A black man you may recognize with analysis you must hear, writer Kevin Powell gives critical analysis of himself, the country, the entertainment industry and race relations in the book Who’s Gonna Take The Weight?

The book just recently on the stands takes you through Powell’s life starting from his thought process for the book, his rise to stardom; first on the MTV’s Original Series The Real World, then as a young writer for the new urban based Vibe magazine; to his fall dismissed by Vibe and on a path to substance abuse. From his struggles as a former misogynist, to why blacks look at life and situations the way they do, to why the media doesn’t help with race relations. Also wrapped around the text is Powell relationship with Hip Hop icon Tupac Shakur and how it change from beginning to end.

Powell gives you analysis of himself but more of the current climate and the players in it. When mentioning current rap entrepreneurs and label heads Damon Dash and Irv Gotti, Powell gets down the real deal. Arguing over who was “the hottest nigga in the building” Powell says arguing over that “is like deliberating over which slave is preferred by the slave master.”

Powell also questions current black culture quick to compare themselves to “powerful White men or White mobsters of yesteryear, rather than after great Black entrepreneurs like, say, the late Reginald Lewis or, as a minimum requirement, after a Black gangsta figure from somewhere in our history, like Nicky Barnes.”

Poignant and raw at times, Powell makes you look at yourself and your actions and quiz yourself and your people. Why do most give credit to someone else’s culture before their own?

The real meat of the book though comes in Powell’s breakdown of history (especially Black history) and how it affects the society we live in today. It seems some people want to forget instead of remembering and learning for the future. Powell comes to the collective table with viewpoints and real life experiences that will make you take notice instantly.

A quick and intriguing read Who’s Gonna Take The Weight? gives you Powell insights into a world few ever see: the world of magazine journalism, with a humility that is educational and healthy compared to those who have ridden a wild horse never thinking of why it’s so wild. Never satisfied, Powell searches for and finds truth, and hopes to share his views.

I feel the brother and I think you will too. His straightforward approach and candidness make this book a must have for anyone who feels like they have solutions and explanations on the top of their tongue but can’t quite place them. This book will bring a lot of things together.

I give the book 4 and 1/2 globes. The only fault being it was too quick of a read only being 160 pages. It would have been great to hear more philosophies by Powell, he has a dynamic voice and message that needs to be heard by everyone but especially those who come from Powell’s type of environment. His choice in words and life show that improvement can happen no matter where you are born or how much you have. The book also will also help you take a step back and see what is reality and perception. Some things easy aren’t necessarily right and just to all. A great read!