Post by dj on Jul 31, 2008 22:40:28 GMT -5
www.studiofyra.com/musicFeaturesDisplay.cfm?id=10025&a=1&year=2005
Date: 05/01/2005
Disfunctional Nation: K Patrol's Hip Hop Dedication To The Armed Forces
by Lisa Palmeno
lpalmeno@sbcglobal.net
Kirk Pryor and Flora Cousins dedicated Pryor's new CD, Disfunctional Nation, to the U.S. armed forces at Rock Valley College in October 2004.
Pryor and Cousins sought local leaders of the military for support when Pryor wrote "America," a rap song for the troops serving in the Middle East. Pryor combined lyrics penned by his wife Poetess Flora Cousins, his music, and excerpts from the traditional "America The Beautiful."
When they contacted area recruiting offices, they received immediate support and followed through with the dedication party, backed with endorsement and personal appearances from Mayor Doug Scott; a representative from McDonald's; Rockford Park District Executive Webbs Norman; and a representative from RVC.
However, only one branch of the armed forces was represented on the day of the dedication; three of the four backed out at the last minute, stating that "higher-ups declined to participate." Apparently, there was some controversy about a comment on the CD about the Commander-In-Chief, George W. Bush. The military leaders added that the timing was wrong, just before the upcoming November election.
At the time, Pryor was inspired to create something for American families at home awaiting the return of loves ones serving overseas. Although Pryor, aka K-Patrol, says he stands behind President Bush's decision to protect us, he still recognizes that families here are suffering for their children and spouses, wondering whether or not they will return.
The concept to send the CDs to Iraq to boost soldiers' morale was developed at a meeting with former Mayor Scott and a U.S. Air Force sergeant. The plan was to send 150,000 to 200,000 copies of Disfunctional Nation to American soldiers and workers serving in the Middle East in the form of care packages, to be purchased by citizens back home.
Now that the election is long past, and Bush's position is not threatened in any way, Pryor and Cousins plan to push forward with the project. Pryor's intention is to promote a positive, healthy way to get involved and generate hope during hard times. As for his work as an artist, K-Patrol says, "All I want to do is share my passion and give witness to the things that people, and even myself, are thinking or going through. So if anyone has been talked about, lied on, committed sins upon themselves or others and so on, it's o.k. to reconcile with yourself and move on and do better; just keep it real with yourself, no matter what the case is."
The single will soon be available on-line and ready for purchase. Pryor says the song "America" will also be on his upcoming full-length compilation of originals. Disfunctional Nation and the soon-to-be-released The Truth and Nothing But promise to be a treat for rap lovers who want music with substance and meaning, rather than pop culture fodder. Cousins says the new CD will be something for all ages to relate to, helping to close the generation gap.
Anyone interested in purchasing or sending a copy of "America" to a soldier may contact Cousins or Pryor at 815-229-0945.
Contact Information
K-Patrol
Kirk Pryor or Flora Cousins
815-229-0945
Date: 05/01/2005
Disfunctional Nation: K Patrol's Hip Hop Dedication To The Armed Forces
by Lisa Palmeno
lpalmeno@sbcglobal.net
Kirk Pryor and Flora Cousins dedicated Pryor's new CD, Disfunctional Nation, to the U.S. armed forces at Rock Valley College in October 2004.
Pryor and Cousins sought local leaders of the military for support when Pryor wrote "America," a rap song for the troops serving in the Middle East. Pryor combined lyrics penned by his wife Poetess Flora Cousins, his music, and excerpts from the traditional "America The Beautiful."
When they contacted area recruiting offices, they received immediate support and followed through with the dedication party, backed with endorsement and personal appearances from Mayor Doug Scott; a representative from McDonald's; Rockford Park District Executive Webbs Norman; and a representative from RVC.
However, only one branch of the armed forces was represented on the day of the dedication; three of the four backed out at the last minute, stating that "higher-ups declined to participate." Apparently, there was some controversy about a comment on the CD about the Commander-In-Chief, George W. Bush. The military leaders added that the timing was wrong, just before the upcoming November election.
At the time, Pryor was inspired to create something for American families at home awaiting the return of loves ones serving overseas. Although Pryor, aka K-Patrol, says he stands behind President Bush's decision to protect us, he still recognizes that families here are suffering for their children and spouses, wondering whether or not they will return.
The concept to send the CDs to Iraq to boost soldiers' morale was developed at a meeting with former Mayor Scott and a U.S. Air Force sergeant. The plan was to send 150,000 to 200,000 copies of Disfunctional Nation to American soldiers and workers serving in the Middle East in the form of care packages, to be purchased by citizens back home.
Now that the election is long past, and Bush's position is not threatened in any way, Pryor and Cousins plan to push forward with the project. Pryor's intention is to promote a positive, healthy way to get involved and generate hope during hard times. As for his work as an artist, K-Patrol says, "All I want to do is share my passion and give witness to the things that people, and even myself, are thinking or going through. So if anyone has been talked about, lied on, committed sins upon themselves or others and so on, it's o.k. to reconcile with yourself and move on and do better; just keep it real with yourself, no matter what the case is."
The single will soon be available on-line and ready for purchase. Pryor says the song "America" will also be on his upcoming full-length compilation of originals. Disfunctional Nation and the soon-to-be-released The Truth and Nothing But promise to be a treat for rap lovers who want music with substance and meaning, rather than pop culture fodder. Cousins says the new CD will be something for all ages to relate to, helping to close the generation gap.
Anyone interested in purchasing or sending a copy of "America" to a soldier may contact Cousins or Pryor at 815-229-0945.
Contact Information
K-Patrol
Kirk Pryor or Flora Cousins
815-229-0945