clan

clan, social group based on actual or alleged unilineal descent from a common ancestor. Such groups have been known in all parts of the world and include some that claim the parentage or special protection of an animal, plant, or other object (see totem). They also include such familiar groups as the Highland clans of Scotland (the English word clan comes from Gaelic). Most clans stress mutual obligations and duties. Clan descent is traced in one line only, male or female. The word clan has by some been restricted to those descended through the mother (matrilineal) in contrast to the gens, descended through the father (patrilineal). The word sib has been much used to cover both types. A clan includes several family groups. Most clans are exogamous and regard marriages among their members as incest. A clan is distinguished from a lineage in that a clan merely claims common ancestry; a lineage can be traced to a common progenitor. A clan may have several lineages. Several clans may be combined into a larger social group called a phratry. If a tribe includes two clans or phratries, each clan or phratry is called a moiety.

Kinship group based on actual or purported descent from a common ancestor, as traced through the male (patriclan) or the female (matriclan) line. Clans are normally exogamous, marriage within the clan being regarded as incest. Clans may segment into subclans or lineages, and genealogical records and myths may be altered to incorporate new members who lack kinship ties with the clan. Clan membership may be useful in ensuring mutual support and defense as well as in the mediation of disputes over property rights and the mode of residence after marriage. Some clans express their unity by means of a common emblem. Seealso exogamy and endogamy.

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X-Clan is a hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York, originally consisting of Grand Verbalizer Funkin' Lesson Brother J, Professor X the Overseer, Paradise the Architect, and Sugar Shaft the Rhythm Provider. The current incarnation of the group features leader Brother J, Master China, Kumu, "Ultraman" Ra Hanna, ACL, Lord Cza, DJ Fat Jack and Zulu.

Biography

Known for its Afrocentrism and militant activism as member of the Blackwatch movement, X-Clan soon gained fame for the controversy its music aroused, though commercial success was sporadic. X-Clan's debut was To the East, Blackwards (1990), followed by Xodus (1992) and a temporary break-up. Both albums peaked at #11 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. It also coined the made-up word "vanglorious," not to be confused with vainglorious, as a way to say thanks but no thanks.

Other artists who were affiliated with X-Clan and Blackwatch include Isis, Queen Mother Rage, and YZ. X-Clan's affiliates saw a string of releases throughout the early 1990s: Professor X released a solo album titled Years of the 9, on the Blackhand Side in 1991 and a second solo album titled Puss N' Boots: The Struggle Continues in 1993; Queen Mother Rage released Vanglorious Law in 1991; Isis released Rebel Soul in 1990; and YZ released his debut Sons of The Father (noted for the song "Thinking of a Master Plan"), in 1989, followed by The Ghetto's Been Good to Me (which included his modest hit "Return of The Holy One") in 1993. It should be noted that YZ became affiliated with the group after releasing his first album, and that Isis is also the MC known as Linque Ayoung. Lin Que, at one point, was a member of the Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated group Deadly Venoms.

Later projects

In 1994 Brother J formed a new group, Dark Sun Riders, that released the full-length Seeds of Evolution in 1996. In 1995, long-time group member Sugar Shaft died from complications of AIDS. X-Clan reunited in the late 1990s but did not release any new material. Brother J assembled a new crew that he calls X-Clan Millennium Cipher and released a vinyl single for "The One/Blackwards Row" in 2004. Professor X died of complications from spinal meningitis on 17 March 2006.

A new X-Clan album, titled Return from Mecca (originally titled The Trinity), was released in 2007, featuring Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, RBX, KRS-One, and Jacoby Shaddix who is the lead vocalist of the rock band Papa Roach. Also, Tech N9ne is featured on a hidden bonus track titled "Respect."

X-Clan opened for Insane Clown Posse's Tempest Tour.

Discography

Album information
To the East, Blackwards Released: April 19, 1990 Billboard 200 chart position: #97 R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #11 Singles: "Raise the Flag"/"Heed the Word of the Brother", "Funkin' Lesson"/"Shaft's Big Score", "Grand Verbalizer, What Time is It?"
Xodus Released: May 19, 1992 Billboard 200 chart position: #31 R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #11 Singles: "Fire & Earth (100% Natural)", "Xodus"/"Foreplay", "A.D.A.M."/"F.T.P."
Return from Mecca Released: January 30, 2007 Billboard 200 chart position: R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: Singles: "Weapon X"
Mainstream Outlaw Released: 2008 (TBA) Billboard 200 chart position: R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: Singles:

External links

• darksunrecordings.com
• xclanmusic.com
• Hoodstars Magazine talks to Brother J (January 2007)
• blackelectorate.com: Vibes of the Pro Black: A Conversation With Brother J. of X-Clan Part I
• blackelectorate.com: Vibes of the Pro Black: A Conversation With Brother J. of X-Clan Part II
• blackelectorate.com: At The Crossroads: A Conversation With Brother J of X Clan Following The Transition of Professor X.