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" β producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson. While at Gibbsβ studio, they recorded a series of powerful singles, many of which ended up on their debut album βTwo Sevens Clashβ. 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 β 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 β 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)
Jah Rastafari
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Children of Israel who really love rights
For Jah set I&I as a watchman - around Babylonian walls
Oh, Children of Israel
I&I should never hold I peace while wrong is going on - day or night
Fight down war crime, fight down war and crime, fight down war and crime
And build up righteousness
Jah Rastafari, Jah Rastafari, Jah Rastafari - preserve all people
Put crime away - put crime away again
Jah set I&I still as a watchman, around Babylon walls
Yes, Children of Israel
I&I should never hold our peace - while we are penalized day and night
We should chant down Babylon doors - preparing the way for Jah people
The song Jah Rastafari by Culture is an anthem for social justice and a call to action for the Children of Israel, who are referenced as those who truly love rights. The opening lines emphasize the wrongdoings that have been going on for too long in their little ghetto, and the need for protest to bring about change. The lyrics then highlight the belief that Jah (God) has set them as watchmen around Babylonian walls, a metaphor for the oppressive systems that exist in their society.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "Jah Rastafari" several times, serves as a reminder of their faith and belief in the power of their religion to preserve all people. The verses also emphasize their duty to fight against war and crime, and to build up righteousness in its place. The lines "put crime away again" suggest that there was once a time when their community was not plagued by crime and violence, and that through their actions, they can bring about a return to those better times.
Overall, Jah Rastafari is a powerful call to action for those who face oppression and injustice to stand up against it and work towards a better future. The references to Babylon and Jah serve as metaphors for the corrupt systems and higher power that they believe exists, and their faith and belief in their religion serve as an anchor in their fight for justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Too long in our little ghetto wrong has been going on - let's protest
We have suffered from wrongdoings in our small community for too long without speaking up, now is the time to protest.
Children of Israel who really love rights
Those who genuinely value human rights are the true Children of Israel.
For Jah set I&I as a watchman - around Babylonian walls
God has appointed us to keep a watchful eye over society's systemic problems.
Oh, Children of Israel
We are all God's chosen people, and it's time to recognize that.
I&I should never hold I peace while wrong is going on - day or night
We should never remain silent when injustice is happening, regardless of the time of day.
Man! Bust down Babylon gates - preparing the way - preparing the way for Jah People
We must tear down the structures that are designed to oppress us and pave the way for a better future.
Fight down war crime, fight down war and crime, fight down war and crime
We must actively resist any form of violence and criminal behavior.
And build up righteousness
We must focus on creating a just society.
Jah Rastafari, Jah Rastafari, Jah Rastafari - preserve all people
God will protect all of us, regardless of our race or background.
Put crime away - put crime away again
We must eradicate all forms of crime from our society.
Jah set I&I still as a watchman, around Babylon walls
God has appointed us to remain vigilant to the problems that surround us.
Yes, Children of Israel
Once again, we are all God's chosen people.
I&I should never hold our peace - while we are penalized day and night
We must always speak up when we are being unjustly punished.
We should chant down Babylon doors - preparing the way for Jah people
We must use our voices to tear down the oppressive structures in our society.
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alex Kodwiw
sir francis DRAKE not Dread
COUNTERFIT not count of fear
George Perry
And thank I for sharing the lyrics. High Praises
George Perry
Brother Joseph a beautiful soul.
George Perry
1 love
@elvismark4284
Long live the prophet πβ€οΈππ«‘πͺπΉ brother Joseph hill. Jah Rastafari
@slashambusy8972
My late father's favorite song today mark's exactly 5years when he died π₯Ίam playing this song again again and again remembrance of himππ
@eardleyjohnson812
It was my mom favorite song too, she passed in 2016, it's now one of my favorite songs
@slashambusy8972
@@eardleyjohnson812 we are in this together dear π₯Ίπ
@BK-kk1py
ππΎππΎππΎππΎ Bless Him
@p.o.p7739
Bless dem