Hip Hop Is Not Art

[Virgil]

That is a good quote, Kilt, but I still think Imus went over the line. Those poor girls didn't deserve anything like that. But given the context of what is said in rap music, then one can see how one can excuse Imus. For me, both are degrading and both deserve our condemnation. We shouldn't exceuse either.

[kilted exile]

That is a good quote, Kilt, but I still think Imus went over the line. Those poor girls didn't deserve anything like that. But given the context of what is said in rap music, then one can see how one can excuse Imus. For me, both are degrading and both deserve our condemnation. We shouldn't exceuse either.

Yes, that is really what I take to be Whitlock's point both are stupid but instead of introspection a lot of leaders in the "black community" are ignoring the hip-hop issue and going for the "easier" target instead of dealing with both.

[jon1jt]

imus should have done what howard stern did---go satellite broadcast, so then he wouldn't have to apologize a gazillion times when HE in fact is the victim of selective censorship. i see a HUGE double standard that nobody wants to talk about openly for the obvious, and i wont bring up here for same.

[Mortis Anarchy]

you know, i am beginning to feel a lot of love in this thread here. gimme big hugs you two!


VIRGIL: You are a mad genius where did you get this fine article?!?!?! Everyone following this thread should read that article in its entirety - it's just fabulous. the part i found especially interesting is how the hip-hop industry - which is comprised mostly of black rappers...i mean artists, objectifies women with their despicable portrayal of women as B***hes and Hoes and the industry's dumping millions into the making of cheap trashy videos that kids emulate and music award ceremonies worship with P-Diddy coronations circled by female dancers (aka performers) intoxicated with false hopes of launching a "real career" -- relegated to dance in sleazy outfits for back alley go-go's where, sadly, many will wind up hooked on heroin, after the conglomerates fold their tents and P-Diddys and J-Zs and M&Ms and Ludicrous's have long sunk deep into their Sodom and Gomorrah quicksand lives, alongside their money and bling-bling teeth and gaudy jewelry that i wouldn't let my cat wear; with stockpiles of drugs and cars, Cars, CARS and "Cribs" (it's all reported their videos and music, the art! )

the article's words:
"Black intellectuals, such as Cobb and Dyson, are enforcing that code of silence. They are also defending the sad status quo among poor black people. Added to the recipe is the intellectual defense of hip-hop — with music, videos and films — that excuses failure and even celebrates destructive, criminal "Gangsta" behavior such as violence, stealing to get 'bling-bling' and abusive treatment of women."



ps
amen for women like Andrea Dworkin who continue to write fierce criticisms against the hip-hop and porn industries, institutions of domestic violence, etc.

Okay...here is what I have to say:

I do not agree with the constant name calling of women. Its wrong and disgusting. But a lot of that kind of stuff is just mainstream hip hop. The stuff that sells. Sex sells, there yah go.

Personally, I love the Urban kind of stuff. I love graffiti, not that I do it or anything, I love dancing (Even though there is better dancing music), I love the Bass...yep.

Okay, you say that most of the hip hop go-go lovers or whatever get hooked on heroin...well, lets look at this. Rockstars have a history as well of drugs, sex, perverted lyrics...look at the 60's, 70's actually, some even today. Sure its cleaned up a bit, but still. Artists have a history of drugs and sex and perverted images. Writers have a history of drugs, sex and discrimination against women.

So can you call all of this art?

Also, I don't believe in porn, I don't believe in discrimination against women, I don't believe in drugs. Thats why I boycott most of the really nasty songs.

okay, some of this stuff is repeated...I just looked at some of the latest posts. But thats just what I think.