 |  | Revolutionary Funk! - 100% Masterpiece |  |
When it comes to politically charged pro-black hip-hop, X-Clan were among the finest. The potency of their message can only be matched by Public Enemy, and "To the East, Blackwards" is a protest-rap masterpiece. The original lineup as presented here, consists of lead rapper Brother J, Professor X, Paradise, & Sugar Shaft. Brother J provides the ultimate vision of the group, bringing a smooth, demanding flow, delivering an impeccable mission of revolution. The Overseer Professor X provides the militant-style words of wisdom, such as the very memorable "This is protected by the red, the black, and the green, with a key, sissiiiiieeeeeeeees!". Paradise & Sugar Shaft hold down the Parliament-Funkadelic inflicted production nicely, which balances out Brother J & Professor X's strong political messages with a healthy dose of fun and memorability.
In many respects, it's surprising they only made it to #11 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 1990 since the record just never stops hitting in it's entirety. Not a single skippable moment is present. On the other hand, these guys didn't exactly have the most mainstream-friendly appearance back in the golden age. Nevertheless, this record shares a longevity on the level of Public Enemy, and BDP's finest moments. Some of my favorites would include "Funkin' Lesson", "Grand Verbalizer, What Time Is It?", "Tribal Jam", "Raise The Flag" and "Heed The Word Of The Brother". You won't find a moment of filler to speak of.
X-Clan would go on to make one more excellent album before they disbanded in 1992 ("Xodus"). Many went on to join other collectives/groups and to record solo projects. In 1995 Sugar Shaft died from AIDS. Professor X went on to record two solo albums before he died from spinal meningitis in 2006. In late 2006, Brother J reformed X-Clan for their superb, near classic endeavor "Return From Mecca". One can only hope a force this powerful will continue making hip-hop in this much needed time of it's existence.
September 3, 2008| | | Wake UP RAP FANS AND ARTISTS!!! | |
I am a 40 yr old rap fan and I'll be the first to admit I love some 'reality' rap (gangsta/hardcore). All forms of rap is needed to express varying points of view based upon your upbringing, but you are lying to yourself, to the fans , kids etc. if you think that postivity in music is not needed.
Groups like the legendary X CLAN were needed then and now maybe even more!!
In todays time there are no voices for the righteous side of life. It doesn't matter youR race, sex or age, we all; I repeat, we all want to live in a world where we're respected and given an opportunity at the so-called american dream!!
Yes its cool to hear a 'reality' rap song thats bumpin, but we have to have balance that reflects the world we live in; which means that there has to be some positivity too if we want to try and live in a Vanglorious world, you SISSIES!!!!
April 10, 2008You know an album is great when almost everyone gives it 5 stars in the reveiw. But 5 stars isn't enough for To the East, Blackwards. This is simply one of the greatest albums of all time. X-Clan came on to the scene with this and totally knocked it out of the park. Their music has always been about striving and moving forward, pointing out the failures and flaws of those in charge and representing a positive and strong image in the face of so much negativety. X-Clan is about revolution. X-Clan has always been way ahead of their time. The band is much different now with only Brotha J still alive and PXO and Sugar Shaft dead, but the music of X-Clan is just as great now as they were on this CD. You just can't go wrong with X-Clan. This is important music that is really more of a movement. X-Clan stands for something, and that something is protected by seven principles of red black and green... with a key... on the road again... sissies. Get this if you own a CD player. It should just come with CD players and on ipods everywhere. X-Clan is the greatest.
March 31, 2008| | | To the east, my brother to the east! | |
I think that To The East, Blackwards is the most underrated rap album of all time. Brother J is a phenomenal lyricist and at second listen, I still think that he is great. He has a commanding voice and doesnt waste time on the mic to babble about being a gangsta. Instead he chooses to spread knowledge in the form of hip hop. Funkin Lesson, Grand Verbalizer What Time Is It, Verbal Milk(Yuck, Brother J says yuck), Raise The Flag etc are all proof of this. Everytime I hear those African drum patterns in Tribal Jam, I feel alive. The rest of this album is superb so I need not say more. Bottom Line: To The East, Blackwards is a classic that needs to be in every hip hop heads collection you sissssyyyyyyy(Sorry, involuntary reflex). Knowledge filled gems over old school samples while the late Professor X gives his signature introduction. I have the utmost respect for X Clan because not many rappers were telling you to embrace your culture and be proud of who you are especially at a time when it wasnt "trendy" to do so. Standout Tracks: FUNKIN LESSON, GRAND VERBALIZER, WHAT TIME IS IT?, TRIBAL JAM, A DAY OF OUTRAGE, OPERATION SNATCHBACK, RAISE THE FLAG, VERBS OF POWER and IN THE WAYS OF THE SCALES.
REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR X!!!
November 19, 2007This is definitely one of the best albums ever made and deserves more attention than it actually gets. You can't beat the mixture and the flow of their unique style. I know a couple of the group members passed, I hope they rest in peace.
August 15, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
