Malice (The Clipse) book signing this Friday, August 26 in Houston

Gene Elliott Thornton, Jr.'s Christian testimony is a powerful one - especially if you know his history as a member of The Clipse, a gritty rap group he founded with his brother Pusha T, who are mostly known for their witty and realistic depictions of the drug game.

Malice (his stage name) recently released an autobiography that details his renewed spiritual direction called Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked and a few months ago Relevant Magazine published portions of my interview with him about the book.

This Friday, August 26th the artist/author will be in town to sign copies and meet his readers and fans.

Details are below:

When:
Friday, August 26th

Time:
3pm to 5pm

Location:
SF2 South
7204 SW FWY
Houston, TX 77074
(713) 995 4458

If you can, definitely try and make it out to show Malice some H-town love and pick up your copy of the book. It's certainly a quick and captivating read.

The blog author and book author met in April after "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" panel discussion for Bun B's Rice University class.

Recap: Bun B's 2nd "Religion & Hip Hop Culture" panel discussion with Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Malice (Clipse), Trae tha Truth, & Tre9

Tre9, Malice, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Trae tha Truth, and Bun B

As noted last week, Bun B brought out the big guns of thoughtful hip hop for a second, free public panel discussion as part of the "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class he's co-teaching at Rice University in Houston.

Initially, the only announced guests were Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse. That alone would have been a blockbuster. Then he went and added Houston's Trae tha Truth and Tre9 along with "Mr. Lasers" Lupe Fiasco.

The topic was supposed to be about the ethics of hip hop. It touched on that, but naturally drifted in other directions - obviously venturing into a discussion about faith, literature, and social responsibility.

Talib Kweli & Tre9

The easiest way to recap is to simply let you see and hear some clips for yourself. So, sit back, buffer your browsers, and soak it all in. I've done my best to assemble them in chronological order but they may be off here and there.

I really hope the Rice University students, Houston, and Hip Hop at-large appreciate the contribution Bun B has made to the culture with this class and these events.


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video by Sketch the Journalist


Video by Sketch the Journalist


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video from Julia Beverly/Ozone Magazine


Video from ThisIsHtown.com


Video from Julia Beverly/Ozone Magazine


Video from ThisIsHtown.com

BREAKING NEWS: 2nd public session for Bun B's "Religion & Hip Hop Culture Class" tomorrow night / feat. Talib Kweli & Malice (Clipse)

So... I just got word that tomorrow night will be the second, FREE and open-to-the-public session for Bun B's "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University.

Brought to you by the H.E.R.E. (Houston Enriches Rice Education) Project, I'm told it will most likely be a panel discussion and Q&A session like the event held at St. John's back in February.

I'm also told that Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse will be there and play a part.

Talib is a well-respected conscious MC known for his solo and side work with guys like Mos Def and DJ Hi-Tek.

Meanwhile, Malice (previously known for his coke raps with brother Pusha T as part of The Clipse) has been making waves as an author of Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked - his musical and spiritual life story. (Read my interview with Malice about that here.)

Details on the event:

Tuesday, April 12 7pm - 10pm

Club Venue
719 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
venuehouston.com

If you're interested in how the last session went down you can read my recap posted here.

With Talib & Malice in the mix, it should be a great discussion.

UPDATE: According to the course's Facebook page, the topic will be "The Ethics of Hip Hop."

Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Preacher Man? - My interview with Malice from The Clipse

A month or so ago I had the opportunity to interview Malice from The Clipse about his renewed spiritual direction.

Our conversation occurred just before his book about that experience dropped on Valentine's Day. Since then I've received and read Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind, and Naked and mainstream hip hop website The Rap Up published a piece I wrote about it.

Topics include:

- How he describes faith
- How we know he's legit or not
- How his brother (and Clipse rhyme partner) Pusha T feels about his new direction
- The Illuminati

Click here to read the full thing.

NOTE: I mentioned that The Rap Up is a mainstream hip hop blog. As such, you may see ads, images, and content that does not align with your spiritual convictions. If that's an issue for you feel free to skip.