Subject to Review: Ed Genesis on the politics of hip-hop

Editor’s Note: On the Ground Kalamazoo Writer Maya James recently attended a seminar on the politics of Hip Hop at the Northside Association for Community Development. She shares her takeaways.  KALAMAZOO, MI — It’s a chilly Monday night. I pull into the Northside Association for Community Development, a large brown concrete building adorned with smiling faces of predominantly Black and Brown organizers and public figures from Kalamazoo’s Northside. Upon entering the building, I’m greeted by a beautiful mosaic depicting young folks working together in a garden, accompanied by the caption: “We Love The North Side.”  This particular October afternoon, as people filter in through the doors, the aroma of Panera Bread sandwiches and broccoli cheddar soup fills the air. As the seminar commences, local rap artist Ed Genesis begins to speak from the heart about his struggles, accomplishments, fears, and aspirations for the city of Kalamazoo during his seminar titled “Subject to Review: A Look at Social Justice Through a Hip-Hop Lens,” in collaboration with the Northside Association, ISAAC, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Genesis of a Northside musician and activist Anyone involved in community organizing in Kalamazoo faces scrutiny, rumors, and harsh criticism of their efforts. It comes with...