MUSIC IS LIFE P.XVII: THE FAMILY STRUCTURE

"ALL THAT I GOT IS YOU"-

DENNIS COLES(GHOSTFACE KILLAH)

"The American family structure is considered a traditional family support system involving two married individuals providing care and stability for their biological offspring. However, this two-parent, nuclear family has become less prevalent, and alternative family forms have become more common.[1] The family is created at birth and establishes ties across generations.[2] Those generations, the extended family of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, can hold significant emotional and economic roles for the nuclear family.

The family structure of African Americans has been a matter of national public policy interest.[26] The 1965 report by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, known as The Moynihan Report, examined the link between black poverty and family structure.[26] It hypothesized that the destruction of the Black nuclear family structure would hinder further progress toward economic and political equality"-

Wikipedia

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By observation every nationality, especially in america shares the standard of the nuclear family. The first decade post the 21st century reflects the progressive family structures in today's times. Notably in minorities the family structure is in direct relation to the culture of nationalties ie: Latino, european and african american. The above wikipedia reference to the black family was written in the mid-sixties, but streams of this particular struggle still resonate today. As many of my peers, past and present, 90% of them, including myself were raised in single parented households. In natural procreation, and child rearing the father plays just as much as an important role in an household as the mother. Being as many homes suffer at divorce and separation, the stats in america show:

"Single-parent homes in America are starting to become more common in today's society. With more children being born to unmarried couples and to couples whose marriages subsequently dissolve, children increasingly live with only one parent. The proportion of children living with a never-married parent has also grown, from 4 percent in 1960 to 42 percent in 2001. Of all one parent families, 83 percent are mother-child families."-

Wikipedia

- Below is an account/tribute to the single mother, showing a common day in her plight, one in particular, Christina figourea of the Bronx.



-We close with A reflective documentry on black fathers, a narrative along the streamline of the writings of Jawanza kunjufu. And a 2006 throwback of Ghostface's reflection of his own upbringing with one gem off the Fishscale LP.





THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 201O

MUSIC IS LIFE P. XVI: 1/5 NYC: BRONX COUNTY

"ALTHOUGH AINT YOUR BLOOD OR YA CUZ, ITS ALL RELATIVE"-



REFLECTION ETERNAL

"The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also, as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated. Located north of Manhattan and Queens, and south of Westchester County, the Bronx is the only borough located primarily on the mainland. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated that the borough's population on July 1, 2009 was 1,397,287,[1] inhabiting a land area of 42 square miles (109 km2). This makes the Bronx the fourth-most-populated of the five boroughs, the fourth-largest in land area, and the third-highest in density of population." -

Wkipedia

Other than the regional, and cultural aspects of the Bx celebrated in the culture, this section of NYC has a spirit and mindset all in its own. Thursday hosts my hometown, and as a grassroots/left-wing blogger the outlook is usually socialogical; especially a region where you shared experiences personally and socially. In 2010 young adults and the youth still experience the drug culture, and gang mentality; nationalities and culture's of communities still work for their livelihood and a better one, and due to NYC's high cost of living all relatively fall under the "paper chase". Below is a brief look into the bronx yester-year..the spirit of the bronx during the crack epidemic, and the years of the progression of hip hop culture into a global front, as told by the philosopher himself:

-From Irish-italian, West indian, African american to latino, the spirit of the bronx generationally still holds a fast paced hussle, "do or die mentallity", as of New York City in general. Most of the faces of the bronx, from my formative years to now understands the social conscious. In the time of the current recession we close this brief reflection of the bronx with my family, artist Clap Cognac, with his take on the "paper chase". Shot on the very grounds of my upbringing, My family/peers give the introductory of some of the faces of the bronx.

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MUSIC IS LIFE P.XV: THE BREADBASKET

"OPEN UP YOUR EYES...DISCIPLINE THEMSELVES YOURSELVES TO STAY ALIVE"-

KRSONE

"Popular culture (commonly known as pop culture) is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes,[1] images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the late 20th and early 21st century. Heavily influenced by mass media, this collection of ideas permeates the everyday lives of the society. By contrast, folklore refers to the cultural mainstream of more local or pre-industrial societies."-

Wikipedia

"The Breadbasket of pop-culture": is a coined term i gave america, due to even my years seeing the global influence america has on the nations. From todays giants/sensations as lady Gaga, the multi-genre's of rock music, to the years span of the progressive movement of hip hop/rap; down to our manifold cultures, the nations have feasted from the united states culturally. Reckonized and criticzed, are some of the negative themes addressed in today's pop culture, and there effect on societies. I advocate especially in music more artists to be conscious of the their messages; and their global influence. This train of thought is shared and reflected by the likes of prophetic voices as lauryn hill:

"Of the world, spun by evil men with lies
only programmed to agree with what we see before our eyes"-

LAURYN NOEL HILL(The world is a Hustle)

-Art imitates life to umpteenth degree; to address the realities and issues we face as a whole is imperative, and entertainment has its place. Yet in the influx of messages, fads, images and propaganda, especially in relation to a code of ethics, it is also imperative for one to think for his/herself. An artist/contemporarie of mine stated to me that "The industry is ran by corruption(paraphrased). There are grassroots movements and independent labels to aid in its revolutionizing." Or due to the masses and capitalism of pop-culture, create a strong balance. Thee Urbanpriesthood Group LLC is one grassroots movement as many others. One example/view bears in the alternative voice of Dante Smith(Mos Def). We close this brief reflection of pop culture with a feature from his new project with Ski-Beatz(Jay Z's "Dead Presidents"):




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LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XIV : THE 5% NATIONALITY

"Twelve Jewels"-

Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (RZA)

"The Tao of Wu is the second philosophical book written by prominent Wu-Tang Clan member and principal producer, RZA. It is a sequel to The Wu-Tang Manual."-

Wikipedia




"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 traditional Muslims as heretical. While the Nation of Gods and Earths is commonly characterized as an organization, an institution, a religion, 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


-As plainly stated by Wikipedia's definition, as plainly communicated in hip-hop culture over the years. Thursday is language of one:the global front of the NGE. In the U.S, the late 80's, throughout the 90's and early 2000's the east coast and midwest shot the popularity and philosophies of the nation to progressive high. It was proclaimed through artists as Wu tang, Rakim and Brand Nubian, also the culture of Busta Rhymes. Growing up in the bronx in my mid-teens i seen the influx of the nation, and its teachings(120 lessons) in the streets and among my peers. From a personal and socialogical effect, some studied and became involved, some studied for reference /knowledge (as myself), and due to its popularity some carried it as a fad. But other than instiutions who criticzed the nation, most in the culture respected the movement. In 2010 since its days in the height of popularity most chose their own faiths, idealogies and philosophies; but from the midwest to the borough's of New York some still raise the principles of nation's teachings high:




-As you seen in the feature Lord Jamal of Brand Nubian speaks on the origins of the culture and the influence of the movement. A definite archive in hip hop history. We close with a new feature one hip-hop veteran and my brother, Prince po 1/2 of Organized Konfusion with "Lacth key Chronicles":




THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

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Post scripts:

One of my mentors in my early years that still works perfusely, and that aided me in the study of the african diaspora, Radio journalist/activist/ criminal lawyer Micheal Coard Esq. gives you the pan-african school of thought:

http://www.avengingtheancestors.com/

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A group/organization that also helped in formative years, Temple University's Pascep Program, the new generation.

http://www.temple.edu/pascep/

STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XIII : THE POWER OF REASON

"People get ready..there's a train a' comin"-



Curtis mayfield


"Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating an egalitarian society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognises the dignity of every human being."-

Wikipedia


"It takes a village to raise a child" this african proverb stands as a cornerstone whether active in a community/society or not. In american inner cities and abroad this usually isnt the case; the common environment hosts elements that can easily lead to an early grave or a good percentage of a lifetime incarcerated. I personally in freelance journalism and music as many others past and present try to give one of the greatest jewels; a stream of consciousness. To offer the generation ahead a bigger picture than the modern day societal ills that encage them. To offer the opportunity; or the power of choice, to utilize their minds, the power of reason. The late Tupac Amaru Shakur: one example conscious of the challenges but contributed first hand:



-The power of reason allows anyone to look at situation, or themselves in some scenario's and make conscious decisions; considering the accountability and responsibility factors. This stream or train of thought is not given predominately in pop-culture; in light of self-actualization and realization, to make conscious decisions for betterment of self and any sphere of influence in today's world..is a against the grain process. One giant of her generation, who feed's my hunger pains for liberation, fire's the message from the fabric of her own life, a 03' throwback still relevant, "Social drugs" :




THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

MUSIC IS LIFE P. XIV: PHARMEKIA CULTURE

"THINGS FALL APART" -


TARIQ TROTTER(BLACK THOUGHT)



"In the early 1980s, the majority of cocaine being shipped to the United States, landing in Miami, was coming through the Bahamas and Dominican Republic.[1] Soon there was a huge glut of cocaine powder in these islands, which caused the price to drop by as much as 80 percent.[1] Faced with dropping prices for their illegal product, drug dealers made a decision to convert the powder to "crack," a solid smokeable form of cocaine, that could be sold in smaller quantities, to more people. It was cheap, simple to produce, ready to use, and highly profitable for dealers to develop.[1] As early as 1980, reports of crack were appearing in Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Houston, and in the Caribbean."-



Wikipedia

In ancient text there is a reference to an age or dispensation of history: the "Age of Pharmekia(Greek)". Between the stone walls of american history, from opium to meth, street drugs is clearly the greatest commodity next to industry and natural resources. From mass political distribution, to the social unrest and monopoly of ghetto street corners; street drugs issue a fleeting high, or the devastation of a community for blood money. The culture of pharmekia is one major stream in a an capitalist/corporatist society, and globally:

"Beginning with the Iran-Contra Affair, some politicians and journalists began arguing that the CIA contributed to the rise of the epidemic. Allegations ranged from the presence of drug ties to the Contra rebels, to possible direct involvement in drug trafficking by the Contras and even members of the CIA. The exact degree of awareness and involvement on the part of the CIA itself continues to be disputed. However, on April 17, 1986, the Reagan Administration released a three page report acknowledging that there were some Contra-cocaine connections in 1984 and 1985, arguing that these connections occurred at a time when the rebels were "particularly hard pressed for financial support" because U.S. aid had been cut off."-



Wikipedia







-"The love of money..is the roots of all evil", the culture of pharmekia is hand and hand with this ahporism. One example of what proves this is the current crisis of mexico; one society in an upheavel resorting to merciless acts to rivals, and the innocent in the conflicts of its leading drug cartels. Street Drugs is an international major commodity in every country..with the united states being one of the world's main purchasers. We conclude with Immortal technique telling the story through a image laced song.."Peruvian Cocaine".




THEE URBANPREISTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.

LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XIII: VANCOUVER LIGHTS

"ITS INHERITED IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY"-

WILLIAM MICHAEL GRIFFIN(RAKIM ALLAH)

Vancouver(/væn.ˈkuːvər/) is a coastal city located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is named for British Captain George Vancouver, who explored the area in the 1790s. The name Vancouver itself originates from the Dutch "van Coevorden", denoting somebody from Coevorden, a city in the Netherlands

Monday travels up north to vancity; a unique city that holds its own identity who has treasured the influx of hip hop. Each diverse community in vancity tells its

own story,with hip hop being 100% condusive to the socialogical aspect; from graffiti to the music. As told by my brother and producer/DJ "Steps nessacery", vancity has its own testament. The word according to the foundations of hip hop:

- Common Cyhpa

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

MUSIC IS LIFE P. XIIII: THE INDEPENDENT EYE

"The artist must bow to the monster of his own imagination.” -

RICHARD WRIGHT




"Tao Ruspoli (born 7 November 1975) is an Italian-American documentary film maker, photographer, and flamenco guitarist. He is the son of Italian actor and aristocrat Prince Dado Ruspoli and American actress Debra Berger."-

Wikipedia



The visionarie and camara go hand and hand. Music is life briefly courses the screenplay writer/indie film director, influenced by the most powerful and relative element known to man: the human experience. The above example, Tao ruspoli is jus one of the indie filmakers that has grown credible influence on the scene, having one of the most potent voices on film. Another is my brother, Jesse Jackson hailing from new jersey with his jersey style films company, who has worked with veterans as Clifton Powell. One example is his newest film "House Of Mailk"(Trailer):

Tao Ruspoli "FIX"




Following thursday's brief look we peep fresh music in the closing summer month from the people's army themselves. Mutulu Olugbala(M1) and Sticman with "Summertime"

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010
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THE ARCHIVE P. VII : BLACK HISTORY: WATTSTAX

"EVERYTHING REMAINS THE SAME" -


OTIS RAY REDDING JR.

"The concert was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum on August 20, 1972, and organized by Memphis's Stax Records to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots. Wattstax was seen by some as "the Afro-American answer to Woodstock". To enable as many members of the black community in L.A. to attend as possible, tickets were sold for only $1.00 each. The Reverend Jesse Jackson gave the invocation, which included his "I Am - Somebody" poem, which was recited in a call and response with the assembled stadium crowd. In the film, interspersed between songs are interviews with Richard Pryor, Ted Lange
and others who discuss the black experience in America"-

Wikipedia

http://www.wattstax.com/

"
Black Power"- a term coined by the late pan african socialist/activist kwame ture(stokley carmicheal) in the 60's serving as prime minister of the black panther socialst party. In the african diaspora, the time between the late 19th century and the mid 2oth held progressive movements to empower blacks and people of color; from the scars and generational effects of the atlantic slave trade, and the oppression of institutionalized slavery. It resonated between movements and global influence of leaders as marcus garvey(pan africanism), to the highlights of the civil rights movement(king, Black theology, N.O.I, black nationalism). The early seventies carried the torch with progressive pride in black culture..heavily infuential in entertainment and the arts. With stax being a major record label in this time, the sound of soul reflected all points of the african diaspora in america, from ghetto, to politics. The archive reflects on "Wattstax".."the black woodstock":

- STAPLE SINGERS

-"Wattstax" came to my attention about 5 years ago, in its airing through a public television documentry. Though pop culture in 2010 has a new face, this landmark is still relevant, as relevant as the importance of social consciousness, as relevant as preservation of any culture and diaspora:

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.

STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P. XII: MEMORIAL DAY

"This aint livin'...no.. no no no"-

Marvin Pentz Gaye



"The Sean Bell shooting incident took place in the New York City borough of Queens on November 25, 2006, in which 3 men were shot a total of fifty times by a team of both plainclothes and undercover NYPD officers, killing one of the men, Sean Bell, on the morning after his bachelor party, and severely wounding two of his friends.[1] The incident sparked fierce criticism of the police from some members of the public and drew comparisons to the 1999 killing of Amadou Diallo.[2] Three of the five detectives involved in the shooting went to trial[3] on charges ranging from manslaughter to reckless endangerment, and were found not guilty."-

Wikipedia

Bell family, friends share $7M-

BY TONIA N. CIMINO
Monday, August 2, 2010 6:30 PM EDT
It’s been nearly four years since Sean Bell was killed in a hail of 50 police bullets – and his two friends injured – and now a settlement has awarded his estate $3.25 million.On Tuesday, July 27, a judge in Brooklyn Federal Court also gave $3 million to Joseph Guzman, struck 11 times; and $900,000 to Trent Benefield, who was shot three times in the legs and buttock that fateful night in November 2006."-

http://www.queenscourier.com/


"Retrospect for life"- a song title coined by artist common in 1997 bears the theme of thursday's spot. The sean bell case is nationally known, exceptionally in new york city. The above excerpt from a queens new york publication gives the recent updates to the case, now several years later. Though issues of racial profiling and police brutality are not new to america, one highlight of sean bell's case is that the tragedy brought the community together in the wake of the outrage of the verdict. Years later, even with national cases like sean bell raging in the modern day, in retrospect we see some of the harvest it brought:

Styles P(D block) views:

THE YOUTH:

-We close with a stream of streets consciousness; a gem from reflection eternal's "Revolutions per minute"

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

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