It's been a while, but "Trending Topiks" is finally back. So, let's go ahead and get right into it:

I'm going to remind hip hop of #threewordstoliveby: let's get free. I know that most people associate this title with the debut album of Dead Prez and that is where the inspiration is drawn from, but this is more than a CD. This is what hip hop used to be based in. Whether it was a simple escape from the harshness of their everyday environment or trying to free the minds of all those that would listen, hip hop was all about getting free.

However, as of late, we tend to celebrate our captivity. We still strive to sell millions of records on labels that exploit us. Our fascination with material items and lack of respect for ourselves and each other is a representation of how chained our minds really are. We have always had a lot of work to do, but it seems we have taken a few steps back in many ways. There are a few artists that are attempting to get walking forward again; recent albums from Saigon and Lupe Fiasco are proof of that. Hopefully, they rub off on others.

If you haven't recently, pop in Let's Get Free (or play it on your iPod, or however you play your music). If you don't have it, find it on iTunes (or if you're like me, go into your nearest record store and see if they still have it). Let's get into the right frame of mind and remember what we're fighting for. Those three little words could have a very big impact.

Do you think hip hop still lives by these words? Have we ever lived by these words? What is your take on the album itself?  Leave all your comments below and you can always send an e-mail to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.