Thursday provides insight to the ever streaming influence of spiritual/ philosophical perspectives in the modern day; both in life and music. Thoughts, faiths and idealogies carried heavy influence through the upper and underground forums of the industry, to the heights of commercial success, to the simplicity of "poor righteous teachin". Here's some of the perspectives, and the voices that carried it in retrospect:
"The Nation of Gods and Earths, sometimes referred to as NGE, Allah's Nation, the Five-Percent Nation, the Five-Percent Nation of Islam, or the Five Percenters was founded in 1964 in the Harlem section of the borough of Manhattan in New York City by Clarence Smith, known most commonly to the public at large as Clarence 13X, but referred to by his contemporaries and students as Allah (the Arabic word for God) or the Father. The Nation of Gods and Earths angered religious and political leaders, who viewed the group as little more than an offshoot of the Nation of Islam (NOI), which was already viewed by Muslims as heretical. While the Nation of Gods and Earths is commonly characterized as an organization, an institution, a religion and/or even a gang, representatives of the Nation teach that it is a way of living. The Nation of Gods and Earths teaches that the Original Blackman is God, the Original Blackwoman is the planet Earth, and through the inner esoteric powers of the Gods and Earths, people can transform and possess their true potential" -wikipedia
Rakim gave jewels during the early years of hip-hop that expressed views of the nation..in pop-culture and in hip-hop the nations voice was heard in artists as big daddy kane, brand nubian, and the legacy of the wu tang clan. The culture of the 5 % nation became assimilated with hip hop, so close that it streamed as a trend..especially in the inner city's. Part of my youth, though having my own spiritual foundation, i studied religions...in regards to the mathematics, (5% lessons) i also studied for my own knowledge, out of curiosity to why it had such an impact on hip hop culture. Though its prescence was stronger in the late 90's and early 2000's compared to today, its clearly part ofhip hop history.
The Nation of Islam is a religious organization founded in Detroit, Michigan, by Wallace D. Fard Muhammad in July 1930. He set out with the goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of the African American men and women of America. The N.O.I. also promotes the belief that God will bring about a universal government of peace.[1] Mainstream Muslims consider the group to be a non-Islamic independent religion that has adopted Islamic terminology rather than an Islamic sect due to differing beliefs about God, race, and prophecy, among others.[2][3]-wikipedia
Clearly the drive of artist as gangstarr's guru, the revelations and reverence of artists like beanie sigel, and the humble refrences of mos def, islam is still a testament of faith to many artists.
"Black Hebrew Israelites (also Black Hebrews, African Hebrew Israelites, and Hebrew Israelites) are groups of people mostly of Black African ancestry situated mainly in the United States who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites. Black Hebrews adhere in varying degrees to the religious beliefs and practices of mainstream Judaism. They are generally not accepted as Jews by the greater Jewish community, and many Black Hebrews consider themselves — and not mainstream Jews — to be the only authentic descendants of the ancient Israelites. Many choose to self-identify as Hebrew Israelites or Black Hebrews rather than as Jews."-wikipedia
An historic religious sect, adjacent to the african diaspora, exceeded the walls of subculture. Exemplied through the knowledge and artistry of killah priest, (maccabee house) shabazz the disciple and many others..it is a movement by itself. We close thursday's blog with an introspective look into a possible future "blackstar" reunion, words by mos def himself.. and a throwback from "the teacha" himself, krsone, who shares my train of thought, someone who is aware of the spiritual climate of the culture.
"My philosophy" One of the cornerstones..88' archive..enjoy..
THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP
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