Attempt #2...

When it comes to hip hop, I feel that I have a certain understanding that is my own truth. I grew up listening to hip hop in 5^th grade and have continued since. From that experience, I’ve come up with my own observations and opinions of the culture. By listening to an artist, I can tell you, though not always, whether he/she is concerned about sending a message or not. Some artists like Immortal Technique, reference historical periods, current world news, and names of famous and not so famous individuals in history. From that, I’m able to take what I find interesting in the lyrics and look for more information on the topic through the internet. I don’t always gravitate towards artists that focus on “serious” issues, but I prefer to listen to that more so than what’s on rotation in the radio. hip hop can be entertaining, but also educational. To borrow from the MC KRS-One, I love that I can find artists that promote this sense of “edutainment” through this form of expression.  I also, however, see conversations that can and do take place when it comes to discussing the positives and negatives about hip hop.

Personally, hip hop was one of the reasons I continued to be interested in learning and traveling. The artists I listened to as a teenager did portray themselves through a braggadocio that was rather violent and misogynistic, but I didn’t let that influence my character. It was through them that I began to understand the behavior of some of my friends and understand my neighborhood as well. I take from artists what I consider beneficial, regardless of their background and beliefs. Through some of their imperfections, I also gain knowledge: “There’s truth in everything, so I listen to fools,” mentioned an artist named C-Rayz Walz (a play on how not everyone is perfect, but everyone imparts wisdom through their own experiences). While I don’t fully agree or disagree with some of the arguments made against hip hop, some would debate that the music I listened to influences the youth to behave a certain way: sell/do drugs, commit a crime, mistreat women, and all the negative stereotypes associated with it. There are conversations that have produced constructive discussions, where each sees differently and is more open to the differing opinions shared. I also think that there are people who are not as easily convinced by either position, regardless of the facts that are provided. Nevertheless, hip hop can be approached from many angles that don’t render the culture useless or futile. It’s a culture open to everyone so I don’t see discussions truly damaging to this art form. Yet, if we decide not to challenge those that conform to the idea of profiting from hip hop by selling just sex, violence, and materialism, then hip hop will have lost all purpose and meaning to educate and uplift. Thus, we continue to pay tribute to the legacy of musicians and historical figures by promoting a healthy discourse on the advantages and disadvantages on this aesthetic, and reach a level of understanding. 

(For now, I leave you a link to Lupe Fiasco's new video & give you the opportunity to take a look at hip hop from a different perspective: http://theboombox.com/lupe-fiasco-lamborghini-angels-ital-roses-audubon-ballroom-video/?trackback=twitter_top)