Crime & Culture

Theme Music: "Magic City" by Buju Banton

Peace,

First I want to say thank you who come through and check the site regularly. I also want to say Peace to my brothers and sisters within the Nation of Gods and Earths who contribute to the NGE blogosphere. Your work is continually adding Understanding to the Cipher. Earlier this week on my brother C'BS Alife Allah's blog (www.allahsfivepercent.blogspot.com), he spoke of being questioned about speaking on NGE "beliefs". If anyone wants to know of our values, you can contact us for further information, b.u.t. one of the purposes of our blogs is to show you the Understanding (result) of how we think and live. Everyone that I know that has a blog has knowledged 120 degrees and is qualified to teach.

Last week, I picked up a book entitled "Philadelphia's Black Mafia: A Social and Political History" by Sean Patrick Griffin, a professor at Penn State University. The book covers the history of Philadelphia's Black Mafia from the late 60's in Temple #12 to the present. The book is somewhat well-researched, b.u.t. it's coming from a law enforcement point of view, and therefore doesn't present the most balanced story. Similar to the story of the Mafia and other organizations, there's more to it than racketeering, extortion, and murder. In this case, it involved a powerful religious movement and the shaping of the consciousness of a community (In this case, Philadelphia's Black Community). To truly get a idea of how the NOI (known as the first resurrection) and later Orthodox Islam affected the city, you have to go to Philadelphia and see 20 and 21 year old Black Males standing on the corner with their pant legs rolled up in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad and beards longer than most Imams. Earlier this year, a influential Imam in Philadelphia was indicted for fraud and accepting money from local drug dealers, who also happened to be muslim. What I'm saying in no way indicts the vast majority of Black Muslims in Philadelphia, just like what I'll speak on in the next paragraph doesn't represent all Gods and Earths.

Two days ago, I grabbed a DVD entitled King Of Kings. It was advertised a a documentary on the Feurtado brothers, who were alleged to be the biggest wholesalers of Marijuana, Heroin, and Cocaine in Queens during the late 70's and 80's. What it ended up being was a documentary on how the 7 Crowns gang in Queens merged with some members of the NGE in Queens and created one of the largest and most deadly criminal organizations that New York has ever seen. By now, everyone knows about Supreme from the Supreme Team from his run ins with 50 Cent and his affiliation with Murder Inc., b.u.t. this DVD details how Supreme was able to organize his operation with support from other Gods. The DVD starts with the narrator saying "Queens was once known as a desert, but overnight it became a oasis." Ironically enough, Desert and Oasis are NGE names for Queens. Now, from reading my and other NGE blogs, you would already know that the NGE does not advocate the selling of drugs in any way, shape, form, and fashion. In reality, these two examples underscore the depth of the struggle that we have in our communities, and the need to create a holistic change that impacts all aspects of our lives. It's a tough road saying that you are the supreme being and you don't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. In Philly, although brothers have converted to a new way of life, they are still in the same city.

Being frank, the medicine that we take to change our lives doesn't work overnight. It didn't take two generations to get where we are, so it won't take two generations to get us up out of it. We have to ensure that the events of the past are not held as a sword to define the direction of future generations.

The Wisdom Of God

Theme Music: "300 Bars" by Game

Peace,

I'm not into the whole "Hip Hop Beef" thing, cause it reminds me of when I used to watch WWF in the 80's and wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndoff would be friends, then Enemies, then Friends again all within one year. That said, Game Killed G- Unit on his new track 300 Bars! During the song, he takes time to dismantle every rapper in G Unit, One by One. To me, the wildest revelation is when Game states that Young Buck had his chain stolen in Chicago and didn't have the 10 stacks to get it back. The fact that he had his chain stolen at all is a reminder that the hood has a different perspective of rappers than the magazines report. When you're a millionaire, and don't contribute anything of note back to the community, how can you really purport to speak for those who still live in abject poverty?

Secondly, if Young Buck really couldn't afford to get his chain back, then why do we continue to allow the music to lie to our children about the true financial standing of rappers? Most young people are interested in being rappers because they see it as a way to get out of their present conditions without much "work", similar to basketball or the dope game. By perpetuating the mirage that the rappers are financially well off, more youth decide to abandon the idea of getting a education or a trade, and instead move forward with their "dream" of making it big as a rap star. Like anything in American economics, it's a pyramid, with a small amount of people doing very well, and a large amount of people doing bad at the bottom. Meanwhile, because the youth aren't acquiring skills, they cant take advantage of the many jobs that Hip Hop creates (Tour Managers, Booking Agents, Sound Engineers, Publicity Agents, etc..)

Bottom line, those of us who know better have to do a better job of educating the youth about what's going on around them. The vast Majority of Black and Brown youth will be used as cannon fodder for the Prison Industrial Complex or the Service Industry if their not assisted by those who understand the system. In order to prepare themselves for the world that they will soon encounter, we have to teach about the relationship between politics, society and economics. Hip Hop can be a great place to start that process.

The Caged Tiger

Theme Music - "Maybe We Crazy" by 50 Cent

Peace, I build that this finds everyone in the best of conditions mentally as well as physically. Firstly, although I'm no fan of snitches (unless you're over 60 and scared to come out the house because of gunshots), I'm actually feeling his new song. Last week, when I was in Now Why (New York), Kay Slay brought it back a couple of times. 50's been gave up on lyricism, b.u.t. he spills the beans pretty well about his former life.

Here in Power Born (Pittsburgh, Pa. for those who don't speak the language), there's been a re-emergence of "Street Gangs" over the past 2 years. Out here, you'll find Bloods, Crips, and local variations such as O.G.'s and LAW. From my perspective, the re-emergence is due to 2 main factors:

1) Gang members who are returning home after 8-10 years in prison

2) The influence of Gang- related music in Hip Hop

Within the community, reaction to the development of gangs falls into two categories: containment and eradication (Conservatives, Moderates. and Liberals) or transformation (Progressives, Revolutionaries). The perspective of the former just isn't viable due to the inequities of American society that create the breakdown of the family, which sends youth to the streets looking to belong to whatever they can. As soon as you get rid of one gang, another incarnation pops up.

The view of the latter is based on the events of the Black Power movement and the efforts of Black figures such as Bunchy Carter, Fred Hampton, and George Jackson, who were able to politicize former gang members, and move them into activities on behalf of the people. Additionally, many members of the NGE were once gang members until the Gods taught them Knowledge of Self. Due to the interaction between conscious/progressive organizations and street organizations, many of the street organizations have retained conscious/civilized elements. For example, while watching a DVD entitled "Hood 2 Hood", I saw a GD (Gangster Disciple) explain that GD stood for "Growth & Development". Almost every street organization has a constitution and values.

The point of all this? In my next post.

Reflections of a Journey

"Diamonds Remix" Kayne West & Jay - Z

Peace,

After reading my brother's reflections on the Show & Prove (www.allahsfivepercent.blogspot.com), I decided that he pretty much summed it up for me and everyone else in the NGE blogosphere, so I've decided to give some snapshots of my experience that may give you a view into my weekend:

- New York is an amazing place. Even though I've been there hundreds of times, It's always something new to see or experience. I took my young moon to Times Square, and just looked at all the visual stimulation around us. Plus, it's one of the few places where you can get a good Falafel at 4 in the morning (Shouts to Mahmouds!)

- The redevelopment of Downtown Brooklyn is starting to look a lot like to redevelopment of Times Square. Bringing the Nets in is going to change the face of that area

- You haven't eaten until you've eaten at a Halal Chinese restaurant!

- If you're in the New York area, you should check out the El Hajj Malik Shabazz exhibit at the Schomburg Library. I wasn't able to attend, b.u.t. my brother Knowledge Build did, and he was very impressed

- We've got to work on relations between so called African- Americans and South Asians. There's a general lack of understanding and trust at play that pits us at odds. Both communities should study the history of the other, and try to see the similarities. Recommended reading is Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting by Vijay Prashad

- Puerto Rican Weekend is off the hook! For one day, everyone in Nueva York was Boricua. And for all who don't know, there's more to Puerto Ricans than Big Pun and Rice & Beans. Remember, once upon a time, P.R. wasn't a state.

- Radio in New York is like indoctrination. You hear the same songs so much you could start to think that you should hear them. One good development however , is the inclusion of more reggae in the playlist. It was the move to hear "Can't Satisfy Her" by I-Wayne and "Welcome to Jamrock" by Damian Marley in rotation

- On that note, Medina (Brooklyn) is like Jamaica, the Gaza Strip, Eastern Europe, and Senegal in one. It's not quite like Toronto, b.u.t. it's very diverse

- It's deep to see how technology has become the enemy of the major labels and movie houses. There's no way I'm going to the flick for 8.75, when I can get the bootleg for a pound (5 dollars). Besides that, try to convince someone to pay $13.00 for a CD when they can get 2 for 5. These corporations need to try to streamline costs and their infrastructure so they can be more competitive.

- On another note, please check out the Diamonds Remix with Kanye and Jay. Kanye pushes the bar with his verse about Sierra Leone. After that, check out "Conflict Diamonds" by another Chi Town artist, Lupe Fiasco, and tell me if Kayne lifted his verse or not. For both songs, hit www.hiphopgame.com

Always has been, Always will be

Music: "Chi City" by Common

Peace,

This weekend, the NGE will hold our 34th annual Show & Prove, which commemorates the physical death of the founder of our Nation, Allah. For those who may not know, the S&P began as a Science Fair exposition that consisted of young Gods & Earths creating science projects in honor of Allah the Father and what he taught. The first S&P was held in 1971 at Harlem preparatory High School, A College Prep program that sent a number of Gods & Earths to college. In fact, Allah made a deal with the headmaster of Harlem Prep that the school would accept any God or Earth who asked to be enrolled. The day consisted of singing, dancing, and science experiments, done by Gods, Earths, and other community members.

Over time, the event has become a "family reunion" of sorts, as Gods and Earths from all over the world come to the place where our Nation was founded. The event also serves as a good way to note the Nation's development over the past year, as it can give you the opportunity to illustrate the accomplishments of the past year. This year, we'll have a renewed focus on the children with a Science Fair Exhibition, and a Children's Olympics. There will also be performers, and a youth talent show. Admission is free for children 16 & under, and 5 dollars for everyone else. All are invited, as we continue to mark the reality of God & Earth in this day and time.

Similarities & Differences

Music: Come Fly With Me - Foxy & Sizzla Kalonji

Peace,

First, I want to give kudos to my brother Khalik Allah for completing his short film "The Absorption Of Light". The film is very well produced, and chronicles to process of self-development within our Culture. If you're interested, please hit me and I can get you one.

The second thing I want to discuss is my brother Sha-King's recent blog on his perspective of farad Muhammad, and the resulting conversation and dialogue. I am aware that MFM is respected as Allah to the NOI, and they are understandably protective of his history and legacy. From a research perspective, it is very difficult to get accurate background info that can be corroborated by more than one source. While I don't buy the FBI's info on MFM, I also can't blindly accept the story of him being born in Mecca to a mother named Baby G and a father named Alphonso (which interestingly enough means "noble" in German, and was used for over 1300 years in Spain). One of the positive impressions that the NOI did leave on the NGE was that of research and evaluation, and even the story of MFM is subject to that rigor.

There's also the point of the relationship between the NOI and the NGE. Extremists on both side paint a picture that obscures the true history between us. As foolish as it would be to say that the NGE did not develop out of the NOI, it would also be foolish to ignore the reality of the differences in our respective worldviews. In a way that is not dissimilar to Rastafarians and Christians, we could use the same words and have the same books, b.u.t. use them in totally different ways. Allah as we understand him held Elijah and Farad in high regard, b.u.t. did not worship either of them, as he understood that the greatest power is the developed power within self. That difference is substantial as it relates the the worldviews between the NGE and the NOI.

There's also a difference in the development of our value system. The NOI defines itself as an Islamic community, while the NGE does not. Discrepancies and arguments on this issue aside, we see the world differently based upon this development. It is true that the NGE & the NOI have much in common, and and many current members of both communities were once adherents to the other. What we share primarily is the use of what is commonly called "the lessons", a historical dialogue between Elijah Muhammad and Master Farad Muhammad. Although we both use them, the manner in which we use them is strikingly dissimilar. In another post, I'll discuss this at length. At best, we should be able to come together to celebrate our similarities and respect our differences. Many of us are working together in our communities for the common goal of the Growth & Development of our people. For example, the minister of Mosque #22, Jasiri Muhammad & I work together on a number of projects in the community for the good of the youth. If we employ honest respect for our similarities and differences, we can go beyond bickering and pot-shots and build for the common good.