Inspired by cultural concepts of Ubuntu, In'Lak'Ech, Sankofa, Toa and the Male Success Initiative program at Long Beach Community College; A global reflection of a personal world-view.


Intro - Edward James Olmos:
There will be no free rides, no excuses. 
You already have two strikes against you.
There are some people in this world,
who will assume that you know less than you do…
because of your name and your complexion…

Bridge/Hook:
Know the game, play the game, change the game.
I am because we are. 
You are my other me.
Bound through common struggle.
Warriors for our community.
Know the game, play the game, change the game.
I said see the system, navigate the system, change it.

Verse
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my people.
I won’t give up, I won’t be evil.
Like a eagle full of sunshine, on a morning uprise.
We’re receiving what we give, so I love life.
I took my stance and found my stride.
In the middle of this valley, reaching mountainside.
It’s an uphill battle, regardless it’s never ending.
But it’s family first, from the very beginning.
Ubuntu starts with you, that resonates with me.
See, global family, in time we’ll be. 
Much better at this craft, we decided and invested in.
For future success, we need to stay present tense.
In the moment, Sankofa, keep reaching.
Nurturing the roots for tomorrow, we feel it.
You’re a Toa, fighting with the core of our essence.
Beautiful life lessons.

Hook 
I am because we are. 
You are my other me.
Bound through common struggle.
Warriors for our community.

Verse
I am because my people made me strong.
Undeniable, that’s why I’m on the path I’m on.
Standing on the broad shoulders of giants.
With that peace of the ancient bliss, so vibrant.
As it guides us, protects us. 
Provides us the nectars.
The sweet life, as we strive for perfection.
With good intention, coming in a good way.
In this life, run together. 
There’s no running away.
Got to live everyday. 
Spread love, give thanks.
Inlakech, that’s the logical way.
We are the dreams of our ancestors,manifested.
That’s some real talk, there’s no time to be wasting.
So walk that path today, tomorrow.
The constant motion, constant battle.
Just to maintain balance, the challenge and the victory.
The past, the present. The bridge to the unity.
See the system, navigate the system, change the system.

Outro - Mazatzin:
…But we’re sharing, you know? 
And from here, we’re going to go further. (Absolutely.)
We’re not trying to, you know, get in the way, or get in front of anybody.
We’re trying to say, look, come and join us. Let’s go.
And that’s what I’ve been doing.
So I say, thousands of years, 
across thousands of miles, 
By thousands of people.
Nobody could have done this by themselves.


credits
released April 4, 2022 
Production: JRFX
Artwork: BasicLee
Concept & Inspiration: Eric Becerra
Mastering: Mike Perez, L and R

Eme7 - I Am (prod by JRFX)

Oral family history meets boom-bap production by JRFX; An original Hip Hop Corrido documenting the experience of a 13 year old traveling to a foreign country to earn a living and provide for his family.

Intro
He was just a kid y’all.
DIdn’t get a chance to finish school.
Didn’t get a chance to stay home…
A trabajar.

Verse
Yo. He left his home so he could earn himself a living.
The same fate awaiting him, like many other children.
Before and after him, no option there to go to school.
As soon as he hit puberty, his father made him pay his dues.
So with a bag of clothes, he said his goodbyes.
Gave his grand-mom a kiss, and wiped the tears from her eyes.
You see, she was the one that raised him.
‘Cause his parents were too busy, working in the fields in another nation.
Immigration, was imminent and welcomed.
He was looking forward to the journey that would take him.
Across the deserts and away from his homeland.
Outside, just a child. On the inside, was a grown man.
He was convinced that a little labor, wouldn’t hurt.
Rolling up his long sleeves, ‘cause he knew he’d put in work.
Finding his worth in every contribution.
Never took a day off, or made any excuses.

Narration:
13year old young boy, young man.
Taking on the responsibility to leave his home and travel.
To a foreign land, to work, and become a man… For his family.
This the journey.

Verse:
Took 2 nights of rest, and 3 full days of travel.
Driving through the interstates, dirt roads, the gravel.
Sometimes the car would stall, or overheat, in the desert.
I guess even machines show weakness under pressure.
Still, he made the best of every situation.
By the third sunset, they knew they’d reach their destination.
Probably, the first lesson learned in this change of life:
Everything is temporary, we’re just here passing by.
When he arrived, he was greeted by his father.
He said, “Qué gusto verte, get ready for tomorrow.
I know you had a long trip, and you must be tired.”
He was physically exhausted, but somehow he felt inspired.
Probably the sight of the pride in his father’s eyes?
Looking at his first born, finally right by his side.
Ready to ride, to take on the world.
To carry on the tradition to provide for all.

Narration:
He was providing for his family.
Up before the sunrise, he was following the seasons.
Balancing priorities…
He was preparing for his future, but still providing for the folks back home.

Verse:
Fast forward now to the present tense.
He’s a grandfather, living a life that’s full of relevance.
He’s the one that taught us how to look beyond anger.
Staying calm, being humble yet dangerous.
Making progress, even in small increments.
Meeting daily goals, for the family’s benefit.
You can write a book on the lessons he possesses.
Just never forget to thank your blessings.
Why wait for later if you can do it today.
Take advantage of time, man he makes it look easy.
That’s the kind of life I want to live in.
Everyday, every moment, every feeling.
Captivated by that love for work.
A provider for the family, but never forget to look.
At the wrist watch, ‘cause it won’t stop ticking.
Take a moment to connect with the children.

Outro:
Pass the lessons down to them.
Es la historia oral, oral history.
Putting our story into a hip hop corrido.
The running song, the running verse.
Yeah. One love jefecito. Much love.
Peace.

credits
released April 4, 2022 
Artwork: BasicLee 
Concept & Inspiration: Salvador Garcia Gutierrez
Mastering: Mike Perez, L and R

Eme7 - That Work (prod by JRFX)

A warm welcome to the pages of my rhyme book, over the smooth boom bap production by OJ The Producer. Capítulo Uno is an expression from my core. As the name implies, this is only the beginning...

RUTINA ft Shannon Michelle Burton

Eme7

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