A Word of Thanks from University of Connecticut

If you would like me to come speak at your University, education or business conference. Visit www.theguildagency.com !

LISTEN: HHCF Creates Soundcloud Page, Sharing Songs from NEW Mixtape Street Games Vol. 2

Go to www.soundcloud.com/hiphopchess and listen to the FULL release of Street Games Vol. 1 Mixtape and get a taste of what is to come in Vol. 2. The complete new mixtape drops July 4th 2015.

Three tracks from the new mixtape are Lost Souls, by Amaar, ft. Nio the Gift, Chess Hustlers Anthem by 5th Ryder and Warcry by Artson ft. Zumbu from Zion I and Rakaa Iriscience from Dilated Peoples.

Download the new PDF Sampler for the upcoming book Royal Wisdom: The History of Hip-Hop Chess

   The cover for Adisa Banjoko's upcoming book Royal Wisdom: The History of Hip-Hop and Chess

   Download a sample PDF of the book now at www.hiphopchess.com (look for this painting on the bottom left of the homepage!)

This painting is an amazing 8x12 foot piece by Carlos Rodriguez and Rene Guyiot for Reyes Muertos Army. Check them out at www.rmklothing.com Photo Credit: Helene Ehrlich

Tupac and the Search for Lost Gold

 

“ If they had lived in another kind of society, their exceptional mathematical talents might have been better used. But they were Black.” - Malcolm X

Malcolm X was mentored by many people as he learned to hustle on the streets of Boston and New York. One of the main people to help him survive on the streets was a man by the name of West Indian Archie. He was a numbers runner. The numbers game was kind of like a lottery for the hood.

West Indian Archie's claim to fame was that unlike other numbers runners who needed to write every customers number on paper, he had them all memorized. In the course of Malcolm’s adventures on the grimy underbelly of American cities, he came across many Black men who had brilliant, innovative minds. These minds were not refined by the American schools and polished for a higher purpose. Because of their color, and class they often fell to street violence from the drug trade, or were imprisoned. Just the other day a teacher at my job was asking about why we needed to teach the metric system since America does not use it. I told her the hood uses the metric system every day. Those kids know how to convert milligrams to ounces and pounds to kilograms all day. Sadly, its just for all the wrong reasons.

I created the Hip-Hop Chess Federation in 2006 in part to help find those gifted young souls who were unaware that their gifts could be cultivated for leadership at Google or on Wall Street. This idea came after meeting with a group of incarcerated kids who displayed amazing cognitive skill and ability on a chessboard, but made poor life choices and ended up in juvenile hall. I started taking the positions on the board, reframing them as life situations and helping them escape the traps in the street.

Under the alias of “Makaveli” Tupac Shakur arguably wrote some of his most aggressive raps ever. The name “Makaveli” came after Tupac (known to be a voracious reader) studied The Prince by Italian military strategist Niccolo Machiavelli. Machiavelli, like Tupac was far ahead of his time. He wrote things like “Men shrink less from offending one who inspires love than one who inspires fear.” Niccolo Machiavelli was a logical man not mislead by emotion. I believe this helped Tupac greatly as he assessed his enemies and ideas about how to deal with them.

Niccolo Machiavelli, Author of The Prince

The works of Machiavelli resonated deeply inside Tupac on a near spiritual level. Almost as soon as he was free, the identity of “Makaveli” arises.  He wrote some of his most discussed work under this pen name. In the song Don’t stop, he spits “Mr. Makaveli moving pieces like telekinesis/ It’s a chess game, lets play with real pieces”

For the casual listener, this rhyme may have little to no meaning. However, I believe a deeper look at Tupac’s life inside Clinton Correctional Facility in New York State highlights a deeper experience unfolding.

Inside, many prisoners enjoy chess as a way to stay mentally sharp and gain philosophical clarity. Most jails however, are not supportive of prisoners playing chess. Despite a newsworthy victory in 2008 of New Jersey inmate over the Princeton Chess Team.

One of the alleged main fears of correctional officers and wardens is a false fear that prisoners might use algebraic notation (the method in which chess games are documented) as a way to pass on notes and messages that would be indecipherable.  

Nevertheless, many prisoners find themselves in solitary confinement without pieces or boards to play with. Lost in the blackness of “the hole”, inmates  communicate through the walls. One way they pass time is by playing chess. They do this by visualizing the chessboard and speaking to one another through the walls in the language of algebraic notation. This is a feat not easily achieved by those who can do it accurately.

One might call out ‘e4” signaling whites kings pawn moving the center. It is often a common way many start a chess game. A most common response by black is “e5” and so on. These kinds of game are commonplace in prisons across the country.

Famed French psychologist Alfred Binet conducted some of the earliest works on how the minds works while playing chess. He wrote in part “If one could see what goes on in a chess player’s head, one would find a stirring world of sensations, images, movements, passions and an ever changing panorama of states of consciousness.”

I have never researched his stint in prison long enough to know if Tupac went to the hole, or played chess in the manner listed above. I do however, personally know prisoners who played in that exact manner while held in solitary confinement. It would seem nearly impossible to me that he would not have heard about these kinds of games happening in “the hole”.  When Tupac speaks about playing with real pieces, he speaks, like the man he was. He was newly freed, and not always having the luxury of physical pieces he was sought to experience the entirety of all the game that chess and life have to offer.

Hip-Hop Chess tournament about to begin at juvenile hall in St. Louis, MO.

Any self taught chess players who can function at that level, should for all intents and purposes be builders of the next Apple, Intel and Adobe- not just work for them. These lost youth could be building a new digital infrastructure for the world. I’m talking about coders, designers, innovators of new technology methods and business models are boxed out before they can begin to change the planet. If we approached the identification and cultivation of these minds with sincerity and strategy we might be able to cut outsourcing for American businesses in half.   

These are the kind of people Malcolm X lamented in his autobiography. Some of the brightest innovators in business, education and science are not located in India or China. They are right here, right now, having their talents neglected and undermined by schools that do not value their gifts. That is why I walk the streets of the hood mining for lost gold. If you are in the hood and you want to know where the lost gold is that I’m seeking out, look in the mirror.

Adisa Banjoko is Founder and President of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF). The HHCF is the first non-profit 501(c)3 to fuse music, chess and martial arts, to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence. To learn more follow on Instagram @realhiphopchess or visit www.hiphopchess.com .

 

Thoughts on talks at Oberlin, U Conn and Beyond!

I had a great time at University of Connecticut doing my lecture Hidden in Plain Sight: The History of Hip-Hop and Chess. I was invited to do this keynote talk by the UConn Hip-Hop Collective. I want to thank Dr. Ogbar, Justis and Jasmine for all their kindness and hospitality. The entire conference was amazing from front to back. I met so many amazing people, I can't even list them all. Great campus and great food!! I love food.

 

U Conn Husky, DJ, MC and student mastermind Justis Lopez!!

 

 

 

 

I also want to thank the Oberlin Chess Team. Special shout to Ali, Linda, Kayland and Constantine. I had an amazing time out there and I will never forget the experience. I will never forget the spirit of the students in attendance. I will never forget the good food and the laughs we had after over burgers and tater tots. I hope to come back and do more with you next year.  

 

I love this. I don't know why...It just stuck with me.

 

 

     The Oberlin Chess Team rocks!!! These are the faces of the kids who will change the world...

 

 I have learned so much about the powerful spirit of the youth and the power of what is coming in the future. Sometimes, with my friends (the old fuddy duddies) we talk about the potential horror of the future. "These kids today" this...."In my day" that....Let me tell you. After going to so many colleges and youth centers across the country I am only convinced of one thing.

Our children are brilliant, passionate, courageous souls who seem more than equipped to take on whatever the world brings. I have more faith in the beauty and power of the future than ever before. I look forward to the summer coming and even more....to the next school year and beyond.

If you would like to have me come out to your school and talk about Hidden in Plain Sight, Chess and Business or Hip-Hop, Chess and Nonviolence visit The Guild Agency. See you soon!!! You can see more photos by following us at @realhiphopchess on Instagram!!!

 

LISTEN: New Podcast on Empire, Hip-Hop and Technology

New Bishop Chronicles podcast covers Adisa Banjoko on his recent travels talking at Oberlin College and University of Connecticut. He also has a great conversation with filmmaker Thembisa MShaka about TV shows like Empire, Scandal and Fresh off the Boat. The show takes a fun look at the evolution of race and gender in entertainment. We also talk about how technology has changed the way we make and listen to hip-hop and film. LISTEN HERE!

   Adisa Banjoko at Oberlin with the Oberlin Chess Team after his lecture!!

Adisa Banjoko had forever changed the perceptions and trajectory of the Oberlin student body. The diversity and depth of his topics was astounding. Not only were we informed of a powerful intellectual history of Hip-Hop, we were also given a once in a lifetime perspective on non-violence. All the students that heard his words were infused wit his spirit and desire to positively impact the world. - Cara Welch-Rubin, Class of 2015

Raw Allstar Cheer and Dance Win National Title

For Immediate Release

PR Contact:

cheer@rawtalents.org  

Bay Area’s RAW Allstar Cheer Team Wins National Championship

Tri-City Cheer and Hip-Hop Dance Team Take Top Honors

4/22/2015 Fremont, CA- A co-ed team of Bay Area youth ranging from 5-17 years old had the prestigious honor of National Champion bestowed upon them at last weekends Elite National Championship in San Mateo, CA.

Raw Allstars is one of The Bay’s most decorated affordable and respected Allstar competitive cheer and Hip-Hop dance teams around. Created in 2012 to give kids an authentic, affordable competitive cheer and dance experience. Since then the team has been winning regional, national and international titles consistently.

“Our team is meant for hard working kids of all ages who want to discover, build and test their skills” said Coach Bishop. “

Allstar cheer is a competitive form of cheerleading that blends dance, gymnastic and a variety of athletic skills to fast paced music. Allstar cheer boasts more than 100,000 kids and teens across the country and is regaining is popularity on the west coast.

“We are so proud of all these kids” stated Cheer Director Andrea Ceballos. “It was not an easy year for us. The work came from us taking 3rd place standing at the Aloha Spirit Championships in Honolulu. When our team got back, everybody on the squad was ready to take it to the next level. Elite National Championship was our final competition of the year. Our kids gave it all they had and the results paid off.“

RAW Allstars will be opening their doors this weekend for a upcoming team placement event open to the public.

RAW Team Tryout Info :An informative parent meeting and team placement will take place Sunday April 26 starting at 3pm at 37428 Centralmont Place, Fremont (off Cedar and Central). Come see why athletes from all over The Bay Area travel to be RAW Allstars.

For more information call 888-588-4418 or follow on Instagram @rawallstars_bayarea

LISTEN: Adisa Banjoko interviews Vince Krause about Skateboarding, Paul Walker and Jiu-Jitsu

HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko recently interviewed Vince Krause. Vince is a skateboard pioneer in Hawaii who went onto become a jiu-jitsu practitioner and training partner of acting icon Paul Walker. In this exclusive interview Vince shares very inspirational stories about his own life path, and reflections on Paul Walker. These are things you will not learn watching TMZ or simply watching clips of Fast and Furious 7. We hope you enjoy this and share it wide. They also talk about speed chess in Hawaii back in the day.

LISTEN @ Bishop Chronicles

Sacrifice All for the Empire

Sacrifice All for the Empire

By Adisa Banjoko, Founder of Hip-Hop Chess Federation

Sometimes you have to be willing to sacrifice your queen, in order to win the game. - Lucious Lyons, EMPIRE

Everybody is talking about the TV smash Empire these days. In just a few short months the show has overtaken the ratings and the streets. The show is, at it’s root, an amazing Black soap opera with a bangin’ soundtrack and more cliffhangers than the rocky mountains.

One thing a lot of people miss in the show is the ever presence of the 64 squares of psychological combat. The board is often in the foreground, or the background during many serious conversations taking place about business and life. The main character, Lucious Lyons is a ruthless business man who will do anything it takes to keep his label at the top of the game. He has enemies outside of the company and even within his own family that seem to undermine his vision.

Lucious Lyons is no poster boy for a model citizen. He is, some might rightly argue - nuts. But one thing he is not, is foolish, over emotional or ignorant of all of his options. In the last episode he said the opening quote as he was being taken off to jail. His mention of sacrifice really struck me deep.

The word sacrifice comes from two greek words that essentially mean “to make sacred”. On the chessboard, any piece lost for the greater good is purified by the ultimate success of the king.

As a jiu-jitsu guy, I’m somewhat familiar with the judo concept of  sutemi-waza (sacrifice throws). These are takedowns that “involve putting oneself in a potentially unfavorable position, such as on the ground, in order to execute a throw”.

In our American pastime of baseball we have sacrifice bunts where you get yourself thrown out of the game, so the team can score.

This value of sacrifice is known throughout many different cultures, faiths and nations.

When Lucious spoke about sacrifice, it was on a borderline fanatical level. His character will do whatever it takes (lie, cheat, steal etc.) to get what he wants. Now, I do not advocate that. But his dedication and commitment to his cause, gave me pause in my personal life.

I had to ask myself, “How much have I been risking to get what I want out of life?”

Long ago I observed that one’s level of success is almost always in proportion to the level of sacrifice.

Navy SEAL founder Richard Marchinko once stated, “The more I sweat in training, the less I bleed in combat.” That is sacrifice. I used to remind myself of that when I was first training in jiu-jitsu. It helped me stay unafraid to go against higher belts.  I did not mind getting caught in deep chokes and trapped in places that inspire panic. Slowly things that used to make my heart jump in physical situations didn’t have the same effect.

Michael Jordan sacrificed many hours on the court alone, perfecting his shots. Jimi Hendrix spent endless days on his guitar mastering the potential sound of every string. Dan Gable and many other American wrestling champions shadow wrestled to stay clear when the battle was real.

If you are just giving the average input, you should expect the average output. But if you consistently give more than average, eventually your return will be higher than average.

How much are you willing to get that degree? How much are you will to study and out hustle the next man with new ideas to get and keep the next job or promotion? They say it takes 10,000 hours to master anything. Take some times this week to soak up the idea of sacrifice and apply it for your own life path.

HHCF Founder Speaks March 9th at University Wisconsin Whitewater !

An activist and educator -- who is working to keep communities safe across the country -- will give a free public lecture at UW-Whitewater titled "Promoting Youth Empowerment and Non-Violence through Hip Hop, Chess and Martial Arts."

Adisa Banjoko will appear at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, at Young Auditorium. His speech is part of the Contemporary Issues Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Letters and Sciences. Banjoko founded the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, a nonprofit organization connecting with 50,000 youths across the country.

The organization combines music, chess and martial arts to help young people promote nonviolence in their communities. The Hip-Hop Chess Federation has been featured on ABC's Good Morning America, as well as in Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Black Enterprise.

"Banjoko's activism links together three seemingly disparate things," said Susan Johnson, assistant dean for student success in the College of Letters and Sciences and coordinator of the lecture series. "During his presentation, he is going to share how he brought all three together in founding the organization, in order to promote youth non-violence through better communication and greater personal responsibility."

Before founding the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, Banjoko was a hip-hop journalist and an author of two books, "Lyrical Swords Vol. 1 and 2." Banjoko is the fifth speaker in the 2014-15 lecture series at UW-Whitewater. For more information on the lecture series, visit this link. -- Written by Jonathan Fera - See more at: http://www.uww.edu/news/archive/2015-02-ls-banjoko#sthash.IPksN8IX.dpuf

Adisa Banjoko Speaking at Rock The School Bells March 7th!!

If you are a parent or educator who wants to know about the HHCF methodology or just get your mind BLOWN learning about how Rap music and Hip-Hop help kids learn.......COME ON OUT TO ROCK THE SCHOOL BELLS MARCH 7th at Skyline College. Visit www.rocktheschoolbells.com NOW and get there. So many educators and adults on deck it is mind blowing.