Urban Culture Decoded

by The Black Dot, Rasta Asaru Escott El (Illustrator)

Warning: this book will not be conventional in the sense that it will try to provide politically correct answers to the problems that we are facing in urban America. A subject of this matter requires a deeper analysis that goes well beyond the scope of one’s typical way of thinking, so I wrote this book as a starting point in an attempt to address such matters. We must explore unconventional solutions, or at least view the situation from an unconventional standpoint if we want to make any true breakthroughs. If we are going to deal with the core of the problems that we as an urban society are faced with in regards to our youth, we must be open and honest about the current state that they live in. While it is important that we address the cause of the situation, it is also equally important that we look at the affects of living in an artificial environment plagued by violence, drugs, unemployment, discrimination, and police brutality. How could one not be violent in the face of all the violence that we have endured over the last 400 years? How could one not want to use drugs as an escape from all of the hardships related to living in such conditions? When faced with the option of being hungry and unemployed, or hitting the streets to sell drugs, how could one not make the choice of getting paid? This is a no-brainer when the concept of survival is on the line. The million-dollar question is, what if the same things that plagued us could save us? This generation has learned to embrace the unbearable. That old saying, “whatever doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger” rings true with this generation. Drugs and alcohol, which have cause so much damage to the previous generation, has almost had the reverse affect on this generation. The have become immune to the negative affects. They have become stronger than ever before. They celebrate life in what appears to be the direst situations, leaving even their oppressors confused. They have created an entire culture based on the type of music that they listen to, the type of drugs and alcohol that they use, and their sexual behaviors. While most will view them as violent, lost, and confused troublemakers with no regard for life, in my humble opinion, they are the most advanced, enlightened, and spiritual beings on the planet. They just lack the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of who they really are. As a result, their actions are in contrary of such divine principles. They have bottomed out, and are now using the very vices that were meant to weigh them down, to uplift them. I call this urban alchemy. To the parents, teachers, and elders who have all but given up on this generation, and scoff at the notion that they are an asset, I have but a few questions to ask you, have you taught them about sex magic and the power of using their creative energy to activate their spirituality? Have you taught them about the use of certain drugs that could assist them in seeing beyond this so-called reality and their connection to everything in the universe? Have you taught them about the power of music and sound vibration, and its ability to heal and open up their spiritual centers? If you have answered no to any of these questions, then it is you who are out of touch with the current reality that they reside in. They are in the process of a metamorphosis unlike what we have ever witnessed before. If your response is, this is just some mumbo jumbo “new Age” nonsense, then it shows that you are really out of touch with the transformation that we are all making, which is being led by this cast of rebellious, misunderstood youth. Some of you may have already put the book down, for those who are still with me, strap on your seatbelt because we are about to go on one hell of a ride. I too was looking on the surface at all of the problems that our youth were causing, until I began to look under the surface at what was really going on.

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2015

About the author

Writer
The Black Dot began his career as a columnist for the underground Hip Hop newspaper called, “4 Korners.” His knowledge and wisdom of the metaphysical aspects of the culture provided great insight into the potential of Hip Hop’s future beyond the physical components of the art form. The Black Dot continues to write articles, review albums, and provide op-ed pieces for blogs and other media outlets.

Author
The Black Dot is the author of the underground, cult classic book, “Hip Hop Decoded – From Its Ancient Origins To Its Modern Day Matrix.” This book literally changed the way the world viewed Hip Hop. Never before had a book dealt with the spiritual aspects of the culture. This book went deep into the abyss that goes well beyond the four basic elements of Hip Hop, which are the DJ, The Graph Writer, The B-Boy/Girl, and the Emcee.

Lecturer
The Black Dot is an international lecturer who has taught about the culture of Hip Hop in Germany, London, Bermuda, Toronto, as well as, at historic Universities like Spellman and Howard. The Black Dot also lectures at schools, bookstores and street corners. The Black Dot continues to bring cutting edge, breakthrough concepts about Hip Hop to the forefront.

Emcee
The Black Dot released his first album in 1988 under the infamous B-Boy records label as a part of a group called, “Tall, Dark, and Handsome.” In 1994, he then went on to start his own label and released his second album called, “A&R Killer, Da Hip Hop Play” as a part of a group called, “The Lethahedz” which uncovered many of the injustices that are still relevant in the music industry today. The Black Dot released his first solo album in 2011 called, “ Walk With Me” independently, and continues to make music today.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. I enjoyed learning more about the Hip Hop culture and origins. I also enjoyed many of the references to African history. This is definitely a booked based on personal opinion and experience. Interesting read in a good way.

[Cassandra Ulrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urban Culture Decoded by The Black Dot provokes thought of how to connect with the youth in urban society. Some ideas border on the controversial. Others seem to have taken a leap over the edge. Decently written, there are numerous grammatical errors. Regardless, it was worth the read.