It seems that over the last three to four months, a lot of people have been focused on “Taking Back The Music”. Everywhere you look, there are articles and commentaries, forums and documentaries talking about how Hip Hop used to be and where it seems to be heading. The campaigns are being formed because of the rise in violence and sex that seems to have taken over the Hip Hop culture. Do to the most recent “beefs” between Rappers, shootings and courtroom drama; there is a reason to be concerned. Most artists or Hip Hop lovers are battling against those that have decided to speak out. There are some who feel that Hip Hop is being disrespected.

If you put the whole thing into a different light, not only do people want to clean up Hip Hop; but it may actually save lives of some of the most creative individuals in music. I know people are saying that the “beefs” are being used to hype up record sales etc: but just like the statement says “being used”. Even though these tactics may be just gimmicks, they are turning into reality. One of the biggest tragedies in Hip Hop was the deaths of Biggie and Tupac. All of the controversy was in plain view and some still have not learned from this experience. When our young black musicians get killed or go to jail; we are losing them. Even in jail, you are still losing some valuable time out of your life. Of course the media is going to blow up these events of misconduct; not only in the U.S. but globally as well. On the international level, what people see on TV or who gets to tour over in Paris, Germany, Italy, etc.; these are the people that are depicting black folks. We need to make it our business to push the positive and reduce the negativity.

I had the opportunity to attend the “Crisis In Black Media” forum; that had some of the most powerful Hip Hop Pioneers and Founders on the panel. Listening to Doug E. Fresh, Kool Moe Dee and Afrika Bambaataa speak on the culture seems like a foreign language because today’s Hip Hop is so far from what they were speaking about.

T
H
I
S

I
S

A

U
R
S
C
E
N
E
.
C
O
M

E
X
C
L
U
S
I
V
E

R
I
S
I
N
G

S
T
A
R

A
R
T
I
C
L
E

The public wants good music and we don’t care which genre of music it is coming from; we don’t want to have to turn the station because the lyrics are inappropriate or just totally killing the beat; that draws many to the song anyway. When you have to make two versions of a song (one clean and one x-rated) something is wrong with this picture. And we wonder why some of our children are using fowl language, carrying guns and demonstrating misconduct. I was a person that believed that Rap music did not have an affect on the way people act; but my mind soon changed. Words are so powerful and many do not know the power of words. But again, we do; because if someone says something bad about you Mother, even though it may not be true, you will still react. Well this is the same thing with lyrics.

Creativity and skills used to be the main attraction and purpose of Rappers and MCs; they wanted to prove that they were the best at what they did with their music. Today it is more about the money then skills. There are some who could not RAP a gift compared to those from the past. I am not saying that all Rappers have to talk about the “yellow brick road”; but I sure that there are some positive things that they have experienced or want out of life. Let us hear about that. Whenever I go out and I hear some “old school” rap; the crowd reaction changes immediately because people are feeling the vibes from back in the day; and it feels good. As Black folks, we are always being portrayed as not being able to get along and always causing havoc, etc. Not saying that White folks don’t do it too, because they do. Because the Hip Hop culture has embraced all nationalities and we are the forefront of this powerful mark on history; we need to continue to come with our “A” game and NOT LET CAPITALISM BEAR STRANGE FRUITS FROM OUR LABOR.

Also check out the article “The Civil Rights Rapper” also on this website.