From Cynicism to Imagination with Propaganda

Poet, Hip-Hop Rapper, Spoken Word Artist, Activist, Husband, Father, Coffee-Enthusiast, and now Author, Propaganda joined Together LA's Listening Tour to tell us about his latest book publication, journey and what is coming next this year. A Los Angeles native (we couldn't help but chuckle at his superbly LA story of running from the cops after trying to write his name on a wall by the LA River) who has worn many hats, Propaganda has tirelessly chased after his purpose and art. His book, Terraform: Building a Better World, in conjunction with his newest EP, The People, was in response to Propaganda's manager singular question: "What do you want to talk about the next 10 years?". The book explores the structure, reformation, and redemption of culture through prose, illustrations and historical commentary on various topics from colonialism to wars to Native Americans. When asked what his ultimate hope was for Terraform's readers, he answered, "to spark creativity and imagination...[because] culture is the product of collective imagination." 

Now you may ask, what does "terraform" mean and why did he select it to be his work's title? And what are some practical ways to  "terraform"? Listen to find out, and even better, read about it at length in his book! Tune in to also hear Propaganda differentiating cynicism from bitterness and how the former can be the powerhouse of change and holy activation for Christians who are content to answer injustices and issues as an inevitability product of a fallen world. His perspective rocked our Together LA team to the core (in the most blessed way) and we can't wait for you to hear his thought-provoking ideas, too. 

Before releasing his book, Propaganda had released his collaborative EP with Derek Minor called Nothing but a Word and had performed a set for a Juneteenth block party hosted by artist Jaybee (the back-story of this party is also worth fully hearing! It involved giving local residents rent-to-buy contracts on commercial properties to fight gentrification and raise black ownership -incredibly inspiring!). And what's coming next this year? 3 more EPs (one of which is dropping in the coming few weeks), LA pop-ups, a live show and reading for The People and Terraform: Building A Better World, and last but not least, the release of his personal cocktail and coffee recipes (Propaganda knows his coffee! Tune in to find out his top coffee recommendations for LA locals!). 

To follow Propaganda and his work: 

Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok handle- @prophiphop

Website- prophiphop.com

Learn more about his book, Terraform: Building A Better World, here

Shop his book, Terraform: Building A Better World on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, BAM!, Bookshop, Indie Bound, and Audible