MUSIC IS LIFE P.XXIII :AYITI:THE DIASPORA

"HEARTBEAT" -

NNEKA

"New York City has the largest concentration of Haitians in the United States as well as the oldest established Haitian communities of the country. The conservative estimate of the legal Haitian population in the New York City Metropolitan Area, as recorded by INS is approximately 156,000. However, community leaders and directors of community centers, who come in constant contact with the illegal population, strongly believe that the actual number is closer to 400,000." -

Wikipedia

Z.A-Post Haiti's earthquake the world still wacthes as the poorest country in the western hemisphere rebuilds and restores the ediface of society and life. Today's A.L.I.H.S.T feature briefly looks at haitian diaspora through the beat of survival, and culture as expressed in examples as the dispersal in America:


"The largest communities are found in Brooklyn where the legal population is placed at approximately 88,763, and in Queens where the number of Haitians is believed to be around 40,000. Members of the community who are of working-class background tend to establish their residence in Brooklyn, primarily in the neighborhoods of Flatbush, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, and Canarsie; many are apartment dwellers many homes in the area are duplexes and triplexes. Middle-class Haitians who choose to stay in Brooklyn own brownstone homes in the Park Slope area and single family homes in the Midwood section."

Wikipedia

A description of one of the tri-state area haitian communities. Between refugee camps, U.N control, and government centers, the people of haiti, one are strengthening the ties that bind:


"The country needs to go from the uncertainty of the moment, to some normalcy. We have waited too long after January 12, 2010 to build and rebuild the new Haiti, which must be decentralized."-

Wyclef Jean


Words from Recording artist/Politician Wyclef Jean. Among the diaspora, in places as the Domenican Republic and france, the struggle of this people has encountered everything from poverty to discrimination; to political strength to a thriving culture. One voice to close this brief outlook is the international entity of "Negusworld Enterprises"(Clothing line/Multimedia). My brother/associate Johwell Baptiste(co-founder), also of haitian descent expounds on J.E.M.B.H.A; A movement/train of thought launched last year that communicates to diaspora's within urban communities, and nations.



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STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XX: AMERICAN ECONOMY

"Poverty is the worst form of violence.”


Mahatma Gandhi

"If you look at the year in economic statistics, you could tell two different stories of two different Americas. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a two-year high this week: retail sales, industrial production, factory orders, all are up. And the biggest corporations are posting healthy profits. And yet, hidden among all these trends is one that was released this past week by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
In 2010, cities across America saw a 9 percent increase in the number of families seeking emergency shelter. One out of 200 people in America slept in a homeless shelter this past year. The homeless crisis now affects more families, people who just a year or two ago had jobs, apartments, relatively stable lives that affects more families in that any other time in recent history. '-

Food. Clothing. Shelter. One night listening to BBC radio in my home, they addressed a story that slowly grabbed my attention. The reality of a homeless family, a single father raising his nine year old daughter. He explained the trial of losing his home, sleeping many nights in a car and struggling to send his daughter to school everyday, to finally finding a home just before its foreclosure. Recently passing through the holiday season, i thought of the burden, the struggle and his age(only 28). And the relevance to how homelessness touches all walks of life.


"Im, on top of the world blue diamond or black pearl"-

DA GIF(Nyc based independent recording artist)

-Ive seen some of my peers witnessed the pains of economic struggle, from finding a place to rest their head to dealings with social services. Post 21st century the Obama administration progressively seeks to repair a damaged economy. Homelessness is relative to all brackets of class system; hunger pains as told and experienced by some leading figures:

"Born Lawrence Parker in Park Slope, Brooklyn in the fall of 1965, the MC left home at 14 to become an MC and Philosopher. He came to live in a homeless shelter in the South Bronx, where he was dubbed Krishna by residents because of his interest in the Hare Krishna

spirituality of some of the antipoverty workers."-

Wikipedia

The many examples of the struggle of american economy:

"I CONTEMPLATE BELIEVING IN KARMA, THOSE ON TOP CAN JUST BREAK, AND WONT BE EATIN' TOMMORROW"-Nas

"I have to be here with my daughter and grandson. I mean, not being able to have our own house and - because I know I'm better - well, not better than that, but I mean, I know I can do it. It's just - the work is just hard after hard. You know, you go to an (unintelligible), there's 15 people there. And (unintelligible) always is to having my own place and being able to provide for my family, which I can't right now. "-

Jamie stewart(temporary shelter resident)

-One of many realities. Closing 2010, the A.L.I.H.S.T series(blog) has bore as a reflection of our own societies, troubles to triumphs. This brief look at homelessness is one of many social issues. As we enter 2011 my hopes is that we continue to look at ourselves head on, and move progressively into the coming generations. Peace.

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MUSIC IS LIFE P.XX :THE PENDANT P.III

"Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real."-

Tupac Shakur

1971-1996

"Black males continue to perform lower than their peers throughout the country on almost every indicator," the Washington-based Council of the Great City Schools, which represents the nation's 66 largest urban public school systems, said in a recent report.
While much of the news coverage of the council's gut-wrenching report has focused on the failure of nearly all fourth- and eighth-grade black males to read and do math at proficiency levels, less attention has been paid to its conclusion that educational improvements alone won't fix this problem. What's needed, the council said, is a "concerted national effort to improve the education, social and employment outcomes of African-American males." -

Dwayne Wickham

The plight of urban academia. The statistics/estimates of "the minortity report" and the ladder of american class system usually cut close. But the above article refrenced in usa today focuses in the education of the black male.

"If you think that's just a warmed-over pitch for more funding of a liberal agenda, you're being shortsighted. In 13 years, minorities will be a majority of this nation's children younger than 18. In just 29 years, most working-age Americans will be black, Hispanic, Asian or Native American. This nation will be hard-pressed to remain the world's leading economy if a sizeable — and growing — share of its potential workforce is slipping through the gaping holes in our education system."

-In a truthful account the passage of the black male in the american in the american urban public school holds a testament by itself. The african dispersal in general holds its own rich history in america; more exceptionally the black male in the inner city faces the rites of passage of peer preasure; to overcoming the hurdles of the social ills of the environment. The unfortunate facts of this article of black males and education should encourage them and the youth to equipt themselves for todays world: in and out the classroom. As stated in one A.L.I.H.S.T blog, academic education to a degree is still the "pendant", due to a ever changing world, economy and educational system. We close this brief analysys and insight with one lament of people of color, a throwback from industry veterans D-Block's Styles P and Black Thought.

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MUSIC IS LIFE P.XIX :POLITICAL GRAFFITI

"I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves".

- Ernesto Che Guevara


















From the BP oil spill, to every political agenda pre and post 21st century, in america the one element that remains is the voice of a people(freedom of speech). American politics is at times the drive, the progression and the butt of mainstream media and entertainment. From the atrocities of 9/11, conspiracy theories, and international propaganda, the high's and lows of every presidential administration effect every class and nationality in america. In one A.L.I.H.S.T blog, the term "The Breadbasket", references america being the breadbasket of pop culture to the world. Music is life, the exclusive series "Russia Today" recently spoke with one leading artist concerning the most significant era's post 21st century- "The Obama Age":





“In America, with all of its evils and faults, you can still reach through the forest and see the sun. But we don't know yet whether that sun is rising or setting for our country.”

- DICK GREGORY

-The many faces of the element of freedom of speech. One reflection of the times is the movements of the legendary collective "The Roots" in collaboration with singer /songwriter John Legend. "Hard Times is one element of their progressive project based on social consciousness.



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MUSIC IS LIFE PXVIII : THE GRASSROOTS VIEW

"THE MISSION"-

STEPHEN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY





"A grassroots movement (often referenced in the context of a political movement) is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures. Grassroots movements are often at the local level, as many volunteers in the community give their time to support the local party, which can lead to helping the national party. For instance, a grassroots movement can lead to significant voter registration for a political party, which in turn helps the state and national parties. "-

wikipedia




"Movement for Justice in El Barrio was founded by immigrants and low-income people living in East Harlem, New York City. It is part of the fight against the effects of neoliberalism and discrimination in all of its forms and operates on a commitment to the ideals of self-determination, autonomy and participatory democracy."-

Wikipedia


The above examples are two grassroots initiatives, one from the late 60's and within the last 10 years. The grassroots perspective is one of radical social change, most of the time in relation to politics; also in any industry, through clothing, film (indie) and within these times exceptionally music. Clothing line's like my brother Neguswear(Johwell baptiste), advocate social change, self-actualization and empowerment, as told by the CEO himself:




-The grassroots is politically left-wing(republic,democratic) in nature. Notably this theme is taking root and expanding in america and abroad for people to voice their views on the progress of politics, issues, and media. Artists/musicians play a major part in the grassroots movement. One collective as filmed by the Negus camp for peace day 9/21/10. We also close with a feature track from M1 of dead prez, feat Stormi james and canada's leading artists K'naan.





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STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XV: HOUSING AUTHORITIES

'THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK"-







W.E.B DUBOIS

"Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is owned by a government authority, which may be central or local. Social housing is an umbrella term referring to rental housing which may be owned and managed by the state, by non-profit organizations, or by a combination of the two, usually with the aim of providing affordable housing.
Although the common goal of public housing is to provide affordable housing, the details, terminology, definitions of poverty and other criteria for allocation vary."-

Wikipedia

The group "war" coined a song in the 70's: the world is a ghetto. The housing project is international, from america to asia, but most are relative to poverty. Government owned, the culture of the housing project is usually condusive to crime and poverty. In the united states life in the projects is generational, especially since the mid 20th century. One example of many is one located in chicago:


-9x's out of 10 poverty= social unrest and crime. Currency is part of any livelihood, a great necessity; but among the poor/low income, in a ghetto setting for simple means of survival, most are plauged with the love of money. One respected artist from Stapleton housing in Staten Island, Trife da God explains his worldview; the world in the hands of corrupted politicians.

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LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XV :EURO TONGUES

“One good thing about music, when it hits- you
feel no pain"-

Bob Marley

"Elements of American hip hop culture, such as graffiti art and breakdancing, diffused into Western Europe in the early 1980s. The first German hip hop artists emerged in the mid-1980s as part of an underground music scene. Early underground artists included Cora E. and Advanced Chemistry. It was not until the early 1990s that German hip hop entered the mainstream, as groups like Die Fantastischen Vier and the Rödelheim Hartreim Projekt gained popularity. German hip hop was heavily influenced by films which led to a strong emphasis on cultural elements such as graffiti and breakdancing, rather than just the music itself."-

Wikipedia

Post 21st century Euro hip hop. Thick basslines and dark undertones usually paint the reflection of germany's landscape. Those intune with Euro sound understand the progressive movements germany has made in hip hop through the last 20 years. One example is the Wu Tang's Gza and affiliate Prodigal sunn, With an american-german ode to hip hop(Berlin):

- One affilate of mine, Abiz and Bdoub of Be focus records realeased "Mehr als rap"(more than rap) in 2009. Langauge of one focuses on the "Art imitates life" principle. One aspect/reflection of the spirit of germany.

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

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.





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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/

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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POST SCRIPTS:

urbanliberation78@yahoo.com

TO RAISE AWARENESS/PROCEEDS FOR PALESTINIAN RELIEF.

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http://www.neguswear.com/

LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XII UGANDA SKY

"SORROW TEARS AND BLOOD"-

FELA KUTI



"The African country of Uganda has had a turbulent history in the 20th century, and music has been an integral part of the nation's development.

The first form of music genre in Uganda was kadongo kamu (single guitar).Top artists in Uganda include Jose Chameleon (heavy weight), Bebe Cool locally called Munene Munene, Bobi Wine who is called ghetto president, Radio and Weasel (also operating as Goodlyfe Crew), another sammie e with an exceptional talent, Ragga Dee and Madoxx Ssematimba, Babaluku and The Bataka Squad founders of Luga Flow which promotes rapping in your mother tongue. These artists are also doing well on the international scene."-

WIKIPEDIA

BREAKING: 1/4 OF THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF HIP-HOP


Monday gives the picture of a stream: healing waters of culture in the midst of conflict. I personally hold the U.S as the "breadbasket of pop-culture"; knowing every style and genre of music had and has global effect, the highlight is when a movement aids, or empowers a people. Bouncing cats is one example. This movement bears reflection of my brother, Joel baptiste, CEO of negusworld enterprises, who started this clothing line/movement for the self-actualization/empowerment of a people globally:







THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010

MUSIC IS LIFE P. XIII: CONSCIOUS VS. COMMERCIALISM(THE PRELUDE)

"CASA DE MUSICA"-



NNEKA

"Popular music belongs to any musical genres "having wide appeal",[1] and stands in contrast to art music,[2][3][4] and traditional music which was disseminated orally.[2][3][4] Although popular music sometimes is known as "pop music", the two terms are not interchangeable. Popular music is a generic term for music of all ages that appeals to popular tastes";[5] on the other hand, pop music usually refers to a specific musical genre."


"Conscious hip hop or socially conscious hip-hop is a sub-genre of hip hop that focuses on social issues. It is not necessarily overtly political, but it discusses social issues and conflicts. Themes of conscious hip hop include religion, aversion to violence, African American culture and advancement, the economy, or simple depictions of life in the projects/ghetto that reveal the struggle of ordinary people. Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" was an early and hugely influential political and conscious hip hop track, decrying the poverty, violence, and dead-end lives of the black youth of the time."-



Wikipedia



Thursday hosts the prelude to an exclusive blog feature: "CONSCIOUS VS. COMMERCIALISM"; 1/3 part of a U.P.G blog series called "CONTEMPLATION AND RESISTANCE" (Authors Zion Antoni and Cesar "Yedeed" Espinoza). Contemplation and resistance is a blog series that moves in the train of thought to simply "stop, look, and think" at a present situation or circumstance. Conscious vs. commercialism takes a brief view in the contrasts between the two. We start with a video on the reflection of the messages exchanged in pop music, and cultural influence, featuring today's leading figures.

With this.. we conclude with the official "Contemplation and Resistence" series:(click link)

http://contemplationresistance.wordpress.com/

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.

MUSIC IS LIFE P. XII : SIDEWALK PROPHETS

"THE EXTENSION OF A MAN"-


DONNY EDWARD HATHAWAY







Monday opens in reflection to yesteryear-and its relation to the present. A retrospective look at some of the socio-political issues of race, economy and black america. Revolutionary movements and collectives of the late 60's, and reflections of the african diaspora at this time brought about pro-black consciousness; mainly through culture(blaxploitation films, music etc.), foreign relations(war), socio-political ills and race relations. This era is one of the biggest influences and inspirations to modern day artists ie: common, lupe fiasco, mos def, jill scott:













-Below are two features, one of the icons of soul and social consciousness, Gil Scott Heron and the legendary "Last poets" ; a report and documentry on the voices who raised awareness for that and the coming generations:







-We close with the movements of a group of whom they regard themselves as the "Little brother" of the late 80's early 90's hip hop groups. The north carolina collective takes you into their world of beats rhymes and life.

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010.