LAS Post #4

Day 4:

My previous blog post was about the hip-hop duo "Rebel Diaz", and how they were going to be putting on a workshop and concert on Friday, for our class at Furman. Although we got a heads up and a little bit of information about this visit. I didn't know what to expect from these radical leftist rappers! I love what they are doing for our world, but the unknown of it all made me more nervous about the workshop, especially. But it was wonderful, they were such amazing guys. They described all the roots of hip-hop and how important it is them, and that was probably the best part of it all. They were so incredibly passionate and caring. The thing that surprised me the most was that they still live in the Bronx even as successful musicians. I got the vibe from them that no matter how much money they make, they will always make an effort to live humbly, with the people they love in the community. 

Rebel Diaz made it a point to include in the concert and the workshop, that the issues of the capitalist society in America are extremely hegemonistic, and that we need to stick together to work against the strong powers that be. For example, they had a line in their music that was very interactive, they would say "when I say people, you say power". It is very important to show people that through communicative memory, we can cultivate a stronger, more powerful people. People that fight for their rights to be free and happy. Overall, I really enjoyed the visit from Rebel Diaz, and I will absolutely be spreading the word about their music more. The change they are pushing towards really need to be heard more. They had incredible, funny personalities, they really love their people and the community that they are apart of. They are very proud of their heritage and culture that their parents set out for them. Not to mention, it was a perfect connection to class material.