Rap & Hip-Hop, Open Your Minds Options

[fameONE]

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

[xquizit]

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.