What is wrong with the fickle fans of hip hop in today’s world? I mean what level of ignorance does the audience stoop to when you reject one of the best blessings to the mic in this newer era of Hip-Hop? On October 9, 2012, I was disgusted with the rejection that Kendrick Lamar received at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Kendrick Lamar is a TRUUU lyricist and only a fool would be blind to it. This is more than just a rant from Ra’z; this is a voice speaking that fickle fans are killing Hip-Hop.
Not everyone in that audience was among the general caucus of people who rejected Kendrick but there was more than enough. I just don’t understand why there are “artists” like Future or Soulja Boy who are glorified for their lack of depth in their rhymes, but someone with the lyrical prowess like Kendrick is rejected. Everyone is entitled to their ratchet music that gets them hype, but let’s not get carried away with who we chose to appreciate more. I exclusively stated in my bio that is what I want to prevent in today’s hip-hop society; “Too much of the younger generation has collapsed to the dumbed down and incompetent sector of commercial Hip-Hop/Rap.
“ To me personally, it sets me ablaze when ignorance prevails especially with this subject, but ignorance is bliss. To anyone reading this, I appreciate it, because you must know that BITM supports artists like Kendrick Lamar that are represent real hip-hop. You have now been part of rants by Ra’z.
Not everyone in that audience was among the general caucus of people who rejected Kendrick but there was more than enough. I just don’t understand why there are “artists” like Future or Soulja Boy who are glorified for their lack of depth in their rhymes, but someone with the lyrical prowess like Kendrick is rejected. Everyone is entitled to their ratchet music that gets them hype, but let’s not get carried away with who we chose to appreciate more. I exclusively stated in my bio that is what I want to prevent in today’s hip-hop society; “Too much of the younger generation has collapsed to the dumbed down and incompetent sector of commercial Hip-Hop/Rap.“ To me personally, it sets me ablaze when ignorance prevails especially with this subject, but ignorance is bliss. To anyone reading this, I appreciate it, because you must know that BITM supports artists like Kendrick Lamar that are represent real hip-hop. You have now been part of rants by Ra’z.
You know what? Up until today, I felt the same way you do. But I was watching an interview on youtube where Kendrick was asked who are some artists that he fucks with and would want to collab with that no one would ever expect. His response threw me off for a second, but it made a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteThe artist he mentioned was Waka Flocka Flame. And before the interviewer even had a chance to go off, Kendrick went on to say that Hip-Hop is not something that should ever be trapped in a box. It's a culture that has grown and expanded in so many different directions, so who is to really say what "real" hip-hop is? It's not just conscious lyricism that defines hip-hop as an art form and as a culture, it's what's real to the ARTIST themselves.
He says Waka's energy is what gets him hype. He understands they are in two separate lanes and says you don't listen to someone like Waka for their lyrics, just like you could never expect Kendrick to make trap music. He says that if it's real to the artist, and they have a fanbase, it's great for hip-hop because it keeps the culture relevant, and expands it in so many directions.
Think about the foundation of hip-hop in the 70s and 80s. It stayed in one lane, but was so insignificant that people outside of the culture didn't even consider it real music. Now look at where we are today; there is something for everyone. It's like going to a grocery store. If you don't like Captain Crunch, guess what? That Aunt Jemima mix is a couple aisles down.
The varied sub-genres of hip-hop, while they may not appeal to your personal tastes or my own, are still a positive thing for the culture. It influences damn near everything.
All we can do is hope that Kendrick acheieves the level of success necessary to inspire a new generation to change the game. But until then, it's our obligation to $UPPORT artists like Kendrick Lamar, from shows to album releases, if we want them to continue to give us the type of music we crave.
Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City review coming soon...
Its not that I want to dictate what real Hip Hop is but look at what we support and what all of us write about, the stuff that they kicking is bull. I have my ratchetness and I love it but where does it stop? What are we willing to sacrifice for the hip hop that is true to its essence? How much should we put up with, even now I hear old heads say that the rap now is trash (and that's not completely true but he is somewhat correct). This newer rap/Hip-Hop that I am not fond of is corrupting views of the culture and is tainting the name more than what the ignorant views of it were originally. On the outside, majority of hip-hop is looked at to be an influence on violence and negativity, I don't like the views and opinions that have been acquired. I will forever fight for hip-hop I just want to make sure I'm actually fighting for something that's worth it.
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