Akira Toriyama: A Blerd Godfather
1998 Tarboro, North Carolina High School One of my favorite stories about my life is the day I was faced with a crucial musical decision. September 29 is arguably the greatest album release date in hip-hop history. Jay-Z’s Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life, Brand Nubian’s Foundation, The Love Movement which at the time was promoted as the final album from A Tribe Called Quest, the Black Star album from Talib Kweli and Mos Def, and Outkast’s Aquemini all dropped on the same day. Five legendary LPs from 5 legendary acts in music. But the choice was which to buy. So I did what any teenage hip-hop head with little to no income would do: bought two, stole two and left one on the shelf. If you have the privilege of knowing me personally, you can deduce which were which. That following weekend I went with a few of the homies to Durham to witness North Carolina Central destroy Elizabeth City State at the football game. Ended up leaving early. We headed to South Square Mall to hit up the food c...