Is there good Rap?

Peter Kim · 08-13-2003, 06:45 PM

First off, I'm not an expert in the field of rap music. But as pop culture seems to be more permeated with what was once a fringe music genre and now has crossed over as mainstream culture, I cannot escape incessant references, direct or otherwise.

Subsequently, rather than stick my head in a hole, I'd like to make a genuine attempt to understand its appeal or debunk the myth. Presently, from what I've seen, rap has transmogrified from a niche sound to a cultural phenomenon that wraps itself around a core of materialism, misogyny, violence, and ignorance...and in the world of rap, these 'principles' are regarded as badges of honor.

In our distinctly pc-society, why is this code given free pass when other combustible issues are beheaded and imploded before reaching critical mass? For example, gangland violence and pimping ho's have become acceptable, cool 'noise', while Hunting for Bambi has been banned and investigated for illegality.

Inevitably, some might characterize my analysis as anti-pc/racist generalization, but I believe I've arrived at this point not solely based on a cursory glance of our contemporary landscape. I watch MTV a lot, listen to pop music, make frequent visits to malls, and have a diverse group of friends.

And from what I've witnessed, as the vicissitudes of rap culture take on a more virulent and absent tone, it gathers more velocity, especially in the dominant, white majority. Bizarre.

So, am I missing something? I don't completely subscribe to the belief that succeeding generations develop a more callous hide, resulting in a greater acceptance of depravity. I also believe that a thoughtful discussion of the pitfalls of any culture or race shouldn't be knee-jerked as racist or hateful diatribe (an example to illustrate and to break the ice...I find it 'distasteful' to 'eat dog' and think US troops should toss the mantle of 'tripwire' and abandon the DMZ).

Thoughts?

Michael Hein · 08-13-2003, 06:51 PM

The best rap is from the late 1980s

Philip_G · 08-13-2003, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Presently, from what I've seen, rap has transmogrified from a niche sound to a cultural phenomenon that wraps itself around a core of materialism, misogyny, violence, and ignorance...and in the world of rap, these 'principles' are regarded as badges of honor.

pretty much from what I've seen also. Some of the 90's hip hop isn't bad, I'm quite fond of the old tribe called quest stuff.

Rain · 08-13-2003, 07:15 PM

I have a theory that what has happened to rap music in only a few short years is similar to what has happened to country music over the past few decades. Basically the rawness of the genre has been fading, making way to a more pop-ish sound.

I mean, really, can anyone legitimately claim that Shania Twain is a country artist or that 50 Cent is a rap artist (what the hell was Eminem thinking?). They are both pop artists, pure and simple.

The only person in my mind who is still serving up the goods in rap music today is (ironically enough, since I just dissed his "discovery"), Eminem. Love him or hate him, he's one clever little bastard.

If you want to delve into some older rap, I would recommend the following albums to you, as a start:

LL Cool J: Radio; Mama Said Knock You Out
Public Enemy: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back; Fear of a Black Planet; Apocalypse '91: The Enemy Strikes Back
Run DMC: Run DMC
Ice-T: O.G.: Original Gangster

With rap music, it is essential that you keep in mind that what is being said is not necessary intended to be taken literally. Rap is a very in-your-face style and often what is being said is meant as effect and intended to solicit a very strong reaction from listeners.

Have fun "Kickin' it old school."

Jeff Kleist · 08-13-2003, 07:51 PM

Nothing today, at least in the mainstream acts is much good. All the musicality that rap had went right out the window. Now it's all about a bunch of thugs "keepin it real" and dialing in a few backbeats.

**HTF Ads**

Ricky Hustle · 08-13-2003, 07:55 PM

Is there any good rap after Grand Master Flash?

dave_brogli · 08-13-2003, 08:22 PM

I hate rap now. I think its all the same and its more about the personna then the rap. I mean how clever is fity cent birthday song.......

Growing up I loved rap. My favorite from back then was.....

Ghetto Boys
and NWA. (both kinda raunchy but not to bad)

I agree with Rain on the Public Enemy also... cleaner and more upbeat, and political
kind of like the rage aginst the machine of rap.

oo oo oo Also DJ quick was good........

and we can never forget the UNBELEIVABLE TALENT OF VANILLA ICE!lol

oh and if your looking to possible get into rap. Try the Judgement Day (Leary,Estevez,Gooding Jr. movie)Soundtrack.........

its great, a collection of rap meets whatever other type of music that would be considered. you who have heard this soundtrack know what im saying........

Ashley Seymour · 08-13-2003, 08:25 PM

I am subjected to hip-hop because I have a 20 year old son who seems to buy a new cd every two weeks.

To me it is the classic trait of youth to embrace that which pushes the socially acceptable envelope. Two male deer, elk, rams, etc. joust to determine dominance and the ability to breed to their harem. The "in your face" nature of rap and the total distancing from the traditional melodic underpinnings of "music" makes it a good venue for young males to strut about.

I have had discussions with my son concerning whether hip-hop is even music. It seems like a short poem spoken in a boring monotone set to a series of unimaginative measures with a predominate heavy handed low frequency over amplified thread.

For what it attempts to do it is quite successful and effective. For anyone raised on more traditional music, it sounds like annoying dissonance.

Patrick Sun · 08-13-2003, 08:36 PM

I might like it more if those rap artist could somehow show that they could carry a tune once in a while.

Jeff Kleist · 08-13-2003, 08:47 PM

You guys should check out Dragon Ash. A Japanese group that successfully fuses rock, punk and even folk in with hiphop. They carry a tune, and even when just going hardcore end up being musical.

The cycle is starting to shift again. A whole new generation is ready for rock again, and are sick of generic corporate acts, boy bands and rap. It's time for rock again

And of course, 4-5 years from now, it'll be time for it again

Holadem · 08-13-2003, 09:02 PM

Quote:

rather than stick my head in a hole, I'd like to make a genuine attempt to understand its appeal or debunk the myth.

Kim, whether you end up liking rap or hating it, your open-mindedness is commendable.

Quote:

I mean how clever is fity cent birthday song.......

It isn't meant to be clever. It isn't even meant to say anything worth remembering. It is PARTY music. As such, in the proper setting, it can be very hard for me to listen to this without wanting to DANCE.

EDITED: to add that DANCING to a BEAT is an absolutely essential part of "black culture" everywhere. That is the sole purpose of the much maligned (around here anyway) monotonous bass heavy tracks.

--
Holadem