Overview: This challenge is overarching and spans all remaining rounds. A talented TJ should have their pulse on major events and pop culture happenings, but also be able to focus and follow up while remaining relevant. This challenge requires that the TJ candidate be attentive and capable of delivering compelling coverage over a longer term.
Challenge: Track and cover a current event for all remaining rounds
———————————————————————
Continuing with MTV’s “Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010” list , I wanted to draw your attention to whom I think are some of the most influential, out spoken , and fearless candidates in the running: Jay Electronica and Curren$y. In the late 90’s I quickly became a fan of the great Talib Kweli. His heart felt lyrics on street life, love, religion, and social justice put him in a league of his own. His poetic, artistic expression laid over intricate instrumentals was the change hip hop demanded. Kweli speaks what he feels is true. His presence is felt even while performing on shows such as Def Jam Poetry reciting poems like “Hell” where he spoke these words: “Never question the fact that Jesus was a Jew and not a Christian, or that Christianity was made law by politicians and who is King James, and why did he think it was so vital to remove chapters and make his own version of the Bible? They say hell is underground, heaven is in the sky. They say that’s where we go when we die, but how they know? I been to many churches, I quoted many verses, I dealt with myself, I control my many urges. I use to study my lessons, that was a blessing not a curse, I found out that heaven and hell exist here on earth, word.”
His influence remains just as thought provoking as his above words. Today, two new artists emerge onto the scene, Jay Electronica who has been called the “new voice” and Curren$y. Both hailing from New Orleans, they share a common ground as they use their music to bring awareness to their local government and cities struggles.
Jay speaks openly on his song “Exhibit A” with lyrics like
”Knock a man house down and build a casin’/A two thousand dollar government check from FEM’/ I swam down ____ creek and came up clean/ With a new lease on life like Andy Dufresne”
Curren$y’s album art for his recent release, “Pilot Talk” depicts Jet’s releasing missiles over the Superdome.
Clearly, like their 90’s counterpart, Kweli, Jay Electronica & Curren$y aren’t afraid to express their controversial views through the medium of rap. Boldly treading in unscathed territory, they are using their influence to leave a mark on society at large.
