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Culture Free El Bey aka Black Culture was born in the independent corporation state known as the Commonwealth of Virginia Incorporated. He represents that all to familiar segment of the community where wealth or access to resources was not so common, and thus his
journey started, a young brother, caught in the web of the daily hustle not wanting to be subjected to the stress and strain that his family was burdened with .He has always felt something more than what was shown to him.
Black Culture received much counsel from his grandmother and mother and
was raised on the sounds of the soul singers of yesteryear. His
Grandmother exposed him to Gospel and all its connotations
and his Mother infused him with the likes of Heatwave, Marvin
Gaye, The Commodores and other soulful singers of that era.

The early eighties saw the emergence and impact of Rap and the Hip Hop
culture, and as many youths in his time, Black Culture embraced the
beats and the vibes fully. Kool Herc, Funky Four plus one, Kurtis Blow, The Treacherous Three and the artist of that time
dominated his listening and Black Culture soon became adept at the
lyricism and floetry of the genre.

As a young adult, Black Culture was introduced to the teachings of the Nation of God and Earth and learned to study intensely and in time, the livity of Rastafari became a complete inspiration and the teachings
of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie I became the spiritual essence of who Black Culture is.. Later in life he also adopted crucial lessons from the Moorish Science Temple of America. This trod for culture and truth naturally oriented him to the
powerful tones of roots reggae. Black Culture loved the upful aim and
counsel of this foundation and his first and impacting inspiration came
powerful artist like Burning Spear, Black Uhuru and Jacob Miller.

To further his aspirations for communal livity, Black Culture founded the
Lion's Den Culture Shop in
Norfolk, Virginia. Not close to an easy endeavor as most culture shops
attest, paying the rent was a constant challenge, yet the love to
provide knowledge, information and a gathering place for upful
fellowship was core to Black Culture's heart. This was his
contribution, purpose!

In Summer 2002, while awaiting trial for a Babylon offense, Black
Culture linked with Bambu Station and in 7 days poured his heart, soul
and being into writing and recording these songs. The studio sessions
were long, spirited and impacted every musician with a sense of
profoundness. When the album was finished, the fullness of Black
Culture's core was simply introduced to the real adversity! This
release begins the healing of a nation and the conquering of such
adversity. The Black Culture lives and so we are all...blessed. Lift
ev'ry voice and sing!