Easy ~ Easy Now

When people are asked to define the hip-hop culture, most spit out the four elements, explain their own interpretations of each, and often name a few people or groups, which they feel, represent hip-hop. 80% of the time when you ask someone from the Philadelphia underground, the group Prophets of the Ghetto (P.O.G.) manages to find their way into the conversation. Often calling themselves legendary and almighty, P.O.G. is a movement that is 9 men strong. Over the next few weeks, I am attempting to dissect each of them, one by one. The key word is try! This week I begin with the freestyling, show hosting, tattoo wearing, b-boy extraordinaire, revolutionary Aul Purpis. Some of you may have known Purp when he was Big Bob the Norfstar. That was before adopting the name Aul Purpis which stands for authentic universal leader preparing to unleash revolution on people that are ignorant and stupid. Purp was born in North Philadelphia, but grew up in West where he attended and graduated from University City High School excelling in football and basketball. "I was rookie of the year in 1993 for football; nobody could stop me." Rhyming and battling since 1988, Purp realized that his lyrical skills on the mic were untouchable, and hip-hop was the path that he wanted to follow. That path has proved to be very beneficial for Purp. Not only did P.O.G. recruit him as a member in 1995, he had the chance to tour with the one and only Bahamadia as a solo MC in 1998. The success of P.O.G. has grown to include a few albums, tons of concert appearances, and most importantly a huge following of fans. What many don't know is the journey that Purp continued once hip-hop took over his life.

AULthentic Philosophies...

The side of Purp that you see is only a portion of who he actually is. "I'm a man first, an MC second." Included in being a man is being a father and very family oriented. "Once my daughter was born, I knew I had to work harder." In addition to his daughter, he will be a father of twin boys this July (like we need more of him running around). His family and home are the foundations of why he continues to pursue his dreams and aspirations. "I surround myself with good people at all times." Regardless of the passion that Purp feels for hip-hop, or the unmatched feeling of rockin' a crowd, he stresses that this is still a business; a business that he needs to feed his family off of. His philosophies about life and about entertainment are classified as something he calls codes of the streets. The code of the streets refers to respecting the game and it's players while paying homage to its elements. The code is not restricted to only the MC's, but the promoters, DJ's, and even fans. "There is a science to this game. When you disobey that, it doesn't sit well with me, because this sh*t made me who I am." He's not bitter and doesn't set out to harm anyone, but Purp is straight honesty. "I give props to those that are talented, determined and conduct their business proper. Don't come out on stage just cause your mom said you were good." That is often the message he sends to fellow MC's. "Practice your sh*t, improve showmanship, and pay your dues." He has more respect for those that know and recognize what they can and cannot do, then those that fake the funk. "You gotta pay to play."

Freedom at aul cost..

Don't confuse his confidence and love for hip-hop as ego-tripping or being insensite. Instead of verbally expressing to keep it real, Purp physically, mentally, and spiritually breathes the realness. If you've ever encountered him, you'd know that he has a silly sense of humor and a big heart. The progression of hip-hop is at the top of his priority list, and he'll do what he can to make it happen. That includes attending damn near ALL shows and being a regular face at the Greater Philadelphia Hip-Hop Alliance meetings. He stresses unity, screams for peace, and has learned from the conscious decisions and mistakes that he's made. Trying to describe Aul Purpis in 3 paragraphs is virtually impossible. Purp is one of those people that have so much knowledge inside of them that after you talk to him, you are stuck pondering and understanding life a little more. His independence, information, encouragement, and mentality are things that make him stand out from other MC's. P.O.G. has shared stages with Grand Agent, KRS-One, Poor Righteous Teachers and Public Enemy, and Purp gained something new and different from each of those experiences. There have been many highlights of Purp's career, but let me tell you a little known fact that I find interesting. Did you know that P.O.G. was the first hip-hop act to appear on the cover of Yo! in the Philadelphia Daily News? In addition to their concerts and recordings, Purp let me in on a few secrets. "We are in the process of putting a studio together and collaborating with DJ Cash Money." Their focus is on artistry and making positive moves to build a platform of expression to spread the truth of the hip-hop culture. With Purp there's no additives or preservatives; what you see is what you get. "Hip-hop is my life story and and it taught me how to be man."

Check out Aul Purpis at prophetsoftheghetto.com

Article by Deesha Dyer
April, 2003