STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XVI: SOLDIER'S STORY:URBAN YOUTH

"LEAVE IT UP TO ME IM A BE LIVING PROOF, TO KICK THE TRUTH TO THE YOUNG BLACK YOUTH"-



JASON HUNTER(INSPECTAH DECK)




"Current positivist approaches generally focus on the culture. A type of criminological theory attributing variation in crime and delinquency over time and among territories to the absence or breakdown of communal institutions (e.g. family, school, church and social groups.) and communal relationships that traditionally encouraged cooperative relationships among people."-

Wikipedia


The main reason to a generation growing up unconscious to a code of ethic and order is stated above: the breakdown of the family/community. Older people of yesteryear at times recall times that were generally simpler; where the culture wasn't as heavily impacted with mature ideals, that childen were exposed to. By observation most troubled youth adapt anti-social behavior "hand to mouth"; by the examples or conditions out of their own homes or communities. Some youth that eventually seek better opportunites,or choices are forced to navigate through a "jungle"; dealing with pro's and cons to come to desired ambitions of their life:

"Youth crime is disproportionately male: theorists and others have examined why this is the case. One suggestion is that ideas of masculinity may make young men more likely to offend. Being tough, and reckless may be a way young men attempt to express their masculinity. Acting out these ideals may make young men more likely to engage in antisocial and criminal behaviour."-

Wikipedia


-In one Street's Consciousness blog, p.xiii, it adresses the power of reason, conscious descision. As simple as it is, in a culture where the odds are stacked socially, it can be the same power that can preserve a life from a pattern of self destruction. The south's underground icon K-rino gives illustration to the door, the alternative:





"Its 10pm where ya seeds at? whats the deal?"-

mos def (mathematics)

-Chron smith(Hell Razah) who is currently recovering from a brain aneurism paints the picture with a snippet of "Kids on the street", with his eldest son as the main role in the video(plaid shirt). In the midst of the what the youth are plagued and challenged with, and in spite of statistics; enrichment still produces results, and the power of reason is still relevant.



THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

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

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.

THE ARCHIVE P.V :HARLEM RENAISSCANCE,BLACK GLORY

"The Challenge of Race.” -

DR. Cornel west

Latter june showcases a legendary dispensation in american history; the harlem renaisscance. One of the highlights of the deep struggle and pain of the african diaspora, the entire era held a heavy musical, social, and even political influence. Places in time like the harlem renaiscance are similar to the "black wall street" of oklahoma. Where blacks thrived in socio-economic prosperity, and made legendary prescence in entertainment, and literary accomplishment:

"The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and 1930s. At the time, it was known as the "New Negro Movement", named after the 1925 anthology by Alain Locke. Though it was centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, many French-speaking black writers from African and Caribbean colonies who lived in Paris were also influenced by the Harlem Renaissance.[1]
Historians disagree as to when the Harlem Renaissance began and ended. It is unofficially recognized to have spanned from about 1919 until the early or mid 1930s. Many of its ideas lived on much longer. The zenith of this "fertowering of Negro literature", as James Weldon Johnson preferred to call the Harlem Renaissance, was placed between 1924 (the year that Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life hosted a party for black writers where many white publishers were in attendance) and 1929 (the year of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression)."-

WIKIPEDIA

-In the modern day of 21st century, the generation today still gleans from this era, from every nationality and backround. History was made during a time of cultural and systematic rascism. The archive series of the A.L.I.H.S.T blogspot gives proggressive insight to landmarks in history to aid in any social unrest and societal ills of today. Below are two features, stars and legends of the jazz genre, and the african diaspora itself; Bille holiday and dinah washington, credible throwbacks in the strecth of black glory, followed by an interview of one of today's voices, mos def (dante smith) on the current industry.

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.

STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XII : RITE OF PASSAGE

"IN THE PAST I LOOKED AT THE PATH'S I WALK, WHERE, SAVAGES FOUGHT AND PASTORS TAUGHT"-

NASIR BIN OLU DARA JONES

"Inspired by the true story of Greg Yance. In the film, Yance (Epps) is a hood who goes to jail for possession of drugs. He is given a choice: 5 years in jail or a couple of months in boot camp. He chooses boot camp and finds out it is tougher than he thought it would be. He braves it through and comes home a better man. He then has to deal with the real world, and never gives up no matter what the odds."-

http://www.knowgangs.com/

A credible throwback served on a thursday; stemmed from an 1997 HBO premiere movie, "1st time felon" is the story of greg yance:

"The story of 23-year-old African-American Greg Yance, played with touching restraint by Omar Epps, and his trials as a first-time convict make an absorbing if troubling telefilm for sharp director Charles S. Dutton, who doesn't miss a detail. Daniel Therriault's teleplay may have its fits and starts, and may sputter out before its time, but "First-Time Felon" reaches for the heart"-

http://www.variety.com/

- Someone i know personally, greg reflects on the situation to this day, that "1st time felon" is an archive far from just a drama movie. For so many involved in the inner city plight, it bore as rite of passage and testament to influence those in the same struggle, for better change.


-In relation to Greg's story, below is an rare archive of M.L.K JR; a discourse on people of color, and self actualiztion in the time of social unrest. Though recorded in the early 1960's, it still holds as an inspirational blueprint for those who make conscious decisions to overcome personal and social challenges for the betterment of themselves and others. Followed by the current "Revolutions per minute" reflection eternal track- "In this world".

Reflection Eternal - "In This World" by Warner Bros. Urban








THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.

MUSIC IS LIFE P.X :THE LADDER: CAPITALISM

"And my mentality is, money orientated im destined to live the dream for all my peeps who never made it this year"-



AZ




"In sociology and political philosophy, the most basic class distinction is between the powerful and the powerless.[1][2] Social classes with a great deal of power are usually viewed as "the elites" within their own societies. Various social and political theories propose that social classes with greater power attempt to cement their own ranking above the lower classes in the hierarchy to the detriment of the society overall. "-
Wikipedia


In the world and termanology of political science, capitalism symbolizes economic freedom, free proprietorship. According to the quote from wikipedia above, other forms of government, left wing views, political parties and the criticism of american history would state otherwise; from the higher economic class to the lower, some political theorists would say that the "richer get richer, and the poorer get poorer". A line quoted from the "teacha" himself KRSone from his project several years ago, "I got next" he follows with "visualize wealth, and put yourselves in the picture." One view most would co-sign that exceeds any economic class. In the stream of capitalism, due to basic economic principle, one would invest and re-invest; in a talent or gift, a buisness, or an ultimate vision. In relation to the age old principle, "seedtime and harvest".
Some of these views were reflected in reknowned black author Micheal eric dyson's 2007 series "Hip-Hop Vs. America".




-From small buisnesses to well established careers entrepenuarship is the main railroad in a country that functions on a system of capitalism. One thing remains relative is that from america's ghettos to the high lofts, most seek economic prosperity. We close with south brooklyn's independent minds; GGO/T.h.u.g. angels veteran Shabazz the disciple with an exclusive ode to hiphop, "heavenly bride".



THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP 2010.

STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XI : THE BEAST

“Only God can judge me”

~Tupac Amaru Shakur

"The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world.[1][2] The U.S. incarceration rate on December 31, 2008 was 754 inmates per 100,000 U.S. residents, or 0.75%.[3] The USA also has the highest total documented prison and jail population in the world.[1][4][5]
According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): "In 2008, over 7.3 million people were on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole at year-end — 3.2% of all U.S. adult residents or 1 in every 31 adults"-

Wikipedia

"More than 60% of the people in prison are now racial and ethnic minorities. For Black males in their twenties, 1 in every 8 is in prison or jail on any given day. These trends have been intensified by the disproportionate impact of the "war on drugs," in which three-fourths of all persons in prison for drug offenses are people of color." -

http://www.thesentencingproject.org/

Crime and politics have close relation; right here in america. Today's features of Philadelphia black journalist Mumia Abu jamal and recent interviews of artist Felipe coronel(immortal technique) are self- explanitory. Mumia states the true active nature of the "prison industrial complex":

-In closing is an unadulterated interview of immortal technique about his personal account, and a socio-political view of the criminal justice system, and an exclusive track from the roots recent project "Rising down" Ft. Mosdef and Styles P.






the roots - rising down feat. mos def, styles p

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP 2010.

THE LANGUAGE OF ONE P. VIII MINDS OF SENEGAL

"Experience is always the best teacher Look at the signs, feel the vibes, I'm tryin to reach ya"



KEITH "GURU" ELAM

1961-2010

"Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is located at the westernmost tip of the country on the Cap-Vert peninsula. About 300 miles off the coast, in the Atlantic Ocean, lie the Cape Verde Islands. During colonial times, numerous trading Counters, belonging to various colonial empires were established along the coast. The town of St Louis became the capital of French Western Africa (Afrique Occidentale Francaise, or AOF) before it was moved to Dakar in 1902. Dakar later became its capital in 1960 at the time of independence from France"-

Wikipedia

June opens with insight to the east: the world according to senegal. The language of one series of the A.L.I.H.S.T blog brings the minds and culture of a people to the forefront; a brief look away from the states to feel global rythym. In this time its more than safe to say hip hop is empowerment. My personal interaction with the senegalese was a lasting impression; specifically in mediterreanean countries like italy, they are a minority, a subculture of ambition, arts, and extrodinary academics. Some of the most intelligent people of west africa. Monday allows them to tell their story to us, one of their greatest influences:

-We close with an interview with the student of truth(Talib Kweli) himself, also in tune with african culture. An exclusive interview from Norway radio with talks of the new reflection eternal project, and current movements.

Goodshit Radio: Talib Kweli interview

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP 2010

LANGUAGE OF ONE P.VII: JAMROCK CHRONICLE

"WELCOME TO JAMROCK"-



DAMIAN "JR. GONG" MARLEY

CHRISTOPHER "DUDUS" COKE-

"On 24 May 2010, police and military forces launched a large-scale operation aimed at taking Coke into custody. By 27 May, at least 73 people had died in clashes between Jamaican security forces and gunmen in West Kingston."-

wikipedia

Through mass media we witness the burning season of current events in the 3rd world. Today's spot visits the generational transitions, bloodshed, and the political and social landscape of one of the carribbean's most significant island nations, Jamaica. Currently the situation involving Christopher coke has catapulted jamaica to the front page of global headlines. Coke, son of a drug lord and head of the infamous "shower posse" which has foundations in NY, canada, and jamaica has been in a stand off for the warrant of his arrest for several days; this bears as a reflection of the island nations relationship of crime and politcs, and the mindset of the overall political climate of jamaica:

"Jamaica's two-party system, which had its roots in the rivalry between William Alexander Bustamante and Norman W. Manley (see Historical Setting, this ch.), resembles traditional North American patterns. Both parties--the JLP and PNP--were formed and operated by a relatively small number of men and with a high degree of British and intraparty cooperation."-

http://www.countrystudies.us/

-throughout the 70's these two political parties clashed, to where the streets of jamaica were filled with political violence. Of the greatest ambassadors of that era, Bob Marley headed a peace concert to counteract the war:

"The One Love Peace Concert was a large concert held on April 22, 1978 at The National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
This concert was held during a political civil war in Jamaica between opposing parties Jamaican Labour Party and the People's National Party. The concert came to its peak during Bob Marley & The Wailers' performance of "Jammin'", when Marley joined the hands of political rivals Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP-"

wikipedia

-As the world still wacthes the ultimate results of the current crisis involving coke, who is also tied to politcal powers, we can take time to look to at the accomplishments of the past, to aid in the resolving of the current state of the socio-political climate of jamaica. As the point of understanding history, is to not let it repeat itself. We close with a recent documentry, 3 of 5 parts included in the embedded link of award winning journalist Ross kemp, with an insight into the struggles of jamaica. And a throwback of Hon. Robert Nesta Marley O.M, with his own declaration of peace in a time of conflict.








BOBS PERFORMANCE OF JAMMIN' ...APRIL 1978

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP 2010.

THE ARCHIVE P.IV: EL HISTORIA

“In this great future you can't forget your past.”-

ROBERT NESTA MARLEY O.M


"Hip Hop which is a culture or a lifestyle started in the late 1960’s and the Official Birthday of Hip Hop is November 12, 1974.
Hip-hop music was first introduced at Bronx located in New York City by a Jamaican DJ, named Clive Campbell a.k.a “Kool Herc”(who was born in 1955 at Kingston, Jamaica).
Hip hop music and rap are two inseparable terms and are used synonymously. The word “rap” was derived in the 1960’s, from a slang word that basically meant conversation. Rap is speaking up rhythmically in rhymes with style and is generally along with beats. Rap also represents the recording aspects of hip hop."
The history of hip-hop music can be classified into various categories like hip-hop music, hip-hop dancing, hip-hop art and hip-hop fashion.-


http://www.hiphop-history.org/



























Any historian of culture, specifically in hip-hop would note its humble origins. From the late keith "guru" elam to countless personalites and contributors, monday hosts a double edged approach to the stream of hip hop music and culture; acknowledgement of some of the sung hero's/heroin's and their progressive moves in the modern day. We note today acts as my brother cee knowledge and the digable planet collective, who just finished a european tour, and current projects by prince po(1/2) of organized konfusion. We see these artists in progressive movement, and some making triumphant return; in some cases to show contrast between the music of the years of their emergence, to the modern day industry and pop culture. We feature recent performances of digable planets, and rakim of his recent lp "the seventh seal" along with a feature track.





The Seventh Seal is the third solo studio album by American emcee Rakim. Released November 17, 2009 after several delays on Rakim's own Ra Records, TVM, and SMC Recordings and distributed through Fontana and Universal Music Group.[11] Considered a comeback album after a ten-year gap between releases, the album features the 2 singles, Holy Are You which was released on July 14, 2009, and Walk These Streets which was released on October 7, 2009. It features production from several renowned hip hop artists, including Nottz, Needlz, Jake One, and Nick Wiz -

wikipedia


THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP 2010.

MUSIC IS LIFE P.VI THE AFRICAN DIASPORA P.II

"Message to the Grass Roots" is the name of a public speech by Malcolm X at the Northern Negro Grass Roots Leadership Conference on November 10, 1963, in King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.[1] In the speech, Malcolm X described the difference between the "Black revolution" and the "Negro revolution. "Message to the Grass Roots" was ranked 91st in the top 100 American speeches of the 20th century by 137 leading scholars of American public address"- wikipedia












Monday hosts a cultural throwback to a formative time in america: the civil rights movement. The seat of politics always held relation to the african diaspora in many forms, specifically in the civil rights struggle of the 1960's many movements were born. from united fronts, organizations to idealogies to gear the "black revolution". Legendary controversial figures as malcolm was part of a wave of activism, and idealogies like black theology,accompanied with others as martin; and political groups as the black panther party (pan-african socialist group). Below is an example of malcolm's worldview, communicated during a heated time in american politics:


-Strong words at a time that called for social justice- fast forward to the modern day. Where we feature a brief introduction of international artist of social justice, Nneka, whose origins hail from nigeria, africa.