Quite often I am on Facebook and Twitter following several Rap artists. Some are well established and financially set for generations to come. Others are consistent mid-level independent artists making the necessary adjustments in the game to establish themselves. Comments/posts from a majority of them (on both levels) have the theme of "there are more rappers now than mic's to be passed." The allure of the fast dollar, drama, and quick fuse fame explosion has taken over. Substance and creativity with the lyrical poetry has become scarce to say the least. Big market distribution deals and recording contracts have been taken over by the corporate ameba moving giants. The mp.3 file has completely put a monkey wrench into the profitability of the music industry juggernauts.
As a result of technology "new booties" in the rap game have the ability to get a laptop, Pro Tools or Q-base software, a radio shack mic, a keyboard from best buy, and web access allowing for, within a matter of hours, a track on You Tube and a low quality video. It's an awesome concept if applied correctly! However the demand from the major music media has taken its toll. The pressure to "earn stripes" has become equivalent to the power of an American crocodile's bite per square inch!
It's disappointing to me because I have listened and viewed rap and hip-hop since it's inception and seen it go from dancing and respected "crew" representation, to upliftment of black youth, from the youth, to all out anarchy. It has now become an industry of "negative shock value". Everyone is going to jail and prison for solid amounts of time for the illusion of credibility. I'm just grateful that I was fortunate enough to have a level of consciousness as a young man prior to the roar of the convergence of rhyme and crime. Be careful what you pretend to be, because it just might become reality. Some of ya'll new jacks think singing is "Homo" but these R&B cats pack events with some of the most classy women on the planet throwing panties on stage! The only rapper that I can think of that has maintained credibility without speaking on drugs, guns, hoes, and trappin that keeps the ladies wet is LL cool J. Next time you consider jumping in the booth, try writing a song about a woman you wanna get with and see how it works. All I know is the truth in poetry always holds more power than written or freeystyle fallacy. See below for a roll call of rap artist having mainstream success that are either in jail, prison, on death row, dead, fresh out, or awaiting sentencing.
Waka Flaka Flame, JA-RULE, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi, Beanie Siegel, Big Lurch, Black Rob, C-Murder, Cassidy, Chi-Ali, Cool-C, DMX, Da Brat, Too Short (2 DUI'S in two wks both on the same street on the Vegas strip), Foxy Brown, Gucci Mane, Lil Boosie, Lil Wayne, Lil Kim, Lloyd Banks, The Mac, Maino, Mystikal, Numskull, Ol-Dirty Bastard, Pimp-C, Prodigy, Ras Kass, Remy Ma, Shyne, Steady B, T.I., Tony Yayo, and Tupac. These are ones that I can just think of but there are many more!
I'm out Chris Gonzales :::::Drops the Mic::::
Author: C. Gonzales
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