Well, one month and 3,000 miles later....I have something to say. I have tried to be open to the "new" hip-hop, but I've reached my tipping point. Just as the so-called Tea Party continues to scream "WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK", we need to take our Hip-Hop back. While I will agree that the "new" hip-hop is an extension of our Hip-Hop, there must be some divide. You see, we have an obligation....as all elders do. We must provide guidance. This means that somewhere, we have dropped the ball and have allowed this new music to represent what our culture stands for. And based on what they do, I don't want that to represent us (see picture above). The masses think that we are all in tune with each other, and that is definitely not the case. Don't get me wrong, I wish and want the best for the youth, as seen by my academic/education affiliations. However, somewhere a new name should have been established for what they do now: __________________________ (you fill in the blank). As powerful a tool that our culture can be, our expression can actually make the world a better place....at least, for us. There is NO need for us to be associated with music that appears to set us back from all that we've worked so hard to achieve (remember Public Enemy? The Jungle Brothers?). And sure, we've made some mistakes along the way as is consistent with evolution.....but what good are they if you don't learn from them?
I am most disappointed by some of our so-called "leaders" of the culture that somehow find a way to approve, advocate, and validate what is happening. I do understand, however, that it may be tough for them: they don't want to seem bitter, and don't want to (ultimately) stop their money from coming in. I know that this is a sensitive issue, and I wish it was as simple as pulling these youngins to the side, tell them to pull their pants up, let them breathe, and sit them down and make them listen to Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Slick Rick, BDP, etc., while you hide their computers and remove all of their beat-making programs that have 808 drum kits in them. Until then, I guess I'll be bitter- or better yet, I'll make a dope song about it.
