Illuminati 2G

From left to right, Jehuniko, Amiri Baraka, Lady Binx

Amiri Baraka, Live..2007

On Saturday, Arimi Baraka said something to the effect of, "if you're going to be a artist, be ready for a life of poverty." I won't front, it is hard balancing bills, obstacles, gas prices and studio time. Family needs, bill collectors can fuck off cuz they'll get their money, I just need to make sure we got enough diapers until payday. From then, we'll get back into the studio and wrap up this mixtape/cd of sorts, "Spiritual Warfare."

We had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Amiri Baraka, a 73 year old OG, who spoke of meeting Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and more. He spoke about the importance of hip hop and how Che Guevara was a doctor by trade, not a soldier. Fidel Castro was a lawyer before he became the leader of a Revolution. He was reading various selections from his 40 plus catalog of releases. Right in downtown Houston, an outdoor theater, with Senators/politician types in the audience. The powers that be suggested censorship of his more thought provoking piece about the Twin Towers.

Mr. Baraka made his disclaimer about the subject and proceeded to rip through the 9-11 piece backed by a funk band, each line cutting into the roots of Capitalism. So beautiful and the crowd was loving it. A celebrated Author/Activist who schooled us about Malcolm X and sticking up for yourself with a purpose. It is always empowering to meet elders who laid the foundation for us and still put it down, risking freedom for Communication.

The interview will be posted soon on SiTV and elsewhere when we reclaim the U.N.eYe Myspace pageback. Thank you to Amandla Productions, U.N.eYe fam, Nuestra Palabra/KPFT staff who putting their money where their mouth is.

Jehuniko
Almas Intocables
U.N.EyE
Fourth Cycle
the Illuminati2G <-------------------

Here is some audio from Amiri Baraka. This is a poem he wrote after the 9-11 attacks:

Amiri Baraka- Somebody Blew Up America

Here is a song he performed with the Roots on their Phrenology album

The Roots feat Amiri Baraka- Something In The Way Of Things

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