Two Sevens Clash

First, a little historical background: Jamaica attained its independence from England in 1962. By the end of the decade -- along with the traditional agricultural and distribution sectors -- Jamaica had well established mining, tourism, manufacturing, and construction sectors. However, Jamaica's economy and infrastructure slowly crumbled during its second decade of independence.

Between 1972 and 1980, major shifts in economic policies were initiated, including many social reforms intended both to protect the weakest sections of the population and to promote the welfare of the poor through subsidized food, housing, education, health, and other important social services. By 1976, Jamaica had descended into a paroxysm of rioting, violence, and wholesale burning of ghetto areas.

It is no surprise that many believed the apocalypse would arrive by 1977. It was during this time that singer Joseph Hill had a "prophecy" of 1977 as the year of judgement. That year the band Culture released their debut single "Two Sevens Clash". The prophecies noted by the lyrics so profoundly captured the imagination of the people that on July 7th -- 7/7/77 -- businesses closed, citizens huddled in their homes for safety, and barely a soul was found outside of the home. The entire country held its breath, waiting for the apocalypse to arrive.

Alas, it took a few years for Joseph Hill to admit the truth -- that his apocalyptic "Two Sevens Clash" was not based on actual Rastafarian prophesy, as the song suggested. Instead, the liner notes claim that "one day Joseph Hill had a vision, while riding a bus, of 1977 as a year of judgement -- when two sevens clash -- when past injustices would be avenged".

Perhaps Joseph Hill's lyrics were more telling than people thought:

"I take a ride sometimes,
On Penn Overland and Bronx,
And sometimes I ride on bus X-82... say what!"

- Culture, Two Sevens Clash (1977)

Watch Culture perform the infamous song...