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VOL 3. NO. 9 Monday, October 25 - Sunday, November 6, 2004
AFRICA
AGAINST THE GRAIN
BUSINESS/NETWORKING
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION
CONSCIOUSLY SPEAKING
FOR THE FAMILY
GALLERIES/MUSEUMS
GET YOUR LAUGH ON
GO GO GROOVES
HEALTH/LIVING WHOLE
HIP HOP/R&B
JAZZ/CLASSICAL
JUST CLUBBING
MORE MUSIC
PRAISE & WORSHIP
SOULFUL CUISINE
SPORTING ACTION
STAGE
THE WORD
HIP HOP/R&B:
Tupac Shakur (2000) The Rose That Grew From Concrete Amaru/Interscope Records
By Sharee BROOKS
Tupac Amar Shakur was undoubtedly a brilliant light shinning in this vast universe. This is no more apparent than in his newly released CD: "The Rose That Grew From Concrete," a verbal interpretation of the posthumously published book of the same name. Inside this-25 track CD Tupac's validity as a poet reveals all its truths.

Tupac's spirit speaks words of knowledge, pain, acceptance, understanding, inner strength, as well as what so many continue to over look, his passion for love in general. If you never noticed Tupac's awesome respect for love then you have never really listened to his music.

Although many admired and loved Tupac there are still those who continue to remember him as a controversial rapper spewing out violent lines as well as intent. Nothing could be further from the truth and if you openly give ear to this CD and absorb Tupac's message without cynicism and judgement, you will truly receive a gift. His spirit is strong, beautiful and unrelenting. He spoke truth without fear, and loved openly without apology. "The reason that I love Tupac is that he showed me reality" offers Red Rat, the reggae artist performing Tupac's "And Still I Love You."

"The Rose That Grew from Concrete" rests on the shoulders of the variety of poets, musical artists, and actors who joined together to give birth to a masterpiece created by a true mastermind. Sonia Sanchez, Quincy Jones, Mos Def, Jasmine Guy, Babatunde Olatunji & Sikiru Adepoju and Afeni Shakur are just a few of the voices heard on this CD. It opens with the dramatic voice of Tupac as he schools the listener in his easy way on the history of poetry and its unquestionable link to rap. Tupac takes us back to our ancestors who traveled as poets and storytellers serving as human journals.

This project manages to speak to the hearts of young people, single parents, There is a kind of spiritual presence released as a voice once so alive and intense again demands our attention from a completely different realm. Titles like `Wake Me Up When I'm Free,' `Fears of A Teenage Mother,' `God,' `Family Tree,' and `In Event of My Demise,' all define this phenomenal work of art. This is one that can and should be shared with the entire family. No violence, no parental discretion advisory, no hatred, just truth, knowledge and pure love.

Other artists lending their talents to "The Rose That Grew from Concrete" include: Deaf Prez, Reverend Run, Providence and RasDaveed El Harar, Danny Glover, the cast of "The Lion King", Nikki Giovanni, Outlawz & geronimo ji jaga, Tre from Pharcyde, Dan Rockett, Q-Tip, Mac Mall, Russell Simmons, Rha Goddess, Sarah Jones, 4th Avenue Jones' featuring KC1, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Lamar Antwon Robinson & the IMPACT Repertory Theatre Group and Chief Okena Littlehawk. Because of the extremely broad range of talents performing on this CD, you are in for a multi-treat of R&B, rap, reggae, western, tribal and gospel delights.

Add this versatile CD to your collection and allow it to take you to another level. Share it as a Kwanzaa gift. Give it to someone you love for the holidays. Pass it on to someone special who could benefit from powerful uplifting poetry. Use it as an educational tool. Commit one of the pieces to memory and perform it in class. Whatever you do enjoy it and appreciate the Spoken Word, its awesome power and those blessed with the gift of bringing it to life.

Take note that this is only volume 1 and we have so much more to look forward to as Tupac Amar Shakur's brilliance keeps shining down on us.

Keep your head up Tupac

Loving you today in your tomorrow

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