American rapper, Dee-1
The renowned American rapper Dee-1 has reminisced about his transformative journey to West Africa when he was just 13 years old.
He credits the trip with a profound shift in his worldview, leaving an indelible mark on his life.
He fondly recalls the early influence of Ms Deborah Harley, his teacher from kindergarten and first grade in New Orleans. She founded a non-profit organization that facilitated a cultural exchange trip to Africa.
Dee-1 recounted how Ms Harley would bring children from America's inner cities to Africa, connecting them with their heritage and fostering a deeper sense of self.
He contrasted the violent and disrespectful lyrics prevalent in Black American music at the time with his experiences in Ghana. There, he met extraordinary people who prioritized education, respect for elders and peers, and lived with little concern for material possessions.
He observed that the Ghanaians he met were focused on essentials like clean water for their community rather than luxuries such as car accessories or designer clothes. Their happiness stemmed from gratitude and faith, not material wealth.
Dee-1's brief three-week stay in Ghana was a pivotal experience that "changed me forever," he emphasized.
David' Dee-1' Augustine, openly Christian in his music and life philosophy, is an acclaimed rapper, author, speaker, and educator. His commitment to reforming Hip-hop culture has been evident since his breakout hit 'Jay, 50 and Weezy' in 2010, aiming to redeem it from its association with crime and aggression.
In recognition of his impact, he received the NAACP Power of Influence Award in 2020.
Currently, Dee-1 holds the Nasir Jones Hip-hop Fellowship at Harvard's Hiphop Archive & Research Institute for the academic year 2022/2023. His insights were shared in a conversation with the esteemed journalist Jason Whitlock.
