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)
Poor Jah People
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Equal right and justice
We want to see it whoy ooy
Jah people walk through the valley of the shadow of life
All through the agony of Babylon, we fear no evil
Poor. Jah people
We have been hit, stoned and refused
Poor. Jah people
Jah is not satisfied with what is going on
He need to see some more equal rights and justice turn up
Poor. Jah people
We have never been given a chance even one time
To try and control our own little lives
Poor. Jah people, wooy, wooy
For Jah know it all
Jah seal it and hol' and control it
Poor. Jah people
Equal rights and justice stand for all
But some take it aside away and slowly crawl
Poor. brrrr, Jah people
(.)
Qedamawi Qedamawi I I, Selassie
Mahamlai, Ras Qatari I
The heads of all gods
The King of King and Lords of Lords
Poor. poor Jah People
Jah is not satisfied with what is going on
He need to see some more equal rights and justice turn up
Poor. Jah people
We have been used, stoned and refused
Kicked out on the street for so many, many times
Poor. Jah people
Some have got a bag full in their hands
And while you see some, dem mouth wide from hungry
Poor. Jah people
But it will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth
Who nah no teeth, dem gum a go feel it
Poor. Jah people
Who know they are doing wrong
Just translate it and put in right
Poor. Jah people
I-man ah obey these words, I say
For before one of these word pass away
Zion and earth pass
Poor. Jah people
From a long time ago we have been working on the plantation
With nothing at all to gi' remember
Poor. Jah people
It is full time now for us to have
There should be there more no more, have not I say
Poor Jah people, poor Jah people
Oh Jah, oh Jah Rastafari
I just can't express in words, I say
Poor. Jah people
But all I know whatever you're doing for poor Jah people
Do it good and positive, I say
Poor. Jah people, poor Jah
Jah never yet been asleep or slumber
Jah count in all your deeds and days by number
Poor. Jah people
Be careful what you do and say
The prayers of the poor
Reach to the ears of Jah His Imperial Majesty I
(Poor. Jah people) Rastafari
?? he put in my mind
Living like this can't be good at all
Poor. Jah people
Some on the street, drinking dirty water
Some eating out of garbage pan, I say
Poor. Lord Jah Rastfari - Jah people
Only Jah I can tell all my problems
Because I'm really my brothers keeper
Poor. Jah people
The opening lines of Culture's song Poor Jah People emphasize the importance of equal rights and justice. The reggae band expresses a strong desire for a world that is fair and just. Jah people are depicted as walking through the valley of life and facing the agony of Babylon, which refers to the struggle against oppression and inequality. The repeated use of the phrase "Poor. Jah people" underscores the difficulties that this group faces. They have been hit, stoned, refused, and kicked out on the street numerous times. But through it all, they remain courageous and resolute. They are not afraid even in the face of evil.
The song also talks about the disappointment that Jah feels about the current state of the world. He wants to see more equal rights and justice. Jah people have never been given a chance to control their own lives. The song suggests that some people take equal rights and justice for granted and do not understand what it means to struggle. The lyrics also highlight the struggle of poverty and hunger in many communities where people eat out of garbage cans and drink dirty water. The song explains that Jah is always there for the poor, and their prayers reach Jah, who counts all their deeds and days by number. The final message of the song is that it is essential to do good and positive things for poor Jah people.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa ooy, ooy - aah, aah aye
Introductory exclamations
Equal right and justice
We demand equality and justice
We want to see it whoy ooy
We want to see it happen
Jah people walk through the valley of the shadow of life
We, Jah people, experience the struggles of life
All through the agony of Babylon, we fear no evil
Despite Babylon's oppression, we are fearless
Poor. Jah people
We, Jah people, are poor and oppressed
We have been hit, stoned and refused
We have been physically and mentally abused and rejected
Kicked out on the street so many, many times
We have been homeless and displaced many times
Jah is not satisfied with what is going on
God is unhappy with the current state of affairs
He need to see some more equal rights and justice turn up
God wants to see more equality and justice
We have never been given a chance even one time
We have never been given an opportunity to control our own lives
To try and control our own little lives
We want to have control over our own lives
For Jah know it all
God knows everything about us
Jah seal it and hol' and control it
God protects and controls us
Equal rights and justice stand for all
Equal rights and justice apply to everyone
But some take it aside away and slowly crawl
Some take advantage and abuse the system
Qedamawi Qedamawi I I, Selassie
We honor Emperor Haile Selassie I
Mahamlai, Ras Qatari I
We honor other important people in Rastafari movement
The heads of all gods
The most important leaders and gods
The King of Kings and Lords of Lords
We honor God, the greatest King and Lord of all
We have been used, stoned and refused
We have been exploited, hurt and rejected
Some have got a bag full in their hands
Some have a lot of wealth
And while you see some, dem mouth wide from hungry
Others are hungry and struggling with poverty
But it will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth
Those who don't have will suffer and be resentful
Who nah no teeth, dem gum a go feel it
Those who have no teeth will feel the pain
Who know they are doing wrong
Those who are aware of their wrongdoing
Just translate it and put in right
They should correct their actions
I-man ah obey these words, I say
I will follow these words and obey God
For before one of these words pass away
These words will never be forgotten
Zion and earth pass
These words are more permanent than anything on earth
From a long time ago we have been working on the plantation
We, Jah people, have been oppressed for a long time
With nothing at all to gi' remember
We have nothing to show for our hard work
It is full time now for us to have
It's time for us to have a fair share
There should be there more no more, have not I say
No one should be deprived, we demand equality
Oh Jah, oh Jah Rastafari
We call out to God, Jah Rastafari
But all I know whatever you're doing for poor Jah people
We don't know how to solve our problems
Do it good and positive, I say
We hope for positive change
Jah never yet been asleep or slumber
God is always aware of our plight
Jah count in all your deeds and days by number
God is aware of everything we do and experience
Be careful what you do and say
Be mindful of your actions and words
The prayers of the poor
God hears the prayers of the poor
Reach to the ears of Jah His Imperial Majesty I
God hears us and takes action
Living like this can't be good at all
This way of living is not acceptable
Some on the street, drinking dirty water
Some are forced to drink dirty water on the street
Some eating out of garbage pan, I say
Some are forced to eat from the garbage can
Only Jah I can tell all my problems
Only God can understand and solve our problems
Because I'm really my brothers keeper
We are responsible for each other
Writer(s): BILLY HILL
Contributed by Eli J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mvikeli
on Forward To Africa
Children of Israel wan go home now
Come on now brothers and sisters
Run a come come hear what I have to say
Listen and I will tell you
Brother what's the talk of the town today
For in every corner fact you real walk
You will see a group of people talk
They are not sky logging
They are only talking about Ithiopia
Some say they want to leave the rest of the world
And now forward to Africa
Some talk about Ithiopia and while the others Liberia
But no matter where
The rasta do not care
I know I must to be there to get I share
Of all those riches and delicious dishes of the Ithiopia
Sing triumphant song let me hear you
I I I I I I I
Children of Israel say
Oh yeah
And tho what a glorious morning
Brother when we land at Ithiopia shore
Our sorrows would all be over
And there Jah people will weep no more
It is a land of liberty where milk corn and wine are awaiting us
With my sickness I and I will be a witness of the Ithiopia
Hear the other thing again wey I no like
You could take away the world and its vanity
The Rastarman don't care or kick about that
Ya hear this
Just take I forward to Ithiopia
Make I come out cog and live in spot
But if you lazy you will surely die
For there you cannot thief nor beg or no lie
It takes behavior just to be a savior of the Ithiopia
Shout the triumphant new song say
I I I I I I I
Babylon wall a crumple
I can smell the smell of victory
High service
on Natty Dread Naw Run
I will not run away even if my enemies come
I will not run away
They are as good as gone
I welcome them to come
Listen to what I am saying
They have come to haunt me like parasites
They have come to hurt me like parachucks
Repeat after me
We will succeed with fortune on our side
Be strong and confront the oppressors
Samson was a legendary figure
He never backed down
He emerged victorious despite the odds
He defeated the Philistines multiple times
This is a historical fact
Do not be scared
Another historical event
He defeated Goliath with just a sling and a stone
The enemy has many guns
They have advanced technology on their side
David was never afraid
Despite their weapons
We will inform them
They are already defeated
I will not run away despite their weapons
I will confront them head-on
This is a message from Jah (God)
Despite everything
Natty dread nah run for dem a license gun
dawu
on Capture Rasta
I am happy
dawu
on Slice Of Mount Zion
truth
Lionel Blinkston
on Behold
What's the meaning of they are races Jesu's, races Jesu's of god, and thats the distruction of poor blackman
Romeo addai
on Where The Tree Falls
Rip Joseph hill
Da Mike
on Praise Him
this lyrics do not really match with this track, well I can not be able to provide my own lyrics because Am a lost sheep too
Nathanael Martey
on Do Something For Yourself
Culture we love his braveness
Rasta Oteng Kobby
on Going Home
I need Going home lyrics...I love Kwame Joseph Hill Culture
Ra’s Israel
on Humble African
Culture we are going home to the promise land, from Iran to Israel, from Israel to Egypt, from Egypt to Sudan , from Sudan to Mali , fighting wars and taking the Kingdom as Ghana empire to the promise land which was Gold Coast today Ghana.