...Zulu Nation is now an internationally recognized and respected organization with membership in the millions. This weekend was another vehicle to express the love, power and change hip hop encompasses. One of the attendees had this to say about Zulu: "The Zulu 30th Anniversary stands out in my mind as both an achievement and call to arms for hip hop as a culture. Commercialization and exploitation of hip hop has changed it from a positive, uplifting force has bastardized it into a pop culture phenomenon which celebrates materialism, violence and misogyny. Zulu stands as a testament to what hip hop was and should aspire to be. For an event like the Zulu 30th anniversary parties to be so well attended and receive such attention, one gets a sense of hope for the future of this valuable culture."

The three day festival this weekend was frequented by hundreds of key players in the old school as well as contemporary hip hop community. Dead Prez, Supernatural and many other artists are walking around taking in and returning the vibe. Kurtis Blow and KRSone performed along with dozens of others just trying to bring the right. The vibe is reminiscent of an old school block party, everybody feels like they're a part of something bigger than themselves while getting all the more closer to parts within their own being.

Despite the growing stigma in Harlem about gentrification of the neighborhood, everyone is positive. The respect emanating from the room is transcending racial, religious and economic boundaries and for three nights in Harlem, Afrika Bambaataa's
dreams are coming true. The weekend is ended with a panel discussion dealing with where hip hop has been, where it's going and how it fits in with growing and changing communities. People are dropping mad knowledge and heart. "Right knowledge, right wisdom, right overstanding, right sound reasoning, to bring about right ways and actions. Right thinking." If by keeping it real in the truest sense equals the right then the festival this weekend couldn't have done it any better. No matter how much the world is changing, Zulu is staying true to its roots and setting an example for everyone else on how to do it.

Zulu Nation is now an internationally recognized and respected organization with membership in the millions. Check them out online www.zulunation.com