"You cannot borrow my color.
I am not a commodity. I am not a part song, cuss word or caged bird.  I belong to no one. I name myself...wear myself. You sell me to make your money. You say I'm free, but you still owe me." 

I loved everything about this collection of poems, remixes and meditations. It was raw, honest and contemplative. There were parts that kicked me in the chest and made me pay attention. There were so many times I stopped to reread certain parts because the thoughts were so deep. The format of the book gave it a nice flow. 

The writing was the stand out for me. It was lyrical, speculative at times and magical. I really really related to Medlin's nerdy gamer, hip hop loving vibes. The author tackles themes through hip hop and media narratives. They explore: 

🎧 Black masculinity and mental health
🎧 the commodification of Black culture and bodies
🎧 the misuse of hip hop by corporations to perpetuate narratives about Black culture
🎧 the concept of gender and roles
🎧 the trappings of idol worship and aspirations to perceived ideas of celebrity and status
🎧 what freedom looks and feels like when you question the staus quo
🎧 the diversity of Blackness 
🎧 the importance of telling our own stories

The author's dissections of Kanye West songs and analysis of his persona were my favorites. They were insightful and really put words to what many have been thinking for a long time. If you are a nerdy,  hip lover, then this book is for you. 
THIS HITS HARD! Medlin's words will continue to be bouncing around in my head.

Thanks to @twodollarradio for this gifted copy.