Mainstream rappers represent hip-hop like John McCain represents poor, middle-class blue collar workers. They just don't.
You may not be an indie-hip-hop fan whatsoever, but whether you listen to Mr. Lif or T.I., you have to agree that mainstream hip-hop has turned into a joke. It was almost comical to watch Lil' Wayne and T-Pain perform at the VMA's or to see Lupe Fiasco lose to him for "Best Hip-Hop Video". Sure, it's MTV, what should you expect? But hip-hop put itself into that box. A box with, "Doesn't Take Itself Seriously" and "Isn't Even Real Music" stamped on both flaps.
The main arguments against so-called "purists" like myself are rather scattered absurd. I've heard everything from, "Hip-hop is having fun and not caring" to "You're just mad because your favorite rappers don't get exposure".
Yes, hip-hop IS about having fun, but last time I checked, it's never been about demeaning women and dumbing yourself down to do it. Hip-hop is about individuality and creativity. The radio has neither. Every song follows the same watered-down formula of the clap-snare, the T-Pain/Akon feature, and/or subject matter reminicisent of a Las Vegas strip club.
And honestly, this wouldn't even bother me usually. I mean, I fully comprehend that not everyone is not as into music as I, or others are. The average music listener could care less how long the so-called 'artist' spent writing their verses, what sample is looping every 4th bar, or even what the artist is saying, as long as the chorus leaves room for dancing. This, I have no problem with. What I have a problem with is people being completely unaware of what hip-hop has to offer. I cannot tell you how disgusted I get when old, crusty-ass white [sorry white people] guys get onto news/talk shows and go on ignorant rants on how hip-hop is destroying society.
But although I'm thouroughly disgusted, I can't say that I completely disagree either. Channels like BET, a channel that SHOULD promote uplifting ideals and ground-breaking music, chooses only to broadcast stereotypical videos that African-Americans continually debate over. Videos that cast themselves under vile light. And though BET is owned by a white man, I believe, you cannot honestly tell me that black men and women do not have any role whatsoever in what is being projected.
Songs being played on the radio, while offering catchy choruses that I sometimes find myself humming to, are full of disgusting subliminal lyrics most of the time, that I find cause me to cringe whenever they're being played in the vecinity of my young sister's ears. A genre that reaches millions of young people, with musicians that have such massive appeal and influence, should realize what is being released into an unsuspecting public.
"Its the responsibility of the parents," some say. Really? That may be a fair argument but word gets out eventually. Some songs are just inescapable and your child WILL hear them 5-10 times a day.
But who's to blame in all of this? The artist, whose just attempting to feed a family? The corporations, out only for financial gain?
No, and no.
It's YOUR fault you son of a bitch fans. YOU'RE the reason that hip-hop sucks now and the reason it's going to suck for ages to come.
You bitch and moan constantly about the state of hip-hop; about how it needs creativity and forward thinking, but as soon as a new artist who pushes the envelope is introduced, you shoot them down with accusations of them being "faggots" for dressing different, or "homo" for sounding unique.
Thank you for ruining the music you bastards.
I now retreat to the underground; where creativity isn't frowned upon and where the sounds of T-Pain's synthesizer cannot reach.
The end.
