Reach - Then Teach

Reach - Then Teach


Dear Hannah: LEarning (Rhyme-In-Time)

November 13, 2017

Dear Hannah,



Our greatest entertainers have "five tools".



This variety is what makes their performances dynamic and memorable.



Comedian Tracy Morgan considers Eddie Murphy as his hero and role model.



Morgan taught me that Eddie is unique because he has five comedic tools: stand-up, impressions, characters, singing, and acting.



I remember "Raw" 30 years after its release.



I remember his "Elvis" impression.



I remember all the characters from "Coming to America" and "The Nutty Professor".



I remember "Party All The Time".



Eddie could sing, y'all.



I remember "Boomerang".



Chance The Rapper is a five-tool emcee: rapper, singer, preacher, dancer, and conductor.



Conductor?



Yes, indeed.



Chance knows who he is.



He is very comfortable in his own skin.



He understands music.



He knows what he needs from the band.



He knows what everybody is supposed to be doing.



He leads them while he is on stage.



Like James Brown.



Like Kirk Franklin.



I read that Kirk is one of his influences, and I can see it on stage.



Stone Mountain's own Donald Glover (AKA "Childish Gambino") is a five-tool+ talent - writer, producer, director, singer, rapper, actor.



Check out old episodes of "Community".



He steals a lot of scenes.



I read that the show's writers started scripting him doing something improvisational and hilarious.



I aspire to be a five-tool+ "standup storyteller" (AKA "griot") - poet, rapper, singer, teacher, orator, writer, producer, director.



I am still learning how to use my tools, but I am getting there.



But I digress ...



Love,




Daddy