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Touching back on the post I did on Friday regarding CNN’s special on Hip-Hop “Is it Art or Poison”, I found some video footage on youtube.com with popular radio personalities Ryan Cameron, and Elle of Atlanta’s people station—V103.
Since CNN premiered their straight to the point special, Hip-Hop has been on the defense in a big way. Rappers and fans of the innovative, and often times, toxic music genre have been flooding in calls in major urban markets to express their opinions about society’s negative feelings towards rap music
I myself, continue to remain on the fence of this discussion. Though I feel that Hip-Hop isn’t a perfect art form, what genre is? If you look at Pop music, you have Madonna and Britney, who have used direct sexual overtones to sell their music. If you look at Heavy Metal/Rock, you’ve got Ozzy Osborne and Marilyn Manson who use often times grotesque pieces of machinery in their videos that would turn even the strongest stomach inside out.
What I do think is that as a people, we’ve got to take ownership and accountability for what we portray within our own culture. Hip-Hop, much like, Gospel, and R&B, belongs to the black community. We may have been robbed and cheated out of ownership like we have been on so many other things, but we still dictate its influence and ultimately its popularity. Think about it, if today’s most popular, and sought out rappers decided to staged a boycott and chose not release one track or produce a single video ever again, what would happen to Hip-Hop?
At the end of the day we need to stand up as a people and say enough is enough. Being a creative person myself, I think freedom of expression is very important. However, when it starts seep into our actual lives and transcends adults and directly effect our youth. Then we should have a responsibility to stifle some of the creativity for the further progression of our woman and children.
My friend, and fellow colleague SOHH Soulman interviewed R&B Diva(ish) Monica Arnold recently. As I’m sure you’ve heard, Monica has been on the crazy defense after it was alleged that her fiancé Rocko flipped out and straight hooked off on some female fan that resulted in some serious injuries(allegedly). You can go over to O1LT.com to check out the photos if you haven’t seen them.
Of course Monica is standing by her dude and denying the altercation….blah, blah, blah, who cares right? The only thing that I found interesting about her various interviews, particularly Soulman’s, was her persistence in denying that she was kicked off of the J Records roster.
Listen, at the end of the day Monica is going to have face that fact that she is going to have to sell records to stay on a label. That’s just business!
Also, Monica fans you have a chance to appear in Monica’s new video, or something like that, I didn’t read the contest. But you can go here to find out more
Go on over to SOHH Soulful to read up more on Monica and Soulman’s conversation!
We're Gonna Change The Pace A Little Bit On SOHH Atlanta Today: Hip-Hop:Beyond Beats And Rhymes
Wednesday. 2.28.07 11:50 am
With all the healthy discussion over Hip-Hop in mainstream media recently, and the proper or more less—improper way it’s influencing our society. I’ve searched the internet to find more subject matter to give my readers. Bottom line, he’s an activist.
Meet Byron Hurt. He’s an independent film maker who’s made a tight new documentary titled Hip-Hop:Beyond Beats And Rhymes. More than a filmmaker, Byron Hurt is an anti-sexist activist who provides cutting-edge male leadership, expert analysis, keynote addresses, and workshop facilitation in the field of sexual and gender violence prevention and education.
In his gripping new documentary that aired on PBS recently, Byron addresses the art form's problems with sexism, masculinity, violence, and homophobia.
The documentary is raw, and very much as real as it gets. He points out some key elements that Hip-Hop has instilled in many of us like:
1. You got to be Strong
2. You got to be Tough
3. You got have a lot of girls around you
4. You got have money
5. You got to be a Player or a Pimp
6. You got to be in control
7. You got to dominate other men and other people
And let’s face it, as far as Hip-Hop is concerned if you aren’t any of the things listed above, or at least the majority. Then you’re not a man. The brutha raises some interesting questions that should be addressed, maybe even to yourself.
Does the fantasy of a Black man that we hear about in Hip-Hop songs or see in Hip-Hop videos translate into reality? And if it does, then where does a Black man who doesn’t measure up to the characteristics mentioned above measure up in our society? Is he considered less then a man?
My goal in postings these heavy topics are to get a dialogue going between each other. We need to understand Hip-Hop better if we are ever to elevate ourselves to social awareness —yes?
Jermaine Dupri Talks Presidency, Janet, Usher, and MC!!
Wednesday. 2.28.07 12:41 pm
Atlanta’s own Jermaine Dupri, called into the Funk Flex Show in NYC last week to clear up all the rumors about JD’s new job as President of Island Def Jam records. He talks everything from Mariah, to Usher, to even Janet Jackson. Now that Janet’s contract is officially over at Virgin, could she be moving over to Island Def-Jam?
I don’t know, but would that be a good look for the Island Def Jam to having to ballad powerhouse(ish) MC, and Pop Leader(ish) Janet on the same label? And whatever happened to that damn duet that was supposed to happen between the two?
Talk to Y'all lata,
--SOHH Gyant
Posted by SOHH Gyant at February 27, 2007 11:56 AM
City Guide: Lupe Fiasco, And The Roots Touch Down In Atlanta!
Thursday. 3.1.07 6:14 pm
I recommend that you all get out and get your ticket for the hottest ticket in town. I’m always hearing about people questioning the state of Hip-Hop and wondering if it’s dead. Well with these kats on the bill, they will definitely re-affirm your belief in rap music.
Lupe and The Roots can’t be missed. I will most definitely be there soaking up the eclectic mix of artists. They will be at the Tabernacle on Luckie Street this Sunday March 4th, 2007
Lupe Fiasco and The Roots are my pick for this week’s City Guide brought to you by Nissan.
Talk to y’all lata
--SOHH Gyant
Posted by SOHH Gyant at March 1, 2007 5:19 AM
Throughout all the “drama” that has been swirling around DJ Drama lately. He’s still trucking forward with his solo project. His new song has leaked online, and ironically its called “Feds Takin Pictures”.
I’m not sure what I think about it. I know one thing is for sure, I am so damn sick and tired of these tracks being released with 50 rappers on the track. Back in the day when shit like that happened (i.e. Black Rob’s “Whoa Remix”) it was special because it was original. But now that it’s gone trendy, thanks to Fat Joe, and that damn “Lean Back-Remix”. So far this year we’ve heard The Game’s “One Blood” that had every rapper on the track. We also heard Outkast’s “Hollywood Divorce” which also featured like thirty rappers. And now this shit! Where is the originality???????????
Oh well its Friday, so I digress. Well, its officially the weekend! How many people gonna be at the Lupe Fiasco and Roots concert on Sunday? Well trust and beleive that I'm rolling through. Oh for those who thinking about trying something funny. Once you see me, I know you'll instantly change your mind. That's if you'll even be able to spot me.
Be Good, we will talk on Monday!
--SOHH Gyant
Posted by SOHH Gyant at March 2, 2007 5:01 AM
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