In Hip Hop’s 30 plus year history, many have argued what is
and is not Hip Hop. Now, New York City
officials are attempting to put their stamp on the culture.
According to a BBC News article, the New York City Council
has allocated $1.5 million to the establishment of a Hip Hop museum in the Bronx area of the city.
“This is where it
all started on the streets of the Bronx. It’s
an urban creation,” council member Larry Seabrook said.
But the contents of the museum have already caused some
members to enter the debate of what is and is not Hip Hop, which means that some
artists may be excluded from the museum if certain politicians have their way.
The city council would like to distance itself from what it
deems, “gangsta rap.” Old school groups like NWA may find themselves out in the
cold along with modern day stars 50 Cent, Lil Kim The Game and others.
“We’re not
talking about gangsta rap,” says Seabrook.
“We’re talking about hip-hop.”
“Anybody can be a
thug,” he added.
While Seabrook’s
words may be music to the ears of parents and some Hip Hop purists who blasts
the elements of the culture that degrade women and promote violence, it brings
up issues as to who will be the gate keepers for content for the proposed
museum.
Seabrook says
that the museum will pay homage to Hip Hop’s roots. DX will keep you posted.
if you listen to any positive rapper like KRS one chances are theyve talked about drugs and weed at some point in their career ie his BDP days