"Hip-Hop Turns 30" Tate Article

“Happy birthday ‘cultural genocide’!” Greg Tate is passionate regarding what Hip Hop has become over the years. No aspect goes untouched in his 2005 Vibe article titled “Hiphop turns 30 Whatcha celebratin’ for?” After reading this article, I started wondering how we let Hip-Hop slip away. Were the ramifications of shifting from the voice of freedom to the subliminal voice of "the man" ever really considered? Trailblazers and originators did not want this for Hip Hop.
I agree to an extent. Nowadays I feel like we are being spoon-fed garbage too often. Maybe that is why I hardly tune into "Hip-Hop" stations and opt for CDs or an MP3. The body needs sustenance and lately I have been feeling hungry. Political rap artists like Dead Prez hit the nail on the head with “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop”, but who recalls or even paid attention to more than just the chorus. Had we really listened maybe the path would have shifted to take us where we should have been going all along. Then too, who wants to awaken to harsh realities and fight when sweet dreams of money and pseudo power fill your head. America was built on capitalism. "It's all about gettin' mine," is the meaning behind most songs in today's Hip Hop; whether it is sex, money, cars, etc. Others would argue if Hip Hop did not cross over or become commercialized the culture would have remained underground or maybe died long before now. Commercialism gave Hip Hop permission to be a sounding board for our people regardless of the size of the soapbox. An album with 13 tracks may have one or two purposeful cuts. Commercialism gave Hip Hop the exposure it needed so Public Enemy could fight the power and Jay-Z to become a “business, man”. Hip Hop did not die. It simply evolved.
Even with that said, my heart still longs for old school Hip Hop. Or maybe what I really long for is to revisit my youth when Get Used Jeans and Cross Colours were cool, “Self Destruction” was in heavy rotation, and I felt like the world was filled with endless possibilities.

How I listen to music?

My mood dictates the type of music of choose to hear. I only really listen to the radio in the AM if/when I drive to work. Even then I do not tune in for the songs, but rather the morning show. But back to the question... I like to think I'm connected to the artist when I listen to music. I feel the lyrics and beats wholeheartedly. For example, when I was a youngin' fresh out of HS my college friends and I would get hype about the weekend and tune our stereos into the same station. Music would blast through the corridor of our dorm as we got ready to party. Biggie, Junior Mafia (Playa's Anthem), and Foxy Brown were constants. We were all on that NYC thang. (I was feeling Bone-Thugz then too.) I refuse to listen to sad music when I'm down. What's the point in channeling into someone else's heartache too? I will listen when I'm in a good mood. Otherwise, why ask for extra blues? You know?

Why are you so d*&% loud?

I was riding the Metro train home from class on evening when a large group board downtown. They were loud and very obnoxious. You sort of expect that type of behavior from young people trying to fit in with their peers and being the center of attention. That night I was embarrassed for 3 reasons. 1) These people were at least my age (33) or older. 2)They broadcasted their sexuality in a way I considered vulgar. (I am openly in the life.) And 3)they were of people of color. I cringe at the memory. I know I talk a lot about old school HH and how different the sub- culture is nowadays. Take a look at this video. People my age may still be loud and "crazy". But how many of us recite lyrics while wildin' out? Take a look at this video.

A little bit about my Blog

What's up people? I am a D.C. Native taking an Intro to Hip Hop Studies class. I registered for this class as an elective for Sociolgy. I am diggin' the course work and I feel like I am learning a lot about the world that existed around me as a child. I watched my older brother and cousins embrace a subculture I would grow to love.