For many of us in the world of rhymes, beats and ciphers, it comes as little to no surprise to find out just how greatly hip-hop impacts the stream of consciousness. Scientists have recently discovered that freestyle artists activate an area in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain that plays a role in self-motivation and it is highly interesting to note that the portion of the mind being accessed also deals with morality and self-reflection. (deep…..)
As this particular area of the brain lights up, the cognitive portion which deals with analyzing (and can result in over-thinking) becomes less active allowing energy from the upper region to become dominate and flow-freely. Dr. Siyuan Liu was lead researcher on the project and one of the co-authors of a new study on the brain activity of freestyle rappers published in Scientific Report.
The increased brain activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and all along its mid-line suggests that freestylers tap into the subconscious mind. A “flow” state is entered, which researchers described as a “complete immersion in creative activity, typified by focused self-motivation, positive emotional valence and loss of self-consciousness.” In the hip-hop world we call this zoning out…. But what does this mean for the listeners of hip-hop or the recipients of simply ingenious improvisations? Could this “free-style state of mind” in fact bear witness that man is by nature instinctively inclined to the higher mind, or (God – Force) within when left uninterrupted by doubt or second-guesses and left un-restricted by the limited ceiling of thoughts we’ve been conditioned to think about ourselves? For Music IS Alive this comes as significant news because it further confirms the power of words and creativity and highlights the influence of artists in the role of shaping and helping to usher society to a higher level of existence.
I pray that we are grateful to see the power that is in our hands by the grace of God to participate actively in the plan of restoration of righteousness in this new dispensation of time. Until next time… shine bright! Peace.
IMAGE CREDITS: CINET ASIA, TONY MUHAMMAD CITATIONS: DISCOVERY NEWS
To artists and musicians who genuinely seek to uplift and inspire through your craft, we highly recommend this brief but special message on the universality of music, it’s power, and how it can enliven the spirit of humanity.. when played from a pure heart. Thanks for listening and much success on your quest to leave the world a better place than you found it..
First of all we’d like to thank the media for providing this unique opportunity that sets the stage for a special and much needed dialogue between both the cultural and spiritual community and for exposing a new audience to a very important and powerful spiritual leader who can give divine insight into the current state of popular culture and it’s effects on humanity. For those who wonder why it is important for such dialogue to take place you may not have heard the rising outcry of young artists like Jasmine Mann who delivered a heartfelt poetic address on the image of Nicki Minaj or New Orleans rapper Dee-1 who wrote a lyrical plea on artist accountability addressed to jay, 50, and weezy.
dee 1
These are just two acts of many that are now taking place sparking a new wave cultural activism against degrading images in hip hop reaching all the way to Africa. In a 2001 address to hip hop artists in New York Minister Farrakhan stated “I do not think it is an accident that music and culture have moved to this time and that the spoken word has become that which is affecting youth throughout the entire planet. In countries where governments do not like western music or western civilization, people are sneaking around listening to the word and moving to the beat of the hip hop generation. – In China, in Japan, in Europe, in Africa, in the Caribbean, in Central America and South America, the youth are following you.”
On Feb 28th we come to see that this statement is indeed true when a youtube video was uploaded of ten year old Watoto From The Nile sending a “Letter to Lil Wayne”. A song which has been described as a direct statement of justice explaining that people are growing tired and fed up with the constant degredation of Black women inside of Hip Hop music. Children voice thier views and opinions on the melodic track.
During the speech the minister went on to say “When you are a rapper and you understand your leadership role, you must understand that, with leadership comes responsibility. You did not ask for it. It is imposed on you, but you now have to accept responsibility that you have never accepted.” This address took place ten years ago and was heard by many of our popular artists and executives both major and independent. But just who is this man Minister Farrakhan? Who is this ‘Islamic preacher’ who is listened to by millions, and sought out for guidance throughout the world of politics, entertainment, and religion? Who is this man oft times seen with and embraced by many famous Black artists, actors, and musicians? What did Minister Farrakhan really say at the 2011 Saviours’ Day address in Chicago?
To the news source that twisted the address and reported Minister Farrakhan as calling Rihanna fans swine, in an attempt to divert people away from a man that you don’t want us to listen to, you have instead provided a platform to expose a new audience to someone that a generation in confusion would benefit very much from hearing. During the Feb 27th address before dissecting images portrayed to the masses throughout popular culture, Minister Farrakhan spoke on the inner manifestation of god that lies within all human beings ” I’m not into condemning you for what you do like I’m the holy one.. we all come out of the same cut.. but I know what I see in you so I’m always trying to pull it because I see God”
He then stated that we are beginning to be ‘swine-like’ in our behavior and have become numb to indecency and proceeded to speak on what was recently shown on the annual televised award show. “I saw my beautiful sister the other night at the Grammy Awards… my poor sister… and she was dressed.. almost with like a pair of drawers and she got her legs wide open and is just grinding away. (brief pause) If that didn’t revolt you, you’re beginning to be a swine. When you can sit down and listen to somebody and every third word is “you mf ” this and they start talking about the act that is done in private and bring it out in the public and make it so low down and filthy and you’re sitting there laughing at a filthy damn joke and then the next day you go to church and sing in the choir you are a swine.”
This may be a tough pill to swallow for a generation not used to being checked for it’s behavior to the near point of self-destruction. But we have to ask have the masses truly fallen into lowly state of existence and have come to love more and more extreme and debauched expressions of artistry? Is it true that society is being made to accept and be comfortable with degeneracy? If so what effect is it having on our youth and civilization in general? So far it is appearing that a movement is emerging that conflicts with the messages being sent out by mainstream machines. Things are gradually coming to a point where you’ll eventually have to choose sides and decide if you want to break away and be a part of what benefits humanity or continue to bask in that which ill-affects us and our future, the youth. Either way you have to think.. even the babies are crying out against the madness.
Before you go check out Casta Stone a young artist from West Africa stepping to the mic to prove that all hope isn’t lost..
The Music is Alive Campaign is a cultural initiative that blends music and creativity with education, responsibility, and awareness. The Music Is Alive campaign explores the role and impact of music, sound and art on human and cultural development and seeks to promote and encourage a supportive atmosphere for artists ... Continue reading »
For many of us in the world of rhymes, beats and ciphers, it comes as little to no surprise to find out just how greatly hip-hop impacts the stream of consciousness. Scientists have recently discovered that freestyle artists activate an area in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain that plays a role in self-motivation and it is highly interesting to note that the portion of the mind being accessed also deals with morality and self-reflection. (deep…..)
subconscious mind. A “flow” state is entered, which researchers described as a “complete immersion in creative activity, typified by focused self-motivation, positive emotional valence and loss of self-consciousness.” In the hip-hop world we call this zoning out…. But what does this mean for the listeners of hip-hop or the recipients of simply ingenious improvisations? Could this “free-style state of mind” in fact bear witness that man is by nature instinctively inclined to the higher mind, or (God – Force) within when left uninterrupted by doubt or second-guesses and left un-restricted by the limited ceiling of thoughts we’ve been conditioned to think about ourselves? For Music IS Alive this comes as significant news because it further confirms the power of words and creativity and highlights the influence of artists in the role of shaping and helping to usher society to a higher level of existence.
