WHAT IS AFROFLOW?
This is not simply Hip-hop. This is not simply Rap. 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 debate. 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 roots u have 2 go back B4 DJs, Emcees, B-Boys & Graffiti on trains in the Bronx, New York, 2 the hieroglyphic graffiti on pyramids in Egypt. Most of them missed the Blastmaster’s 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. The Godfather of Hip-hop culture, 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? Hip-hop’s crowned patriarch DJ Kool Herc attributes much of his inspiration to the late great James Brown and legendary “Funky Drummer” Clyde Stubblfield.

So what is this music? This music is AfroFlow. What is AfroFlow? Very close in name 2 the “Afro Beat” FELA KUTI created (massive respect due!), AfroFlow is all encompassing self-expression. AfroFlow is not a style of music. AfroFlow is simply an approach 2 making music. It 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 respectfully recognize our roots, esteem 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 to the best of my ability I refuse to follow suit. I’m done debating & I’m done digging thru discarded beats & leftover lyrics in search of substance & sustenance. This is Hip-hop, Blues, R&B, Jazz, Soul, Rock-n-Roll, you name it. This is everything. This is AfroFlow!