Hip-Hop is Dead? (THE LONGEST BLOG ENTRY I'VE WRITTEN) By Amanda-Sophia
I came across a Youtube name called "save hip-hop". I'm used to hearing people say hip-hop is dead, but I really started to think about this topic. For, whatever reason. When I was in middle school and high school, I really was into rap. (Yes, hip-hop is a culture, rap is the art form people commonly refer to when using this term.) But now, I'm really not into it.
I will admit, I get butterflies if I hear a cypher. A TRUE cypher. I get butterflies when I hear a lyrically brilliant verse. But, other than that, I'm not into it. I must say my perception of rap music when I was younger was embodied in one term "REALNESS". Rap was a reflection of the most honest and rugged aspect of black experience, and I admired it. As time progressed, and money was made, I guess formulas became more important than the texture of true ruggedness. And I guess money became more important than honesty. I truly believe most rappers that are promoted in mainstream culture are not poets of the black experience, but entertainers. Specifically crafted for response. A positive financial response.
So what is wrong with that? From a business standpoint, nothing. From a cultural standpoint, in this case, hip-hop culture, everything. The thing is, whether we recognize it or not, art has integrity. Art tells a story. It sends a message. Art is powerful. It affects our perspectives and philosophy. It affects our view of the past, present, and future. Art that neglects humanity is just craft. A craft that speaks to people with the SOLE intent of convincing those receiving to give money, is a crafted marketing tactic.
Is hip-hop dead? NO, there are many people who remain honest in this culture. Is rap in hip-hop dead? No, there are some people who rap, who are in fact honestly reflecting their experiences. Soooo what's the point of this topic? The reality is, there will probably never be any extreme answer to this question. Someone, even just one person will remain honest in hip-hop culture and rap music.
But, the question that should be asked is how important is the hip-hop culture to the black experience? How important is rap to the hip-hop culture? Am I okay with just being entertained? Or would I like to be a recipient of honest communication? Can I be entertained and receive honest communication? When you find the answer to these questions, put your money not where it is requested, but where your heart respects it. And that, will never die.
