This year’s March Madness has brought about a mental "renaissance" of sorts regarding my (now long gone) basketball era of life. In the late eighties, at the height of this era, it was not uncommon to see my friend Marcus and I pounding our Floridian driveway with basketballs, throwing down the Rock violently through lowered break-away hoops. Back then I was still under the delusion that I was destined to play basketball in the NBA. It was very important then to perfect my aerobatic dunks (on height challenged hoops!) and the choreographed chest-thumping and gloating following such dunks. (You can’t coach prowess. It’s one of those natural gifts; some have it while others can only dream.)

During these exercises, hip hop / rap music became our soundtrack. The two just went together. To give you context, this period of time was pre-gangster rap. It was pre-MC Hammer, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem. Some might argue–a simpler, more innocent time.

Along with the white boyz’ staple, the Beastie Boys, I remember really liking Public Enemy. You’ll notice I’m currently listening to them, for old times sake. Being so suburban (then and now), I see the irony in this appreciation…on the other hand it makes total sense.

If we’re honest, who doesn’t want to "fight the powers that be!"? I think our culture thrives on this idea of rebelling against a corrupt system. As a believer, "stickin’ it to the man" and "not believing the hype" has different connotations from those that Public Enemy was addressing in its songs, but ultimately I think there is something inside of each of us that knows that things in our world (in our very selves) aren’t quite right. In fact, things in our world are really messed up! It’s because we’re sinners…let’s face the facts. Our world is broken. That’s why I think groups like Public Enemy (and Rage Against the Machine) will always resonate with people (and especially hormone-crazed teenagers.)

I’m just glad that the revolution (was not, and) will not be televised. Christ was and is the revolutionary. He’s the One that sabotaged the conspiracy that would destroy humanity. He’s the One who overthrew the principalities and powers of the air. He’s the One who "brings the noize…" My prayer is that I can hear it and aid in bringin’ it myself, whenever possible!