Tomie Lenear: Hip-Hop, Higher Education, and Designing Change
Introduction: Where Music Meets Mission
In this engaging conversation, Milan Drake interviews Tomie Lenear (aka T-K.A.S.H.), a rapper, marathon runner, and advocate for transformative education. With deep roots in Oakland and a career that spans creative expression and community impact, Lenear’s story is one of evolution — from making gangster rap to becoming a voice for holistic wellness and education. This dialogue explores the intersections of music, culture, and academic service, unpacking how Lenear navigates spaces traditionally closed off to people from his background.
Lenear’s reflections on identity, responsibility, and purpose reveal a commitment to leading by example. This conversation is about the journey, but about the lessons that make the journey meaningful. It’s about carrying the weight of the community and crafting a narrative that inspires others to dream bigger.
A Journey from the Streets to Scholarship
Milan Drake: What’s up, T-K.A.S.H? Rapper extraordinaire, marathon runner. What’s been keeping you moving lately?
Tomie Lenear:
“Man, it’s been a journey. That last marathon was in 2018–26.2 miles for the California International Marathon. Shout out to Captain Kyra Ayers and the Black Men Run Bay Area Chapter. It’s all about Black men’s health and wellness, not just physical but holistic. That was medal number 21, man. I’ve got 22 now. Running has been a big part of staying grounded.”
Milan Drake: Speaking of staying grounded, how does your music shape the type of work you design for? Or do these feel like two different worlds?
Tomie Lenear:
“Man, at one point, it did feel like two different worlds. Back in the day, I was making gangster rap — turf music. To back up what I was talking about, I had to live that lifestyle. But I went through an evolution. I studied under the Nation of Islam for two years, converted to Sunni Islam, and went back to school. That’s when my music changed. Tracks like ‘Turf War Syndrome’ speak to a new mindset. It’s about the streets but also about transcending them.”
Milan Drake: What’s the connection between music and academia for you?
Tomie Lenear:
“For me, music and academia aren’t separate. When I’m talking to young people, I have to speak from experience. I’m a campus partner now, working at UC Berkeley. But I’m also that guy from the streets. When I say, ‘You need to go to school,’ it’s not just rhetoric. It’s my story. My parents didn’t go to college, but they pushed me toward it. It’s like our ancestors sacrificed for something they couldn’t experience themselves. That’s transcendence, man.”
Milan Drake: That’s deep. It’s like being an example both indirectly and directly. How do you see yourself in that role?
Tomie Lenear:
“Exactly. When people see me, whether it’s on campus or in music, they see consistency. My lifestyle matches my message. If I’m telling a young person to go to school, it’s because I’ve been there. It’s like X-rated — he rapped about transformation, and that hit me. We have to show young people the repercussions of choices but also the possibilities. I’m not here to glamorize the streets, but I’m also not shaming anyone. I’m just saying, ‘Here’s my example; take what you need from it.’”
Turf Wars and Transcendence
Milan Drake: One of your albums, Turf War Syndrome, is iconic. Can you talk about what it means to you?
Tomie Lenear:
“The title was inspired by X-rated’s song ‘Post-War Syndrome.’ He captured this duality — being street-smart and intellectually aware. That resonated with me. Growing up, there’s this internalized fear of intellect because historically, intelligence in Black communities was punished. My album Turf War Syndrome is about that tension. It’s not just a ‘conscious’ album; it’s a street album that says, ‘Here’s where I’ve been, but here’s where I’m going.’”
Milan Drake: How does that tension play out in higher education?
Tomie Lenear:
“Campuses are turf wars too, man. It’s a chess game whether you want to play or not. As a Black man navigating those spaces, you’re always proving something — sometimes to others, sometimes to yourself. My music captures that. It’s like saying, ‘Yeah, I’ve been through it, and I’m still here.’ I’ve got students who see themselves in my story, and that’s powerful.”
Reflecting on Lenear’s work, it’s clear that he’s crafting a roadmap and blueprint. If you pay attention? You can follow the breadcrumbs he’s leaving behind toward a pathway. Turf War Syndrome isn’t about glorifying struggle but about showing what’s possible beyond it. It’s about resilience and redefinition.
Honoring Community and Legacy
Milan Drake: How do you bring your community into your work on campus?
Tomie Lenear:
“Man, I carry my community with me every day. My late grandmothers, my cousin Avery Washington, little Junie from 43rd Street — these people shaped me. When I’m advising students, I’m channeling those lessons. It’s about more than just giving advice; it’s about honoring the voices that got me here.”
Milan Drake: How do you balance that representation with the demands of academia?
Tomie Lenear:
“It’s about being authentic. When I’m on campus, I’m not just ‘Tomie Lenear, the professional.’ I’m that kid from Oakland who grew up on Vienna sausages and government cheese. You can’t forget where you came from. Sometimes that means showing up in spaces and saying, ‘Have we thought about the students who don’t have internet at home?’ Or bringing my mom’s story as a single parent into the conversation. You have to remind people of the realities they don’t see.”
Lenear’s commitment to featuring his community’s voices in his work is a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with representation. It’s about being present in these spaces, but also about making those spaces more inclusive and equitable.
The Future of Music and Education
Milan Drake: What’s next for you? How do you see your work evolving?
Tomie Lenear:
“For me, it’s about continuing to use music and education as tools for change. Whether I’m mentoring a student or dropping a new track, the goal is the same — to uplift and inspire. I want to see more Black men in leadership roles, more representation, more access. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re moving forward.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership
Tomie Lenear’s story is one of transformation and dedication. From the streets of Oakland to the halls of UC Berkeley, his journey reflects the power of purpose and the importance of community. By blending music and academia, Lenear is crafting a legacy that goes beyond personal success to create opportunities for others.
As T-K.A.S.H says, “It’s about honoring the voices that got me here.” His work challenges us to think about how we show up for our communities and how we can use our platforms to create change. It’s a call to action for all of us to keep running, for ourselves and for those who paved the way.
Stay tuned for more stories that explore the intersections of culture, community, and change.
