Sewn from the Soul - Street Etiquette Tribute to Black History Month 2010

Well folks, today is the last day of February. And with the last day of February comes the last day of Black History Month. I’m not even sure how I managed to re-stumble upon Street Etiquette’s Sewn from the Soul editorial that they did last year, but I did. And seeing the video once again brought back a flood of memories.

It was around this time last year that I first learned of Street Etiquette. In fact, Sewn from the Soul was one of the first posts I ever saw from them. It’s been amazing to watch their growth in the last twelve months. Even back then, when I first learned of them, I realized that they were truly on the verge of becoming something extraordinary. Truth be told, they’re still in the process of blowing up. That’s crazy to think about, because they’re already so big. But I digress. On to the editorial itself.

Sewn from the Soul is one the most intelligent, most creative tributes to black culture that I’ve ever seen. Even twelve months later, it’s worth noting; it was that impressive. The essential premise is the meshing of black style and black history: paying tribute to notable African American figures that were sartorially minded, while making an impact on black culture.

the cast of sewn from the soul

Beginning with a captivating poem by Brooklyn wordsmith Joe-Kenneth Museau, the editorial proceeds to shed light on historical figures like Cornel West, Huey P. Newton, Miles Davis, and several others.

james field pays homage to cornel west

joe-kenneth museau honors nat “king” cole

Ultimately Sewn from the Soul reveals how large of a role style plays in any culture, especially black culture. It’s a look back at our past, with a progressive step towards the future.

Happy Black History Month guys.

The Jungle Brothers

When people recall the founders of the Native Tongues (the highly influential Afrocentric hip hop collective from the late ’80s to mid ’90s), they usually think of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and the Jungle Brothers…in that order. The former two are among the most highly beloved and celebrated hip hop groups of all time. The latter is a highly forgotten and under-appreciated after thought.

It’s quite a shame that outside of hardcore hip hop heads, not many people know of the Jungle Brothers. Composed of rappers Afrika Baby Bam (homage to Afrika Bambaataa) and Mike Gee and producer Sammy B., they were one of the most influential hip hop groups of the late ’80s and early ’90s. They are the ones that introduced the members of A Tribe Called Quest to De La Soul. They are the ones that gave A Tribe Called Quest their group name. They were paving the way for jazz rap and instrumental experimentation before Tribe or De La ever released an album.

the jungle brothers (left to right): afrika baby bam, sammy b., mike gee

So why have they been so underrated? It’s hard to explain. Hip hop critics will concede that their first two albums Straight out the Jungle and Done by the Forces of Nature are definite classics. Yet in spite of all this, the J Beez (as they’re commonly called) never managed to garner much commercial appeal. Of the first three albums that consist of their canon, two were commercial flops. Perhaps it’s because they were even more experimental in their music than Tribe or De La. But for whatever reason, they never gained mainstream success.

Which of course is a shame, because their music is brilliant, with it’s own distinct style. That’s why I think this post is very timely. What better time than Black History Month to inform people about one of the most Afrocentric music groups to ever approach the mic.

Love live the J Beez!

We Are a Prideful People

My blood runs dark;
its stream flows strong.
As powerful as the Nile,
rich as the oil fields of West Africa.

My blood is regal;
my ancestry affluent.
My family tree is prominent,
like the great pyramids of Egypt.

My blood’s been shed,
over deep-running roots.
Yet my heritage is free.
We are a prideful people.

la palabra, mixed media, 2008 by Dorian Dargan

*Did you know that today is the first day of Black History Month? During the month of February, people all across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom will be remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. While every post on TheCreativeRoutine this month won’t be dedicated to afro-related topics, I will do my best to tastefully disperse afro-centric material into the content for this month. Happy Tuesday folks. Happy Black History Month.