What do Kendrick Lamar and Kodak Black have in common?
Wait, this sounds like a trick question - I know.
But it’s not.
Yes, Kendrick Lamar is considered, by some, as one of the greatest rappers of our generation -
with his intricate wordplay, complex metaphor and attention to cultural activism.
Now, Kodak may not get the same kind of love but they’re both influenced by the Hebrew Israelites.
You’re probably wondering...
“What?
Black Israelites?”
Yeah, but it’s not what you think.
In a deeply reported article on Genius by writer Sam Kestenbaum, we see how a small
spiritual movement is influencing the bars of some of your favorite artists.
They're called the Hebrew Israelites.
They’re primarily made up by people of color who believe that they are the true descendants
of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
They emerged after the Reconstruction Era as Jim Crow laws curtailed civil rights in
the war ravaged south and racial violence swept across the country.
At that time, the group believed that their enslavement was punishment for disobeying God.
Kestenbaum writes,
"Hebrew Israelites point to the chapter of Deuteronomy 28—in particular a passage that
describes how the biblical Israelites will be sent 'back in ships to Egypt' for their
disobedience to God—as a prophetic foretelling of the enslavement of African people in the Americas."
But wait, did that Bible chapter ring any bells?
Well if you paid any attention to Kendrick Lamar’s 'DAMN.'
the song “FEAR.” should've come to mind.
In a voicemail that opens the song, Kendrick’s cousin, Carl Duckworth, known in the Hebrew
Israelite community as Karni Ben Israel, is heard in discussing that same chapter.
Kendrick was supposedly blown away by this verse during study sessions with his cousin Duckworth.
However, Lamar is not a member of the group.
Meanwhile, Kodak Black met an Israelite teacher during his last stint in prison.
After his release, Black seemingly declared his membership in the organization in an Instagram
post donning the Jewish star of David.
"Feeling Like I'm Kunta Kentae Cause We Going Through Slavery Still .. I Can't Lie I'm #Israel
#12TribesOfIsrael"
Black and Lamar aren’t the first rappers to be down with the Israelites.
In 1998, Killah Priest shouted them out on his song “One Step."
And a Hebrew Israelite joined Doug-E-Fresh in his 1988 music video, “Keep Risin’ To The Top."
Some in the Hebrew Israelite community are a little iffy towards all this famous attention.
Instead they prefer folks listen to rappers that are actually part of the community.
And remember Chingy?
That has all changed - he’s down with the Israelites too.
And in 2013 he made it known with "King Judah."
So, why now?
It could be because of the bleakness of our present time.
Police brutality, an unstable political system and global warming are pushing many to seek
solace in alternative movements.
The Israelites are apolitical and don’t believe activism will solve their problems.
The only way, they believe, is to follow God and return to their Hebrew heritage.
And this is all something that Kendrick Lamar has been keenly aware of.
I’m Jacques Morel with Genius News bringing you the meaning and knowledge behind the music.
Shalom!