About the Lyrical Embassy

Dear Reader:

The Lyrical Embassy was born as a result of an almost 15 year journey of dedication to lyrics and the spoken word. As the first-ever hip-hop artist to work as a cultural ambassador representing Hip Hop music and culture, I never imagined that the friendly skies would carry me to such faraway places as Swaziland, Botswana, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines.  All places that as a little girl, I only dreamed of visiting. France, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and a day in Beijing have all been a part of my journey too.  Ironically, the very thing that I was most discouraged from being a part of, most criticized for being a part of has been my ticket to seeing the world and has been most instrumental in nurturing my identity as a global citizen.  As a cultural ambassador in this position of service, my cup is refilled over and over again.  Being the first Hip Hop Ambassador has historical implications not only for Hip Hop, but for women, for American history and culture and for people of African descent.  Rap after all, is a continuum of an ancient oral tradition that existed way before any of us arrived.  Earlier this year I met a man by the name of J. Lucas who would become my key business advisor for the next phase of my journey.  His unique perspective has helped me figure out ways to convey the significance of this work and this growing lyrical movement. Through my travels I have grown to believe as DP sings—that it is so much bigger than Hip Hop.  Hence, the title, "lyrical ambassador" as opposed to "hip hop ambassador".

I am currently writing a memoir entitled “Travels of a Lyrical Ambassador” and recently finished my first inspirational book.  During my career I’ve been able to travel to South Africa and to Angola with DJ Drama, perform before a sold-out crowd with Erykah Badu and speak on panels next to icons like Chuck D of Public Enemy.  Some call me an idealist because I believe in the power of music and poetry to inspire personal and social change.  Foundations like Echoing Green and the Soros Foundation have believed in my social entrepreneurship dreams and now I want to share that energy with others.  I don’t think my longings and desires are that unique.  I know there are many people around the world who think and feel as I do.  The Lyrical Embassy is about the next 15 years of my journey for we have so much work to do.

Those of us who are learned in other arts and crafts want to now "Just listen to the beats", pretending that the lyrics do not affect our subconscious. Or we don't listen at all, holding our collective cash to the side and reinvesting in other art forms calling out for the good news and vibration we once received from thoughtful lyrics. As a mature woman in her 30's who strives to be true with her self every day, I cannot continue to pretend. I have to protect myself. The same way I did when I was eight years old and began writing lyrics as a way to find answers to questions that no adult would answer.  ‘You're much too young to concern yourself with things like that’-they would say.  In 1994 the Freestyle Union Cipher Workshop, a lyrical jam session with an emphasis in social responsibility, began as a space for myself and other lyricists from diverse backgrounds to build our skills and fellowship in an environment where creativity, originality and excellence were encouraged. Both participants and supporters recognized the significance of these gatherings, but it has taken the rest of the world about 13 years to truly recognize why it's necessary to have a space for lyrical ambassadors to be nurtured.  Many in the media still haven't figured this out as most the airtime about Hip Hop and its lyrics is devoted to picking apart and analyzing everything that is bad about it when there is so much good to be explored.

If you are a rap lyricist who practices these ideals, then you are a Lyrical Ambassador.  If you are a poet, a spoken word artist or one who paints word pictures, then you too are a Lyrical Ambassador.  Singers, writers, journalists, speakers and those who honor Nommo, the power of words, are Lyrical Ambassadors. 

One of my aunts is a self-taught filmmaker and graphic designer.  She doesn't even realize that she too is an artist. Changes in technology have enabled many more people to use film and video as a way to express themselves artistically. These days anyone can direct, produce, and even star in their own film.  The song "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" is more than just a song for a lot of people, it is a declaration of the power of music, the music and lyrics can heal.  Writing lyrics, freestyling and performing for some of us is an absolute necessity.  In the same way a businessman might need his golf game on Saturday, a school principal might need her morning run or a minister his weekly chess game, I need lyrics, I need to rhyme.  Exchanging energy with other like-minded and not so like-minded individuals in a circle of spontaneous creativity keeps me grounded, helps me to feel balanced and sane. 

Creativity is a must regardless of your life purpose or field of work.  Diplomacy is a useful tool in times of tension, conflict or pressure.  Whether you are a 15 year-old baseball player or a 50 year-old corporate executive, having mastery of these skills can enrich your life.

Respectfully,

Toni Blackman
Lyrical Ambassador

FOR TONI’S BIO VISIT  www.toniblackman.com