(Photos from left: Interscope, Sony)

Fellow hip hop heads and Harlemites,

On this day we are gathered here to unveil a new decisive plan of action that will return our beloved hood to its former state of hip hop glory. Long gone are the days where our rich rap history and geographic location earn us an honorable mention and seat at the major hip hop conferences. We will not enter into another fourth quarter of music releases without being properly represented on Billboard charts. No longer will our lyrical constituents bicker and denounce one another in public or on wax. I believe with A$AP Rocky’s recent arrest, the release of Azealia Banks’ latest mixtape (Fantasea), and Cam’ron’s recent revelation that a Diplomats album is still on course for release, we should address the many issues that have prevented us from reclaiming our past glory. It’s time we became a nation, again.

First order of business is Harlem representative A$AP Rocky and his A$AP Mob. We are not tough guys, thugs or gangsters. Let us check the tough guy image at the door, and leave it to the other New York City boroughs to carry that title. For we cannot afford to lose a rising star to violence or legal woes, let us focus all our attention on music and fashion trends. No more physical altercations with sound guys, photographers or fans—it’s bad for business and casts a negative light on the “Tha World.”

With the recent passing of Harlem matriarch Sylvia Woods, I call on Governor Mason Betha, and Mayor Cameron Giles to attend an emergency summit at the world-renowned Sylvia’s restaurant to settle all grievances at once. There’s no more time to be wasted on personal beefs. This decade-long on again, off again feud needs to be put to rest once and for all. No more shots and jabs should be taken on remixes from this day forth. Governor Mason must decide whether to stay and serve our community or give up his seat once and for all.

Changing up the tone for a quick bit, let us acknowledge the distinguished lady Azealia Banks during this State of the Union address. While she had a rocky start, we want to commend her for her efforts to remain progressive with her musical offerings (Fantasea mixtape) as well as refraining from offending legends and others. Let us all look to her example of devotion and sacrifice for the betterment of our hood.

Dipset representative Juelz Satana, your skill and presence is required in order for us to move forward with this agenda. Your nation needs you—it is time for you to release material immediately. We’ve been hearing about your Reagan Era mixtape and collaborative album I Can’t Feel My Face with President Dwayne Carter since before Rocky and Azealia for far too long. You no longer have the luxury of planning a strategic takeover. Either release music, or face further sanction.

Last but not least I call to action The Diplomats. Now is the time for this senior branch of Harlem hip hop figures to deliver the Diplomatic Immunity 3 album, as well as full-fledged comeback tour. Doing shows and tour stops on other artists’ bill here and there will no longer suffice.  The last installment in 2004 was a long time ago, and a new addition to the Diplomatic Immunity series is long overdue.

PS: An international missing person’s reward is being offered for the safe return of our beloved lyricist Charles Hamilton, who has gone rogue on us for quite some time.

Together we stand, divided we fall, God Bless hip hop and Harlem.

Sincerely Yours,

Harlem’s Own Dan Reagans

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