i MiX What i Like! is titled as an homage to the collection of articles, I Write What I Like, written under the pseudonym “Frank Talk” by Stephen Bantu Biko. Just as Biko sought to use his brand of alternative journalism to encourage a Black Consciousness among his South African audience—a consciousness meant to inspire a colonized population into spirited rebellion against an unjust regime—the point here is largely the same; use whatever media available to convey solidarity with, and encouragement for others to join organizations and liberation struggles. The name was initially applied to the mixtape project and ideas described in this book but has remained with me through every iteration of my media work, both practical and academic.
I Mix What I Like! A Mixtape Manifesto is now available for free as a PDF. The book was originally published in 2011, had a relatively successful first run and now has had its copyright reverted to me. All author proceeds have ever only been used to support work dedicated to political prisoners and it is still encouraged that such support be given by those downloading this free copy. Please consider contacting and sending support to any of the following or another of your choice:
Since the original publication there have been a few editorial mistakes that have plagued me. For those interested a few are mentioned below. I do, however, think that despite its flaws the book remains ultimately correct and still relevant given the increasing consolidation of media ownership, the dominance of and narrowing effects of social media over politics, analyses and interpretation and similar impact on popular culture. I also remain proud of the initial mixtape radio project the book recounts. And for what its worth, I’ve still not seen much focus on the mixtape or this particular approach to hip-hop, media and African America.
*To the following edits submitted to the publisher let me also add mention of another great critique I received when visiting a class at Howard University (thanks again Dr. Greg Carr). One sister questioned the fact that i did not include WHUR in my analysis of DC’s media environment. She is right on there and that is an inexcusable oversight on my part.
1. Steven should be Stephen on p.3 – This too is most embarrassing and inexcusable. I have never felt worse about anything i’ve ever done in “public” life. My deepest apologies to Biko and all the ancestors for this error.
2. Please take out the sub-headings on pp. 32, 41
3. on p. 37 1st full paragraph it should read only “the state” NOT “nation-state”
3. On p. 35 the quote about wealth disparity for reference 158 should read, “the top 1% of Americans… own roughly 40% of the country’s wealth… [and] share an aggregate net worth that is greater than the net worth of the bottom 90%…”
4. At the bottom of p. 31 reference 123 needs amending. The in-text quote should read, “Colonialism is not a type of individual relations but the conquest of a national territory and the oppression of a people: that is all. It is not a certain type of human behavior or a pattern of relations between individuals. Every Frenchmen in Algeria is at the present time an enemy soldier.” And a comma should go after “that” preceding the quote. The footnote (123) itself needs amending and should read: Toward the African Revolution, 1964, p. 81.
5. On page 121, the Cut Chemist pull quote should be amended to read, “We’re takin’ over radio and wack media… turn off the radio and stick a fuckin’ tape in it!”
