I grew up on hip hop. Actually I grew up on soul music but I certainly came of age during the time that hip hop was considered groundbreaking, political, ingenious and FRESH! The hip hop I’m referring to is now considered “old school”. I’m talking about legends like Run DMC, Afrika Bambaataa, Kurtis Blow, Sugarhill Gang, Eric B. and Rakim, Salt and Pepa, Kool Moe Dee, Whodini, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Boogie Down Productions, UTFO, Blacksheep, A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, De La Soul, MC Lyte, MC Shan, NWA, Public Enemy, Jungle Brothers, Brand Nubian, Special Ed, Biz Markie, EPMD, Geto Boyz and the Fat Boys- just to name a few! Back before Will Smith was “Will Smith” the Actor but the goofy Fresh Prince whose rhyming skills were a’ight but his partner Jazzy Jeff’s turntable skills were tight! And back when Queen Latifah was making us feel the Wrath of Her Madness.
But as times changed so did hip hop. It became more violent, sexual and materialistic in nature and while I mourned the death of Tupac and Biggie, I never felt as connected to hip hop as I did back in the day. Now that I am a grown woman and mother I find myself turning away from stations that play the nonsensical “hip hop” of today because I find the lyrics too offensive and I don’t want my son running around the house repeating some of the trash that pollutes the airwaves.
I think there are several parents out there who can relate to my dilemma. How can I consider myself a child of hip hop and NOT want my child listening to the same music? The reason is simple: it’s not the same. And it’s a shame really because it’s a big part of our history and our culture. But there may be hope yet. . . .check out this collaboration just for the kids from some old school greats!
But as times changed so did hip hop. It became more violent, sexual and materialistic in nature and while I mourned the death of Tupac and Biggie, I never felt as connected to hip hop as I did back in the day. Now that I am a grown woman and mother I find myself turning away from stations that play the nonsensical “hip hop” of today because I find the lyrics too offensive and I don’t want my son running around the house repeating some of the trash that pollutes the airwaves.
I think there are several parents out there who can relate to my dilemma. How can I consider myself a child of hip hop and NOT want my child listening to the same music? The reason is simple: it’s not the same. And it’s a shame really because it’s a big part of our history and our culture. But there may be hope yet. . . .check out this collaboration just for the kids from some old school greats!
http://babyloveshiphop.com/
Okay, now I can't get the Dino 5 theme song out of my head! "Here come the, here come the Dino 5!"
Okay, now I can't get the Dino 5 theme song out of my head! "Here come the, here come the Dino 5!"
1 comment:
Don't feel bad I do the same thing. I can't listen to the radio unless it's a rock station or a station that plays a mix of music. The ignorance in hip hop right now is crazy.
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