Jackson Free Press

The term "kamikaze" is a well-known phrase used to identify Japanese pilots who flew suicide missions during World War II. However, the term has a much deeper significance with the translation of the "Divine Wind." The last translation is a remembrance of two seemingly divine storms that crushed the attempts of Kublai Khan to invade Japan in 1274 and served as inspiration for those famed pilots. So on the surface a kamikaze can mean many different things. Like the term, rapper Kamikaze, born Brad Franklin, is not what he appears on the surface.

At first listen to his intense lyrics, the Crooked Lettaz alum can be described as arrogant, introspective, insouciant, febrile and, at times, brilliant. The complexity of his lyrical acumen can be best attributed to his background. Rapping since seventh grade and initially a beat boxer, the spotlight's lure drove him to be an MC.

While attending Jackson State, Kamikaze met an interesting character while performing as a member of a group called the Stow-A-Ways. The intensity and "vigor" of this slightly younger MC led the two to collaborate. That MC was David Banner and the two would eventually form Crooked Lettaz. After graduating from Jackson State with a degree in broadcast journalism, Kamikaze wrote for The Associated Press for two years. However, the desire to be a bellwether recording artist drove him to leave The Associated Press and focus on a career in music, full time.

"It was a shame. Because when I left, they were really just starting to let me do what I liked doing most—which was writing feature stories," Kamikaze says.

Crooked Lettaz's debut album, "Grey Skies," was the personification of ying and yang. On it, Banner's choppy stutter-style delivery with metaphors as subtle as a 12-gauge to the face combined with Kamikaze's water-like flow and cocky wit. However, this creative tension also manifested itself in the personality differences between the two and led to an eventual clash. "We had different visions, and to be honest with you, two different work ethics. My ego and my aloofness at that particular time got in the way. I figured that we are Crooked Lettaz. We are the top muthaf*ckas in this state. These muthaf*ckas gon beat doors down to get to us. His (Banner) mentality was f*ck them, I'm going to put these records out and grind," Kamikaze says.

That grinding paid off for Banner in the form of a $10 million recording contract with Steve Rifkind's SRC record label distributed by Universal. Banner got the deal through success of his solo debut "Them Fire Water Boys Vol 1."

Kamikaze, on the other hand, was left at square one. He also released a solo project, "Mr. Shonuff: Firewater Boy No. 2." However, the project was a patchwork offering with the Banner-produced radio hit "I Apologize" and Decade-produced "Dirty Crooks" being the only standout tracks. The album also suffered from distribution and promotional problems and never picked up significant steam at retail.

Following Banner's signing, Kamikaze experienced a period of what he calls "depression." Self-doubt and regret loomed until he encountered a revelation one morning. "I woke up one day, and I was tired of being broke. It was funny because up until that time, I was cool with it. I saw the success he was having after the work he put in, and I felt like I was a failure. It was hard listening to the song ("Like A Pimp") all the way through. It was hard looking at the video. Then all of a sudden it got easy," Kamikaze says.

Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Kamikaze decided to use Banner's signing as inspiration. He immediately went to New York and started recording again, resulting in the release of his "For Da Streets Mixtape." Things are now looking up for the MC. Rumors of Nappy Roots attempting to sign him and collaborations in the works with some successful producers have indicated that Kamikaze may not be left behind. He is beginning what has revealed itself to be an individual journey down a different path.

Previous Comments

ID

63588

Comment

Good luck and many blessings to Brad. He is very talented and deserves the best.

Author

Marilyn Reed

Date

2003-08-12T14:45:36-06:00

ID

63589

Comment

i had to go back and reread this article. To me, situations like those faced by Kamikaze have proven to add to his strengths instead of his weaknesses. We all go through trials for a reason. I agree with what Donna said earlier today: kudos to Kamikaze and all the artists that have stood by him for pulling off an event that will benefit so many. We are all better in Mississippi because of him.

Author

c a webb

Date

2005-09-19T00:37:04-06:00

ID

63590

Comment

I love Kamikaze's op-eds but had never read this article before, so for all I knew his legal birth name was Kamikaze Sho-nuff. And now that I've read it, I have so much more respect for the man and what he has done with the MAP, etc. Thanks for bringing the article back to the visible threads list again, dude. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2005-09-19T03:54:59-06:00

ID

63591

Comment

well, i am not trying to bring up any bad blood or controversy, but one thing that caught my attention yesterday was going to Kamikaze's website www.kamikaze601.com and reading the thread about the David Banner events in Atlanta and other states. I won't give away the info so you can read it yourself, but the theme was something I couldn't help but comment on. I have only met David Banner once, and he seemed like a really down-to-earth guy. That is, as far as he could being the first and only impression. Kamikaze is someone that I see around town all the time, especially at the library. And he is always so approachable and thoughtful. No matter where he is, he is going to acknowledge you. That says alot. We need to really appreciate people like him while we have them. Because though I believe he will always recognize Mississippi as his home, he will not always be around us. The world needs him. And for all of us, especially him, that is a great thing.

Author

c a webb

Date

2005-09-19T06:21:44-06:00

ID

63592

Comment

Agreed with you all. Kamikaze is working hard to raise awareness and get a dialogue going. I don't agree with him on everything, and we get ornery with each other, but I have immense respect for him and what he's trying to do. I salute him.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-09-19T10:56:31-06:00