Introducing "In Security: The Golden Error":
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 1:37AM 
Today, January 20, 2009, marks the day of my third solo release. 2008 was quite a year... in ways both worthy of celebration and not. Some of the best things happened: I fell in love, relocated to a new city (Houston) closer to where I was raised, decided to work on the current project which enabled work with so many of the new and familiar people at Out Hip Hop and beyond, did a bit of touring, and got my feet wet a bit by assuming a Visiting Lecturer position at Humboldt State University, and have lived to see an African-American president elected (something I didn't believe would be possible in my lifetime). I also ended a chapter with Deep Dickollective, struggled to find professional work to help support my craft, lost one of my dearest friends on November 15th (RIP Lenny Yorke), and had my partner call it quits on me just a week after. Returning to Houston after the breakup was bittersweet to say the least, but it fueled the passion and energy to get the project done as projected. On the weekend celebrating my release, I was in DC and a bit sleepless for all the ways I've found ways to make chocolate from life's lemons. Yes, it's impossible... but the idea of lemonade from lemons is too cliche a metaphor-- too simple a process; and I believe that I did something with this year's disappointment that suggests taking things a bit further. To create an optimistic, fun, joyful project amidst some of the more painful things I've experienced in an already challenging life.
I'll turn 37 this year. I'm an out, POZ, black activist who is most proud of my writing, my immediate family's support, my daughter Shay, the music I've produced (solo, with DDC, as well as countless other collaborations), and my activism. I'm also tired from it all. I know that eventually, professionalism will begin to take precedence. That the desire for a home and a life filled with more leisure than stresses, will give way to the more creative existence I've managed for almost two decades. I have quite a bit to show for my work; and I'm quite proud of that. Still, the idea of being a rapper at 40 isn't terribly appealing to me, unless, of course, there's a demand for it that can fit into my vision for a life of more prosperity. This year I had to face some of my demons. "In Security: The Golden Error" is precisely about that journey: too gay, not gay enough, too masculine, the bump, too black and conscious, too angry, too nice, my speech impediments. To be sure I'm a perfectly imperfect person. Those who know me know that I have a heart of gold and mean everyone well. When I teach post-modernism, I talk about people being both x and y, instead of the dichotomous x OR y. In this respect, I'm aware of and live with my contradictions. I honestly think that MOST people are made this way, even when we reduce ourselves with our lies and delusions as a way to gain social acceptance. I'm happy to live with my contradictions.
The project is also an attempt to create the project that would be my make or break attempt to appeal to broader and more mainstream audiences. I don't think I have to do much to convince people at OHH that I've got talent. The proof is in the pudding. Yet, I do find it downright frustrating and unjust that some of the more talented people I know in Hip Hop keep getting ignored on the basis of their sexuality. If Obama is symbolic of sweeping change over these next four years, then we should have an OUT Hip Hop project signed to a major label. I'm almost certain it won't be me, for I'm not terribly interested or invested in mainstream acceptance. I do believe I've created a project, in "In Security" that is worthy of such acclaim. I've done collaborations with gay and straight allies, produced original songs to original music, and believe that I've created a Hip Hop Classic in doing so. I'm thankful for all the friends in this community who participated directly in the production of this project: David E.F.P and 2osos (co-Executive Producer), TwiZza, Bry'Nt, Last Offence, Deadlee, Eddy J. Free (production), Mid*One (emcee and production), Maia Papaya, Lil Biggie, DJ Sirrah, William Scott, and also my allies Dirtybird, Justin Vanegus, Tru (ATL), and Sarafina.
A number of promising releases happen in our community; and I find it saddening that sometimes we do more to tear each others' work down than build it up (e.g., "he ain't nobody"). I talk with straight industry heads, and among the things they find sad about the OHH community is our crab in the barrel mentality. Be careful. People are watching. The saying goes... "sometimes, if you can't say anything good, it's best to say nothing at all." I'm not suggesting that everyone will like EVERYTHING on "In Security: The Golden Error," but I hope you'll appreciate these tracks. I'm offering them exclusively at OHH as a testimony of my work and developing legacy, not just as a champion of OHH artists and community, but for all people who seek to hear the music that can change lives through its courageous truth. Thanks for listening.
Tracks from "In Security: The Golden Error" Available for FREE for a limited time:
"Walking Contradiction"
"Hit Song (ft. Bry'Nt)"
"You Tell Me (ft. Mid*One & Tim Dillinger)"
Reader Comments (7)
Mr. West! I am very proud to be apart of your project, mainly because you were the first person to reinforce my confidence leading to my digression into this genre of music known as "out" hip-hop. (i.e. Pick Up The Mic) Oh yeah, "Full Moon" is my joint!
hey Bry'Nt. Thanks for the support, man. The entire CD is available for purchase at
http://www.reddirt.biz/merchtable.htm#in_security
these will be limited edition autographed copies.
Thanks OHH!
"I talk with straight industry heads, and among the things they find sad about the OHH community is our crab in the barrel mentality."
From Khalil Amani's blog "Rethinking Gay Hip-hop."
"[gay rappers dissin' each other] It’s just a case of the classic crabs-in-a-barrel and king-of-the-hill."
I told myself that I should lay off the comments at OHH, because folks gets personal, but I thought I'd post this from my blog, which seems to concur with your aforementioned statement. Nuff said.
Tim'm, sometimes we see eye to eye, other times we don't. We are singing out of the same hymnal here:
"I find it saddening that sometimes we do more to tear each others' work down than build it up (e.g., "he ain't nobody"). I talk with straight industry heads, and among the things they find sad about the OHH community is our crab in the barrel mentality. Be careful. People are watching. The saying goes...
"sometimes, if you can't say anything good, it's best to say nothing at all." I'm not suggesting that everyone will like EVERYTHING on "In Security: The Golden Error"..."
Thanks for another great blog, and the tracks. We'll be in touch.
lyrics, lyrics, and more lyrics! I was blown away by your use of the English language. West has serious skills on the microphone. I'm not too familiar with your work but I'm getting there. I had to see for myself what the hype was about. I BELIEVE!! Thank you for showing me the light. I wish you continued success.
Tim'm...my dude. I owe a great debt of gratitude to you for everything you've done for me this year my dude...I mean last year...shit it's 09 already. You've made a golden error, its one that I think we can all appreciate. Damn, I can be a cheesy nikka at times. Anyways, Godfather -- respect. Much respect.
What I love about Tim'm is that he was the first person I found who was doing music/poetry when I decided to start.. And he is still creating music... So.. I just love it...