Does it though? To some degree maybe but what about accountability of the artist? Why not use the platform you have to help bring the change instead of waiting in vain for an oppressive class to do it? Why not invest in youth programs instead of strip clubs? When you take the horrific parts of an empoverished environment (murder, drug use, alcoholism, gun violence, gang activity, misogyny, etc) and glamorize them instead of condemning you play a role in perpetuating the cycle. Instead of planting seeds of change in young minds you inspire another generation to head to the penitentiary or an early grave.
I agree partially. There will ALWAYS be negativity in the world. Unfortunately, these rappers don’t realize or care that their words influence heavily influence young minds, and those who are unable to separate fact from fiction and real from fake. There is just as much positivity in the world as there is negativity. His reasoning sounds like someone who wants to say what he wants but does not want to take responsibility for what is said. Tip has no reason to rap about trapping and guns. That is NOT his reality anymore. Rap/Hip-Hop is supposed to be the REALEST music, but really it’s the most fake. Imagine the mindsets that would change if Tip rapped about education, black pride, politics, and change as much as he rapped about the bullshit! There is room for all, no question, but more needs to be said in the music. Rappers need to stop being followers of each other, and start being trendsetters with lyrical content. Good things happen in the hood too. Ijs…
I’m pretty sure every rapper has said that at least once since 1988. It’s a lazy answer. The idea that living in the hood, which I’ve lived in my whole life, renders you incapable of rapping about anything other than ‘the struggle’ is an insult.
Difference if I recall I didn’t hear master p rapping bout Bentley’s till he got one, it was hustling first flossing next, these new dudes living with dey mama catching a bus poppin bottles rolling in maybachs fucccin all the hoes
New York in the 70s and 80s was probably at its worst when it comes to crime and poverty….yet the bulk of Hip Hop songs released were as positive as they could be. Maybe rappers should start making positive and fun songs again to uplift their communities they no longer live in or ever gave a shit about.. no need to constantly remind their intended demographic how shit their lives are
Hmm. I agree to a degree (bars). At the same time though lets be honest the radio only plays the same 10 or 15 artists that are speaking on generally making money, sex or being a thug. Rarely will radio get someone like Kendrick who to me is real. I wish THOSE emcees would get the spotlight. I think it’s good that The Game and Snoop are stepping up and stuff. But I do wish their lyrics would reflect clearly the heart they seem to have. Another issue is the music industry only caters to those who will conform to the message they want out there. I can’t remember the last time I heard Del, Mos Def, Murs, Blackalicious, KRS One, Lecrae, Brother Ali, Zion-I, etc. on the radio. Unless it’s MAYBE college radio or Sirius. But I guarantee within the hour I could hear music from Ice Cube, Dre, Drake, Lil Wayne, etc. on the “top” radio stations.
Oh, puhleeze…that was NOT an eloquent answer!!! To say, “change the environment,” and then the artist won’t have to have deragatory messages in their artistry is Bullsh*t. The onus is on SELF! T.I. talks like there’s a mandate for other people to change these people’s environment. NO!!! They are largely responsible for their own environments. Granted, many things are out of their control, but even the areas where they have the ability to make different decision and affect change in their own communities…they don’t. They’d rather take the low road…pander to the lowest common denominator…denigrating women, self-hatred of themselves and their communities, promoting illicit sexual lifestyles and on and on. Dafuq?!?! How is that anyone else’s responsibility except their own?!?! And Trevor Noah should’ve been smarter than to just fall right into that cheap as* justification. I would expect somebody like him to push back on that! I’m sorry…if T.I. is serious about being respected as a advocate for black progression and empowerment, then he needs to start with the man in the mirror. We as black people can smell straight through this kind of hypocrisy!!! #nicetrythough #thejokeisonyoubruh #maninthemirror #hyphop #hypocriterappers
I absolutely agree Angel! You first change yourself and then you can change your environment! Furthermore, even when these rappers acquire their wealth and change their environments, they still rap or sing about sabotaging shit (subject matter)- why – because money does not change your mind, it merely amplifies what is inside of it! #EnslavedMillionaires. #StuckInChildhoodAsAnAdult
Keep in mind good people the music industry (including hip-hop and other genres) is art that is a direct reflection of real life in general. What T.I. means is how many muthafuckas out there in Real Life are projecting positivity opposed to negativity? So why the fuck would you expect artist in the music industry to be any different of a proportion? When people have more peaceful and positive experiences to sing and rap about… then more positive and influential music will be made. 89-94 we’re some hard fought struggle of years for blacks in America and the Golden Age of Hip-Hop reflected just that.
That’s a damn good straight to the point answer and makes sense.
Does it though? To some degree maybe but what about accountability of the artist? Why not use the platform you have to help bring the change instead of waiting in vain for an oppressive class to do it? Why not invest in youth programs instead of strip clubs? When you take the horrific parts of an empoverished environment (murder, drug use, alcoholism, gun violence, gang activity, misogyny, etc) and glamorize them instead of condemning you play a role in perpetuating the cycle. Instead of planting seeds of change in young minds you inspire another generation to head to the penitentiary or an early grave.
It’s about time someone put Noah in his place.
I agree partially. There will ALWAYS be negativity in the world. Unfortunately, these rappers don’t realize or care that their words influence heavily influence young minds, and those who are unable to separate fact from fiction and real from fake. There is just as much positivity in the world as there is negativity. His reasoning sounds like someone who wants to say what he wants but does not want to take responsibility for what is said. Tip has no reason to rap about trapping and guns. That is NOT his reality anymore. Rap/Hip-Hop is supposed to be the REALEST music, but really it’s the most fake. Imagine the mindsets that would change if Tip rapped about education, black pride, politics, and change as much as he rapped about the bullshit! There is room for all, no question, but more needs to be said in the music. Rappers need to stop being followers of each other, and start being trendsetters with lyrical content. Good things happen in the hood too. Ijs…
what a fresh and original take, not sure thats a rebuttal thats been said thousands of times before or anything. anythings news nowadays damn.
Ice-T said that on Arsenio Hall back in 91′
I’m pretty sure every rapper has said that at least once since 1988. It’s a lazy answer. The idea that living in the hood, which I’ve lived in my whole life, renders you incapable of rapping about anything other than ‘the struggle’ is an insult.
you’re blessed broda …
SPEAK THE TRUTH!!! Very well said!
Even if the environment was changed, some dumb asses would still rap shit for a loaf. Perfect answer, yet not totally holistic
Difference if I recall I didn’t hear master p rapping bout Bentley’s till he got one, it was hustling first flossing next, these new dudes living with dey mama catching a bus poppin bottles rolling in maybachs fucccin all the hoes
New York in the 70s and 80s was probably at its worst when it comes to crime and poverty….yet the bulk of Hip Hop songs released were as positive as they could be. Maybe rappers should start making positive and fun songs again to uplift their communities they no longer live in or ever gave a shit about.. no need to constantly remind their intended demographic how shit their lives are
respect to you by the way
Hmm. I agree to a degree (bars). At the same time though lets be honest the radio only plays the same 10 or 15 artists that are speaking on generally making money, sex or being a thug. Rarely will radio get someone like Kendrick who to me is real. I wish THOSE emcees would get the spotlight. I think it’s good that The Game and Snoop are stepping up and stuff. But I do wish their lyrics would reflect clearly the heart they seem to have. Another issue is the music industry only caters to those who will conform to the message they want out there. I can’t remember the last time I heard Del, Mos Def, Murs, Blackalicious, KRS One, Lecrae, Brother Ali, Zion-I, etc. on the radio. Unless it’s MAYBE college radio or Sirius. But I guarantee within the hour I could hear music from Ice Cube, Dre, Drake, Lil Wayne, etc. on the “top” radio stations.
Oh, puhleeze…that was NOT an eloquent answer!!! To say, “change the environment,” and then the artist won’t have to have deragatory messages in their artistry is Bullsh*t. The onus is on SELF! T.I. talks like there’s a mandate for other people to change these people’s environment. NO!!! They are largely responsible for their own environments. Granted, many things are out of their control, but even the areas where they have the ability to make different decision and affect change in their own communities…they don’t. They’d rather take the low road…pander to the lowest common denominator…denigrating women, self-hatred of themselves and their communities, promoting illicit sexual lifestyles and on and on. Dafuq?!?! How is that anyone else’s responsibility except their own?!?! And Trevor Noah should’ve been smarter than to just fall right into that cheap as* justification. I would expect somebody like him to push back on that! I’m sorry…if T.I. is serious about being respected as a advocate for black progression and empowerment, then he needs to start with the man in the mirror. We as black people can smell straight through this kind of hypocrisy!!! #nicetrythough #thejokeisonyoubruh #maninthemirror #hyphop #hypocriterappers
Thank you Angel! I was thinking exactly the same thing!
I absolutely agree Angel! You first change yourself and then you can change your environment! Furthermore, even when these rappers acquire their wealth and change their environments, they still rap or sing about sabotaging shit (subject matter)- why – because money does not change your mind, it merely amplifies what is inside of it! #EnslavedMillionaires. #StuckInChildhoodAsAnAdult
Keep in mind good people the music industry (including hip-hop and other genres) is art that is a direct reflection of real life in general. What T.I. means is how many muthafuckas out there in Real Life are projecting positivity opposed to negativity? So why the fuck would you expect artist in the music industry to be any different of a proportion? When people have more peaceful and positive experiences to sing and rap about… then more positive and influential music will be made. 89-94 we’re some hard fought struggle of years for blacks in America and the Golden Age of Hip-Hop reflected just that.