It refers to Masonry...Free Masons that is.

It's from the Bible and is in reference to Jesus Christ. "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?" Matt 21:42 KJV However, I'm not sure how the hip hop artists are using this phrase and what meaning they're trying to convey.

It's from the Bible... a look at the first 6 Google results shows it's from Psalm 118. I think it goes, depending on the translation, "The stone the builder refused became the chief corner stone". I believe it's interpreted as Jesus' being rejected by the Jews and becoming the cornerstone of God's new covenant w/ humanity.

In looking for an answer for a question that i had, i came across your's. Your question deserves better answers than you recieved. I cant speak for that other individual but i can say that i am involved with freemasons, and there truly is a limit as to what i can share. The line you refer to has reached prominance in rap lyrics due to the opening theme song on the cartoon "The Boondocks". The song is sprinkled with black culture and relgious references such as classic christianity and a line of the teachings from the 5% nation. the song goes as follows....... "I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration, that made lady sing the blues I'm the spark that makes your idea bright the same spark that lights the dark so that you can know your left from your right I am the ballot in your box the bullet in the gun that inner glow that lets you know to call your brother "sun" The story that just begun the promise of what's to come and imma remain a soldier til' the war is won (won)" this song takes that line in a reference to the bible. That line in and of itself speaks to Jesus Christ's becoming the head of the revolution which took form of the christian uprising. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the head stone of the corner." psalm 118 i hope i've helped.

None of the answers truly answer the question yet. They are merely addressing only one part of it and NOT the question that the asker wanted answered. Yes, it is a play on a scriptural verse in the bible used to describe Jesus Christ but in the context of contemporary hip hop it is also used is a revolutionary metaphor for a new concept of black culture and people in western society. Historically, Black people within the diaspora, especially African Americans have often used biblical scripture and references as a vehicle to communicate revolutionary concepts about our place and experience living within a society ruled by a majority "other". There has also been a strong connection within the diaspora of feeling a connection through shared experiences with the people in the Bible(for example, Moses and the Hebrew people provided a strong message of hope for African Americans during slavery) Further, it's a reference to the anti-establishment(as some believe it) perhaps anthropological truth(as many scientists from all disciplines have come to believe) idea that Jesus would have been considered black by western culture thereby making those of African descent share a cultural/racial link with the King of Kings. This would also refute the dogma of western civilization that everything of a positive perspective in Christianity is white. Its a heavy statement in a rap song because contemporary rap has strayed so far from its culturally centered political roots morphing into so much silly party junk. Perhaps, thats why it catches the ear of so many who happen to watch the show. It goes along with one of the prevalent messages in the show: "Jesus is black, 9/11 was a hoax...etc." and therefore was an apt choice for the opening.