No Pressure when it comes to ChrystalChyna

| Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin 

3A46C426-9400-4EC9-81F4-C2B0EA3FB3B1Crystal Chyna is a R&B group out of the Crenshaw District in Los Angeles, California. One thing, out of many, that makes them unique is that they are identical twins!! Their music reminds you of the 90’s – good times and  good memories. Definitely check them out on social media and on music platforms using the links down below!

You might think that being in a group with your siblings can be a little tricky or even frustrating, so we asked, “How is it being in a group with your sister?”

Their response was the complete opposite they stated, “Being in a group as sisters is the absolute best! We guess it’s because of the “twin thing,” but we’re always able to sense when one of us may need help during a live performance or just have each other’s backs in general. We’re literally inseparable!”

When did you all decide that you all wanted to be a group?

Any talent competition growing up, we did our routines together. We didn’t pair up with friends, it was all us. When we were 14, I (Chrystal) woke up Chyna and decided that we needed to get a vocal coach. I knew that it was time to pursue it professionally and begin with extensive training.

Being an identical twin can be a little tricky to outsiders on the regular, but there are very few in the music industry especially as a duo. So I asked, “do you guys ever get mixed up in the industry?”

If you’re referring to mixed up as far as who is who, oh, absolutely! It’s funny actually because we have to remember that people aren’t used to seeing twins regularly, so it throws them off guard. It’s completely understandable.

“No Pressure” is a great song  down to the relatable lyrics, the melody, and I even love the music video. The early 2000s theme was definitely executed  but I was curious as to “What was the inspiration behind “No Pressure?”

Chrystal and Chyna said ,”The inspiration behind “No Pressure” was simply drawn from us dating and being young women. With us still being young and trying to establish ourselves, we find that when dating, you may like someone but you don’t want to add pressure of there being a title so quickly. The gist of it is having feelings that are mutual with a person, but understanding that there’s no pressure for anything more.”

Has being from Los Angeles shaped your sound at all?

Definitely. We’re from the Crenshaw District and we’re extremely influenced by the old school music that was heavily played in our neighborhood or by our family members.

58B94B78-73B0-4CF4-B725-5631A03849DDWith 2019 being over in a few short months I wanted to know “What are some 2020 goals?”

An EP, visuals for every record on the EP, and a healthier body and mind.

What’s one thing your fans don’t know about you, but they should?

We can throw down in the kitchen! And we’re the best hosts, so if you ever come over, you’re in for treats.

Do you have any upcoming projects? 

Our debut EP and a few performances to be announced!

What is your favorite part of being an artist? 

We love being able to express ourselves the way we want to. Having the opportunity to create through our own lyrics and experimenting with different vocal techniques is like no other.

Growing up who did you all look up to?

Brandy! She was and still is everything to us. We saw ourselves, as little chocolate girls in her. Beyoncé as well. We try to model our work ethic after hers. Of course, we had first hand role models such as our Godmommy (Natalie Cole) and our Auntie (Chaka Khan).

 

C7C15D11-053F-4948-80A2-9BB5E997565F“NO PRESSURE” is available on all streaming platforms!

No Pressure Visual: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zoVJKbGl590

Social Handles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalchyna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrystalchyna?lan…

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrystalChyna/

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WHY KANYE WHY!

| Equal Justice for SOME


kanye-west-howard-ss-2Howard University is currently ranked number 2 out of the 100+ Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. It was founded on May 1, 1867 in Washington, DC. “Built on three acres, Howard University would see to the education of 150,000 freed slaves by 1872.” The campus is rich in black history and it is known for producing greatness, with some examples including, Thurgood Marshall, Taraji P Henson, and the one and only Toni Morrison. If you have been anywhere on social media or even if you’re alum, then you know the 2019 Howard University Homecoming celebration was lit. But even if you didn’t know, thanks to some controversy you may have seen it on the news. 

Howard University had one of the most contentious artists to say the least walk the grounds of their campus, thee one and only, Kanye West. We have watched Kayne go through many phases such as Yeezus, the unapologetic President Trump supporter, and even now the gospel worshiper/performer at his Sunday Service pop ups. He has been traveling from state to state putting on Sunday Service shows as a way to connect with his fans and  promote his highly anticipated album, “Jesus is King.” There is no denying the fact that the man is a musical genius, however some of his ideologies can be hard to follow. Such as the infamous “ slavery was a choice” view that he continues to push on the Black Community. He stated at the historically Black institution “if they throwing slave nets again how about we don’t all stand in the exact same place.” Umm, sir?? Do you think that Africans were all standing in the same place when they stole people from an entire continent, not a city or town? And let’s get this straight before we go any further slavery definitely was not a choice!

HOWARDIt is difficult and almost impossible to understand why Kanye would bring this up at a HBCU. Knowing that such institutions were built to educate and lift up generations that were still impacted by the trauma and degradation slavery caused. The campus is supposed to be a safe ground where blacks can grow and become educated on their history beyond slavery. In my opinion this was a big slap in the face to our community, and it back tracked all the cleaning up he has been trying to do to his image. In my opinion, musical genius or not, all he was missing was his red “Make America Great Again” hat. 

Although Kanye’s controversial comments caused some to officially cancel him, others  believe that Kanye has really found Jesus and is praising in the best way that he knows how – musically. For some, he is using Gospel music, something that is close to African Americans, to get back in their good graces before his album drops. His intentions good or bad will always be a mystery in my opinion. People will always have their own take on what’s going on. However, I think it’s amazing that legend is making himself as accessible, but I hope and pray he is in it for the right reasons.

 

Little Known Black History Fact: Howard University

 

WHO IS AIRPLANE JAMES???

| Equal Justice for SOME

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By: Ariyana Griffin

You may have seen the question floating around, “Who is Airplane James?” Well, today I am going to finally get the answer! I do know that he is more than just a rapper from the Eastside, he is truly an artist who puts his all into his craft. Airplane James is changing and embracing the Eastside sound, so if you haven’t listened already, you have to tap in! In today’s music industry it’s rare for an artist to have a great beat, lyrics with meaning, and visuals that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have meaning. You definitely need his latest project, Eastside Project, in your rotation. Another dope new project is on the way and you want to tap in, it’ll be worth it I promise you! Make sure you check the links below for social media and music links.

I wanted to finally get the answer to the question “Who is Airplane James”  and his answer was: 

“I feel like I should have more intricate story on how I got the name, but I don’t. My middle name is James, and airplane is something my Grandma would really use as a playful insult to me being hard-headed and wanting to do things my way as a kid. She’d say “boy, your head is just as wide as fuckin’ airplane, you don’t listen to anybody” I just ran with it as an ode to her.

But as far as who I am… I’m just a regular nigga off the Eastside that just so happens to be good at music. When you listen to me…you’ll find out. I’m a father, a family man, a son, a brother. I go through the same shit everybody else do”.

As many Los Angeles natives know, the Eastside is very different, like any other part of LA. They have their own everything, style, lingo, you name it, so I asked, “How did growing up on the east side affect your upbringing and your style?”

Man, I had a cool upbringing. I didn’t have it “super hard”. Every rapper says that shit, those niggas be lying. I was raised by my granny, who taught me a lot. I wasn’t allowed to go outside my gate until I was around twelve years old, I had to ride my bike and shit in the backyard so when I finally was able to go outside that gate, it was like a kid in a candy store.

I got into everything you could imagine, except doing drugs or selling them. But everything in the streets was enticing to me. It wasn’t until my friend got locked up and they gave him a decade that I woke up and was like…. Wait, this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel everyone weighs their options and I knew then I wasn’t a nigga that was supposed to be sitting in someone’s prison.

So from there I started mapping out what I wanted to do. The Eastside instilled in me a sense of pride though, I’ll tell you that. Any Los Angeles native knows we are like the bastards. People call us easy, dirty, and all that shit, but a lot of history started on the Eastside. So when I started doing this shit seriously, I made it my mission to put us on the map, the Eastside as a whole. Like YALL GOT US FUCKED UP, was really my mentality and still is. Anybody from the Eastside know it’s a vibe. We got our own lingo and everything. Every other sentence we start it with “boy”, so you hear that a lot in my music.

Since 2019 will be over in the blink of an eye, I asked, “what are some of your goals for the rest of the year?”

Man, I’m already in 2020 with it. Just keep perfecting the craft. It’s a couple things in the works that I can’t speak on at the moment, but we’ll revisit this… say October or so. 

91e263a9-f9ef-409c-a707-663279a040ebWho is your inspiration and what artist do you look up to

My inspirations are my kids, my woman, my homies, they all drive me. All these pictures I paint, they inspired it in some way. As of late, I don’t really look up to any artist. But back then, nigga USHER was the shit to me, I ain’t gon lie. I grew up on Hot Boyz, Bow Wow, and just whatever was out. It wasn’t until I was older that I went back and listen to all the classics. People will probably crucify me but, I just listened to Jay Z blueprint.

Who are some people you want to work with in the future ?

Snoop Dogg, Arin Ray, Kehlani, Missy Elliot, John Mayer, Frank Ocean, Kee Riches, 22Icecoldbishop, Rucci, and the rest of the niggas that got it going crazy right now.

What is some advice you would give your younger self ?

Everything you going through serves a purpose and I’d tell myself to finish school.

What’s something you want people to know about you that they probably wouldn’t expect

They probably wouldn’t expect me to be as hands on as I am with every single aspect when it comes to my career. I co-direct, co-produce, and I design my own merchandise.

download (1)Who is the GOAT??! Lil Wayne, Drake, or Kanye 

DRAKE!

 

 Airplane James’ Social Medias: 

Instagram-@Airplanejames354

Twitter-@airplane354

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/1JhNLx2aikUAHfnzuwVw4q

Apple Music-https://music.apple.com/us/artist/airplane-james/580368988

Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/airplane-james

JAyP the Artist

Quote | | Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin

CC1EA9E1-23B8-4F0D-9477-4832F0590B24Sunny Los Angeles, California is known for its rich culture and heritage, especially when it comes to art. Creative hubs such as Leimert Park, Compton, Venice, ect. are where artist can thrive to their best ability and express themselves in a way the see fit! There isn’t a place  you can go within the city that isn’t full of murals, art, or music. You may find anything from statues, structures, murals, and even urban art just on a normal day walking down the street. Artists such as JAyP help to keep the city of Los Angeles vibrant and full of creativity. We appreciate the art and originality that he brings to the table! Make sure to check out his social media below for some dope pieces. 

What’s your name and where are you from ?

Jared, JAyP for short and I’m from Los Angeles, CA.

What made you start creating art and when did you know that you were good at it ?

F8486222-E498-4AD7-9CB6-29213CB52416I first visualized art from my Uncle and Grandfather, also television. Those three were my main inspiration to start drawing. I knew I was good at it from the compliments at a young age. I only did art for my pleasure so it was a more self pleasing thing. I would only be pleased if I drew something that looked identical to what I was seeing. I always drew out of magazines, so I tried to mimic it as much as I could.

C70F2241-30A2-4A4F-870C-4651E84BFF34What type of art do you create ?

I create art that represents cultural impact, that defines who and what we are and how powerful it is! The different mediums I use reflects on the importance of a piece. If I’m using acrylic, it’s more of a fun, down to earth, creative piece. If I use oils, it’s a more serious, emotional piece.

Who would you consider your inspiration when creating a piece ?

Inner city communities, activists, pioneers, elders, OG’s, anybody that’s reflective of what’s represented in cultural impact plays a big part and that’s what I love about the art that I make because I can go anyway there’s so much impact to spark and expand my creativity.

What’s the most important tool that you use ?

Most important tool is the paintbrush! If I have that, I can make anything happen on any material! A paintbrush has got me through some good and tough times. 

What’s your favorite creation that you’ve made so far ?

I’ve had some favorites, but my all time fav is the Sade/ Lioness face I made.  I am still in love with how it came out. I sold it but a part of me wishes I kept it! It was a lesson for me to keep all my favorite pieces.

What’s one of your biggest goals with your art ?

0060B3C6-AD6F-42AA-A46F-CFA37B3F4CC1My biggest goal is not only having solo exhibits, but hopefully expanding my shows into films, books, comics, and merchandise. Whatever it is I want it to be everlasting and iconic. And with that success I want to sacrifice a lot of it to inner city youth to help them create an income for them to build their own income.

 

JAyP’s social media’s:

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Website- https://www.jaypgallery.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jaypgallery/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JaypGallery

 

 

 

Compton’s Very Own Kee Riche$

Aside | | Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin

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I chopped it up with Kee Riche$ of Compton, California. He not only makes music but he owns a dope clothing brand by the name of “Get Rich.” Kee Riche$ is also a pillar in the Compton community. He’s definitely tapped and is using his platform to do everything from  giving back to children, to giving back to the less fortunate. As he comes up, he’s definitely taking Compton with him, and that’s what we love to see! His last project “From Broke to Rich” is definitely an album you can listen to with no skips! The link will be down below so make sure you check that out if you haven’t already.

 

 

 

What is your stage name and where did it come from?

Kee Riche$ is my stage name and the Kee part came from like just growing up in life. My nicknames have always been K, Kee Kee, Kee, or whatever so when it came to finding a rap name I wanted it to be hella original. I also wanted it to be something people would like so, I put the Riche$ at the end because that something that people like, money.

When and what made you start rapping?

I was like 15 or 16, I quit playing basketball and I just picked up rapping. I found a love for it, I kept it a secret for a while but I just went all in with it.

How did your friends and family react when you said you wanted to be a rapper?

 

How did growing up in Compton or the West Coast in general affect your sound and style?

I feel like it gave me a general sound to base my style off of. I’m from Compton, and there has been a gang of great rappers and artist to come out, even recently. And the West Coast as a whole has produced and influenced most of the music industry, so growing up here kind of gave me a platform of where to start at.

If you could describe what being on stage feels like in one word what would it be?

Exciting.

A lot of rappers make it and don’t give back to their city / come back to their city however you’re bringing Compton up as you come up what made you do that?

That’s just how I’m wired honestly , I learned a lot from Nip’s career and followed a lot of his steps as a man as well as an artist.  I feel like the moves he made for his community and where he came from was noble and respectable. That’s how I want to represented and be viewed.

What would you say to the younger generation from LA and what advice do you have for them?

Shit I’ll just tell them do what we did and bet on their self , don’t be afraid to listen to people older then you and actually take advice and criticism. Just believe in yourself and run your own program, before you trust in somebody and run for their program.

I know you just had a photo shoot with Pro club how was that ? That’s a pretty big deal!

Yeah it was real motivation and inspiration for me to keep going and go to the next level , Pro Club is big where I come from so to work with them was a blessing.

What are some of your goals for the rest of the year?

Just to keep succeeding, nothing set too high I just don’t want to  step backwards, everything positive and moving forward.

What was the hardest thing you’ve dealt with in your career?

Keeping my faith in this shit.

 

Keep up with Kee Riche$

Twitter- @Keeriches

Instagram- @Keeriches

Apple Music- https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kee-riche%24/1106997876

Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/urlyee

 

 

Hollyhood BMD

| Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin

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I had the pleasure to interview and get to know more about Hollyhood BMD from Inglewood,California. He is truly a jack of all trades! Not only is he a student at the one and only Tuskegee University and dubbed Mr. West Coast of their California Club, Hollyhood BMD is a rapper, designer and model.  The list of his talents and titles goes on to include much more.  He is featured on the song titled “Stop Playing” . Click the link at the end of the article and check it out ASAP! (Leave some comments). He has some projects coming up so make sure you look out for Inglewood native, Hollyhood BMD.

What’s your stage name and where did you get it from ?

Hollyhood for real. It explains me, I’m Hollyhood. I’m the Boujie street nigga

How is being an artist on a HBCU campus, is it easier to get opportunities or no?

It’s a lot of support fasho but I wouldn’t say it’s easier to get opportunities. It all depends on the person for real. If you want something you gotta make the opportunities.

Who would you say influenced to start rapping ?

If we are being honest, Uzi really influenced me. Not musically, but how the nigga was living caught my attention. Standing out and separating his self from everybody. You can tell bro was the richest in the room. That got me wanting to start rapping like fuck it I’m trying to live like that. Then, Drakeo and Shoreline’s vibe sold me for sure. I was like yeah a nigga needs to be up fasho fasho. 

What was your first time in the studio like ?

It was lit lmaoo I was cross faded and some more shit. I had the homies slide with me and recorded my first lil song foo I was gettin gassed up and all I was like yeah I can do this rap shit fasho!

Where do you see yourself in a year from now ?

Just further than I am now. I’m starting back up my clothing line, planning on releasing more of my music, and gettin back into modeling. CityBoi should be up up by then ! I’ve been doing that for about 3 years now

Do you write your lyrics or do you just go in and say what you feel ? What’s your process?

It depends on the song. Sometimes I’ll freestyle, punch it, or write out the whole song

Who is the goat Wayne , Nas , or DMX?

Wayne!

Are you working on any new music ?

hdgzrfcg.jpg-small.jpgActually I’m not right now, I need to be !

Check out Hollywood BMD on

Soundcloud- Stop Playin Featuring HollyHood BMD Produced by ZoranKYLE SPLASHSoundCloud

Instagram- Hollyhoodbmd

Twitter- @hollyhoodbmd

 

 

Neosoul the Neosoulnurd Way

| Equal Justice for SOME

By: Ariyana Griffin

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I had the honor of interviewing Ms. Neosoulnurd, she’s an amazing Neosoul/ RnB artist straight out of Los Angeles specifically Leimert Park. I promise you her music is just as dope as her personality! I love her singles L.O.V.E and Manifesto, if you have not heard them yet, check out the bottom of this article for her social medias and music links.She also has new music on the way so make sure you tap in!


What is your stage name and where did you get it from?

My stage name is Neosoulnurd and the name Nurd was my high school nickname and the Neosoul part means “new soul.”

Where are you from and how did that shape you, and your music style?

I’m from Los Angeles specifically Leimert Park so, that shaped me to appreciate all walks of life. Every Sunday in the plaza they would play the African drums so from birth music was around me. Leimert Park is a cultural hub for art, music, culture, jazz , blues, traditional African music was my norm.

Do you feel like your city is local artist friendly and why?

Yes I do but, it’s all in how you meet people. Be friendly to people and they’ll be friendly to you. I know artists in the Leimert Park / Crenshaw / Slauson district we all support each other.

What genre of music do you produce and who is your target audience?

The genre of music I make is Neosoul / RnB even though I’m open now to expanding that box and, my target audience is late teens to about 45 year old particularly black women.

Who are some artist you look up to?

Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Sza, Ari Lennox ,Ledisi, Baby Rose , some artist from the Crenshaw District are Six.Sev, Yung Kazi ,Danielle Davis

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Ethereal!

What advice do you have for artist coming up, and what’s something you wish someone would’ve told you about the industry?

I would tell them to create what they want to create. Don’t worry about who’s gonna listen or be a fan. The universe will make space for you. I wish someone would’ve told me to be consistent it’s been a year since I created music. I thank God people are still listening but it’s time to elevate and create something new from this space I’m in.

What makes you different from other artist?

I’m thorough. Everything I put out has purpose and a placement in life. Also, I’m the Soulful Savage so it’s like I bring softness and edge at the same time I don’t put myself in one box.

As a black women do you think it’s harder to be in the music industry with all the stereotypes and that come with female artist?

Yes. Especially in today’s climate it’s like if I’m not shaking ass or rapping about other things I won’t get looked at. No disrespect to any woman that’s does because, it’s part of our narrative but it’s not the whole narrative. So many times I have had people come up to me and say “I had no idea you could sing like that”,  “I thought you were a rapper like the City Girls or Cardi B.” If you’re not being over sexualized it’s like harder for you to get noticed but like I said it’s okay for some but it’s not my thing.

 

Once again big thanks to NeosoulNurd and make sure to check her out on

Twitter- @neosoulnurd

Instagram- @Neosoulnurd

Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/neosoulnurd

Apple Music – Neosoulnurd

 

Duty to Vote

| Equal Justice for SOME

           As a citizen of the United States of America, when a person turns 18, they have a civil duty to vote, so their voice will not be silenced. This year, as a fresh 18 year old that moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University,  I voted for the first time. Originally from Los Angeles, California, I contemplated if I wanted to register to vote in another state and if it  really was the best option for me. However, after being constantly asked at least 10 times a day to register to vote while walking to class, I registered.  Honestly, I did just be left alone and thought nothing much of it. As the election was slowly but surely arriving my friend started to explain both candidates for governor to me. Immediately, it registered that my vote meant everything to the state of Georgia, and it astonishingly without initially relaxing it meant everything to me.

           On November 6, 2018 I missed two critical classes to stand in a line wrapped around a gym at Morehouse College to vote, but it was well worth the wait. I received a text message from the organization that I registered with telling me to vote at Morehouse College, however when I got to the front of the line, they told me that I was at the wrong location. Not wanting to miss even more class, I then filled out a provisional ballot. I had no idea what the back of the ballot looked like, I just knew who I wanted to vote for as governor. Although the ballot was completely foreign to me, I still felt satisfied I could have my voice heard.

         A day later I was told to call a number to make sure that my vote counted. As a minority, I now understood why voting can be discouraging.  You try to do your civic duty, yet your vote can still be thrown out. You can wait for hours in line to vote and then turned away because your address or signature does not match. With all of our technological advances, voter suppression is still a real factor of life in 2018. It’s also so hard to watch someone who is obviously more suitable than the other candidate not have the results that you hoped so hard for. As an African American it’s so important to get out there and vote no matter how discouraging it may seem, because this is a part of our history. Our ancestors fought and died for us to get the chance to cast our ballot so we can be heard. Now more than ever, in the Age of Trump we must stand up and not be suppressed.

Local Brand- RiCHFiTZ LA

| Equal Justice for SOME

IMG_1D910B945C5D-1By: Ariyana Griffin

Los Angeles is known for their trends and impeccable style, and if you’re from there you know you must stay fly! Black owned clothing brands are rising and dominating for the culture one day at a time. It’s so important to support and rock our brother’s and sister’s brands because the world is watching. RiCHFiTZ is a local Los Angeles brand that is on the rise. Make sure you check them out!!!

 

What does RiCHFiTZ LA mean and how did you come up with it?

RiCHFiTZ basically came to me because I wanted to make some merchandise to make people feel rich in their fitz and I wanted it to be an affordable price. The La is because I’m a Leimert park native so I have to represent Los Angeles.

How long have you been growing your business ?

It’s only been 3 months so far.

What was one of the hardest things about starting your business off of the ground ?

Man knowing where to get the clothing, where to find the right product, the right price for product, finding a place to print my clothing, and paying for everything to get done by myself. As I started to venture out and talk to people I found a business partner and high school friend, Emanuel Wyatt, so we are good friends. My other good friend Ralph prints all my clothing now so everything is flowing smooth rite now but it wasn’t easy and I’m still learning everyday.

Did you have like a “I quit” moment and if so whyIMG_D9F1EC8E4D08-1

Yea I did have a moment like that but I’m doing this so my son won’t have to struggle through life. I’m starting a business so that I can make sure my family is straight. I’m going to have my son already an LLC so he wont need for anything he’ll be taken care of.

With so many people starting brands, what do you think helps you stand out?

The fact that I’m not going to give up! I’m the only one to remaking cartoon characters in my section!

Yes, I have a BEBE kids collection and a Sonic collection coming out son. I’m going to do a kids line and I’m going to have scrubs for the doctors, nurses, massage, therapist to look fly at work.

 

Check RiCHFiTZ LA out on social media: 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/richfitzla/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/RichfitzLa

 

 

 

Gentrification in the City of Champions

| Equal Justice for SOME

inglewood-ca-1200I’m from California, the sunshine state, specifically from Inglewood, the City of Champions. Some may know my city for the new Rams Stadium, The Forum (former home of the Los Angeles Lakers), Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Randy’s Donuts, and even the Hollywood Park Casino. Warm sunshine lights up the sky, palm trees line the streets and their fan shaped leaves sway from the ocean breeze. As an Inglewood native, I know the city is so much more than what it appears to be. Slowly, I have been forced to witness gentrification demolish Inglewood in front of my own eyes,  killing our culture and community bit by bit. It is not only painful but it is heartbreaking as well. 

According to the Webster’s dictionary, the definition of gentrification is “the process of repairing and rebuilding homes and businesses in deteriorating areas (such as an urban neighborhood) accompanied by an influx of middle class or affluent people and that often results in the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents.” It is no secret that in most cases the “poorer residents”in these urban neighborhoods tend to be African Americans and Hispanics. 

The dictionary’s definition raises several questions for me because who decides that our communities need outside help when it comes to repairing? Instead of pouring resources in the community where residents can participate in their own revitalization efforts, who determined that repairing means to break down instead of building and helping the structure that has already been in place? To repair means to fix. How can are you fixing something in a community when gentrification makes everything completely new, almost unrecognizable? The new structures, businesses, homes are now out of financial reach for many of the original residents. Why can’t the millions of dollars being poured into the community so we can be kicked out be used to build, and educate the community that is already there? Enough with the questions because I could go on all day, but Inglewood is rich in culture yet it is being overlooked and torn down day by day. The community is being erased by people who flew here instead of thriving because of the people who grew up here. 

I feel gentrification hits even harder in Inglewood because for years we did not have rent control. Rent control is an essential component to renters because it stops landlords from spiking up rent essentially whenever they feel like it. In Inglewood, “64% of households rent rather than own.” In June of 2019 Inglewood’s City Council did approve a rent that would put a 5% cap on the increase of rent and in some cases 8%. Most of the time landlords even raise the rent without repairing anything for months leaving residents with the bare necessities that the need for a healthy living environment. According to Rentcafe.com the average price for rent in Inglewood is $1,856 and the average apartment size is 745 square feet. This is 200 dollars more than the average rent was last year, we are literally being choked out of our community because it’s becoming unaffordable. So now my question is where do the people from the City of Champions go now?

Supporting Links

https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ca/inglewood/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentrification

https://la.curbed.com/2019/6/12/18661454/inglewood-rent-control-approved