" "This evening, I received a phone call that is every mother's worst dream," she said. "My son, Russell Jones, passed away. To the public, he was known as Ol' Dirty Bastard, but to me, he was known as Rusty, the kindest, most generous soul on earth. I appreciate all the support and prayers that I have received. Russell was more than a rapper, he was a loving father, brother, uncle, and most of all, son." -
CHERRY JONES (Mother)
"N----s really loved ODB," the Chef emotionally told the crowd. "I don't even know if this rhyme is gonna come out. Play it my n---a. ... Sh--."
"The funeral of Old Dirty Bastard took place yesterday (18 November) with almost 3,000 mourners turning up to pay their respects. ODB, a.k.a. Russell Tyrone Jones passed away on Saturday at a Manhattan recording studio. An autopsy took place immediately after his death but coroners are yet to establish a cause. Amongst the attendees were members of the Wu-Tang Clan, rapper Kurtis Blow and Mariah Carey who recorded the track ˜Fantasy with the rapper in the mid-nineties. The rappers cherry wood coffin was draped with red velvet and mourners turned up in traditional funeral black as well as obligatory hip-hop attire.
The funeral was followed by a public memorial service.
-gigwise.com"
Chronicles of 2004..Monday reflects one of the pillars of the wu tang legacy.. the talent, and personality spoke for itself and still speak today. We show the late russell jones in retrospect, legacy and tribute. A 2003 documentry about his transitions from the prison system to the industry.. and insight to his last days. Peep insight into the man: the years of ODB, to the present day.
" So what's left when there ain't no God..and a whole lotta pride..you might see a homicide" -SPECIAL ED -Crooklyn Dodgers
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 religiousorganization 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 Islamicsect 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..
“A coward dies a thousand deaths... a soldier dies but once.” -TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
Quoted from a shakespearean text, tupac issued this line in regards to the philosophy of an individual who pursues his/her destiny at all costs. In archive p.II we honor the fallen angels who left a mark in the pop-culture of yester-year; Aaliyah, freaky tah, and harlem bred big L. All who left at an early age due to divine will, and tragic circumstance. Aaliyah left behind a natural tone of honesty, sweet soulful reasoning and a prescence to remember; both on and off-stage. At his departure at 27, tah left behind loyalty, and love for the music/extended family he called his own. Lamont coleman issued out a gemstarr talent; one of the voices of harlemworld n.y, a promising mc gone too premature. Thus 2g10..i archive the history as a guidepost to the directions of the present day and future generation..the angels, came, gave and flew home..enjoy the legacy.
Aaliyah Dana Haughton Born January 16, 1979(1979-01-16) Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States Origin Detroit, Michigan, United States Died August 25, 2001 (aged 22) Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas Raymond Rogers (FREAKY TAH) Born May 17, 1971(1971-05-17) Origin South Jamaica, Queens, New York, USA Died March 28, 1999 (aged 27) Genres Hip hop
Lamont Coleman (May 30, 1974 – February 15, 1999), also known by his stage name Big L, was an American rapper who made significant contributions to the New York City music scene in the 1990s as a member of the hip hop collective D.I.T.C. He was shot and killed in February 1999 before releasing his second album. He remains highly regarded in the underground hip hop community as one of the most skilled MCs of all time MURAL DAY FOR L..
"IM JUST A SOUL WHOSE INTENTIONS ARE GOOD..O LORD PLEASE DON'T LET ME BE MIS-UNDERSTOOD"
-NINA SIMONE 1964
Tupac Shakur Legacy is an official interactive biography of Tupac Shakur released on August 16, 2006. The author of the book is Jamal Joseph, a friend of the Shakur family and a former Black Panther Party member. The book is published by Atria Books a division of Simon & Schuster. It features unseen family photographs, intimate stories, and over 20 removable reproductions of his handwritten song lyrics, contracts, scripts, poetry, and other personal papers. - WIKIPEDIA
Clearly one of the most influential figures of the late 2oth century..though glorified in influence, talent, and controversy..few highlight the drive, scars and the mind of tupac amaru shakur. I highlight this thursday one of the crucibles of countless men/women who made credible societal impact for greater change: being misunderstood. Today's early 90's footage allows tupac to be heard even now in 2010, fifteen years deep from his departure. Journalist ed gordon(bet.com) opens the door to tupac's prophetic resonance, from the current events of 1994, in relation to the present day. I believe one place you can always find the truth: in the contents of a person's heart.
An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose. -
Langston Hughes
The above late 90's to 2000's album realeases is a reflection of artists who didnt hide their gifts and contributions to the world. In retrospect the late 90's still told stories through the modern day; streets genre narrated drugs, money, violence..the "backpacker" held thier hip hop purists truths to heart...commercialism lit up the charts with flamboyant suits, jewelry, dances, and materialism. Then you had the rebirth of the generation of the "conscious" mc/activist. Monday highlights though during this time where so many seeds sprung forth, from swinging chains, to the ice of the rockafella era,the return to the streets of the ruff ryders era, those who stepped out and brought the love and meaning of music back to its old standard,and ushered the call for social change. Both through music and action. In the wide world of the industry, to each his own..i personally co-sign any entity that is a catalyst for greater change. One example is the late 90's blackstar - Nkiru Books is the oldest African-American bookstore in Brooklyn, New York City, USA. Founded by Leothy Miller Owens in 1976, the bookstore was bought by Talib Kweli and Mos Def in 2000. Today it is operated as the Nkiru Center for Education and Culture, a nonprofit organization promoting literacy and multicultural awareness for people of color. It is currently located at 732 Washington Avenue.-WIKIPEDIA
"Let me just say: Peace to you, if you're willing to fight for it." - FRED HAMPTON -1948 -1969
"Some understand the term political prisoner narrowly, equating it with the term prisoner of conscience (POC). Amnesty International campaigns for the release of prisoners of conscience, which include both political prisoners as well as those imprisoned for their religious or philosophical beliefs. To reduce controversy, and as a matter of principle, the organization's policy only applies to prisoners who have not committed or advocated violence. Thus, there are political prisoners who do not fit the narrower criteria for POCs-WIKIPEDIA
On the left is a flyer of the recent event in the san francisco bay area.."stop the violence",on feb. 28th, hosted by industry greats and activists. The plight of the political prisoner has been universal, generations deep. Revolutionary's from the african american diaspora to the cuban, challenged social ills and political strongholds, from the past until now. This event also spoke on the responsibility of the hip hop/entertainment community to social justice issues, to stemming down violence in concerts/events, and the ultimate plight of political prisoners worldwide. Though it focuses on this plight, i noticed in today's time these communities of social activism move on a sub-cultural stream..compared to american pop-culture. To me it moves in a wider spectrum; one example of many: the functions of one of america's biggest buisnessness: the prison system overall: and its relation to minorties.Below is exclusive footage of the conference, and a feature from nas and damian "jr gong" marley's lp- "Distant relatives".
" Curse the day of they birth confused, who's to be praised? The mighty dollar -- or almighty Allah I'm like the farmer, plantin words, people are seeds My truth is the soil; help you grow like trees May the children come in all colors, change like leaves but hold before you, one of those, prophetic MC's"-
NAS "GHETTO PRISONERS"
The City of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey, in the United States. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the U.S. 2000 Census, the city had a total population of 79,904. Camden was originally incorporated as a city on February 13, 1828, from portions of the now-defunct Newton Township, while the area was still part of Gloucester County. On March 13, 1844, Camden became part of the newly formed Camden County.[7] Although once a thriving center for manufacturing and industry, Camden is perhaps best known for its struggles with urban dysfunction. -
SOURCES WIKIPEDIA
March ushers us into a deep look at the "black hole" camden NJ. Noted in recent years as one of the worst cities in america blanketed by high crime rates..but notably renovated by positive change in the last 4 years through seeds of redemption. Monday features a prolific doc. by Chris Barret that challenges head on the issues that plaugue camden, along with my family fel sweetenberg aka sinn azucar,(in black) along with help from baby blak and dave ghetto, with a conscious narration of his hometown. Fresh from hard work fel presents "save ya life", which personally rings with me being as though i and many others identify with the urban experience, adolescence to adulthood..i overstand, in my own path and travels, my thoughts are ever toward the urban diaspora. Peep the urban legend..the city of camden. __________________________________________________
Fel Sweetenberg takes it back to the streets with Dave Ghetto and Baby Blak on this SoFlo Entertainment single. "Save Ya Life" is a compelling cipher addressed to the codes of the inner-city, where knowledge over-powers pride....and that in itself determines if you'll end up face down floating in the shallows.
Now put the record on repeat. Are they speaking of the street code, or is this some deep wordplay of advice to those new faces in the music scene? Decide yourself. -Publicwizardinc.
The A.L.I.H.S.T series or any publication of the Urban Cry LLC is soley to promote the greater awareness of diaspora's within urban communities, and global matters. Each publication released associates and highlights principles, solutions, and the general acknowledgement of code of ethics. Within the topics addressed. The Urban Cry LLC is an entity that advocates people to think for themselves.
Chronicles of 2004..Monday reflects one of the pillars of the wu tang legacy.. the talent, and personality spoke for itself and still speak today. We show the late russell jones in retrospect, legacy and tribute. A 2003 documentry about his transitions from the prison system to the industry.. and insight to his last days. Peep insight into the man: the years of ODB, to the present day.
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.
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