Source: The Associated Press

On November 4, 2002 The Associated Press reported that "the group known as the Five Percent movement started as a splinter group from the Nation of Islam but has its own completely different spiritual beliefs. The 39-year-old movement refers to black men as 'gods' and black women as 'earths.' They believe only 5 percent of the population is enlightened. While the group teaches a positive message of black pride, self-respect and uplifting families, it has also been associated with gang activity in prisons... And some law enforcement sources speculate John Allen Muhammad may believe in, or be influenced by, [this] fringe group... The Five Percent movement has influenced hip-hop culture, and the group's imagery and phrases surface in songs by such artists as Busta Rhymes, the Wu-Tang Clan and Brand Nubian."