STREETS CONSCIOUSNESS P.XVII: REDEMPTION SONG

"IM DOING THE KNOWLEDGE, ITS NOT EASY" -

Queen Latifah(Dana Owens)





In my belief there are significant leaders assigned to every generation; to implement social change or to lead simply by example. In the urban plight there are roses in concrete; diamonds in the rough that overcome adverse circumstance to help others travailing in the same situations.

Unsung Hero -a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution; a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged -

dictionary.com

- In the heart of the west coast is a story of the historic gang rivalry that raged since the mid-twentieth century. From street allegiances to knowledge of self to redeeming her livelihood: the story of stephanie lang.

"The corner where struggle & greed fightWe write songs about wrong cause it's hard to see rightLook to the sky hoping it will bleed lightReality's and I heard that she bites The corner"-

Common

-Redemption song is the illustration of bringing a redemptive quality back to a lost situation, a revolutionizing of the norm. The life of stephanie lang gave the clearest picture; in an old aphorism, it starts with one.

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LANGUAGE OF ONE P. XVII:POST HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE:THE REFUGE

"SELAH"-
LAURYN NOEL HILL




As of September 2010, there were over one million refugees living in tents and the humanitarian situation has been characterized as still being in the emergency phase according to the Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Archbishop Bernard Auza. He went on to say that instead of diminishing, the number is on the rise. Also, he reported that the state has decided to first rebuild downtown Port-au-Prince and a new government center, however reconstruction itself has not yet begun.[222]

-Wikipedia

The movemnents of mass media slowly settled and silenced the tragedy's witnessed by the world 11 months ago. But the event is still reverberated by the million plus refugees, worldwide relief funds, and the impression it left to thousands worldwide, and those personally scarred by the tragedy. Natural disasters are events that effect all, and as the world looked to haiti exclusively through the tragedy, i studied to get insight to the "poorest country in the western hemisphere". A culture of its own, a.l.i.h.s.t tells the haitian dispersal in america through my brother Johwell baptiste,CEO of Negusworld clothing/enterprises, and artists. A song that serves as an extension of the effect of the earthquake and the plight of haitian people in its native land, and abroad. The addresing of social ills in every country, and the principle of social empowerment is theme of their new international project, in which im also featured, "The world heartist project".

Tranbleman de te (earthquake)Lache feat Bennchoumy. from Negusworld on Vimeo.

-We close with a song fitted for the current refugee's, the struggle and faces of every nationality on every continent, down to america's backyard. Brooklyn's John forte, along with Blitz the Ambassador, crowns a bar for bar orchestral piece, "Dyin' to live".


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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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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.



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THE ARCHIVE P.VIII : SOUL: THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

"OBSERVATION..ITS ALL OBSERVATION"-



SAMUEL COOKE

1931-1964

"The gospel revival and doo-wop merged into the great season of soul music. Soul music was enabled by the commercial boom of "race" music, that had led to the creation of channels and infrastructures run by black enterpreneurs for black artists. This class of black enterpreneurs hired and trained a generation of session musicians, producers and arrangers (not to mention songwriters) who were specifically meant to serve the needs of black music. Sould music was also enabled by an unstoppable trend towards black and white integration, as more and more white folks accepted the idea that black culture was not evil or degrading, simply different (African instead of European). The sociopolitical inroads made by jazz also helped legitimize black pop music with the white masses. "-

scaruffi.com

Though its roots were gospel soul music has transcended genre, space and time. Thursday 's archive covers soul music and its weight through time, experience, socialogical issues. From pioneers to innovators, Most stem from humble roots, to go on to make a legendary stamp:

“Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.”-

Aretha Franklin

-One example is the late Sam cooke, deemed the "father of soul", one aspect the not only gave to the origins of soul music but was active durng the time of the civil rights movement. As featured in the BBC series "Deep soul", Part six tells of one song that reverberates till now, and the origins, including his demise and influence:





- Second is sam's protege, Otis redding, one innovator among the likes of the late James Brown, and Bobby Womack, another giant in the forming of soul musician the late 60's when pop became more progressive, and racial barriers were crossed:



"Rolling Stone ranked Charles number 10 on their list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004,[7] and number two on their November 2008 list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time".[8] In honoring Charles, Billy Joel noted: "This may sound like sacrilege, but I think Ray Charles was more important than Elvis Presley. I don't know if Ray was the architect of rock & roll, but he was certainly the first guy to do a lot of things . . . Who the hell ever put so many styles together and made it work?"-

Wikipedia

-Post ray's death the movie "Ray" depicted the trials and tribulations of ray's life behind the fame and the music. Soul is is music of life, that tells everything from the african american experience and other nationalities. Every generation a new set of muscial talent arises and tells the same story. We close with a throwback of when these giants shone the brightest, at a time of political and social unrest. A 30 something Ray charles with an american traditional:

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LANGUAGE OF ONE P.XVI :21ST CENTURY CHRISTENDOM

"One girl and one crib, One God to show me how to do things his son did"-


Nasir bin olu dara jones



"Christianity began as a Jewish sect[9][10] and is classified as an Abrahamic religion.[11][12][13] Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire."-



Wikipedia


The world of christendom today is a large reflection of its deep historical roots. From the early centuries to now its no stranger to triumph, extrodinary disperal, controversy, scandal and criticism. Through dispensations the "Gospel" of Jesus the Christ(messiah) along with the Torah(Law and the prophets) and other books canonized by the Roman catholic church have been re-written and translated; and the source of protestant movements and congregations, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Seven day-adventist and an endless list of denominations. Still 1/3 of the world's greatest religions:

"With an estimated number of adherents that ranges approximately around 2.2 billion, split into 3 main branches of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, Christianity is the world's largest religion.[148] The Christian share of the world's population has stood at around 33 per cent for the last hundred years, which says that one in three persons on earth are Christians"-

Wikipedia

-The faith of many, even the base of political agenda's, modern christainity has definetly been on the forefront of controversy. One example, the extension of protestant movement, the Megachurch:




-"Religion is the opium for the masses of the people" -Karl Marx

Sociologist/Philosopher Karl marx stated this probally seeing society's hunger, movement and history, of religion's, and also the corruption. Religions are spiritual in goal,(faiths/belief system) but at times delegated and manipulated by the corrupted ways of man. Christainity is highly Criticized for hypocrisy, scandal(catholic church), avarice, (Prosperity Gospel,megachurch); an example is the current headlines of Bishop Eddie Long:

'Four young men have accused Long, the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, of sexual coercion. He has denied the men's allegations through a spokesman and has told his congregation he plans to "vigorously" fight the charges"-

AJC.COM

-To the ruling whether Bishop Long committed these foul acts or not, is a matter known between God, the accusing party and bishop Long for now, as its under investigation. Acts in the name of religion has been the cause of the world's greatest structures, and the world's greatest atrocities. Language of One also covers Religion and the culture/ideals of global movements. As thursday's blog being my faith, my views(shared by many) personally don't co-sign a religious/self -rightous nature; but rather simple faith, principle, and a growing awareness to the world around you. To have faith, but as life shapes you, to develop your own worldview. As expressed by Tariq Trotter(Black Thought) of The Roots in "Dear God" Ft. Monsters of folk off their new LP "How I Got Over":

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MUSIC IS LIFE P.XVIII : THE STRUGGLE, THE AMBITION

"THE SHINING"-



JAMES YANCEY

1974-2006

Dreams of success and entrepenuarship in the inner city are often driven by the crucibles of economic struggle. America is a capitalist/corporatist country, and in this digital age there probally has not been this many independent artists to flood music since recent years. Extrodinary undiscovered talent lies in the comfort of surburban lofts to the back of housing projects, to even behind prison walls. Every one's reason differ's for their reason to share their portion of the limelight. One of many success story's in this age is Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz(1/4 of "slaughterhouse") In my opinion one the most talented rappers with an ambition and a honest delivery. ICU lab caught the brief hunger shared by many in the inner city and abroad:

'Like indie rock artists, many indie hip hop artists place a premium on maintaining complete control of their music and careers, releasing albums on independent record labels (sometimes their own) and relying on touring, word-of-mouth, and air play on independent or college radio stations for promotion. Some of its more popular artists, however, may end up moving to major labels, though often on favorable terms won by their prior independent success."-

Wikipedia

-The "paper chase" in america is still relevant as the word "grind" takes on many faces. By principle dreams always walk hand in hand with business, good association, hard work and credible exposure. Music is life features Joell Ortiz as an example, Dear God, remixed by a 2008 Barrio nuevo realease tells the concrete roots story of the hunger to shine above circumstance.

THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP LLC 2010