#REPOST REVOLT TV: Each One Teach One | How Styles P reminds us that health is wealth

As KRS-One articulated throughout his catalog and in his many teachings, "Rap is something you do, hip hop is something you live." As the culture continues to evolve today, many feel it's not only important, but vital to preserve and honor the fundamental elements: Graffiti, emceeing, breakdancing, deejaying and knowledge. This column called "Each One, Teach One" aims to do exactly that. It will highlight various lessons that can be passed between new and old generations alike.

Health and time are universally precious assets. Setting an example for us all, Styles P is making sure neither are going unrecognized or under-appreciated.

With over two decades in the rap game, a major component that has allowed The Lox member to thrive is his seemingly effortless ability to not only maintain through the madness, but to consistently keep evolving and finding new ways to level up. While part of that may be engrained as a survival mechanism given his upbringing in an unforgiving city that doesn't sleep, the New York native has an innate self-awareness that only comes with age -- a topic he embraces wholeheartedly.

"I don't take it as I'm getting old, I'm just living in the now," he shared during an interview with FACT Magazine last year. "I think that's the best way to appreciate being an O.G. in rap music. I don't look at it as I get old. I look at it as, I age, I get better. I think it's a different outlook. Everyone who is alive is getting older, there's no one who's not getting older. You've gotta be dead to not get older. So, I just age gracefully."

When it comes to ageism in hip hop, the conversation often gets thrown into a vacuum. Whether one's critique is in the older generation not understanding the new, or the newer generation not respecting the old; Styles P wisely sidesteps the whole conversation by remaining authentic to the artform and knowing who he is as a person and MC. He understands that real recognizes real and continues to deliver exactly that -- both in his bars and in his businesses. The same focus on positively contributing to the culture of hip hop is also one he places on community and his entrepreneurial endeavors. This makes his presence as a bonafide leader who's dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles a welcoming and organic one.

Like many great journeys, Styles P's road to becoming a connoisseur of a healthy lifestyle started small and began within. After feeling rundown from eating poorly on tours, and at the suggestion of his wife Adjua, Styles made the transition into a plant-based lifestyle in 2003 and hasn't looked back since. He soon noticed an undeniable change in his temperament, energy and overall mindset; making it difficult not to credit his food choices as playing a direct role in those respects. The benefits from being more health conscious, and the enthusiasm that comes with eating better and feeling better allowed him to naturally shift from being solely a patron to a becoming a business owner and advocate.

With the help of his business partners, Styles opened up his first two juice bars in the Bronx and Yonkers in 2011 with the company expanding to Bed-Stuy in 2015 and adding fellow Lox confidante Jadakiss to its ownership team. The franchise, Juices For Life, laid a foundation for Styles' mission to help provide an opportunity for people in low-income neighborhoods, often known as "food deserts," to have access to nutritional food. From helping educate others on the importance of being conscious of what one is putting in their body to stepping up his advocacy for the sustainable food movement -- especially in urban areas -- what Styles is cultivating is as political as it is nurturing (pun intended).

"The political component of eating healthy is this: The government doesn't give a fuck about poor white people, but it really doesn't care about poor brown people," he shared in an interview with The Outline. "Look at where we live, look at our food choices. The easiest way to kill the masses is through food, water, and miseducation. [Food] is political because it's survival."

In addition to providing a welcoming community space for people of all backgrounds to come together to talk about issues and seek advice -- such as on what natural remedies can help with a common cold for example -- Styles has since expanded to the world of e-commerce.

The former Bad Boy Records rapper's latest venture, Farmacy For Life, is a digital store that features herbal remedies and places a focus on educating others on how to make healthier choices. Billed as hip hop's first health food store, Styles' online shop aims to "offer a holistic alternative to prescription drugs and painkillers containing harsh chemicals and harmful side effects," while also offering "an introduction into the many benefits of living a plant-based lifestyle."

The digital shop -- which made its official debut in 2018 -- offers a variety of natural products; such as oregano oil, black seed oil, and Irish sea moss with each carefully curated due to their own healing properties and overall health benefits. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system or find a way to feel more relaxed without alcohol or other vices, Styles and his team have got the right suggestion for you.

By laying out the information and helping remind others that it is possible to take control of one's health -- even on a tight budget -- he's helping make wellness, as well as the enthusiasm behind making conscious decisions; that much more approachable, especially in underserved communities. Even if a plant-based lifestyle, like artists such as Beyoncé and JAY-Z are encouraging fans to adopt, isn't of direct interest or feels out of the realm of possibility, we all can agree that implementing small conscious decisions into our daily routines can go a long way.

Through his companies, Juices For Life and Farmacy For Life, Styles explains he's simply "trying to start the conversation on health, spread some healing and look after our people." While his humble attitude and genuine astonishment from people are interested in talking shop about health with him are appreciated, it feels as though the rapper has unabashedly found an impassioned calling; even perhaps at his own initial surprise over a decade ago. From promoting community, togetherness, awareness, education and wellness, Styles is helping others to become the best version of themselves one small conscious choice at a time. After all, progressive, tangible change always starts from the ground up. Thank you, Styles P, for stepping up and encouraging others to do the same.

Originally published here on REVOLT TV.

#Repost REVOLT TV: Each One Teach One | 5 takeaways that showcase 21 Savage’s growth on 'i am > i was'

Rapper 21 Savage had to grow up quickly. His environment tested his character and carved a set path for him at an early age -- one that he later chose to redirect through hard work, determination and the stubborn mindset of a tenacious street soldier. From getting banned from every school in the DeKalb County School District in the seventh grade due to gun possession to surviving being shot six times by rival gang members on his 21st birthday, 21 Savage has lived his raps. Now, after several years in the spotlight, the Atlanta rapper continues to captivate audiences through a precarious blend of authenticity, strategy, perseverance and above all, growth.

Compared to a handful of his headline-dominating peers, 21 had a relatively quiet year, popping up for the occasional guest feature and sidestepping the spotlight after the tabloids stopped diligently clocking for him after his high-profile relationship with Amber Rose came to an end. As exemplified by the quality of his freshly released sophomore album, i am > i was, one could assert 21 Savage was both in full control of his creative process (for possibly the first time in this capacity) and aware that especially in today's over-saturated, constant- release cycle, taking his time could hold the potential to play in his favor. The star's decision to wait until the buzzer to release his follow-up to 2017's Issa Album makes for an interesting and fitting choice, allowing fans to reflect on his journey alongside him and field inspirational gems to carry into the new year.

There is a famous idiom that describes one of the most idealistic approaches to one's creative process, explaining that the best writers spend two weeks living and two weeks working on their craft. While most of 21 Savage's career wasn't granted such a romantic luxury and instead was fueled by a no days off mentality from the streets or the studio alike, it's clear he's now in a different place and can afford to take his time. Perhaps his ability to weave his lived experiences, his oft-gritty wordplay and personably dark humor into his music is his greatest definitive quality as a rapper who, quite frankly, didn't necessarily anticipate he'd ever become who he stands as today. Savage knows his strength lies in his evolving story, adamantly expressing he wouldn't wish what he's been through on anyone. He is simply, genuinely trying to be greater than he was, much like the title of his second album suggests.

During his recent appearance on "The Breakfast Club," the 26-year-old opens up in what arguably is his most personal interview to date, even addressing what inspired him to peel back some layers and reveal a new side of himself to his fans.

"I feel like a lot of rappers don't have a story or been through it," he asserts, speaking with the co-hosts of the famed morning show. "I had an identity at a young age. Before rap, I always been a savage." Elsewhere throughout the insightful dialogue, he humbly touches on his own growth, reflecting on the power that comes with having built the platform he has and choosing to view that as a responsibility to do right by others.

"I feel like I sacrificed a lot in my life to be here," Savage continued. "At first, I wasn't really taking it, like, [seriously] because I ain't really know what it was gon' be. What it could do, and what I could do with it. I just sat back and thought about all the shit that I been through in my life… I gotta do whatever I could do to just do my best with it. It's a gift for real." He later added, "I want to tell my story. But, I don't want people to live through it."

With Savage's maturation now at the forefront of his narrative, it is pleasantly refreshing to witness his growth in real time, especially when factoring in how much the rapper's been through before he even tried his hand at rap -- let alone received recognition for it. Savage's sophomore album reflects the self-expression of an artist who is stepping into his own, fully aware that his life is far different than what it used to be and that, still, none of it is promised.

Savage's vulnerability paired with his candidness reveals how one thing that hasn't changed is how he's figuring it all out as he goes along. Self-awareness is an integral part of having an instinctual survival mode, something that translates both subtly and substantially into his music. From opening up about his experiences with trauma -- such as losing countless friends to violence to admittedly trying therapy to his ability to showcase more raw emotion on wax -- 21 Savage's i am > i was marks a distinctive turning point in his career.

With 21 Savage embracing his next chapter as an artist developing in front of the world's eyes, let's take a look at five takeaways from i am > i was that showcase his amicable and undeniable growth, both as an artist and as a man.

Introspection is necessary in order to grow.

How much money you got? (A lot)

How many problems you got? (A lot)

How many people done doubted you? (A lot)

Left you out to rot? (A lot)

How many pray that you flop? (A lot)

How many lawyers you got? (A lot)

How many times you got shot? (A lot) - "a lot" featuring J. Cole

During the introductory track, "A Lot" featuring J. Cole, 21 poses a slew of questions. He covers topics such as fame and wealth, as well as asks what was sacrificed along the way. The rapper explores how far he's come and what he's been through -- which range from the root of his gangster mentality to how his brother's death ignited a fire within him. It's one thing to weather a storm and it's another to understand what lessons arose in the process -- 21 Savage is learning how to do both.

Exploring one's perspectives on love and loyalty, through experience, is part of the process.

I'd rather have loyalty than love

'Cause love really don't mean jack (Straight up)

See love is just a feeling

You can love somebody and still stab them in the back (Oh God) - "ball w/o you"

Savage explained the inspiration behind this track during his appearance on "The Breakfast Club" by breaking down why -- at this moment in his life -- he is placing a larger importance on loyalty rather than love.

"It ain't really about her [Amber], it's about just relationships," he shared with Charlamagne. "I ain't gon' lie—it ain't about her. But, certain shit that I'm saying in the song, me and her done had them discussions. I done talked to her when we was together about, 'Fuck your love, Amber. I don't want your love, I want your loyalty.' I done had them discussions with her. So, that's where that came from. It's not just about her."

Then, Savage explained how he and Rose maintained a solid friendship, as well as adds how loyalty is an action and love doesn't always mean a person has your best interest at heart.

Part of growth is showing love to those who supported you the most.

October ninety-two when you pushed me out (Straight up)

It was only right that I made a song about you (Straight up)

Ain't no tellin' where I'd be if I went without you (On God)

Wish I woulda stayed in school, but I dropped out (On God)

You taught me how to be strong, gotta give praise

When the times got hard, you always made ways (On God) - "letter 2 my momma"

Showing gratitude is an essential component to growth, as it allows for reflection of how far you've come and remember who supported you, without question, along the way. Savage's ode to his mother, Heather Abraham-Joseph, further speaks to this, especially considering how out of place such a track like this would have felt on Issa Album.

Sometimes you really do have to sacrifice your old life for your new one, friendships included.

I remember times was dark (I do)

Now I'm backstage with a bar (Big dog)

Couldn't pay the light bill, it was dark (Yeah)

Now I can shine in the dark (On God)

Lost a couple friends, I ain't even really mad though (On God)

I ain't even really mad though (21)

Hard to tell the real from fake

'Cause nowadays, they got masks on

Who gon' be around when the fame and the cash gone? - "all my friends" featuring Post Malone

Savage has kept his circle tight for as long as he can remember. It's not an easy thing for everyone to do. However, the rapper is confident that those he speaks with on a daily basis have his best interest in mind, even though it's bittersweet how much can change sometimes. As he explores throughout this track, the growth Savage experienced arrived in tandem with not everyone being able to join him as he navigates through different levels of his career. Often it's a blessing in disguise, even if -- and especially when -- it's learned the hard way.

Apologies are part of the process, too. That's what growth is by definition: a process.

We been gettin' that Jewish money, everything is kosher. - "asmr"

Savage (and LeBron James) came under fire for these lyrics, as fans felt the line in question perpetuates negative Jewish stereotypes. Both issued apologies for the matter.

"The Jewish people I know are very wise with [their] money, so that's why I said we been gettin Jewish money," 21 Savage said in response to backlash. "I never thought anyone would take offense. I'm sorry if I offended everybody, never my intention. I love all people."

Acknowledgment of one's faults, mistakes and choices are key parts of growth. Savage commenting on the matter and turning it into a genuine learning moment of accountability further showcases how he's far from perfect, but open to improvement and criticism. This instance further proves, while he may have a mantra of being better than he was before, Savage has far from reached his final form. The best part? He's ready and willing to do the work, allowing his growth to yield tangible, respected change.

Originally published here on REVOLT TV.

#Repost REVOLT: Rapstrology | LL Cool J, Mac Miller and how Capricorns pursue ambition as a path to legacy

Much like the name suggests, 'Rapstrology' celebrates the beautiful (and curiously slept-on) intersection between hip-hop and astrology. Whether exploring the Zodiac is a guilty pleasure hobby, something to roll one's eyes at, or a swear-by daily guide to WTF is going on, this column aims to explore the roadmap that is astrology, through the context of hip-hop, lyrics and current events.

Depending on your sign, you may or may not find this little fun fact as interesting as I do. After looking up countless celebrity birthdays and compiling the data, I've found that Capricorns account for the smallest number of rappers compared to other signs. In fact, the pickings are kind of slim when compared to air signs such as Gemini, Aquarius or Libra. Crazy, I know.

Here's why I think that makes perfect sense. Capricorns--a sign ruled by Saturn, the planet of responsibility--can be found in a perpetual state of self-improvement, fueled by their ambition and time-tested ability to persevere no matter the challenges that can and do arise. We all know the music industry can be extremely fickle and no amount of time in the winner's circle is guaranteed, which is a fundamental turnoff for a sign that is built to weather the storm and come out on top.

While many Capricorns are known to enjoy playing music as a hobby, pursuing it as a professional means can contrast with their intuitive business-savvy and determination to secure wealth, stature and security. In other words, when a Cap invests, they go all in and we all know how that can go in the music industry. That being said, the ones who do feel compelled to pursue a path in music blaze one. Look no further than LL Cool J.

Although the Rock Hall of Fame has yet to give LL his past-due recognition, his legacy spanning over three decades speaks louder than any accolade he hasn't already received. A bonafide pioneer, LL Cool J has proven his staying power, navigating uphill while diligently nodding to those who have worked to join him at the mountaintop.

As renowned astrologer Linda Goodman worded it best, Capricorns are known to court success, respect authority and honor legacy. These are testaments to what their worldview yields as prestige. Hailed as hip hop's first major superstar, LL Cool J's innovations and influence span across generations and industries, alike. His staying power is unprecedented and his practicality ensures that he doesn't waste time on things that don't align with his greater purpose. There are countless lessons woven into the career of Uncle L and if you're not interested in paying attention to the example he's precariously set, he has little sympathy (or time) for you.

Similarly, Slick Rick, Lil Jon and the late Pimp C emerged as leaders in their own respective ways, exemplifying how their discipline -- paired with their ambition -- yielded results they are proud of. While Capricorn likes to show off their wealth -- i.e. Slick Rick's famous affinity for lavish chains -- their interest more so lies in what their possessions represent because that worth is more than what they are valued at in the first place. For Lil Jon and Pimp C, they valued their ability to give back in a similar fashion, putting on for their cities just to make sure the whole scene is lifted up. From Lil Jon building multiple schools in Ghana to Pimp C becoming a hometown hero (and doing what he could to make the late DJ Screw proud that the torch was being passed), Capricorns take their hard-earned privileges as a serious responsibility and have a practical stronghold on their principles. This makes them stubborn, but sturdy leaders.

Speaking of Capricorns with a heart of gold -- my ode to a sign that as a Gemini, I may never truly understand, but will forever be intrigued -- such a reflection wouldn't be complete without talking about Mac Miller. After going through a wave of emotions since his passing this fall -- a grim reminder of reality that still catches me off guard months later -- I'm still not quite confident I'm ready to pick the right words. But, I can always muster a "thank you." Graciously, the talented underdog from Pittsburgh breathed life into his music. He poured his soul into every bar and never tired of his ongoing exploration of self, even when peeling back the layers of his vibrant and complex psyche meant facing unrelenting demons on a seemingly calm Tuesday afternoon.

Capricorn is represented by a sea-goat, which in Greek mythology is the story of Pricus. Symbolically, the sea-goat can navigate land and sea, translating to a Capricorn's ability to experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Such was the case with Mac, who felt both deeply. This pendulum became both his power and his crutch, something he turned to music to make sense of, as well as turned to life to in order to bask in the jovial, comical nature of it all. An impassioned creative, Mac Miller -- like many Caps -- held a higher capacity for suffering than others because that is the environment that they know how to work through best. Perhaps when the water is too calm, a Capricorn's perspective as a realist knows it's too good to be true or last, calling for the decision to either enjoy the moment or wake up one's reflex of resilience. Multifaceted and full of possibility, Mac Miller gave us a glimpse into his world, making it no surprise fans are finding solace in his catalog and memories of his charm, alike.

Now, keeping in mind that Capricorn rappers are as rare and regarded as they come, let's take a look at five songs and lyrical takeaways for this month's rendition of #Rapstrology.

Song: "I Think I'm In Love," Mac Miller

Lyrical Mantra: "Everybody telling us, this thing we have is so wrong / And she don't care whatever goes on / Plus she's best friends with my mom / Keep a journal, you all know the story though / The superficial type, love her horoscopes / And I'm a Capricorn, that she ain't never had before."

Capricorn'ism: There are so many fitting Mac Miller songs that reflect his diligence, his ability to persevere and his feminine side; all cornerstones of Capricorn. Luckily, the late rapper made it easy for me for month's #Rapstrology by weaving his Zodiac sign into his 2011 track "I Think I'm In Love." The light-hearted ballad was released during the tail-end of the coveted blog era and honestly, outside of seeing that it's annotated on Genius and meticulously ripped to YouTube/SoundCloud from devout day one fans, that's pretty much all I was able to uncover about this gem. (It was too late at night to ask DJ Booth's Donna-Claire Chesman, who is currently honoring Mac's legacy with a weekly column, #YearOfMac). After listening to it no less than a dozen times like Mac would have intended, but still be humbled by, I love how his self-awareness was constantly evolving. Traditional by nature (see: the line about his muse being friends with his mom), it's fitting how Mac was a romantic, even if his logical side knew deep down love can be fleeting. He was a one-of-one and remains missed dearly.

Song: "I Need Love," LL Cool J

Lyrical Mantra: "Romance, sheer delight, how sweet? / I gotta find me a girl to make my life complete / You can scratch my back, we'll get cozy and huddle / I'll lay down my jacket so you can walk over a puddle."

Capricorn'ism: Capricorns have a vision for their life that speaks to the long game. There's a reason LL Cool J's moniker stands for what it does. Once a Cap like the man born James Todd Smith has his eyes set out on a potential partner, it's not just a lust at first sight thing. Nope, he's already figured out a strategic approach to charm and win over the attention of the person in question, as well as has a strong instinct how to best make said partnership work. However, when rejected, a Capricorn's reflexes take them privately to a dark place to wallow in their lonesome, until their depths of emotions are worked through. Their cool demeanor takes a lot to break, however, and gossip is the last thing a Capricorn has time for, making love songs such as this as sweet as they are idealistic.

Song: "Knockin Doorz Down," Pimp C feat. Pop & Lil Keke

Lyrical Mantra: "R.I.P. to Robert Davis, he the king of the South / Anything else said, need to shut your fucking mouth / I'm down with Lil' Flip, and I'm down with T.I.P / If them n—s come together, know how much paper we could see? / Slim Thug and Z-Ro, y'all still bullshitting / Need to sit down, take a tour, there's too much money to be get / Paul Wall and that Koopa still ain't talking / Money speak, all that bullshit keep walking."

Capricorn'ism: Capricorn is all business. The late Pimp C was no exception. This song, one noted for its call to unify the South, speaks to Pimp C's ambition, discipline and drive to have structure, especially when it comes to securing the bag and doing so as a unified team. The late UGK member's verse on this track devises a scenario so straightforward and business-savvy, it seems ludicrous that such a call to action had to be made in the first place. Southern rappers coming together to represent for a region, especially at a time where national attention was primarily divided between two coasts, speaks to a Capricorn's desire to lead with tenacity. A true pioneer, Pimp C had a gift and knew how to use it.

Song: "Get Low," Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

Lyrical Mantra: "Three, six, nine damn she fine hopin' she can sock it to me one mo time / Get low, Get low / Get low, Get low / To the window, to the wall, (to dat wall) / To the sweat drop down my balls (my balls) / To all these bitches crawl (crawl)."

Capricorn'ism: I was 13 years old when this song came out and I vaguely can still remember my mother being mortified when it came on MTV in our living room after school. The song has since made history, garnering praised as facilitating crunk's breakthrough to the mainstream. A Capricious frontman, Lil Jon publicized how Caps are freaks on the low, all while having a hell of a lot of fun doing it.

Song: "The Ruler's Back," Slick Rick

Lyrical Mantra: "Gather 'round party goers as if you're still livin' / And get on down to the old Slick rhythm / Now this one here is called the Ruler my dear / It's a mere party booster that will set things clear."

Capricorn'ism: This 1988 track appears on Slick Rick's debut album, a project that has since been revered as a classic and held to high regard decades later. Lyrically speaking, this track brilliantly mirrors a Capricorn's ability to command attention and entertain when it becomes his duty to. Production-wise it called upon the late legend Jam Master Jay, further showcasing how a Capricorn holds the selective, top-tier company it keeps in high regard.

As reposted here via REVOLT TV.