Tha Miseducation of the Masses

Tha Truth is a conscious/political underground hip hop artist and 'rap-tivist' (rapper-activist) known around the Philadelphia area for battling inequality, poverty, discrimination, and injustice. He has performed in countless venues at concerts, colleges, demonstrations, conferences, and benefits. Since 2006 Tha Truth has released four underground political rap albums that attack the forces that maintain the status quo. About his music, Tha Truth says, 'I make songs for the 99%. Lyrics for equality, human rights, and social justice.' In 2006 he released 'Tha Civil Rights Movement,' which was followed in 2007 by 'Tha Civil Rights Movement Part II.' 2008 saw the release of his 'Tha People's Music' album. On quot;Tha People's Music,quot; Tha Truth, inspired by Howard Zinn's famous book 'A People's History of the US,' detailed the real story behind U.S. history, starting with Columbus' theft of Native land in 1492. Tha People's Music also addressed poverty, immigrant rights, healthcare, war resistance, military recruitment, the prison system, the environment and many other political issues. 'Tha Mis-Education of the Masses' was released on May 19th (Malcolm X's birthday). Tha Truth chose this release date to honor freedom fighters Malcolm X and also Harvey Milk (whose birthday is May 22nd). This CD makes the same points as his previous projects, while adding sarcasm, humor, metaphors, diversified beats comprised from Middle Eastern live percussion/drums, native flutes, acoustic and rock guitars, reggaeton, and more DJ scratching and mixing. The song 'It's Like' is composed entirely of metaphors. Most of these 45 metaphors (technically similes) in the song have double meanings such as the line 'A lot of people acting green like a grass hopper - but won't admit tanks ain't green - to be Frank like Sinatra,' or 'Greed should be locked up. It leaves a Pitt in my stomach like Angelina knocked up.quot; Another is aimed at the government's handling of Hurricane Katrina as he raps quot;I resist Uncle Sam like Geronimo and his band - my theories hold water - unlike FEMA's dams.quot; The names of the songs on this CD make it clear that the album covers a wide range of political topics such as healthcare, immigration, bigotry, the environment, the educational system, apathy, poverty, and a lot more. quot;Tha Mis-Education of the Massesquot; album also features Tha Truth rapping in Spanish, at different speeds, and alongside collaborating artists like Ryan Harvey, T.O, and Optimus of Boston's Foundation Movement. On the song quot;The Struggle (La Lucha) Tha Truth summarizes his message, quot;There's no argument that stands up against human decency - how can we have a world - where people are starvin- and obesity.quot; This CD comes in packaging made from recycled paper and a tray holding the CD in place made from 100% recycled bottles. Tha Truth began writing rhymes in 1998 but it took the influence of a conscious rap artist he befriended to begin questioning his lyrics, which were more of the gangsta rap variety in the late 90's. As he grew, he learned there were answers to his questions about injustice in society, and he began to articulate political insight and struggle into his music. With each CD he aims to continually evolve with his insight, lyricism, and his overall musical production.