Tajai explains that our creative work depends on an eclectic make-up of inspiration and pride.
For this installment, Tajai takes us through a journey in pride of place. He vividly recounts memories of childhood through current times through what it means to come from the Bay Area and create in his hometown for his extensive life’s work. The eclectic and inclusive place in which he works, he says, is the secret recipe to his success.
About the speaker
Tajai Massey, known by the stage name, Tajai, is an American rapper and producer. He is one of the four founding members of Oakland-based underground hip hop group Souls of Mischief, and a part of the eight-person, alternative hip hop collective, Hieroglyphics.
In elementary school, Tajai met fellow Souls of Mischief member A-Plus, and the duo began their nascent rap careers. Tajai eventually introduced A-Plus to future Souls of Mischief members Phesto and Opio, and the group formed in high school before releasing their debut album, 93 'til Infinity on Jive Records in 1993.
Tajai continues to produce music that is pro Oakland and could not be a better person to represent the theme 'Heritage'.
Favorite quotes from this talk See all
We're encouraged here to be different and not for the sake of being different, it's for the sake of being yourself and recognizing the sum of the parts that creates you rather than shunning some to appear more authentic or hiding some to appear cool or hip.
The same conditions that seem to be characterized as disadvantages, hinderances, and pitfalls are the conditions that made me and most of my friends mentally fit, aware, determined, quick on our feet, and focused human beings.
Like many of the statistical subjects about whom you read, I've been surrounded by drugs, violence, hopelessness, and the general malaise that seems to be the only thing that gets our city press.
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Hosted by
Impact HUB Oakland
2323 Broadway
Oakland, California United States 94612
Date
Partners
Oaklandish
Impact HUB Oakland
there there
ARTIS
Muffin Revolution
Savor Oakland Food Tour
Photographer Christie Goshe
