High-Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with hip-hop collective MCE—OBrennan Moss, Ced Adamz, and Eshmelek—to celebrate 50 years of hip hop while confronting critical social issues impacting Black communities. The conversation explores African cultural identity, the historical disruption of the Black nuclear family, the lack of youth rites of passage, and the need to redefine manhood beyond capitalist metrics. Emphasizing collective self-reliance, the group advocates for creating independent media streams and local agricultural initiatives like community gardens to raise consciousness.
Key Takeaways
Ancestral Cultural Grounding: Reclaiming historical African heritage serves as a vital anchor against societal identity crises and transient cultural trends.
Structured Rites of Passage: Developing community-led rites of passage is essential for guiding young men and women into responsible adulthood and healthy civic life.
Redefining Authentic Manhood: True manhood requires moving away from predatory capitalism toward emotional vulnerability, protective leadership, and community accountability.
Sovereign Independent Streams: Communities must establish their own media platforms, educational systems, and food sovereignty projects rather than relying on commercial mainstream industries.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
Origins, Naming, and the Formation of MCE
OBrennan Moss explains his journey to discovering the true Yoruba meaning of his name Oba Femi (“the king loves me”), while Taryell shares his Nigerian name Adekunle. Ced Adamz recounts meeting Eshmelek and connecting with OBrennan through beat production, ultimately forming MCE (Magnum, Ced, Eshmelek).
50 Years of Hip Hop and Sonic Foundations
The group reflects on five decades of hip hop, tracing their artistic foundation to blues, jazz, and soul sampling connected across Chicago and Arkansas. OBrennan and Ced discuss transitioning from early gangsta rap influences to intentional, conscious music that educates their children and uplifts their neighborhoods.
Identity Crisis, Capitalism, and Family Systems
The conversation examines W.E.B. Du Bois' concept of double consciousness and the psychological effects of living in systems not built for Black people. Ced Adamz highlights how poverty drives predatory wealth accumulation, while Eshmelek emphasizes how the destruction of the Black nuclear family fosters generational decline.
Rites of Passage and Cultural Sovereignty
Eshmelek details how global cultures employ rites of passage and civic service to foster unity, contrasting this with the lack of institutional frameworks for African American youth. OBrennan describes finding grounding in African bookstores, prompting a discussion on balancing continental African roots with localized cultural systems.
Independent Streams, Community Gardening, and Future Projects
Quoting Amiri Baraka, OBrennan asserts that artists must raise the consciousness of the people rather than chasing mainstream validation. The collective previews their upcoming EP Food, Clothes, and Shelter, the LP Knowledge Is Self Vol. 3, their GSC Community Garden initiative, and the Soul Speaks podcast.
Memorable Quotes
“The role of the artist is to raise the consciousness of the people.” — OBrennan Moss (quoting Amiri Baraka)
“We have to create our own stream to filter in the type of music and media and things that we need, because the mainstream is going to continue to be that.” — OBrennan Moss
“Just doing this media right here is the start towards fighting against all the media they are putting out right now.” — Ced Adamz
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
Amiri Baraka: Acclaimed poet and activist cited for defining the social responsibility of artists.
W.E.B. Du Bois: Historical scholar referenced regarding the concept of double consciousness.
Marcus Garvey: Pan-African leader acknowledged during the discussion of cultural heritage.
Dr. Sebi: Natural herbalist referenced regarding holistic health and natural living.
MCE Musical Projects: EPs Food, Clothes, and Shelter and Red, Black, and Green, alongside the forthcoming LP Knowledge Is Self, Vol. 3: Cold Minds.
GSC Community Gardens: Agricultural initiative promoting sustainable food growth, featured on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram (https://instagram.com/gscgardens).
Soul Speaks Podcast: Independent podcast produced by MCE exploring culture and community development.
Streaming Platforms: MCE Soul Muzik (S-O-L-M-U-Z-I-K) available across all major music services.
Social Media Profiles: @NineObafemi on Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
