XXX, Cornbread, Cherry Wine and Spades
XXX, Cornbread, Cherry Wine and Spades
XXXTentacion: A Legacy of Controversy and Musical Innovation
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, widely recognized as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper and singer-songwriter who gained a massive following for his music that often delved into themes of depression and alienation. Despite controversies stemming from his legal issues, XXXTentacion was lauded for his musical versatility, touching on genres like emo, trap, indie rock, and punk rock. He played a pivotal role in popularizing emo rap and SoundCloud rap in the mid-to-late 2010s.
Beginning of a Musical Journey
XXXTentacion’s music journey began after his release from a juvenile detention center, leading him to start his career on SoundCloud in 2013. He was known for his unconventional approach in rap, incorporating distortion and heavy guitar instrumentals, inspired by third-wave emo and grunge. He founded the collective Members Only in 2014, rising to fame on the SoundCloud rap scene. His notable single “Look at Me” and albums like “17” and “?” received widespread acclaim, with “?” debuting at number one on the Billboard 200.
Controversy and Legal Issues
His life, however, was marred by legal troubles, including battery charges in 2016 that significantly impacted his public image. Some viewed these incidents as defining his legacy, while others saw his later life as a story of redemption. Tragically, XXXTentacion’s life was cut short at 20 when he was murdered in Florida in 2018. This event led to the arrest and conviction of four men.
Posthumous Recognition and Impact
XXXTentacion’s impact on music is reflected in his posthumous recognition and record sales, with over 68 million certified records sold in the US and UK. He received an American Music Award and a BET Hip Hop Award after his death, and his posthumous albums “Skins” and “Bad Vibes Forever” continued to cement his legacy in the music industry.
Early Life and Struggles
Born to Jamaican parents in Florida, XXXTentacion had a challenging childhood, marked by traumatic experiences and a turbulent family life. He found solace in music, which he began exploring through school and church choirs. Despite facing various challenges, including being expelled from school and diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he nurtured his passion for music, eventually becoming a symbol of resilience and creativity for many fans.
Philadelphia's Graffiti Revolution: From Gangs to Icons
The Genesis in Philadelphia: A New Era of Graffiti
Historically, graffiti's form and essence remained static worldwide until the 1960s, when Philadelphia ushered in a new graffiti epoch. Pre-1960s graffiti, typically indistinguishable in style over time, underwent a dramatic transformation in the City of Brotherly Love.
From Modest to Monumental: The Shift in Scale
Initially akin to the size of handwritten letters, Philadelphia's mid-60s graffiti diverged notably. While mirroring the social protest graffiti emerging in other metropolises, it steered clear of political or ideological messages. Academics discerned two primary graffiti categories - "territorial markers" and "independent artists."
Territorial Markings by Gangs
Philadelphia's youth gangs embraced graffiti as a tool for intimidation and turf demarcation. Their graffiti, inscribed on buildings and overpasses, signified gang dominion. Contrasting individual expression, these large-scale names and symbols underscored collective warnings.
Key locales for this menacing graffiti were strategic urban junctures, marked by cryptic codes denoting gang affiliations. Tools of choice included Magic Markers and paint. The scale and intensity of such graffiti were evident in racially charged messages in specific neighborhoods.
The Rise of the Loners
Conversely, independent graffiti artists, typically non-gang affiliated, pursued fame through citywide visibility. Their inspiration partly stemmed from gang graffiti's scale, soon adopting similar grandiosity in their work.
Pioneering Philadelphia Artists: Cornbread and Cool Earl
Philadelphia's graffiti landscape was notably shaped by figures like Cornbread and Cool Earl. Along with others, they ventured into previously uncharted territories, marking bridges and overpasses, pioneering the use of spray paint.
Elevating Risk and Recognition
The prestige of these artists was proportional to the risks undertaken. The title of "King" was reserved for those whose daring feats and inaccessible tag locations captivated public and media attention. Competition among these artists was fierce, involving audacious acts like tagging public transportation and even zoo animals.
Cornbread: The Evolutionary Loner
Cornbread, rejecting gang affiliations, concentrated on public transit lines for his graffiti. He sought to elevate the art form, focusing on larger scales, better materials, and innovative designs. His influence was pivotal in the eventual emergence of the distinctive New York City subway graffiti of the 1970s.
Philadelphia's Influence on Subway Graffiti
Philadelphia graffiti artists recognized the potential reach of public transportation as a canvas, thus initiating a trend of linear, simple letter-based graffiti. This trend laid the groundwork for the more complex styles that would later dominate New York's subway system.
By the late 60s, Philadelphia's buses and trains were awash with graffiti, a trend that was just beginning to take root in New York. The unparalleled exposure offered by New York's extensive subway system would eventually see this art form reach its zenith.
In summary, Philadelphia's mid-20th-century graffiti evolution marked a significant shift from small-scale, individualistic expressions to large, impactful urban art. This movement not only changed the landscape of Philadelphia but also set the stage for the expansive and stylistically rich graffiti culture of New York City.
The Black Spades: A Bronx Tale of Power, Change, and Hip-Hop
The Black Spades hold a unique place in the annals of New York’s history, particularly in the Bronx. They emerged not just as a gang but as a symbol of resistance and identity in a borough plagued by economic and social upheaval. This article aims to explore their complex legacy, from their roots in street culture to their unexpected role in the birth of hip hop.
Formation and Influence
The Birth in Turmoil: The Black Spades rose from the ashes of the Bronx, a response to the neglect and chaos of the 1960s and 70s. Their formation was a direct consequence of the societal neglect, offering solidarity and protection in a landscape marked by poverty and racial tension.
A Symbol of Power: The Black Spades quickly grew in numbers and influence. They were more than a gang; they represented a fight against systemic oppression, providing a sense of empowerment to marginalized youth in the Bronx.
Leadership and Legacy
Key Figures and Ideologies: Afrika Bambaataa, Bam Bam, and Popmaster Fabel were not just leaders but visionaries who saw beyond the gang’s immediate realm. They infused the Black Spades with a sense of purpose that transcended typical gang activities, advocating for social justice and community unity.
The Legacy Beyond Streets: The leadership directed the gang towards a more constructive role, laying the foundation for what would later become the Zulu Nation. Their foresight and influence were crucial in steering the youth towards creative and social endeavors.
From Protection to Cultural Movement
Community Guardians: Originally formed for protection, the Black Spades became de facto guardians of their neighborhoods. They tackled issues like police brutality and racial injustice head-on, becoming a voice for the voiceless in the Bronx.
Evolving into a Cultural Phenomenon: The shift from a street gang to a cultural movement was gradual but profound. The Black Spades, particularly under the influence of Afrika Bambaataa, began embracing music and culture as tools for change, leading to the birth of the Zulu Nation.
Hip Hop and Cultural Revolution
The Birthplace of Hip Hop: The Black Spades were at the epicenter of the hip hop revolution. Their parties and gatherings became the breeding ground for what would become a global cultural phenomenon, with members like Afrika Bambaataa pioneering new sounds and styles.
Influence on Music and Culture: The impact of the Black Spades on hip hop was not just musical but also ideological. They imbued the genre with messages of unity, strength, and resistance, influencing generations of artists and fans alike.
Alliances and Rivalries
Complex Relationships: The Black Spades navigated a complex web of alliances and rivalries with other New York City gangs. Their interactions shaped the gang dynamics of the city and played a significant role in their own evolution.
The Ghetto Brothers Alliance: The merger with the Ghetto Brothers was a landmark event. It signified a unification of purpose among the Bronx gangs, leading to a decrease in gang violence and a concerted focus on social and cultural development.
The Black Spades in Popular Media
Representation in Media: The story of the Black Spades has been both glorified and vilified in popular media. While some narratives celebrate their role in community building and hip hop, others perpetuate stereotypes about gang culture.
The Dichotomy of Perception: The portrayal of the Black Spades in media reflects the broader societal views on gangs and marginalized communities. It underscores the complexities of their identity and the challenges in understanding their true impact and legacy.
Conclusion
The Black Spades’ journey, marked by resilience, transformation, and cultural innovation, offers a nuanced perspective on gang culture and its potential to drive social change. Their legacy continues to resonate in the streets of the Bronx and the global hip-hop community, serving as a testament to the power of unity and creativity in the face of adversity.
Exploring the Connection Between Nas and Amy Winehouse
In celebration of Amy's "Back To Black" trailer Release, Andrea3Stacks shares a story about the true relationship between Amy Winehouse and Nas.