Cornel West, the Harvard-educated, provocative scholar who is a professor of religion and African American Studies at Princeton University, has just released his own rap album. Yes, you read correctly. Known for his socially and politically conscious writings and discussions regarding race in America, West is throwing his hat into the Hip Hop ring, announcing the upcoming release of his party manifesto entitled: "Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations."
But don't expect lyrics about a rapper living a hard-knock life in South Central. In the aftermath of discussions about the content of mainstream rap music, West is attempting to give the younger generation a more positive jam to groove to. According to George Alexander, columnist at Black Enterprise Magazine: "In assuming this collaborative mantle, West has demonstrated a willingness to evolve, meeting the youth on their turf. He hopes to resurrect stagnant minds through the sieve of a hip-hop vernacular in which he denounces the Iraq war, the Bush administration's policies, and illuminates the ensuing fear following 9/11. While West has stepped up and beckoned us to step up our game, the question that remains is 'will we listen'?"
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