Warm Up
“They try to box me in, but I got knowledge of self, which is stronger than any cage that you can lock me in”
- Talib Kweli
Mini-Lesson
The Universal Zulu Nation
The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop
pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed
New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youth, combining local dance and music
movements into what would become known as the various elements of hip hop culture. By the 1980s, hip
hop had spread globally, and the Zulu Nation has since established (autonomous) branches in Japan, France,
the UK, Australia, South Korea and the Cape Flats in Cape Town South Africa.
During the 1970s, and 1980s, Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation members would often clothe
themselves in costumes representing different cultures of the world. These costumes were seen as symbols
for the Zulu Nation's desire to help others regardless of nationality or skin color and also to symbolize
people who were generally peaceful and good until they were oppressed by those who were not. Most
members, including whites and Latinos, would often wear necklaces or shirts depicting an outline of the
African continent or a tribal drawing of a man's face. This was a symbol of the Zulu nations of Africa, from
which the organization got its name.
Bambaataa, who once lived the gang lifestyle and was trying to change his ways, 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. He was inspired by their resistance to Dutch settlers.
The Fifth Element: Knowledge
“We believe in the mental resurrection of the dead. We feel that many of the Human Family are Blind,
Death, and Dumb to the Knowledge of self and others. When we say "self," we mean that each person or
persons must have true knowledge of who each individual is in the history of their people -finding out where
they come from, which country, the True or Ancient name of their country; nation, nationality, race, and
civilization. We must deal respectfully with the Truth-both the negative and positive--of our peoples past,
admit their wrongs to the world, and then to start a process of healing in order to bring the world out of
darkness and into the light of Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, and Truth.”
– from a teaching on Wisdom, by Afrika Bambaataa
Self-Concept
In psychology, self-concept (also called self-construction, self-identity or self-perspective) is a collection of
beliefs about oneself that includes elements such as academic performance, gender roles and sexuality,
racial identity, and many others. Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to "Who am I?"
Black Star – K.O.S. (Determination)
[Talib Kweli]
So many emcees focusin on black people extermination
We keep it balanced with that knowledge of self, determination
It's hot, we be blowin the spots, with conversations
C'mon let's smooth it out like Soul Sensation
We in the house like Japanese in Japan, or Koreans in Korea
Head to Philly and free Mumia with the Kujichagulia TRUE
Singin is swingin and writin is fightin, but what
They writin got us clashin like titans it's not excitin
No question, bein a black man is demandin
The fire's in my eyes and the flames need fannin (3X)
With that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination
*repeat 4X*
[Singer]
Things I say and do, may not come quite through
My words may not convey just what I'm feelin
[Talib Kweli]
Yes yes come on, yes yes
Knowledge Of Self is like life after death
With that you never worry about your last breath
Death comes, that's how I'm livin, it's the next days
The flesh goes underground, the book of life, flip the page
Yo they askin me how old, we livin the same age
I feel the rage of a million niggas locked inside a cage
At exactly which point do you start to realize
That life without knowledge is, death in disguise?
That's why, Knowledge Of Self is like life after death
Apply it, to your life, let destiny manifest
Different day, same confusion, we're gonna take this
Hip-hop shit and keep it movin, shed a little light
Now y'all bloomin like a flower with the power of the evident
Voices and drums original instruments
In the flesh presently presentin my representation
With that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination
*repeat 6X*
Things I say and do, may not come quite through
My words may not convey just what I'm feelin *repeat 2X*
[Talib Kweli]
The most important time in history is, NOW, the present
So count your blessings cause time can't define the essence
But you stressin over time and you follow the Roman calendar
These people into cloning like Gattaca, you can bet
They tryin to lock you down like Attica, the African diaspora
Represents strength in numbers, a giant can't slumber forever
I know you gotta get that cheddar whatever
Aiyyo I heard you twice the first time money, get it together
You must be History, you repeatin yourself out of the pages
You keepin yourself depleatin your spiritual wealth
That quick cash'll get your ass quick fast in houses of detention
Inner-city concentration camps where no one pays attention
Or mentions the ascension of death, til nothing's left
The young, gifted and Black are sprung addicted to crack
All my people where y'all at cause, y'all ain't here
And your hero's using your mind as a canvas to paint fear
With, broad brush strokes and tales of incarceration
You get out of jail with that Knowledge of Self determination
Stand in ovation, cause you put the Hue in Human
Cause and effect, effect everything you do
And that's why I got love in the face of hate
Hands steady so the lines in the mental illustration is straight
The thought you had don't even contemplate
Infinite like figure eight there's no escape..
From that what? (Knowledge Of Self) Determination
*repeat 4X*
Dilated Peoples – “You Can’t Hide, You Can’t Run”
You can't hide, you can't run
Remember to, always be true, no matter what you do
Run it, I never fronted, I got my whole crew life on it
Think sharp, man listen
You can't hide, you can't run
Remember to, always be true, no matter what you do
Run it, I never fronted, I got my whole crew life on it
[Hook]
Any day your last day might come so
You can't hide, you can't run
Late night or in the shadows when the daylight comes remember
You can't hide, you can't run, man listen
Any day your last day might come so
You can't hide, you can't run
From the truth, we know each and every day fights come, remember
You can't hide, you can't run
[Rakaa Iriscience]
It's like it's Final Destination, you tryin your best to make it
They say be patient but you know you're cheating death, it's chasing
Heart beatin, pulse racin, but I keep the pace and
Train to be the best and beat the best by the Gracie
Grappler spectacular rapper sport of altercation
In self-defense we hem em up, a tailored alteration
We're firestarters, leaving stages up in flames
Then again we're firefighters, spraying at whatever's blazing
Crazy ways to express and pass information
Daily making the best of bad situations
We fight to win in whatever type of test we're facing
Hip-hop came while they were underestimating
Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that's what I was raised in
But then the crack and gangs flourished under Ronald Reagan
Life insurance for kids, undertakers waiting
Earth is purgatory, here between the pearly gates and Satan
[Hook]
[Evidence]
I stay relevant
Only person I stand in the shadow of is Evidence
Last page, I left off a good look
This ain't the next chapter, it's a whole new book
About to steal the game, I'm a whole new crook
Baking up that fire, I'm a whole new cook
Get your whole shit took, Cali's back under the sun
So you can't hide, and you can't run
From the truth, some ain't convinced so they decide to try me
Like I give a fuck, we live from India.Arie
They got spies in cameras and trailers
We see em setting up though we on counter-surveillance
On to me, I'm on to you, it's no mystery
Better think fast though, the future just your history
It's where the plot thickens, regardless of wealth
Cause the worst person to run from's yourself
[Hook]
Writing Exercise
1.
List at least 3 personal strengths / assets / or positive attributes. (Everyone has them!)
2.
List at least 3 personal weaknesses / liabilities / or character flaws. ( Everyone has them!)
3.
Now, using this inventory, write a poem, rap, or essay that explores at least one of these character
traits.
Questions to consider:
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How does this trait affect me positively / negatively?
How long have I had this trait? Is it part of my inherent character?
Is this trait a learned behavior? If so, where did I learn it?
How could I use this trait for good / bad?
How can I let go of the parts of myself that I don’t like?
How do I see myself? Do others see me differently than I see myself? If so, why?
What else would I like to learn about myself? about others? about life?
Why is self-honesty the most important kind of honesty?
Examples of character traits:
Open-minded
Honest
Caring
Self-centered
Reliable
Loyal
(see next page for more)