Twist and Shout

Twist and Shout
Life is never straight (Joey Kulkin photo)

Monday, June 18, 2012

Trentonian TV Production Notes: Freedom Episode 17


TRENTON -- Freedom did a great thing by not only bringing him on last after 4 strong guests, but then not doing the cliche thing by making Wise Intelligent of Poor Righteous Teachers talk about music only. Instead, Freedom asked Wise an early question that made the intellectual one pause and answer, "No one has ever asked me that before" -- so yeah, Freedom is growing as a host. After 17 weeks I've come to know when Freedom has had a long Sunday night, and today he came to the studio bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Now, while Freedom didn't talk about Wise Intelligent's talented musical career till the end of their chat, I am topping this entry with one of greatest hip hop songs and videos of all time. It is "Rock Dis Funky Joint" off PRT's debut album Holy Intellect. #MusicalMarrow. I can't get enough of it when I play it, which is why I play it at least 10 times every time. About a month ago I put out a Facebook and Twitter notice asking if anyone recognized the many faces in the video. No one bit, which surprised me. I thought everyone in Trenton knows everyone. I'd love to find some of the folks in the video to see what has become of their lives since the video came out 22 years ago -- especially the dancing boys and girls at the 1:45 mark. PRT's heyday may have passed years ago, but Wise never stopped spreading his intelligence about social issues. I'm always keeping an ear out for future mayors of Trenton, and Wise Intelligent is on that short list of candidates. Today he talked about lead poison that continues to kill Trenton's old 'hoods while also touching on Trenton's willingness to guzzle millions to take on new loads of the poor and disenfranchised -- he called it new poverty atop old poverty -- so that the Hamiltons and Hopewells and Princetons of the world can turn a blind eye to the riff-raff. It's Trenton's dirty little secret.

Also on the show today were Sterick Ivey of the Conservatory Mansion (540 East State), spoken word performer and author Todd Evans, comedian Kellz Barksdale and teacher. poet and spoken word performer Sherrie Smith. All of the guests sparkled. I'll try to update these notes later. Till then ...


Kellz Barksdale


Sterick and Freedom ...


... and their shoes

Todd and Freedom ...

... and their shoes

Sherrie Smith's and Freedom's shoes

Sherrie and Freedom

5 men, 1 woman

Sherrie making a point

Intellect'ual red and Freedom'esque straps and leather

Wise and Freedom

Wise Intellect talking lead poison and Trenton problems because of it

Wise. Freedom.

Wise. Freedom.



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