Cassidy Michael Kakin (Cassidy Kakin)

I am a blogger, writer, social entrepeneur, arm chair advocate, mentee, mentor, musician, and free lance dabler in all things. I write about music and movies, as well politics, philosophy, society, biking, career advice, and anything else that strikes my fancy. And some times I write poems or sing songs.

About my past: I was born in Montana, and raised in a very non-conventional way by a group of hippies in the woods. They taught me to love music and think oddly from a very young age.

About my present: After succesfully completing a year of service with City Year, San Jose, an AmeriCorps Program, and following my achievement of an undergraduate degree in Politics at UCSC, I have worked on transitioning into the freelance world. I write (a lot) of articles, maintain/manage and contribute to several websites, run a non-profit based around education t continue me AmeriCorps service, drive a pedi-cab, and work for a start-up, among other freelance things.

About my future: I will continue developing my non-profit, the East San Jose Bicycle Cooperative, work on publishing a book, and apply to Law School (someday) in the near future.

In the Spotlight

Getting Back on the Bike | What Crashing my Bicycle Taught Me About Life and Death

Last year, I was in three notable bicycle crashes. Each could have taken my life. I still ride everyday. Crashing my bike taught me a lot about life and death. Just keep pedaling!

In the Spotlight

Kendrick Lamar vs. J. Cole: The Best Rapper Alive, #BlackLivesMatter, and the Politics of Hip-Hop

J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are friends and two of the hottest rappers around, but this is hip-hop and it's all about competition. Who is the best rapper alive, Cole or Kendrick, and Continue »

In the Spotlight

Poems about America (pt. 1) | Poetry from the Road, San Francisco to New Orleans

I wrote these poems during the drive from the San Francisco Bay Area to New York City. This collection covers my journey from the Bay to New Orleans.

In the Spotlight

The Definition of Racism in America: a White Ally's Thoughts on Structural Inequality and Creating Racial Justice

The way we define racism in America Continue »

In the Spotlight

How to Edit Like an Author: An Artist's Guide to Revising Your Art

As an artist, you love to create. But how do you turn something you created form a fun project to a polish piece? Read this guide to learn how to edit and revise your work to improve your art.

In the Spotlight

The Best Music Year of My Life: Cassidy's 2014 Memoir | A DJBooth Response

Music didn't save my life in 2014, but it sure helped give it meaning.

• 
  33
  spinditty.com

  10 Rappers With Real Criminal Records

  7 months ago

  Many rappers claim they are criminals, but most are just speaking metaphors. However, some have real criminal records. Read on to learn about 10 rappers with criminal pasts.

• 
  24
  Hip-Hop

  Kendrick Lamar Sucks. J Cole Sucks. Mainstream Hip-hop Sucks. Let's Talk About It.

  5 years ago

  Kendrick and Cole are great rappers but weak poets. To be revolutionary and live up to their potential, both artists, and hip-hop at large, need to craft more relevant and directed messages.

• 
  27
  spinditty.com

  Kendrick Lamar vs. J. Cole: The Best Rapper Alive, #BlackLivesMatter, and the Politics of Hip-Hop

  8 months ago

  J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are friends and two of the hottest rappers around, but this is hip-hop and it's all about competition. Who is the best rapper alive, Cole or Kendrick, and why?

• 
  1
  Employment & Jobs

  Pros and Cons of Working Retail: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of a Retail Job

  7 years ago

  So, you want to work retail? Working a retail counter or store floor is a very common and easy to land first job, but has it's drawbacks and limitations.

• 
  8
  Employment & Jobs

  Pros and Cons of Being a Resident Assistant (RA): The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Working in Residential Life

  7 years ago

  So, you want to be an RA? For many college students, the Residential Assistant (or RA) Position can be an ideal job, but the title comes with some major drawbacks to consider.

• 
  2
  toughnickel.com

  Pros and Cons of Waiting Tables: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Working in a Restaurant

  2 years ago

  So, you want to be a restaurant server? Waiting tables and working in restaurants is very popular work that may be easy for some job seekers to come by, but the job isn't all fun and games.

• 
  0
  Employment & Jobs

  Pros and Cons of Pedi-cabbing: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Driving a Pedicab

  7 years ago

  So, you want to drive a pedicab? Pedi-cabbing is an interesting and unique way to make a buck, but there are plenty of drawbacks to taking up rickshawing and this job is NOT easy money.