Throughout his career, Askari X has never shield away from confrontation. The Oakland rapper first gained notoriety at age sixteen, when he dropped the pro-Black, anti-government classic, Ward of the State (1992.) Boasting fearless lyrics and a militant Islamic bent, the album identified Askari as an enemy of the establishment and an advocate for oppressed peoples everywhere. Unfortunately, Askari wasn’t able to enjoy the project’s success, as he caught a three-year bid immediately after its release. Continue reading this entry »
Feb 7, 2008
On March 3, 1991, Rodney King was stopped by the Los Angeles Police Department after leading them on a high speed chase. While the passenger in his car looked on in shock, King was beaten nearly to death. George Holliday, an Argentine national asleep in his nearby apartment, was awakened by the severe beating. Showing rare presence of mind, he grabbed his camera and secretly videotaped the assault. The tape circulated television networks and affiliates and caused a public outcry from minority communities all over the country. The LAPD’s on-tape brutality plunged King into the national spotlight. Rodney’s swollen face and soft spoken voice tugged at the heart of every Black person in the world. We all knew that this time the police would pay for their crimes.
Continue reading this entry »
Feb 7, 2008
