Education, healthcare, the-N-word, Kathrina, jail,hip hop, mendacity and welfare are some of the words put into context on "Never Forget: A Journey Of Revelations" the new album from Cornel West. This album on which Dr.Cornel West worked with some of the greatest names in music-more particular black music-reveals the promised land from a different perspective then what is usually served up on a golden plate to the masses.
Together with Black Men Who Mean Business (BMWMB) Cornel West leads us through the daily life of ordinary people living under questionable circumstances in the richest country of the world, America. With the collaboration of artists like Talib Kweli, Prince, KRS, M1, Rhymfest, Jill Scott, Andre, Dave Hollister, Zulu Neo Abyss, Black Thought and others we make a very interesting and musically exciting journey through a land with huge contrasts. The contrast between the Hollywood-world and Katrina-land, between the ranch in Texas and the hoods.
The music is soul and hiphop in the tradition of Grand Master Flash and thinker Gil-Scott Heron. It's intellectual and streetwise at the same time and definitely a refreshing sound. The declamation comes from Cornel West and the musical wit comes from the excellent artists.
In the first track "Bushonomics" the political situation under the current government is discussed and we find out that War Lords live everywhere even in civilised countries and that you can fight them. You don't have to give up. Racism is one of the items in the song "America" and it feels like Dr.Martin Luther King has fought for nothing, the freedom is fake.
A song about not giving up is "Still Here" a strong message for those who struggle daily to survive. Along side Prince Cornel West encourages us to make the world a better. Raise your socratic questions to the system! Appreciation for the women you will discover in "Soul Sista".
The feeling of insecurity the whole American nation since "911" Cornel West compares with the blues that black Americans are familiar with for ages. He refers to Emmett Till who was victim of a racist murder August in 1955. Another important issue is Cornel's call in the reprise of "America" to respect the gay brothers and lesbian sisters. On the track "The-N-Word" there is very meaningful and enlightning discussion between Cornel West and Michael Eric Dyson. Make sure you don't miss it!(TA)
Stand Out Tracks: Bushonomics, America, Dear Mr.Man, Welcome2Chi, Mr.President, Soul Sista, Everything's Gonna Be Alright, Man Gone Getcha, What A Matter Of |