There are at least two artists that have used this name:
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)

More Vacancy
Culture Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jah children of Israel shock up inna Babylon

We really want more vacancy
We really want more vacancy

We just can't eat out garbage pan like dog
While the others sleep down in old car, that's bad, very bad

We really want more vacancy
We really want more vacancy

First, we want food for the hungered
Food for the hungered

Clothes for the naked
Clothes for the naked

Shelter for the shelterless
Shelter for the shelterless

Mother for the motherless
Mother for the motherless

Father for the fatherless
Father for the fatherless

Teacher for the illiterate
Teacher for the illiterate

We really want more vacancy

We, we, weeee

Children of Israel stand up and talk for your right

We just can't eat out garbage pan like dog
While the others sleep down in old car, that's bad, man, very bad

We really want more vacancy
I and I and I want more vacancy

We want food for the hungered
Food for the hungered

Clothes for the naked
Clothes for the naked

Shelter for the shelterless
Shelter for the shelterless

Mother for the motherless
Mother for the motherless

Father for the fatherless
Father for the fatherless

Teacher for the illiterate
Teacher for the illiterate

We really want more vacancy

Man

We really want more vacancy

Yeah

We, we, we, we, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Culture's song "More Vacancy" paint a picture of the struggles faced by the children of Israel in Babylon. The reference to Babylon is symbolic of the oppression, corruption, and injustice that they face in their everyday lives. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and frustration, as the people long for a reprieve from their struggles. The repeated chorus of "We really want more vacancy" suggests that they are seeking a way out of their current situation - a path to freedom and a better life.

The verses of the song list specific needs that the people have, ranging from basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter to more emotional needs such as a mother and father figure, and education. Each request is tied to a specific group of people, highlighting the diverse needs of the community. The use of repetition throughout the song emphasizes the importance of these needs and the urgency of the situation - they are not merely wishes, but vital requests for survival. The line "We just can't eat out garbage pan like dog, while the others sleep down in old car" conveys a sense of indignity and shame, illustrating the stark contrast between their own struggling existence and the more comfortable lives of the privileged few.

Overall, "More Vacancy" is a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly those whose basic needs are not being met. The song serves as a call to action for those in positions of power to recognize these needs and take steps to address them, to ensure that there is indeed "more vacancy" - more opportunities for those who have been denied them for so long.

Line by Line Meaning

Jah children of Israel shock up inna Babylon
The people of Israel are struggling in Babylon

We really want more vacancy
We need more opportunities

We just can't eat out garbage pan like dog
We cannot tolerate living in destitute conditions like an animal

While the others sleep down in old car, that's bad, very bad
It is unacceptable that some people have to sleep in their cars while others live more comfortably

First, we want food for the hungered
The top priority is to provide food for those who are hungry

Clothes for the naked
We also need to provide clothing for those who are lacking

Shelter for the shelterless
Housing is a basic human need and must be provided for those who do not have it

Mother for the motherless
We must provide nurturing care for those who have lost their mothers

Father for the fatherless
We must also provide guidance and support for those who have lost their fathers

Teacher for the illiterate
Education must be accessible for everyone regardless of their past experiences

Children of Israel stand up and talk for your right
We need to actively advocate for our rights and demand change

Man
A common slang term to refer to someone

Yeah
An expression of positivity

We, we, we, we, yeah
A repeated refrain expressing the desire for positive change

Writer(s): JOSEPH HILL, ALBERT WALKER, JOSEPH CONSTANTINE HILL, ALBERT GEORGE WALKER, ROY DAYES, ROY SYLVESTER DAYES

Contributed by Jayden K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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