STRAIGHT OUTTA HIP HOP: Respect Due: X-Clan

Straight Outta Hip Hop™

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STRAIGHT OUTTA HIP HOP: Respect Due: X-Clan

Respect Due: X-Clan

Hip Hop is no stranger to conscious music or Afrocentricity. However, few groups have had the impact of X-Clan. The Clan was one of the most direct in both message and style. Rocking medallions; red, black, and green; and African garb, X-Clan - made up of Brother J, Professor X, Sugar Shaft, and Paradise the Architect - spoke and wore their message of social justice and enlightenment.

X-Clan didn't just talk the talk, they walked the walk. Their social involvement was seen outside of music, most notably with the Blackwatch Movement, founded by Professor X. Blackwatch was created to inform youth of worldwide issues and injustices, as well as making people experience Black Nationalist values within hip hop.

Although X-Clan split after dropping two highly acclaimed albums, "To The East Blackwards" and "Xodus", they came back together to release the album "Return From Mecca" in 2007. Unfortunately, Professor X would not live to see the album's release after passing away from spinal miningitis in 2006. Yet, even after his passing, Brother J and the other members continue to push the agenda of Professor X and the Blackwatch Movement. So, for the awareness spread both on and off record, to X-Clan we say...Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on X-Clan? Where do they fall when we talk about hip hop elite? What impact did they have on you? Leave all thoughts and comments below. Any e-mails can be sent to straightouttahphop@gmail.com

Peace.

Sources:
http://www.xclanmusic.com/bio.html
http://www.daveyd.com/interviewbrotherj.html
http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2007/03/brother-j-of-x-clan-rip-professor-x-august-4-1956-%E2%80%93-march-17-2006/