This past Tuesday I saw the Hip Hop artist Brother Ali perform for my third time. The first time I ever saw him it was an accident. He was opening up for the Living Legends in 2003. I had no idea who he was. He came out on the stage and started with a spoken word peice that is a song on his album "Shadows on the Sun." It started..."You're going through this because you're special, not the super star type I mean the gods are gonna test you." I cried guys. I cried at his words. Since then I've been a fan. I was able to catch him again in August of 2007 at the Rock the Bells Tour in San Bernardino. I was extactic to hear that he was coming to El Paso again.

Him, Absract Rude, Toki Wright, and Dj BK One all put on an amazing show! Their energy was insanely positive and high. I loved every second of the show. Brother Ali asked the crowd, "Are you all aware that you are the shit? No seriously...Every morning when you wake up, and your feet touch the floor do you realize that you are the mother fucking shit?!!" It was hilarious. He did this whole peice on loving yourself. He said, "Ladies I want you to say that you are the perfect size, no matter what size you are. I want you all to say that you are hot even if you are ugly." Abstract Rude also did a song in which he said, "You know I love the big figured women." I cried guys. Not a lot. But seriously, a tear came to my eyes.

I forget how inspirational Hip Hop shows are. Sometimes I forget why it is that I love Underground Hip Hop Music so much. Then I go to a show and I remember all over again. Because even within the negative there is a positive message. Have you ever listened to some real Hip Hop Music? I don't mean the crap on the radio, I mean REAL HIP HOP MUSIC. Do you remember Del la Soul, or Tribe Called Quest? What about the Digable Plantes or the Roots? Back in the day when the hip hop on the radio sent positive messages. When the only songs about booty and bling were few and funny. Back in the day when jazz beats created the back drop for the hip hop on the radio. Now it's just synthesizers or three chord beats that anyone can make on their playstation.

If you don't know about Underground Hip Hop then learn about it. If you don't know what it is, or what it sounds like, and the only thought that comes to your mind when you hear the term Hip Hop is hoes, bling, grills, cars, guns, and new wave line dances then for God's sake FREE YOUR MIND. Turn off the radio and borrow a cd! Go to twelvez.com every Saturday and tune in to Excursions Radio from 11am to 3pm. Look up Quannum Records, Rhymesayers Entertainment, or even just Rock the Bells. Educate yourself people! This music is rich with positivity, truth, and light. You just have to dig deep to find it. Listen hard to hear it. And open up to appreciate it.