News: Casual of The Hieroglyphics Publishes Academic Work On Egypt and the Hieroglyphs

Self-trained “Egyptian Grammarian” Reinterprets Classic Egyptian Texts

04.09.2015

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.”

Preview Madjai – A Handbook for the Conscious Community: http://www.blurb.com/b/6083903-madjai

Madjai Facebook Study Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/medjai/?ref=br_rs

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Casual.

Hiero Imperium Records:

Founded in 1997 in Oakland, California, Hiero Imperium Records was founded by artists Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the group Souls of Mischief, consisting of members A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai. After releasing albums on several major labels, the collective established their own independent Hieroglyphics Imperium label, website, and merch company in 1997, and are credited as creating the blueprint for independent rap labels. Few other rap collectives have withstood the test of time and are still considered as vibrant, respected, and talented as when they first stepped on the scene 20+ years ago. They are also credited as being one of the first hip hop groups to work with skate, snow, and surf companies . Created by Del the Funky Homosapien, their “third eye logo” is considered the third most recognized music logo according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and has been seen tattooed on dozens of fans all over the world.

Links:

Madjai, A Handbook for the Conscious Community: http://www.blurb.com/b/6083903-madjai

Dolla Daily EP: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/sets/pep-love-daily-dolla

“Monopoly Money” (ft. Tajai): https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/pep-love-monopoly-money

“Evergreen”: https://soundcloud.com/hieroglyphics-1/pep-love-evergreen/

“Lighters”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxRHCkaSK1s

“Los Lobos”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UN7cG31LBo

Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/hieroglyphics