We’re Back Outside, Stronger
2016 vibes, but wiser this time. The beat goes on
History tends to repeat itself. That old saying has left a bitter taste in our mouths this week, hasn't it? For many hip hop fans, the summer of 2016 is a cherished memory—a special time in hip hop that has transcended nostalgia to become a feeling more than just a memory. The speakers never lacked a good song, and we were outside, alive, and active. To even attempt a recap of everything that's happened between then and now feels almost laughable. But this year, once again, the speakers were booming, and for the first time in a long time, we were back outside. It felt like a return to that longed-for summer of 2016.
It was also the year Donald Trump stunned the world and won the presidency. Yeah, we remember that feeling from 2016 too. We know it well because just like the music, history has repeated itself.
That's right, that old memory has turned into reality again. But this time, it doesn't feel quite the same. This time, we were prepared.Black people came together striving to stand against white supremacy and damn, we got close. In the days after the election (it's taken me three days to write this), we are still here—still standing.
The first few days were rough, but we're back. We have the music and the words to help us process what it means to see someone like him nominated as president. We have an entire Joey Bada$$ album, or we can listen to "Alright" by Kendrick on repeat. There are countless discographies we can revisit to help us deal with our emotions. We have poems, YouTube videos, TV shows, and countless other forms of media to get us through what we're feeling after Tuesday night. And most importantly, we have each other—something no one else in America can say in quite the same way.
Staying Locked In
We will carry on. We'll continue to guard hip hop—gatekeeping it when necessary—and keep supporting artists who truly represent the culture and love the music. The infiltration of white supremacy in American culture is blatant, and it's still lingering in hip hop too. The Adam22s of this space need to be vacated. Hip hop is ours. We will continue to fight to ensure hip hop isn't exploited to the detriment of our culture.
But for now, take a breath. We've earned it. Take a few days off, rest, and recharge. The fight continues, but we've put in the work, and we deserve to take care of ourselves. Let’s celebrate our resilience, our culture, and each other. We've come so far, and we’re not stopping here
