Dec 03 2008
Mission Statement
Everybody knows that Hip Hop is in danger. Not the music we know as rap music, but the culture and tradition known as Hip Hop. But contrary to some people’s feelings on the issue, I don’t think Hip Hop is dead. Just sorta sick.
See when I was a young buck in the 80’s, Hip Hop was something underground, and counter to mainstream culture. Post Hammer, Hip Hop began to be seen as a marketable commodity for the mainstream audience. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine mainstream culture without the influence of the underground movement known as Hip Hop. But as ring-tone rap and soundtrack singles began to dominate the radio, more focus was thrust on to the rap music element that existed within Hip Hop culture, and consequently, less attention was given to the underground elements of the movement. Today, we find this transformation almost complete.
But, that doesn’t mean that Hip Hop is dead. It just means that Hip Hop’s child, rap music, has grown up and moved out of the parent’s house. And Hip Hop is a little bit sick from the empty nest syndrome. But I think that Hip Hop is hitting it’s stride right now. Once Hip Hop accepts the fact that rap music is it’s own person, and that rap music isn’t going to come home to live with the parents again, Hip Hop can move on to enjoy it’s golden years.
And that’s exactly what this blog is about. Exposing the people who love Hip Hop to the many wonderful things that it has to offer in this post-rap music segment of it’s life. Through this blog, we will highlight musicians and artists who continue to produce meaningful, fulfilling works of inspiration despite the overwhelming odds against them. We will also serve as a sounding board for grievances against rap artists who make it hard for real Hip Hop to succeed, and hopefully, as a bridge between the two, to allow for a healthy relationship between Hip Hop and it’s offspring, rap music.
So if you love Mos Def, but aren’t sure who Tableek is, check back in and learn something. If you are goo-goo for Nas but don’t know Jay Electronica, this is your spot. If you think Lupe is crazy talented, but don’t know about Yaheeya Brown, stay tuned, cause this will be a place where you can get your education.
