X-Clan

X Clan were a hard-hitting Brooklyn-based hip-hop collective that released a pair of stellar albums -- 1990's To the East, Blackwards and 1992's Xodus -- that reflected a politically charged Afrocentric outlook. The group's primary members were Grand Verbalizer Funkin Lesson "Brother J," Lumumba Professor X "The Overseer," the Rhythem Provider "Sugar Shaft," and Grand Architect "Paradise," and they were joined by a cast of associates, which included powerful MC Isis. X Clan were activists outside of music as well; they were Blackwatch members and were vocal supporters of several pro-Black organizations.