"Hip-Hop Planet", "Ka'Ba", and "Harlem II"
According to McBride, the roots of hip-hop music began i
n African culture, specifically the West African griots and their storytelling tradition. McBride describes how the griots would use their voices and drums to communicate stories, history, and messages within their communities. This oral tradition eventually became a part of African American culture through slave narratives, work songs, and spirituals.
McBride also highlights the significance of the Ka'Ba, a sacred shrine in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to the Islamic faith. He draws parallels between the pilgrimage to the Ka'Ba and the cultural importance of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. Just as Muslims from all over the world come together in Mecca, artists and thinkers from various backgrounds converged in Harlem to create a vibrant cultural hub.
Regarding "Harlem II", McBride discusses the broader impact of Harlem and its cultural contributions to the world. He talks about how the neighborhood was not only a center for African American culture but also a place of inspiration for people from all walks of life. McBride emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans in shaping America's cultural landscape.