Artists Influenced by the Five Percent Nation

Kicking knowledge is a time-honored hip hop tradition.

Artists Influenced by the 5 Percent Nation - Jay Z stirred controversy when he wore a medallion emblazed with the symbol of the Black muslim sect The Nation of the Five Percent (or the Nation of the Gods and Earths). But where he's being labeled a possible racist by some, hip hoppers see him as not only displaying his spirituality, but the powerful influence the Islamic group has had on rap music artists for almost 30 years. Check out some of the MCs whose music has reflected the teachings of the Five Percent.  (Photos from left: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images, Allahs Nation,Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)
Jay Z - Jay Z may be hip hop's king of industry, but there's always been a consistent idea of Black consciousness and empowerment woven throughout his music, which is fueled by the teachings of the Five Percent. Jay classics from "Jigga My N---a" to "Can I Live" drop references to knowledge and wisdom as well as the Black man being God. Jay even twists the God concept for his own moniker, Jay Hova.  (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
Rakim - Shortly after becoming a Five Percenter in the mid '80s, hip hop music legend Rakim Allah teamed with DJ Eric B., released the 1986 classic "Eric B. is President," backed with "My Melody" and, henceforth, altered the poetry of rap by sprinkling in bits of "the lessons" into his rhymes. "Rock from party to party," he uttered on "My Melody," "Backyard to yard/I tear it ya'll, and bless the mic for the Gods." (Photo: Chris McKay/Getty Images for BET)Nas, @Nas - Tweet: "Congratz to ‪@IGGYAZALEA on the new album... Much love!!!"After three years of pre-album teasers, push-backs and delays, Iggy Azalea finally unleashed her long-awaited debut LP, The New Classic, on Monday (April 21). What greater gift to celebrate the release of an album for a rap rookie than some public fan mail from a lyrical legend? #LifeIsGoodForIggyRightAboutNow(Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images for VH1)

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Artists Influenced by the 5 Percent Nation - Jay Z stirred controversy when he wore a medallion emblazed with the symbol of the Black muslim sect The Nation of the Five Percent (or the Nation of the Gods and Earths). But where he's being labeled a possible racist by some, hip hoppers see him as not only displaying his spirituality, but the powerful influence the Islamic group has had on rap music artists for almost 30 years. Check out some of the MCs whose music has reflected the teachings of the Five Percent.  (Photos from left: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images, Allahs Nation,Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

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