From: v065nlpz@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (Amil)
Newsgroups: alt.rap
Subject: Re: The Devil
Date: 6 Nov 92 07:56:00 GMT
Organization: University at Buffalo
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41

In article <1992Nov5.070643.13085@ultb.isc.rit.edu>, ter5424@ritvax.isc.rit.edu writes...
>Does anyone truly understand what hip hoppers, usually 5%ers, mean when they
>say, "The Devil?"  There just seems to be a shallow idea of what this means. 
>It is not a definition of a racist white person or a racist person period.  It
>goes a bit deeper than that.  I don't want to truly get into this topic *yet*,
>because I like to do some quick research and check ups before I really talk
>deep about anything, but from my understanding, 'The Devil,' is strictly
>diercted towards *all* white people and is something taught through the Nation
>Of Islam.  If I'm correct, Malcolm X also had this belief until he went on his
>mecca and learned this was incorrect in accordance with *true* Islamic
>Teachings, which is different from the teachings of the NOI.  I bring this up
>for two reasons: One, I see some people saying in effect, they are not talking
>about me because I am not like that, which may be true in some cases, but
>is not in the NOI Devil term, and Two, this is a conference on rap music,
>and since this is mentioned a lot lately in rap music, it makes it a valid
>topic in this group.  Perhaps by talking about this, we can come to really
>understand what certain rappers are saying.  When I hear Grand Puba say, "The
>Devil," I understand he is talking about *all* *white* people, from what I
>understand of 5% teachings, which is nothing I've truly studied, only read
>about here and there.   
>                                             T-Dub
>                                             SHYGUY Productions


	Yeah, I admit "devil" is a complex word.  If it started with
the Nation of Islam (NOI) and Malcolm, as addressing all whites (and
I guess it did), then its definately filtered down in meaning (probably
to most people except the NOI).  
	I think it all has to do with the rappers.  Whatever they are
thinkin about when they say "devil" is who they are addressing.  If
Ice Cube says, "Im only talkin about those that are guilty as charged",
then thats what HE'S thinkin.  Maybe Puba is thinkin other things.
	
	What is the definition of a "DEVIL"?  Someone who is evil and
out to do evil to others, etc etc etc.  Whatever it may be, think about
how you picture a devil.  It has been the case for African-Americans
in this country, that throughout history, whites have acted as devils
towards them.  Thats true.  Thus the term, "devil".  
	But then again...  To me, white people are NOT my devil.  Their
ARE certain ones who act as devils, though.  
	Its a tough subject.  I dont think there is much more to it, 
though.  Yes, there can be cases where it is a rasict term.  But
thats it: people mean different things by it.  And you cant always
tell what they're thinkin.

	One more thing:  the 5% nation is a growth of the NOI.  Basically,
the NOI says no drinkin, smokin blunts, etc etc.  And since everyone
does that shit (like Puba, for example), they join the 5% nation, which
is basically the same thing, just not as strict. So they can drink and smoke
and all that. But they are not true Muslims (they dont have their 'X',
 cant enter Mecca, etc.).  People may argue a little with that.
  But its the bottom line. Thats how it is.  Especially in NYC.


						Peace-out.....aMIL
Newsgroups: alt.rap