#reggie osse

[groundupradio]

Reggie "Combat Jack" Osse Honored with Street Naming in Brooklyn, New York

 Reggie “Combat Jack” Osse Honored with Street Naming in Brooklyn, New York   Brooklyn, New York, is a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural diversity, known for its influential figures who have shaped the music and entertainment industry. In recent news, the late Reggie “Combat Jack” Osse, a highly respected hip-hop attorney, podcast host, and writer, has been posthumously honored with a street…

[aeonhand]

Can’t believe it’s been five years. Dallas always said we should celebrate people on their born days, not when they ascend - and so, here’s my small tribute of remembrance.

I hope whatever realm you are traveling, the mysteries of eternity are treating you well. All love today, tomorrow, and every day after - as the saying goes, it doesn’t ever stop. #combatjackforever

[strictlyfortheculture]

[toneknight716]

Originally, I made this beat to represent love and positivity for my people. Once I heard the news about Combat Jack’s passing, I knew I had to dedicate this beat to him. He represented Hip Hop, love, and positivity unlike anyone else. Thank you for everything you did for Hip Hop and the Internets. Rest in Peace.

[musicsermon]

OSSÈ & WOODS: REST IN POWER

If you read any bio about me, it’ll say some variation of “20 year industry veteran...”

I’ve been in the entertainment industry my entire career, but it never would have happened without these three men: Ed Woods, Reggie Ossè aka Combat Jack, and Matt Middleton.

I started in the combined law offices of Ossè & Woods / Middleton & Niles, at 60 East 42nd St, where every major artist and producer of the late 90s was either represented or doing a deal with a client. The Shyne deal? Ossè & Woods. N.O.R.E.? Middleton & Niles. The entire Bad Boy Hitmen roster of producers? Ossè & Woods. Ruff Ryders, Roc-a-Fella, Violator.... Name any label, any artist, any producer that was at the height of Hip Hop music from ‘97 through the early 00′s; these guys played a part.

They were hungry and smart as hell and unfuckwittable. With their combined relationships and connections, plus sheer drive and energy, they were young masters of the entertainment law universe. Where Ed was a fast-talker who could be over the top, Reggie was steady and methodical; two very different personality types that played off of each other well. Already a husband and father, Reg would drop career and life jewels at what felt like random moments, would take time to ask me about my plans, would caution me against pitfalls (like dating clients...and if I was going to date a client, how to make the best of it). Ten years later and that office would have been ripe for Monday nights on VH1. (Ed actually did dabble in reality TV a bit, most recently on WeTV’s Money. Power. Respect.)

Their passion for the business in turn lit a fire in me and helped me realize that I loved the game and the culture - but didn’t want to be buried in the paperwork! I pursued a career on the creative side instead. I called Harve Pierre, a client, and asked if I could intern with him at Bad Boy. My story continued from there.

On Saturday, we were shocked with the news of Ed’s sudden passing. A gregarious personality, always sh*t talking and joking, the idea of him being suddenly gone stunned us all; especially because we’d just recently learned that Reggie was battling late-stage colon cancer.

Then this morning, news came that Reggie had died as well, and everyone I know that knew them both is stuck right now. Even though we all knew what he was battling, Reggie Ossè was one of the most bout-whatever-the-hell-he-said-he-was-gonna-be-about people I knew, so when he said he was fighting, I was like hell yeah, you’re fighting. It honestly never crossed my mind that he wouldn’t beat this.

And right after Ed? Did ya’ll have a conference and decide to put the firm back together on the other side? Is there business in the great beyond that Big, Pac & Pimp C need handling? Ya’ll doing deals with Shakir and Chris?

I will never, ever accept that I’m at an age where my peers will die. In my mind, we’re still in our 20′s and 30′s out here taking this game by storm. The whole world is still at our feet. How is this possible?

As you see the many deserved tributes for Combat Jack over the following days, know that his story started before The Combat Jack Show and Loud Speakers Network. That he was part of the fabric of the business and culture of hip hop in a real, concrete way. That he was part of a team that fucked heads up when they came in the room and sit at the mahogany conference tables. And that over the years he reinvented himself multiple times, always in ways that would move the culture forward.

Watching Reggie move from law practice to author; then from author to editor at The Source; from there to blogging; and finally to the podcast space, breaking new ground and launching multiple platforms - and several new chapters for people - through LSN; helped me to always think about being flexible to adjust with the ever-changing and evolving business of entertainment. Watching him also reminded me to make sure I incorporated my creative passions in whatever I did. He mentored me even when he didn’t realize it.

But also know that it’s deeper than rap. Literally. A practicing Buddhist, Reggie was always warm, gentle, generous and gracious. Always had love, always genuinely happy to see you. Always.

I am thankful for having known these guys. I am thankful for all I learned from them. For the access I gained through them. For the stories I have from them. For this life and business I became part of and learned how to maneuver through because of them.

Each man was truly One of One.

Long live Ossè & Woods. #FuckCancer #WhosYourLawyer

“Internets, you know what time it is: Dream them dreams then man-up and live them dreams, because a life without dreams is black and white, and the universe flows in technicolor and surround-sound. Blaow!” - Reggie Ossè/Combat Jack

[ccb500]

Rest In Power Reggie Osse aka Combat Jack

[djhamaradio]

R.I.P Combat Jack

I came on Podcasts at a depressing time in my life. Working a dead end job, living in the societal grey of the immigration blues. While living this bleak existence I came upon the Adnan Sayed Podcast, called Serial, and I was hooked. Podcasts became salves that healed pain and inspired in the form of podcasts like WBEZ Chicagos’ “This American life” and WNYC’s  “Radiolab”, I got all my laughs from Neal Brennans’ “Champs” Podcast which thrust you into the world of comedy, entertainment and race; Then my go to Hip-Hop content came from Hot 97′s “Juan Epstein” which was equal parts funny equal parts Hip-Hop nerd-Dom. Then on the other end of the spectrum you had combat jack which while being a Hip-Hop podcast was very inspiring covering in-depth the street and managerial aspects of Hip-Hop. Combat was also big on unpacking negative trends that infected the Hip-Hop body politic and trying to redirect people from these trends. His death from Colon Cancer yesterday hit me like a bag of bricks. His Mogul Podcast was so inspiring, transgressive, sad and worth celebrating, as a Peabody worthy piece of radio broadcasting.

People like Combat connected us to the history of the artform, the possibilities of the artform and the problems of the artform. Rest in Power

[singletonnewman]

Rest in Power King 👑 @reggieosse aka #combatjack . Thank you for your advice and the kind words you gave at @a3cfestival . 😢Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. Fly High! #loudspeakersnetwork #fuckcancer

[poppapeasy]

the man, the myth, the legend amongst legends; long live Combat Jack.

[loonsmoons]

🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕

Loons' masterlist

🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑

🌜WIPs🌛

GONNA SAVE ME, CALL ME BABY (WIP | MATURE | JAMES/REGULUS/LILY)

“What do I want to be when I’m older? An actor, of course!” The hand on his shoulder relaxes, fingers flexing as the room breaks into laughter. Regulus laughs too, not sure what at, but polite enough to do so anyway. “Just like your older brother, eh?” Regulus nods enthusiastically, toothy smile widening thinking of Sirius. “I want to be a successful actor like my brother, yes”

LOVE BLOOMS LIKE A FLOWER (WIP | MATURE | MULTI)

Scientists consider Spring the Season of Love. However, the way some plants don’t blossom till summer, some peoples love blooms like a flower underneath the hot summer sun.

LOVE IN EVERY CORNER (WIP | MATURE | MARY/LILY)

Lily Evans has given up on love on many occasions, just for someone to enter her life a second later, helping her regain faith. However, so far, many people have failed her. Honestly, most people have. Even the ones that didn’t mean to. Even the ones that weren’t supposed to.

CARPE DIEM (WIP | MATURE | JAMES/REGULUS)

Carpe Diem /ˌkɑːpeɪ ˈdiːɛm,ˈdʌɪɛm/ used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future

🌜OSs🌛

A LOVE HIDDEN UNDERNEATH LAYERS OF DUST (OS | TAUA | JAMES/REGULUS)

look at these two handsome bastards, Reggie don’t we look breathtaking? ;) lots of love and merry Christmas, honey I miss you, I know you do too <3 Yours, James

(Words: 2,500)

IN LOVE WITH A DEATH EATER - SERIES

GOOD WHILE IT LASTED (OS | TAUA | LILY/NARCISSA)

“Well, at least it was good while it lasted, no? All good things have to come to an end, or whatever it is they say …”

(Words: 3,000)

IT WON'T BE GOOD IF IT LASTS (OS | TAUA | ALICE/NARCISSA)

“It won’t be good if it lasts …” Narcissa repeats Alice’s words, her voice just above a whisper.

(Words: 3,000)

IN LOVE WITH A SERIAL KILLER - SERIES

I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH MY SERIAL KILLERS (OS | MATURE | JAMES/REGULUS/BARTY)

Butterflies in the pit of one’s stomach used to be an indicator for real love, though these day it’s actually considered a gut feeling, indicator for something bad being about to happen. For James Potter it’s a bit of both.

(Words: 2,500)

I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH A SERIAL KILLER (OS | MATURE | PANDORA/LILY)

Are there more male serial killers? Or are women simply better at not getting caught?

(Words: 1,500)

THE ONES LEFT BEHIND - SERIES

I LOVE YOU (AND I WON'T FORGET YOU) (OS | MATURE | BARTY/EVAN)

“Once this is all over, or when we’re old and bald, let’s move to New York” “You know better than to give me ideas, Barty … I’ll hold you to it”

(Words: 3,000)

I LOVE YOU (BUT I HAVE TO FORGET YOU) (OS | MATURE | OTHER)

coming soon :)

LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND - SERIES

GIVE ME SOMETHING (I’D TAKE ANYTHING) (OS | TAUA | ALICE/NARCISSA)

“But- but if the world was ending, you’d come over, right?” Right? “You’d come over and you’d stay the night” Right?!

(Words: 1,500)

GIVING YOU EVERYTHING (WE'LL HAVE NOTHING) (OS | TAUA | REMUS/SIRIUS)

coming soon :)

LOVE MADE ME CRAZY (OS | MATURE | DORCAS/MARLENE)

coming soon :)

🌜Snippets & Drabbles🌛

#short lil snippets

#short lil drabbles

🌜Random Stuff🌛

#headcanons

#incorrect quotes

[podcastpalace]

Ep. #162: Loud Speakers Network Co-founder Chris Morrow by CMonSon The Podcast .... Avid C'Mon Son! Podcast listeners know that Ed Lover gives his flowers to the late Reggie Osse A-K-A "Combat Jack" before every episode - - without Reggie, there would be no "C'Mon Son!" The Podcast. So it's only right Ed Lover chops it up with Loud Speakers Network co-founder [alongside Reggie Osse] Chris Morrow. This powerful episode touches on various topics, from Chris' published books to personal memories with Reggie and more! Kick back, relax and enjoy Ed Lover's conversation with the founder of our podcast platform home, Loud Speakers Network, Chris Morrow.

[jessethorn]

Some Interviewing Thoughts

My friend is working on a book about how to podcast. He sent me these questions about interviewing and since who knows how much of my answers will actually end up on the pages of said book (which I will plug when it is time, I bet it will be great), I figured I’d just post them here, in case they’re useful to anyone. 

If you are not familiar with me or my work, I am the host of the NPR interview show Bullseye with Jesse Thorn (I am the Jesse Thorn of it). I also did a podcast called The Turnaround where I interviewed interviewers about interviewing.

Can you tell us something about your process?

I'm usually at least somewhat familiar with the guest's work - that's why we've booked them. Not always, but usually. So I have that advantage going in to the prep process.

I try to take a full day to prepare. If there's a book, I usually read it over the preceding week or so. If there's a movie or a show, I see it when I can. The rest I cram in before the interview. I don't have Lexis-Nexus (maybe I should?) but I go on Google News and search for as many news pieces as I can about the guest. I prefer big profiles and long interviews. I'll start with whatever's in the Guardian or the Times or the New Yorker, or online sources with deep archives like the AV Club. And I read as much as I can. Usually a few dozen things. Depends on the notoriety of the guest. I'll also read a bit about the work - film or book reviews, just to get other people's perspectives on it, see if there's stuff I haven't thought of. And usually at the beginning and end I'll read... wait for it... Wikipedia. Because it's usually better than people's bios, and it helps me remember the rough narrative of their life and work. I'll also try to listen to or watch at least one interview - maybe when I'm driving in to the studio. That just gives me a feeling of what it's like to talk to them, so I'm not surprised.

While I'm prepping, I keep a document open on my computer in a writing app called Q10 that saves a text file automatically to a folder that's synced across my devices. If a thought I want to make sure to ask about occurs to me while I'm reading, I drop it in there. Not usually in question form, mostly just a phrase, like "loves to play mandolin but isn't good at it" or something. Generally I'm looking to move past what other people have asked. When I read a response that my guest-to-be has to someone else's question, I'm thinking, "what does that response make me curious about?" I can figure out how to do the exposition to get there. And I'm often thinking in a way improvisers call A-to-C. There is a piece of information, I think "what does this make me think of," then I think "what does *that* make me think of?" It helps avoid obviousness. It's important to know how other people ask someone something, so you can ask something different or at least ask in a different way. Because generally you don't want someone's patter, you want a fresh, in-the-moment thought or reaction.

While I'm doing this, if I find media I want to incorporate or ask about, I send it to my producer, who's pulling clips. They'll give me a list of clips, including the ones I specifically wanted, before the interview, and I'll give that a look-over so I can remember roughly what I've got.

In the end, I have maybe a list of six or eight things I want to try and remember to ask about, a list of six or eight clips, and a lot of information in my head about who the person is. Once in a while, I'll have a question written, but generally only because it's something sensitive and I want to say it exactly correctly. Like a question about a crime someone was accused of or a time someone's colleague was harassed or a time someone said something particularly shitty. Those I don't want to be phrasing on the fly. Generally, though, it's just a few phrases so I don't forget to ask about a funny thing I thought of. I just interviewed the soprano Renee Fleming, and the list had "singer breaking wine glass: is that real" on it.

In general, I'm trying to think about a general outline for the interview - like "we'll talk a bit about the new thing first, then circle back to childhood, then through the biography" or whatever. And I'm trying to be curious and think about why they make the choices they do and what I find myself wondering about. Besides that, I want to know enough about the person I'm talking to that I can just focus on conversing with them. 

 What things do you think are most important or key to your ability as an interviewer?

I like and respect the people I interview. If they seem like an asshole, I don't invite them on my show. They're generally pretty brilliant, or they wouldn't be able to make the great art they make. So my job is to just meet them where they are and talk to them like a person. I probably show a bit more of myself than most folks at NPR do, who are more news-oriented or reporter-oriented, but my interest in the person sitting across from me is sincere. If I share something of myself, it's because I think it might be meaningful to them and help them understand that we are both people, and we're having a chat.

I also don't try to hide my interest behind posturing faux-impartiality. They're there at my invitation, I'd be a real heel if I'd invited them but wasn't interested in what they were saying. I listen when they talk, and react to what they say. I don't try to control the conversation except to the extent I need to do so to make a radio show. I goof around in goofy parts and respond in a humane way in emotional parts. And in general, I know that it can't go that wrong, so I don't really give a fuck. You only get one ticket, might as well enjoy the ride, as Devin the Dude raps. 

 What do you do to put people at ease or when you sense that they're' holding back? Is there a time you remember when that happened? 

I try to put them at ease when I meet them, before I even sit down at the mic. Or before we start if they're in another studio. That really is just basic human stuff. I come out of my office, go over to them, say hi, I'm Jesse. Shake their hand, smile. Let them know we're gonna talk for an hour or so, it'll just be talking, we'll make them sound great. For most guests if there's something that might be sensitive, I'll let them know it isn't live and if there's something personal they don't want to talk about, to just let me know. (That never actually happens.) Maybe I ask them something about their outfit or something I wondered that wasn't really for the air, like about a sports team I heard they like or something. Just talk to them like a nice person would. 

If the interview is rolling and they're holding back, I maybe ask them something friendly and surprising, something that makes me look dumb, maybe something silly. If they're really polished but not revealing themselves, I might ask them a question that requires a heartfelt answer - like I dunno... "are you afraid of death?" Mostly though I just know that I have some time and that if I talk to them in a nice human way they'll usually come around to responding in kind. 

 What do you keep top of mind when interviewing?

The person sitting in front of me. The actual conversation happening at that actual moment. 

 Could you describe how you go about preparing for an interview, and approx how long that process takes?

I went through it pretty well above, but as far as time goes - outside of consuming the media the person is there to talk about, their book or film or whatever, I'd say I try to give it at least six straight hours. And I'm very fast at it, since I've been doing it now for twenty years. Before it was maybe eight or twelve. But again: that's in the context of most of my guests already being very familiar to me.  

Was there a time when something totally unexpected happened during an interview? What did you do in response? How did things turn out?

I once played a clip for Michael K. Williams of a dance track from the 80s, this song where he'd appeared in the video. It was his big break. And I thought maybe he'd be happy to hear it, kind of amused, but he started crying. And he was in a studio in New York, I couldn't really tell if he was sad or hurt or happy or whatever. But I just let him do his thing. Because I didn't need to control the moment. I have him some time, and he shared some incredible memories. 

 Are there some people you look up to as interviewers? What did you learn from them?

I think Ira Glass is always very deeply interested in other people's feelings. It is absolutely sincere, and he just asks about them. On more than one occasion, I have had him ask me about my feelings when I was interviewing him. He obviously doesn't do the same kind of interviewing I do - he is really looking for a few illustrative or moving highlights - but the way he does that is very inspirational to me.

Terry Gross is extraordinarily modest. She is a brilliant genius, but she is always glad to highlight the guest and what is great or interesting about them. She also always asks for examples, always brings the conversation to specifics and stories when it could be vague.

I did a series called The Turnaround, where I interviewed interviewers about interviewing, and talked to all kinds of famous interviewers, from a variety of media. 

Susan Orlean, who writes for the New Yorker, can find a story anywhere. She just shows up and is extraordinarily curious and recognizes when something is interesting and pulls the thread. That's another improv technique - a scene is built on the first distinctive element. You spot it and you grow it. 

Larry King is always hyper-present. He did years and years of long live radio shifts. He absolutely trusts his curiosity. He told me he once asked a pilot if, when the plane took off, he knew it was going to land. He is unafraid of looking like a fool as long as he is following his curiosity.

Reggie Osse, Combat Jack, he knew everything about the subject he was interviewing people about. Everything. So he always had a little anecdote or a little insight that opened things up. His show was loooooong, but that was because he was always relating to something someone said about something in a club in 1998, and that led to this, and all of a sudden you're armpit-deep in amazing stories.

Jerry Springer really respects everyone he talks to, and cares about them and their story. Including folks who other people might laugh at or scorn or pity. He just goes in and tries to give them a chance to be heard.

Elvis Mitchell is a real critic, and he has more expertise in entertainment media than anyone I've ever met. I mean he knows more about his seventh-greatest area of expertise than I do about my first. He's really masterful at talking to artists about the actual content of their work. Themes and ideas. In a clear and concrete way. So many people substitute anecdote for insight, and I am very grateful for his insight. 

Marc Maron is like a genius puppy. He just pokes and prods and guesses, and he's so smart and is crackling with such energy that he finds stuff because people step up to meet him. He also is so raw, emotionally, that people just try to take care of him by sharing themselves.

Audie Cornish is astonishingly clear-eyed. She knows what she needs to know, she knows the context, she goes and gets it.

Howard Stern will just ask about anything. And you know he will talk about anything. So you feel obliged to tell him. And he always asks about the biggest and most important stuff. Like how did you lose your virginity or do you believe in God or whatever. He just does it and what are you going to do, not answer?

That's only a few, I could list a million more. I would say that something they share is that they are all actually curious. It is not a performance of curiosity; they want to know about others.

Are there any stories you could share of times when you learned some valuable lessons about interviewing? Do's and don'ts? 

I once interviewed Betty Davis, who is a legendary (and legendarily reclusive) funk musician. She was on the phone from Pittsburgh, patched through by her label since she didn't want anyone to have her phone number. And she was very polite, but very fragile-sounding. She hadn't done press in a few decades, and hadn't even picked up her ASCAP checks until a fan tracked her down and hand-delivered them. She gave me a lot of one sentence answers to my questions. It was really, really hard, but I remember thinking of something I'd read in Jessica Abel and Ira Glass' This American Life comic, which is that if you don't say anything, people will fill the space. So when she finished her sentences, I just waited. For a long time, sometimes. Like five or ten seconds, which is FOREVER. And every time, she added to her initial remarks. And that saved the interview. 

Another time I went to a fancy hotel in west Los Angeles to interview Bill Withers. He's done some press since then, but at the time he hadn't really done any in like fifteen years. He's older and incredibly smart and a little grumpy. And when I sat down, he kind of started giving me the business. Because whatever - I was a young white guy there being presumptuous enough to bother him, a guy who really had nothing to gain from the interview. And I remember at some point he was giving me a hard time and I kind of poked back at him, and he laughed, and after that it was one of the best interviews I'd ever done. I think just because he was like, "oh, this is a person, too. He's not an idiot, he's here because he cares, and maybe he's even interesting to talk to."  

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you were starting out?

That it's going to be fine. I think I learned that from doing the Turnaround. Because I wasn't going to make money from it, I just figured I'd let myself off the hook preparation-wise and emotionally and so forth. Just let it go. And it was some of my best work. Because I trusted it would be fine, followed my actual curiosity, and talked to everyone like a person. Once my therapist asked me why I was anxious about interviews, and I told him I didn't want to mess it up and look foolish. And he said, "Does that happen?" And I was like... "No. I guess not." And he's like, "So, why be anxious?" And I was like, "CHECKMATE DOCTOR CARR."  

If there were one thing you'd like someone who's just starting out to know about interviewing, what would it be?

Be curious. Ask open-ended questions. Remember that whoever you're interviewing, whether it's Buzz Aldrin or Michelle Obama or Little Richard is a person just like you are a person. And enjoy yourself!  

[aeonhand]

“Even if it gets worse, they can’t stop this”: Combat Jack, Rest in Power

Like a lot of other people, I’m saddened, I’m shocked, and I got tears running down my face right now. All my love goes out to his immediate family, as well as his LSN family. The world has lost a titan today.

If there’s a reason most any of you know me, there’s a 99% chance it’s due to Reggie “Combat Jack” Osse. I went from being a fan of his writing, to doing graphics for his Daily Mathematics blog, to creating logos for the Combat Jack show, the Loud Speakers Network, and most popularly making showbills, our name for the flyers we created for the different guests.

From the beginning, I listened along religiously every week to TCJS - those who know remember when the crew of Dallas Penn, Premium Pete, DJ Benhameen, Matt Raz, and Just Blaze (with occasional appearances by Chris Morrow) were the nucleus of the show.

I don’t know if I can convey how important the showbills were (and are) for me. It was a weekly adventure to make something new and interesting and - most importantly - something that would make Combat react positively. That was always the goal. If I could get Combat to get fired up behind it, I would feel good. And if I could make the show look good, so much the better.

To have this guy allow me to be part of that, in any small way I could, with the art I created... it was an honor. I can say truly, it’s the body of work I’m most proud of to this very day.

Because of Combat, I got to meet great people IRL - including the man himself. I got to link up with other internets like Jaislayer and LP. I’ve gotten to work with some great indie artists, as well as gotten some shots with the majors. They didn’t pan out, but I always appreciated that CJ would even recommend me. He didn’t have to. He had plenty of talent around him.

And those hip-hop variant covers? They wouldn’t exist without Combat. Period. The ONLY reason I got my shot is from Chris Robinson, now editor at Marvel Comics, seeing the showbills and being into my work. Combat made a life-long dream of mine come true. And as he always said, “dream those dreams...”

A lot of people have listened to that Black Thought freestyle, and those in the know knew what that “this shit for Combat” line meant. And as I listened to it, I thought, I can’t wait for him to get back on his feet. I can’t wait to hear him back on the podcast. I can’t wait to hear what the next season of “Mogul” will be.

The quote in the title of this post, if you might not know, is from The Roots song, “Can’t Stop This.” It’s a track from album “Game Theory” in which the group mourns the loss of their friend J Dilla, which seems (very unfortunately) particularly appropriate now. And if you know from the early days of the show, one of the sayings was, “it doesn’t ever stop.” Reggie Osse might be gone in the physical form, but he has birthed many lives that will continue on.

Energy is never created nor destroyed, it is only redirected. If any of us who have been touched by his life take anything moving forward, it should be to use his energy, his drive, his passion, and his intellect in a way that honors his memory.

Rest in Power, Combat. Thank you for everything. You are, and will be, missed.

[strictlyfortheculture]

FOR COMBAT ... WITH TECHNICOLOR AND SURROUND SOUND DREAMS

(soundtrack: T.R.O.Y. by Pete Rock & CL Smooth) Written on: December 21, 2018

The inspirations behind this project known as STRICTLY FOR THE CULTURE - SFTC - are many; we have Hip-hop, we have politics, old-school Source Magazine (that WAS our oracle), popular culture, and film. However, for me, one of the biggest inspirations was and still is Reginald Joseph "Reggie" Ossé aka Combat Jack.

His program The Combat Jack Show shifted my thinking in ways that were not just HIP HOP related but related to my life as a whole. If it were not for Combat and his Loud Speaker Network, the notion of creating a network for non-traditional narratives would not have been possible - not in my mind. He made me understand that Hip-Hop did not have to be exclusively about the state of the culture, but could also focus on the people who build the culture. There were many brilliant interviews with the likes of Freddie Foxx, Chuck D, and even Kevin Gates, all giving insight into their lives, BUT the one show which opened my mind was the infamous Therapy episode, where Combat and the crew sat with an actual therapist to discuss things bigger than hip-hop. Who else in the culture was able and willing to do such a thing? Grown men, opening up about their personal issues and being able to express vulnerability is a powerful thing to behold. This World does not allow men – particularly Black men to develop spiritually and emotionally - not in a productive way. CJS (Combat Jack Show) provides us with the opportunity to be more than breathing, seething stereotypes. The show broke the mould; shattering the tired, stale stereotypes of what HIP HOP represents – and it represents the people.

This blog officially begins its journey on the one-year anniversary of the Reggie Ossé's death. My mission is to create something Combat Jack would have enjoyed. I am not aiming to outshine him because that will never happen. CBJ was and is the template from which we are fashioned. I am here to honour that legacy as SFTC is to be a continuance of those Technicolor and surround sound dreams Combat encouraged all of us to manifest. BLAOW! I believe he would have wanted all of us to flourish alongside this culture; this one true form of alchemy which has created beauty where there has been ugliness and sorrow. My beloved, the loss of this great man has created a void; as well as an opportunity.  SFTC aims to take advantage of that opportunity and make Combat proud.  We miss you, King. Long live Combat!

[brotherblaccspider]

I saw that the family of Reggie Osse known as Combat Jack has put up a go fund me in case your wondering its legit as proven by his wife and Just Blaze by way off twitter....

Combat Jack provided hours of memorable hip hop driven content he was true to the art and was very highly respected in the community he passed on December 20th after a short battle with cancer at the young age of 53.....

https://www.gofundme.com/combatjack

[mddleovthamap]

Rest in Power

This man will truly be missed