We sat down with long time writer Adisa Banjoko to discuss his new book Lyrical Swords Volume 2 The Westside Rebellion… We start off the interview by talking about Adisa early foray into Hip Hop as a member of the rap group freedom Troop 187. Back in the days (late 80s , early 90s he recorded songs with people like Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Boots of the Coup. He opened up for everybody ranging from paris to the Jungle Brothers. We talked about how former Black Panthers like sista Kiilu Nysha played an important role in politizing many Bay Area rappers including himself, Michael Franti, Boots and Paris to name a few. We also talked about the current resurgence in Bay Area Hip Hop. We specifically focus on the large number of writers, editors and authors who have and currently live in the Bay Area and the role that they have played in Hip Hop all around the country. We also talk about the current state of Hip Hop and politics . Adisa contends that Hip Hop has failed misreably in its attempts to become a political force. He feels that many Hip Hop activists do not engage the streets and are disconnected. He expounds upon these points and cites numerous examples. He lays out what he believes are the necessary steps on needs to take to be on point and make Hip Hop more effective. Less