25 years ago today Jorge “POPMASTER FABEL” Pabon aka @popmasterfabel123 delivered a speech on behalf of the Universal Zulu Nation at the United Nations for The International Hip Hop Conference for Peace on 5/16/2001
“WE ARE ONE” - by Jorge “POPMASTER FABEL” Pabon
Peace, I would like to preface this speech with the overstanding that when I say Hip Hop, I am referring to the complete culture and not just the element of rap or emceeing.
While defining Hip Hop culture, we must include the various contributions and influences it has had since its origins. These influences and contributions are found in current and previous cultural forms of expression; from world to urban, social, political and economic dynamics; various religious traditions and ideologies; scientific development and many other historical references. Even after analyzing all of these points, one might still fall short of totally explaining the phenomenon of how one’s spirit relates and interacts with the universal rhythmic vibrations found in Hip Hop culture. However, we should try to acknowledge that which can be verified and stands true as fact.
In this quest for Peace, the Universal Zulu Nation continues to promote: Knowledge, Wisdom, Overstanding, Freedom, Justice, Equality, Peace, Love, Unity, Respect, Work, Fun, overcoming the negative to the positive, and other core principles. These goals have become a reality within The Universal Zulu Nation as is clearly demonstrated by our international attendees and representatives at our yearly Anniversaries. Our chapters are scattered throughout the world, yet bound together through an overstanding and respect of each other’s individual cultures as well as our common culture, known as “Hip Hop”.
(Continued in comments section)
¡Feliz Día de la Madre a mi querida y amorosa Mami! Estoy eternamente agradecido por todo tu amor y apoyo a lo largo de los años. ¡Te amo eternamente! 🤲🏼❤️🌸
Rindo homenaje a todas las madres y tutoras que verdaderamente dedicaron su tiempo a criar una familia. Especialmente a las madres solteras que sacrificaron sus vidas por el bienestar de sus hijos. Que Dios las bendiga a todas... amén.
El Corán - Sura Al-Ahqaf 46:15: «Hemos encomendado al hombre la bondad hacia sus padres; con dolor lo llevó su madre en su seno, y con dolor lo dio a luz.
Happy Mother’s Day to my dear and loving Mami! I’m eternally grateful for all your love and support throughout the years. I love you eternally!🤲🏼❤️🌸
I salute all mothers and guardians who truly invested their time raising a family. Especially the single Mom’s that sacrificed their lives for the betterment of their children. May God bless you all...ameen.
Al Qur’an - Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:15: “We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth”.
Antonio Lopez was an advocate of the early 1980s Rock Steady Crew and other Hip Hop dancers.
He often had some of us model for him as he rocked his unique fashion illustrations! Some of us were featured in his booked titled: “Antonio’s People”. We performed at Studio 54 for the launch of his first book: “Antonio’s Girls” and were invited to perform at The Hudson Museum for one of his amazing exhibits!
It was a pleasure and honor knowing my dear friend Antonio Lopez. I met many celebrities at his studio including Grace Jones, Andy Warhol and Jerry Hall.
Antonio also invited us to be part of this documentary titled: “Portfolio”. Dancers include:
POPMASTER FABEL
MR WIGGLES
DOZE
LIL’ LEP
RINGO
STORENZO
KID TERRIFIC
Thank you for believing in us Antonio!
Rest In Peace - Antonio Lopez
February 11th 1943 - March 19th 1987
Rhythm Technicians and Rock Steady Crew formed GhettOriginal Productions Inc. in the early to mid 1990s.
We created the first Off-Broadway Hip Hop Musical titled “JAM ON THE GROOVE” in 1995-96.
Part three:
During the Fashion Moda panel discussion (2013) at the @seisdelsur exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center, Jorge Fabel Pabon talks about the development of Hip-Hop and its future.
Jorge Fabel Pabon makes some clarifications on the video;
Thanks for this collabo clip Ricky Flores! Your classic photos helped bring some of my points to life!
Just a quick note regarding some of the things I said. First of all, I apologize for the couple of bad words I used. I normally don’t express myself with vulgar language publicly. I just get passionate sometimes. Secondly, I want to clarify that I didn’t “formally” learn how to Pop until I was taught by members of the Electric Boogaloos in late 1982. Respect to all the dancers I was either inspired by or directly learned from.
Part two:
During the Fashion Moda panel discussion (2013) at the @seisdelsur exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center, Jorge Fabel Pabon talks about the development of Hip-Hop and its future.
Jorge Fabel Pabon makes some clarifications on the video;
Thanks for this collabo clip Ricky Flores! Your classic photos helped bring some of my points to life!
Just a quick note regarding some of the things I said. First of all, I apologize for the couple of bad words I used. I normally don’t express myself with vulgar language publicly. I just get passionate sometimes. Secondly, I want to clarify that I didn’t “formally” learn how to Pop until I was taught by members of the Electric Boogaloos in late 1982. Respect to all the dancers I was either inspired by or directly learned from.
February 18th 2013
“During the Fashion Moda panel discussion at the Seis Del Sur exhibition at the Bronx Documentary Center, Jorge Fabel Pabon talks about the development of Hip Hop and its future.”
Thanks for this collabo clip Ricky Flores! Your classic photos helped bring some of my points to life! Also, I apologize for the couple of bad words I used. Normally I don’t express myself with vulgar language.
/share/p/1B2U9nKwD2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Peace,
The transitioning of Aasim Bambaataa Bey aka Afrika Bambaataa has helped me to realize how the duality of humankind can be extremely complex and does not discriminate. Every single living soul is flawed to an extent. Some more than others.
It’s absolutely shameful to see people try to cancel him without even offering condolences to his family and friends. Is this what we’ve amounted to as a people? G*D help us all.
For those who claim to be practitioners of the Abrahamic faiths (Jew, Christian & Muslim) and adhere to their respective scriptures, there should be a level of mercy and compassion in your character. If there isn’t, then we’ve got some work to do.
There should also be a level of humility. No one should be pretending to be all-knowing. This attribute strictly belongs to the Creator and sustainer of all that exists.
Only Bam and The Supreme Spirit know what he felt in his heart and soul during the final moments in this life. Personally, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and pray that they transitioned in a state of peace, enlightened by their good deeds and remorseful for their bad ones.
Since my recent posts about Bam’s passing, I’ve gotten into unnecessary debates with all types of people from different faiths. I use the term “unnecessary” because I shouldn’t have to remind people that they are not “All-knowing”.
I sincerely pray that The Ultimate Judge, The One and Only True All-Knowing, The Most Beneficent-Most Merciful, The Creator and Sustainer of all that exists, has mercy on our dear brother’s soul.
If anyone does not like this post, feel free to unfriend me, block me, or do whatever it takes to not read my posts. I really don’t have it in me to argue and debate with people anymore. Please have the decency to let those of us, who love Bam, mourn his loss.
Thank you my dear Brother Afrika Bambaataa for all the great things you taught us and for all the love you shared with the world.
You will be missed.
Peace, Love & Respect,
Jorge “POPMASTER FABEL” Pabon
Jummah Mubarak!
And if Allah afflicts thee with harm, there is none to remove it but He; and if He intends good to thee, there is none to repel His grace. He brings it to whom He pleases of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
The Holy Qur’an 10:107
If my acknowledgements of Afrika Bambaataa’s positive influence on Hip Hop culture offends anyone, especially victims of his trespasses, I sincerely apologize for sharing my thoughts about him.
In no way, shape or form do I intend to make anyone feel uncomfortable. I pray that victims of sexual abuse find closure, relief and heal from their trauma.
My issue with all of this is that certain people are starting to create their own narrative regarding what transpired between the victims and him. With all due respect, I’d much rather hear it directly from the victims.
In addition, people are trying to completely cancel his role in our culture. In an effort to support the victims (which is completely understandable), the pendulum is swinging so far to one side that it’s creating an inaccurate depiction of the totality of his persona.
I’ve been very clear about not condoning ANY form of sexual abuse, regardless of whom is guilty of committing these types of disgusting crimes. - POPMASTER FABEL
It amazes me how some people are quick to criticize others based on their association with certain groups, crews and organizations.
If we were to adhere to this idiotic, nonsensical and illogical rhetoric, as citizens and taxpayers, we’d all be guilty of crimes against humanity perpetuated by our leaders in government.
That said, I will be a member of the Universal Zulu Nation and Rock Steady Crew till the day I die!
Many individuals helped build these mighty pillars of Hip Hop culture!
ROCK STEADY🌟ZULU KINGS for life!
Only Allah/G*d knows what’s in our hearts and souls.
First and foremost, I stand with victims of any sexual crime or acts of injustice as I am also a victim of sexual abuse. First as a toddler and again at the age of 12.
In the past few months, two people whom I associated with have transitioned. Both have been charged with sexual crimes.
After posting my condolences and sharing my thoughts about them on social media, certain individuals took a stance against me because they felt that the departed should not be honored.
That said:
1. Do these critics know whether the deceased transitioned with a deep regret of their wrong doings?
2. Do these critics know whether the deceased sought forgiveness from their victims and their Lord?
3. Do these critics know whether the deceased were already forgiven by the victims?
4. Do these critics know whether they will be forgiven by the Ultimate and Supreme Judge (Allah/G*d)?
I think not. So please don’t play “God” on my social media posts.
