“Knowledge of self” is a discreet way of saying, “no longer willing to be dominated by the oppressor”. Again, this concept came almost directly from the teachings of Clarence 13X and the Nation of Gods and Earths.
It breaks down like this:
- 85% of the population is made up by the unlearned, ignorant masses, who need to be led.
- 10% of the population is made up of individuals who have “knowledge of self” and wield this knowledge over the masses for exploitative purposes, rather than for liberation.
- 5% of the population is made up of the “poor and righteous leaders” who have knowledge of themselves and their origins, and choose to use this knowledge to liberate the people.
The NGE was an extremely important movement promoting black empowerment. The number of rappers who sprinkle 5% doctrine into their lyrics is staggering: Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Brand Nubian, PRL, Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Gang Starr, Nas, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Large Pro, Talib Kweli, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, etc.