouble to your mother’s doorstep, but it’s everywhere. 6. Scarface is the drug dealing Bible. 7. Oprah and suburban housewives think drug dealing is hilarious. 8. Marriage is sacred and don’t share that shit with everyone. 9. Grown men can hug. 10. You need to have a passion for whatever you do. 11. There is no power in the word “Nigger.” 12. Freestyling is like jumping double dutch. 13. The limit is the sky. Life gives you lemons, then you make lemon pie. 14. Oprah has no rhythm.
