Hip Hop music's roots originated in social cause. The music, but especially the words told a story and let people know what was going on. The beauty of the music was not only its messages, but the creative means by which the message was communicated.
I remember watching MTV and hearing Russell Simmons heavily promote the Hip Hop Nation. It was a movement that was designed to include young people and people of color to get involved in politics and have their voices heard. My question is where are they now?
I saw them when President Barack Obama was elected. They got out. They rocked the vote...so to speak. African-Americans and other people of color got out in numbers to cast their votes for our first African-American president. But seriously, where are they? The-t-shirts are gone. Their political voices have been silenced. The hype is gone.
The Hip Hop Nation has sold out. The music and the message has been traded in for what else...money. The beats and rhythms are pretty much the same. The new message from this crew is about making money. It's now about having a hit, acquiring wealth and bling. Look at Jay-Zee, Kanye West, 50 Cent, and, of course, P. Diddy. Remember when these artists first came out, they were dubbed "originators", "innovative", and the "voices of their generations"? Instead of using their "music" to unite people and to get work done, they are more interested in getting paid.
Like I mentioned briefly, Hip Hop's roots were about having cause for social action. Hip Hop was about uplifting our community. Bringing messages to our people. Just like African drumming served as a way of communication between tribes. It got the message out and it was carried to others, no matter the distance.
Hip Hop's alleged drum is beating to a whole 'nuther matter: The Benjamins.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Monday, September 13th 2010 at 9:28AM
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