Today's thoughts on life

Theme Music: "Queen" - Masta Killa

Peace,

A couple of things to play catch-up, if you will. First, the NGE celebrated the birth of the founder of our nation, Allah on the 22nd. In this day and time, celebration of venerated figures can tend to border on worship. When one looks at the birth and life of respected men or women in a healthy sense, You appreciate the contributions of said figure, and look to embody the principles that they espoused. In the case of Allah, it gave me a chance to reflect on the what he taught and the worldwide effect of those principles, not wax incessantly on how great he was (Although I am consistently aware of his greatness). In our society, many of the things that great people stand/stood for have been obscured by the "Cult of Personality", and therefore reduced to a soundbite and a yearly McDonald's commercial or a stamp. Although flash sells better, in the long run we will come to venerate aesthetic over ethic. Ponder this for a second: What would the world be like if people really embodied the ethic of those that they respect instead of worship them?

Next, what the hell is going on with Black religious leaders? I'm not a proponent of religion from the door, b.u.t. if one chooses to express themselves in that way and accept the mantle of leadership, then there needs to be a certain level of consistency. In this particular case, I'm speaking of Conrad Tillard, formerly known as Conrad Muhammad. In a recent article in the Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/news/local/Massachusetts/articles/2005/02/27/heeding_a_new_call/ Tillard speaks of his conversion to Christianity, and his desire to build a vehicle for Black mobilization. For those who may not know Conrad Muhammad at one time was heralded as the "New Face" of the Nation of Islam, and a heir to Louis Farrakhan. Their was a split, and Muhammad moved on to create a non-sectarian group in New York focusing on issues in the Black Community. Armed with a degree from Harvard Divinity School, Tillard is now a pastor.

In a interview with Davey D, Harry Allen defined spirituality as consistency. While I respect all people's search for truth, too many of our leaders follow the path of apparent success vs. Consistency. If Br. Tillard has reverted to Christianity out of sincerity, than peace to him, b.u.t. people may not want to follow you if they're not sure you know where you're going.

A Quick Update

Peace,

Just a quick update on some things that worthy of being checked out:

www.yellowseed.blogspot.com - My brother Sha-King Cehum Allah has a blog now that promises to be challenging and informational. It is my will that the different blogs that are on the net representing the NGE will show the diversity of those within our Culture. We are often painted as being a one-dimensional group of convicts and rappers that use funny words that no one understands, and that happens when you don't have any influence on how people perceive you. As we continue to grow and develop, you will continue to see the many manifestations of our Culture...

www.muslimwakeup.com - Michael Muhammad Knight wrote an article entitled "Nazi Fathers and Muslim Sons" that mentions his experience at a parliament here in Power Born (Pittsburgh). Check it out and let me know what you think. More to come.

Peace,
I Majestic Allah

Thoughts on music, and recognition

Peace,

As far as the Hip Hop "industry" goes, one of the more interesting and downplayed stories to come around in the last few months is the breakup of Rocafella Records as we previously knew it. Being that hindsight is often 20/20, I can now see that the split between Dame Dash, Biggs, and Jay Z was years in the making, and underscores a reality that seems to be pervasive in Hip Hop: Business (and other) breakups. Hip Hop is a ever changing animal, and that can beget the lack of commitment on a variety of levels. It's to the point that I can't imagine a Hip Hop group or crew together for 15 years or more. This is not to say that it doesn't happen in other musical genres, it is just more obvious in ours (I am not "Hip Hop", buy Hip Hop is mine).

Anyway, the directions they've taken since the announcement are indicative of where both of them have been for quite some while. Jay Z went right into the corporate world and accepted the job as the president of Def Jam, while Dash went the rugged entrepreneurial route and created the Damon Dash Music Group, which he will run with Biggs, and will be distributed by Universal. The wrinkle that peaked my interest the most is that fact that Jay Z will retain the name Rocafella for Def Jam, and will soon release albums by Memphis Bleek and Foxy Brown (All of this "CEO" talk didn't dissuade Jay from becoming involved in yet another controversy with The Game last week though). One thing that stands out with Jay Z's deal is that he owns all of his masters from his recording career. So in one sense, he put his money where his mouth is by attaining ownership of his work. The question must be asked however: Wasn't the Roc slightly more than just Jay? Seems a mite cutthroat to take the name and the masters and not offer everybody on your former label a deal.

Dash on the other hand is continuing with the entrepreneurial tradition they started by forming DDMG and giving labels to RZA, M.O.P., N.O.R.E. and Beans. Another subtle however noticeable twist is the old team yelling "Roc4Life" now just like they yelled Rocafella before. If I could play the reductionist and simplify the moves over the past few months, it would look like this:

Jay Z - Corporate Ownership
Dash & Biggs - Entrepreneurship through partnerships

In business, the above differences alone are enough to drive a wedge between two people, to say nothing of different personalities. The result of this may well create a new model for others to emulate in the industry.

Finally, My brother Saladin Quannah Allah was profiled in the Niagara Gazette for Black History Month. Check it out at www.niagara-gazette.com/story.asp?=1160 . Much respect goes to the brother for showing and proving who we are, and why we're here (To save the babies, of course!)

Peace,
I Majestic Allah

Mathematics & The Manual

Peace,

Recently, The RZA released a book entitled "The Wu-Tang Manual" that chronicles the rise of the Wu Tang Clan from an idea to a platinum plus hip-hop group that affected fans the world over. Away from all of the rah-rah and hyperbole, it's basically a list of the elements that infuenced RZA's vision (comics, martial arts, soul music,etc.). Of particular interest is the section entitled "The Way Of The Wu: The Grand Spiritual Megamix", where he breaks down the Cultures and Value Systems that developed his worldview. Being that The Nation Of Gods And Earths (NGE) is his foundation of sorts, he provides a detailed explanation of the NGE and what we espouse, if you will.

He even goes as far as listing the Supreme Mathematics and Alphabet, and a breakdown of our Universal Flag. As many reading this post may know, the value system of the NGE is usually passed down orally, and some feel that passing it down any other way is tantamount to treason, especially for any perceived financial gain. This has long been a matter of contention within our culture, and this may very well be the next chapter. While I may not agree with all of the actions of brothers within the Wu while representing my Culture, from my perspective, The RZA's action was fueled by a sincere interest in allowing the rest of the world a view into the beauty of our values. With the book being released, it is imperative that we in the NGE give those who may want to know more a opportunity to learn about the greatness of Allah, the Father and his mission. Everything has a context, and our Culture is no different. We should turn this into a "teachable moment" that benefits all who are interested in our God-Centered Consciousness.

Also can't forget to hip you to my good brother C'BS Allah's blog at www.allahsfivepercent.blogspot.com. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! More to come.

Final bit of info: My young Moon(daughter for those who may not know) Azania I Queen made the high honor roll! The babies are the greatest!