Busboys and Poets Books Presents PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME with Miles Marshall Lewis
Date and Time
Dec 9, 2021 5:00 pm
Location
14th & V
2021 14th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009
Dec 9, 2021 5:00 pm
14th & V
PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME: THE POWER AND POETRY OF KENDRICK LAMAR is the latest from Miles Marshall Lewis, celebrated American music journalist and pop culture critic. He comes back to us this time with an in depth look and analysis of Compton born and raised rapper and producer, Kendrick Lamar. Go beyond what you’ve heard and dive deep with Marshall Lewis to explore, contextualize, and fully immerse yourself in Lamar’s music. From the sound of gunshots punctuating lines and beats to narrating the socioeconomic struggles of Black Americans, Kendrick Lamar has become a rapper of his generation and Miles Marshall Lewis wants you to know how and why. Join Busboys and Poets Books in welcoming Miles Marshall Lewis and Dawton Thomas for this free and open event, accessible in person or through our Facebook and Youtube pages (@busboysandpoets).
Please RSVP if you are joining us in person or are interested in purchasing a signed book with shipping (limited to those tuning in via livestream)
Doors open to the Langston Hughes Room at Busboys and Poets 14th & V at 4:45 PM on December 9th. The program itself will begin at 5 PM with an introduction from Busboys and Poets Books Events Supervisor, Sesanye Sealey, before we get right into it with Miles and Dawton to get to why we’re all really here: to talk about the beauty and impact of Kendrick Lamar’s music, from Section.80 to goodkid, m.A.A.d city to his iconic and contemporary classic DAMN. With music journalist veterans Miles Marshall Lewis and Dawton Thomas, we’re talking Black excellence and culture as we dive deep into Lamar’s artistry and place in music today, both as a rapper and producer. There will be time for Q&A with the audience before the end of the program, as well as the opportunity to purchase a copy of PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME for Miles to sign the night of!
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most influential rappers, songwriters, and record producers of his generation. Widely known for his incredible lyrics and powerful music, he is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time. In PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar (on sale: September 28, 2021), Miles Marshall Lewis explores Kendrick Lamar's life, his roots, his music, his lyrics, and how he has shaped the musical landscape of this generation. With incredible graphic design, quotes, lyrics and commentary from Ta-Nehisi Coates, Alicia Garza and more, PROMISE THAT YOU WILL SING ABOUT ME provides an in-depth look at how Kendrick came to be who he is today, his world, how he creates his lyrics and music, and how he revolutionizes the music industry from the inside.
Miles Marshall Lewis is the author of the memoir Scars of the Soul Are Why Kids Wear Bandages, When They Don’t Have Bruises, as well as a book on the music of Sly & the Family Stone, There’s a Riot Goin’ On. A former editor at Vibe, XXL, Ebony.com and BET.com, his essays and arts journalism have been published by The New York Times, GQ, Essence, The Believer, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone. He was also the founder and editor of Bronx Biannual literary journal. Lewis currently lives in New York City with his wife and two sons.
Datwon Thomas is the Editor-In-Chief of VIBE Magazine and Vice President of Cultural Media for MRC. Mr. Thomas held positions as Founder and Editorial Director of the men's lifestyle guide, KING Magazine; the urban car enthusiast's favorite, RIDES Magazine; and was the Editor-in-Chief of hip-hop's street authority, XXL Magazine. In addition he's also presided as Founder/Editorial Director of XXL Presents Hip-Hop Soul, a publication dedicated to documenting the successful hybrid genre of R&B and Hip-Hop. Thomas was also EIC of hip-hop photojournalistic magazine RESPECT. He reps Brooklyn to the fullest and loves tacos.
