I’m jimi izrael, MFA. I dropped out of high school and struggled through undergrad, but I eventually figured it out, kinda. We all do . . . right?
Professionally, I write, for close to fifteen years. Books. Essays. Screenplays. Speeches. I ghost write occasionally. The film adaptation of my book is in development by an A-list Hollywood director/producer.
So I got THAT going for me.
I teach and stuff.
I win awards for editing, investigative and consumer reporting but I am mainly paid to give my opinion for some of your favorite media outlets.
I am a National Public Radio contributor for ten years plus in some form, most recently as the co-moderator for "The Barbershop" segment of NPR's “Tell Me More with Michel Martin,” during its entire 7-year run. I have appeared occasionally in its current iteration on "All Things Consider Weekend," also hosted by Michel Martin (#loyalty). But it's become its own thing -- something I don’t recognize: different -- and I respect that. I make appearances and such to CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, Al Jazeera, BBC, Current TV, ABC's "Nightline" here and there. Also, I am the Harvey Pekar Scholar and I love telling the story of my friend and mentor. I have acquired other accolades, credentials and stuff that, in aggregate, may be interesting but of little consequence.
Personally, I am a father and widower who loves a good story.
I have a Facebook presence, I don't know if I need any more friends. But there is a jimi izrael Facebook fan-page I monitor and program sometimes. I am not the principal curator there. You probably should not post any personal messages there or anywhere, if you expect me to answer. The best ways to contact me is by email at jimiizrael at gmail dot com.
I lecture on hip-hop culture, popular media, film, journalism and stuff.
I will do a FAQ, but in the meantime, just ask.