This is not Hip-hop music. This is not Rap music. We rush 2 call it 1 or the other every time some1 speaks rhythmically over a beat, even 4 1 second. Then the debate 2 distinguish real “Hip-hop” from “Rap” begins without end or collective agreement.

I’ve grown tired of this exercise. 2 paraphrase a dynamic Detroit music producer, Maestro, “Viruses attack all forms of artistic expression, making it difficult 2 identify the original product from its artificial by-product.” Many would argue that the Hip-hop host is plagued with an unrelenting virus. Examine the evidence with ur own cultural microscope 2 determine the validity of this assertion.

I remember watching KRS-One discuss the history of Hip-hop music & culture on BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley, alongside several so-called “scholars.” Rap’s reigning Edutainer explained that 2 truly trace Hip-hop’s cultural roots u have 2 go back B4 DJs, emcees, break dancers & graffiti on trains in the Bronx, New York, 2 the hieroglyphic graffiti on pyramids in Egypt. Most of them dismissed the Blastmaster & missed the point. Talking drums predate Dilla’s beats. Aesop Fables predate Slick Rick’s stories. The ancient linguists of Ethiopia who mastered Kenae, a rhythmic double entendre speech technique referred 2 as “Wax & Gold (wax is the literal, gold is the figurative),” predate any emcee u would place in ur top 5. These truths R indisputable. Even the legendary Godfather of Hip-hop, Afrika Bambaataa, traces the art form back 2 the African Griots. If there is nothing new under the sun, can any of us claim authenticity regarding the beats & rhymes that comprise so-called Hip-hop or any other genre?

So what is this music? This music is AFROFLOW. What is AFROFLOW? Very close in name 2 the “Afro Beat” FELA KUTI created, AFROFLOW is self-expression. AfroFlow is not a style of music. AFROFLOW is simply an approach 2 making music. AFROFLOW is an ideology that acknowledges Africa as the earthly birthplace of humankind & artistic articulation. This does not mean that all AFROFLOW music or subject matter must be what we typically deem “Afrocentric” in nature. 2 the contrary, the possibilities R boundless because all musical genres can inevitably be traced back 2 1 Source. The simple translation of AFROFLOW is “Flowing From Africa.” Given the negative light in which the continent is held, there must be a concerted effort 2 recognize our roots, respect our elders & honor our ancestors. When addressing history, the acclaimed Ethiopian playwright & poet laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin explained, “You don’t begin knowing yourself halfway. You don’t start from Europe, because Europe started from Africa.”

We give everything a name simply 2 create a common reference & avoid confusion, particularly in the market place. Initially, this “AfroFlow” music will probably fall under Hip-hop, Rap, World Music or whatever, in the minds of marketers & consumers. My hope is that in the minds of music lovers it will inevitably emerge in2 lyrics without limits, beats without borders. Although this is an attempt 2 label my music without limiting it, there is but 1 rule 2 this methodology: u cannot blatantly contribute 2 the demise, denigration, dumbing down or miseducation of poor and/or disenfranchised people (regardless of so-called race or religion) & call it AFROFLOW, no more than u could sing “I love satan” over handclaps, foot stomps & organs while calling it Gospel. This does not suggest that all so-called Hip-hop, Rap or any other genre is guilty of this offense. Furthermore, what 1 considers positive or negative is relative, & that debate in & of itself is another slippery slope. None of us R fit 2 judge & I do not advocate censorship. Nevertheless, AFROFLOW demands artistic integrity...

I support, luv & will always luv & support, what I consider Hip-hop. U Define it 4 urself. Every perspective is equally important. However, under the scope of my analysis, the virus is so strong 2day that anybody can slap the Hip-hop label on their project & profit from its legacy. I hold Hip-hop – as a culture & art form created by oppressed people, taken 2 interplanetary heights thru blood, sweat, tears & innovation - in such high esteem that I refuse to follow suit. I’m done debating. This music is AFROFLOW!