1. A roots regg… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists that have used this name:
1. A roots reggae band from Jamaica
2. A straight edge metalcore band from Florida, US
1. Culture was a Jamaican roots reggae group founded in 1976. Originally they were known as the African Disciples.
The members of the trio were Joseph Hill (lead vocals), Albert Walker (backing vocals) and Kenneth Dayes (backing vocals).
Shortly after Culture came together, they began working with the "Mighty Two" – producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson. While at Gibbs’ studio, they recorded a series of powerful singles, many of which ended up on their debut album ‘Two Sevens Clash’. After their success with Gibbs, the group went on to make a string of albums for producer Sonia Pottinger. Culture began working with some of the premier musicians of the day including Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Ansel Collins, Cedric Brooks and the ever-present percussionist Sticky. Virgin Records picked up the albums, and that added distribution enabled Culture to gain an even larger following outside of Jamaica.
Critically considered one of the most authentic traditional reggae acts, at the time of the first Rolling Stone Record Guide publication, they were the only band of any genre whose every recording received a five-star review (of bands with more than one recording in the guide).
In 1982 the three singers went their own ways. Hill carried on using the Culture name, and recorded the Lion Rock album, which was released in the United States by Heartbeat Records. For their part, Walker and Dayes recorded a handful of songs on their own – a few of which turned up on an album titled Roots & Culture. In 1986 the original line-up reformed to record two highly regarded albums – Culture in Culture and Culture at Work. These releases marked the beginning of a very busy period for the group, including annual albums and countless tours. The U.S. label Shanachie released a steady stream of new and old Culture albums up to Wings Of A Dove in 1992.
Joseph Hill, who came to symbolize the face of Culture, died in Germany on 19 August 2006 while the group was on tour. His son, Kenyatta Hill, now is the lead singer.
2) Classic mid/late 90s hardcore from Florida, celebrated for, among a handful of others, helping to cultivate the burgeoning metallic hardcore sound that became synonymous with the era.
CULTURE was known for aggressive social/political/ecological commentary, cautionary tales of reckless consumerism and industrial sprawl, and advocacy of the straightedge lifestyle.
Former members went on to Morning Again, Terror, As Friends Rust, Shai Hulud, Throwdown, Blood Has Been Shed and (most recently) ON BODIES.
In 2012, CULTURE played its first show since disbanding in 1998 (The Reel & Restless Fest in Miami, Florida). This fall, in August of 2013, the band will revisit Europe for Belgium's famed Ieper Hardcore Festival, and will then play three dates in Japan, including Tokyo's Bloodaxe Fest.
Members included:
Rich Thurston (Guitar: 1993-1997, Bass: 1993, Vocals: 1993, Drums: 1996)
Josh Williams (Drums: 1993-1997)
Stan Obal (Bass: 1993)
Mark Mitchell (Vocals: 1993, Vocals: 1996)
Pete Carreno (Bass: 1994)
John Wylie (Guitar: 1994-1995)
Damien Moyal (Vocals: 1994-1995, Vocals: 1997-1998)
Gordon Tarpley (Bass: 1995-1997, Guitar: 1998)
Louie Long (Vocals: 1995)
Anthony Conte (Vocals: 1995)
Steve Looker (Guitar: 1996-1997)
Jason Dooley (Drums: 1997)
Timothy Kirkpatrick (Drums: 1997-1998)
Joe Simmons (Guitar:1997-1998)
Floyd Beckham (Bass: 1998)
Kenneth Brian (Guitar: 1998)
Down In Babylon
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That used to be down here in Babylon
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to beat their drums oh yeah
Where are all the Rastaman
That even used to till the soil
And preach to us for awhile
Down here in Babylon
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to walk the woods
And have a little talk now and then
Even as we should oh yeah
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to build our schools
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to stand upright
With their staff in their hands
Preaching to the leaders
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to till the soil
And feed our nation Lord
Down here in Babylon
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
And lead our nation Lord
Down here in Babylon
These lyrics from Culture's song 'Down In Babylon' are a reflection on the absence of Rastafarians - men who were once a positive influence in their community - and the negative impact this has had on society. The singer asks "Where are all the Rastaman That used to beat their drums oh yeah?" indicating that they were once present and actively engaged in practices that brought joy and culture to the people. There are mentions that the Rastafarians were more than just people who played music - they were educators and community builders, "That used to build our schools And teach the children rights".
There is a sense of nostalgia and longing in the lyrics as the singer questions the whereabouts of these men who were once such a prominent fixture in their society. The reference to Babylon is emblematic of a place where societal ills abound, where people lose their way and forget the principles that bind them together. The presence of Rastafarians in the past, then, offers a glimmer of hope that their return might help restore the balance that once was. The singer implores, "And lead our nation Lord Down here in Babylon" suggesting that the return of Rastafarians would ultimately lead to a better, more united nation.
The song is a reflection on the impact that Rastafarianism has had in Jamaica, and how their absence is felt within the community. The lyrics suggest that Rastafarians are not just entertainers, but builders of community, educators of future generations, and leaders who offer guidance to those in power. It also highlights the importance of cultural traditions and the role that music plays in sustaining and promoting these traditions. In essence, the lyrics are a call to action for Rastafarians to return and lead the way in the fight against societal ills.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are all the Rastaman
What has become of the Rastafarians?
That used to be down here in Babylon
Who once lived here in this place of oppression?
That used to beat their drums oh yeah
Who played music with their African drums?
That even used to till the soil
Who once cultivated the land with their hands?
And preach to us for awhile down here in Babylon
Who used to teach us about life and spirituality?
That used to walk the woods
Who used to stroll through the forests?
And have a little talk now and then
Who used to have a friendly chat with us?
Even as we should oh yeah
As we all ought to do sometimes
That used to build our schools
Who constructed our educational institutions?
And teach the children rights down here in Babylon
Who instructed kids about justice, freedom, and equality?
And lead our nation Lord down here in Babylon
Who guided us to progress as a society?
That used to stand upright
Who once stood tall and proud?
With their staff in their hands
Holding their symbolic cane of authority
Preaching to the leaders
Addressing the politicians and rulers of the land
And feed our nation Lord down here in Babylon
Who provided nourishment and sustenance to the people?
Contributed by Anna B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jwk420
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to be down here in Babylon?
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to beat their drums? Oh yeah
Where are all the Rastaman
That even used to till the soil?
And preach to us for awhile
Down here in Babylon
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to walk the woods?
And have a little talk now and then
Even as we should, oh yeah
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to build our schools?
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
(..)
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to stand upright?
With their staff in their hands
Preaching to the leaders
Where are all the Rastaman
That used to till the soil?
And feed our nation, Lord
Down here in Babylon
And teach the children rights
Down here in Babylon
And lead our nation, Lord
Down here in Babylon
@edemmensah7766
This song takes me somewhere..I can’t quite figure it but it just does something to me. It’s 2023 and I’m still here listening to it in a dark room thinking of my childhood days…Time flies😭
@kofikobashow634
2021 10th April. Is Sunday , I’m standing at the bus stop”w” in Stockwell “opposite the tesco .south London “. This song just hit me from no where in my head been ages since I heard this song. I quickly started dancing to the tune in my head. Run back to my room to search on utube. I know someone will see this comment is years to come. Don’t give up on good music.
@margaretwangui5701
I miss Mighty Culture and every rastaman who is gone much love Culture all the way from Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪 2023 we still feel your spirits
@sehularosamuelmgoqi7282
Tears fall down my heart every time i listen to this song it reminds me of the late African leaders who strive for a better African continent
@CheikhTidianeNDAO
Don't worry brother. Every thing gonna be alright. Jah bless ! One love 💞💞💞
@toshtee2059
2020.. Where are all the Rastaman? Is anyone still listening?
@kingshub3486
2022 here
@zitimilamighan5673
We shall continue to listen to the message of the Almighty Jah
@georgekuria8867
Wi dere bredren
@roche6182
2023🎈🎉🤗