By Odeisel

Dreams are powerful things. The alchemy that transforms our aspirations and hopes into reality requires many more elements for a successful process. The American Dream in particular maintains a curious speed that places it juuuust out of the reach of the multitudes that chase it. The energy needed for that final burst only comes when you get off your ass and give it your all for that last grasp. The rub, of course, is that in order to dream you have to be asleep. That makes it inordinately hard to motorvate towards that goal in the first place. It’s like having your cake and eating it to. Either you have what you aspire to or you chase it.  That conundrum is the crux of “Amerikkkan Scheming.” The chorus mimics and interpolates “American Dreaming” from Jay-Z’s 2007 work American Gangster. That connection was not lost on Steele and in the video below he elaborates on the connection and whether it was effective in delivering the message he wanted to send.

Jimmy Hendrix’ riveting rendition of America’s National Anthem brings in “Home of the Brave.” Once that famous guitar solo ends, a co-opting of a Chuck D classic takes that aggression a step further and ramps up the energy. We deserve to exist. When we further our existence to the point where it infringes on other ways of life, how much force should be called into play to defend our way of life? Is it defense when the encroachment is wholly ours? Should our young be drafted to defend the overall American way of life, particularly when the fruits and the arrogance that are enjoyed by being able to embrace that way of life are generally denied them? Those issues and more are discussed at length below.

As we defend our freedom, we have those who question what our way of life should, in fact, be. These people fancy themselves the true patriots. Their battle is not with a foreign bogeyman but the enemy they feel lies within and the forces that move us from the American ideal to the American society, which is poisoned by class warfare and race, and apathy and ignorance. Anyone can denounce something that doesn’t work in their favor. The true soldier attempts to reform rather than abandon. Musically, Steele returns to the military feel, but alters his rhyme pattern to change the flow of the song.

The album is brought to a resounding close with “Rebellious.” The upbeat pace lifts us from the military mindset and one of delightful resistance. The song questions leadership and the aim of those who would aim weapons in the name of America. Is the cause righteous? Will those that risk their lives for its defense truly be compensated?  Will they be allowed their piece of the American Dream? “We don’t want your laws, we don’t want to be poor!” is a refrain in the middle of the third verse. The true power lies not within the bullet but in the voice of the people. If only they could be moved to speak.

And that brings our series Amerikkka’s Nightmare Part 2: Children of War to a close. It is my hope that even if you didn’t read my words that you would take the time to listen to General Steele and his insight to this world and his music is relevant and has a place in our Hip-Hop. Albums like this add depth to our overall pool. Hopefully you enjoyed this ride. Let us know if this kind of coverage is something that interests you in terms of format. Peace. Planet Ill. Your World. Your Way.

Amerikkkan Skemin’

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjlSJFGWo0w[/pro-player]

Home Of The Brave

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao6ZIZg9Brk[/pro-player]

Patriot Games

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi3PE7GSgIc[/pro-player]

Rebellious

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgGZ7p4P2Dg[/pro-player]

 Episode 1. Episode 2. Episode 3. Episode 4.