8/13/2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            What are you doing to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th birthday???? You could start by reciting Welsley Morris’ riff about it from the NYT it’s a “half a century of effrontery, dexterity, elasticity, rambunctiousness, ridiculousness, bleakness, spunk, swagger, juice, jiggle & wit, of defiant arrogance, devastating humor, consumptive lust & violent distress, of innovation, danger, doubt & drip.”

Next, listen to some tracks. Sugarhill Gang’s early hit, “Rapper’s Delight,” is probably familiar to you. Tupac Shakus’ “Brenda’s Got a Baby” may not be. Queen Latifah’s feminist anthem U.N.I.T.Y. will give you some food for thought.

Hip Hop is another example of creative rebellion that propels us to a better place by providing artists a venue for speaking their truth. Please have an event at the WH to commemorate its staying power.

Perhaps your new economic guru, Dr. C Kirabo Jackson (CKJ), can provide some suggestions. CKJ probably spent more time cranking numbers than at discos, but he may know some Hip Hop scholars who can point you in the right direction.

            On a different matter, are you sure we should be investing $3.5 billion in direct air capture? It seems to be an example of “interest convergence” where the oil companies have found a way to perpetuate their profits by building “carbon capture” infrastructure. Even if the technology works, I have my doubts about Occidental. As I recall they had some issues during the 45th POTUS’s time & CEO, Vicki Hollub, was fighting to keep the company afloat. If a non-profit were doing the work, I’d feel better about it.

            Finally, the Economist says, “Myanmar’s generals crave international recognition & are beginning to get it.” Please use your influence to prevent them from participating in ASEAN or any other international organization.

            BYBS,