Topic: Defending rap (for the zillionth time)
- Jun 30, 2006 08:28pm by nadia
So I got in a little debate today. There's a group of older gentlemen who hang out at the McDonald's off 14th (Truman Rd) and Prospect every morning, and on Fridays they have a formal discussion called Eggs and Enlightenment. With an itemized agenda and everything. It's headed by a guy named Sonny Gibson. There's a couple imams who hang out, and a former city councilman, and some community activists, and all kinds of other people drop by, week after week.
I've been going in relation to a story I'm writing, and usually I try to listen and keep my mouth shut. Which isn't hard since most of the time, guys are talking about the man and oppression and such, citing the Covenant wtih Black America and the Black Manifesto -- so I'm learning a lot. Bill Cosby coming to town was a big topic. It's a fun group of men, old revolutionary counter-culture types. But a few times, the topic has strayed to the decline of music, at which point these guys start showing their age by complaining about rap. When they're talking about what the radio plays, it's fine, but today just got ridiculous.
One guy actually said, and I shit you not, "They play it so loud because at really loud volumes, it gets them high."
Like, crack high. Ummmmmm. Right.
It's no surprise or tragedy that a bunch of 50-plus guys hate rap. But one man starts going off about how as a younger guy he listened to blues and jazz and his mother would tell him to cut that mess off, but blues and jazz were born out of the black struggle and oppression, a beautiful and creative response to frustration and disempowerment.
And I'm like, "Hold on. Why is it that blues and jazz can be legitimate forms of music, but rap, which was very obivously born of struggle and frustration and oppression, can't be legitimate also?"
Which really stirred the pot, to say the least. Everyone's yelling about how rap is today's jazz, or, no it's not, and the lyrics are terrible and blah blah blah...and really, none of these dudes has ever listened to the Coup or Little Brother or Talib Kweli or Outkast or Brother of Moses, for that matter, and additionally, they've never made it past line one of any little innocuous party song. ('Snap yo fingers' or "Lean wit it' is in no way less legitimate or worse than 'Do the twist,' is it? Even though it's basically musical Twinkies?)
These guys might have a point when it comes to Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, but I would argue that even when a song is glorifying the drug game, it's giving people something to listen to that shows them an empowered version of themselves. Yes, some slangin' dude is a negative image, but in some ways, it's a guy who's starting a one-man revolution, struggling to survive and make money outside the system, even if it is in a fucked up way, and I can understand why some people might mistakenly find it attractive. When you've been told you're no good all day, and then you hear a song that doesn't tell you to put your head down but tells you that you're a scary dude and that nobody should fuck with you, why wouldn't you blast it? But if you're (by "you're" i mean these old guys who have totally lost touch with young people) not at least listening to what these songs are telling you about reality, then you're just an old guy ranting in the middle of McDonald's.
Which is fine, but I've grown fond of these old guys ranting at McDonald's and I thought it might be nice to offer them a little hope.
So they demanded that next Friday, I come in with some proof to back up my assertations that all rap isn't mysogynistic, violent, pants-around-the-ankles garbage. They put me on the agenda. They want to know about the origins of rap and hip hop.
It might make you all a little uncomfortable that lil old NP is going to attempt to give an on-the-fly lesson in hip hop, and rightly so. so I'm hoping maybe someone will want to come and help keep my story straight. and tell theirs. Bro Mo? Rebel? Reach? Anyone? 8:30 am (ouch) on Friday, July 7 at the McD's on 14th and Prospect. I promise it will be entertaining and you'll help these guys realize that they're not the last generation to question the sociological makeup of Kansas City and the rest of the country. I was going to bring in a bunch of examples of my favorite lyrics that I know they've never heard before and that's what I'd advise anyone else to do if they want to show up. It's going to be fun.
Sorry about the loooooong post!
- Jun 30, 2006 08:37pm by MILES - [url]http://www.MilesBonny.com/[/url] Location: KCK
I would if i could. Play take ya time from SGoo B&G. Make them copies for something maybe.
- Jun 30, 2006 08:38pm by nadia
good idea!
- Jun 30, 2006 09:33pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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nadia if you will pick me up I will go with you. maybe my gray hair and 50th years can help. not to mention my jazz mama and hiphop sons. maybe I can speak from my life about the connections, linage, and continuations these musics share.
don't know maybe
- Jun 30, 2006 09:44pm by Lucidialect
Go get em! I mean that. It's a constant struggle to explain how one can be a fan of rap music and not endorse what one might hear on the radio or on television. Most people can't grasp the spectrum of rap and hiphop that actually exists out there.
Nadia, I'd be happy to help you make a master mix of sorts, full of dope positive, message saturated lyrics and good music. Something you could copy and distribute to these guys. And I think Necia could really school these guys on some game, as to some of the constructive ways hiphop has been used to help communities and instill proper values and steer kids generally towards a direction of light in bleak situations.
- Jun 30, 2006 11:21pm by nadia
thanks lucid! necia, it's on. i got your mcmuffin.
of course, we could come up with a killer argument...but if those dudes have heard that "you look better from behind" song, i'm gonna feel really challenged for a response.
song's gayer than the new superman....
- Jun 30, 2006 11:36pm by MIDDLEGROUND
PLAY SOME MAC LETHAL!!!!!!!!1
hahaha no on the real its always a lose/lose arguement when you "defend rap"
whether its within our own community or to some older gentlemen hanging out at McDowells.
definently I think that would be a good idea to have Necia go. as a member of the "older generation" (haha im sorry nec) it might put things into more of a perspective to them.
Im not sure what kinf of politics these men follow so Dead Prez and The Coup and even PE would definently be out of the question.
and IMO mc's such as slug, aesop and so forth arent really a good representation. either. But thats IMO.
I suggest something off De La's Grind Date.
Soundsgood would even do the trick from a local standpoint.
Again typically its always a lose/lose with the high majority of people.
By dad's biggest knock on rap "is they have filthy mouths and play no instruments" But wont even take the time to listen to The Roots
Best of luck
- Jul 1, 2006 12:53am by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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My mother hates D4L just as hers hated Little Richard just as my great-grandmother might've hated Benny Goodman.
It's ultimately a generational difference.
Necia's the exception to the rule. She's open-minded enough to see the parallels between Jazz and Rap music. I'd venture to guess that she's in the minority though.
Most of our elders won't understand Rap music anymore than they'll understand wearing a labeling sticker on a fitted baseball cap. I can't expect everyone to understand how different the world has become. Many of their complaints are valid, though they are almost entirely aimed at mainstream media. To know that there are other sub-genres within Rap music that don't objectify women and glorify violence they'd have to keep up with the artform. I take it as ignorance by those who simply don't know any better because they are outside of the pop culture loop. And that's okay...
I have a feeling that 30 years from now I'll have difficulty understanding the latest trends in music, fashion and overall youth culture.
It's rough trying to defend Rap.
I try not to get so ramped up about folk dissing Rap music anymore.
I just try to lead by example. Let my music speak for itself.
That's ultimately the best I can do anyway.
- Jul 1, 2006 01:45am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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most of you know that I've been working to formulate an all out response to the negative press hiphop culture gets. I believe it needs a two prong approach to be most effective:
1. Get Personal and Go Public with it
these are the ACTIONS I take daily when opportunities present themselves.
[b:d601bc1678]FACT:[/b:d601bc1678]
First, WE ARE the local hiphop culture so it falls to all of us to correct misconception about US wherever however and whenever WE CAN!
This means, do what you can to dispell misunderstanding every chance you get by any means available to you at the time.
[b:d601bc1678]ACTIONS:[/b:d601bc1678]
have that conversation with someone who is curious enough to ask what I understand about hiphop culture
I never miss an opportunity when interviewed by the press to celebrate Hiphop Culture. I am excited about the culture, hiphop gives me hope for our collective future, and I tell everyone what I see
play local and national music for anyone who will give me half a chance to actually hook them up and turn them on
invite them to attend any and all local hiphop events with me cuz I loves me some local music.
recommend books they can read, sell them cd's by local artists, invite them events I have for our community so they can meet and talk with hiphop culture 1st hand ( you are all so interesting and do a great job by just being yourself.)
[b:d601bc1678]MY INTENT: each one teach one[/b:d601bc1678]
FOR OURSELVES AND OTHERS
and from within our culture. . . . . . I want to create opportunities for us to constantly build and strengthen our Hiphop community.
ACTIONS:
Daily
I maintain hiphopkc.com, make sure that it has interesting, timely, thoughtful current content available for anyone who comes to the site.
Weekly
I attend at least 1 event but sometimes up to 4 events. pretty cool considering I don't have a car, and must arrange rides to do this
Quarterly, I sponsor and host CommunityPotlucks and artist workshops
host the first of many Celebrate hiphop Week as a way to build community and inform those who are curious about hiphop but don't know where to start
to this end, my next project is to create a series for communiversity called hiphop101 the series. 5-6 sessions that cover history, intro info about 4or 5 elements and ends with a field trip to a hiphop club night
IF each of us does what they can to answer the falsehoods leveled against hiphop in what ever way we can, I know it will make a difference for us personally and for the folks we share ourselves and knowledge with.
peace and yes as usual when I start thinking and visioning
I got long winded
nrg
- Jul 1, 2006 05:21pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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A group of elder gents had the same discussion 40 years ago.
Likely about Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.
It's not uncommon.
Generational differences are older than everyone in this forum.
The fact that I choose to fight the good fight without a picket sign doesn't make me any less dedicated to my craft or to the scene.
I will take every opportunity to address the misconceptions lobbed at the artform and culture-at-large, but only to a certain extent. You have to know when to 'agree to disagree'. Really it's okay... The culture's big enough to stand up against the misconceptions. It has since Day 1.
Rap doesn't need me to defend it.
It needs me to be an example.
That said, that's just my perspective.
As for everyone else... I wish you well in those endeavors.
- Jul 1, 2006 10:06pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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[quote:4a949f2769="Reach."]
It's not uncommon.
Generational differences are older than everyone in this forum.[/quote:4a949f2769]
nrg said:Often what I am reminded of, is that 2 am session between me and jamal, in our home, in the living room, using my stereo, to school me to as many of the nuiances as he could.
I was impressed by his willingness to share with me person to person, somehow he didn't let the fact that I was 27 years older than him interfere, but I know this is atypical for what usually is happening for MOST folks.
I also remember that my mom shared her jazz world with me as much and often as I was open to it. again unique, and again I am thankful
[quote:4a949f2769]The fact that I choose to fight the good fight without a picket sign doesn't make me any less dedicated to my craft or to the scene
I will take every opportunity to address the misconceptions lobbed at the artform and culture-at-large, but only to a certain extent. You have to know when to 'agree to disagree'. Really it's okay... The culture's big enough to stand up against the misconceptions. It has since Day 1.[/quote:4a949f2769].
nrg said:
I'm glad you lead and teach by example. For alot of folk, a picket sign, ranting, preaching and overt activism can be a turn off. I know most of US do what we can from our places to support this artform and culture.
[quote:4a949f2769]Rap doesn't need me to defend it.[/quote:4a949f2769]
on this we totally agree. in my zeal, I can come off like I'm defending rap music and /or HIPHOP Culture. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am being informative, I am doing what jamal and jaz did with me. I am sharing my love, excitment (hyped out), and hopefulness with anyone who is seeking (read open)
[quote:4a949f2769]It needs me to be an example. [/quote:4a949f2769]
Hiphop needs US to be who we are to the best of our ability and to carry that excellence into as many areas of our lives as we can (my thought)
[quote:4a949f2769]That said, that's just my perspective.
As for everyone else... I wish you well in those endeavors.[/quote:4a949f2769]
and a great perspective it is. do you know that saying "git in where you fit in" I like it cuz it honors that there are may ways to get to a place.
K I M Y'all
peace
these experiences along with those of you who have received me, accepted me, welcomed me 'IN" are why I do all that stuff above. I'm having fun most the time.
- Jul 2, 2006 10:37pm by phism
there are tons of songs you could play as evidence.
arguments are not worth it, usually.
that being said, fuck mcdonald's and eggs. yuck.
- Jul 3, 2006 12:59am by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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[quote:f5a16600ef="phism"]
that being said, fuck mcdonald's and eggs. yuck.[/quote:f5a16600ef]
Hush yo' mouth!!!
The Sausage & Egg McMuffin is that deal!!!
- Jul 3, 2006 02:15am by phism
ha.. i prefer the bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, although i don't like breakfast food.
i will admit sometimes i get the jones for mcdonald's fries or double cheeseburgers. and i haven't had a mac attack in a good long while. barring a fry run about 3 or 4 months ago, i haven't had mcdonald's in like 2 years...
- Jul 3, 2006 04:09am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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Lucid said [quote:bdde200da0]Nadia, I'd be happy to help you make a master mix of sorts, full of dope positive, message saturated lyrics and good music. Something you could copy and distribute to these guys. [/quote:bdde200da0]
Hey Lucid, you gonna do this master mix? I think it would be great cuz you know, people wanna take somethin home wid um hehehehee
and we got the hook up for um.
how many copies nadia will 10 do it?
- Jul 3, 2006 04:15am by Lucidialect
Man, something about the grease they fry their hashbrowns in. I go for the steak, egg and cheese bagel meal for breakfast. Really though, I haven't had that in several months. Ever since I've been able to afford to not eat fast food I've made it a "once in a blue moon" indulgence. As it should be.
Back to the real topic at hand... I think Reach and Necia are both great models of the positives that arise from hiphop culture.
Necia, I think it's amazing that you have been so willing to open yourself up to a culture you didn't grow up with. I've tried to talk to my parents a little about what hiphop really is about, and they might be slightly interested, mostly because of the enthusiasm I show for it maybe, but they would never accept it for themselves or let it affect their lives or anything. Cudos, for real, you represent to me the good things inherent in the culture worth fighting to preserve.
And I agree with Reach as far as, hiphop and rap will speak for themselves. If somebody has questions about hiphop I would personally always be glad to field them as best I can, but I'd be hella reluctant, and somewhat uninterested, in trying to change somebody's outlook towards the genre.
So the distinction is that I'm willing to share whatever music, videos or graff flicks I have with anybody who has their own driven interest in the culture. But I really have no interest in trying to change the mind of somebody who's already established an opinion of the culture without digging to see if their view point is truly substantiated.
For those who are willing to do this, I thank you. Somebody needs to do it. Good luck, and pick me up an apple pie. 😀
- Jul 3, 2006 04:18am by Lucidialect
And yeah, I'd be happy to put together a master mix. Ya'll trust my taste? heheheh... I'll make it good, I promise.
- Jul 3, 2006 04:42pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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[quote:32a61cfb56="Lucidialect"]
So the distinction is that I'm willing to share whatever music, videos or graff flicks I have with anybody who has their own driven interest in the culture. But I really have no interest in trying to change the mind of somebody who's already established an opinion of the culture without digging to see if their view point is truly substantiated.[/quote:32a61cfb56]
That's precisely what I was saying.
- Jul 3, 2006 06:27pm by Adru
fuck the bullshit
phil your a lucky dude
nadia rules
- Jul 3, 2006 07:12pm by Adru
i got gas money oif you pick me up
im a pretty good debater and shit
- Jul 3, 2006 09:12pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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exactly. this happens to me alot. and I would add a layer of open to, willing, available for, non resistance to although the other day I got hot with a group of 40-50 somethings.
I was surrounded with this kinda "yeah sure" energy as I was asked about hiphop and I lost it and got defensive. dammit, I knew instantly this was not the way to be with these biased minds, but I lost it just the same.
so I just owned it and went on into the meeting
- Jul 3, 2006 10:19pm by Lucidialect
Yeah, I feel you Necia. When I hit a brick wall in somebody's open-mindedness I just say "fuck it" and walk away. To me none of these people are worth losing my cool with. I feel that once they make me lose my cool, somehow they just won. Ionno... as long as my heart is convinced, it just doesn't matter who else cares or doesn't, you know?
I still think it's wonderful that you want to convince peope. I wouldn't have the energy for it though.
- Jul 4, 2006 01:46am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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that's just it, I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. I just enjoy hiphop culture and share that. the rest is a mystery to me.
I genuinely feel folks are just looking for someone to pose their curious questions to. you me reach jaz everybody. maybe I'm wrong about this.
- Jul 4, 2006 03:19am by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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I'm open to anybody who's open to having honest dialogue about it.
I just know when and where to steer clear of such discussions.
Like a good friend of mine.
He's gotten so jaded about rap that he believes there's absolutely no musicianship within it. Funny thing is, he owns Roots material. He's just gotten to the 'point of no return'. I could try convincing him until my face was blue and it wouldn't matter.
Others are willing to offer their objections with every intent of hearing me out. Those are the people I give my time and information to.
- Jul 4, 2006 04:07am by Lucidialect
Nah, you're not wrong. If anything I'm wrong for giving up on certain people.
The distinction to me is just what it is that's motivating somebody's curiosity. If somebody's curiosity is based purely off honest intrigue, from something they've heard or seen and want to know more about, cool, I think we should share our passions thoroughly.
But then some people seem to express curiosity like they think the explanation will be entertaining yet they have no true interest in what you're explaining to them. To them hiphop is a novelty. I just feel these interactions can be draining.
I remember reading once advice from a spiritual text saying that you have to watch who you try and convince of your faith, because some people are just not open to accepting it. It goes on to suggest maintaining as an extension of your beliefs in how you present yourself, but not trying to explain to somebody external of your belief system about your faith unless their interest is genuine.
What you're doing isn't what I'm saying I wouldn't do. I'm overly sensitive here. My motives in who I talk with about hiphop and who I don't is going to be far, far separate from yours. I got tired from years of "white boy" rapper questions. People that would be interested in what a "white boy" sounds like rapping are generally not hiphop fans. I got to the point that I talk to people in the scene, or who see me at a show. Otherwise I'm just a person to these people. And you know what, if I'm on the bus or at work, and I'm just rapping to myself, generally nobody cares. Maybe they think it's irregular, but no further than that.
Yeah, so I'd never want to criticize your methods Necia, and please don't ever feel that I am. I'm just dialoging here cause I know mother fuckers who read these threads ARE hiphop fans and might be able to give me spins on my perspective. Like I said, do your thug thizzle and we'll all be proud to have you as a spokesperson for our scene. That's real.
- Jul 4, 2006 04:26am by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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[quote:9bfa223d4c="Lucidialect"]
I remember reading once advice from a spiritual text saying that you have to watch who you try and convince of your faith, because some people are just not open to accepting it. It goes on to suggest maintaining as an extension of your beliefs in how you present yourself, but not trying to explain to somebody external of your belief system about your faith unless their interest is genuine.[/quote:9bfa223d4c]
Not sure if this is the particular passage you were referring to, but it came to my mind during this discussion.
Proverbs 26:4-5
[b:9bfa223d4c]4 Don't answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.[/b:9bfa223d4c]
- Jul 4, 2006 04:36am by Lucidialect
Nah Reach, it was a buddhist doctrine. But that's a good passage. Well said.
- Jul 4, 2006 04:47am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
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our conversation reminds me over and over that there are many paths to the same end. I am just glad to be counted among you and proud of what all of you do get out to the people. I love the creativity and sincerity of it. I hope we will all continue to lift each other up until those who choose to soar from our love of this culture.
enjoying the sentiments we are sharing right now. thanks feels good
- Jul 4, 2006 04:49pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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Having both sides of the coin brings about balance.
I wish everyone well in their endeavors to fight the misconceptions that our beloved culture is often faced with.
- Jul 6, 2006 02:41pm by nadia
This conversation is awesome.
Hadn't checked this site in a couple days, sorry...
Yes, ten copies of a progressive hip hop mix would be perfect.
Agh, Friday is tomorrow!
So if anyone would like to be represented when we talk to these dudes in the morning, but can't make it, do this:
Post up your favorite example of a song, or a line from a song, that would refute the assumption that hip hop is all pussy poppin' and murder, on this thread.
("she said she thought hip hop was only guns and alcohol. i said aw, hell naw. but yet, it's that, too. Don't discrimihate cause you done read a book or two." --Outkast, Humble Mumble, Stankonia.) kinda like that.
and I'll put it on a sheet that i'll pass around the table tomorrow.
I don't expect to change anyone's mind but just imagine: it's like these guys have lived in a cardboard box for the last ten years, only being fed the very worst of hip hop, and you have the opportunity to show them that there's a whole musical cuisine they've never, ever tried. the opportunity to introduce them to some tasty samples is going to be fun, that's all. they'll probably drive home, turn on the radio, hear E40 and hate rap all over again on Saturday morning but at least then they'll have a basis for what the fuck they're talking about instead of wandering around town drawing weird conclusions like they are right now....
Thank you! And Necia -- I'll pick you up round 8am?
- Jul 6, 2006 03:17pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
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"Like thoughts out the back of my mind
Going back in some time
Like when you used to cut and had to go to the back of the line
Look back and you find
Tracks that make you relax and recline
Now cats rap about packing a nine
When they lacking divine
Inspiration
Running out of topics of conversation"
Talib Kweli, "Memories Live"
- Jul 6, 2006 03:23pm by Adru
id be lying if i said i didnt wanna make millions
but more than money saved,i wanna save children
dealing with alcoholism and afro-centricity
a complex man driven off simpicity
--common
children of the grave to kill or to be saved.....
--ill bill
a roach can live 9 days without its head but you cant--ha ha,immortal
technique
never no more--souls of mischief
life is parallel to hell but i must maintain--nas
- Jul 6, 2006 03:31pm by Adru
MISPHIT--
i spit directly in the face of every one of my enemies,
a spirit to fearless to ever run from death or treachery
i'll have you choking on your words for blatently disrespectin me-
like a white kid trying to justify his racist tendancies,
my mental posseses more heavy weapondry than missle silos
hit you like tripple dipped trip mixed with crimson tipped hydro
this is reality in the form of a cyanide pill....
for the devils that know the facts and yet denyin em still-
yet i instill a rightous will in the lives of their children
these arrogent parents is unaware of the young minds their killin
some is gettin straight a's and cant walk a straight line
janie got a gun aimed at all the pain in her mind
numb from 151 rum,but she'll say shes fine.....
lettin some frat faggot basically rape her daily from behind
& johnny's locked in the hospital healin his slit wrists
layin in bed shakin with a ritalin fix...
this planets cracked in half at its axis growin more cold & morbid
as if the whole worlds been broke and tore from its own orbit
politicians hold us hostage as we all grope for air
stealing our daily bread while preaching the lords prayer....
quick 20 fo you
- Jul 6, 2006 04:17pm by nadia
nice, nice!
keep it comin'!
- Jul 6, 2006 09:54pm by Adru
who are we to say who lives or dies,breathes or stops,
all this hating on other lives needs stop..
what are we livin for,given more back from takin
on my knees still prayin for my own salvaton
its so easy to accept things after they done
babies catchin murder cases scared to laugh at the sun...."
pac--tupac and the outlaws album--the good die young
and no j.d. there was no ghost writer
ever
- Jul 6, 2006 11:50pm by Krisna - "We live in an intensely political age and theory and historical experience show us that the condition of any artistic development is an uncompromising hostility to the values of Stalinism and to those of American bourgeois society."
-CLR James
Adru, I don't want to blow your head up anymore than it already is, but the verse I just read was incredible.
Nadia, I got your message. I haven't had an opportunity to read everything, mainly because this is such a long thread. I will, however, try to summarize my position on these individuals as briefly as possible.
Intellectuals will never, ever, ever define mass culture. Hip-Hop's sole justification, Nadia, is that it [i:9552e96c13]is[/i:9552e96c13]. And not only is, but is a mass participatory and democratic organism. Jazz and hip-hop have much in common, but jazz failed to assimilate to the times the way hip-hop has.
Nadia, you are an incredibly intelligent and gifted writer, but it is my humble opinion that you are wasting your time with these music conservatives. No matter how many thought provoking lyrics you show them, they lack the ability to accept our culture on its terms. And thats it. Its our terms, Nadia, not theirs. And that is exactly why we shouldn't even validate them with overtly political lyrics, because hip-hop has dispensed, for the time being, with that form.
If I wasn't working during those hours, I would love to come and badger these windbags until I or they turn blue. But I just don't have that time. Thanks for checking the blog, Nadia. Please keep stopping by. Let us know how the meeting tomorrow goes.
Comradely yours,
Mr. Krisna Best
- Jul 7, 2006 08:37am by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
[quote:1f0752aabd]Thank you! And Necia -- I'll pick you up round 8am?[/quote:1f0752aabd]
Perfect Nadia
- Jul 7, 2006 04:47pm by nadia
I don't quite have time at the moment to give everyone who cares the play-by-play of this morning's discussion at McDonald's, but it was great.
Necia really gave it to 'em -- they hadn't had anyone get in their faces like that in a while, you could tell!
Afterwards, they gave her an award. No kidding.
I don't think we changed anyone's mind, but I definitely think people had to realize that by not embracing hip hop, they were being old and left behind. Some of 'em are okay with that. And we had some people who agreed with us, too...Ron McMillan from Move Up, who actually, regularly holds conversations with young people all the time, had our back. He said that he remembered being in the Bronx, standing on the street corner singing do-wop when some kids came up and started rapping. He said he thought it would never catch on. Whoops.
But just to give you an idea of who we were contending with...the moderator, Sonny Gibson, tried to give us an example of what he found offensive in music. And his example was this song they play on the radio, something about "In Between the Sheets."
I was like, "Hold on. You have a problem with the Isley Brothers?!" Damn.
I'm not sure there's anything we can tell that dude. He gets upset when people misspell words with "z"s and switch the syntax of words around to get them to rhyme...I guess he's a language purist. And anyone who can't have fun with the language is going to have some serious trouble with hip hop.
Sigh.
- Jul 7, 2006 05:08pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
ahhhhhh the exhiliaration of healthy discourse and debate!
what a treat. It was so nice I'm gon do it twice!
see you next friday miss nadia
These are really fine people who have been left too long with their own thoughts. folk who seek out those who reflect them back to themselves.
this is a human condition. Not many people challenge themselves to hang with someone who believes completely different from them.
they were a change for me and me a change for them. this was a magical combination.
There was so much that could have been said that there was no time for, in the end I think what matters most is that we came together and put our thoughts out for all to examine. we are ALL better for that.
hey, I've been invited back amazing huh
peace
nrg
- Jul 7, 2006 05:47pm by Lucidialect
Good job you two. While you two were out saving hiphop, I was asleep. Haha, I'm sure Necia was the last thing they expected. I wish I could have seen that.
- Jul 7, 2006 05:53pm by JDFlow - [url=http://www.my.rawkus.com/profile/jdflow]JDFlow on Rawkus[/url]
[url=http://www.myspace.com/jdflow]JDFlow on Myspace[/url]
[url=http://ccedistribution.blogspot.com/]Distribution & Marketing[/url] Location: Seattle
[quote:ca59dc269d="Adru"]and no j.d. there was no ghost writer
ever[/quote:ca59dc269d]
I felt the same way after reading the interview, but what reason do they have to lie about it?
- Jul 7, 2006 06:02pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
www.emceereach.com
www.myspace.com/reach
www.twitter.com/emceereach
www.youtube.com/reachtv
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
Glad you guys had a great time.
This reminds me... Necia I have an idea I need to run past you...
I'll call you this weekend.
- Jul 7, 2006 06:47pm by NRG - livin the art that is life !
www.64111clinic.com fam
www.nrginmotion.com massage
www.myspace.com/nrginmotion world community Location: havenhouse KCK/ 64111 Clinic 4 Life
[quote:d81ad28c45]I'll call you this weekend.[/quote:d81ad28c45]
cooool I'll be listening 4 ya
necia
ps maybe we can stroll the 39th while we chat anyway was fun last time
- Jul 7, 2006 06:48pm by Reach. - Peace and oneness,
www.emceereach.com
www.myspace.com/reach
www.twitter.com/emceereach
www.youtube.com/reachtv
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic2
www.cdbaby.com/cd/reachmusic Location: Kansas City
[quote:8badd59664="NRG"][quote:8badd59664]I'll call you this weekend.[/quote:8badd59664]
cooool I'll be listening 4 ya
necia
ps maybe we can stroll the 39th while we chat anyway was fun last time[/quote:8badd59664]
It's always a pleasure.
- Jul 7, 2006 07:49pm by Adru
theres not much to be said for people that go their entire lives hating their own people.what do you think reach?by the way,where exactly can i peep your Video...?
im in the works to make a video for my first single
doin it big,ha ha
what up phil....:)that just popped in my head
p.s.--stacey--ive actually slept on a rock--its doable with a couple sweat bands over it
- Jul 7, 2006 07:57pm by Adru
oh yea--j.d.--envy and hate kid,hate to say it
krisna--my head isnt as big as you might think actually i only where a 7 and a quarter fitted,lol...
but thanks a lot for the comments on that verse--i actually got about 40 more bars to go with it for an intro.
yea...its alright,could use some revising
hard drugs can do wonders,hypothetically speaking
