Hip-Hop

N-Response: Thug Violence
and Hip-hop, the Bloody Beat...

Recently, I read an article in the New York Daily News about violence in hip- hop and its negative impact in society written by Errol Lewis. The verdicts of several African-American stars in the music industry were exposed and once again, it is no surprise to see that the art form needs a makeover. Rappers are now falling from their elitist platforms just like Goliath. Remy Ma jumpstarted the article, her quest for street credit ended in a possible sentence up to twenty-five years. Money, power, and respect have played a major force in the seduction of the fantasy world of hip-hop today. And, it all began with the pen.

Lyrics now written today are a major force in the seduction of watered down words that hip-hop fans bob their heads to twenty-four seven--today. Within the lyrics, rappers boast how big their house, car, and jewels encompass. They go on and state what is currently in their bank accounts, and protest that they are the baddest B*t** in the street. These elements have always been a part of the music but in a different way. I remember when I would watch male and female rapper-poets battle for the best lyricist crown. Today, you can reap fatal blows and bullet wounds for spitting verbs, wearing the same color shoes as your opponents, looking at a crew, etc. It looks like having street credit is more important than being able to convey an ill verse.

Remy Ma was convicted of assault, shooting a friend over two thousand dollars after suspicions of them stealing from her in March--2008. . Why would you have that amount of money on you in the first place? Not to mention, Ma sent a shout-out to her fan base after the verdict, asking that they write to the judge presiding over her sentence and plead that he be lenient--give me a break. Moreover, she is about to get married while in jail.

Next track...

Case in point with Clifford Harris, aka T.I. the self-professed “King of The South,” recently pleaded guilty to weapons charges and will serve one year in prison. Seems fishy, he proclaimed his innocence until he got a plea deal, then is quoted on the internet that God had leniency on his life. American Gangsta, the movie was a self-prophecy for the Grammy nominated rapper. In character, he portrays a young man who wants to be like his Uncle Frank (another gangster). Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this young man has invested in his community, built homes for the poor, etc., but what about his own soul?

Not getting to religious let’s take three steps back...

Trevor Smith, aka Busta Rhymes, the once highly regarded rapper from the Pharcyde who preached positivity, and knowledge of self back in the late 90’s, still has not came forth with information that could help solve his bodyguard’s murder. You would think that he would want to help the family of the deceased. Will he only rat when it is in the best interest for self or the crew? Lil’ Kim is the one to ask, I guess, on that one.

On to the next, Kaceon Taylor, aka The Game recently was convicted of gun charges and spent 60-days for possession of a gun on a school’s premises. Why would a rapper feel the need to bring a gun to a school? I mean these are elementary questions. Sadly enough I do not think things are going to change. Check out Common (you know the person that recorded “I use to love her—Hip Hop,” and see what type of character he portrays in his new movie out in theaters now.

Is it all about the Benjamin’s and street rep? Now as you think about that question, remember the peeps who are signed to the music (hip-hop) industry and booked in cells are Black people—the majority.

Now who has the last laugh?

By kYmberly Keeton-Photo Op provided by Filming Hip Hop.com