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| Over
The Counter Intelligence |
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As with
anything that is available without a prescription, it is important
for us as consumers to have as much knowledge as possible about
the substance of the products we consume.
Far too often hip-hop fans are bombarded with
songs with little to no substance or relevant issues at hand. It
leaves these questions to ponder. Has hip-hop become solely based
on bling-bling, big-pimpin and derogatory lyrics? Why don’t
rappers focus more on the social and political issues of today?
Conscious rappers such as Common, Mos Def,
Talib Kweli and Black Thought of the Roots have taken steps to
bring political issues back to the forefront of the hip-hop
movement by using the medium to educate, enlighten, inspire and
protest. It’s only natural that when artists arise that have a
distinct agenda we take heed of what they are saying.
The innovative hip-hop group, Over the
Counter Intelligence brings their own spin to the rap game. The
group’s prescription is simple, one part bangin’ beats and one
part extraordinary lyrics.
The group is comprised of two members,
Haitian lyricist JG (Joel Gay) on the mic and Puerto Rican DJ
Havikenhayes (Edwin Guerra) on the turntables. OTCI is focused on
such issues as global trade and fair wages for indigenous farmers
and migrant workers.
Although Havikenhayes was not present, JG
took a break from recording at Stonehouse Music in Hollywood, to
shed light on what OTCI is all about.
“Our first performance was a disaster, the
crowd booed us right off the stage.” Apparently the audience at
southern Florida’s St. Thomas University was not ready for what
hit them. OTCI definitely falls outside of the box when it comes
to the typical style of Florida rap. One thing is certain; this
group is not talking about rims and ice.
“We have more important things to talk
about like corporate fascism, the bubble gum press and
antiglobalization.”
JG and Havikenhayes (whose name was sparked
by the lyrics of Black Thought) met at the very place of their
first performance and were introduced by Havikenhayes’ agent.
According to JG the two had an instant connection because of
similar interests.
One of the issues of OTCI’s music that hits
closest to home for JG is that of Haitian refugees being detained
and held indefinitely at the Krome Detention Center in Miami. JG
is the son of Haitian immigrants. He speaks with disgust when he
talks of how the U.S. is unjust in regards to the treatment of
refugees.
“Cubans are considered political refugees
and granted automatic clemency, but Haitians are considered
economic refugees and as soon as they hit U.S. soil are
imprisoned.”
OTCI is displaying many of the daily
injustices that take place in this country. In 2003 they hooked up
with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. The organization began
boycotting Taco Bell because Immokalee, Fla. migrant workers earn
approximately $7500 a year picking tomatoes. Approximately 80
percent of the tomatoes purchased by Taco Bell are picked by these
low-paid workers. The
group is seeking a one percent increase per pound which would
double the average workers salary, but still have them well below
the poverty line.
Last year OTCI headlined the Taco Bell Truth
Tour and Hunger Strike. Their song “Hunger Days” became the
anthem of the event. The finale of the cross country event was a
rally at the Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine where supporters
sang along to their theme song, “We’ll all boycott Taco
Bell.”
OTCI has lent their talents to other causes
as well; they headlined the ANSWER/LA Solidarity antiwar rallies
in several cities and opened for Dead Prez twice, once at the
International Hip-Hop Exchange in Miami and a second time at the
LA House of Blues on the Lyricist Lounge Tour.
OTCI strives to create music for the everyday
listener with both hot beats and lyrics that revolutionize the
genre. It’s about promoting change and taking action. Often we
are so captivated by beats that outshine the content of the
lyrics. The music of OTCI is indeed opinionated material but
necessary in the fight to inform other entertainers and listeners
that it is crucial to be conscious of social and political issues
in this country.
In addition to working diligently on their
next project, Over the Counter Intelligence is also in the process
of securing a contract with a major or independent label.
Expect to hear more from the group in the
near future. They may be over the counter but they are just what
the doctor ordered, bringing a little intelligence and substance
to hip-hop.
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