HIP HOP VS. AMERICA

A controversial debate over the state of Hip-Hop and how it affects America's youth aired on BET September 25Th, 2007. Rappers like Nelly along with other artist argued with Dr. Cornell West, Rev. Al Sharpton and other African American cultural critiques, that Hip-Hop is an "art form". But, many politicians believe Hip-Hop is poisoning the youth of America, promoting acts of violence and sexually behavior. Rappers like T.I., stated that "Hip-Hop is of form of expression and I'm gonna rap about what I see. If I see violence, then that's what my songs gon' be about". Politicians feel there is a need to silence and band certain Hip-Hop songs and videos to keep the violence out of this country.


I particularly disagree with the statement that Hip-Hop induces acts of violence and sex. I disagree because there are many other forms of music and media that shows these themes, such as movies and T.V. shows. This was also another argument made by artist Nelly. I believe that politicians choose to pick on Hip-Hop because a majority of it's listeners and participants in the art form are African-American or Latin-American.

Gun violence in particular is the most common act of violence believed to be caused by Hip-Hop songs. Also, gang violence which has been around decades before the birth of the art form, is thought to be caused by rappers like 50 Cent, Fat Joe, etc. Many times in the past politicians have failed at trying to boycott certain rap albums like, 2Pac and 2LiveCrew. I think if politicians feel there is a need to stop certain Hip-Hop artist then artists from other genres should be banned as well.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/393422/hiphop_vs_america.html

Jamaican "Politricks"

Robert Nesta Marley also Known as Bob "Tuff Gong" Marley, like many other artist, has inspired the people of his country to rise above during times of oppression and impoverishment. Much of this influenced his music as well as "political discontent with the government and it's policies". Much of Marley's work influenced the people of Jamaica to rise up and fight for their rights. During the early 60's Jamaica had just become independent, yet there was still economic impoverishment and in equality. Bob Marley and the Wailers, his reggae group, used music as a way to communicate the political strangle hold on Jamaica. Songs like "Get up, stand up", tell people to rise above oppression and what the "Tuff Gong" calls "politricks", the belief in which the government tricks it's people to power.

He had a very "undeniable influence on the outcome of elections" in Jamaica. So much that when he performed at the, non-political, Smile Jamaica Concert, followed by an announcement of a national election by Prime Minister Manley. This made Marley look like an endorsement for Manley. Manley's opponent, Edward Seaga immediately took action and had death threats sent directly at Marley. Two days before a planned festival that Marley was to perform in, several gunmen ambushed Marley with automatic gun fire. Marley was wounded, as well as his wife, Rita Marley, who survived a gunshot to the head. Marley still played the festival and went into to exile for 14 months. About a year later, at the One Love Peace Concert, Marley arranged the two politicians to set aside their differences and shake hands. This created a "cease fire era" between the two politicians.

http://www.hermosarecords.com/marley/politics.html

http://www.rasta-man-vibration.com/jamaican-politics.html

VOTE OR DIE!!!

A campaign launched in 2004 by actor/businessman/producer/designer Sean "Diddy" Combs supported by his non-profit organization "Citizen Change", is a new movement which aims at a goal that many politicians have always failed in the past. It's goal is to get young people to use their right to vote and make a change. This new movement uses music and fashion to reach to America's youth. Many celebrities such as, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Sean "Jay-Z" Carter, Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mya, Gwen Stefani, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Oprah, Mariah Carey, Terry "Hulk" Hogan, Nick Cannon, Xzibit, Nichole Ritchie, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Trina, Hilary Duff, & many more. Most of these celebrities are role models for a majority of America's youth.

I think this is a good method to get the youth of America to vote. I feel this because if many young males between the ages of 18 to 21 see their favorite artsist like Jay-Z or Pharrell sporting the "Vote Or Die" t-shirt, this may inspire them to get out and vote. Also, artist like Alicia Keys or Hilary Duff will inspire many young women to vote and young girls who will be coming of age to vote in future elections.

http://www.frequencymagazine.com/music/headlines/voteordie.shtml