3. Rap/Songwriting: “Nubia”
by Rosemary L. Finley
I have no need to be
swayed by you opinion of me
It benefits me none to know
who you think I am
am not or should be
I'm not trying to live up to
your opinion of me
Nubia I am
dis be da Queen Ife
I have no time for games
lame dealings
with shallow folk for material gain
or for your focus on wealth and trappings inane
Nubia I am
Nubia I be
dis be da Queen Ife
I see the games and treachery
Designed to keep us in poverty
We've been jailed and failed
Mis--used and abused
With this media attention
and stereotyping
gangsta rap and gold chains
designed to keep us down
in retention and detention
Money for your goods
for your sake, not mine
If only I could bottle this feeling
strength in the storm
resilience, active mind, body and form
Nubia I am
Nubia I be
It's me taking
dis be da Queen Ife
Nubian, Queen bee,
regal, royal, loyal, strong and true
but I really don't have to
prove all of this to you