Wise Words, Ways, & Actions
"Lyrics of Fury" - Eric B. & Rakim
Peace,
By it's very nature, Hip Hop is an art form that continuously looks back for ammunition to go forward. From musical samples to fashion to actual lyrics (aka biting), Hip Hop has been known to grab from it's past. Every 5-7 years, you see an "Old School Revival" of sorts where songs are recycled for the new generation's conspicuous consumption. While on one hand, it can be seen as the death of creativity, in certain instances, it can serve as the base for younger audiences to learn about the world that proceeded them.
One example is the infatuation with Black & Latino crime lords of the mid 80'- early 90's. When youth hear names life Alpo, Rich Porter, the JBM, and Wayne Porter in their favorite rapper's songs, it can give you a chance to explain to them the reality of the Crack Era, and the political environment that created it. Because many of our youth have a dangerously short attention span, we have to utilize all possible means to transfer information that can help them understand the past, present, and future. By showing them the recurring tragedies that plague our communities, we can give them a framework to identify their role in changing our communities.
Another positive example is the platform and exposure given to "positive" Hip Hop artists of the music "Golden Era". Approx. 2 weeks ago, Cedric Muhammad of Black Electorate conducted an in-depth interview with Wise Intelligent of the group Poor Righteous Teachers. After that interview, I saw a number of articles and interviews regarding not only PRT, b.u.t. other groups from that era as well. In this day of Hip Hop having very little substance (on both the "underground" and "mainstream" level), a level of awareness and consciousness is needed. Additionally, it's imperative the the Hip Hop community produce thought leaders and not only artist that shy away from principled activity and stances based on their fear of being blackballed. While I don't put the responsibility solely on the artist, I do expect to see the logical extension to the rhetoric that many "positive" artists kick. If we're going to look back, let's look back and ensure that we grow from out past.
Peace,
By it's very nature, Hip Hop is an art form that continuously looks back for ammunition to go forward. From musical samples to fashion to actual lyrics (aka biting), Hip Hop has been known to grab from it's past. Every 5-7 years, you see an "Old School Revival" of sorts where songs are recycled for the new generation's conspicuous consumption. While on one hand, it can be seen as the death of creativity, in certain instances, it can serve as the base for younger audiences to learn about the world that proceeded them.
One example is the infatuation with Black & Latino crime lords of the mid 80'- early 90's. When youth hear names life Alpo, Rich Porter, the JBM, and Wayne Porter in their favorite rapper's songs, it can give you a chance to explain to them the reality of the Crack Era, and the political environment that created it. Because many of our youth have a dangerously short attention span, we have to utilize all possible means to transfer information that can help them understand the past, present, and future. By showing them the recurring tragedies that plague our communities, we can give them a framework to identify their role in changing our communities.
Another positive example is the platform and exposure given to "positive" Hip Hop artists of the music "Golden Era". Approx. 2 weeks ago, Cedric Muhammad of Black Electorate conducted an in-depth interview with Wise Intelligent of the group Poor Righteous Teachers. After that interview, I saw a number of articles and interviews regarding not only PRT, b.u.t. other groups from that era as well. In this day of Hip Hop having very little substance (on both the "underground" and "mainstream" level), a level of awareness and consciousness is needed. Additionally, it's imperative the the Hip Hop community produce thought leaders and not only artist that shy away from principled activity and stances based on their fear of being blackballed. While I don't put the responsibility solely on the artist, I do expect to see the logical extension to the rhetoric that many "positive" artists kick. If we're going to look back, let's look back and ensure that we grow from out past.
posted by I Majestic at 5:36 PM
1 Comments:
Peace again
peace born free.
i wholeheartedly agree with you on the status of hip hop culture. I do feel, however, that locally there are several artists that continue that tradition left by PRT, Brand Nubian, PE, etc. one just has to look around the corner
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