black boy fly

Dear Hip Hop, My Name is Solomon

solomon hereford

Update: this original article was published on March 25, 2023. Since then, there have been many developments in the death investigation of our founder Sophia Lewis’ son, Solomon Hereford. Please learn more and sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/justice4soli

#Justice4Soli

Dear Hip Hop Scriptures community, I/we suffered a tragic loss on October 10, 2022. It was on this day that my youngest son, Solomon transitioned. Thank you to family and friends that have showered myself and my eldest son Ramses with love and support. My sons are one year apart in age, so this has hit us in ways that can’t honestly be put into words.

Solomon’s relationship with music began in the womb. I exposed him to classical, gospel, soul, alternative and of course, hip-hop! His absolute favorite artist was G Herbo. His playlists were heavy on Brent Faiyez, Drake, NBA Youngboy, Wu-Tang, Pop Smoke, Trippie Redd and others. He had a particular appreciation for jazz, lyricism and making beats.

Trained at the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem, Solomon was exceptionally skilled behind the camera as well. He and I attended the Nipsy Hussle vigil together in April of 2019 and he did a beautiful job capturing the essence and emotions of that evening.

I have not been active on social personally or on behalf of Hip Hop Scriptures in months as we work towards recovery from trauma that has manifested as anxiety, various forms of depression, adjustment disorder and of course just plain GRIEF. I try not to dwell there, but I acknowledge it. There’s so many ways in which Solomon is/was a gift to this world. To learn more about his life and legacy, please read my tribute here. Let’s continue to take care of one another family.

Peace,

Sophia “Chi Chi” Lewis

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Is It Time for HIP-HOP to GROW UP?!

Is It Time for HIP-HOP to GROW UP?!

Clearly, hip hop is no longer a music genre or culture by teens, for teens. We have all grown up, and the 35-45 year old parent driving to pick up their child from school is less frequently bumping Boyz to Men but Biggie. It's time to return to our roots, and give these at risk youth something to connect to as Cudi so eloquently put it. Not just behind the scenes, but also in your day job - your lyrics and your message.

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