For the past couple of years, a lot of people have been complaining
about hip-hop music being wack and that it's not what it used to be.
Some even pronounced it's death (you know who you are, Nas). Most of
these complaints were anchored by the sentiments that the music lacked
content; it was all gangsta/booty/materialistic/party music with no
redeeming qualities or social consciousness. Well now it's 2008 - an
election year - with America on the verge of electing it's first Black
or female president, and guess what we have? A bunch of rappers being
socially conscious. Some are doing it through songs like "Yes We Can" posted by Global Grind member Osman Eralp and it's follow up, "We Are The Ones," which member The Chef added to the site, both arranged by Black Eyed Peas front-man Will.I.Am. Others, like
this post by Kwame06, Talib Kweli simply posted their opinions on their Myspace page. Many others are more than willing to give their favorite
politico an endorsement whenever asked.
Not surprisingly most rappers are pro-Obama, but some aren't. Most
notably is 50 Cent, whose reason for his decision was based on his
belief that Obama was not safe and could be killed. Initially 50 was attacked for his comments and referred to as a
"pinhead". Global Grind member MiLyfe says "I'm not voting based on race, neither should anyone else!!!" Now, some of the more respected black voices are expressing
the same concerns--check this article weswarren22 posted--and suddenly this is a valid issue.
Why the double standard? Or better yet, why make rappers
responsible for the rise/fall of the black race? Some rappers are just
rappers, not political activists, not civil rights leaders, just
rappers. They're not teachers and shouldn't be charged with the
responsibility of educating or raising other people's kids.
Their only job is to entertain, and by the very nature of that job, they
are outspoken and opinionated. The primary purpose of rapping is for an
M.C. to express what he/she is feeling - joy; anger; pain; sadness;
love...etc. The point is: their personal opinion is just that, their
own
personal opinion. Not the viewpoint of the masses, not the voice of the people, just their own personal opinion. Don't take it personal! --Kapitol One