As a person like myself whose incredibly in love with hip hop culture, I always stress how much I love meeting someone who has a similar mind, aesthetic, or vision as mine. It’s when they either open their mouths to express some incredibly dope talent or they say things in conversation that mirrors exactly how I feel. It’s like being in some sort of exclusive hip hop club for those who completely understand the root of the culture. For real tho, there’s this tall, dark, dope MC who followed me on Instagram some months ago; I’m not really sure how long ago. One day I finally went through his page and actually heard what he had to say on the mic. Every single photo, every single video of this guy on the stage, his style, his presence, his energy, his attitude, his overall aura screams HIP HOP!!! No fillers, no saturated over hyped, catchy hooks & simple “raps”, this isn’t to diss, this is what we call it in the culture, preserving or simply keeping it real. I was absolutely blown away and became an instant fan. He didn’t harass me with his links and about what he do. I naturally discovered how dope he is myself. I love that. Him being dope was just an extreme bonus for me. I had to hop on the opportunity to connect with this talented brother and give y’all this piece about the one and only Hākeem Turé. A Virgo MC born on September 21st, 1991 and raised in Harvey, Illinois. Turé begins to tell his story, “Life growing up for me was extreme neglect from family, teachers, and friends who didn’t know how to identify, nurture, or assist a young rebel and creative. I learned how to deal with black man hood through hip hop and Islam.” That definitely hits home! Sounds all too familiar. So many of us black men have a similar upbringing. It’s super cliché but it’s reality. It’s real life. This is everyday and the effects it has on us runs deep in both good and bad ways. With life experiences comes with inspiration. Ture continues, “My 6th grade poetry teacher Mrs. Garderner made me Walter in ‘A Raisin In The Sun’ and read to me an Amiri Baraka poem and told me I would be famous for my voice.” I remember “A Raisin In The Sun.” Not what it was about but actually learning and studying it. That was years ago. Also, there’s always that one person who changed your life with just a little bit of encouragement and a push. Feels good to be understood and supported in ways you don’t know could effect you in a very positive way. He continues, “Master P was the first rapper I heard no matter where I went or who I was with, so he stuck with me, BUT I knew I wanted to be a rapper when I saw Nas perform ‘Street Dreams (Remix)’ on “All That.” I remember seeing that performance with the black skully hat and crewneck sweater that Nas was wearing too. That’s one of my favorite songs from him as well and I prefer that version over the original. The MC then goes in about his start. “Man, I’m trying to hold on to and replenish the culture. Around my 7th grade year all my homies switched from east coast rap to down south rap and we became a product of a fatigued culture. Ain’t nobody reading no books, ain’t no body dropping the knowledge of self that I was raised on.” That’s what I’m talking about! Took me years to understand knowledge of self. I wasn’t raised on it but when I did my homework, it changed my life forever. It truly feels amazing to hear someone else talk about the culture in this way. A conversation like this nowadays can be refreshing. It’s like one big battle in hip hop between whose who and who represents what. It can be frustrating. Once you understand someone’s mindset in hip hop, that can tell you everything about the type of music that they make. I definitely wanted to know what this dope MC is working on and what he already created and put out. “I’m getting ready to drop my album “Will Rap 4 Dap” featuring Saba, Vic Spencer, and Gabe Gizz. I’m excited to let the world hear my story but also for the responsibility to cultivate some young black minds. After that, I’ll be dropping another album called “Blood In My 3rd Eye” that I wrote in solitary confinement.” Awww man! Definitely excited about this! It’s very rare that I get excited about new music anymore. Only real shit gets me excited. You can come a long way in life and might have regrets…. or not. “No regrets, just lessons learned. I’ve learned that you can not make anyone see greatness that they do not see in themselves. Many people have talent but few have the discipline.” Ain’t that the truth!!! We can go on and on about that. It’s a different time, a different era, a different world. Definitely gotta set an example that’s going to create a new world. “Years from now, I see myself using hip hop as a tool strengthen our Moorish-American influence throughout the African diaspora and reafrikanize not only our music but our youth.” Looking forward to that!!! Such an inspiration indeed. If you were inspired, you can find Hākeem Turé on IG @hakeemturespeaks.
Written by Jalen Hemphill