Being that its "Black History Month", I thought it would be a good time to write an article about something that's been on my mind for a while. The music we listen to does much more than simply entertain us and occupy time or our sonic background, which I'm sure you know by now. What you may not know is that music is one of the most (if not the most) important aspects of our life. Listening to music is one of very few endeavors in which we can participate that activates and engages both hemispheres of our brain simultaneously. Music has the ability to serve as a catalyst for trance, thought projection, short and long term consciousness development. That being the case, it almost goes without saying that music is vital to the creation, identification and reinforcement of one's self identity.
I often think about things in terms of anecdotes that can be easily expressed to people as understandable cultural reference points that fit perfectly as metaphors for any given subject matter. Usually I pull from music or movies. One such subject matter is the subject of Blackness. More specifically, the measure of Blackness, or the question... How Black Are You?
I've thought about this, from time to time and mentally catalog song lines that answer this important question. I decided to write a short article covering the Top 5 Affirmations of Blackness, because we are in a very pivotal time in our history where our survival as a people depends on our collective self love. Self love is a direct function of self image - and this is where music comes in. I think this will be a fun and thoughtful exercise which can, hopefully, open up the conversation on our Self Image and Self Love (both as individuals and as a people). So here it is... after my years of music listening and hours of study...
The Top 5 Affirmations of Blackness
5. "... I'm Blacker than Garvey..." - Sa-Roc, True Mastery
Sa-Roc, a relative new comer to the music scene delivers a powerful affirmation, which stays on your mind for days to come. When I first heard it, instantly it was engraved on my mental memory bank. This line references Marcus Garvey, an early twentieth century leader, who's passion, charisma and business acumen catapulted him to a position of leadership throughout the Americas, as well as the world, as the leader of the Pan-African movement. It is Garvey who popularized the notion of operating as one body of people, focusing on our commonalities as Black people all around the Earth, instead of our smaller differences of religion, geography, philosophy, educations, etc. To be "Blacker than Garvey" is a tall order and requires determination and an uncompromising love for our people.
4. "... I'm Blacker than the shadow of the darkest alley that their always scared to go in..." - Brother J (X Clan), Funkin' Lesson
In their classic debut LP, X Clan delivered some of the finest poetry ever penned by Black people in America. Lyrically lead by Brother J, this album offered several classic songs that stand the test of time, as perfect Hip-Hop alchemy. The use of lyrics to uplift, inform, teach, and create new visual impressions to stimulate a new paradigm is displayed with levels of mastery throughout this album. In this affirmation, Brother J embraces the strength and power inherent in our Blackness that often frightens white people. This even is delivered with the notion of using this power and fear combination to our benefit, with the very next word in the song, "Boo!"
3. "... Black like my baby girl's stare, Black like the veil that the muslimina wear, Black like the planet that they fear... Black like the slave ship belly that brought us here, Black like the cheeks that are roadways for tears... Black like assassin cross hairs, Blacker than my granddaddy arm chair..." - Mos Def (Black Star), Astronomy (8th Light)
Not many groups have put out one album and that album be so perfectly crafted that it is considered to be one of the best of that era (or even of all time)... Black Star is, however, that group! In this timeless song, which is itself an exploration of Blackness, Yasiin Bey (then Mos Def) gives a chilling list of affirmations! With these, we see and embrace the infinite variety and levels of the beauty of Blackness. The eyes (the window to the soul), the skin and our very planet... we are these things; we are also the experience of pain and pressure, that still live in us today (both from our ancestors as well as our current collective struggle). This set of affirmations simply reminds one that Black is everything.
2. "...I'm Black - Blacker than a trillion midnights..." - Ice Cube, When Will They Shoot?
In his third solo album, Ice Cube gave us an absolutely stunning affirmation of Blackness, in the opening song. This affirmation is especially important because it also addresses the issue of the "African American" question. Ice Cube is very definite that the proper terminology for self identification is Black. The referencing of the blackness of space ("a trillion midnights") is also a reference to the teaching of the original state of the Universe, at the point of Creation... Triple Stage Blackness. Simply put, everything in the Universe... all of life's existence... comes from the Blackness of Space; also known as the Divine Intelligence, or Creator. This intelligence manifests itself into this level of reality via what is called "dark matter", which is another way of saying "dark plasma" (the intelligent energy/power which is the space between all atoms)... also known as melanin. Ice Cube's affirmation links us to cosmic Blackness - Godhood. The more one explores this line, the deeper it goes.
1. "I'm Black and I'm Proud!" - James Brown, Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)
The number one affirmation of Blackness is the most simple: "I'm Black and I'm Proud!" James Brown (master of countless aspects of our collective consciousness) single handedly reestablished our lost heritage of self identity, with this song. Without directly teaching it, we were at once reconnected to our ancestral pride in calling our selves Black. Just as our identities as Moors or Kemites, we have always identified with Black. This is because, as a people, we have always known that Black is more than simply a color. Black is the presence and manifestation of the power of the Universe, a collection of all energy together, in harmony as one. Black is the connection to the Divine; the conduit through which we commune with the Universe and Creator. It is in the Blackness of our mind that we imagine, create, and build reality, which later manifests into our visual perceived reality. Not to mention that it's so simple and catchy, that it stays on our collective consciousness for years and years (maybe even forever).
To listen to these powerful affirmations in their original contexts (each of which are legendary in their own rights), I've included them below. You're also encouraged to leave comments about these or sharing your own Top 5 Affirmations of Blackness!
True Mastery, Sa-Roc (from Nebuchadnezzar)
Funkin' Lesson, X Clan (from To the East, Blackwards)
Astronomy (8th Light), Black Star (from Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star)
When Will They Shoot?, Ice Cube (from The Predator)
Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud), Parts 1 & 2, James Brown (from Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud)
Until next time, remember... Everything is Sound, Keep Listening!
As 2014 came to a close, we were quietly given a masterpiece to take with us into 2015 and help lead the path into the future... D'Angelo has given us an album of sublime excellence; an album that represents and illustrates the Return of Christ Consciousness. Black Messiah.
When I first listened to Black Messiah, I wasn't sure what to make of it. I had high hopes... expectations... for the long awaited return of D'Angelo to studio recording. I was looking forward to hearing another Brown Sugar... a reinvention of soul music - a new standard. What he delivered was something else... something greater. This is an album for the subconscious. Sublime. Soul Food.
On my first listen, I didn't make it all the way through, because I was distracted by the fact that D'Angelo's voice is hidden beneath the music, for just about the entire album. Something stuck in my brain, however and compelled me to take another listen. Upon my second listen, I was able to appreciate the superb musical arrangements and masterful instrumentation. I wasn't yet convinced (consciously). I recognized that the music was fantastic, but I regret that he chose to keep his voice hidden. Still something kept playing in my mind... Ain't That Easy is stuck in my forward consciousness, so I listen to it once more. It is with the third listen that I began to understand the masterfulness of this work.
This album is not made for our conscious mind, but for our subconscious. This is communication at a higher level, designed to speak to, and activate, our higher self - the Christ Consciousness. This is the Black Messiah. This was revealed to me, as I realized that D'Angelo was using his voice as another musical instrument. By giving his primary instrument a position among the rest of the band, this allowed for a subtlety of communication - energy transfer - to take place, without being hindered by the conscious thought brought about by hearing lyrics of a song. Black Messiah is a beautiful and perfect album, when understood and experienced in this light. It tells the story of our people, while simultaneously speaking to each listener on an individual level. Just as millions of people have waiting (and are still waiting) for the return of the Black Messiah (Jesus the Christ), this album brings the listener into the awareness that the return of Christ is a return to Christ Consciousness. The Saviour is each of us - saving our selves and each other. This is evidenced by the placement of songs, melodies, lyrics (which can be readily understood and which are hidden or obscured), vocals and instrumentals, to invoke specific feelings and thoughts which serve to connect us to specific events and principles of nature. The understanding of prophecy is evident throughout the master work, as well.
Without being too long-winded, I'll give a quick synopsis of the album (which is best enjoyed as a continuous listen). Think of this entire album as a continuous message from our Higher Self (Collective Consciousness) to our conscious minds, as we experience this level of reality.
... And Higher Self says to us, "You can't leave me, it Ain't That Easy. You will endure what will feel like 1,000 Deaths and then loose your self identity and exist in The Charade fashioned by your enemy. He will play Sugah Daddy, but you will remember that I AM Really Love. You will then begin to make your way Back to the Future (Part I), as you realize you must reconnect to your past to ascend to your full potential. You have to pursue this goal Till It's Done (Tutu), which will take Prayer , meditation and perseverance. Do not Betray My Heart, lose focus, or lock yourself out The Door of our elevation. Return Back to the Future for (Part II) of your greatness, so we may begin Another Life."
This can be seen as the story of Black People, as we have journeyed through the last few thousand years, or as each of us in an individual progression of growth, as we learn and grow toward our divinity. We are the messiah for which we have waited... we are awakening to our past, present and future. We are all connected and it is time for us to elevate into another expression of reality. Those of us that wake up first are charged with the duty of waking up others. 1,000 thanks to D'Angelo for helping to wake us up.
Standouts (This was VERY Hard to do, as every track is stellar):
Ain't That Easy - The opening song for this timeless set of music is wonderfully infectious. With a groovy soul strut, the music rocks you with a familiarity that recalls your mother's arms, or the embrace of your true love. D'Angelo's vocals play hide and seek with the rest of the instrumentation for much of the song, however there are important places where his singing takes the spotlight, and he grabs hold of you (and you won't want him to let go). This music - this song - is ripe with memories of the fondest things in life...in fact, Life Itself! This brings forward thoughts of the things in life without which you truly cannot live. In fact, in a rare instance of vocal clarity, one of the most important lyrics is delivered when D'Angelo delivers the sage advice, "You won't believe all the things you have to sacrifice, just to get peace of mind. Yet you take what they give, as if it did suffice.Still, it's just a waist of time." Lesson: that which is most precious in life, is that without which we cannot (and will not) do. This song can easily stay on repeat in your brain (and you won't be upset about it, either). Classic.
Really Love - This song begins softly, with a peek into an intimate setting, presumably between lovers. It eases the listener into the pocket of its space and time, like a perfect dream. This is one of the standouts of the album, as it perfectly captures the delicate feeling of love (as illustrated by the vocals), along with the rhythmic nature of love's momentum. Once we begin loving (or rather realize we have begun to love) the continuous swelling of life's experience with this other individual is much like a dance. The Vanguard perfectly captures the essence of this dance. The same is true when the love we realize extends to any other aspect of life.
Another Life - The Jewel of the album. Hands down. This is the most beautiful song D'Angelo's ever composed. This is what it's all about. Another life. A new start. A new life, with love. The piano work in this piece is magnificent, as it takes precedence, leading the band into a bright future. This song will stimulate your thoughts of whatever perfection looks and feels like in your mind. Just like perfection, Another Life doesn't feel like a destination - it's more like another level, or quality, of life. The song has this soothing effect, that keeps one looking forward. The absolute best comes toward the end, where D'Angelo's vocals take over in a multi-layered expression of love and wordless emotion the likes of which have not been witnessed since Marvin Gaye. This song is therapy, for life today to inspire us to reach for our perfect life tomorrow... and make that tomorrow be our today.
So, if you haven't taken the opportunity to listen to this album (or only made it through one listen, or less), I recommend that you take the time to listen again... and again. You will certainly be rewarded.
And, as always, remember... All of Life is Sound; Keep Listening...
Today is 1/14/15... the Perfect day for the reflection on 2014, from a 2015 perspective. I thought about this for a while and when I started writing down the prominent songs and albums that defined my 2014 Soundtrack to Life... There was just too much! I was going to do this as a Top 10 style list, however I've opted for a different approach...
This is my Soundtrack of Life 2014 (at least some of it):
What's yours? (Leave you listing in the comments.)
Until next time... Remember, All of Life is Sound... Keep Listening!
"I'm the words you're afraid to speak; the face you're too vain to see. I am scarlet, call me crimson red; the blood of a million slaves, in every verse that I pen. I'm dark matter in a world of light weights; the future you can't fathom - your inescapable fate. I am freedom through a musical note; I am you inside of a mirror - the reflection of hope. I'm an alien; an outcast; a pillar in the land of ruin..."
"I'm Ellison and Baldwin..."
"You know the name; they call me S-A Roc. I be low ridin' them beats, like them esses rock. My intro was like a thesis, and then my essay start. Yell amandla fo Madiba down in S.A., ahk!"
Imagine, what if Rakim and MC Lyte birthed a child... or maybe a living reincarnation of Auset or Sekhmet... how ever this beautiful Starseed has found her way to come amongst us matters not. The fact that she is here to raise the vibration and consciousness of Black people and the world's population (because as black people go, so goes the world/planet), via the most powerful and popular form of communication (Hip-Hop music), is, however, of the utmost the importance.
Nebuchadnezzar, by Sa-Roc is a wonderful masterpiece of Hip-Hop spoken literature. If you have not heard of Sa-Roc before, please do yourself a favor and look her up on her website, YouTube or iTunes. This is the latest album by the Atlanta MC, who is a masterful writer (easily one of Hip-Hops best of all time - which is not an easy task) with an acute understanding and affinity for metaphor and concept. This is merely the latest classic album delivered to us by Sa-Roc.
For those who don't know of her, I'll give a slight bit of context for this album (for those who do, please bare with me, as I'm fighting back the urge to write an entire chapter! ... remember, I'm striving to keep these short). This is music for those whose "third eye stay open, like the lid broke". Sa-Roc has been releasing albums, mixtapes and singles for years now, quietly. Each album being a lyrical and musical classic (although most have all gone under the radar of the masses who enjoy corporate *hit-hop, as they are subjects to a music industry that seeks to cement our unfortunate situation and help us kill ourselves, while we rock to the beat and they keep their hands hidden behind their backs - see Industry (End-Us-Try), from her album Journey of the Starseed), the union of Sa-Roc and her primary musical partner, Sol Messiah, are extremely reminiscent of the chemistry found between Eric B. & Rakim. The way she sinks/syncs into the tracks to become an instrument of musical intelligence implemented to spark the awareness of the listener and challenge our linear thinking is remarkable. Sa-Roc merges her vocals and inflections perfectly with each track, and with lyrics like ,"I'mma take 5, and finish this 16. Grap some 7s for a build, while you finish your 15, 'cause you can't walk a mile in my 5411s (mint green). I'm forming cyphers round the perimeter - 360," it's hard to miss the lyrical lineage.
Nebuchadnezzar, Sa-Roc
This album is designed as "the Nebuchadnezzar, the sleeping giant, the saviour of the Universe," a vehicle/ship (the ship is our collective relationship) to bring our people out of the sleep induced mental death and slavery that is today's "reality" for most people (just as the Nebuchadnezzar in the film The Matrix served that same purpose). There are many wonderful sounds, themes and songs filling this classic 2014 release. Hard. Soft. Intricate. Bold. Supple. Sublime. Conscious. Straight forward. Metaphoric. Meteoric. Terrestrial. Celestial. Sa-Roc is all of the above. Nebuchadnezzar showcases all of these aspects of the goddess. It's got strong menacing tracks, where she rips through opponents, like the Sekhmet, Eye of Ra (Maximum Frquency), along with soft songs set to cause the listener to explore their inner power (We Can All Fly), the importance of our children being born as this new generation (Indigo Child), and the condition of our current situation and how to get out (Nebuchadnezzar). There are also grooves to dance to that paint visions of the redemption of our image as portrayed by the dominant society (Lost Sunz), the origin of man on Earth and elsewhere in the Universe (H.A.R.D.), and spectacular tracks with guest appearances by Wise Intelligent, David Banner and more. This is the album of 2014. If you don't have it, get it.
Standouts (5 Jewels): Maximum Frequency - This song is a crystal clear illustration of Sa-Roc's prowess as a battle rhymer. From the top of the track, she delivers a classic intro, "I am not here to play with your feelings or save your career..." it is clear that you are listening to a pro. By the time she lets you know, "I will straight chalk outline you", you are already hers. The Busta Rhymes sample employed for the hook is classic Hip-Hop, and Sa-Roc lives up to every line. Lost Sunz - This was my first introduction to Sa-Roc and I think it is a fitting first impression. The soft acoustic guitar at the opening leads into a love song of sorts. This extremely danceable track is offered as a redemption song, re-envisioning our people as having value. This is an anthem for the unrecognized beautiful Black people. We Can All Fly - As supreme as she is on rough rolling music, Sa-Roc's true shining talent is her delivery on tracks that offer a softer, more accessible sound. This song has a soft and lilting soundscape, while exploring deep issues that trap our minds into this earthly "reality". Indigo Child - This light, bouncy track is dedicated to the beautiful children that are being born now. This is not only one of the best songs of the album, it qualifies as one of the year's best songs. This song gives the feel of new hope, with fresh lively lyrics. It's an instant classic. H.A.R.D. - Probably the best song on the album (which is not an easy task). This song combines both hard and soft sounds in delivering poetic prose which is centered around the beginnings and essence of life and the Universe. This is a lesson, both in rhyme skills and esoteric science.
If this is your first time learning about Sa-Roc, you're in for a great time. She has a tremendous presence on YouTube, so here are a few of the standout tracks from Nebuchadnezzar.
Maximum Frequency, by Sa-Roc (Official Video)
Lost Sunz, by Sa-Roc (Official Video)
The Who?, by Sa-Roc (featuring David Banner) (Official Video)
Until next time, remember, All of Life is Sound... Keep Listening.
Can it be that it was all so simple, then...? Twenty years ago the Wu-Tang Clan released is first album. A bonafide Hip-Hop classic. Indeed, one of the best and most important Hip-Hop albums ever made.
A couple weeks ago the Wu-Tang Clan released its sixth proper studio album, with the opening lines, "After all these years, what you said was true. The Shaolin and the Wu-Tang is very dangerous..." (followed by a living memory of crew member Ol' Dirty Bastard, marking the first time we've heard all ten members on one album, since 2007's 8 Diagrams. This album marks the 20th anniversary of Wu-Tang in the limelight of our collective Hip-Hop (and popular) culture. This reunion has been extremely anticipated and has been on the lips (and finger tips) of millions for months... will they do it again? ...should they? ...does anybody care? Are they able to make people care? ...can they change that course of Hip-Hop again and bring it back to a look at the less glossy reality of the real world (as opposed to the Shiny Suit, Flossy/Glossy, Hollywood packaged "reality" petaled on TV and music that people are used to)?
Only time can answer all of the above questions, however all signs point to this reemergence of the Wu being for the best, as far as Hip-Hop music and culture is concerned. This is a remarkable album. Back to the first statement in the opening. What is it that makes the Wu-Tang so dangerous? Well, first of all, the most dangerous thing to all of western "civilization" is an awakened/aware Blackman with knowledge of himself (and also his planet). Being that the members of the Clan are all members of the Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as Five Percenters), they fit into this category. Secondly, because they make music much the same way that they would learn or teach lessons to elevate the mind of the less fortunate members of the original family - which is to say, you meet the people where they are. The way they go about making music and teaching is dangerous, because is carries with it the likelihood that the message of righteousness is buried too deep in the sonic landscape which is a vivid portrait of the surroundings from which all the members hail. A third danger is the inherent danger of success on the major world stage. Most of the time, when artists become household names around the globe, and get major airplay, they are co-opted by the industry corporate machine and no longer represent their original fan base (which is invariably the same garden from which the artist is plucked), instead they begin to represent and push the corporate agenda of keeping the people sleeping and ignorant.
So what's different here? They've grown up and matured and firmly settled into the danger inherent in their spiritual background. This album sees the most direct teaching tracks that Wu-Tang has ever put together on a single album. This is not to say Wu-Tang have morphed into Public Enemy. Not quite. However, instead of keeping everything woven and encoded into the lyrics, they have pushed the message of positivity, self knowledge and the need for "a better tomorrow" up to the forefront. Three of the album's jewels focus on this, in fact. Miracle, A Better Tomorrow, and Never Let Go are all Wu-Tang at it's best. This is the Wu-Tang of Tomorrow. Many of the songs are still aimed at the core audience, with lyrical content familiar to the formidable Wu catalog. Although there is a noticeable shift in the members' mentality. They've grown up and are wise about the world, however they will never get tired of sharing poetic wisdom designed to help those seemingly locked into a reality that they were once in themselves. The Wu-Tang Clan is also very conscious of their place on the world stage and therefore understand the global impact of their "teachings". (If there was ever any doubt of this, just check out the cover artwork for A Better Tomorrow and it will become clear that the Wu is very aware of it's importance to world culture.)
The Wu-Tang and Five Percent Nation are very similar, in that, at the core of both, is the purpose and practice of taking the teaching of truth and high science out of the holy sanctuary which most could or would not participate in (Shaolin and the Nation of Islam, respectively) to the unregulated environment where "the people" could most benefit from the knowledge and wisdom. This method, requires that the people are introduced to the knowledge where they are initially at (physically and mentally). It is through the pursuit and practice of said knowledge that "the people" begin to elevate out of the state of sleep and weakness. So after twenty years of "teaching", via group and solo albums, guest appearances, special projects, movies, media, clothing and many many other methods of touching the aforementioned "people", this album finds the Clan in a different place than when we first met them. However with understanding, it is clear to see that these are the same teachers who first taught us to Protect Ya Neck.
So, how does it sound? Great. Familiar, yet modern. The Wu-Tang is moving forward, musically, however it is firmly locked onto the sonic signature that is their trademark. The album boasts cinematic scale menacing sounds, along with gritty sample driven stories, next to soulful live instrumentation. To top it all off, two of the show-stealers come from old school throw-back style bangers (A Better Tomorrow and Wu-Tang Reunion) which are reminiscent of Hip-Hop in the park - raps in-between the verses or choruses of soul music classics. The tempo of the album switches gears often enough that it keeps the listener attentive. Starting with the high-energy Ruckus in B Minor, we are taken on a journey into tomorrow. Along the way, we are taken through all the side streets and alleys that may be forgotten by other guided tours taking the listener to "a better tomorrow". Slow menacing tracks (Felt), followed by classic Wu-bounce dance music (We Will Fight) and soulful groves (Mistaken Identity), leading to armor-piercing tracks designed to keep the listener's mind on the potent lyrics (Crushed Egos), which give way to upbeat anthems (Keep Watch)... and the ride keeps going. This is the fullest sounding Wu album ever. It is most reminiscent to 8 Diagrams, however it's a different animal, altogether - being much more focused (in terms of music, lyrics and delivery).
I first heard a few tracks early on Wu-Tang's Soundcloud page. I was so hyped up, I almost started writing this then... but I waited to get the whole thing. I was very pleased, needless to say. Although, I must say I was puzzled when I read the mixed messages on Facebook, by fans on either side of the acceptance of this landmark album. Wu-Tang is undoubtedly growing and every blade of grass grows at a different rate, so this next step is one that some aren't ready to make, which is understandable. However, I decided to hold off on my initial thought to write this article (right after my first complete listen)... In order to make sure that I wasn't just loving this because I just missed the Clan being on a record together, I decided to go about this in a more scientific way. I began listening to all the Wu-Tang Clan albums (not solos, just main albums), in order, from Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) all the way to A Better Tomorrow. This took time, as my life doesn't allow me to listen to Wu-Tang Clan exclusively. I recorded the tracks that were album standouts (and thus standout as benchmarks for future albums) and specially marked (*) those that I considered classics. (Note: I considered a track Classic when it struck me on the first listen with that undeniable feeling, a wide smile, corresponding head nodding, and irrepressible need to "hear that again!") This is not to say those songs which didn't make the list aren't good. Quite on the contrary, most are excellent works of music and poetry that captures the life and times of those in the process of growing into knowledge of self, while still in the belly of the beast - however they didn't meat the above criteria. The results of my study, which I found quite interesting, are below:
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers):
* Bring the Ruckus
Shame on a Nigga
* Clan in the Front
* Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber
* Can It Be All So Simple
* Da Mystery of Chessboxin'
* Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing to F' Wit
* C.R.E.A.M.
Method Man
Protect Ya Neck
* Tearz
* Wu-Tang: 7th Chamber, Pt. 2
Grade: Standouts 12/12 100% - Classics 9/12 75%
Wu-Tang Forever:
* Reunited
For Heaven's Sake
Visionz
* As High As Wu-Tang Get
Severe Punishment
A Better Tomorrow
* It's Yourz
* Triumph
Impossible
Bells of War
* MGM
Heaterz
Grade: Standouts 12/27 44% - Classics 5/27 19%
The W:
* Chamber Music
* Careful (Click, Click)
Hollow Bones
* Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)
Let My Niggas Live
* I Can't Go To Sleep
* Gravel Pit
Grade: Standouts 7/13 54% - Classics 5/13 38%
Iron Flag:
In The Hood
* Rules
* Uzi (Pinky Ring)
One of These Days
Radioactive (4 Assassins)
Grade: Standouts 5/12 42% - Classics 2/12 17%
8 Diagrams:
* Take It Back
Get Them Out Ya Way Pa
* Rushing Elephants
Unpredictable
The Heart Gently Weeps
* Sunlight
Windmill
Grade: Standouts 8/14 57% - Classics 3/14 21%
A Better Tomorrow:
* Ruckus In B Minor
40th Street Black/We Will Fight
Crushed Egos
Keep Watch
* Miracle
Necklace
Ron O'Neal
* A Better Tomorrow
* Never Let Go
Wu-Tang Reunion
Grade: Standouts 10/15 67% - Classics 4/14 29%
By my scientific (albeit very small) study, A Better Tomorrow belongs among other classic Wu-Tang albums, and is easily the strongest album since The W (or maybe even stronger than The W, putting it only second to the all-time classic Enter the Wu-Tang). This is definitely a classic album that everyone who loves Hip-Hop, should have in their collection. The best part about it is that it represents the Clan growing and waking up... remember the Clan are individuals who are "plucked" from the same garden as their core audience, so as they begin to wake up and be more overtly socially conscious, so too do the others in the "garden". This represents the waking up of the proverbial "Sleeping Giant". The change is on the horizon, as the giant has his eyes open. There have always been more socially aware Hip-Hop groups and performers, however think of them as the alarm clock of the giant. While they have been going off (for years!) the giant has been sleeping, groggy, hitting the snooze button, sleeping again... but, this time, it looks like he's finally waking up. So... the Shaolin and the Wu-Tang is very dangerous...
A Better Tomorrow, Wu-Tang Clan
* Ruckus In B Minor - One of the Crown Jewels of the album! One of the best Wu-Tang songs ever! All Ten Members! Classic Lines!... and that sound! With a steady rolling movement, punctuated by eerie guitars, changing rhythms, and classic lyrics with a false ending, highlighting Raekwon and Masta Killa's anchoring of this track, it has it all! This is the best Wu-Tang album opener (even topping Bring The Ruckus).
* Miracle - With it's opening of soft strings and angelic singing, your first thought might be "what is this?" or "where are we going, with this?" Inspectah Deck swiftly answers this, as he comes in with hard hitting verses illustrating "the travesty that we've become". Followed by Masta Killa's crime-story lines, we are taken into the lives of those who are just trying to make it out of hell. This goes on, as Reakwon picks up the story, ans the song gets more cinematic. What would seem to be the same familiar territory of regular Wu-Tang crime rhyme, the spirit of the track peaks out, as Rae mentions that he doesn't want to kill is brother... This is the Travesty. Killing one another. The song is brought home by Ghostface Killah, as the song flips to a middle east melody, who begins to deliver a heartfelt open-letter prayer to Allah. He outlines the recent state of our Earth and what we have to live through... What is the prayer for? What is the miracle? Destroy the system enslaving us and make a million Suns/Sons stand up as one.
*A Better Tomorrow - The title track opens up with the familiar piano strokes from Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, "Wake Up Everybody". This calls back to days in the park, when we would just rap over available records to make the old new again. The opening lines from Method Man set the tone and immediately grab the listener's attention. As he illustrates how we're trapped up in the circle of the system, the music swells, then we hear from Masta Killa, who shares that the answer is knowledge of self and that the complacency of "old time religion" is clearly not going to help us. Then Teddy comes in singing, as if he was in the studio with them. This song is perfectly crafted to push us forward, while keeping us attached to our ancestors and a clear knowledge of our past. Each member who graces this track with their presence (Method Man, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Raekwon) clearly addresses the current state of live in America, and the entire world, for the Blackman. As the song winds down, we hear the brothers chanting "We gon' change the world! Change the world!" It's at once a message of love and change... through self determination. "Wake up, get a hole of your life." This piece is also prophetic, as it was recorded before the recent events which have coincided with it's release. This album, and title track, seems a perfectly timed soundtrack to the uprisings happening around the country. So much so, that just a few days ago, the Clan released a video for this song, featuring only video footage of the protests and uprisings surrounding the blatant racist rulings in several cases of police killings of Black men and boys.
*Never Let Go - The fourth Crown Jewel in this classic album, opens curiously with a sample of Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream speech. This is interesting, to say the least, as King is not the archetype that one would think to connect with Wu-Tang Clan, however as the song moves forward, splicing bits of the speech throughout the song, it becomes clear that Hip-Hop is the realization of the "Dream"... and that there are other dreams that we have the power, and responsibility, to manifest into reality. This must be done by keeping true to your plan and the path that you set out on. The use of the speech is most clear as the song reaches its conclusion, when King points out that the future of both Black and White are intertwined. Why is this significant? Because this was recorded before what is becoming the true "greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation"... these protests and uprisings. Particularly the uprisings ("There will neither be rest nor tranquility..."). The world is taking notice that we are making a change and waking up. We can no longer stand by and stay asleep. The live instrumentation is a perfect match to the lyrics and performances of Masta Killa, GZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and RZA. Lines from GZA ("... being that ignorance is lethal, we must touch hearts, tune souls, harmonize the people...") and RZA ("... the seed will carry it on, we need to carry it on, pass the baton, life is just a marathon...") sum up the idea of this classic song. Once we wake up, keep on moving! This is a momentum that we cannot afford to die out.
Here's a few samples of the album:
A Better Tomorrow (Official Video):
Ruckus In B Minor (Album Track):
Wu-Tang Reunion (Album Closing Track):
If you haven't already, I urge you to check out this album. You may also have fun in taking the Wu-Tang Clan challenge! Listen to all six albums in order, each song, and keep notes on which songs are the standouts and classics. What do you come up with?
Until next time, remember, All of Life is Sound... Keep Listening... and Waking Up!
A week ago, I witnessed, and participated in, the birth of my son. We had music playing throughout my wife's whole labor and delivery. Shortly afterward, I held him in my arms and rocked him... a song was playing at the time that struck me and impressed itself into my memory of the blessed event. This song was New York to Cali.
I have been working on this since the weekend, as the song has been in my head since last Friday. I see that it is no coincidence that time has proceeded as it has, as now is the perfect time to write this. During this tumultuous time of the Ferguson verdict fallout, this is something to which we should lend our attention.
Why this song? Well, the meaning of one of my son's names is "Breath of God", which I initially thought about from the standpoint of breath as we know it, however it occurred to me that Light itself is also the breath of god. In this song, we witness Rakim, the God MC, also known as Ra, transform into a metaphoric manifestation of the aspect of the Creator, known in ancient Kemet as Ra. What does this have to do with the recent events of today? Well this masterful piece of rhythmic American poetry is so well crafted, that the alchemy of the lyrics will likely elude even the most astute listener. This is more than a song. This is a spell for self-transmutation into one's light body. What may appear as Rakim simply rapping about his ability to rap and entertain crowds nationwide (a simple repetitive style that has been in existence since the beginning of Hip-Hop), however this is much more. Rakim Allah (as he is also known) is an enlightened individual, who has the knowledge that we are god - fractions/mirror images of the Creator. We are energy. This energy that is the true person within the bodies that we wear is, essentially, light - or that which produces that light. With this in mind, many of the lyrics that Rakim writes, particularly from the first person, are written with the listener in mind, so as they too recite the song, they reinforce their own positive self images. This song is no different, yet it goes a step further.
To understand what is happening with this song, you will need a basic understanding of (or at least familiarity with) the Kemetic "God" Ra. The Gods & Godesses (Neteru) of Kemet (Ancient Egypt) are aspects of the Creator. Since the Creator is ALL... the animating life force in ALL (the All in All), it is too broad to comprehend. The Kemetians studied the Creator/Nature through the use of stories, where the various Neteru would live out various scenarios, which can still be seen in life today, if one has understanding of the stories. The stories are really lessons, allowing us to slowly know the "unknowable". Ra is one of the most powerful Neters in the Kemetic history. He represents the Sun, and is said to travel across the sky in a boat, daily, as the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. There are many stories to go along with this, which can be investigated elsewhere. What is important for us is the idea of this boat ride and what takes place while it is in motion. This is the heart of the song.
Rakim subtly, and seamlessly, uses himself as a metaphor in the place of Ra, which can be seen as the Light and Energy from the Sun, which can be seen as the perfect attainment of our Enlightenment; this is out Light Body. (The Sun is a Body of Light.) As one recites it with Rakim, so too does this apply to the participant. Everything in the song speaks to a heightened state of elevation and beneficence. Rakim transforms into the Sun, giving light and life to all. This is speaking to the soul of the listener... or rather the reciter. The word play interlaces the Godly, the metaphysical, and the mundane in a way that it can touch your soul and seep in to you... to affect you... to change you... or rather, to assist you in changing and elevating yourself. We all are gods - aspects of Creator. We are the All in All having a Human experience called "you" (enter your name here). There are things we need to experience, see, do, say, hear, etc. to awaken and fully realize our potential as reflections of Creator. This song places one in that mode of thinking - from a subconscious conversation... this is why the song is so brilliant. No wonder Rakim is considered the God MC.
The specific version I am speaking of is the one produced by DJ Clark Kent. This features a sample from the S.O.S. Band's "Tell Me, If You Still Care". The sound is smooth and supple (even referenced in the lyrics). There is another rougher version produced by Dominic Owen (more reminiscent of nighttime - also referred to in the lyrics), which is also very captivating. The Clark Kent version is the superior of the two (in my opinion) due to the sound and the sample. And it serves as an answer to the hidden question contained in the origin of the sample itself ("Tell me, do you still care about me?"). Look at this as a conversation with the Creator. "Of course I still care. I show up every day and provide you with another opportunity to rise up with and become ME." Although the question is not directly asked within the lyrics of the song, it is implied by the use of the sample.
The combination of the lyrics, delivery and sound of the song combine perfectly to be something that can be listened to, studied and enjoyed. This is indeed one of Rakim's many classics and it is ashamed that it never received wide release. Take a listen for yourself, and allow yourself to go on this journey with Ra, as Ra. Hopefully you'll be able to experience the uplifting sense of elevation... and rise above the chaos of the world today. At the very least, you will experience one of the best, smoothest songs of the best MC to touch the mic. either way, I'm quite sure you will be satisfied.
For those who are interested in further study of this masterwork, I have provided a detailed decoding of New York to Cali below.
New York to Cali, byRakim
New York to Cali, by Rakim - Decoded... (My translations are written underneath the verses, in red.)
Yeah.
Word 'em up.
Ay, yo, turn the bass up a lil' bit, G.
Yeah, yeah.
(Rakim! Make 'em clap to this.) (X2)
Yo, check it out... (First is the Word... then the great mound rises out of the primordial waters of chaos... then creation begins. When you clap, you "create" sound... sound/vibration is the essence of all the physical universe.)
I come again, fun'll begin, when the drummer come in. Synonyms don't want to end. Rakim's gonna win. Always seem to come out at the right time with the right rhyme. Smooth in the day and sound rough at night time. (This is the rising of the Sun, Ra in the form of Khepri; the dawn - again, because this process is eternal. The sun brings life, so the fun'll begin when the day begins, as the Sun rises. Life is an eternal process; there is no beginning and there is no end. We are fractions of, or reflections of, the Creator, so we are the synonyms - we are eternal, at our essence. The Creator is always the winner, because All is All. The Creator is always there, at the "right time" with whatever we need. Also the Sun always returns everyday, at the right time - not necessarily the same as yesterday, but always when it is the right time for each specific day. The Day light from the Sun is healthy (smooth) and good for us - especially original melanated people. Artificial "Night" lights are unhealthy for us, and are rough on our system.)
Just an echo, in every ghetto, meadow and valley, side-street and alley, from New York to Cali. I've been seen in every state, and between, on stage. They scream every phrase, I leave the city in a rage. (Once the Sun rises, light floods the planet. Even if not direct Sunlight, the indirect light of the Sun (echos) reflects and refracts and transmits light/life everywhere. Of course, the Sun brings light from East to West - New York to California - due to the rotation of the planet. Everyone sees and feels the effects of the Sun's light and energy, as the planet turns to face the Sun. When the sun comes, everyone is filled with light/life and nature is animated. People begin to move around... the cities come alive. Also, the Sun/Light is seen in "every state" - every state of being, mind, expression, growth, development, etc. - which is the reason for the various states of the aspect of the Sun - Khepri (the dawn/early morning), Ra (midday), Khnum (afternoon), Atum (evening/twilight), Amun (nighttime - the hidden/unseen Sun) - as it relates to the Kemetic understanding of the Creator.)
It's off to the next one to bless one; that's my procedure. Leave ya in a deeper mind state than anesthesia. You'll catch a seizure if you try to stop the great, when I operate. Just let "The Crowd-Pleaser" drop the weight. (The Sun, Ra in his Sun Barge, keeps moving through the sky, across the country from the East to the West. The light from the Sun is healthy for us. Also, being that we are light beings, and light is a primary source of how information is transferred. When this "light" or enlightenment is pursued, a person is said to be "deep". The depth of their wisdom is a function of how deep they have allowed light to penetrate into their light body. This process, and the effects of the process of life's perpetuation, cannot be stopped - hence, you'll catch a seizure if you try... meaning you will stop before the Sun (Ra) stops. Therefore it is best to allow the Sun to shine light and to accept this light, as it will inform you, from a spiritual, and even physical level - informing the DNA in your cells, thus making you "heavy" and "light" at the same time.)
This one is in gear, inform everyone from here to there. Ideas that you hear; severe to the ear. Never the less, I provide a world-wide request, and manifest. And this is from the East to the West.... (This day has begun, already. Inform everyone... "Share light"... This is a call to participate in the shining of light, like the Sun, like Ra, like Creator. This is why there is naturally more activity during the daytime. People are naturally motivated to take part in this process of energy/information transfer. The ideas that you hear from the Creator (whether in your own mind, via intuition or "the voice of God", meditation, or from external means, such as other people or synchronistic events) are vitally important, and they make an impact on you; so when you hear something important, it stays on your mind. No matter what, regardless of any circumstances, the Sun shines light to everyone, providing and perpetuating life. This is the natural request of all living things... to receive the energy necessary for life - to manifest more life. And, of course, this is from the East to the West.)
From New York to Cali (to Cali.) (X2)
Coast to coast, I've been rippin' coliseums and clubs.
From New York to Cali (to Cali)
Rhymin' over dubs for thugs,
girls blow me kisses and throw me hugs. (Ra moves across the sky, visiting everyone with his light, from East to West (New York to Cali). Instead of "rippin", replace with "ripen"... meaning to bring the process of life, known as "growth" to its fullness, so that the next aspect of the Creator can begin expressing it's portion of life/creation. This happens throughout all venues, for all levels of life. This especially impresses itself on the female principle found in creation, as these expressions are responsible for the creative aspect of life. Therefore, the girls blow kisses and throw hugs, in pursuit of the male aspect of life, which is responsible for the activation of creation.)
Musical rides, I've memorized in my mental enterprise. Then improvise live with my supplies. You know the quota. Fashion new designs, and shine, the international kind, start to rhyme, time to motor. (This ride across the sky, Ra has performed for ages. It is memorized. Not just by Ra/the Sun/Creator, it is in each of our our cellular/DNA/ancestral memories. This process of the perpetual expression of life is systematically ingrained in us all, yet each day is a new day, different from all others - "improvised". We improvise/live each day according to the "supplies" of light/knowledge that we have accumulated/assimilated throughout our individual journeys through this lifetime. You know what is your purpose for each lifetime (once you have elevated enough through enlightenment, to connect with your higher self and understand what your life lessons, path and purpose is to be for this time around), this is your "quota", so you fashion/make new ways to bring this potential/purpose that is inside of you out to life. When you manifest your potential, you are shining your light. Once you have accomplished on goal, you move on to the next one; time to "motivate"/"motor" - two meanings. You move one to the next operation and also motivate others from seeing/experiencing what you have manifested.)
UniverSoul format. Adapt to wherever ya livin' at. From all four corners of the map. Whenever they play it, it gets interpretated, Hip-Hop related. Already dedicated to keep it heavy, populated. (This is the Universal format of our Souls. This is how we are designed/manifested from Creator. Life adapts. Light adapts and floods everything. Life/light radiates outward omnidirectionally ("all four corners of the map"). Wherever light is received and accepted, life is produced and light is reinterpreted (each life form has a different light signature/vibration frequency). It is all related to the same culture of life - the Creator's way of life (labeled here as "Hop-Hop) - which is dedicated to the perpetuation of life/creation... "heavy populated".)
Attract everybody that could rock. Do a block party, make it look like Woodstock. (Yeah, Rakim Allah.)
Nothin's similar, to my seminar, they travel near or far, plus that's where the woman are. (Light attracts everything that has light/life in it, and animates that which answers the call. Whatever resonates with the vibration of that which is shinning light, will receive this information and express it. Life becomes a "block party". Notice, block parties and Woodstock occur outside, in the light of the Sun.)
I like to ask 'em, "What's the best time to hear me rhyme?" (Anytime, anytime...)
Never the less, I provide a world-wide request, and manifest.
And this is from the East to the West... (The Creator/Ra/the Sun/Light is always communicating with us. What is the best time to receive a "rhyme" (light/information) from the Creator? Anytime. This opportunity is provided to all. No matter what, regardless of any circumstances, the Sun shines light to everyone, providing and perpetuating life... from the East to the West.)
From New York to Cali (to Cali.) (X2)
Coast to coast, I've been rippin' coliseums and clubs.
From New York to Cali (to Cali)
Rhymin' over dubs for thugs,
girls blow me kisses and throw me hugs. (see above)
Coast to coast, I've been rippin' coliseums and clubs.
Rhymin' over dubs for thugs, girls blow me kisses and throw me hugs.
An expert at a concert on stage. I got classics (soul, soul, soul...), which means my smash hits won't age. (Ra moves across the sky, visiting everyone with his light, from East to West (New York to Cali). Instead of "rippin", replace with "ripen"... (see above) An expert on stage... All of life is a stage - we are living out scenarios, as aspects of the Creator having a holographic experience called "you". Also life occurs in "stages", over the course of this lifetime, and over the course of lifetimes. Hence, we each have "classics" (past lives), which is signified by the echoing of the sample "soul, soul, soul". This is very significant: to understand that the true essence of each of us does not age. As fractions of the Source Energy (Creator), we are timeless and infinite.)
Ya sing along! I'll bring a song, I'll be swingin' long, we can do a thang till dawn, I came to bring it on. On tour, stop at all the record stores across the nation. Flow at the radio station to show appreciation. (This is a call to participate in life. Sing along with the Sun/Ra/Rakim... This is important, because is represents the receiving of light/life/energy from the Sun. It also represents the sound, or "song", of the Sun. The Sun emits a sound vibration that permeates everything, and when we are "in tune" with this sound vibration/song, we "sing along" to the song/information that Ra/Creator brings via the Sun. This continues to happen, and is available, all day. This is the purpose of the Sun; to motivate us to continue living life. Even when you don't see the physical Sun (darkness/night time/ underground) you still see the evidence and reflections of the Sun's light through other forms of life and that which these other life forms produce (like the music you hear from the radio station at night - even though you are not receiving direct light from the Sun, you receive that vibrations of life/light through the song). This whole process is one of "appreciation", meaning the value of life is continuously added to.)
Which reached for the streets, beats for the Jeeps. I reach incredible feats to get deep for my peep's. Props for the unorthodox style I got, they couldn't wait for me to drop new stock for the block. (Life stretches out to reach all places, via all methods. Nothing is impossible for the Creator. The same is true for anyone who places himself/herself in tune with the Creator - to become a walking manifestation of Creator (God/Goddess). This "deep" knowledge is freely available for the original people of the Creator, because we a a part of nature. This is in us. This expression of life, to this high degree, is now "unorthodox", because people are no longer taught that this is a regular part of life or is even attainable. Those who understand are always looking to learn more "new stock", and add on to their understanding and ability to express light.)
Stalk kid's cassette decks, Walkman headsets. I come on, fly concepts that's high-tech. My first displays still converse with the days and slam, that's why the man's first jam still plays. (Ra is constantly moving through the sky (of our mind) and growing and elevating to new ways of communicating with us through intelligent/enlightened expression via music, creativity, technology. This has been happening since the beginning of our time on this planet. The original process of creation is repeated and updated everyday... it informs and "converses" with the current expression of life. That's why we always refer back to some form of spiritual awareness.)
So tell the neighborhood's I got the goods again.
It's Rakim... Then again, that's how it should've been. (This is another call to join in and elevate. Participate in this elevation and become Ra, yourself. Express the light of the Creator, with everyone in your sphere (neighborhood) and point them towards mental and spiritual elevation. This is the meaning of "I got the goods, again". We have tried the route of traveling without the divine light of inspiration... that is proven to not work. It's time to elevate to the level of the divine expression of light/life - God/Goddess. This is the way that it should have always been.)
Never the less, I provide a world-wide request, and manifest.
And this from the East to the West... (Regardless of what happens, this opportunity is always available and being expressed. "I provide..." signifies that the reciter of this rhyme/chant/spell is in harmony with being the embodiment of said light/opportunity to shine and add light/life to others... in motion... from the East to the West - all the time, everywhere.)
From New York to Cali (to Cali.) (X3)
Coast to coast, I've been rippin' coliseums and clubs.
From New York to Cali (to Cali)
Rhymin' over dubs for thugs,
girls blow me kisses and throw me hugs. (see above)
It is my will that this provides insight and inspiration.
P.S. This is a lesson, if you're guessin' and if you're borrowing...
(I always wanted to say that!) :)
Until next time, remember All of Life is Sound. Keep Listening.
The verdict handed down last night (however predictable it may have been) has sparked a wave of anger and reflection. As a swirl of thoughts and contemplation of the proper way to navigate out of this miserable condition that we as a people are in, preoccupies many of our people, I found that two songs keep playing in my mind... and eventually on the car stereo.
We Had to Tear This Mothafucka Up and When Will They Shoot?, both by Ice Cube, from his third solo album The Predator. The power, urgency, delivery, and portrait of the spark of full on revolution (if not urban insurrection) pour out of these tracks - especially when listened to in that order. I literally had flashbacks watching the news coverage of the initial reactions from the crowd in Ferguson, Missouri. these are two of Ice Cube's best songs (although not among the most recognized, as they received no airplay) and they embody the spirit of what we, as a people, are feeling (and have been feeling). This is not a call to violence... however for those that have already been moved to such expression... I understand. Listen to the lyrics for yourself. Like it or not, this is part of our collective life and reality... and these songs are part of the soundtrack.
We Had to Tear This Mothafucka Up, by Ice Cube
When Will They Shoot?, by Ice Cube
Until next time, remember... All of Life is Sound... even when it's unsettling... Keep Listening
