Several years ago, I was watching Ken Burns’ documentary miniseries Jazz. In the documentary, one of my favorite moments is when the legendary composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington is asked where he gets his ideas from.

I…

"Tell me something
what do ya'll get
when you take Hip-Hop
with Jazz music
fuse it 
into an abstract movement
in one union
(a vibe)
my moms put me onto it
the same
A Tribe Called Q
and Gangstarr used…