No Limits

What a bore!

It's been a week since I left Los Angeles and I miss it! I wanna go back! (insert crying face)
The things I miss about LA are the people I've gotten to know and care for, the weather, communities in South Central, the beach, and just the atmosphere. I think I would fit well in Cali. Although, there are some thing I do not miss, such as the parking, congested space, and the traffic! But I can deal with it. Since I been in College Station, I haven't done much except think and miss LA. Coming back to CS, was a complete 180 from everything in Cali.

The first couple days being back, I did absolutely nothing. I needed a break after my adventurous trip and this gave me extra time to reflect on the past 10 days. This past week, I also met with my advisor to discuss the research trip and certain things I expected/surprised me about what former gang members stated in relation to gangsta rap music. My advisor also gave me ideas on how to expand the research experience into other projects I'm interested in outside of my thesis and gangsta rap music. There is so much I want to write and all from different avenues and aspects that I gathered while in LA. Much is to be shared and learned.

Since my trip, I've kept in contact with everyone I met and have had continued conversations with the former gang members I gotten to know. Today I received a call that someone was murdered last night in the one of the communities I worked in. My prayers go out to the neighborhood and to the family that lost a son, brother, and friend.

Although I received some disturbing news today, blessings are still amongst us. I also gotten a call that may expand my research to another level. One of the former gang members that I gotten close to, contacted someone he grew up with in his neighborhood (who is a gangsta rap artists) and the artist has agree to an interview for my research! This potentially may open doors for more networking and career opportunities.

I am so happy and blessed for what is happening in my life. I thank God everyday to be able to see my dreams unfold before me.

The sky is not even the limit.

It's So Hard to Say Good-bye

This was my last day in Los Angeles. Over the past 10 days, I've met so many wonderful people that at this point it's hard to leave and say Goodbye. This trip has turned out better than I could have imagined and not only did I learn and retain information for my research but I also gained friends, confidantes, and protectors in the process. In the future when I produce my thesis and further articles and chapters, I will make sure to accurately portray my experience and knowledge gained from this trip. I will not disappoint  those who opened their homes, neighborhoods, and hearts for me to see. The media has typically viewed certain areas and communities in a negative light without showcasing the positive attributes these same communities also have. Well, the stories and information I've gather will hopefully give a different perspective than what has previously been given. Although there is a danger element in certain communities of Los Angeles, this applies to any environment a person is unfamiliar with. There is not a greater or extreme caution needed when entering this part than any other neighborhood in the world that someone is not from. This trip has taught me so much but especially about "assumed" danger and "perceived" safety environments.

When I told family, friends, and colleagues about my study and trip to Los Angeles, everyone was worried about my interaction with (former) gang members and being in South Central. There was an assumed danger and that I needed to be careful. In all honestly, being around the former gang members and in their neighborhoods was where I felt the most protection and comfort. At the same time, I would not enter these communities alone or without the assistance of the area. This past week, I also had an encounter where I felt extremely uncomfortable and in danger. Where was I? Not in South Central, but in the Suburbs of L.A. (This was my weird, strange encounter I discussed earlier). Where it was perceived to be safe and protected, was where I was most confronted with uneasiness and fright.

The reason I give this inclusion into my trip is not to say I am naive of the danger surrounding LA Black street gangs and their communities, but to show endangerment even in the "safest" environments. There are people who are out to commit wrongdoing and crimes everywhere and in all parts of the world. There are also positive people committed to making a change and impact in their community everywhere and in all parts of the world. Even in South Central. And I will soon tell their story.

Got a plane to catch in the morning. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams.

The City

The blog I meant to post Wednesday, but got distracted and haven't had free time to write lately.

Leave the angels in the city...
Recognize my life, ridicule my fight/Give me fuel for the fire burning when I yearn these lights/ In the midst of the hieroglyphs my fingertips start to write/ Familiar with cartwright, cause I wrote that shot, I'm a raging bull...

This post is dedicated to one of my favorite West Coast hip hop artists. I was at the mall yesterday with a friend and we stopped by a smoothie stand. As I turned around I was looking in the face of someone I been studying,  listening,  vibing to for my research. The R.E D. album produced in 2011 is a favorite of mine and actually seeing the man behind the music had me speechless. I had to ask my friend, "Mya, is that The Game?" "Uh huh" she says, "He fine, aint he?" When I saw him and his kids, all I could think about was track 19, California Dream. I didn't say anything, must've been too in shock. Hopefully I will have another chance to meet him in the future.

Late nights, early mornings

Long and productive day. Last night I had my first encounter with the strange,weird side of LA. But I used discernment and intuition to respond accordingly. 

Have to get up super early, starting my day at 5:00. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams.

Compton

Compton, Compton...ain't no city quite like mine
So come and visit the tire screeching, ambulance, policemen/Wont you spend a weekend on Rosecrans nigga/Khaki creasing, crime increasing on Rosecrans nigga

What a day! I am tired! My days are beginning to roll into one. There is so much that I've seen and heard today. Many of it that I can't write and post about but has opened my eyes to the lifestyle. I woke up this morning around 8 and just now returning to my hotel. What have I been doing all day you ask? Making connections, speaking to people in the community, taking field notes of the neighborhoods, and mapping the scene. One of the most important  aspects of my research is understanding the social environment and the positive or negative contribution each person has towards its community. So before I begin interviews, this is what I aim to accomplish; having a better understanding of the people and community.

Of course, a main portion of my research involves gangsta rap; but before I divulge into this segment of
 former gang members' lives, I need clarity on location and street references often discussed in the music. Today, I had the opportunity to take a tour of key neighborhoods and streets that are usually described in gangsta rap music. When describing one's home in gangsta rap, there is a sense of love and pride from the rap artists. Although I study the origins of gangsta rap, an example of a gangsta rap artist that shows the love for his city in his music is Kendrick Lamar. With any of his songs there is a place marker that identifies his lineage with Compton. This also goes for Dr. Dre, N.W.A, Compton's Most Wanted, etc. Location is very important to a rapper's identity and image.

As I stated earlier, I'm very tired and have another busy day ahead. I'm going to church in the morning invited by one of the former gang members I have gotten to know over the past couple days. So Goodnight and Sweet Dreams.

Day 2-California Love

California...knows how to party
Let me welcome everybody to the wild, wild west/ A state that's untouchable like Elliot Ness/ The track hits ya eardrum like a slug to ya chest. ..

Hello! I had another Good and eventful day! Traveled to an area mostly associated with the Harlem Crips and of course the men I talked to taught me sooo much! I didn't interview them for my research,  but just wanted to know more about them, where they come from, what they value, etc.

Currently I'm at Manhattan Beach, with a group of women and just having fun! I'm in LA baby! I was thinking after I get my Masters from A&M, I would move to LA...and now the desire is even stronger.  When I was here 2 years, I couldn't stand being here, now (with my flyy whip) I'm all over the place and its only my 2nd day. I can see the next couple of years of my life being here. 

Here's my outfit from today,  had my chucks on...

Day 1 is complete!

Started with a Beamer, now I'm here. This is rental,  a Toyota Yeris. I have no shame, I'm STILL gonna be bumpin' my gangsta rap music. I'm sure I wont stand out with this car! Lol I kinda like it though, good on gas.

Serious note: This has been a long day and its only the first. BUT I know everyday while I'm here is going to be amazing and ill learn something with each new day. The group I was with this evening...the people I met...just...amazing and inspiring. I am so grateful I get to experience these moments and learn from others...

Well...its about that time to rest my head on this pillow. Sweet Dreams.

Dreadful Airport

Good Morning! Currently at the College Station airport waiting to board. This airport is literally two gates...gate 1 and gate 2...that's it. It's like a one-room schoolhouse. It reminds me of the airport in Ithaca. The person that checked my i.d. was the same person who did baggage security. Literally a one-woman operation. But I'm glad it was just a couple minutes away and I didn't have to drive to Houston.
I have about an hour until my flight and then I'm outta here! I wonder what awaits me in Los Angeles...

The Night Before...well morning

I'm excited, nervous, frightened...the list goes on and on. I been anticipating even dreaming of this trip for months and now it's finally here. Deep down there are other reasons why I appreciate this particular day and trip. For me, it signifies new beginnings and opportunities. A new door has been opened and I'm excited to take the first steps through. And now I'm done with my first year of graduate school...thank God that door has been shut.

This time tomorrow I will be in Los Angeles, hopefully watching Scandal...well not at  this time. At this exact time, I want to be sleep. Tomorrow everything begins. Los Angeles, I'm ready to see you again. Goodnight and hoping you're dreaming.

Cymone