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Rap I dont get it

TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 9:44 AM ?
Frawgster	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 9:46 AM
milladrive	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 9:48 AM Interesting how we often make a point of what we don't get.
pog	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 9:58 AM Read the bloody words, it ain't that complicated !
creativetim	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:09 AM I don't dig on rap, I can feel some of the lyrics, but most of the time I don't like it. I don't respect people that can't respect others, it's a waste of my time and support.
pog	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:18 AM Sometimes, people need to be told the truith, and I've heard all kinds of music do that, including rap... It's just another artist.
pog	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:19 AM I've heard non-rap muso's be just as negative !
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:37 AM well i dont see how any one could be drawen to a band with one person no instruments and the lyrics are offencive to women children and animals and another thing is why would any one pay money to see him or her and why would any one want to see a video of him/her in a car and then grabbing his/hers crouch god knows i dont
milladrive	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:51 AM TSKid, I see you have issues. Perhaps it's time to stop being so threatened by a musical genre and begin concentrating on other things. Why not focus on how someone can still respect a group of musicians who sue the bulk of their fans for listening to their music? If you don't understand something and don't care to, then you should leave it alone. If you don't understand something and want to, then blurting out nonsense is hardly the way to do it." id="6952">Ya know, these are the times when most other people know when to keep their mouth shut. But not me; I'm a glutton for punishment and I just love to waste time. Now rap is offensive to ANIMALS? I didn't know animals could be offended. These terrible horrible nasty evil despicable worse-than-death-itself lyrics are being taken to heart by the animal kingdom?? Dude, not all rap is "offensive" lyrically. Personally, I find no lyrics offensive, but that's just me. There are plenty of rap songs out there that contain none of those oh so terrible things you speak of. TSKid, I see you have issues. Perhaps it's time to stop being so threatened by a musical genre and begin concentrating on other things. Why not focus on how someone can still respect a group of musicians who sue the bulk of their fans for listening to their music? If you don't understand something and don't care to, then you should leave it alone. If you don't understand something and want to, then blurting out nonsense is hardly the way to do it.
Frawgster	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 11:04 AM Lyrics are offensive only if one chooses to take offense. I, like milla, don't find any lyrics offensive, cause I choose to take them for what they are, mere words written, in sequence to attain a desired result, namely, making money. Words are just words...nothing more, nothing less. Rappers and other musicians write the lyrics they do to attain a fan base. They write the lyrics they do to sell albums. They write the lyrics they do to express their feelings, to show their emotions, to vent their frustrations, to give their fans a sort of insight into their life and what they've been through. Always remember, they're just words. If more people took things at face value, and didn't insist on dissecting every last syllable, things would be so much more simple.
milladrive	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 11:13 AM Your eloquence is so awesome, Frawg. :envy:
Frawgster	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 11:26 AM :flattered: Gracias milla I'm usually more alert on Fridays...perhaps that has something to do with it
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 2:27 PM I dont like rap at all AT ALL its worthless but i was wondering why people really like it you say some lyrics have good meaning print them on here so i can read them caus i have not found any lyrics from a rap song that are respectible" id="6966">well its not the lyrics its just the fact that there is no reall instruments other than drums and no solos and such it seems like music is going "down the crapper fast" and if it were up to me i would flush the floater cause its been there for to long the dog wants a drink and its really STINKS I dont like rap at all AT ALL its worthless but i was wondering why people really like it you say some lyrics have good meaning print them on here so i can read them caus i have not found any lyrics from a rap song that are respectible
Frawgster	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 2:52 PM ------------------------ No, I didn't. Let me reiterate: "Rappers and other musicians write the lyrics they do to attain a fan base. They write the lyrics they do to sell albums. They write the lyrics they do to express their feelings, to show their emotions, to vent their frustrations, to give their fans a sort of insight into their life and what they've been through." If a rapper/singer/yodeler/whoever chooses to write lyrics that express their feelings and emotions, or that provide some sort of insight into their life (past or present), and their life has been riddled with negatives, guess what...their lyrics will be riddled with negatives as well. It's illogical to expect a rapper to write lyrics about their life that are rosy and pretty when their life has been littered with bad experiences. If a rapper chooses to write lyrics that are degrading or foolish in the eyes of the public, but lyrics that sell records like hotcakes...guess what...they'll write those degrading, foolish lyrics. Why? To make money. Maybe people will be angry and scream "Oh, these lyrics are profane and degrading...how dare that SOB write this trash." But those people are usually the same people who don't take responsibility for their own actions. The same people who blame music, television, movies, etc. for the poor behavior of their children, peers, etc. That's all I'll say about that...I don't wanna veer off too much towards that tangent, cause I'll go on and on and on. :D I'll say it again...lyrics are JUST WORDS. At the surface, they are nothing more. Only when people choose to dissect them...to pick them apart, do problems arise. Artists write them to make money, to sell albums, to please fans, and to give people a glimpse into their life. In all honesty, you sound like a pretty close-minded person. Out of curiosity...how old are you? You should really try to look beyond the lyrics. Don't be content with listening to only the words...listen to the beats, to the melodies. There's a lot more to music than lyrics. Lyrics are a small, sometimes non-essential, part of music. Proof of that lies in the popularity of electronic music and classical music." id="6975">"you say some lyrics have good meaning" ------------------------ No, I didn't. Let me reiterate: "Rappers and other musicians write the lyrics they do to attain a fan base. They write the lyrics they do to sell albums. They write the lyrics they do to express their feelings, to show their emotions, to vent their frustrations, to give their fans a sort of insight into their life and what they've been through." If a rapper/singer/yodeler/whoever chooses to write lyrics that express their feelings and emotions, or that provide some sort of insight into their life (past or present), and their life has been riddled with negatives, guess what...their lyrics will be riddled with negatives as well. It's illogical to expect a rapper to write lyrics about their life that are rosy and pretty when their life has been littered with bad experiences. If a rapper chooses to write lyrics that are degrading or foolish in the eyes of the public, but lyrics that sell records like hotcakes...guess what...they'll write those degrading, foolish lyrics. Why? To make money. Maybe people will be angry and scream "Oh, these lyrics are profane and degrading...how dare that SOB write this trash." But those people are usually the same people who don't take responsibility for their own actions. The same people who blame music, television, movies, etc. for the poor behavior of their children, peers, etc. That's all I'll say about that...I don't wanna veer off too much towards that tangent, cause I'll go on and on and on. I'll say it again...lyrics are JUST WORDS. At the surface, they are nothing more. Only when people choose to dissect them...to pick them apart, do problems arise. Artists write them to make money, to sell albums, to please fans, and to give people a glimpse into their life. In all honesty, you sound like a pretty close-minded person. Out of curiosity...how old are you? You should really try to look beyond the lyrics. Don't be content with listening to only the words...listen to the beats, to the melodies. There's a lot more to music than lyrics. Lyrics are a small, sometimes non-essential, part of music. Proof of that lies in the popularity of electronic music and classical music.
creativetim	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 2:53 PM I wish, I wish, I wish To every city I wish, I wish, I wish Every hood I wish, I wish, I wish And every block I wish, I wish, I wish Good Ol' America! Rollin' through the hood Just stopped by to say what's up Came to let you know That your baby boy ain't doing so tough And even though you passed Going on four long years Still waking up late at night crying tears Just thinking about those days You used to talk to me Smilin' while I'm sippin' on this Hennesy And remember we bragged on how rich we would be To get up out this hood was like a fantasy And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to kick it on the front porch (With you) And how I used to lay back and smoke weed (With you) And all the little days and party joints we'd do Now I'm just missing you How I wish I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish Now ever since this money come Been nothing but stress Sometimes I wish I could trade in my success Y'all look at me and say boy you've been blessed But y'all don't see the inside of my unhappiness Man I swear this shit gets heavy like a ton That's why you hear me shootin' This real shit off like a gun Hmm I wonder how my friends would treat me now If I wasn't iced up with a Bentley and a house That's why fake ass niggas get fake ass digits And fake ass playas get a real playa hatin' 'em Honey Love goes platinum and y'all ass come around But y'all don't wanna raise the roof Until my shit is going down And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to hoop off in them tournaments (With you) And how I used to club hop on weekends (With you) Your family called the morning of the tragic end Damn, my condolensces I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish Voices in my head be telling me to come to church Saying the Lord is the only way for you to stop the hurt Dreaming of windows black tinted like a hurst When waking up to life sometimes seems worst And all I ever wanted is to be a better man And I try to keep it real with my homies now For me to save the world I don't understand How did I become the leader of a billion men? And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to street perform on Friday (With you) And how I used to go to church on Easter Sunday (With you) Standing here throwing them songs at me Somebody pray for me I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish" id="6978">I feel like I'm gonna regret this, but R Kelly's song "I wish" is a perfect example of how some rap songs have meaning. I wish, I wish, I wish To every city I wish, I wish, I wish Every hood I wish, I wish, I wish And every block I wish, I wish, I wish Good Ol' America! Rollin' through the hood Just stopped by to say what's up Came to let you know That your baby boy ain't doing so tough And even though you passed Going on four long years Still waking up late at night crying tears Just thinking about those days You used to talk to me Smilin' while I'm sippin' on this Hennesy And remember we bragged on how rich we would be To get up out this hood was like a fantasy And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to kick it on the front porch (With you) And how I used to lay back and smoke weed (With you) And all the little days and party joints we'd do Now I'm just missing you How I wish I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish Now ever since this money come Been nothing but stress Sometimes I wish I could trade in my success Y'all look at me and say boy you've been blessed But y'all don't see the inside of my unhappiness Man I swear this shit gets heavy like a ton That's why you hear me shootin' This real shit off like a gun Hmm I wonder how my friends would treat me now If I wasn't iced up with a Bentley and a house That's why fake ass niggas get fake ass digits And fake ass playas get a real playa hatin' 'em Honey Love goes platinum and y'all ass come around But y'all don't wanna raise the roof Until my shit is going down And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to hoop off in them tournaments (With you) And how I used to club hop on weekends (With you) Your family called the morning of the tragic end Damn, my condolensces I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish Voices in my head be telling me to come to church Saying the Lord is the only way for you to stop the hurt Dreaming of windows black tinted like a hurst When waking up to life sometimes seems worst And all I ever wanted is to be a better man And I try to keep it real with my homies now For me to save the world I don't understand How did I become the leader of a billion men? And now you hear my songs the radio is bangin' Oh I can't believe my ears And what everybody's sayin' And boy I'll tell you Folks don't know the half I would give it all up Just to take one ride (With you) How I used to street perform on Friday (With you) And how I used to go to church on Easter Sunday (With you) Standing here throwing them songs at me Somebody pray for me I wish that I could hold you now I wish that I could touch you now I wish that I could talk to you Be with you somehow I know you're in a better place And you know I can see your face I know you're smiling down on me Saying everything's okay And if I never leave this thug life I'll see you again someday I wish, I wish, I wish I wish, I wish, I wish
Frawgster	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 2:54 PM Thanks Tim...I was afraid I was gonna have to do some actual research into the matter
creativetim	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 2:57 PM This is the one song that comes to mind, my friend made me listen to it, it really is a deep song.
backmann	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 8:00 PM I don't like rap or hip hop. Maybe because I'm not used to it, but I don't like the sound. Just an opinion.
backmann	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 8:01 PM The only rap music we listen to here comes from MTV, without a lot of repercusion.
mtbatol	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 9:42 PM Well, r. kelly is one of the great writers and all and well, with me bein a hip hop head myself that right there is a weeeee bit more of an r&b song but on the real though rap on the mainstreem level is well, pretty shitty. I like a few of the mainstreem acts (nas, outkast, some of jigga's stuff) but everyday i find something tight in the more underrated underground scenes of rap/hip hop. Heh, if all the rap music i heard came from the radio, and mtv then I would probably have come to the same verdict that yall came up with but with me being in philly (not far from ny so we get some of their stuff ) i often hear mixtapes of mc's who SOMETIMES breaks away from the norm and record stores around here will have stuff that the radio won't pump out in favor of pop appeal. While I do have rap music that talks about guns, women, and even bling bling I tend to have a liking towards talib kweli, mos def (with the former formed "Blackstar" group in their debut album together), outkast, common, KRS-One, rakim, etc. These guys will spit about alot of topics whether they're clever battle rhymes, some deep ish, or smooth mellow out raps over smooth beets, etc but one thing that is consistant is them avoiding the "bling blang gurl sucks my ding dang while my guns go bing bang" type of raps that have polluted the mainstreem waves of radio and the preception of hip hop as a whole which is why some heads try to seperate the more positive raps as "pure/real hip hop" vs. "mainstreem crap". With me I don't care about what the topic is but if it's the typical subject matter of guns, women, ice then they'll have to be a bit more unique in delivering it in their rhymes to catch my attention. I just think that too many people are judging the genre as a whole just based on the mainstreem crap that floods the airwaves when there is stuff out there that have some meaning that does deserve the title of being "modern day poetry".
Visual	Date: April 5, 2002 @ 10:03 PM www.LittleEgypt-NY.com" id="7000">I haven't really posted here in a while (a loooong while) but I was checking in and came across this little thread and had to jump in. Me and my crew (Little Egypt) perform pretty regular and we always seem to end up in situations where we're doing our thing fr non-traditional Hip-Hop fans or cats that've never even given Hip-Hop a chance cause they're put off by what they hear on the radio. Its cool though - cause we always seem to gain a coupe new fans and open people up to a culture that means so much to me. For the cat who apparently has never heard any meaningful lyrics I offer the following -its a joint I wrote way back immediately after the Rodney King trials/fiasco so its a little angrier than my norm but still meaningful (to me at least) - its called The Force of One... I come rugged, like Brooklyn, New York made me streetwise Balancing the visions I receive from three eyes Who got the audacity to ask why we act hard? I want 40 acres and a mule in my backyard No fantasy, I plan to see reparations Like the rebirth, and regeneration of the nation From U.S. black kin – to Trinidadians All types of Africans, walking like champions Ready for action kid, can’t take it easy Blastin’ if need be – I remember Tuskeegee Experiments, performed on dark-skinned militants Confederates lynchin’ kids and Simi Valley innocence So ask me…Would I…Blast a good guy… And I reply…is it a badge??? Or a Bullseye??? Peep the new masterplan No more black on black. New century we’re jacking sams You didn’t want war? Shouldn’t have started it Cause now I’m coming for your congress – and your parliament Separate stash of blasts for so called holymen Rhymes run thru more europeans than napoleon And dark-skinned devils get settled. Under six feet of soil Check your hearts and keep em loyal Ain’t nothing worse than demons in disguise Yall refuse to see our point of views but still criticize? Kill the lies - memorize the verse and chapter- The words that capture, the universal traveler Verbal mastery of microphone physics My blasphemy – spreads thru towns like epidemics Bring the “hypo-critics”. They can all get swallowed I love peace – but down to bust hollows at diablos Choking the Black man, woman and minor Swift talking liar, since before Opium took China I know the real on your drug dealing ancestry Can’t test me with textbook fantasies El-Fatih – the Unconquerable. Holding me back? Impossible Rhymes are hostile, plus volitile. I love the honorable Brothers that keep flippin’ letters And my lyrics? Touch your spirit. Like trips to Mecca Flow steadily – deadly as the sword and gun Take my people towards the sun with the Force of One… BTW - mtbatol, feel you on your picks cousin. I lean towards more conscious flavors too but I do appreciate a clever MC just straight rippin' it. Later fam, Visual Poetics www.LittleEgypt-NY.com
theguppykillers	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 2:56 PM I like some I hate some ANd some I dont get and some come out load and clear what there trying to say! what up mother fool! word to your sista uh uh!or whats up mother fucker wanna fucker and fuck this and fuck that in the uh uh! lol!
mtbatol	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 5:14 PM Heh, that piece was pretty tight. Coincidently little egypt was one of the few groups that i listened to and rated on here. Like I said, much luv to da mc's in the underground who spit knowledge and that ill $hi+
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 5:34 PM good this is exactly what i wanted in you post visual you mentioned people are "put off" by hip hop its a lebel correct? it is my big big point and this just popped into my head christianity is a label as well people hear the word christain and they shut it off much like i do with hip hop but i dont take hip hop serously because there is nothing i like about it at all but my band has to deal with stereotypes because we are christain we are just as hard core as the next but they here that word christainity and they say "forget it" LABELS SUCK
timwicaljr	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 6:40 PM Im have a problem with all the newer rap. Its the lyrics that bother me. All of it sounds the same. If the song isnt talking about its Bling Bling its talking about rims, cars and clothes. Who cares, we listeners need something with more meaning, even I just want to hop up and down saying na na na naa with a rap song sometimes but the music should have some content worth listening to.
Visual	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 7:28 PM www.LittleEgypt-NY.com" id="7045">Thanks mtbatol, I'm going to acually be tossing another joint up on this site in a little under a week. On some old straight conscious vibe - as always. Incidentally, if you're feeling that joint, you might want to know that we just dropped our first full length banger (with no Bling-Blingisms...). Its called Straight Out the Sands Check the website when you get a chance (the Treasures page). As far as labels and headers are concerned, I agree that most people are quick to toss you into stereotypical group (favorable or non) based upon your 'title'. But wouldn't that be a reason that people (especially one's who have been similarly 'victimized') should be open to just about anything only dismissing individual songs, groups, etc they dislike after making an informed judgement??? Visual Poetics www.LittleEgypt-NY.com
Cryxan	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 7:57 PM Rap is just another style of music. I don't like it, so I don't listen to it. There are very few exceptions. If there was a new genre based on the sound of rotten fruit hitting concrete set to beat, fine! If there are people that want to listen to it, go crazy, have fun! People might say that all rap is shallow beause they probably never liked it enough to even listen to the lyrics in the first place. Judgement without observation is ignorant.
creativetim	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:04 PM I agree totally." id="7047">"Judgement without observation is ignorant." I agree totally.
morgdobwcpt	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:06 PM this goes back a ways, but with regards to the post by TEENSPIRITKID claiming that rap/hip-hop has no instruments, I shall simply point to the Roots as one example of a small but vital number of hip-hop acts that do, in fact, rely on live bands. With regards to lyrical content/shallowness/offensiveness/etc... a distinction must be made between the form of rap widely displayed on radio and MTV, which is rightfully known for all these failings and the more serious artistic endeavors of many underground hip-hop acts. It is here that you will find the redeeming qualities of hip-hop, and here that it mirrors most genres of music in that the best quality material is not necessarily the best known material
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:39 PM I dont like it and i was wondering what people are thinking when they listen to it
weaponzero	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:43 PM stop being so ignorant." id="7070">i retort back to the old saying "different strokes for different folks" stop being so ignorant.
creativetim	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:44 PM Correct ebonics. (I took a class)" id="7072">Since we're talking about rap it's "stop being so ignant!" Correct ebonics. (I took a class)
Cryxan	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:45 PM They are probably thinking the same thing YOU think when you listen to music you like.
morgdobwcpt	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:45 PM hey, I wasn't attacking, merely correcting a misconception. If you don't like hip-hop, there's nothing wrong with that. As for what I'm thinking when I listen to it, I usually find myself appreciating the insightfulness of a good MC, or sometimes simply impressed by intricate wordplay and/or engaging beats.
mtbatol	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:49 PM yeah, same here.. what morg said
Cryxan	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 8:49 PM Not sure if there was any confusion here... my 6:45 post was targeted at TSKid.
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:32 PM ya know what FORGET IT i shouldnt have made this stupid post
creativetim	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:33 PM hahaha
Frawgster	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:36 PM lol
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:42 PM i hear rap songs with lyrics refering to cars gangs hoes and money i just dont get it. i love music everything rock punk metal ska hard rock classical the list goes on and on but it stops at rap and hip hop i have felt feelings thru music every musical styling has given me a feeling excpet rap its like energy was pumped thru me in music but i get no sensations from it and i was wondering if any of you feel the same way when i said "I dont get it" (step sideways) isnt music the instruments and not just the singer?" id="7103">ok ok heres what i meant by this post i dont know much about rap stuff or what i hear the "ghetto" drugs killing people chickens having sex in videos stuff like that i never understood that and i sit here and i see on tv some guy singing ryhmes i hear the same sounds in the next video with difrent lyrics i hear rap songs with lyrics refering to cars gangs hoes and money i just dont get it. i love music everything rock punk metal ska hard rock classical the list goes on and on but it stops at rap and hip hop i have felt feelings thru music every musical styling has given me a feeling excpet rap its like energy was pumped thru me in music but i get no sensations from it and i was wondering if any of you feel the same way when i said "I dont get it" (step sideways) isnt music the instruments and not just the singer?
TEENSPIRITKID	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:44 PM This is my last post cause i am finding myself at the center of constant points and counter pionts at me foret it i am not posting any more so if you going to say something i wont be here to read it
creativetim	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 9:47 PM Music is much more than just the instruments and the singer!
draugluin	Date: April 6, 2002 @ 11:46 PM Rap is just a rythmic flow of ryhming words set to diffrent beats that change rapidly or sometimes change slow or repeat over, and the artisit sings to the beat of the music, much like street dancers dance to the music. Although not being able to stand rap I can see how people listen to it. It's Catchy beats draw people in and some artist have choice lyrics that sometimes enchant the ears of listeners, others that sing a foul word every few lines are just plain stupid and make no sense at all. I can withstand the cussing that NOFX does and he Cussing Pennywise can do, but when it comes to Rap, theirs make no sense. Atleast NOFX and Pennywise are downing the systems that surpress us, Rappers are downing everyone around them and those who don't have gold teeth and chains and hydros on their cars and big ass systems that shatter your blood vessels.
pressf8	Date: April 7, 2002 @ 12:58 AM That said, you still don't have to like it. But just as you don't want people dismissing your music because it's spiritually oriented, I don't think you should dismiss an entire genre based on the relatively few examples you hear on the radio/mtv. If you want a rap group with positive, meaningful lyrics you should try and find some track by GRITS (grammatical revolution in the spirit). They're awesome! Like the style or not, they force you to respect the talent. A good secular group would be someone like De La Soul--also with decent lyrics. I can understand if you don't feel like exploring the genre--I didn't really feel like exploring country music. But because I had an open mind about it I've come to enjoy the Dixie Chicks quite a bit. I don't really care for the genre they're in, but I do respect them as artists. I hope you'll give rap another chance and an open mind--I think you'll be missing out on a lot of good stuff if you completely dismiss it." id="7131">Teenspirit, I hope you come back to read this. Nobody expects you or anyone to enjoy everything, but to dismiss it on the lack of "real instruments" is just ignorant. Different music has different styles, and it evolves constantly. Is rock and roll no good because it doesn't make use of "real instruments" like cellos and clarinets? Its all relative and constanltly evolving as all art does. In 1880 very few people saw photography as a medium of artistic expression, but that has obviously changed with more understanding. That said, you still don't have to like it. But just as you don't want people dismissing your music because it's spiritually oriented, I don't think you should dismiss an entire genre based on the relatively few examples you hear on the radio/mtv. If you want a rap group with positive, meaningful lyrics you should try and find some track by GRITS (grammatical revolution in the spirit). They're awesome! Like the style or not, they force you to respect the talent. A good secular group would be someone like De La Soul--also with decent lyrics. I can understand if you don't feel like exploring the genre--I didn't really feel like exploring country music. But because I had an open mind about it I've come to enjoy the Dixie Chicks quite a bit. I don't really care for the genre they're in, but I do respect them as artists. I hope you'll give rap another chance and an open mind--I think you'll be missing out on a lot of good stuff if you completely dismiss it.
Cryxan	Date: April 7, 2002 @ 1:05 AM Beautifully said, pressf8!
pog	Date: April 7, 2002 @ 6:23 AM Failing that, go listen to some insane clown possie
pressf8	Date: April 7, 2002 @ 9:21 PM Oh, one other point is that it's good to understand where the genre came from to better understand why it frequents topics that it does. It has its origins just like every other art style in any medium. Impressionism came around because of photography, dadaism came around because of everything, rap originated as a non-violent way to compete on povertous streets. Put it into your rap instead of your fists kind of attitude. Its gone in all kinds of directions since, of course, and has split into lots of different sects. Understanding becomes respect, and respect becomes acceptance.
timwicaljr	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 3:49 PM I know not all rap has violent lyrics, but I do not see how you can respect someone who's lyrics talk about killing you.
Frawgster	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 3:54 PM To reiterate (refer to my first post above): Lyrics...are, mere words written, in sequence to attain a desired result... They're just words!
pressf8	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 4:09 PM Then don't. The point is that the genre is not, as a rule, violent. Violence permeates all styles of music in some corner somewhere. " id="7205">Tim: "I know not all rap has violent lyrics, but I do not see how you can respect someone who's lyrics talk about killing you." Then don't. The point is that the genre is not, as a rule, violent. Violence permeates all styles of music in some corner somewhere.
Visual	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 5:32 PM By followng that logic, there should be a wide variety of musical genre that you don't respect including Rock, Heavy Metal, Country, Opera...so on and so forth. In fact, if you take it a step further, you wouldn't respect hardly any of the films and/or TV shows showing or airing in this country. And don't get me wrong, I personally d not "get" or "feel" too much that's being main-streamed thru radio and cable networks either. But...its illogcal to condemn or hold an entire genre (of anything) accountable due to the few songs or videos you get exposed to thru normal channels. Not to sound corny or preachy, but there's a whole wide world of Hip-Hop et. al. out there. In today's monkey-see-monkey-do music industry, the majors will only really follow proven sales strategies & track records and unfortunately, that's sex, money etc... Since they aren't willing to push the envelope, and they tend to have the biggest bucks, that's all you're going to hear or see - unless you take the time to look around for yourself... Visual Poetics www.LittleEgypt-NY.com" id="7207">Tim: "I know not all rap has violent lyrics, but I do not see how you can respect someone who's lyrics talk about killing you" By followng that logic, there should be a wide variety of musical genre that you don't respect including Rock, Heavy Metal, Country, Opera...so on and so forth. In fact, if you take it a step further, you wouldn't respect hardly any of the films and/or TV shows showing or airing in this country. And don't get me wrong, I personally d not "get" or "feel" too much that's being main-streamed thru radio and cable networks either. But...its illogcal to condemn or hold an entire genre (of anything) accountable due to the few songs or videos you get exposed to thru normal channels. Not to sound corny or preachy, but there's a whole wide world of Hip-Hop et. al. out there. In today's monkey-see-monkey-do music industry, the majors will only really follow proven sales strategies & track records and unfortunately, that's sex, money etc... Since they aren't willing to push the envelope, and they tend to have the biggest bucks, that's all you're going to hear or see - unless you take the time to look around for yourself... Visual Poetics www.LittleEgypt-NY.com
timwicaljr	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 6:15 PM But in PressF8's post "Understanding becomes respect, and respect becomes acceptance." I just dont see how understanding someone's lyrics can lead to respect when the lyrics implies that another rapper should die, and I could understand it in the whole your carrer will die because I have something better than you do as far as talent goes, but not staight up saying that your gonna kill them. Well anyways maybe Im thinking too much.. or not enough." id="7208">Ok, I can see where you are comming from:"Lyrics...are, mere words written, in sequence to attain a desired result..." But in PressF8's post "Understanding becomes respect, and respect becomes acceptance." I just dont see how understanding someone's lyrics can lead to respect when the lyrics implies that another rapper should die, and I could understand it in the whole your carrer will die because I have something better than you do as far as talent goes, but not staight up saying that your gonna kill them. Well anyways maybe Im thinking too much.. or not enough.
mtbatol	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 6:52 PM Well timwic, you're halfway there I think. When a rapper/mc spits violence in their flow it's either part of their strong witty metaphore delivery directed at weak mc's who shouldn't touch da mic (canibus and rza for example who does it so well ;)), it's part of some raps tellin a violent story and/or perspective (kool g rap), or it's just a wanna be gangsta rapper who doesn't have any rhyme skills period polluting the airwaves with "me so gangstaaaaaa i bang yo sistaaaaa and look at da ice on my wristaaaa, boy i will kill yaaaaaaaa"(fabolous or however u spell his fkin name along with no limit n cash money :mad:). And unfortunately 98% you'll hear the later thanks to dickeatin radio stations who plays the weak no rhyme skill/all frontin "rhymers" who kills the artform making it look like to the uneducated one that hip hop is all "look at my blang blang or i kill yooooooooou!" Ouch, my fingers hurt when i rant like this typing :P" id="7212">"and I could understand it in the whole your carrer will die because I have something better than you do as far as talent goes" Well timwic, you're halfway there I think. When a rapper/mc spits violence in their flow it's either part of their strong witty metaphore delivery directed at weak mc's who shouldn't touch da mic (canibus and rza for example who does it so well ), it's part of some raps tellin a violent story and/or perspective (kool g rap), or it's just a wanna be gangsta rapper who doesn't have any rhyme skills period polluting the airwaves with "me so gangstaaaaaa i bang yo sistaaaaa and look at da ice on my wristaaaa, boy i will kill yaaaaaaaa"(fabolous or however u spell his fkin name along with no limit n cash money ). And unfortunately 98% you'll hear the later thanks to dickeatin radio stations who plays the weak no rhyme skill/all frontin "rhymers" who kills the artform making it look like to the uneducated one that hip hop is all "look at my blang blang or i kill yooooooooou!" Ouch, my fingers hurt when i rant like this typing
timwicaljr	Date: April 8, 2002 @ 6:56 PM I believe the term we are looking for when it comes to the recent wave of bling bling, car, ice, rap is
milladrive	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 11:04 AM There's one person's opinion. btw, lyrics wishing someone dead are, again, just lyrics and do not make it reality. I would just love lyrics that wish Hilary Roasen dead. I would be quite entertained, and she'd probably continue to live her life.
pressf8	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 6:04 PM I'm not trying to defend death threats in someone's music. But then, it might be metaphorical--I wasn't there when it was written so I don't really have the whole story/meaning behind it. It could very well just be some producer trying to write the most shocking lyrics possible in order to gain attention... On the other hand, feuds are a way of life in some circles. Romeo and Juliet come to mind--its a family pride, gang oriented mentality. Maybe the rapper wants to kill someone because that person killed his brother, or raped his siter... Who knows." id="7250">Tim: "I just dont see how understanding someone's lyrics can lead to respect when the lyrics implies that another rapper should die," I'm not trying to defend death threats in someone's music. But then, it might be metaphorical--I wasn't there when it was written so I don't really have the whole story/meaning behind it. It could very well just be some producer trying to write the most shocking lyrics possible in order to gain attention... On the other hand, feuds are a way of life in some circles. Romeo and Juliet come to mind--its a family pride, gang oriented mentality. Maybe the rapper wants to kill someone because that person killed his brother, or raped his siter... Who knows.
manda321	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 6:42 PM ahhhhhh u ppl r all to deep
timwicaljr	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 7:28 PM You know what pressf8 your right and I hope you the best in life, In fact I hope I kill you, so very dead. How did that make you feel? I didnt feel good saying it, but I didn't see any good in that at all. Even if it was just for shock factor no one should go around saying they are going to kill someone. In fact if you walk up to someone and tell them to die, or say your going to kill them you could end up in trouble with Mr. Law. Same should go for lyrics, if you dont like someone you can make them get the point without a death threat.
morgdobwcpt	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 8:15 PM attempts to defend the use of excessive in lyrics aside, do not forget that the segment of hip-hop known for such violence is mere just that, a segment. As a whole, the genre offers much more.
timwicaljr	Date: April 9, 2002 @ 9:25 PM True... True ...
pressf8	Date: April 10, 2002 @ 12:58 AM How did that make you feel?" Confused, honestly ;) "Even if it was just for shock factor no one should go around saying they are going to kill someone." You'd be surprised what people are willing to do for attention. Or maybe its just the life they know. Exhibit A: "Sombody's Gotta Die" by Notorious B.I.G. Verse 1: I'm sittin in the crib dreamin about Leer jets and coupes The way Salt shoops and how they sell records like Snoop Oops! I'm interrupted by a doorbell 3:52, who the hell Is this? I gets up quick Cocks my shit Stop the dogs from barkin Then proceed to walkin Its a face that I seen before My nigga Sing, we used to sling on the 16th floor Check it I look deeper I see blood up on his sneakers And his fist gripped a chrome four-fifth So I dip Nigga, is you creepin or speakin? He tells me C-Rock just got hit up at the beacon I opens up the door, pitiful Is he in critical? Retaliation for this one won't be minimal Cuz I'm a criminal Way before the rap shit Bust the gat shit Puff won't even know what happened, If it's done smoothly Silencers on the Uzi Stash in the hooptie My alibi, any cutie With a booty that done fuck the Pop Head spinnin, reminiscin bout my man C-Rock Chorus: repeat 2X Somebody's got ta die If I got, you got ta go Somebody's got to die Let the gunshots blow Somebody's got to die Nobody got ta know That I killed yo ass in the mist, kid -------------------- Some parts of our society are violent, and violently vengeful. Pull those people out and tell them to write a song about it, this is what you may get. Think of it as a brief education on how his life was. It was brutal--and I think the song effectively communicates that, don't you? That's what artists do best--evoke emotions, tell stories, and relate one man's experiences to another." id="7309">"You know what pressf8 your right and I hope you the best in life, In fact I hope I kill you, so very dead. How did that make you feel?" Confused, honestly "Even if it was just for shock factor no one should go around saying they are going to kill someone." You'd be surprised what people are willing to do for attention. Or maybe its just the life they know. Exhibit A: "Sombody's Gotta Die" by Notorious B.I.G. Verse 1: I'm sittin in the crib dreamin about Leer jets and coupes The way Salt shoops and how they sell records like Snoop Oops! I'm interrupted by a doorbell 3:52, who the hell Is this? I gets up quick Cocks my shit Stop the dogs from barkin Then proceed to walkin Its a face that I seen before My nigga Sing, we used to sling on the 16th floor Check it I look deeper I see blood up on his sneakers And his fist gripped a chrome four-fifth So I dip Nigga, is you creepin or speakin? He tells me C-Rock just got hit up at the beacon I opens up the door, pitiful Is he in critical? Retaliation for this one won't be minimal Cuz I'm a criminal Way before the rap shit Bust the gat shit Puff won't even know what happened, If it's done smoothly Silencers on the Uzi Stash in the hooptie My alibi, any cutie With a booty that done fuck the Pop Head spinnin, reminiscin bout my man C-Rock Chorus: repeat 2X Somebody's got ta die If I got, you got ta go Somebody's got to die Let the gunshots blow Somebody's got to die Nobody got ta know That I killed yo ass in the mist, kid -------------------- Some parts of our society are violent, and violently vengeful. Pull those people out and tell them to write a song about it, this is what you may get. Think of it as a brief education on how his life was. It was brutal--and I think the song effectively communicates that, don't you? That's what artists do best--evoke emotions, tell stories, and relate one man's experiences to another.
timwicaljr	Date: April 10, 2002 @ 11:23 PM I see, so all these bling bling rappers who didn't actually have bling bling until their album came out (if you can call it an album) they are just telling the story of their life? When in reality they really didn't have that life until after they made their album.... you know what I mean. But I can see where that would come into affect with a rapper like Notorious B.I.G. actually telling a story, but that doesnt justify threatening another artist does it? I don't have a problem with the violence in the lyrics, since it is just their way of conveying emotions or telling a story of their life, it's when they threaten to kill another rapper. That adds to the momentum of stupidity and ignorance, through their life experiences they should learn to overcome their violent side, or maybe they just want to sell records and then we might aswell say rap is pop.
pressf8	Date: April 11, 2002 @ 12:35 AM I cant defend the the fakers and wannabes, I'm just trying to point out that there's a reason some raps are violent. Not saying its a good thing, but out of certain people from certain places we shouldn't be surprised :)" id="7391">"I see, so all these bling bling rappers who didn't actually have bling bling until their album came out (if you can call it an album) they are just telling the story of their life?" I cant defend the the fakers and wannabes, I'm just trying to point out that there's a reason some raps are violent. Not saying its a good thing, but out of certain people from certain places we shouldn't be surprised
DoganHarp	Date: April 11, 2002 @ 2:27 AM The way I see it is if it's making even one person happy, then it's worth doing.
pressf8	Date: April 11, 2002 @ 1:31 PM Well, Hitler's conquest of europe and extermination of Jews was making several people happy... Cheap shot, I know...
richieZ	Date: April 11, 2002 @ 3:52 PM if you dont get it, dont listen to it... lets not make this harder than it needs to be
Cryxan	Date: April 11, 2002 @ 10:59 PM too late
Expose	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 4:20 PM /bump/
Cryxan	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 6:58 PM HAH!! Oh yeah, I have real fond memories of this thread.
Veracohr	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 7:04 PM WTF Expose? Why are you dragging up such an old thread? Anyway, I would suggest to people who hate the mainstream hip hop style of bitches and guns and shit to listen to Black Sheep.
Expose	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 7:12 PM 'Cause it was interesting..
milladrive	Date: September 28, 2003 @ 8:09 PM Expo, you're a tard.
kredd	Date: October 2, 2003 @ 11:03 AM i think deep down somebody wants to be a rapper????? embrace your inner thug and let free the gangsta you really are. such questions are just a cry for help...
CountryMusikMan	Date: October 8, 2003 @ 12:12 AM Hey I like for an artist to express themselves positive or negative either way.
CountryMusikMan	Date: October 8, 2003 @ 12:13 AM Hey Milla, I am just gonna make a point for this guy ok. Hey Man i sing country and country can be very negative at times right Milla
mtbatol	Date: October 8, 2003 @ 2:42 AM wow... thanx alot to whoever brought this thread back from the dead wow... a year ago from my first response... why do I now see alot of ghosts now haunting me with memories?
hottestsauce	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 11:33 AM Some one man rap groups are shit, and some one man rock groups are shit (Dave Mathews). Both men are narcissitic, the difference it one gets bought by more white people.
Maffmatix	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 11:46 AM draugluin and teenspirit proved that if you rely only on mainstream crappy media, you'll get sucked in to the notion that rap is only money, cars and killing people. Their ignorance sends me through a fit of rage, furious and ready to kill.... wait, maybe that's why these mainstream rappers sing about killing and all that. They might be talking about the morons who don't understand enough about hip-hop / rap, so they make threads like this. On a side note, I am definately not the kind of shit that "christian" rock band TeenSpirit would like, or hottest sauce (closets are for clothes homie).
GeneHilbert	Date: October 26, 2003 @ 12:02 PM I am not a rap fan...... however I respect it's right to exist and the art as a form of expression. I don't reticule the style or their fans. I will on occasion listen to (Chek ‘em out, Peep) rap & hip hop artist on Dmusic to see what they have going on. Honestly I fine the style boring - only one artist has been able to hold my attention. They are mostly just a snooze-fest.
eagankid	Date: November 3, 2003 @ 12:00 AM I might get trampled by people for this but I kind of like ICP and Twiztid because they sound different than most rap does. They rap about better, more interesting stuff. But that's just me. Anyone agree with me?
trajik-murda	Date: April 22, 2005 @ 9:43 PM their funny, thats why i listen to them.. seldomly atleast, or more like, once every 3-4 months, but it is an entertaining style of rap.
Dizeazed	Date: April 25, 2005 @ 9:45 PM Twiztid would be as dope now, as they once were, if they could get on some Dre beats.... Sshhhyyytttt!!! That'd be insane as fuk!
moam	Date: April 26, 2005 @ 1:55 AM Twiztid is kick ass no matter what they do
Intergalacti...	Date: April 26, 2005 @ 10:56 AM Someone said toward the top that they don't respect people who don't respect others. When people battle rap its generally not disrespecting people its a battle of wit and intelligence and tryin to gain respect themselves. And if you talkin about rappers not respecting other people in general then thats rather prejudiced. Sorry I'm just confused to how they meant it. I woulnd't say that Dave Matthews gets bought more than many rappers either. Dave matthews OK he's much bigger in America but look at people like 50 Cent and Dr Dre they have made so much money from rapping more than dave matthews probably has. And I think the band is just called Dave Matthews band cos he put it together not cos its a one man show. If you look at their album covers etc the entire band are always on there and the entire band are always asked along to interviews etc. Just an opinion that I have.
Alexsy	Date: May 11, 2005 @ 2:18 AM for me, personally, i have no clue about rap. hell i write surf rock, hard rock, blues songs. i couldnt be further removed from rap. at this point, i dont "get" it, but i think its my loss. i think i'm going to start listening to more hip hop etc. its just part of loving music, imo. i want to listen to tons and tons of it. from all over the spectrum. the key thing for me, a sense of musical integrity, can cross all genres.
Dizeazed	Date: May 11, 2005 @ 2:29 AM Alexsy... Feel free to start with my material. Cause of his shameless self promotion...
Intergalacti...	Date: May 11, 2005 @ 5:00 AM I'm into all types of music cos if you listen to my stuff its quite far away from rap. Its more un to expand yuor boundries and shit
LilVIetBalla	Date: May 12, 2005 @ 8:39 PM yall jus hella fuckin stupid. i swear.
NicholasNick...	Date: May 12, 2005 @ 10:29 PM Why pass judgement on stuff you don't even listen to? Don't make a blanket statement about hip hop because you heard one crappy song on the radio. Is all the music you listen to played on the radio? If you dig below the surface a little and stop being so close-minded, you'll find a ton of stuff you couldn't possibly call shallow, that has nothing to do with cars or jewelry.
orgasmotron	Date: May 13, 2005 @ 5:02 PM ba da ba deee de de da ba da beeee. ok quickly, hum that to yourself. did it sound like a rap tune? did it sound like a metal tune? did it sound like a folk-rock tune? exactly..... now ask yourself.... did i have a point? i hope so.
orgasmotron	Date: May 13, 2005 @ 5:07 PM p.s. listen to deltron 3030 and you will be stunned at how deep and meaningful and freaking artistic hip-hop music can be. the beats and instrumentation is brilliant and well composed and kid koala turntable antics are top-notch. not to mention del's many flawless flows across the whole album. BUTTER! this is not just one of the best concept album of all time but definitly one of my favourite albums period of all time. or if your looking for some strange good hip-hop try searching for "soul junk" on epitonic.com, and download some of there tunes. its brilliant experimental weirdo hiphop that will turn even the biggest metalhead into a crazy gangster.
zedsalt	Date: May 14, 2005 @ 12:21 PM A couple more Rap recommendations for folks who usually aren't all that into Rap: Tricky and KRS1. I don't know what exactly it is about these guys that do it for me, but they do. Y'know, I remember watching a PBS documentary about Rap when I was in kindergarten. They didn't refer to the music as Rap; they called it "Go Go" after the clubs in Washington, D.C. (the only place the documentarians had heard it; keep in mind, we're talkin' '73-'74). They talked about the co-opting of terminology from the Big Band Era like "rapping", "D.J.s", "M.C.s", etc. along with a whole new lingo. Fascinating stuff for a bony, big-eared white kid from the Midwest with a military hairdo. I didn't get into it nearly as much as the folks these early rappers were remixing ("P. Funk! Uncut Funk! Da Bomb!"), but it's been great to watch it grow and see all the cool mutations of the form.
RaXDaCapo	Date: May 19, 2005 @ 4:28 PM For me, I grew up on Bone Thugs and Harmony, Outkast, and Canibus. If you want to listen to people who's music have meaning listen to Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, KRS-1, Common Sense, Kanye West, Jean Grae, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Blackstar, Wordsworth and Punchline, Canibus, 2pac songs before All Eyes On Me, even a few songs after that, and even Outkast. Download any song that's called Hip Hop because all versions are hot (Dead Prez, Royce Da 5'9, Mos Def). I was just playin a Tricky song I downloaded called Bury The evidence. I wanna see him perform that live. Music to most people is like shopping. Theres a comfort zone. There's stores that you wouldn't feel comfortable shopping in, or in this case, music that you either can't relate to or its just not for you. Then there's that genre you like, or the store you feel comfortable shopping in. Fortunate for me, I'm very flexible when it comes to music. I listen to just about every genre. I just recently began listening to Celtic music, lol.
stebian	Date: May 24, 2005 @ 2:50 AM "Rap" is nothing more than the manifestation of a society's internal decay, promoted by opportunist businessmen who foist the lost souls who create this noise on the youth. "Rap" is not part of any culture, unless you can the glorification of drugs, violence, misogyny, criminality, and the pathetically soulles promotion of a materialistic lifestyle to be "culture." The arguments are all common enough as to be predictable. "Not all 'rappers' glorify these things." Maybe not, but as a social group, the people who record it are, as a whole, degenerate. "'Rap' shows linguistic skill." "Rap" validates illiteracy. "'Rap' is here to stay." "Rap," as a commercial commodity, has been here for twenty, some might argue thirty years or so. In the course of history that is a blink of an eye. The only reason it is still in the public eye is because it is pushed by rich businessmen who have an interest in keeping the kids stupid and ignorant, and making sure they idolize the hollow values set forth in this "music" is the best way to do it. In the case of the United States in particular, were a government to be instituted tomorrow that cared for its citizens' welfare, quality of life, and the family unit rather than aiming to destroy it for the sake of "global economy," the "rap" phenomenon would instantly fade away on its own. Along with it would also fade the poison of American pop culture from every other country in the world where the youth is currently encouraged to adopt the same base values as those coming out of the American "entertainment" industry. In a few years, not even "rappers" themselves would remember it, as they don't even remember which handful of "slang" terms were in vogue a mere few months ago, proof irrefutable of "rap's" fleeting and disposable nature. All other arguments are pretense.
zedsalt	Date: May 24, 2005 @ 12:19 PM Stebian, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that everything you said about Rap has been said about every one of these little pigeonholes we use to classify music. It's been said for centuries, and the music has endured for centuries. "It's different this time; this form of 'entertainment' is detrimental to society!!!"...statements like that are among the earliest examples we have of written language. This kind of moral outrage virtually guarantees a genre's place in history. If Mozart's work had not been widely viewed as degenerate art that appealed to only the lowest of the low, it still would've been brilliant...but would we have the opportunity to hear it today? Any genre of music is doomed to obscurity if it lacks a set of very vocal, pretentious, narrow-minded detractors.
2step-4eva	Date: May 29, 2005 @ 7:23 PM interesting u say that when a government really cares for its citizens welfare rap would disappear... in other words if there was no social inequality rap would disappear? but isnt this the whole point of rap? it has roots in lower social classes who are opressed by higher classes, and therefore are more likely to become criminal or violent because it is so hard for them to earn a decent living legitimately. rap music is living proof of inequalities and racism and its nice to see stebian's view of it... "the people who record this are, as a social group, degenerate". im aware that some of the lyrics just go on about whores and bling bling, but this tends to be the commercial stuff. even a song about whores and bling can be good if it shows lyrial skill and its not always the content that's important. and if u stop listening to 50 cent and other pop artists u will realise that real rap has real lyrics. i like stebian's quote "rap validates illiteracy". what you don't understand is that rappers are not stupid and most of them are probably much more intelligent than you. they are just brought up in a culture where people don't speak like the queen. might not be grammatically correct but what does grammar have to do with music? and finally yes rap is promoted by oppurtunist businessmen. what form of music isn't?
zedsalt	Date: May 30, 2005 @ 12:02 PM I do think there's a trend away from the shamelessly corporate in Rap, and that the trend's largely the A&R folks' own fault. For a brief while, there was an atmosphere where all sort of shallow, formulaic garbage was getting major label support simply because just about anything that could pass for Rap was selling like hotcakes. I mean, you KNOW it's bad when someone like me, who...as I admitted earlier in this thread...doesn't really "get" Rap can tell that the songs weren't being put together by real talents. Obviously, there were a huge number of real talents trying to claw their way to the top, and that HAS to be easier when the right people are making the A&R decisions. Getting past that "flavor of the day" status has been unquestionably healthy for the genre.
horusrogue	Date: May 31, 2005 @ 3:58 PM "..their lyrics will be riddled with negatives as well. It's illogical to expect a rapper to write lyrics about their life that are rosy and pretty when their life has been littered with bad experiences..." Listen to: Roots Manuva - Awfully Deep I am not a fan of western rap etc..but this guy made me think otherwise. He aint bsing his way through nonsensical lyrics, nor do his tunes all sound the same - the man even did a rap tuen to an acoustic guitar. Thats style. L8z

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