Cornel West’s last project, “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations,” was off the hook - so I expect a lot this upcoming collaboration as well. Footage is from studio sessions of The Cornel West Theory’s “Second Rome” - coming soon, which will feature West on every track.

  Rating:
  Review Date: October 16, 2007
  Website: BMWMB Website
  Label: Hidden Beach Recordings

Cornel West “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations” Album Review
I’ve been looking forward to this album for quite some time now. Dr. Cornel West is one of those people I could just sit and listen to all day. I believe Dr. West is the premiere scholar, thinker and philosopher of our time – and the best older representative the hip-hop generation can currently claim. I agree with pretty much everything he’s ever written or said, and I expected his hip-hop album to be no different. (more…)

Now y’all know I love Mos Def and Cornel West. And personally, I think Bill Maher has the best show on television - though sadly not good enough to justify a $100+ monthly cable bill for the HBO package. Therefore, I was sad when I found out that West and Mos were slated to be on Bill Maher this week and I wouldn’t be able to view the broadcast.

Luckily, the cats at Rawkus were kind enough to record the show and throw it up on YouTube. Mos Def and Cornel West made some great points talking about the Jena 6 and the still-horrible state of New Orleans - both topics ignored by corporate-controlled media. They also talked a little bit about Barack Obama and the 2008 presidential primaries. Peep the broadcast below. (more…)

Traditional hip-hop lyrics about guns, women and homophobia are about to face a new competitor in the race for young Americans’ hearts and minds.

Princeton religious professor Cornel West has released an album designed to counter rap’s negative image, with major names like KRS-One and Levert participating.

“We need to respectfully challenge [rappers] on the issues of misogyny and homophobia,” says West. “You can hear that on the album, too. Quit bashing gay brothers and lesbian sisters. Quit this domestic violence.” (more…)

To some, Princeton University’s professor of religion Dr. Cornel West might be giving up scholarship in releasing his new music CD “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations,” comprised of positive rap themes.

But, the activist black academic sees rap music as an integral part of social change and one that can bring back the essence of black music. That is why West released “Sketches” in 2001 and “Street Knowledge” in 2003, both spoken word CD’s. This time around, West is working to release his latest album. (more…)