2008 Woodie Awards
Hip-hop hustle
I don't want to get crunk, I want to listen to real music again
BeAnka Macey
Issue date: 9/6/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Hip-hop's growing attraction for hustlers is devastating and embarrassing. It is embarassing for rappers, the music industry, and the listeners.The music began as a way for minorities to express and celebrate themselves. It flourished when they rapped about the hardships of the inner-cities.
"Hip-hop," unfortunately, has now developed into a mockery of finger-snapping and overt--and even more unapologetic--thugs.
Becoming a "rapper" now is easy. Either you are from Atlanta or you slang on the streets until someone like a Jay-Z comes to support and embrace your hustle. With simplicity like this, how can we expect hip-hop to survive and strive with future generations?
You do not have to be a Mos Def or a Talib Kweli to keep it real. But if you are, it definitely puts you at a disadvantage. No one is trying to hear what the real problems are. Everyone is too busy shaking their dreads and rocking side to side to the beat. I know you see it.
Hip-hop culture has become a direct reflection of consumerism. I still cannot believe they sell grills in shopping malls. I really hope that people do not expect this so-called "Hyphy Movement" to prevail. Stunna shades, ghost-riding, and grills lack the substance that made hip-hop an art form.
Does every single song have to be about going dumb? With every new song I hear, it becomes more and more apparent that Bay Area hip-hop--not to distract from this lean wit it, rock wit it epidemic--is a joke.
I do, however, have to give it to these hip-hoppers. They are keeping it (their lifestyles, not the music) real. Young Jeezy, the self-proclaimed motivational speaker, made no apologies for his crunk beats and drug-filled lyrics. And Rick Ross blatantly expresses the extent of his hustler status on Port of Miami. Can I really be mad at that?
Money is the biggest motivator, so why not be a rapper? You can have your phat crib, tight whips, and enough bling to support a small country. Who cares if you laid the track down in five minutes while intoxicated beyond reason? As long as it slaps in the club, none of that really matters. Oh yeah, that's definitely the good life...
Hip-hop is dying, but I just cannot accept that. Audiences should not accept that.We all know Kanye, Mos Def, and Talib cannot save the art.
If only all the aspiring rappers would strive for quality and show us that they love what they are creating, the hip-hop world would be a better place. Do not just give audiences radio-ready hooks over hot beats for air play.
If it is deeper than trend-setting, then that is something I can feel. And no, I definitely can not be mad at that.
"Hip-hop," unfortunately, has now developed into a mockery of finger-snapping and overt--and even more unapologetic--thugs.
Becoming a "rapper" now is easy. Either you are from Atlanta or you slang on the streets until someone like a Jay-Z comes to support and embrace your hustle. With simplicity like this, how can we expect hip-hop to survive and strive with future generations?
You do not have to be a Mos Def or a Talib Kweli to keep it real. But if you are, it definitely puts you at a disadvantage. No one is trying to hear what the real problems are. Everyone is too busy shaking their dreads and rocking side to side to the beat. I know you see it.
Hip-hop culture has become a direct reflection of consumerism. I still cannot believe they sell grills in shopping malls. I really hope that people do not expect this so-called "Hyphy Movement" to prevail. Stunna shades, ghost-riding, and grills lack the substance that made hip-hop an art form.
Does every single song have to be about going dumb? With every new song I hear, it becomes more and more apparent that Bay Area hip-hop--not to distract from this lean wit it, rock wit it epidemic--is a joke.
I do, however, have to give it to these hip-hoppers. They are keeping it (their lifestyles, not the music) real. Young Jeezy, the self-proclaimed motivational speaker, made no apologies for his crunk beats and drug-filled lyrics. And Rick Ross blatantly expresses the extent of his hustler status on Port of Miami. Can I really be mad at that?
Money is the biggest motivator, so why not be a rapper? You can have your phat crib, tight whips, and enough bling to support a small country. Who cares if you laid the track down in five minutes while intoxicated beyond reason? As long as it slaps in the club, none of that really matters. Oh yeah, that's definitely the good life...
Hip-hop is dying, but I just cannot accept that. Audiences should not accept that.We all know Kanye, Mos Def, and Talib cannot save the art.
If only all the aspiring rappers would strive for quality and show us that they love what they are creating, the hip-hop world would be a better place. Do not just give audiences radio-ready hooks over hot beats for air play.
If it is deeper than trend-setting, then that is something I can feel. And no, I definitely can not be mad at that.