What is tough love? According to the definition that we know best, tough love is simply an expression that is used when we treat others sternly, with the intent to help them in the future.
Philadelphia’s own LindoYes chooses to capture a more prudent view of the traditional phrase that we have known for years. Instead, the poet/spoken word artist paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities that America has seemingly avoided for so long. With his 30 second poem “Tough Love”, he explores the social conditioning that continuously inhibits the emotional prosperity of countless Black men. With the utmost transparency, he expresses the desire to release these emotions as they collide with the social standard of repressing them:
I want to be black man held in quiet
Small spoon, soft body
I feel that I am black man
That’s holding in loudness,
Spoon fed that I need to be hardbody
I feel like nobody when somebody
Kills my softness to be tough
Call it tough love
Lindo’s prowess has led him to performing at prestigious events such as Def Poetry Jam, and numerous venues including Urban Grind, Apache Café and Busboys and Poets. He has also performed at various colleges including UPENN, Drexel University, and Lincoln University. When he’s not blessing fans with his socially conscious lyricism, Lindo also hosts numerous events in addition to administering his own clothing line, LindoYes!
Where will Lindo raise his voice next? Stay in the loop by visiting his social media platforms below:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube / Apple Music
