Monday, April 21st, 2008
New Nas Song
Posted by Bossip Staff
Here is what the world has been waiting for, a track from Nas’ controversial album. This one’s called “Be a Nigger Too”:
This is actually on point. Any thoughts?
Posted by Bossip Staff
Here is what the world has been waiting for, a track from Nas’ controversial album. This one’s called “Be a Nigger Too”:
This is actually on point. Any thoughts?
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1ST FINALLY!
If i ever catch a white guy singing along to this like it’s all good it’s gonna be all bad.
Nas is a fool for this one!
@binary star
LOL! Okay!
I don’t know how i feel about it. i’m all for music with a message but..
HOT!!
I’m not seeing his point. It just sounds ignorant to me.
Why
I like this, a little too subliminal, but it’s okay.
can’t wait to get the cd
i like the joint. it is very relevant to today. I thought it was going to be some dumb crap but it is good i like it.
Okay I understand the message he is getting across
but I’m concerned that alot of people will not/
miscontrue the message. Which means more then 75% of
will. I can’t condone black people calling each
other ni99@’s, ni99@z, ni99@h—all equal N!GGER
So im not down for any other race using it as a
term of endearment.
Let me not get start on this word…..
i can’t wait for the ignorant garbage that’s on the radio today to be replaced by substantial stuff like this
DOPE TRACK>>>RIP LUCKY DUBE!
his message is loud and clear!
the fact that his using the word ***** might allow his audience to misconstrue what the songs about!!
his voice sounds so deep here!
I have never been a huge Nas fan so I don’t think my opinion counts much here. But anyway I wasn’t feeling it and there is no way for it to get any radio play.
can’t hear it..work is too busy for music blaring from the speakers-especially *****
I like this track too. I’m glad he was creative (wouldn’t expect any less from Nas) with the use of the n-word. He made some interesting points…kudos! Also, I like that it was inclusive of all ‘minorities’.
HE WAS SPEAKING THE TRUTH…BUT I WANT THESE RAPPERS TO STOP DOING THEIR OWN HOOKS…IM SICK OF IT
I thought is was pretty tight. I hope the real message doesnt get lost for folks but for a person who understands, i thnk it rocks
DC Opionated.
Test????
*Opinionated*
I like it of course it won’t get radio play but what Nas song does???? I love the lyrics but I kinda hate the hook Nas is still the best.
Am I not alowed to post a positive message? WTF Bossip??
I dig Nas’s music even though I am a huge Jay-Z fan. I think the purpose of this album’s title was to raise eyebrows. He’s sturring up controversy and getting some free marketing at the same time. I know I’m buying it when it comes out. What’s more controversial than an album entitled: N!gger!??!
Its a tight song with a message, but it will never get any air play.
Unfortunately, this will never go anywhere. He has a message to tell, but he needs to know how to package the message so all can hear it.
Its powerful, I think he kinda fell off the topic into some other ***** in the second verse but the first verse more than makes up for it.
He makes plenty of valid points, alot of Africans don’t like us, our elders have failed us, and the NAACP???
To past judgment of wrong or right is not the point, I feel as though he wants to spark intelligent conversation and independent thought in hood *****s.
I like the energy, good opening record…
The Song is doing what it suppose to do!!! To have people generate dialoge!!
Nas is the last of a dyeing breed. hiphop with a message thats not too far over people heads.
Brooklyn, Stand UP!
…What’s more controversial than an album entitled: N!gger!??
Have you heard of the book called N!GGER?
That hook is horrible, the beat is so so and what’s his point? This album isn’t going to change anything. I think it’s only going to further heighten and complicate racist issues. Nas is no Obama, he can’t begin to change anything.
Nas is the best MC,.. and the people that criticize doesnt know half of what Nas know….
he’s intelligent and slick with his vocabulary… a true poet
and the hook comes from the late/great Eazy E from the N.W.A days
Nas is definitely on point and it’s just too bad that this is going to go over alot of folks heads.
They will miss the whole point.
“Ya’ll all some fake bloods like movie make-up”
I must say when I first seen the title I did not care to even hear this mess. The title just threw me off, then it set in for my curiosity. So I clicked and listened and I actually like it. Like I almost love dis song da 1st time I heard it. He did good but the name of it, shame on it all for it being titled be a N!GGER 2 I gotta say it’s SUPA HOT THOUGH and I’d buy the REAL CD, and play this till the CD scratch
@ $m♥K.E.Y.
Brooklyn, Stand UP!
…What’s more controversial than an album entitled: N!gger!??
Have you heard of the book called N!GGER?
———————————-
No, how is it? Who’s the auther?
@Ripcity
School these younginzzz, lol~~
FYI:
White people did the same thing with the words “Yankee Doodle Dandy” it was a derogatory term given to them by the British during the Revolutionary War.
They flipped it why can’t we?
I’m feeling the track
@JM
He’s pointing out that the war over using the word ***** is just a tool to force young and older blacks to go against each other. And all poor people are *****s.
@Brooklyn, Stand UP!
It’s a book that was written by ***** Gregory back in the 60’s
Well, I think his rap style reminds me a lot of “Stillmatic Nas,” and the beat matches it nicely. I can’t really say much here because i had to play the volume on low here at my predominately white dominated job, but it’s alright.
not ok
Please convince as many people as you can to buy this album it’s F>U>B>U.(For Us By Us).It’s time we get people to reconize what’s going on in this racist world. This world would not operate right if we as blacks are not involved. Now flip this racist war on the ones who treat us like there monkeys, but they are really the monkeys. They copy us our lips,butt,style,music,talk should i go on.. EVERY RACE COPIES SOMETHING FROM THE BLACK RACE (WHY)???But none know our hurt pain and history..
Im glad that Nas put some material out there with this sort of substance. I will have to quote Jay-Z..”when the gr***** is cut/the snakes will show/I have to thank my lil homie Nas for that tho..” Like someone mentioned earlier in this discussion board is that it creates a forum on a topic that is not neccesarily easy to talk about in today’s society. However, being that he is a well known public figure, he has drawn in the right elements like the media to touch on sore topics. A lot of people are not giving his songs and album a chance because of the title. I live by the quote “seek for to understand, then to be understood”
Dont blink you might miss something…
peace
Love it.Love it Love it
BUT>>>>
Will never play in mixed company or with mixed company with in an earshot….
this waz banging, it was the truth. and true many will fight over it but he never getz any play anyway and he wont be on any award shows or videos but i believe it was a positive message no matter how many people hate the word. big up 2 pittsburgh haha!
“seek first to understand, then to be understood”
@Jen
LOL- you’re so right
@ Brooklyn SU”I dig Nas’s music even though I am a huge Jay-Z fan”
why does that even matter?
thats exactly wat dude is on about: the idea that black peeps compete with each other for no reason at all!
I get the message. I wonder how many people won’t…
This is the *****. That’s exactly why I love Nas…
Brooklyn Stand Up!
The title is called
N!GGER
The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
by Randall Kennedy
I strongly suggest you read it if you ever have time.
Nas unlike many of his musical peers (except Tupac)
was schooled in a household of adults who were part
of the “Black revolutionist Thought”
many of the things he speaks about are not new, I
was raised ….sorry I will keep it short. I can get
carried away on this topic.
I like it. I guess what he’s trying too say is, regardless of what race you may be from, deep inside you are black.
watever
@Coop
Thanx
If Nas is a true artist he would not have to resort to gimmicks to sell albums and be relevant. He isn’t worried about to help the community or to educate; he is simply doing this for attention.
TRASH
Trash. I”m not feeling it.
@ $m♥K.E.Y.
Brooklyn Stand Up!
The title is called
N!GGER
The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
by Randall Kennedy
I strongly suggest you read it if you ever have time.
Nas unlike many of his musical peers (except Tupac)
was schooled in a household of adults who were part
of the “Black revolutionist Thought”
many of the things he speaks about are not new, I
was raised ….sorry I will keep it short. I can get
carried away on this topic.
————————-
Thanx for schooling me and thanx for the imformation buddy. I will def. check it out sometime.
I don’t expect young people to feel Nas. He is to aware. These days they want that ignorant *****!!
Bklyn Stand Up!
When you say young, what age are you referencing too?
THIS ONE IS ON POINT. NAS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES. I UNDERSTAND HIM COMPLETELY.
Garbage
i hear him… but what’s up w/ the sound of his voice? Is it off to anyone else too?
i think it sux. it’s unintelligible and if i heard white people singing it i’d be *****ed. if i heard kids singing it i’d be *****ed. it’s just not what we need. i’m sure when white people hear it they’re gonna snicker and sing it loud and clear..
it’s nice to hear a real message in hip hop again. he forgot to shout out the sand *****s!
NaS is a beast…. I hear what he’s sayin… He’s one of my favorite MCs but this wasnt a good look.. this sounds all screwed and chopped…. WTF do i need a cup of lean to start feelin that???
Anyways, Happy Monday peoples!!!!!!!
The song makes you think. Listen to it a few times and you will see what he is saying. I see a lot of the people on here do not agree with the way that he conveys his message. That is understandable. But, the truth is that he is trying to convey what he believes in. So, for everyone that has so much to say about how wrong he is, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON THIS RACIAL MESS IN THE US? If nothing, quit playing arm chair quarterback and get in the game and make a change.
WTF- what message? I don’t like the ish! He won’t sell a dime with this one! How ignorant and stupid he must be! All comments and opinions he should keep to himself. Everything ain’t meant to be said.
“…not mad that eminem said *****, ‘cus he’s my *****…”
‘Nuff said.
@Cage…don’t start boy!
Nas is a fool for this one. I’m glad he’s making this and the whole album. God forbid a person actually have to listen to this and think for a second! I hear and feel what he’s saying.
Gotta take a stand at some point…endorphine raising jigs that tamper with psyches….
@brea…you are probably right, it won’t sell. not because it isn’t good but because ignorant fools don’t want to hear anything that might have to make them think about things. He isn’t gonna make you shake your ***** or give you amp music to do dumb *****. He is gonna give you a light education lesson that unfortunately will fall on lots of deaf ears.
“Ya All Fake Bloods Like Movie Make-Up”…lol
i wonder who he’s talkin abt…?
its alot of fake bloods in the rap game as of late
the 2nd verse if for hip hop street heads
1st verse is for everyone that has ears
great song! period… who ever doesnt like this song just doesnt like hip hop or just hate Nas
he’s still considered one of the best MC’s of all-time
Ok I listen to it and I like it. I have always loved Nas and this is just the beginning of what’s to come people give this word to much power and he’s just throwing it out there so I can just imagine what will be said about it.
I feel Nasty on this one but it’s a touchy topic.
Do we then ok the use of calling our sistas *****es and hoes?
Where do we draw the line?
@ $m♥K.E.Y.
Bklyn Stand Up!
When you say young, what age are you referencing too?
————————–
No age…. I’m talking about a mind frame. Young minded. I wasn’t talking about you. sorry
@Ripcity
“Ya All Fake Bloods Like Movie Make-Up”…lol
i wonder who he’s talkin abt…?
its alot of fake bloods in the rap game as of late
the 2nd verse if for hip hop street heads
1st verse is for everyone that has ears
great song! period… who ever doesnt like this song just doesnt like hip hop or just hate Nas
he’s still considered one of the best MC’s of all-time
——————————————–
Dipset! Fake bloodz
What is he saying that hasn’t been said before? Exactly what new message is trying to convey? You won’t find me blaring this anywhere, but I’m interested to find out what his promotional campaign will be? (Other then walking around with N**** on clothing and saying a whole lot of nothing via interviews). I want to know how he will continue to “spark” a conversation that has been going on for years. And what changes (if any) this album will motivate..
i hope this album gets no attention.
thumbs down for NAS
just because some ignorant folks still use the N word (and im talking about my own black folks) doesnt mean the rest of us use it. and we certainly dont want to hear it!!
once again, thumbs down for NAS and that dumb album
Bossip, what do you mean this is on point? This is terrible. Usually Nas drops knowledge but I hate the hook on this song. Just a ploy to sell records, something he hasn’t done lately. So pathetic.
THE WORLD IS NOT READY FOR THIS. NAS IS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF THE GAME AND THE REST OF THE SORRY COMMERCIAL ARTISTS THAT’S PUTTING OUT MUSIC (IF THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL IT) NOW A DAYS.
I’ve been a Nas fan since I was old enough to listen to Ilmatic. I dont get him here though. Its like he is arguing both sides of the debate. Its so Nas though to be completely honest with you. I love the album cover and its irony.
Someone explain to me why his voice sound so deep?
This gonna be my new ringtone
On the fence with this one…….
damn the king is back !!!! New york stand up !!! USA stand up !!! FRance stand up !!! Europe stand up !!! AFRICA STAND UP !!! WORLWIDE STAND UP !!!
The reall ***** is back full of knowledge
Nas will flop like usual.
i hate the n-word. we should abolish it
Message is tight…to some extent… some of the words sucks tho, especially the chorus…its ridiculously stupid. He said “fighting in public”…him and Jay was just fighting…so he can really judge. And every race takes something from another…so its not just we(blacks) give give gives and dont take. also this isnt gonna help with eliminating the word from other races vocabulary. N so all u ppl praising this dont blow up when u see a hip white boy or rican use it, while listening to this.
FIRE-YER!!!!!!!! I-CANT-WAIT!!!!! Jay-Z aint coming like Nasir Jones.
Dont respect the man… our this punk azz publicity whoring title…
if 50 or souljah boi did it they would be coons…
Co sign fat boy…
Anytime you sell “*****” for 18.95, it’s a modern day form a slavery.
You will never see a “Kike” CD for sale. They didn’t even let Michael Jackson use the REFERENCE in ONE song. But people here think Nas is “dropping knowledge” over the use of “*****?”
When will my people wake up. Fruitless endeavors are simply that…fruitless.
Instead of arguing over when it’s “appropriate” to refer to ourselves as “*****” why just not do it at all and progress as a people?
No wonder we’re still stuck at the bottom of the economic totem pole and at furthermost reaches of the non-respected people spectrum.
The Japanese were destroyed and endured American occupation after WWII, fewer than 40 years later, brought the world to its economic knees in the 80s. Nowhere will you find any debate about whether racial epithets hurled at them were a good idea to try to “flip.”
Our priorities are hideously out of kilter. The moment our children stop looking to uneducated and misinformed rappers as the basis of their supposed “education” and “enlightenment” the sooner this ship gets turned around.
How is it we black people cant tolerate it when others call us the N word, yet ignorant ***** rappers ABUSE it all the time…they dont help our cause when we are out on the streets trying to gain respect, while they go of to their mansions and uneducated our children with their dumb***** lyrics.
Is NAS rapper for 11 year olds or cultured people on the whole, if he is going to swear, use the N word and rap about his ego…he can BOG OFF imo!
EDUCATED YOURSELF NAS, EDUCATED! COME BACK ANOTHER TIME WITH INTELLECTUAL LYRICS, NOT KIDDY STUFF!
Nas is the King bow down
As these DUMB***** rappers are soley about disrupting and abusing young childrens minds to keep them IGNORANT and most probably to end up in prision, while robbing their pocket money…we should label this ignorant music PAEDOPHILE RAP!
**FYI** I hate people who use that word freely, but he show’s the visual of how MOST define and glorify it. . .is it you??
Nas totally SMASHED IT. . .You see that Jay? You see that? That’s what great one’s do, take chances and make historic *****. You held it down for REAL music lovers. If you think this is a gimmick, you don’t speak for US!
1)TUPAC SHAKUR
2)NASIR JONES
3)SHAWN CARTER
4)CHRISTOPHER WALLACE
its ridiculous how so many people hate,.. regardless how u feel abt Nas and way of expressing his music.. its good hip hop and his music is for people like me,… all u people who criticize black men for using the word *****,.. yet there is more than enough college graduates that are black that call themselves *****s,…so does that make all of us dumb or do we suppose to feel bad because we come from hoods that use this vocabulary and we still use it… im from my hood and represent my hood and i will continue to say it,… i can be a *****, but i bet it doesnt make me any smarter or dumber and i probably have a higher IQ score and SAT score than alot of u critics…and im still a ***** in my hood
its ridiculous how so many people hate,.. regardless how u feel abt Nas and way of expressing his music.. its good hip hop and his music is for people like me,… all u people who criticize black men for using the word *****,.. yet there is more than enough college graduates that are black that call themselves *****s,…so does that make all of us dumb or do we suppose to feel bad because we come from hoods that use this vocabulary and we still use it… im from my hood and represent my hood and i will continue to say it,… i can be a *****, but i bet it doesnt make me any smarter or dumber and i probably have a higher IQ score and SAT score than alot of u critics…and im still a ***** in my hood
That track is pure fire! I like how he took that jingle from the old NWA track with Easy. I think the song points out the wonderful notion that everybody wants to be black, but if they knew what it meant to be black, *****ody would want to be black. If this album is full of track like this and better, it might be the best…Ever!
tracks*
The track is hot! The hook is hot! and The lyrics are even hotter! I’m not a real big Nas fan, however, he is bringing the word to forefront and making people(the hip hop community in general) deal with it in whatever you as an individual feel. The fact of the matter is this is a free country and we have the right to exercise freedom of speech. I’m not mad at Don Imus, or Dog the bounty hunter for what they said. Those words had no power in them until we started getting all excited and upset. If you really want to boycott or get upset about a word being used. How about ‘boy’ that word was used (if not more) as much as n!99er, considering whites in the mid 1800’s and early to mid 1900’s only figured we were 3/5 of a person. They used ‘boy’ to degrade a man and deny him of the respect that he deserved. So big ups to ‘Nas’, Wake Up Black America, the word ‘n!99er’ is not that powerful so stop giving so much respect.
How old are you? Under 21, yeah I thought so. You didn’t need Nas to tell you something negative, you already know what’s up. Did you not listen to Obama? Let’s not be stagnant, let’s move on. Take a step forward, not backwards. If your elders failed you you wouldn’t be where you are now. That’s what your youngins will be saying about you – You failed them, with this stupidity.
My thought ” First and firmly, if it does not apply then let it fly… Nas spoke the truth and thats what’s wrong with most people they can’t handle it. We have artist making music thats not teaching us anything except hoes, money and cars and clothes HELLO what is the message. On the other hand we have Nas speaking the thruth and BLACKS have a problem. GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE PEOPLE…
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^SO TRUE! THIS GENERATION OF KIDS ARE DUMB AS ROCKS. I DON’T EXPECT FOR THEM TO LIKE THIS NAS JOINT AND FRANKLY WHO GIVES A DAMN…NOT ME!
^^^ NO DISRESPECT..BUT i WAS RESPONDING TO CB! BUT YOUR RIGHT AS WELL
I can’t get down with this I’m sorry it is still ignorant in my opinion
This is brilliance to make use of the Making of aslave with the young v old african americans. He is attempting to turn our slurs into nonentities whether it is successful that depends if we are going to be blinded by pc as opposed to tackling this issue had on . Nas is legendary the best.
Wow Nas. This is Deep.
n
Nas man,……..you’re wrong!
Nas’ message has always been blurry to me, he’s not consistent (one minute he’s so-called spittin knowledge, the next minute he’s all up on video grils with Ginuwine). however, he does have the 1st Amendment right to say whatever he wants, but this album isn’t gonna shake anything up, this generation (mine) is too far gone, don’t care about anything…young African-Americans today are the “merciless nihilists” that Karl Marx and Heigl warned us about…capitalism, its a beast…and we got chewed.
*girls
I just lost respect for what I consider to be a real brotha. Nas is a spy against his own people!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAD HOW SOME OF US STILL WANT TO BE FROM THE HOOD,,WHAT IS HOOD??,,ACTING,SOUNDING,DRESSING,LOOKING,IGNORANT,,HOMES NOT UP KEPT,??JUST WHAT IS THAT SO TO PRODE OF??AND GOING TO COLLEGE TO BETTER ONES SELF AND THEM STILL WANT TO REPRESENT THE HOOD,,WHAT A WASTE OF GOOD MONEY,COLLEGE TO GET THE NEXT GENERATION TO THE NEXT BETTER LEVEL NOT TO COME BACK AND STILL THINK IT’S OK TO STILL BE STUPIT,AND HAVING A HIGH IQ AND NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT,AND STILL BE STUPIT,,WHO CARE’S THAT U HAVE A HIGHER IQ,THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT DID NOT GO TO COLLEGE BUT HAVE BETTER COMMEND SENCE,,BOOK SENCE AND NO COMMEND SENCE SO HAVING A HIGHER IQ AND NO COMMEND SENCE IS STILL DUMB
s
i love this song.
Quite hating nas cause he’s one of most educated U.S. rapper.
Flop.
um yeah, the track is good but the meaning of the song is not explicit. What is he saying: if you my *****, I can call you it regardless of what you’re, that people who are not black what to be able to say ***** so they can be exclusive too yet they don’t know nothing of the pains of black people, africans don’t like african americans and african americans don’t know nothing about africans. The media/whites enjoy seeing blacks fighting amongst themselves…Yeah, all this ish is true but what am i supposed to take away from this song?
Brooklyn, Stand UP!
I dig Nas’s music even though I am a huge Jay-Z fan. I think the purpose of this album’s title was to raise eyebrows. He’s sturring up controversy and getting some free marketing at the same time. I know I’m buying it when it comes out. What’s more controversial than an album entitled: N!gger!??!
My man, have you heard Ether, and no controversy or free marketing just knowledge
boboman23
That hook is horrible, the beat is so so and what’s his point? This album isn’t going to change anything. I think it’s only going to further heighten and complicate racist issues. Nas is no Obama, he can’t begin to change anything.
Change has to start with the person receiving the message, some want it, some don’t.
Manny
FYI:
White people did the same thing with the words “Yankee Doodle Dandy” it was a derogatory term given to them by the British during the Revolutionary War.
They flipped it why can’t we?
been tryin to flip it for a long time and still dying.
im confused with this dude nas, im not sure if he’s trying to make awrnes of the evil behind our world and Go’vt or if he is just rapping, im not sure about dude and i heard him mention the freemasons but im unclear on what he means i don’t know is he trying to be revolutionist or is he just down with the plan like s*****bags like jay-z im still confused
read aimée cesaire who have fight for black people knowledge and culture in France. he died for 5 days ago
So…the man straight rips off an old DR. PEPPER commercial (I’m a pepper, he’s a pepper, she’s a pepper…wouldn’t you like to be a pepper too?)- and people think that makes him a musical genius! Everyone knows rappers aren’t capable of original thought. But, then again, they don’t have to be. He might as well be singing – he’s a sucker, she’s a sucker, they’re all suckers, and if you buy into this simplistic and offensive bull*****, you will surely be a sucker too!
The sh$T is on the real rap where he’s saying something agree or not. Cause this trash they play on the radio or bangin now is straight nursery rhyme GARBAGE(besides that new rick ross). real hip hop says somehting not pandering to the whie folks etc for sales!! Period.
hood boy from France,
Ca va? Nice to have some other black folks around here. These black Americans think they are the certain of the Earth. Tell us a bit about France. I would love to party in France. England doesnt have good parties and I hear Paris is on another level especially for raggae.
Nice! That’s a banger!!! Knowing Nas… this probably was a leaked track to setup the first street single. Then the street single sets up the official single.
That’s certified banger — Definitely in rotation the next time the fellas get together for poker or spades!!
Hello bro !!! For the raggae we have love for this music cause we have a lot black french from West indies. Blacks are under represent in France but in Paris is a *****-town specially in the surburbs “les banlieues”. In the Banlieues black people reigns o n the ground
I learn the most from Nas’s raps. I think that he is really intelligent and deep.
@fat bou,
Lets not equate commercial success with qaulity or else The BackStreet Boys are The Beatles.
@ Hood boy,
you from France, me too!
And you know we have to share with Magrebians people too! lol
Okay, I liked the song and I believe that like alot of you have already said, the song will bring about dialogue on the subject. I think that conversation between all people on the word is needed.
And my biggest question to everyone is why is it such a big deal that Nas titled his album N***a when there are so many rappers who use the word millions of times in their songs? Do the people saying that he is so wrong for titling his album this not listen to anything that has the N-word in its lyrics. The word is not going anywhere, we can either let it continue to cut us deeply each time we hear it or we can dismiss it as a part of the past (which we should always remember, but) that does not mean anything to/hurt today’s black person as it did our ancestors. We have to stop letting this word haunt us so.
This song is drab and exhausting. How did I know before I even played it, the song would include the “I’m a Pepper” theme? Nas it’s time to call it a career.
The Truth!
Can’t wait for the album.
I am rather disappointed at this post. I know he has freedom of speech, but the African-American community needs to progress beyond this debate.
This is deep, so take your time.
Why Did You Make Me Black Lord ….
Lord …. Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
the world would hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes,
of grimy hands and feet…
Black is the color of darkness,
of tired beaten streets…
Why did you give me thick lips,
a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone
who receives the hated stare?
Black is the color of the bruised eye
when someone gets hurt…
Black is the color of darkness,
black is the color of dirt.
Why is my bone structure so thick,
my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown,
and not the color of the sky?
Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do people see my skin
and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don’t understand…
What is it about my skin?
Why is it some people want to hate me
and not know the person within?
Black is what people are ‘Labeled’
when others want to keep them away…
Black is the color of shadows cast…
Black is the end of the day.
Lord you know my own people mistreat me,
and you know this just ain’t right…
They don’t like my hair, they don’t like my
skin, as they say ! I’m too dark or too light!
Lord, don’t you think
it’s time to make a change?
Why don’t you redo creation
and make everyone the same?
GOD’s Reply:
Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?
I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed…
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold which keeps people warm.
Your color is the same as the rich dark soil
that grows the food you need…
Your color is the same as the black stallion and
panther, Oh what majestic creatures indeed!
All colors of the heavenly rainbow
can be found throughout every nation…
When all these colors are blended,
you become my greatest creation!
! Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool,
such a beautiful creature is he…
I am the shepherd who watches them,
I will ALWAYS watch over thee!
You are the color of the midnight sky,
I put star glitter in your eyes…
There’s a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain…
That’s why your cheeks are so high!
You are the color of dark clouds
from the hurricanes I create in September…
I made your lips so full and thick,
so when you kiss…they will remember!
Your stature is strong,
your bone structure thick to withstand the
burden of time…
The reflection you see in the mirror,
that image that looks back, that is MINE!
So get off your knees,
look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness…
I made you in the image of ME!
Im feeling it, Nas is always on point with his lyrics – the beat ain’t that great but suits the song. His voice does sound deeper for whatever reason.
Wow Look at the important conversation this man has sparked about the all important issue of race and racism in the country. Nas is a flat out genius for this. When is the last time you were critiquing the social injustices when listening to a hip hop CD? This is next level and remains of the reasons he is one of the greatest. To touch the mic.
Brother M Daddy. The poem you posted is beautiful!
Nas is truly the best rapper alive, n i feel him on this sonmg, but i hope hes ready for backlash and hatemail, because a lot of people won’t feel it. ;(
I feel sorry for the people who *****ume that Nas is dropping gems here, maybe if you stop watching BET and those videos that you pretend to be in in real life, you may just get hit by a book, and if lightning strikes twice you may even read it.
Only the Un-Ed-U-Kated and the Poor, gravitates towards this outdated title and metaphor.
It won’t even go boot.
binary star: “If i ever catch a white guy singing along to this like it’s all good it’s gonna be all bad.”
im wit u, lol
Ok..so no one is going to like my comment but the only folks who think Nas has a point in this some is some ol ignorant n****s who get their teachings from rappers…lol..sorry but this song really has no point other than record selling.
Ok..so no one is going to like my comment but the only folks who think Nas has a point in this song is some ol ignorant n****s who get their teachings from rappers…lol..sorry but this song really has no point other than record selling. The song is ok but I take it for what it is..an attempt to sell more records not some grand, deep, philosophic teaching!
@ Scorp
to be from the hood or Ghetto doesnt mean to be stupid,.. i can tell ur from some place that is way out, anyone can learn from anywhere and be proud of where they’re from. i can tell ur intelligence is low to even make a remark like u did,.. so tell me is everyone from the hood/ghetto stupid? so is Spike Lee stupid because he still reps Brooklyn or what about Denzel Washington who reps Harlem. And every house in the hood is not kept up? i never heard a person sound so ignorant,…. Scorp are you white?…. It will disappoint me if u are black and made that type of a statement. Ive lived in beautiful houses in the hood and also been in bad places in the hood but to label all hood as a negative is just so ignorant.
besides that, i bet u couldnt come around me and make that statement…
im sorry folks,.. but that was the hood that came out of me….and it was only toward scorp… i love all the rest of u people.
have a nice day
nas just raises awareness people,.. its not abt teaching or being a profit,.. like in this song he speaks abt a shooting in Johannesberg,.. how many people even know where that is?… sometimes awareness makes people want to look it up.. just take it as an aware rapper,.. like they say its too many rappers that doesnt have any substance and when a rapper has something to talk abt people hate….. dont listen if ur gonna criticize real music,.. and go listen to that wack bubble gum music,.. Brittany Spears or sumtin
his music is for people like me and people that can follow him,.. Jay Z has been more aware lately,. one love to the Krs’s, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common and Kanye west…keep doin wut u do
Hotfire4sho. For people who can read and understand literature for its symbolic and intended meanings, they will likely enjoy this album. Nas’s poetic rhymes aren’t meant to be taken literally, just as the title “Hip Hop Is Dead” was not literal. I respect Nas as an educated man and can’t hate on a man who paints pictures with words.
I like the song.
Good song Nas
LOVE
I likes it…
not impressed.
I doesnt spark any “discussion” , he only get people wondering why blacks cant “get it together”.
Never doubted Nas.
And to Bosssip and all the others who are giving props to this song I think you are confused. You are feeling Nas’ talent as an MC and his unique delivery and you are not paying attention to cacophony of ignorance that is being piped into your brain.
But yall do you and I’ll do me.
Right now we have a shining example of what a Black man can achieve in America and the power we potentially posess within if our talents are fucused in the right direction(Yess I’m talking about Obama). But apparently too many of us won’t hear that wake up call cause we got Nas blasting in the Ipod saying “I’s a igga, You’s a igga, He’s a igga, she’s a…”
Gemme a God DAMN BREAK!!!!!
I dont exactly like the hook…too commercial for Nas. I do like the song however. It sparked such profound conversation and highlighted one of the major issues that we have in Black America.
There are people who do not feel comfortable with the word *****. They do not feel that it should be glorified or made insignificant by repetitive usage….I would have to say honestly that I am on the fence.
I am middle black america. I grew up with the NWA and Da Lench Mob, AMG and Easy E. I could call a ***** a ***** in a minute…still will. Most older people, especially if they don’t know me would look at me in disdain. But what they don’t understand is I, like many others represent black progress. I like many others are walking examples of black progress.
Ripcity you made mention of being a black professional yet still keeping touch with your hip hop roots…I totally feel you. But I also totally feel the elders who grew up in that Era. None of us blogging could imagine what life was like during those times. So although we share the same sentiment, we must STILL keep it respectful to the elders.
That is where this song fell off….
This song is like filet mignon and lobster tails…….served on a f*ckin garbage lid.
Gots ta do better.
the beats are whack, the hook is even more whack and anybody who buys this ***** has got it twisted.
@ NLynn
I think the weak a@@ hook totally fits the song.
Don’t get me wrong, the production on this track coupled with Nasir’s delivery is super tight but the content is totally wickity, wickity, WHACK!!!
I would tell him to “go sit down” but I C he’s already sitting.
it will go platinum during it’sfirst week released. i’m buying the cd in protest against slick hair no job having al sharpton and the irrelevant naacp. who gave them the right to ban the word *****?
nas will become a bigger legend and an outcast.
he’ll never win a grammy or perform at the grammy’s.
he too controversial.
i love him because he’s a genius and he’s good looking.
I love it. It’s a a shame that some of you don’t see his point of view. You can’t hear Nas’ music, you gotta listen. It’s about time too ’cause I’ve been waiting for something off this album. So far so good. Can’t wait 4 the rest of it! QUEENS ALL DAY!
I loved it…
THE HELL WITH THE HOOK ITS ABOUT WHAT HE IS TRYING TO SAY. IF YOU WANT HOOK GO r&b. OR POP
YOU PUNK *****ES
The is hot, Nas Is Back!!!!!
After listening to the track NAS is going to get my $14.99. He is going to get my money, not because of the content of the lyric. But he is going to get my money, because this man is the only one left of his kind.
By his kind, I mean a non-sellout. This is the kind of man that (RIGHT OR WRONG) is not afraid, of taking on the whole world, if necessary. (RIGHT OR WRONG,) he is not afraid to take on the heat. The day of this kind of steel, this kind of fearlessness, is long been dead. In a day when you have certain so called hip hop artist, selling out, some are even turning to country music, and whoring themselves out for that money. NAS is a breath of fresh air, somebody finally opened up a window.
NAS defies the current mindset. He defies the radio friendly, moronic fly-by night mindless dance rap, that seems to be raining in from the south. Where every week, there seems to emerge another song, about some imbecilic two step, or chicken head dance, of some sort. NAS’s style is old school in your face-ish. And his delivery is concise, and clear. You can understand every word, no matter what side of this country you hail from.
(RIGHT OR WRONG,) he is standing against all the Al Sharptons. It is the Sharptons of the world, that want to censor an artist rights, to create as he or she feels. NAS, is standing against the bourgeois Negros, that cater to the white man, when ever possible. Like old slave hands, trying to keep their masters happy. I for one don’t consider my actions, in accordance to what any white man might think, or say. However, for you bourgeois Negros, that may say “what’s the white man going to think, if we use the N word.” I say this. It is simple. The white man is disqualified from using the N word period, plain and simple. Just as a man can’t approach, a group of females, and call them *****es, just because they themselves were just calling each other *****es. And just as a non Jewish person can’t walk up on a group of Jews, and call them kykes. Just because, they themselves were referring to themselves as kikes. A non Spanish person can not just walk up on a group Spanish people, and call them spiks, because they themselves may from time to time call themselves spiks. It is simple people. Certain groups have license, that people outside of that group do not. There has been many of times, I have over heard a group of women, calling each other *****es, and hoe’s. However I am a wise enough to have determined, that it would possibly be a fatal mistake on my part, to walk up to them and say “hay what up *****es, what’s up hoes.” Stop being idiots Al Sharptons of the world. By the age of nine, you should have already figured out, that there are certain things you can say around certain groups, and certain things that if you were to say, around those very same groups, could get you killed. One more time for you obtuse individuals. IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THAT GROUP, BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT THE SAME COLOR, RELIGION. OR YOU JUST DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT TYPE OF PLUMBING, BETWEEN YOUR LEGS. THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU CAN NOT SAY. End of story. Lets move on. NAS is standing for his, and your freedoms of speech. (RIGHT OR WRONG.)
He is not a stupid. NAS is well aware, that this kind of material, will not garnish any mainstream rotation. But he still defies the allure of the big money, that commercialism could bring him. This country is already to full of money chasing w*****s. But not only in the music industry, but in all industries. This country is already filled to the top, with people that will bend over to the braking point, just to make another dollar. It is crystal clear that it is not about money for this man. Although I am sure, he is not living under underp***** by any means. For NAS, it is about standing alone if necessary, taking the shots alone, being that man that is not afraid to be what ever it is, he is. (RIGHT OR WRONG.) NAS is an example, of what men used to be in this country. Unafraid of the critics. Unafraid of saying what was on their minds, even if it meant certain death. We should all long for those old school black men. Men that were not concerned with white men’s opinions. Just like white men still to this day, are not concerned with black peoples opinions. Unless of co*****, he, or she, is looking for a black’s vote. Now I know, that a lot of you are thinking (what’s the white man going to think when he hears NAS’s lyrics?) If you are already asking yourself this, which is what most of you are really concerned with. You are the real problem. Not NAS, or anything he could possibly say. For it is you all, that think (what’s the master going to say?) That are still to this day, involved in that master slave, post Civil War romance. You all are the problem not NAS. It is this type of black person that is perpetually consumed, with keeping his master happy, and tidy. Take note (ALICIA KEYS.) I have never before been particularly fond of NAS. However, after all of the so called old school hip hop elite, have clearly sold out for that w***** money. NAS, know stands out to me as the only giant left . It is not that NAS has become a giant. It is just, that all the others have become midgets. I’ am with NAS on this one. And I along with him say. “f@#k what your master has to say” And F@#k what some of you so called African Americans have to say as well.” Although you still have the right to say it. By the way, how did we let the white man define us as African Americans anyway? Did we vote on that or something? Why does he not refer to himself as British American? Because it is England, from which his people came. Why does he not refer to himself as British American? Why is it that American Blacks, get the African designation? Why is it we are not called
Just plain old Americans, like are white American counter parts? Was there a vote on this? And if there was, was it a secret ballet? These are the things that we should as black Americans be disusing. Not worried about some rap star using the N-word (Mr. Sharpton, Mrs. Alicia Keys). Like NAS said in the song lyrics, “REAL AFRICANS, DON’T LIKE AMERICAN BLACKS.” If more American blacks traveled abroad, American blacks would know this. Yet you allow yourselves to be referred to as African Americans. When a lot of you couldn’t even find the African Continent on a glob, if the words Africa, were written on it. But I digress. Lets get back to the subject at hand. I for one, do not side with this political correctness garbage. For it is clear to me, it has nothing to do with correctness, and everything to do with censorship. We need more people that are willing to speak their minds, regardless of what ever repercussions they may have to endure. Malcolm X , Martin Luther King, were both killed for speaking what was on their minds. One of them was even killed, by his own people. Just like I am sure, some of you so called African Americans, would love to kill NAS and me. For your masters may not be pleased. On Monday when report in, to do his bidding. NAS, and real men of the past did not allow themselves to be muzzled. And it was never about the money for these men. Children are concern, and consume their every waking moments, with the chase money games. Real men, are concerned, and consumed with the making of history. In the end, everyone will be a corpse. And every corpse, is just as equally broke, as the next. Regardless of its monetary worth, while alive. To NAS, and men like him. The few that remain. It is, and always will be (RIGHT OR WRONG), about the freedom to speak ones mind. The Fore Fathers of this nation, are not turning in their collective graves, over the use of the N-word. No the Fore Fathers, are turning in their collective graves. Over the swine, that are actively trying to take away the rights, for Americans to speak his, or her mind.
Be it—–(RIGHT OR WRONG).
FOR I WOULD RATHER BE CONSIDERED A– N@#&*R, ANY DAY. THAN BE TO AFRAID TO SAY IT !!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA.
I’ am a n@#&*r– you’re a n@#&*r,— he’s a n@#&*r– she’s a n@#&*r too. E.
I know many people will have a problem with this track, but if you think of it mathematically it is (-)+(-)= + or negative + negative = positive, or at the very least, negative + negative = neutral.
I am not trying to sound like that smart guy on srebmun/numbers or anything like that because this formula is obviously quite simple.
Anyway, because NAS points out that everybody is (mis)identified by some negative connotation (and in fact demonstrates this with kike, spic, *****, etc) but allowing that when we all see it collectively, with ourselves included alongside the others wrongfully labeled, it then naturally becomes moot or neutralized. I think it is about reaching for a higher mind and brushing that ish off our shoulders like Obama’s gesture regarding Clinton’s attacks.
It is philosophy, albeit street philosophy, but is his philosophy nonetheless. NAS never had the reputation for being a fool. I know that much about him.
It seems like he is trying to get people to chill out a bit, but that in no way means he suggests becoming docile or to slip off-point. It seems to point the other way – getting stronger. The N-word is just something to hook.
It is like a painting. If it doesn’t disturb or disorient you in some way with intense characteristics then it probably sucks.
While I don’t use that word I am feeling NAS on this artistic expression.
Ok I am taking hits for NAS. Hahaha. How much will I have to pay?
I get sick of this racial *****. I wish we could all do like Rodney King said back in 92…… we all just get along. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?
It’s a good song, Nas still got it. But I’m not very fond of the lyrics. I wish black people would leave the N word in the past. It cant be a positive word if only a few can say it without getting beat the hell up. It just keeps the tension going.
we are a people, whom are searching. there needs to be a solution but this ain’t it. no way. i’m sick after hearing this record
Great song… 85% are “blind def and dumb, they won’t get it, 10% of you will fear every word NAS says, 5% will truly overstand and over come.
Why is the song slooooowed down Bossip??? I’ve heard it b4 and it is not this slow you need a better copy.
ARTOFWAR,
I agree with alot of things you are saying BUT You have never been to AFRICA because i am an african woman and WE DON’T HATE YOU!
DAMN, why have you this feelings here. AT LEAST GO TO AFRICA before saying that! I agree with you about the african american determination. It should be revised not because african people don’t love you but because you are a mix between lots of blood today so there is no need to call you african i guess! But i would never stress enough that WE AFRICAN PEOPLE have to struggle with our wars, with the whit epeople try to spoil our natural wealth that we don’t HVAE TIME TO HATE ON U.
Thank you.
I can’t believe that NAS who is supposed to be so intellignet can still sya things like that!
OMG!! All the americans guys that came to my country have been welcomed very well. HOWEVER, the rest of the wordl don’t like AMERICA not only you black people because AMERICA has rule this world and force people to act the way they wanted anc dreate a lot of frustration especially in the MUSLIM WORLD. TRY TO THINK WISE before stating any judgement. 911 was just a response for everything they have been suffered because of AMERICA.
And the problem with you not knowing where is AFRICA and not knowing your history is the reason why you AMERICAN BLACK are the mots lost people in this country. They never teach you where your from, they never teach you How black EGYPTIANS have ruled this world and have impacted the world by a lot of inventions. They never teach you that your grand grannd grand father was probably a chief of his country. WE AFRICAN PEOPLE did not sell YOU. When Arabians then Europeans came to colonize us, they never ask us our permission!! the same way when Europeans discover America, they kill Indians and they never ASK THEM. I am here in America because i ve heard that part of my family have been deported from Congo to America and i consider them as my family! I have no idea how to find them but we consider AMERICAN BLACKS as our brothers. BUT YOU HAVE BEEN BRAINWASHED. IF everybody remember the movie ROOTS.TO me, the moment when Kunta was forced to call himself TOBBY is the moment where you p***** from african to african american. I would never agree with NAS about that because the history of black people don’t begin with the slavery!!!
dis dat home grown afrikan dope. *****.
thumbs down. this track is a cliché and a total disappointment. someone needs to knock some sense in to this fool and his silly wife for running peddling this kind of nonsense.
nas stock has dropped lower the the u.s buck with me. WHY!!!!
@ Valenne….
The song is about expression, it’s about expressing the way on e feels. That was what NAS felt, so he said it.. It dosen’t apply to everyone. One thing that you may not know is that we (american blacks myself included) hae felt discrimination from Africans. I have African friends, I’ve met many, and they have explAINED IT TO ME TOO. I’ve felt from many Africans a sense of “you are lesser than me” I have felt it first hand many times and I never understood it… thats why I have African friends now, I remember when they first came to my highschool… They were fleeing from civil war in their country… I befriended them and learned allot about them and where the came from, some were more open to me than others, but I didn’t hate on them… So Don’t get *****ed off when some one voices their opinion. It’s music, and this is a blog. You have to know your history also. Blacks did enslave other blacks in Africa, and they did sell other blacks to white floks.THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THIS: BLACKS ENSLAVED OTHER BLACKS BASED ON WEAKNESS AND CONFLICT… WHITES ENSLAVED BLACKS BASED OIN THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN. THEY DID NOT SEE BLACKS AS PEOPLE. THEY SAW THEM AS SAVAGES. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE… THATS WHY JIM CROW AND ALL THAT MENTAL SLAVERY HAS *****ED US ALL UP HERE IN THE US.
@ ARTOFWAR…
I FEEL WHAT YOU SAYING, BUT…. Just because an emcee .. an artist wants to try another kind of sound or music, DOES NOT MAKE THEM A SELLOUT. HIPHOP IS UNIVERSAL, IT HAS NO BOUNDARIES…
A DANCE DOSEN’T MAKE YOU A SELLOUT.. WE ARE PEOPLE, EVEN IN AFRICA WE DANCE AND COMMUNICATE WITH DANCE… ONE OF THE ELEMENTS OF HIPHOP IS BREAKDANCE…
Not trying to ***** on you but I want to make it clear…If some one does something that you are not in to, or feeling, that dose not make them wrong and you right, feel me?
85% are “blind def and dumb, they won’t get it,
10% of you will fear every word NAS says, you will mis-understand, there fore you will hate…
5% will truly overstand and over come.
let that marinate in your mind for a moment…
100% of us would have been better off if this garbage never made it out the studio…
Be Eazy…one mans trash is another mans treasure
FINALLY back to lyrics that actually make you THINK!!! this song is hot, look forward to whole album. Always been a Nas fan and if your not feeling this joint GO COP A SOULJA BOY ALBUM LOSER and ’superman’ off a building.
BG
I feel you on this so i guess, when i heard people saying that we are monkeys, calling a black man Amistad or Kunta like ive witnessed here or make fun of a man or woman because he is dark is also a racism.
However, you woul dnever hear me sya AFRICA AMERICAN DON’T LIKE AFRICA MEN. I just know that i am in front of stupid african american people but i don’t judge a whole generation based on this people only
sO I AM SORRY THAT YOUR FRINEDS WERE STUPID BUT NOT ALL AFRICA IS LIKE THAT!
But don’t you think Europeans do not treat us as savage too? Do you know that africa is independant for only 40 years too! We are on the same boat except that we still in our country! thats is the only difference!
I like Nas but this song will not be understood by all and it will cause a lot of unnecessary drama w/everyone trying to stop using the N word.
Whether I agree or not….NAS is the dopest lyricist on the planet….no wonder Jay Z got all that money and still jealous as hell of NAS cause can’t *****ody touch this brother when it comes to weaving words. While the topic may not be popular the truth is there the delivery is flawless and the man is clearly a soldier.
Ripcity,,thankyou for showing the hood side and not having a open mine that someone eles has the right to speak their opinion and even if u dont agree with still have the right to speak,,Now i met Mr lee,at the girls and boys club and no he still dont want to be from the hood he told the children that even if they come from a so call hood place they can come up to the next level,with edcations ,Mr Washington dont even go back to the hood if that is where they are from,,Getting a edcation is to move forward not backward,,Also the ones that i’ve seen and heard from the hood/ghetto are just the one that wrote in my last statement.And fyi,,I have a college degree,and grew up in the sub’s from a two parent home,that are still together,So let agree to disagree,,and move on..
Education
@ Scorp
You went to college…so your grammar, spelling and intellect should be on a higher level than your ignorance
fools
Maaan, f*ck this bullsh*t. All that “…my n*gga, we bout it bout it, keepin it real wit it gully style”. Is str8 “charlie put ya neck down here” bullsh*t. This fool, NAS, is believing his own hype. This bullsh*t ain’t profound. Please!!!
I don’t understand why people are so touchy about this song because he says, “N!gger” continuously or say they won’t play this in mixed company. People should be more embarr*****ed by a lot of the trash that’s being played about hoes, money, killing this n!@@er, I’m a bigger n!@@er, blah, blah, blah. It’s funny people don’t mind acting like N!@@er’s, but when someone calls them on it all of the sudden it’s “offensive”. This is straight up hilarious!
I’m not affected by the word because I learned it’s not what you call me but, to what I answer. It’s just a word to which, I give no power, in the negative sense. I am the only one who can define who I am. ME! ME! ME! I wish more people would understand that concept and not just black people but, all people.
@ scorp…
the point is i love where im from,.. and i love who i am, and i will not hate the next person for making something out of nothing, or making good out of what people may think is bad… i love it & ur a hater
check out who ur favorite musician or athlete… im pretty sure they are from the hood, and i bet they love where they are from….. its just in us real people we dont forget abt where we come from we embrace it, and make it work… It makes us who we are…. Hood Love
YEAH!!!!! Nas is back!!! That is so much FiRe!! Tis is what i’m talkin bout baby…
Nas is the GREATEST!!!
OuT
Nas will be acting like a ***** when those checks start bouncing, because this shyt here will have him bankrupt real soon. Now isn’t the time for this re-cord. Green is the color your business cares about Nas.
I’ve always been of find of Nas’s simply due to the truth he raps about, the one thing about Nas is there is no idle rapping here. This is an educated, alert, sensitive , but strong Black Man who has never done anything but amaze me when he raps. Listen to the lyrics not the sound , the lyrics and any non believers will be able to believe, and be educated at the same time. Each one teach one. Listen, Listen, Listen & then Speak