REFLECTION & REASON

Just so we're clear: this isn't about Drake. This isn't about Kendrick. This is about the headlines, the vloggers, the experts, and the discussion that continues to circulate within Elon's galaxy, in Mark's metaverse, on Beyonce's internet. This #TheyNotLikeUs conversation, as I understand it to be, is fundamentally about hip hop music. Preserving hip hop culture. Respecting hip hop culture. Protecting hip hop culture. Gatekeeping, and raising standards. Policing authenticity. Identifying and eliminating wastemen. Elevating leaders. Keeping it Black, and keeping it real. This isn't about these two individuals--although they have ignited and amplified the conversation--it's about the longevity of hip hop. The blessing about hip hop is, is that many of us can actually remember the early days. It's a relatively young phenomenon, with living legends to verify and authenticate the origin stories and details. The history is still quite tangible. We were th...

When Toronto Raptors' DJ 4Korners released his refix/flip of Drake's "Worst Behavior" last week, on the "They Not Like Us" riddim I thought to myself: that's exactly it. Maybe Drake has been aware all along, because 10 years ago he said it was a fight to the finish.  He remembered the days when no one cared, was catapulted into hip hop royalty, and most likely was preeing the entire situation carefully from start until...the other day. The perceived finish. The end of the historic hip hop battle to the top. The night Drake was allegedly buried, when west coast hip hop stars, gangsters, athletes, community members, and supporters came out in allegiance to cheer and chant "They Not Like Us" on repeat. I couldn't enjoy the performance, although I can acknowledge Kendrick's appeal and intellect. The chants felt eerie, viewing as a Canadian. I still can't watch it all the way through. What's odd is...they used to never want to hear ...