Eminen associate Proof found dead. New story suggest that Proof fired first. This leads to the inevitable question. Does success for rap artist cost them their lives? Rappers are in danger!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Does success equal death?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Post a Comment
2 comments:
Stic's quote is on point: "Many of us rappers are trapped within the stereotypes and images projected and sensationalized by the media," he said. "We find ourselves trying to live these wild-cowboys ideas. Our concept of manhood is taught on a street level..."
Where does the solution to the self-perpetuating cycle begin?
With alternative music and images -- lifestyles? Perhaps to balance our culture and therefore taking pressure off of us to be that one type of image? I know for myself if it weren't for the choices of music I was exposed to I would have adopted the image of one type of music. Instead, I saw a spectrum of images and types of people and so it forced me to work hard to shape a unique identity for myself. I can't front: family played a big role in that cause they give you the space to be yourself and find an image that fits you. In that case, part of the solution would be to build strong supportive family. How do you do that with drugs and violence perpetuating themselves too?
Or does it begin with actually giving our communities more wealth and empowering people economically? What affect would that have if, like the article said, people get rich but stay "hood?"
I'd say the most important things are for there to be more artists who are DIFFERENT and unique. (that's why I respect Common so much... I like him more for his growth than his flow to be honest)
And for us to encourage community. We need to hug and show love to eachother, get to know eachother and quit acting like everything is about "getting money" and "making moves."
If family and identity are the two most important things, we need to act like it and support and create environments (even if just in our circles of friends and in our houses) where those things are being built.
You said it all
Post a Comment