The increasingly vitriolic diatribes against all things Hip Hop (street blacks with more money than corporate blacks yet less inclination to assimilate than civil rights Negroes) has grown to ridiculous proportion. One would think rappers invented gratuitous sex, graphic violence and family breakdown after listening to the marginalized voices of post-Civil Rights Negroes who were once the exclusive spokespeople for all things black.
The "I Hate Hip Hop and Cornrows Movement" engages in self-indulgent hyperbole that suggests "Hip Hop" is single handedly destroying black people, ‘decimating our culture’ and ‘Degrading’ black women.
That’s right. Sixty years of failed social policy and foolish attempts to legislate equality had nothing to do with the ill health of the black America. A war on drugs that became a war on people and has incarcerated over a half million black men is not to blame for the crisis in black America – rap did it.
The fact is Nelly and Ludacriss are no more promoters of gratuitous sex than are the producers of Desperate Housewives.
Cash Money Millionaires are no more glorifiers of conspicuous consumption than is Robin Leach of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
I sense growing resentment from establishment blacks towards the voice of Hip Hop because it is the only voice left available to black Americans. Establishment Negroes can’t compete.
Have Establishment blacks considered the very real possibility that young blacks are rejecting their message of assimilation and consumption because they appear hypocritical politically impotent inmates of corporate plantations?
Of course young blacks respond to Jay-Z more than they do to Harold Ford Jr. They should, he makes more sense.
I see Hip Hop as an eclectic and diverse art form. I interpret thousands of artistic impulses. I celebrate the art and hope to see it continue to grow because it remains one of the few channels where black people can speak directly to the world.
The attempt by establishment Negroes to pigeonhole Hip Hop and to lay at it's feet all the ills of the black community is disingenuous at best, preposterous hypocrisy at worst.
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The "gangsta rap" division of hip hop (I call it clip hop) is not doing anyone any good. Neither is the "working girl" division (which I call strip hop.)
They all run their course, though. Most men tend to out-grow cornrows at some point. But men and boys who wear 2-year-old-girl-style-plats need to cut that stuff out.
Denmark Vessey,
I guess you are okay with Nelley swiping a credit card through the backside of your mother/sister/female friend! Many in the Gangsta Rap community are only doing what their coporate puppet masters at Viacom/Sony Records/White Corporate Power want them to do...shuck & jive and make billions for the coporation while millions of little girls struggle with body image and self-esteem issues.
In response to all of your mis-understood "artist" mumbo jumbo, I have two words for you...N-Word, Please!
This craziness that has been passing for hip hop lately is finally on the decline. I have a new found hope for capitalism & free markets. LONG LIVE REAL HIP HOP!!! I might even turn my radio on again.
I have to say I agree with Denmark on this one, I'm sick of hip hop being blamed for everything that ills the world. Perhaps it is a contributing force, but no more so than the other negative influences being peddled to us through various media channels.
Also, I'm not sure how accurate the decline in hip hop sales is an indicator of consumers rejecting hardcore hip hop. Probably more than any other genre of music, hip hop is bootlegged through mixtapes and downloads. Most fans get most of their hip hop music through mixtapes, which I'm pretty sure these record sales do not track. Thus, I'm pretty sure that as hip hop album sales have declined mixtape sales have increased. Nevertheless, I do hope that more and more consumers are rejecting the hardcore rap which may cause the record execs to give other voices of hip hop an opportunity to flourish.
"While most rap consumers are white, the music is still disproportionately consumed by black blacks..."
Line of the year...
Can't wait to celebrate "Black Black History Month" next February.
Excellent point TJ.
The rumors of Hip Hop's death have been greatly exaggerated.
What ever happened to Rock and Roll?
People like Bakeman are quick to attack Nelly for selling sex, yet curl up with a bowl of popcorn when HBO airs Real Sex IX.
They become hysterical when 50 Cent handles a gun on his movie poster, yet are first in line at the Cineplex Odeon to see Bruce Willis blow 200 people away.
Don't blame Hip Hop for beating white media conglomerates at their own game.
When white boys do it, it's "ground breaking". When black rappers do it - "we sick boss!"
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People like Bakeman are quick to attack Nelly for selling sex, yet curl up with a bowl of popcorn when HBO airs Real Sex IX.
They become hysterical when 50 Cent handles a gun on his movie poster, yet are first in line at the Cineplex Odeon to see Bruce Willis blow 200 people away.
Don't blame Hip Hop for beating white media conglomerates at their own game.
And I guess the people that criticize hip hop and DO NOT "curl up with a bowl of popcorn when HBO airs Real Sex IX" or "line up to see Bruce Willis blow 200 people" away are "prudes" or "don't understand hip hop" huh?
Ignoring the destruction in hip hop (which is 95% of it since most consumers don't care about Talib Kweli or Common compared to Fiddy and his ilk) doesn't do anything for your argument. The criticisms of destructive hip hop are valid and apparently the backlash from it is going to show up in their wallets pretty soon.
Nina,
Criticizing Hip Hop for it’s destructive elements, while ignoring the destructive elements in the 40 hours of weekly television produced by corporate (white) America, and consumed by American children is jive, weak and disingenuous.
The gratuitous sex in Hip Hop is no worse than the soft porn of a Budweiser commercial aired on any given Sunday during family hour. Where is the outcry against that?
The images of graphic violence articulated in “gangsta rap” are no worse than the images of crime, blood, mutilations, autopsies and death shown in graphic detail during a prime time episode of CSI. Where is the outcry against that?
I find it strange to witness educated blacks lining up to cast the first stone against black rappers for peddling images of violence.
Eyewitness News, CNN and Fox sell commercials for $250,000 per 30 second spot between images of rape, murder and war. General Electric sells missiles that burn children to death for $1M a pop – Nina when are you going to lead a campaign to hurt their wallets?
I get it. It’s easier to attack young black rappers than it is to take on corporate thugs and government goons for essentially doing the same thing.
-
Well said, and well reasoned, DENMARK VESEY. Co-sign.
*
Criticizing Hip Hop for it’s destructive elements, while ignoring the destructive elements in the 40 hours of weekly television produced by corporate (white) America, and consumed by American children is jive, weak and disingenuous.
There is no need to bring up every other thing that is wrong in the world when criticizing hip hop's destructive elements. It is NOT disingenuous. And where is it written that everyone that does criticize hip hop doesn't criticize the things you mention?
The gratuitous sex in Hip Hop is no worse than the soft porn of a Budweiser commercial aired on any given Sunday during family hour. Where is the outcry against that?
I stand corrected. I had no idea they were swiping credit cards through the crack of women's behinds in Budweiser commercials.
However, I do recall several protests about a year or two ago over Go Daddy.com's racy Super Bowl commercials so there IS outcry against other destructive elements in the media.
The images of graphic violence articulated in “gangsta rap” are no worse than the images of crime, blood, mutilations, autopsies and death shown in graphic detail during a prime time episode of CSI. Where is the outcry against that?
There are any number of groups protesting graphic violence and sex on television and in the movies. And, again, there is no need to bring up everything else that is wrong in the world to criticize wrong things in hip hop.
I find it strange to witness educated blacks lining up to cast the first stone against black rappers for peddling images of violence.
I find it strange that more educated blacks DO NOT line up to criticize black rappers for peddling images of violence.
Peddling images of violence is a bad thing Denmark. People should be criticized for it.
Eyewitness News, CNN and Fox sell commercials for $250,000 per 30 second spot between images of rape, murder and war. General Electric sells missiles that burn children to death for $1M a pop – Nina when are you going to lead a campaign to hurt their wallets?
When are you going to make sense Denmark? I can criticize Fiddy Cent saying things like "Suck a d*ck b*tch" without believing things like "selling missiles that burn children to death" are okay.
Where is your outrage and criticism for the destructive images and sounds of hip hop? Obviously you are making excuses because you like and agree with what they do. I'm sure you've put plenty of money in their pockets - and the pockets of their corporate parents.
I get it. It’s easier to attack young black rappers than it is to take on corporate thugs and government goons for essentially doing the same thing.
I get it. It's easier to give young black rappers a pass and "take on corporate thugs and goons for essentially doing the same thing."
So, apparently if corporate thugs and goons demean women and peddle violent images - it's okay for young black men to do it.
Got it!
DENMARK VESEY,
C'mon now. Violence on the news is presented in a context that is infinitely different from that of Rap (just in case you didn't know, Hip Hop exists no more). Rap's problem is that it presents itself as authentic black experience where as the news (though you may not like it) often passes negative judgement on the things that are often glorified in Rap.
The other problem is the refusal to acknowledge that a great number of young black children constantly listen to this music and watch its videos. They are incapable of discerning the truth of the negative imagery from its romaticism. The thug fashion that we see worn by young blacks is more than just fashion choice, its a choice of persons as well. This is what gets in the craw of those who are lashing back at rap.
errata:
"The thug fashion that we see worn by young blacks is more than just fashion choice, its a choice of persons* as well. This is what gets in the craw of those who are lashing back at rap."
* should read as "persona"
DenmarkVesey,
I take issue with another comment that you made earlier:
"People like Bakeman are quick to attack Nelly for selling sex, yet curl up with a bowl of popcorn when HBO airs Real Sex IX."
The problem is that Nelly is permitted greater exposure to young children than the Real Sex series. As you suggest, both are equally inappropriate yet we would have a difficult time finding young children in our inner cities who had never heard of Nelly or any of his songs. Rap artists (not all) have yet to come terms with the way in which children interpret the images presented in rap.
"C'mon now. Violence on the news is presented in a context that is infinitely different from that of Rap" Al from Bayshore
Ummm … I don’t know about that one.
Brother Al, the “news” (just in case you didn’t know) is an entertainment product. Hi-speed chases, child abductions, shoot outs and murder sells. It sells in the movies, it sells in video games it sells in Hip Hop it sells in the news. Anna Nicole Smith hadn’t been dead for more than 15 minutes before the “news” was broadcasting photos of her cleavage and speculating about her sex-life with bated breath.
Yet that same “news” has yet to broadcast a single image from the funeral of an American soldier killed in Iraq.
The lead story on Eyewitnnes News today? “Rapper Foxxy Brown Beats Jail Time!”
Yeah yeah they go through the motion of “passing negative judgment” – all the way to the bank.
The “news” is Hip Hop for a hypocritical middle class looking for someone else to blame.
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i guess Nas is right...Hip Hop is dead!
Denmark
The difference between rap artists and Bruce Willis, Robin Leach, the media, etc. is simple. Black rappers claim they're "keepin it real". They are being 'authentic'. They truly represent black culture. And when one of them is not considered 'hard', has not robbed, killed, been shot 9 times, or sold drugs, they're called a "wankster" (Ja Rule). Within the rap community you aren't consider a real n*gga unless you've done any or all the above. Furthermore, if your past is questionable (like you had two parents, didn't rob or sell drugs, etc.) you're clowned.
So, when did Bruce Willis ever state he was "keepin it real" with say DieHard? Are his movies suppose to represent the culture of middle aged white men? I'm constantly being told by rappers that being a thug/gangster, drug dealer, pimp, player, hustler, baller, shot caller, with half naked women in vidoes girating,"dropping it like it's hot", spending lots of money and driving expensive cars is "keepin it real". And you're telling me it's the "only voice left available to black Americans". And that's all we can talk about? That's all we can demonstrate visually? That's when they aren't flaunting houses in the SUBURBS. You know, that area heavily populated with white folks and away from the 'hood'.
Contrary to your point of view, they have assimilated. They aren't revolutionary or a voice for black America. They will do anything to "Get Rich or Die Trying". They will do anything to live in rich, white suburbs. Hey, did you ever watch the MTV special with 50 Cents when his second album came out (The Massacre)? He had a premier party at his house in Connecticut (Mike Tysons' old house) and a few of his neighbors (15-16 year old white girls ) asked if they could come? He said sure. He seemed so nice and non-threating (sarcasm). Yeah, that's keepin it real and talking for black folks alright. Why ain't his black behind livin in the 'hood' along with all the rest of these negroes speakin for the people who aren't like the "Establishment Negroes" you talk about? I'll tell you why, because they're modern day coons!!!!! Will say or do anything to 'get paid'.
...continued
And once they're 'paid' they leave the 'hood' faster than you can say Hollywood. And I guess being in movies and television shows, taking pictures with Paris Hilton (Ludacris), and claiming you're trying to f... half of Hollywood (50 Cents) isn't considered assimilation. Yep, you're right, "that's speaking to the world".
I can't wait for your response. And rationalizations.
All the cussing, I do not like. This is not to say I never cuss, but having to bleep out words, that you can still decipher, young children are quite capable of memorizing and repeating that stuff. That is not cute, that is not cool.
What's happening Soul Brother? My man.
Of course it is assimilation.
Financial assimilation. Not racial assimilation.
Which forms the basic difference between Hip Hop blacks and Civil Rights Negroes.
Civil Rights negroes still see the world as black and white. Hip Hop blacks see the world as green. CR Negroes confuse whiteness for wealth.
CR Negroes have spent the past 60 years trying to join white people. Hip Hop niggas have made white folks join them.
And charged them for it.
If you can't beat them. Make them join you. Sun Tzu.
I'd take one Curtis Jackson over 50 Harold Ford Jr.'s
Now, Soul Brother. How you going to rationalize?
-
Denmark
"Of course it is assimilation.
Financial assimilation. Not racial assimilation".
Yeah, "Stepin Fetchit" did the same "financial assimilation" you're referring to. I use him because present day rappers have a lot in common with him.
How are you gonna rationalize that?
I can't wait for your response. And rationalizations.
SoulBrother#1 | 03.01.07 - 10:21 pm | #
Ha! At least you got a response. I notice he didn't bother trying to respond or rationalize with my point by point response to his nonsense. I take that to mean that his attitude towards women matches rappers like 50 Cent ("Suck a d*ck, b*tch") and Ludacris ("Move b*tch, get out tha way....")
Obviously Denmark is okay with hip hop - destruction, degradation and all.
Damn Nina,
It really wasn't all that deep sister. I don't see this as competition. Just conversation. You should pump your brakes a little bit.
Soul Brotha,
I find Harold Ford more step n Fetchit than 50 Cent.
Colin Powell went to the United Nations and presented NeoCon lies to the world. What's more Step N Fetchit than that?
then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
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I hear ya Denmark. Enjoy those Fiddy CDs. 
Thank you Nina. Keep singing "we shall overcome. some. day."
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I will... why not?
I had a dream last night that Sowell and Williams were in a Fiddy video, and I woke up smiling.
I have never listened to Rap, but I've had the distinct displeasure of working nights listening to Hip Hop all night long. I don't miss it.
The only time I hear Rap is when some kid pulls in a gas station or parking lot.
Check out the posting on this Blog to see it you can sympathize with an Arab viewpoint.
The Black Iris of Jordan.
http://www.black-iris.com/2007/02/27/playlist-i-
dont-like-mondays/
The first link was an error. This is the correct link.
Check out the posting on this Blog to see it you can sympathize with an Arab viewpoint.
http://www.black-iris.com/2007/0...-jordanian-djs/
Nina
He is comfortable with 50 Cent saying that.
Denmark
"I find Harold Ford more step n Fetchit than 50 Cent".
"Hip Hop niggas have made white folks join them".
Well, you're right. They finally have. Tell me, are the white people below emulating 50 Cent or "Harold Ford, Colin Powell and all those CR Establishment negroes"?
http://www.racialicious.com/2007...rty-on-mlk-day/
Is that a picture of you or of "Hip Hop niggas that have made white folks join them"?
How about these links?
http://www.dailytoreador.com/hom...e4-
3a1308f99c68
http://maroon.uchicago.edu/news/
...med_dorm_pa.php
http://www.western-star.com/
scho...Y_1013_COX.html
http://media.www.dailytoreador.c...ml?
mkey=2410018
http://www.brendanloy.com/2007/0...etto-
party.html
Who are these white kids acting like? Colin Powell and Harold Ford. Or the gangster rappers that "represent black America"?
"I'd take one Curtis Jackson over 50 Harold Ford Jr.'s"
And you'd take the white kid in black face too!
If you like rap/hip hop, listen and enjoy! If you don't, listen to something else. Lord knows, there are plenty of options! Whew, to be an American. Ain't life GRAND!!!
bpspeaks,
Normally I would agree with your outlook. The exception is when Rap and Hip Hop are played for the sole purpose of intruding on my peace and quiet.
Ripama said!
"Normally I would agree with your outlook. The exception is when Rap and Hip Hop are played for the sole purpose of intruding on my peace and quiet."
Sounds to me Ripama that your problem is not rap, but some fool with his/her music playing too loudly. Would you hate/complain as much or even blame the music if the same fool was playing (insert your music choice) instead of rap. That is a home training/respect for others issue.
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