My Two Cents

A lot of people are really upset over Kev's rant. According to what I've been getting via email, the majority believe that he is completely wrong. Also, they want me to make a rebuttal of sorts. People assume that I am in disagreement with with Kev. First off, I'm not sure how that conclusion could be drawn from six posts. Second, Kevin has a point.

His statement is part of the reason why I haven't been reviewing albums. They would all be exactly the same. Another MC from "the hood" comes in out of nowhere (aka Atlanta), creates a catchy single that appeals to kids ages 10-15, puts out an album to crappy reviews, and still goes gold in a month. If this formula sounds familiar, then you know all about that waste of talent Soulja Boy. The only difference is that these new talentless talents aren't using youtube to make their skid mark on the world. In that aspect, we are in total agreement. The formula has been used so many times. It's grown so old and repetitive that it has effected sales and the overall appeal of the genre of music I love.

In terms of lyrics, I once again agree. Of course, there are some variations to the formula. Every now and then, meaning every 10 albums, you might see an artist talk about a girl in a positive manner. You might even hear a song that doesn't have to do with sex, money, upbringing, or cars. Unfortunately, that is few and far between. And the blame does have to be passed around between the artist with no creativity, the record label for signing the talentless f***, and of course the consuming public. Yes, I blame us, the same people that know what is wrong with this business and do nothing but feed in to all the wrong that some of us (including Kev) are trying to make right.

So, instead of a flat out disagreement to the rant, I'm going to come up with some sort of solution. Basically, it's what I think the industry can do in order to get the government off our backs, make the music fun again, and possibly gain fans besides hood rats and suburban white kids. Now this solution is very simple to execute. First, the record labels have to fire their current talent scouts and look for new ones. The current scouts only look for what is already out there and that is exactly what need to change. Get some people (like myself and Kev), that are willing to pass on what is already there. Second, the labels and the consumer have to be willing to accept change. Arista did so by signing Lupe Fiasco. How is he different? He talks about children fighting wars and giant robots. Who's else does that? Answer, other artists that you won't give a chance. This solution is really simple, but I have a feeling nothing will change anytime soon. We are so fixed in our ways and the labels are content with the money that they are making. In my opinion, when things, that's when the real money will come in. Third, we need to get both extreme factions to shut up!! The anti-rap people have to realize that they are trying to take away a first amendment right and the rap activists have to stop making material for the other side. Both sides are so clouded in their beliefs that they do not realize that each has good ideas. I could go into extreme detail, but that would take quite some time. Time I do not want to spend.

I'm not saying we need a complete overhaul. I'm saying we need a fresh start. We are going to have the hardcore MC that is going to "stay true" to the essence of hip hop. We'll just use those guys as comparisons to what should be done. We need to find that new thing that could revitalize our genre and make it fun again. Kev has some legit gripes. I just hope we could find some solutions.

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