On this very spot, a different kind of message once resonated. Not one of fire and brimstone, but of beats and rhymes. This message echoed the struggles of urban life. It was a cry from the heart, a voice for the voiceless. The Message, the iconic hip-hop anthem by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, wasn’t just a song. It was a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1982, The Message transcended music. It became a social commentary, painting a stark picture of inner-city poverty and its consequences. The song captured the desperation of a community grappling with unemployment, crime, and a lack of opportunity. The Message wasn’t meant to be a hit. Grandmaster Flash himself initially resisted recording it. He felt its grim lyrics clashed with the celebratory nature of early hip-hop. But Sugar Hill Records saw its potential, and history proved them right. The song’s impact was undeniable. It catapulted rap music from house parties to social platforms, paving the way for artists like Public Enemy and KRS-One. The Message resonated with critics and audiences alike, earning accolades and a place in the National Recording Registry. Its influence can still be heard in music today, sampled by artists across genres. Even Phil Collins’ menacing laugh in Genesis’s “Mama” was inspired by The Message. The song’s lyrics, penned by Duke Bootee and Melle Mel, are as relevant today as they were then. “It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under,” a line that continues to resonate in a world still grappling with social injustice. While the building before you now serves a different purpose as The Message, a place of Christian worship, the echoes of that other message still linger. A reminder of the power of music to speak truth to power and to give voice to those who often go unheard.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to