The Events of 9/11 Forever Changed Me

Before 9/11, like every other kid, I didn't really care about politics, history, religion and culture. I was in the 8th grade at the time and I only cared about video games, the popular music, comic books and girls. But the moment I saw footage of the towers on the news, my life changed.

I remember I went home for lunch and while I ate some spaghetti that my mother had left me, I turned on the TV and it was already on a news channel. I didn't really understand what was going on. But it sparked my curiosity and made me want to know more about this and why would someone do this.

On my way back to school, I picked up a newspaper and see if there was anything related to this. That was the first time I actually read the newspaper. At school, I would join those who talking about politics. I started watching the news instead of watching some of the shows for teenagers I used to watch. I read books and searched the net when I didn't know something.

It didn't instantly change me, but it set me forth on the right tracks. It made me a lot more aware of the world we live in. It made me aware that we shouldn't blindly trust the government and that countries will fight for money. I'm not talking about people in a specific government, but about the various nations currently hungry for power. We should get our mind right and not let ourself get hypnotized by the various forms of the media.

What is Hip-Hop?

Every now and then when I listen a lyrical track, there is always someone saying "This is real Hip-Hop!"... Ever since Nas released his eight album Hip Hop is Dead, fan have been more divided than ever! Some say rappers only talk about drugs and money while others say that no one wants to hear nerd stuff no more and so on and so on...

It seems like if everybody has forgot what Hip-Hop is all about...

Everybody knows about the four elements of Hip-Hop. Rapping, DJing, Graffiti and Breakdancing. But how many of you know what Hip-Hop represents?

Hip-Hop represents uplifting and elevation. Basically, what makes you cool. But you see... What you think uplifts you is different for everyone.

Some rappers rap about cars, girls and money while others rap about history, politics and philosophy. Some just want to uplift themselves while others want to uplift others.

It's all about taking care of yourself in the best way you think you can do. Whether it's selling drugs to make quick money or studying hard in school to have a good paying legit job. It's what you think elevates you into a better life.

So remember this next time you say that something is not Hip-Hop. It's not all about the lyrics.