Thedewsperspective

Since the mid ’90s, in every urban barbershop up and down the east coast, there’s been an ongoing debate in Hip Hop. Who’s the best emcee? Biggie, Jay-Z or Nas? We’ve debated, we’ve argued, we’ve laughed, we’ve damn near come to blows defending who we professed to be the best. And I’ve enjoyed every moment of the engagement that I’ve personally participated in, while sitting in the barbershop.

For most black men in urban cities, such as Baltimore, the barbershop is a sanctuary. It’s a special place, a place where men can still congregate and be men. A rites of passage for boys. Political correctness doesn’t reside there. You need to have thick skin and be able to argue your point. You don’t necessarily need to be correct. But you must be able to argue your point.

Through argument and debate, some great insightfulness and thought provoking and memorable moments can be birthed. I stand here to bear witness to such a moment that’ll take place in Baltimore on Saturday November 18, 2023 spurned from a barbershop conversation. Which album is the best? Nas’ Illmatic or Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt? Who would win a VERZUZ? Well, we’re going to lay this aged old debate to rest at an event entitled Reminisce at The Garage located a 6 E. Lafayette Ave. The brainchild behind this monumental event is my good brother Sundiata Osagie. Brother Sundiata is a personal friend of mine, my barber, a confidant, and an all around upstanding dude. He planned this event to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of Hip Hop. I planned this interview to celebrate and showcase him. Brother Sundiata, let’s talk.

The Dews Perspective: Please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re originally from?

Brother Sundiata: My name is Sundiata Osagie. I was born on Eastern Long Island in 1975 at Brookhaven Hospital. I was birthed by two beautiful parents. My mother is from Norfolk, VA and my father is from the birthplace of Hip Hop, the Bronx, New York. My parents migrated to Eastern Long Island where they met and eventually conceived me and my little brother.

The Dews Perspective: When did you first fall in love with Hip Hop?

Brother Sundiata: I first fell in love with Hip Hop with Run-DMC, when I heard “I’m The King of Rock.” However, my musical journey began with my family. My mother’s side of the family were real musical geniuses and my mom is a great dancer and always vibed to all genres of music. My father is a funky drummer. He had one of the baddest bands on Long Island in the ’70s. So as a kid, I would watch my father band rehearse in our basement and I was always amazed at how they put the music together.

The Dews Perspective: Were there any Hip Hop heavyweights from the island you grew up on who influenced you or made you dream about Hip Hop?

Brother Sundiata: Biz Markie is a rapper that I was familiar with growing up on Long Island. We used to see him around The Village, and as kids we were always amazed at him beatboxing and doing the Biz dance. I also watched my father’s band play live music for Biz at Bellport Day while Biz rapped over the bands rhythms. This was well before it was even popular for an emcee to play with a band. That’s definitely a dope memory for me.

The Dews Perspective: What does celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop mean to you?

Brother Sundiata: 50 years of Hip Hop is a big deal to me! I am Hip Hop! It’s part of my culture, my walk, my talk, and way of life! Because it’s 50 years and I’m alive to witness, it means that I’m still here manifesting my greatness through the vibes Hip Hop blessed upon me.

The Dews Perspective: Now Brother Sundiata we oftentimes debate our Top 5 DOA emcee list, but we very seldom do the same regarding DJ’s. Since you are a DJ, I’m interested in knowing, who are your Top 5 DJ’s DOA?

Brother Sundiata: My Top 5 DJ’s are Jazzy Jeff, Biz Markie, Red Alert, DJ Premier and Jam Master Jay!

The Dews Perspective: As an entrepreneur and successful business man, how would you say you incorporate Hip Hop into your business?

Brother Sundiata: One example alone is the name of my barbershop, Reflection Eternal. If you know, you know.

The Dews Perspective: Okay. Another question. What was the best Hip Hop concert you’ve ever been to?

Brother Sundiata: The best Hip Hop concert I’ve ever been to was the Rock The Bells Concert at the Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland. It was Nas, De La Soul, A Tried Called Quest. Method Man, Redman, Rakim and many others. It was by far the best line up and performances I’ve ever seen! A paramount concert!

The Dews Perspective: I believe that I was at the concert as well. I was there as a journalist writing an editorial for AllHipHop.com. Tell me this bro, what, if anything, displeases you about the state of this beautiful thing of ours, Hip Hop?

Brother Sundiata: Hip Hop is still birthing some dope young artists whose music I see as valuable and holding the standard, such as, Kendrick, J. Cole, La Russel, Big Sean, Joey Bad Ass and Rhapsody, to name a few. However, there are some new artists who don’t honor the standard at all, and corrupt corporate interests have rewarded them. I’m specifically talking about rappers whose subject matter is redundant and have no balance. It’s cool to paint a dark picture, but what about the light or sunny side of song writing? There’s a lack of balance from a lot of new artists!

The Dews Perspective: My brother, I greatly appreciate you. You’ve said and shared a lot. And the respect that I have for you has grown immensely. Thank you Brother Sundiata. Now I want to finish with our focal point. Tell us about this epic event you’re throwing on Saturday.

Brother Sundiata: So I’m excited to be throwing a Hip Hop event called Reminisce, A Celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop. Me and another DJ friend of mine, DJ RB, are celebrating our birthday’s and Hip Hop together. In addition to playing Hip Hop we will also be spinning dope R&B from the ’90s and beyond. And I’m most excited about the special VERZUZ between Nas and Jay Z, two phenomenal artist and carriers of the torch. This is something that’s been in barbershop debates for years! And now it’s time we show the people how dope these brothers truly are! I’m doing Nas, RB doing J.

Well, let the arguments commence or be put to rest on Saturday November 18, 2023 at The Garage located a 6 Lafayette Avenue Baltimore, MD. I’ll definitely be in the house with something mean on my feet. So don’t meet me there, beat me there. As we celebrate Hip Hop and my brother, Sundiata Osagie.