Linoleum Rap
Volume One: Issue 1
Volume One: Issue 2: “BdotCroc on Social Responsibility”
Here we are: several days after the Presidential Election in The United States, one year plus into the war in Gaza, and (arguably) turning back the hands of time, politically. It only feels right, to us, that as we continue to ground Linoleum Rap as a digital share (and THINK) space that we move from establishing the core elements of Hip Hop to a consideration of Hip Hop values. If you know the history of Hip Hop, you know that it drew on the Black Panther Manifesto (also referred to as The Ten Point Program), amongst other things, in its founding days and years. Resulting in Hip Hop heads also being stewards of hope, tangible resources, and leadership in their communities. This clip of BdotCroc captured during TruArtSpeaks’ 50th Anniversary Celebration of Hip Hop Culture that took place in Minneapolis, MN, on August 11th, 2023, is an invitation for us to remember and sit with that level of responsibility as Hip Hop artists. What are your thoughts? – Tish Jones
Video Transcript:
My name is Brynne Crockett, also known as BdotCroc and my artistic expression is freedom. I say freedom because I feel like when I release words that I am putting together in my mind or concepts or metaphors, that I am freeing myself, because a lot of prophecy, I believe is in words, we as hip hop artists and hip hop practitioners absolutely have a social responsibility, because our work is social. We are a part of social movements. We have curated and pushed and moved so many movements forward with our music. So it is irresponsible to pick and choose when you want to be responsible, or when you want to be a leader. You may say something in your rap, and if somebody goes out and does what you say, you might not feel that you are held responsible. But, I mean, Pac said it best, like I might not change the world, but I bet I plant the seed and put it in the mind of the one that does and like you are planting seeds when you when you rap. So it’s not our fault if you’re not happy with your garden.
Linoleum Rap is a digital share space powered by TruArtSpeaks with the goal of providing space for Hip Hop heads, practitioners, educators, and cultural producers to amplify new works, share skills, big up their crews, cross promote, and simply speak to current events in the Hip Hop and global community. Launching on November 1st, 2024, the first few issues will be geared towards celebrating Hip Hop History Month (November) by pulling from the archive (as a means to honor history) and highlighting insights from network artists, entrepreneurs, and heads, as they reflect on the culture both locally, statewide, nationally, and globally. From there, we will embark on guest curation focused on the various elements of Hip Hop, current events, and Brown Papers on the culture.
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About the Contributor
BdotCroc
Socials: @bdotcroc
BdotCroc is a rapper with a passion for thought-provoking lyrics and energetic beats. This Minneapolis artist is known for her ability to combine modern punch with old school warmth, as well as for her razor-sharp lyrical delivery. Throughout the span of her career, she had the opportunity to share the stage for well-respected hip-hop artists such as Raekwon or Dead Prez. She also had the opportunity to debut at SXSW and appear on Sway In The Morning. Her sound is all about witty lyricism, punchy grooves and cinematic melodies with a massive edge.