I became particularly interested in Clarence Lusane's "Rap, Race, and Politics". Specifically, I was drawn in by the blips on "Gangsta Rap" and the musings on gender issues. Gangsta rap, stereotypically attached to drugs, violence, and abuse, started to peek out as a way to speak out politically. It has been called "the lessons of lived experiences" by Robin D. G. Kelley, which is think is an accurate description to a point concerning the raging political points of life these rappers face. But it is also laden with violence and misogyny. They contradict themselves; on one side they speak out what needs to be said to make a point and, on the other side, they promote the types of things that they should be speaking out against.
As described by this passage, police brutality is one of the main aspects of gangsta rap. "Cop Killer", "Squeeze the Trigger", and "F*** Tha Police" all wrap around rascist police brutality. These songs, while angry and slightly frightening to listen to, make it clear what is happening to young blacks in cities all across the country. It is either run or be shot; the police did not act as those who protect people should act. Police were becoming notorious for killing or beating those from the black community. And music and creativity burst out in many directions. People called out from music to make these killings and beatings stop. They wanted their voices to be heard, even if people didn't want to hear them.
Personally, I feel that this did make a difference then, but now hip-hop is not taken as seriously in regard to politics. Sometimes, politically based songs come along, but with the overwhelming amount of music about degrading women, drugs, violence, and various other unacceptable topics, the politics is not heard. Even if it is heard, it isn't taken really seriously. The question I find myself and others asking is, why should we listen to those who hold anger and violence in such high esteem?
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I agree with what you are saying about the contraction that seems evident. It seems hard to look at certain parts of hip hop and see the glorification of violence and misogyny, and then at the same time listen to critiques of capitalism and institutionalized racism.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this contradiction in certain songs should not diminish our ability to look at other artist or other songs and see that there is a valid political critique in these messages. Like Boyd's article, neither Arrested Development nor Ice Cube provided a perfect medium of political discourse; both suffered from some cultural insensitivities. But it is important to take these art forms and their messages seriously to better understand the politics of the Hip Hop Nation, and better critique its shortcomings to advocate for improvements.
Looking forward to discussion!
I really liked this post. I think that as hip-hop has changed and evolved, it has become much more centered on image and glamour rather than reflecting reality. While songs with political lyrics are still being made, they often fly under the radar or don't receive as much attention as songs with a catchy hook, boasting lyrics, or scantily-clad women and criminality in the music videos. I wonder if this will ever change, and while I think some of the readings from this week begin to offer solutions, it will be a long and difficult battle to return hip-hop to its proactive roots.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matt and Katie!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your post on how there really isn't (from what we've read and seen so far) a happy medium for hip hop artists to balance morality. No one hip hop artist seems to be able to consistently stay on top of the charts while staying clean and true (Does Matisyahu count? Ha ha) to their cultural roots.
Sex, drugs, violence, it all sells. In regards to morals, politics, and human nature - it's really all about the Benjamin's. I know somewhere on Earth, Snoop Dogg is someone's hero and after seeing some of his latest videos, I certainty hope there is only one. Back on point, it's sad to think we live in a world where culture and morality go out the door if a song can be on the hit list for a set number of weeks. - And if it doesn't have some sort of vulgarity in it, it probably won't even make it out of the garage, let alone the production company.
Although most hip hop is produced for the masses and advocate violence and misogyny, we can't overlook the amount of political hip hop coming out of the underground. The average consumer of pop hip hop is rumored to be white and suburban, so even if the message came to his/her ears, would they even heed the message? For those that dig a little deeper, there is a lot of hip hop with a message, and perhaps this message will get through to those individuals. If you're one to care about hip hop, the logic follows that you will also take its message to heart.
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