URBAN CULTURE
The Black Dot Presents...
Urban Culture Decoded
By ADIKA BUTLER
T
his afternoon I was in New Jersey with the book, but rather make public ideas personal statement issued to WhereItzAt just enjoying the weather when I saw young man people know will work, but are too afraid hours after my encounter with the youth in a few feet ahead of me walking with a pair of to propose,” explained The Black Dot in a New Jersey. “It takes an unapologetic warrior to step in every few generations and Beats By Dre headphones hugging his change the direction of the country. cranium. However, what he had in his Urban America is under great threat right hand was a one-way ticket Straight from itself, yet we have all we need to Outta the matrix. solve the issues at our disposal.” “That’s a classic you got there,” I said Topics explored in the book include: to the stranger after mildly nudging him using drug proceeds to pay for a college out of his self-induced musical hypnosis. education; the LGBT in the urban He looked at me with a surprised look community; the use of urban Voodoo on his face, not knowing what I was in addressing police brutality, the talking about. I clarified by pointing to divinity of hip hop vs. the corporation his copy of the groundbreaking Hip of rap, and whether or not sex, drugs Hop Decoded, authored by The Black and music lead to spirituality. Dot. The young man smiled. “I’m ultimately attempting to address the elephant in the room that nobody is brave enough to acknowledge. If parents, teachers, policy makers and anyone else in a position of authority can take the time to venture with me into the unconventional, then saving this lost generation will be easier than we expect. But time is pressing; will you give me a chance to have my say?”
“Yeah man, I was a baby when it came out, but it’s right on point for today.” I shook my head and smiled, knowing full well that the young man was just a boy when the book was released in 2005. The brief exchange exemplifies Dot’s importance –not just as an author—but as a teacher. He is adept at translating the knowledge and experience of his yesterdays so that it is eagerly embraced and practically used by the blossoming minds of tomorrow. His latest book, Urban Culture Decoded, boldly address a myriad of issues critical to their new world. “I’m not actually out to create a scene 8 | PULSE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE
Indeed. To order the new book go directly to his website at www.idecodeit.com
URBAN CULTURE DECODED Book Cover