The Genius Factor

A friend had asked me if we were going to Rock The Bells this year. After working out my schedule I realized between putting the final touches on "Wake Up and Dream" (EP due out in the fall) and other obligations, I couldn't do it. The line up for the show was dope, but what intrigued me the most is that Lauryn Hill was on the bill.

Now let's state facts L-boogie is hands down top 5 emcees in hip hop. But after the "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" there was a huge fall off. She chopped off her locks after a break up from one of the Marley offspring then came back talking about how the world was so aloof. Though she unplugged for MTV and let us know she still had it.

I finally watched the videos of Miss Hill and thought to myself something seems different. First thing that came to mind was the conversation Pras had with Tavis Smiley (watch TAVIS SMILEY Guest: Pras Michel PBS). He stated skid row was full of Lauryns but her support system would never let her get that low. What really struck me was people reacted to greatness of her work.

So I questioned how much of insanity plays into genius or talent. The difference that separates good from great is definite. When it comes to the Princes, Michaels, Lauryns, and so on there is something apparently awkward about them. I always say there's a lot of insanity in genius(I like to think of it as Gods way of reminding us we're human). No matter what there's something that never leaves the talented. But sometimes the evils of your spirit can take control of you. In a world of entertainment where your work is worth more than your well being you have to have people around you to nurture you. At the end of the day we will always respect greatness, now when it comes to the fall of greatness that's the problem...how do we stop that? Any suggestions?

-Akapela Jonz