NYT Op-Ed: How Hip-Hop Music Lost Its Way And Betrayed Its Fans.........

[TC4]

Very interesting Op-Ed piece in the New York Times about hip-hop music:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/12/opinion/12thu4.html?th&emc=th

Editorial Observer

How Hip-Hop Music Lost Its Way and Betrayed Its Fans

By BRENT STAPLES

Published: May 12, 2005

African-American teenagers are beset on all sides by dangerous myths about race. The most poisonous one defines middle-class normalcy and achievement as "white," while embracing violence, illiteracy and drug dealing as "authentically" black. This fiction rears its head from time to time in films and literature. But it finds its most virulent expression in rap music, which started out with a broad palette of themes but has increasingly evolved into a medium for worshiping misogyny, materialism and murder.

This dangerous narrowing of hip-hop music would be reason for concern in any case. But it is especially troubling against the backdrop of the 1990's, when rappers provoked a real-world gang war by using recordings and music videos to insult and threaten rivals. Two of the music's biggest stars - Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. - were eventually shot to death.

People who pay only minimal attention to the rap world may have thought the killings would sober up the rap community. Not quite. The May cover of the hip-hop magazine Vibe was on the mark when it depicted fallen rappers standing among tombstones under the headline: "Hip-Hop Murders: Why Haven't We Learned Anything?"

The cover may have been prompted in part by a rivalry between two rappers that culminated in a shootout at a New York radio station, Hot 97, earlier this spring. The events that led up to the shooting show how recording labels now exploit violence to make and sell recordings.

At the center of that Hot 97 shootout was none other than 50 Cent, whose given name is Curtis Jackson III. Mr. Jackson is a confessed former drug dealer who seems to revel in the fact that he was shot several times while dealing in Queens. He has also made a career of "beef" recordings, in which he whips up controversy and heightens tension by insulting rival artists.

He was following this pattern in a radio interview in March when a rival showed up at the station. The story's murky, but it appears that the rival's entourage met Mr. Jackson's on the street, resulting in gunfire.

Mr. Jackson's on-air agitation was clearly timed to coincide with the release of "The Massacre," his grotesquely violent and misogynist compact disc. The CD cover depicts the artist standing before a wall adorned with weapons, pointing what appears to be a shotgun at the camera. The photographs in the liner notes depict every ghetto stereotype - the artist selling drugs, the artist in a gunfight - and includes a mock autopsy report that has been seen as a covert threat aimed at some of his critics.

The "Massacre" promotion raises the ante in a most destructive way. New artists, desperate for stardom, will say or do anything to win notice - and buzz - for their next projects. As the trend escalates, inner-city listeners who are already at risk of dying prematurely are being fed a toxic diet of rap cuts that glorify murder and make it seem perfectly normal to spend your life in prison.

Critics who have been angered by this trend have pointed at Jimmy Iovine, the music impresario whose Interscope Records reaped millions on gangster rap in the 90's. Mr. Iovine makes a convenient target as a white man who is lording over an essentially black art form. But also listed on "The Massacre" as an executive producer is the legendary rapper Dr. Dre, a black man who happens to be one of the most powerful people in the business. Dr. Dre has a unique vantage point on rap-related violence. He was co-founder of Death Row Records, an infamous California company that marketed West Coast rap in the 1990's and had a front-row seat for the feud that led to so much bloodshed back then.

The music business hopes to make a financial killing on a recently announced summer concert tour that is set to feature 50 Cent and the mega-selling rap star Eminem. But promoters will need to make heavy use of metal detectors to suppress the kind of gun-related violence that gangster artists celebrate. That this lethal genre of art has grown speaks volumes about the industry's greed and lack of self-control.

But trends like this reach a tipping point, when business as usual becomes unacceptable to the public as a whole. Judging from the rising hue and cry, hip-hop is just about there.

[Kilmer17]

That article is obviously racist.

[portisizzle]

This article segway's nicely into my opinion of the NBA right now. Hippity hop gangsta thug posse g-skillz. Portisizzle never fizzle in the NFCizzle.

THe hip hop community is doing it constituents absolutely no favors.

[dfitzo53]

Originally posted by TC4

He was co-founder of Death Row Records, an infamous California company that marketed West Coast rap in the 1990's and had a front-row seat for the feud that led to so much bloodshed back then.

I don't follow the rap world too closely because I frankly couldn't care less, but this seems like an exaggeration to me. Two people were killed right?

[ntotoro]

Originally posted by dfitzo53

I don't follow the rap world too closely because I frankly couldn't care less, but this seems like an exaggeration to me. Two people were killed right?

I think it's about more than just murder. It's about perpetuating a culture or belief that being successful, educated or a not a "thug" is somehow "white" and not acceptable among young, black kids and some adults. Violence is just the proverbial icing on the cake.

Nick

[Destino]

It seems that every so often someone decides to regurgitate the same tired critiques of the hip-hop industry. These smug op-ed slam pieces pop up and point out how music is glorifying all that’s wrong in society without adding anything other then updating us the latest dramatic episode. I agree that the themes and messages of much modern hip hop music is disturbing but this same crap has been written and rewritten thousands of times.

The real question IMO is why does this type of music have such a wide appeal? Why does it do so well with such diverse audiences ranging from inner city minorities to suburban whites? Like it or not the message this music is sending is in great demand, with millions of eager consumers lining up for a harder hit. Let’s see someone discuss that for a change. After all hip hop is not the only negative message using music as a delivery system, it just happens to be the most successful.

[chiefhogskin48]

This article's spot-on. I've been saying these same things for years, but whatever reason people are willing to turn a blind eye to the negativity and degradation that mainstream rap promotes.

[portisizzle]

Originally posted by Destino

It seems that every so often someone decides to regurgitate the same tired critiques of the hip-hop industry. These smug op-ed slam pieces pop up and point out how music is glorifying all that’s wrong in society without adding anything other then updating us the latest dramatic episode. I agree that the themes and messages of much modern hip hop music is disturbing but this same crap has been written and rewritten thousands of times.

The real question is why does this type of music have such a wide appeal? Why does it do so well with audiences that as diverse as inner city minorities to suburban whites? Like it or not the message this music is sending is in great demand, with millions of eager consumer lining up for a harder hit. Let’s see someone discuss that for a change. After all hip hop is not the only negative message using music as a delivery system, it just happens to be the most successful.

Plus, you might add, there is a whole professional sports league dedicated to the hip hop culture. NBA crunking

Hip hop is 2legit2quit

[Clutch03]

These are the kind of articles I hate. They seem to make very general conclusions from isolated incidents.

Yes some hiphop dipicts violence but not all hiphop does. Has anyone ever heard of Common, Talib Kwaeli or The Roots. Thats what frustrates me as an African America now matter how well we do at anything the negative will ALWAYS be what people see. They don't see the jobs that hiphop creates for inner city people that could otherwise be committing crimes.

Yes I also agree that some artists use violence to create a buzz in order to sell records. But that goes to my previous statement about Common, Talib Kwaeli and the Roots. How many people even know about these artists? Thats the problem it seems like the only way for you to be noticed in HipHop is to use violence to your advantage. The crazy part is that its not the African American community that is buying these records allowing them to go platinum. Its the white suburbs that are eating this up. Trust me no Hiphop artist has gone platinum by black people buying their records alone ... it just does not happen.

I just don't understand why all HipHop must be violent if only a portion of the HipHop community uses violence in their music. Like one of the earlier posts says this article seems pretty racist. It gets really old.

[Kilmer17]

Hip Hop and NeoNazi skinhead hate music are the same thing IMO.

[dfitzo53]

Originally posted by ntotoro

I think it's about more than just murder. It's about perpetuating a culture or belief that being successful, educated or a not a "thug" is somehow "white" and not acceptable among young, black kids and some adults. Violence is just the proverbial icing on the cake.

Nick

I was talking specifically about the line where he referred to "so much bloodshed."

[portisizzle]

Originally posted by Clutch03

Like one of the earlier posts says this article seems pretty racist. It gets really old.

I would not go to the bank on this, but I think that poster was being facetious.

[Clutch03]

Originally posted by Destino

After all hip hop is not the only negative message using music as a delivery system, it just happens to be the most successful.

Bingo!! Do you think anyone would care if these rappers weren't making any money off of it? If rap was not as big as it is right now they could say whatever they want or murder whoever they want? Like Chris Rock said if your black in America you better not hurt anyone in the process ... otherwise they will destroy you.

[bofluid]

Originally posted by Destino

It seems that every so often someone decides to regurgitate the same tired critiques of the hip-hop industry. These smug op-ed slam pieces pop up and point out how music is glorifying all that’s wrong in society without adding anything other then updating us the latest dramatic episode. I agree that the themes and messages of much modern hip hop music is disturbing but this same crap has been written and rewritten thousands of times.

The real question IMO is why does this type of music have such a wide appeal? Why does it do so well with such diverse audiences ranging from inner city minorities to suburban whites? Like it or not the message this music is sending is in great demand, with millions of eager consumers lining up for a harder hit. Let’s see someone discuss that for a change. After all hip hop is not the only negative message using music as a delivery system, it just happens to be the most successful.

The whole first paragraph is on point. These pieces pop up from time to time, and they're not saying anything new. I'd love to see a piece that offered some sort of solution to the problems that plague hip hop.

The problem starts with the major record labels. They are the ones pushing these clowns who perpetuate all of these negative stereotypes. They pay Clear Channel, Infinity, MTV & BET to ensure they stay all over hip hop and top 40 playlists. There are plenty of hip hop artists who rap positively and don't convey the same tired messages. The problem is no one is exposed to them. If I didn't have the net, and have the resources to find good rap music I'd probably have given up on the genre by now.

[portisizzle]

Originally posted by Clutch03

Bingo!! Do you think anyone would care if these rappers weren't making any money off of it? If rap was not as big as it is right now they could say whatever they want or murder whoever they want? Like Chris Rock said if your black in America you better not hurt anyone in the process ... otherwise they will destroy you.

Dat dadadad dat da daddaddadadadadada da

[Taylor 36]

Originally posted by Destino

The real question IMO is why does this type of music have such a wide appeal? Why does it do so well with such diverse audiences ranging from inner city minorities to suburban whites? Like it or not the message this music is sending is in great demand, with millions of eager consumers lining up for a harder hit. Let’s see someone discuss that for a change. After all hip hop is not the only negative message using music as a delivery system, it just happens to be the most successful.

Des, it is only the most popular now because it is what is being aired and forced down people's throats. MTV hardly plays anything other than Hip-Hop now, which leaves very little exposure of other, non-violent, it is cool to be a gangsta messages for teens who watch MTV all the time. Many teens, black and white, who are socially aware and individual enough to go beyod what mainstream radio and video stations are playing, do not care much for Hip-Hop or it message.

This trend of what you call success has played out many times before with other genres. It isn't the success of Hip-hop, it is the success of MTV and the mainstream radio regergative stations.

[Major Harris]

Originally posted by Clutch03

. Has anyone ever heard of Common, Talib Kwaeli or The Roots.

3 of my favorites, man. the roots live is a must see event, those guys really know how to perform. common's "i used to love her" touches on this very topic of how hip hop has gone bad.

hip hop has been my music of choice, and clutch, you are right about this to a certain extent. but for all the roots, commons, etc, there are 10 50 cents, lil jons, etc. all the stuff coming out nowadays blows. i'll take my early to late 90's rap collection over this new garbage anyday. problem is, artists that are still promoting intellect and positivity like the roots and common aren't getting any younger, and i don't really see their replacements out there.

[manichispanic]

other Underguond greats:

Mars Ill

Lyrics Born

Blackalicious

Busdriver

Aceyalone

Handsome Boy Modeling School

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally posted by Clutch03

These are the kind of articles I hate. They seem to make very general conclusions from isolated incidents.

Yes some hiphop dipicts violence but not all hiphop does. Has anyone ever heard of Common, Talib Kwaeli or The Roots. Thats what frustrates me as an African America now matter how well we do at anything the negative will ALWAYS be what people see. They don't see the jobs that hiphop creates for inner city people that could otherwise be committing crimes.

Yes I also agree that some artists use violence to create a buzz in order to sell records. But that goes to my previous statement about Common, Talib Kwaeli and the Roots. How many people even know about these artists? Thats the problem it seems like the only way for you to be noticed in HipHop is to use violence to your advantage. The crazy part is that its not the African American community that is buying these records allowing them to go platinum. Its the white suburbs that are eating this up. Trust me no Hiphop artist has gone platinum by black people buying their records alone ... it just does not happen.

I just don't understand why all HipHop must be violent if only a portion of the HipHop community uses violence in their music. Like one of the earlier posts says this article seems pretty racist. It gets really old.

Well said.

[Major Harris]

Originally posted by manichispanic

other Underguond greats:

Mars Ill

Lyrics Born

Blackalicious

Busdriver

Aceyalone

Handsome Boy Modeling School

blackalicious is pretty darn good. i've heard some aceyalone, but not the others.

i've lost faith in/ touch with most new hip hop acts.

[dahurt002]

Originally posted by Clutch03

These are the kind of articles I hate. They seem to make very general conclusions from isolated incidents.

Yes some hiphop dipicts violence but not all hiphop does. Has anyone ever heard of Common, Talib Kwaeli or The Roots. Thats what frustrates me as an African America now matter how well we do at anything the negative will ALWAYS be what people see. They don't see the jobs that hiphop creates for inner city people that could otherwise be committing crimes.

Yes I also agree that some artists use violence to create a buzz in order to sell records. But that goes to my previous statement about Common, Talib Kwaeli and the Roots. How many people even know about these artists? Thats the problem it seems like the only way for you to be noticed in HipHop is to use violence to your advantage. The crazy part is that its not the African American community that is buying these records allowing them to go platinum. Its the white suburbs that are eating this up. Trust me no Hiphop artist has gone platinum by black people buying their records alone ... it just does not happen.

I just don't understand why all HipHop must be violent if only a portion of the HipHop community uses violence in their music. Like one of the earlier posts says this article seems pretty racist. It gets really old.

[Clutch03]

Originally posted by dviands

3 of my favorites, man. the roots live is a must see event, those guys really know how to perform. common's "i used to love her" touches on this very topic of how hip hop has gone bad.

hip hop has been my music of choice, and clutch, you are right about this to a certain extent. but for all the roots, commons, etc, there are 10 50 cents, lil jons, etc. all the stuff coming out nowadays blows. i'll take my early to late 90's rap collection over this new garbage anyday. problem is, artists that are still promoting intellect and positivity like the roots and common aren't getting any younger, and i don't really see their replacements out there.

Your right ... I agree. The problem is that its not the artists fault who the record label's will market. I'm sure there are plenty of artist like Common and The Roots ... too bad the industry does not want them. They want Hip Hop artist who speak on violence ... it is a very clear of supply and demand. Or should I say demand and supply.

[Major Harris]

Originally posted by Clutch03

Your right ... I agree. The problem is that its not the artists fault who the record label's will market. I'm sure there are plenty of artist like Common and The Roots ... too bad the industry does not want them. They want Hip Hop artist who speak on violence ... it is a very clear of supply and demand. Or should I say demand and supply.

good point. $$ speaks, i guess.

[Island Boy]

Originally posted by portisizzle

Dat dadadad dat da daddaddadadadadada da

Whats you point???? You keep goin on and on. And every response is NBA this or NBA that.

The majority of the NBA is black, what do you expect???

[Leonard Washington]

Originally posted by Kilmer17

That article is obviously racist.

dunno if you are being sarcastic, but he's black.