To be quite honest, I'm sick and tired of the misconception that hiphop is violence, misogyny, drug abuse, alcohol consumption and trafficking of narcotics. Its truly not. Instead of writing a definition essay telling you what hiphop is and what it isn't, I'll save you the effort of straining your eyes for the purpose of enlightenment and make a few points.

Don't say that hiphop isn't a valid form of music if you know nothing about the genre. if you believe that 50 Cent is an adequate representation of the genre in all its essence and history, then you most likely have your ass on your shoulders. Just because art isn't in the form of vocal harmony and live instruments doesn't mean its not art.

Stop correlating hiphop with African Americans. Hey, if you're white and you want to recite a poem rhythmically to a beat, then do so. If you're asian, and you want to DJ, grab yourself some wheels of steel and a bridge and put together a mix of music to make people dance. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, what your social background is because music is universal. By continuing to think that hiphop is only a 'black' thing, you're encouraging the idea.

I'm making an effort to present this topic to you in a stoic and peaceful manner. As all of yous know, I could easily break you down with a witty insult that you won't get right away just because you absent-mindedly disrespected a genre in which you know nothing about. But, thats what I'm not doing. Instead, I'm making an effort to help out.

Artists to consider:

K-OS
Blackalicious
Common
Black Eyed Peas
Lauryn Hill

Open your minds.

Post 999,
The Don

Thank you. I mean that with everything.

But, I'm not gonna lie. I'm into more mainstream hip-hop than underground but I realize and agree to what you're saying.

You make some very excellent points especially the part where people correlate rap & hip hop as just an African American thing. As far as me I listen to both mainstream and underground music and I recognize it not for what it is or what it should be but as an art. Hey if rap wasn't music why is it always all over the billboards?

thank U for that, i was sick of all the ignorant comments people make also.
ur a smart man mr. Saunders

ohh good. i agree with you 100%. i hate when people try to diss rap but, dont know anything about it

Thank you for making this post. I think a lot of our members or a lot of people in general hold this misconception because what is presented to them in mainstream.

As someone who grew up listening to hip-hop, it disappoints me how so many people have either lost or simply have to no respect for the genre. I guess you can't really blame them if that is what they witness in mainstream.

But yes, before you make assumptions, do some research and thoroughly educate youself about what hip-hop stands for and aquaint yourself with other artists who aren't so mainstream and you'll see that there is more to hip-hop than you may have originally thought. There is great depth, emotion, and truth. As Brandon said, it is a true art form and there is intricacy in the way lines and rhymes are put together. Not just people "talking fast" and rhyming about cash, money, and hoes.

Try listening to what they call, "conscious" rappers. Artists such at The Roots, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Dilated Peoples, and even Nas.

sticky this post

- basick

good thinkin' wayne
ur goin places

This thread isn't gonna do anything so it was kinda a waste of time... These narrow-minded people on this board aren't gonna read that essay you wrote... It's not hap'nin'

but here's some more MC's:
Pharoahe Monch (4th greatest MC of all-time IMO)
Masta Ace
Saigon

THANK YOU for posting this!

Okay okay, I'm actually one of the open minded people who clicked on it... and I didn't give rap a chance a week ago. Alright, I admit. My MCs on my playlist are a little ... let's say worldly. I'm not sure of the true essence of hiphop or rap. But it's something that's really experimental. A lot of rappers do have a lot of good things to say than the streotyped: "hos and joes get on the dancefloor" kind of thing. In fact, I call it a 'prose before hos' thing. Trust me, it's good. It's real good. I think I should have left it on I agree.

Yes thank u! I love Rap, R&B n HipHop! I hate it wen people say ''Rap is Crap''. They make me so mad. Oh well, I guess sum people juss don't have good taste lol.

^ Your signature is way too big vertically. Please reduce it.

Anywho, I've started opening my mind to hip-hop and I actually like it. Thank you!

THANK YOU!
this is one intelligent post. good job brandon =]

true that!

And this, Brandon, is why I admire you, even if you've left for a while.

I agree wholeheartedly.

i like their songs but i hate their reputation