My beef with down south rap is officially over! I´ve been spending too much time being mad at the south. That just causes way too much negative energy.. so it has to stop.. I´ve been thinking a lot and I decided that down south rap isn't as bad as I have made it sound lately. Yes the lyrics make no sense. But hell, Hip hop is supposed to be an open minded culture and it is about celebration as well as speaking the truth. There´s space for everyone in Hiphop so lets stop all the hate across the coasts. I like to party too, and I have to say I enjoy a good beat to dance to when I´m at a club. So down south music, I thank u for that. (ok, that wasn't so hard)
Believe it or not but there was a time where I would listen to a 3-6 mafia record without my conscience poking me…I used to not put so much thought into it.. Until the big hype came. And I´ve always been the kind of person to push any kind of hype from me.. If the masses love it, I don't want it anymore.. I know that's a very silly, and also close minded way of thinking, but I wanna be real with ya´ll.. I mean, that's how I always felt, because I didn't wanna be part of the mainstream crowd. So when the hype came..i ran.. Now, thinking about it, it makes me feel dumb. If you like something, you like it no matter if the ppl around u do. I´ve made the experience that that's how a lot of underground hiphop fans are. Like this constant discussion about who turned mainstream or sold out. Yes, there are ppl that changed for better sales, that didn't stay true to themselves. To me that's the negative mainstream artist, and I cant really respect that. But lets take somebody like Jay-Z, he has the talent, people just LOVE his music, that's why he sells a lot of records. Does that make him or his music bad? (I´ll just leave this an open question for you to think about)
Now back to the subject.. Down South Rap.. The dirty dirty.. I believe people down there love the music they make. It might not be deep or meaningful, but to them its all they have. Maybe that's reason enough to give them a chance. Nobody is gonna force you to listen to their rap. So why not just accept them, and their place in Hip Hop? It wont hurt. And it will save you a lot of negative energy. I know I´m building contradictions here, looking at my other blogs. But see, I´m just trying to bring peace to my world, my world where Hip Hop is the sun that keeps everything alive, the rain that quenches my thirst and makes trees grow…(yeah, I´m getting corny, I can tell I´ve been drinking wine..lol)
I don't wanna hate anymore. Why waste time with it? As long as I´m in these 4 walls I call my own I will play whatever I wanna play..and for the most part that's gonna be "conscious rap" and neo soul.. and when I feel like getting my dance on and party I´ll let the Djs at the clubs play some of that dirty dirty for me.. And I´ll enjoy both to the fullest. I got respect for ya´ll….its all love
Sonntag, 11. November 2007
Random Thoughts Pt 3: Hip Hop is...
Hiphop is not dead...How can you say hiphop is dead when an endless list of Mcs prove with every record they make that hiphops heart is still beating strong. MCs like Kweli, Mos Def, Common, Black Thought, Lupe, Brand Nubian, Slum Village..people like J.Dilla who keep Hiphop alive even though they r not with us physically anymore. I could go on and on naming people that make Rap worth listening to..Hiphop never had a come back. It was never gone. Hiphop is in the heart of every head that cant live his life without it. We keep hiphop alive. And if u say Hiphop is dead...Well, then that just means your love for it died. But at that same second a Hiphop Lover is born on the other side of the planet. So don't worry, it will never die. I will pass this love on to my children and hopefully my grandchildren, just like every other true head will do. Hiphop is not about color, where u from, or where u at. It doesn't ask for anything but passion & love.
Hiphop is like poetry. Even when its not heard or recognized, it will still be there. Because those that found and understood it will never let it go. And stop all this talk about New York Rap. New York Rap is as great as its always been. The only reason why its not on top (as far as sales) anymore is that the industry needs the change. Believe it or not but Down South music will not always be as successful as it is now. It wont, because there will be something different and more interesting to the consumer. And as I put my headphones back on, blasting Common, I can feel Hiphops presence, feel it running through my veins. Cant stop wont stop
Hiphop is like poetry. Even when its not heard or recognized, it will still be there. Because those that found and understood it will never let it go. And stop all this talk about New York Rap. New York Rap is as great as its always been. The only reason why its not on top (as far as sales) anymore is that the industry needs the change. Believe it or not but Down South music will not always be as successful as it is now. It wont, because there will be something different and more interesting to the consumer. And as I put my headphones back on, blasting Common, I can feel Hiphops presence, feel it running through my veins. Cant stop wont stop
Random Thoughts Pt 2: Me, Myself & Hip Hop Pt2
Music is the most influential art there is. It always has been. The type of music somebody listens to affects their way of dressing, talking, dancing and their outlook on the world. That's at least if that person is very dedicated to the art. I´ve heard there are people that don't care about it at all, but well, that's hard to believe ;-).
Music has way more influence on people and the community than other art forms. Of course that worries the government. Pop music cant do much harm, it is easy to control it and has no meaning lyrical wise. Most Pop songs are about love or celebration. You could compare them to an innocent sitcom that wont leave a mark on the viewers mind. A real Hiphop song instead is like a real life documentary or a touching movie. It tells a story, a truth. Something that will make the listener think, may even turn that person into a rebellion. Because that's what Hiphop has always been about. Giving those a public voice that didn't have one before. Is it surprising that you don't hear those truth – speaking songs on the radio? Why do u think they rather play those with titles like "Chicken Noodle Soup (with a soda on the side)"? And I´m not joking, I have seen that song´s video on TV. The Listener is not to be educated. Not to have an open ear to whats really going on in the world. We are supposed to believe the world is a safe place where we can party all the time and listen to sweet lullabys before we fall into a sleep that never brings nightmares. What could we need mind stimulating music for since the world is such a great place?
The president doesn't want his nation to hear MCs talk about him neglecting the people that never voted for him. So real talk is banned from the airwaves and they play "Laffy Taffy" to make people that are already against Hiphop think its totally brainless. They are brainwashing people into thinking Rap music can harm their children and turn them into criminals. Yes, maybe those songs on the radio about sex & violence are bad for children, I´m convinced they are. But children wouldn't be exposed to that kind of music if the media would play that soulful rap the heads love. Because they have something more fundamental to write about than visits in the candy store.
I am not saying there should be no more party songs in Hiphop or on the radio. Celebration is also an element of Hiphop. But if you play the party music, give "Food for thought" a chance too. Like almost everything in this world most radio and tv stations are corrupt. So its no surprise to me we´re in the situation we´re in. Which doesn't mean we should keep quiet about it.
No matter how hard they try to make it look bad….I still love H.E.R…always have..always will
Music has way more influence on people and the community than other art forms. Of course that worries the government. Pop music cant do much harm, it is easy to control it and has no meaning lyrical wise. Most Pop songs are about love or celebration. You could compare them to an innocent sitcom that wont leave a mark on the viewers mind. A real Hiphop song instead is like a real life documentary or a touching movie. It tells a story, a truth. Something that will make the listener think, may even turn that person into a rebellion. Because that's what Hiphop has always been about. Giving those a public voice that didn't have one before. Is it surprising that you don't hear those truth – speaking songs on the radio? Why do u think they rather play those with titles like "Chicken Noodle Soup (with a soda on the side)"? And I´m not joking, I have seen that song´s video on TV. The Listener is not to be educated. Not to have an open ear to whats really going on in the world. We are supposed to believe the world is a safe place where we can party all the time and listen to sweet lullabys before we fall into a sleep that never brings nightmares. What could we need mind stimulating music for since the world is such a great place?
The president doesn't want his nation to hear MCs talk about him neglecting the people that never voted for him. So real talk is banned from the airwaves and they play "Laffy Taffy" to make people that are already against Hiphop think its totally brainless. They are brainwashing people into thinking Rap music can harm their children and turn them into criminals. Yes, maybe those songs on the radio about sex & violence are bad for children, I´m convinced they are. But children wouldn't be exposed to that kind of music if the media would play that soulful rap the heads love. Because they have something more fundamental to write about than visits in the candy store.
I am not saying there should be no more party songs in Hiphop or on the radio. Celebration is also an element of Hiphop. But if you play the party music, give "Food for thought" a chance too. Like almost everything in this world most radio and tv stations are corrupt. So its no surprise to me we´re in the situation we´re in. Which doesn't mean we should keep quiet about it.
No matter how hard they try to make it look bad….I still love H.E.R…always have..always will
Random Thoughts Pt 2: Me, Myself & Hip Hop Pt1
How come that no other music touches and gives me as much as Hiphop does? Maybe because no other music genre has such a great culture to back it up..
I still remember that time I fell in love with this thing called HipHop, not head over heels but slowly..like in a good relationship where every day u learn something new about ur partner that amazes you.. I love it more every day and there´s no way I could live without it..
Maybe because Hiphop is so much more than just music..so much more than what the rasio gives you…so much realer than pop music that sings about a world that doesn't really exist..
I admire Hiphops different arts so much..I still remember how I picked up my first magazine that had Graffiti in it and how amazed I was by it, so raw, in your face but at the same time truly beautiful..I love hiphop because it has its reasons for being here.. not just making money.. but being rebellious in a time where people do and say anything to get "money and the power"… Hiphop means being different, think outside the box.. although that might sound crazy at a time where rap music is so involved in our daily lives.. you see it on tv, commercials, ppl on the street wearing hiphop clothes with techno music comin out their headphones.. and that's just because the industry made hiphop a trend, a trend like boybands used to be, a trend they use to grab childrens pocket money..
I don't want the love of my life to be a trend.. I miss the days when ppl gave u crazy looks when they saw you in baggy clothes..where ppl thought it was cool to listen to brainless pop music.. the rap they play on the radio today has turned into pop music… to me rap cannot be called hiphop unless it has a meaning.. something to connect it with the culture.. all that sounding the same, senseless, money hoes & clothes talk is nothing but pop music with a different look..
And that's where the contradiction starts.. I do understand that a lot of rap artists in the states come from backgrounds that you wouldn't call the good life.. that they are happy to have a talent they can make money give to get out of the lifestyle they were forced to live before. I do know that for a lot of these kids the thought of making the big money is all that counts and they might not even be familiar with the culture Hiphop, but with the benefits the mainstream rap scene has to offer.
Its easy for me to sit here and say they sold out our culture.. I love hiphop. And I love soulful rap. I do not like senseless music, no matter if rap or any other genre.. And I hate when people with no clue hear that "drop down to the floor" bullshit and think that's what hiphop is all about. It makes the culture look bad.. Now should we hate the rappers for making those songs or the industry that tells them that's the type of music they have to make to get paid.
I admire the thousands of soulful MCs out there that might not make as much money as the Rapper in the top ten, but do what they love and do it to keep Hiphop alive.
To be continued..
I still remember that time I fell in love with this thing called HipHop, not head over heels but slowly..like in a good relationship where every day u learn something new about ur partner that amazes you.. I love it more every day and there´s no way I could live without it..
Maybe because Hiphop is so much more than just music..so much more than what the rasio gives you…so much realer than pop music that sings about a world that doesn't really exist..
I admire Hiphops different arts so much..I still remember how I picked up my first magazine that had Graffiti in it and how amazed I was by it, so raw, in your face but at the same time truly beautiful..I love hiphop because it has its reasons for being here.. not just making money.. but being rebellious in a time where people do and say anything to get "money and the power"… Hiphop means being different, think outside the box.. although that might sound crazy at a time where rap music is so involved in our daily lives.. you see it on tv, commercials, ppl on the street wearing hiphop clothes with techno music comin out their headphones.. and that's just because the industry made hiphop a trend, a trend like boybands used to be, a trend they use to grab childrens pocket money..
I don't want the love of my life to be a trend.. I miss the days when ppl gave u crazy looks when they saw you in baggy clothes..where ppl thought it was cool to listen to brainless pop music.. the rap they play on the radio today has turned into pop music… to me rap cannot be called hiphop unless it has a meaning.. something to connect it with the culture.. all that sounding the same, senseless, money hoes & clothes talk is nothing but pop music with a different look..
And that's where the contradiction starts.. I do understand that a lot of rap artists in the states come from backgrounds that you wouldn't call the good life.. that they are happy to have a talent they can make money give to get out of the lifestyle they were forced to live before. I do know that for a lot of these kids the thought of making the big money is all that counts and they might not even be familiar with the culture Hiphop, but with the benefits the mainstream rap scene has to offer.
Its easy for me to sit here and say they sold out our culture.. I love hiphop. And I love soulful rap. I do not like senseless music, no matter if rap or any other genre.. And I hate when people with no clue hear that "drop down to the floor" bullshit and think that's what hiphop is all about. It makes the culture look bad.. Now should we hate the rappers for making those songs or the industry that tells them that's the type of music they have to make to get paid.
I admire the thousands of soulful MCs out there that might not make as much money as the Rapper in the top ten, but do what they love and do it to keep Hiphop alive.
To be continued..
Random Thoughts Pt1: For DILLA
For Dilla
It took a while for me to sit down and do this..maybe because it took me so long to realize that he really is gone.
And maybe its good to write this after some time has passed since J.Dillas death, just to make sure people don't forget about him and his work.
Hiphop has lost a great artist. The world has lost a great man. People with such a dedication for music are rare. And that's the thing I admire the most about him. He had so much love in his heart for Hiphop that he would not even let his illness stop him from doing what he loved to do. How many people can say they have such a strong dedication for anything? I thought I did. I always thought I had as much love for hiphop in my heart as possible. Now I´m not sure anymore. As I´m writing this his beats are playin on my headphones. And it makes me sad knowing that there wont be another Dilla record. We can only imagine how much further he would´ve went with hiphop. Where he would've taken us.
Every beat he made, song he produced could take you on a journey. You can listen to his songs for hours, play them again and again just trying to figure out what sounds he used, how he even came up with the concept. I can only wonder how it must be to work with him in the studio. I wish I could tell him how thankful I am for all those songs he made that still put smiles on my face… timeless music, far from the mainstream because his sounds are too complex for the untrained ear…
The funny thing is..I was a fan of his music long before I had even heard his name… songs like ATCQ´s "find a way" or Pharcyde´s "Drop" that are still in my list of favourites.. and then that unique Slum Village sound I always loved.. He has inspired and touched so many people without them knowing it.
Hiphop will not recover from it´s loss because there will be no other Dilla. He changed Hiphop and people. But it will also forever benefit from his work. His work wont be lost or forgotten. And that's that one thing that makes me smile the same second I feel the pain in my heart when I think about his death. He blessed us with another masterpiece before he left and I thank him for that. "The Shining" will keep his name alive and the heads nodding.
And who knows..He´s probably up in the clouds with his MPC doing what he did best..
Poetry, Ep.3: Sunset
Sunset
You said you would love me
said you would care
but in the end
when i needed
you were not there
not there to ask me
how my day went and all
not there to catch me
when I was to fall
eventually i fell
in love with you that is
and all i wanted from you
was to hold me and kiss
my forehead
with that look in your eyes
take my hand and dance
to the setting sunlight
but all brightness ends
someday at a time
i just wished you would´ve done it
a lil more kind...
You said you would love me
said you would care
but in the end
when i needed
you were not there
not there to ask me
how my day went and all
not there to catch me
when I was to fall
eventually i fell
in love with you that is
and all i wanted from you
was to hold me and kiss
my forehead
with that look in your eyes
take my hand and dance
to the setting sunlight
but all brightness ends
someday at a time
i just wished you would´ve done it
a lil more kind...
Poetry, Ep.2: My Mind
My Mind
This body i was born into
Has not a lot to do with my mind
Although it may cause pain
Insecurities
Or sexual desire
It does not reflect my mind
My mind wears the colours of the rainbow
And at the same time..none
As much as becoming a daughter
It could´ve made me..a son
Because this body is only
A result of natures will
This body might give me
The ability to kill
But my mind..never will
I´m still searching for that soul
That will respect me for my words
Instead of things I can do
With my lips
The one to touch me so gently
His fingertips on my skin will feel like a kiss
Maybe our souls
Need to connect
On a much higher level
Before we meet so we can respect
Each others minds before physical assets
This body i was born into
Has not a lot to do with my mind
Although it may cause pain
Insecurities
Or sexual desire
It does not reflect my mind
My mind wears the colours of the rainbow
And at the same time..none
As much as becoming a daughter
It could´ve made me..a son
Because this body is only
A result of natures will
This body might give me
The ability to kill
But my mind..never will
I´m still searching for that soul
That will respect me for my words
Instead of things I can do
With my lips
The one to touch me so gently
His fingertips on my skin will feel like a kiss
Maybe our souls
Need to connect
On a much higher level
Before we meet so we can respect
Each others minds before physical assets
Poetry, Ep. 1: The Center
The Center
You must have been
Designed by a higher being
Your beauty is touching
Every move you make elegance
Each word speaks of intelligence
I´m longing for your hands on me
Your lips on my skin
If your touch was a sin
I´d be willing to go to hell
I fell in love
Once you laid your beautiful eyes
With that look on me
That look keeps perfection
No sign of rejection
All I can think ofIs tasting you
And every inch of your body
Send shivers down my spine
When you speak words so melodic
Touch me, feel me
You are so welcome to enter
So bad I want you to
Discover the center
With mind sex as the key
Are you sure you are ready
To see the real me?
You must have been
Designed by a higher being
Your beauty is touching
Every move you make elegance
Each word speaks of intelligence
I´m longing for your hands on me
Your lips on my skin
If your touch was a sin
I´d be willing to go to hell
I fell in love
Once you laid your beautiful eyes
With that look on me
That look keeps perfection
No sign of rejection
All I can think ofIs tasting you
And every inch of your body
Send shivers down my spine
When you speak words so melodic
Touch me, feel me
You are so welcome to enter
So bad I want you to
Discover the center
With mind sex as the key
Are you sure you are ready
To see the real me?
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