“Know what I mean?”
Some folks talk a lot, but don’t have much to say.
Not this guy.
I just saw an interview (on KTLA Morning News) of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson - Professor of Theology, English and African American Studies at Georgetown University - promoting his book “Know what I mean? - Reflections on Hip-Hop” Based on the interview, I’m going to get my hands on his book.
Listen to an NPR interview or watch him on the Today show or read the intro by Jay-Z:
“It might seem hollow to repeat what has been widely said about Michael Eric Dyson: this gifted man is the “hip hop intellectual,” a world-class scholar, and the most brilliant interpreter of hip hop culture we have. But plain and simple that is what he is…
It’s one thing for young people to see rappers making appearances on TRL or to see their records fly up the charts. But it is another thing for a young boy from the hood to go into the library at his school and check out a book on why his culture matters. Quite literally, Dyson has written that book. Money comes and goes, but respect can last for generations.”