I saw a powerful video testimony from rapper Royce Da 5'9.  In the video, Royce was honest about the fact that he took his first drink with Dr Dre at the age of 21.  He says that this was the beginning of a long road of addiction and other problems that come with drugs and alcohol.   Royce made a powerful statement about hip-hop, black men and how toxic culture is marketed to us on a regular basis.  Many black men have met their demise due to drugs and alcohol and I think it's important that we take the time to seriously assess what culture is being marketed to us through the music by large corporations like Apple and Spotify, none of whom have to deal with the effects of what's being pushed to the black community.   Hip hop is important and it's powerful.  But the crabs in a barrel desperation to succeed can often cause rappers to engage in actions that are harmful to their own community.    I do not know Royce, but I appreciate his message.  This is one of the themes at the 2021 All Black National Convention, happening in Orlando, Florida the weekend of october 29th through November 1.   Sincerely, Dr Boyce Watkins http://AllBlackEconomics.com #BlackMen #hiphop #rappers #DrBoyceWatkins #BlackWealth