I have been getting a distinct impression that most of us involved in the Hip Hop culture generally admit that the state of the rap world today is on a life support system. Rappers are claiming to have the new flava, but their cheerleading style leaves most of us with that sour, bitter taste in our mouths.
Concurrently, there is a large group of old school rap stars (which is becoming a lot larger by the way) that are saying out loud, “we need to bring back the real Hip Hop!” So what exactly do they mean by that term? Are they simply stating the music aspect, or are they suggesting that the culture is being displayed in a phony manner?
I’ve already expressed my analysis of today’s vibe in my previous article Weeds in Hip Hop, yet let it be known that Weeds are only part of the problem. I am not one electing to bring back the real Hip Hop in their general terms. Instead I vote to bring back the TRUE Hip Hop in all of its glory!
So where do we start? How can it be done?
I believe the first step is to quit the finger pointing (this also includes me, myself and I) then show and teach those who are guilty of putting the rap world in ICU the history of the art form of rap. I strongly believe by bringing back the true Hip Hop, as in culture, we must go all the way back to the very beginning.
How do we do that you ask?
Well, what needs to happen is the MC, the rap artist, and the rapper must once again, and forever, share the stage with a DJ, and demonstrate the magical collaboration amongst the both of them. Now I am not talking about having the DJ continue the pathetic tradition of being a prop! I am talking about going all the way back to the very beginning of having the DJ back-spinning break beats as the MC, the rap artist, or the rapper rocks the Hip Hop audience.
Another thing that needs to happen in bringing back the true Hip Hop is we must demand, and make it mandatory, for every single rap video to have a minimum of five scenes showing a Graff Writer doing a burner. The same must be done for the B-Boy or B-Girl doing what they do best on the dance floor. I really do mean this must be done in every single last rap video showing these other elements of the Hip Hop culture!
The one most important thing that we all need to remember, and never ever forget, is that true Hip Hop was born raw, wearing street clothes. Unfortunately, we’ve somehow allowed the bloodsucking corporate machine to have Hip Hop music put on a three-piece suit and hence the reason why true Hip Hop culture is kept in storage covered in cobwebs.
