The Importance of Ras Kass "Nature of the Threat"

"Nature of the Threat" is a song by Hip Hop artist Ras Kass, which appeared on his 1996 debut album Soul on Ice.  The song "Nature of the Threat" was considered controversial upon its release.  Ras Kass touched on issues such as religion, homosexuality, afrocentrism, government corruption and the history of western civilization.  Toward the end of the song Ras Kass makes mention of an author/scholar by the name of Ishakamusa Barashango.  

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Upon hearing this song I immediately researched Dr. Barashango.    I then ordered his book entitled "Afrikan People and European Holidays A Mental Genocide".   After reading this book I started to understand what inspired Ras Kass to create "Nature of the Threat".  The entire song is an extension of the historical theories of Dr. Barashango.  Many argue that Dr. Barashango's work is controversial and saturated with hate, but it's hard to deny the honesty and truth contained within his work.  "Nature of the Threat" is a walk through history -- Ras Kass did an excellent job incorporating Dr. Barashango's work into music.  When the phrase "deeper than rap”  is used, it is referencing songs like "Nature of the Threat" which introduces listeners to scholarly historical work through rhythm and poetry!

If you are unfamiliar with Ishakamusa Barashango's work, then I would recommend you read his book "Afrikan People and European Holidays A Mental Genocide".  This book documents the horrifying history behind many of the holidays that people of Afrikan descent blindly celebrate.