Marc Lamont Hill is one of the most outspoken voices in politics, music and pop culture. The Morehouse professor has served as a commentator on CNN and Fox News and is currently the host of the show “VH1 Live!” Hill recently sat down with rolling out and shared some of his favorite things of the year. He revealed the best book, the best advice, and the best moment he experienced in 2016.
What was the most memorable book you read in 2016?
The best book I’ve read this year is L.A Reid’s biography Sing to Me. I’m a music head and grew up on the LaFace Records sound. It was great to read his experience with working with Mariah Carey and OutKast. But the worst book I’ve read is a book a man sent me in the category of telling a woman how to get a man. It’s corny and stupid. But everyone has to hustle.
What’s the best advice you’ve received this year?
The best advice I received was from T.I. He told me to stop making projects I don’t own. We have to stop giving these companies and executives and old white men our money. Let’s build for ourselves.
What’s an event that really motivated you and changed your perspective this year?
I initially didn’t think much about going to the Many Rivers to Cross Festival because it was work for me. But once I got there, I got to see all of the activists I love. I got to hang with the Black Lives Matter people, the Ferguson activists, and the people I traveled to Palestine with. Sonia Sanchez, Jessie Williams and Van Jones were all there. It reminded me of the joy that can come with being in the struggle. At some point, it’s like “I want to smile.” It made me re-energize myself, energize the struggle and get to where I want to be.
Marc Lamont Hill’s entire interview will appear in the Nov. 10 issue of rolling out.
