Knowledge/Culture - Real Hip Hop Forever

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Zulu Nation: FROM GANGS TO GLORY AFRIKA BAMBAATAA

Hip Hop played a big part in bringing peace from a gang life for many. Self expression through graffiti, bboy, beatboxing, the emcee, the dj, the knowledge all was a way of expressing ourselves with out the guns, weapons, violence. We instead battled as crews against each other using the elements of hip hop. Some of these expressions were almost like a cry for help is how it was for some when no one else would listen.

From Gangs To Glory

For those who are unfamiliar with the Zulu Nation, they began as an organization founded by Afrika Bambaataa at Stevenson High School in the Bronx. Back than it was simply known as 'The Organization'. Bam who once lived the gang lifestyle and was trying to change his ways and saw the newly formed group as a way out. Bam who was known for reading and staying up on the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and other African American leaders, changed the name to Zulu Nation after watching a movie that told the tale of the well known South African tribe.. Bam was inspired by their resistance to Dutch settlers. As Hip Hop became popular, the group became known as the Mighty Zulu Nation and as later the Universal Zulu Nation.
The story behind the evolution of UZN is significant. Back in the days Zulu's struck fear in many who lived outside of their Bronx River Housing Project strong hold. While they gave birth to Hip Hop's first B-Boys and B-Girls, the group for the most part was made up of former gang members. Many of them from the Notorious Black Spades which once reigned terror throughout the Bronx in the early to mid 70s. It used to be a really big deal for cats to hang out at Bronx River and not get stuck. It was a sign of toughness and brought much prestige. Many of the early crews tried to associate themselves with Zulu Nation for protection from roving bands of stick up kids and other gangs turned crew. It was in this backdrop that Bambaataa and other conscious brothers spent a lot of time teaching and preaching and working with Zulu members to bring about positive change. Bam often talks about how he would do simple things like bestow titles like 'King' and 'Queen' upon Zulu members in an attempt to instill pride and confidence. His feeling was that if you treated people like royalty then they would turn around and act like royalty in their actions. As Bam's recording career blew up, he saw too it that many of folks who were from the streets got an opportunity to go on tour with him and the Soul Sonic Force. Sometimes they were employed as roadies. Other times they worked as security. Again Bam's main objective was to see to it that local cats got a chance to see there was a much bigger world outside the Bronx.
Change didn't happen over night, but today the testament to all that hard work is the fact that there are vibrant Zulu chapters in more than 20 countries all over the world with estimated membership of over 10 thousand. They have come to embrace and preserve Hip Hop's key elements and have exemplified what is often considered Hip Hop's 5th Element-'Knowledge'. To me the beauty of it all is seeing what was once considered a 'ruthless gang' evolve' to a group that has strived and succeeded in serving the community. There are all sorts of stories about Zulus ridding their housing projects of drug dealers and many of the older guys spending time mentoring younger people. There are stories about Zulus escorting women to and from their apartments as well as looking out and helping those in need. This of course is in addition to various Zulu chapters that have involved themselves in local politics including the fight to Free Mumia and get him a new trial. We also can not overlook the fact that it was Zulu Nation members who put out some of Hip Hop's first records as well as among the first to establish Hip Hop's first radio shows. Who could forget Zulu Beats with Afrika Islam on WHBI. Its a shame that there hasn't been more of a public celebration and acknowledgment of this organization and its accomplishments.

Zulu nation, Afrika Bambaataa (much respect)

Added by: Chinita, 10/Nov/11 | Comments: 1

Pete Rock posted a pic on twitter of Him & Heavy D when they were kids RIP

I WILL ALWAYS LOVE U,UR 4EVER IN MY HEART! MY BIG CUZZIN HEAVY D MAY UR SOUL REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE!!

Added by: Chinita, 10/Nov/11 | Comments: 1

Immortal Technique Sits Down With Momma Yancey

‎Immortal Technique sits down with Momma Yancey and discuss everything from the recently released "Toast To The Dead," which was produced by her son J Dilla, Momma Yancey also touches on what her son would want to be remembered for.RIP J Dilla

Added by: RealHipHopForever, 04/Nov/11 | Comments: 0

THE ART OF LYRICS

THE ART OF LYRICS

NOV 18, 2011, AT THE POINT CDC ( 940 Garrison Avenue • Bronx, NY 10474 )

8-PM TILL MIDNIGHT

MC'Z N DJ'Z CELEBRATING FORWARD MOVEMENT

THE WELFARE POETS

PERCEPTO 1:30

NENE-ALI

UNDENIABLE

LUCCI

M-TRI + DJ LEECY

MIX MAZTERING ..............CULTURAL GUIDE

DJ FEREDONES.............RHINOCEROZ FUNK

DJ POLARITY

ALSO SUPPORT OUR CANNED N FOOD CLOTHING DIRIVE FOR THE PEOPLE OF NEED, BY F.T.P MOVEMENT , FOR THE PEOPLE N BY THE PEOPLE.

MORE INFO ( THE ART OF LYRICS.BLOGSPOT.COM )

Added by: GUERRILLA-REPUBLIK, 27/Oct/11 | Comments: 0

Activist Poetry Slam 2

Footage from the Activist Poetry Slam this past Thursday. An a amazing night of wise words being spread and activists coming together to build and spread knowledge and truth to the community of Jersey City and the masses of Jerz! Organizers Miguel Peralta, Just Putt (emcee) and Erik-Anders Nilsson, joined by fellow poets, June Star, David Farinas, Michael Philip Pellagatti, Enki, and CF.

Added by: Chinita, 29/Aug/11 | Comments: 0

WHY I ABSOLUTELY HATE JAY-Z

Jay Z fans irritate me mostly because of the fact that they insist their idol posseses more lyrical prowess than Nas; and although the beef between Jay Z and Nas is over…….it lives in my heart everytime I hear Shawn Carter on the radio. The reason why someone is allowed to be overrrated so heavily is because of his immense fan base. The absolutely VAST amount of people that listen to and download Jay Z records is astounding, and allows him to get away with alot of things…..because so many people justify it. Tupac is not the greatest rapper of all time, but Americans are allowed to believe that because everywhere you turn is a Tupac fan that will defend that statement. The same thing happens with Jay Z, and if people aren’t exposed to any alternative, they can’t defend against these statements by the masses that “Jay Z is the best to ever do it”

The main complaint other than the fact he is overrated, isn’t his lyrical ability. He is actually a very good rapper, but what pisses me off is not skill but inconsistency. If someone tells Jay Z to rock rap with an incredibly fast Das Efx rhyme scheme and prove himself as a capable lyrical emcee next to Large Professor and Big L, he would do it. If someone told him to use soul samples and make calm, feel good music, drink Cristal, and wear suits and fur hats on yachts, he would do it. If someone told him to wear hoodies, jerseys, baggy jeans, and Timberlands while making hardcore hood tracks, he would do it. If someone told him to make atmosoheric radio pop rap hits, wear Louis Vuitton sneakers, sunglasses, and smile all the damn time, he would do it. You can’t say “this sounds like a Jay Z song” because he has absolutely no distinctive style. He’s a generic face that changes to follow what’s trending at the time. And when he compromises his original style to do what’s “cool”, he sells records and gains more new fans.

But being a musical performer shouldn’t be about gaining new fans, it should be about retaining old ones. Eminem is a perfect example of someone who targets a completely different demographic then when he first debuted. Originially he had real hip hop heads, fans of Mos Def and Common that would defend him. Now he has thirteen year old white girls that think he’s cute. So his original fans don’t back him up anymore…….and if that happens what’s the point? What is the point of incredible record sales, fame, and popularity if you alienate the people who first got you to that position? What’s the point of being an artist if you don’t have a specific style? Why would you want to alter a good thing, when you could have lifelong fans of your music for decades that never change? I don’t understand it, because a Raekwon fan that has been listening to Wu Tang since 1992 is success……………….not a fucking platinum album. And the only reason people are on Jay’s dick is because they haven’t been exposed to real hip hop.

Added by: GarciaTheEclectic, 27/Aug/11 | Comments: 0

Once Upon a Time in The Projects- Masta Ace

Once Upon a Time in The Projects-Your life can change in one min, as Masta Ace will tell you,one bad choice is enough to f*ck your life up.So you can do what his best friend did or take a step back, like he did.The choice is yours.

Added by: Chinita, 18/Aug/11 | Comments: 0

The Revolution of Immortal Technique Trailer #1 Official Documentary

Immortal Technique emerged from prison a changed man. As his inner journey continues he travels the world promoting a revolution of consciousness through hip-hop. His path from a troubled youth to a fearless revolutionary is an inspirational must-see. Directed by Cary Stuart.

"A long time ago I began working on a documentary with my old friend about my life, about artistic freedom and struggles of it all. Now that doc is finished and is premiering at the Harlem Film Festival Sept. 7th 2011. The ®evolution of Immortal Technique.