[ DISCLAIMER ] One of my favorite lines from lyricist Buckshot , of rap group Black Moon , relates to the 1993 song “ How Many MC’s… ,” which states, “The mind tricks the body, body thinks the mind is crazy.” Generally, I don’t support use of the stigmatizing term “ crazy .” I tend to agree with Dave Chappelle when he stated , “The worst thing to call somebody is crazy. It’s dismissive. ‘I don't understand this person, so they’re crazy.’ That’s bullshit.” That stated; I don’

[ DISCLAIMER ] When considering what impact I have on my life, on the lives of others, and the world as a whole, I find it useful to identify Stephen Covey’s circles of concern and influence to inform my perspective. These spheres of control and influence demonstrate how others do not have to oblige my should, must, or ought (SMO) statements. My rules of the universe are my own. SMO narratives are a crucial component of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Not alwa

[ DISCLAIMER ] I recall that in the 90’s, hip hop —particularly “ gangsta rap ”—was accused of promoting violence within U.S. society . Blaming others for one’s own problems—whether on a micro , mezzo , or macro level—is not a new phenomenon. Adam was said to have blamed Eve for sinful behavior, Socrates was accused of having corrupted youth with his teachings, and witches were denounced for poor crop results in Salem, Massachusetts. Regarding rap, personal responsibil

[ DISCLAIMER ] I recently posted a blog entry describing my approach to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Subsequently, I drafted a post describing my intent to highlight hip hop elements which relate to the REBT technique. For context , I encourage people to review those entries before proceeding with the current written submission. As the REBT ABC Model maintains the Epictetian notion , “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters,” I wou

[ DISCLAIMER ] For a number of people with whom I grew up, rap music was a phase through which they went and revisit only on occasion. That hasn’t been my experience with this hip hop element. I am what some commonly refer to as a hip hop head , originating from the old school . Around the time I began learning how to read and write I was listening to Rapper’s Delight by The Sugar Hill Gang , Rapture by Blondie , The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five , and Pla