Eka Abassi
imewrites.bsky.social
Eka Abassi
@imewrites.bsky.social
Cultural Journalist: I write about hip-hop culture and the happenings amid the African diaspora.
Forbes Contributor.
Lover of history and academic literature.
Ibibio Pikin.
Nontraditional African Studies Student @ Columbia
I was there. Gusting through a cloud of thick white smoke (which almost took me out, lol), HOV emerged on Saturday night with a healthy, full 4C-textured afro, immediately signaling that this would be no ordinary performance.

My latest for Forbes!

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
Jay-Z's Roots Picnic Appearance Was About More Than A Concert
Marking his first headlining set in six years, Jay-Z transformed The Roots Picnic into a celebration of hip-hop history, Black music, and cultural legacy.
www.forbes.com
June 5, 2026 at 2:15 AM
I have no idea why this Joe Budden feature is slept on. Budden was respectively not only a satisfying wordsmith, but the brother was/is the jingle friendly rapper.

I theorize the reason for the nap is because Christina Milian is an often overlooked songstress.
March 21, 2026 at 6:06 PM
In collaboration with Roc Nation, Jay-Z is slated to headline the 2026 Roots Picnic, likely as part of the commemoration of the 30-year anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

Hip-Hop wins.

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
Jay-Z Headlines 2026 Roots Picnic Amid Reasonable Doubt Anniversary
The Brooklyn-born rapper is set to headline the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia as he commemorates the 30th anniversary of his debut album, ’Reasonable Doubt’.
www.forbes.com
March 17, 2026 at 4:44 PM
If you ask me, linguicide is the tragedy of francophone, anglophone, and lusophone Africa. An absolute devastation and hence why I bear witness to Ngugi’s theory on the utilization of African languages.
March 17, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Aimé Césaire on the colonized:

“I am talking about millions of men in whom fear has been cunningly instilled, who have been taught to have an inferiority complex, to tremble, kneel, despair, and behave like flunkeys.”
March 15, 2026 at 2:32 AM
Sharing my latest for @Forbes, where I explain the reasoning behind bringing Asake to Columbia University this past Friday.

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
This Is Why I Brought Afrobeats Superstar Asake To Columbia University
At the inaugural event of the AfroDiaspora Colloquium, Asake served as the featured guest and delved into dialogue concerning how his artistry contributes to the lexicon of global Black expression.
www.forbes.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Underrated opening rap bars:

“Too advanced, digi stance/
Made the CD enhance/
I move with the speed and strength of ants/
Identical in form with the beats they swarm/
Hold up the cold current appear warm/
My first verbal brawl/
Started on some yes yes y’all/
To the beat y’all”

-GZA, “Wu Banga 101”
July 30, 2025 at 10:46 PM
It was an honor to be the pen to break this exclusive news about the Live Nation Urban Creator Network!

For Forbes, I interviewed Malcolm Gray, the VP Marketing and Partnerships at Live Nation Urban and Richard Gay, COO at Live Nation Urban about the network's dedication to Black creators.
Live Nation Urban Just Launched The Largest Black Creator Network In The Industry
This new platform helps brands move authentically through Black culture while aiming to uplift the creators who shape it daily.
www.forbes.com
July 27, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Learning how this works. I definitely need to #AddToBlackSky.
July 18, 2025 at 11:27 AM
So...I interviewed Joy Reid last month. Just thought I'd share.

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
Joy Reid Is No Longer Filtered—And That’s Exactly The Point
Joy Reid has entered the independent media game with her latest venture, The Joy Reid Show, where viewers will experience the rawest Reid has been in her career.
www.forbes.com
July 18, 2025 at 11:15 AM
In collaboration with Aaliyah's brother Rashad Haughton, Mattel is releasing a Barbie Music Collector doll that embodies the essence of the late R&B icon.

I chatted with Rashad earlier this week, where the filmmaker shared his experience of managing his sister’s estate and preserving her legacy.
Aaliyah's Iconic Style Immortalized With Barbie Music Collector Doll Tribute
Rashad Haughton worked closely with the Barbie design team to ensure that every detail accurately represented his sister's style and what she meant to her fans.
www.forbes.com
January 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
will.i.am has recently partnered with LG Electronics to launch a new line of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds under the brand name "xboom by will.i.am."

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
January 14, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Last November, I had the honor of sitting down with the legendary Angélique Kidjo as she commemorated 40 years of cultural hymns, diasporic unity, harmonious advocacy, and spellbinding footwork at Carnegie Hall.

Kidjo has been collecting Grammy nods since 1995.

Check out my latest!

#AddToBlackSky
With Every Grammy Nomination, Angélique Kidjo Reinforces Her Mama Africa Legacy
Angélique Kidjo’s four-decade career has been marked by an unapologetic grace and global acclaim, with her 2025 Grammy nomination standing as a testament to the enduring success of authentic African a...
www.forbes.com
January 9, 2025 at 12:59 AM
It is key to understand the difference between a staff writer and a contributor writer. A contributor operates independently—they’re not part of a publication’s editorial team but are contracted to share their expertise on specific topics #Journalism
January 8, 2025 at 3:28 PM
This is going to be an #AfricanHistory account.
December 16, 2024 at 1:12 PM
There has been no official report from any credible source claiming that OG Maco has passed away. His manager has confirmed with AllHipHop (a credible outlet) that the rapper is currently on life support. Any platform reporting otherwise is relying on unverified info circulating on social media.
December 14, 2024 at 2:15 AM
Journalism Sky! Is that a thing?

I had the opportunity to chat with La La on Monday before her Bronx Winter Wonderland event, where the BMF actress revealed that she and Kim Kardashian have signed a new deal with Hulu to produce an all-star show called 'Group Chat.'

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
La La Anthony Gives Back to Bronx Youth in Partnership with Delsym, Reveals New Show with Kim Kardashian
When it comes to giving back and partnering with brands, La La Anthony is seasoned with the act.
www.forbes.com
December 13, 2024 at 6:18 PM
Hip-Hop Sky!

Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon Debuts Hashstoria Cannabis Dispensary In Newark

With the expansion of Hashstoria, Raekwon the Chef adds his name to the robust rolodex of hip-hop figures entering the professional cannabis industry.

My latest for Forbes.

www.forbes.com/sites/imeekp...
Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon Debuts Hashstoria Cannabis Dispensary In Newark
With the expansion of Hashstoria, Raekwon adds his name to the robust rolodex of hip-hop figures entering the professional cannabis industry.
www.forbes.com
November 20, 2024 at 2:45 PM