Self-trained "Egyptian Grammarian" Reinterprets Classic Egyptian Texts
The Book:
Rapper and The Hieroglyphics co-founder, Jonathan Owens, aka Casual, has published his first book, entitled, Madjai, A Handbook for the Conscious Community.
The self-trained scholar translated ancient Egyptian texts and
addressed historical misconceptions of the region surrounding the Nile
River.
Madjai is a
collection of articles and analyses of ancient Egyptian text, offering
new interpretations to some of the worlds oldest manuscripts. With over a
decade of independent studies under his belt, Casual has published well
received articles online as he specializes in the Egyptian language
Medu Netcher. "The process involved a lot of research and new
translations of ancient Egyptian texts," he explains. "I consider myself
an Egyptian grammarian. I study the ancient Egyptian language and
address misinterpretations." The book follows a recent debate Casual won
in New York City between the Black Hebrew Israelites and Kemet on
Trial. "I was giving valid, accurate answers to the opposing side who
were challenging the info of kemetology. It was wonderful for me, and we
won." Casual also started a Facebook study group, Madjai - Vanguards of Kemet, available as a resource to those interested in the subject.
Speaking on how his
research and ideas have influenced him over the years, Casual explained,
"Actually, it's the other way around. My music has influenced these
ideas. I'm 40 years old, at this age I'm most inspired by just sitting
down and writing," he says. "At this point of my career, I always want
to do more. Researching and writing is helping me stay amongst the
people. I'm working on the second book for Hiero, which is in the works
to come out later this year. This is gonna help sustain my legacy in
hip-hop and help present myself as multi-faceted writer and artist."
Madjai, A Handbook for the Conscious Community:
Dolla Daily EP:
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