Godspeed You! Black Emperor Tapestry

"Negus is a noun derived from the Ethiopian Semitic root ngś, meaning "to reign". The title has subsequently been used to translate the words "king" or "emperor" in Biblical and other literature. Based of a monologue by Kendrick Lamar in the song 'i,' the piece explores the perspectives and symbolism of one of the world's most famous rappers, shining light on the inherent spirituality of hip hop.

This painting is a tale of metamorphosis, transmutation of energy and a shape shift that follows. At its root, it is transcendence of condition to create a new reality, channeling the divine will to shape matter anew and alleviate the struggles of life within an imposing system. Each successful butterfly is a bridge from one world to the next, a sign that the impossible is possible, caterpillars can fly. Beyond the individual it is also a tale of redemption for a race long punished for its excellence. Uncovering the hidden root of one of our planets most incendiary words revealed its origin within deep divinity. Power is being reclaimed and the true owners of the throne are rising, from degraded slave to exalted king. In discussion here is also a global metamorphosis of the human species, the merging of nature and technology into a new form of being, humanitys butterfly form. " ~ Adam One