The Rise and Fall of the Rapper and Rap Music!
I remember back in the day when rapping was all about the art. One expressing himself through lyrics. Nowadays, most rappers are only in it for the money, how much bling they can wrap around their wrists and necks, and most of them are young, confused puppets of corporate America. What's worse is that most of them know this and yet they continue as if nothing's awry.
Over the years, the quality of good rappers and music has declined, and the rise of mediocre rappers and music has blossomed at an alarming rate. Back in the day, rappers knew who they were, what their identity was, and were willing to make a name for themselves by their lyrical talents. It was considered taboo to use someone else's name, lyrics or their identity. Back then rappers only rapped about what they'd lived, or had seen first hand. In "the good old days" of rap, MCs would call each other out and battle with their lyrical skills. After a winner was decided by an energetic crowd, the two would shake hands and go their separate ways. But so much has changed since then.
Rappers are killing each other, going back and forth to prison, fighting and so much more to keep up the fictional images that they're portraying. These days, most of the rappers want to be gangsters, famous drug dealers, and even pimps. Tell me, why is it so hard to just be yourself? Don't these industry puppets understand that all of the real gangsters, drug dealers, and pimps are either dead or in prison serving long bids? Most of them probably wish that they were rappers instead of spending 30 years of their life (or longer) inside federal and state prison walls. It's funny how rappers want to be the gangsters and drug dealers and the other "real" gangsters want to do something positive and legitimate.
The last few years of rap music has been rough. The decline has reached an all time low. CD sales are down and steadily falling. Most rappers are happy to sell 100,000 copies of their album. I remember one time when less than 500,000 copies sold would get you kicked off a label. Now the media and corporate America control the rap game. They can make or break an artist, whether he or she is good or not. It's all about packaging and marketing. Talent is no longer a requirement. Sources like BET, MTV, MySpace, and others dictate who will make it and who will fail. They (and so many others) are the puppet masters that are now in total control of the music industry. And we're buying it: hook, line, and sinker. Now, being the most talented rapper or MC, or even the best producer is no longer important. Either you play their game, by their rules, or you don't play at all.
In order for us to fix this problem, we must first learn everything there is to know about the music business. Knowledge is the key to success! And this applies to everything in life, not just the rap game. You must be yourself and create your own name, image, and identity. No one likes or respects a fake. Most importantly, you NEED desire. Call it ambition, mix in a little self discipline, and pretty soon you will be able to succeed. But this is no simple task. This path is filled with peril, back-stabbing, debauchery, and greed. Stay focused, keep your mind clean, and fight. These are the tools that will help you to achieve your goals. If you must focus on a specific trait, let it be discipline. In the book BUILT TO LAST it says: "Discipline is the greatest thing in the world. Where is no discipline, there is no character. And without character, there is no progress."
Rappers and rap music have a chance, but not until we take control of our own destinies and go back to the original meanings and art form. We are giving the puppet masters the shovels to dig our own graves.
Sincerely,
Freeway Ricky Ross and Jimmy DaSaint
P.S. - Rap is not dead, it's just barely hanging... on life support.
Over the years, the quality of good rappers and music has declined, and the rise of mediocre rappers and music has blossomed at an alarming rate. Back in the day, rappers knew who they were, what their identity was, and were willing to make a name for themselves by their lyrical talents. It was considered taboo to use someone else's name, lyrics or their identity. Back then rappers only rapped about what they'd lived, or had seen first hand. In "the good old days" of rap, MCs would call each other out and battle with their lyrical skills. After a winner was decided by an energetic crowd, the two would shake hands and go their separate ways. But so much has changed since then.
Rappers are killing each other, going back and forth to prison, fighting and so much more to keep up the fictional images that they're portraying. These days, most of the rappers want to be gangsters, famous drug dealers, and even pimps. Tell me, why is it so hard to just be yourself? Don't these industry puppets understand that all of the real gangsters, drug dealers, and pimps are either dead or in prison serving long bids? Most of them probably wish that they were rappers instead of spending 30 years of their life (or longer) inside federal and state prison walls. It's funny how rappers want to be the gangsters and drug dealers and the other "real" gangsters want to do something positive and legitimate.
The last few years of rap music has been rough. The decline has reached an all time low. CD sales are down and steadily falling. Most rappers are happy to sell 100,000 copies of their album. I remember one time when less than 500,000 copies sold would get you kicked off a label. Now the media and corporate America control the rap game. They can make or break an artist, whether he or she is good or not. It's all about packaging and marketing. Talent is no longer a requirement. Sources like BET, MTV, MySpace, and others dictate who will make it and who will fail. They (and so many others) are the puppet masters that are now in total control of the music industry. And we're buying it: hook, line, and sinker. Now, being the most talented rapper or MC, or even the best producer is no longer important. Either you play their game, by their rules, or you don't play at all.
In order for us to fix this problem, we must first learn everything there is to know about the music business. Knowledge is the key to success! And this applies to everything in life, not just the rap game. You must be yourself and create your own name, image, and identity. No one likes or respects a fake. Most importantly, you NEED desire. Call it ambition, mix in a little self discipline, and pretty soon you will be able to succeed. But this is no simple task. This path is filled with peril, back-stabbing, debauchery, and greed. Stay focused, keep your mind clean, and fight. These are the tools that will help you to achieve your goals. If you must focus on a specific trait, let it be discipline. In the book BUILT TO LAST it says: "Discipline is the greatest thing in the world. Where is no discipline, there is no character. And without character, there is no progress."
Rappers and rap music have a chance, but not until we take control of our own destinies and go back to the original meanings and art form. We are giving the puppet masters the shovels to dig our own graves.
Sincerely,
Freeway Ricky Ross and Jimmy DaSaint
P.S. - Rap is not dead, it's just barely hanging... on life support.
Tags: culture, future, hip-hop, music, rap
Views: 22
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by rofresh west coast king on -
we gone hittem hard next year rick trust me ima showem what real music can do just let me know when the ship ready to sail im on yo heels like robot (we westcoast kings) R.O.
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Permalink Reply by NEKO PINEIRO on
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THIS IS A BUSINESS A VERY BIG ONE AT THAT.HAVING THE MINDSET THAT YOUR MUSIC ALONE IS GONNA CHANGE IT IS THE VERY REASON THE GAME IS THE WAY IT IS.NO MORALS OR INTEGRITY.WHAT WOULD YOU DO OR SAY FOR A MILLION DOLLARS,FAME AND THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWING WHO YOU ARE?.IF YOU CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION TRUTHFULLY THEN THATS HALF THE BATTLE.DONT CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR RIGHTEOUS AND JUST WAYS FROM A MUSIC INDUSTRY THAT WAS BUILT FROM THE BEGINNING ON CORRUPT AND UNJUST PRACTICES.ITS ALMOST LIKE A BLACK PERSON SAYING THEY ARE GONNA JOIN THE KKK AND CHANGE THEM.SOME OF OUR POTENTIAL GREAT LEADERS HAVE CONFORMED TO THIS MUSIC GAME.BECAUSE MAKE NO MISTAKE. TO WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT REALLY DOESNT. HAVE YOUR PEOPLES BEST INTREST AT HEART IS KIND OF INSANE TO SAY THE LEAST.THATS WHY WE SHOULD SEEK POWER,WEALTH AND INFLUENCE THROUGH OTHER AVENUES.SO WE CAN SHOW THE KIDS THAT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO BE SUCCESSFUL BESIDES RAPPING AND BEING A ATHLETE.BECAUSE BELIEVE ME THE MAN THAT SIGNS JAY Z CHECKS DIDNT START OUT AS A RAPPER.I HOLLA BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOREVER.BUT IM A LEAVE YOU WITH THIS BE CAREFUL WHO AND WHAT YOU LOOK FOR ACCEPTANCE FROM BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET WELCOME INTO A BURNING HOUSE!!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by NEKO PINEIRO on
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THIS IS A BUSINESS A VERY BIG ONE AT THAT.HAVING THE MINDSET THAT YOUR MUSIC ALONE IS GONNA CHANGE IT IS THE VERY REASON THE GAME IS THE WAY IT IS.NO MORALS OR INTEGRITY.WHAT WOULD YOU DO OR SAY FOR A MILLION DOLLARS,FAME AND THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWING WHO YOU ARE?.IF YOU CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION TRUTHFULLY.AND SAY YOU DONT HAVE A PRICE TAG AND WOULDNT SELL OUT. THEN THATS HALF THE BATTLE.DONT CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR RIGHTEOUS AND JUST WAYS FROM A MUSIC INDUSTRY THAT WAS BUILT FROM THE BEGINNING ON CORRUPT AND UNJUST PRACTICES.ITS ALMOST LIKE A BLACK PERSON SAYING THEY ARE GONNA JOIN THE KKK AND CHANGE THEM.SOME OF OUR POTENTIAL GREAT LEADERS HAVE CONFORMED TO THIS MUSIC GAME AND SOLD US OUT.BECAUSE MAKE NO MISTAKE. TO WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT REALLY DOESNT. HAVE YOU OR YOUR KIDS BEST INTREST AT HEART IS KIND OF INSANE TO SAY THE LEAST.THATS WHY WE SHOULD SEEK POWER,WEALTH AND INFLUENCE THROUGH OTHER AVENUES.SO WE CAN SHOW THE KIDS THAT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO BE SUCCESSFUL BESIDES RAPPING AND BEING A ATHLETE.BECAUSE BELIEVE ME THE MAN THAT SIGNS JAY Z CHECKS DIDNT START OUT AS A RAPPER.I HOLLA BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOREVER.BUT IM A LEAVE YOU WITH THIS BE CAREFUL WHO AND WHAT YOU LOOK FOR ACCEPTANCE FROM BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET WELCOME INTO A BURNING HOUSE.THINK ABOUT THIS NAME SUPERSTAR RAPPER THATS REALLY MAKING A STAND FOR OUR PEOPLE THAT DOESNT HAVE A HIDDEN POLITICAL AGENDA!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by NEKO PINEIRO on
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THIS IS A BUSINESS A VERY BIG ONE AT THAT.HAVING THE MINDSET THAT YOUR MUSIC ALONE IS GONNA CHANGE IT IS THE VERY REASON THE GAME IS THE WAY IT IS.NO MORALS OR INTEGRITY.WHAT WOULD YOU DO OR SAY FOR A MILLION DOLLARS,FAME AND THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWING WHO YOU ARE?.IF YOU CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION TRUTHFULLY.AND SAY YOU DONT HAVE A PRICE TAG AND WOULDNT SELL OUT. THEN THATS HALF THE BATTLE.DONT CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR RIGHTEOUS AND JUST WAYS FROM A MUSIC INDUSTRY THAT WAS BUILT FROM THE BEGINNING ON CORRUPT AND UNJUST PRACTICES.ITS ALMOST LIKE A BLACK PERSON SAYING THEY ARE GONNA JOIN THE KKK AND CHANGE THEM.SOME OF OUR POTENTIAL GREAT LEADERS HAVE CONFORMED TO THIS MUSIC GAME AND SOLD US OUT.BECAUSE MAKE NO MISTAKE. TO WANT TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT REALLY DOESNT. HAVE YOU OR YOUR KIDS BEST INTREST AT HEART IS KIND OF INSANE TO SAY THE LEAST.THATS WHY WE SHOULD SEEK POWER,WEALTH AND INFLUENCE THROUGH OTHER AVENUES.SO WE CAN SHOW THE KIDS THAT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO BE SUCCESSFUL BESIDES RAPPING AND BEING A ATHLETE.BECAUSE BELIEVE ME THE MAN THAT SIGNS JAY Z CHECKS DIDNT START OUT AS A RAPPER.I HOLLA BECAUSE I COULD GO ON FOREVER.BUT IM A LEAVE YOU WITH THIS BE CAREFUL WHO AND WHAT YOU LOOK FOR ACCEPTANCE FROM BECAUSE YOU JUST MIGHT GET WELCOME INTO A BURNING HOUSE.THINK ABOUT THIS NAME SUPERSTAR RAPPER THATS REALLY MAKING A STAND FOR OUR PEOPLE THAT DOESNT HAVE A HIDDEN POLITICAL AGENDA!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by SugAC on -
Rick you couldnt be more right! I am a deffinate product from all this b.s.! You see I am a starving artist because of it! I am a beautiful and talented rap artist, but because of this system Me and my children are hurting! I pray that you have found that way with your method of thinking followed by action. Only you have that kind power! I do this for the right reasons, and I know you will too!
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Permalink Reply by Free Spirit Unique on -
No "integrity" and "improper principles" (i'll "Rap wit anybody" fo money-i don't care)...watcha-expect?
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Permalink Reply by Free Spirit Unique on
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"Free Public Library" with the "new book" out called: "How to write a Successful Business Plan" by M.Sahleman (Harvard Business School-2008) iz in there but "they don't hear U/us," yo!
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Permalink Reply by CPG Factory on -
I'm a fan of rap music but it never ran my life because I always knew it wasn't true for me. When your from the streets meaning your outside in the biz. Rap was my entertainment while bagging up. I loved gangster rap for it's truth and understanding. I think it's so bad now because urban America sell our street coulture for self profit. I don't pay rappers attention that glorify selling drugs without the consequences for your actions of selling drugs. I truly dislike sexual music and gangster rap that gets mainstream play on radio stations which are edited. Even though the music is edited. It's not aproppriate for a mainstream population. Could our rap music ever become store shopping music. If gangster rap is the mainstream music it should become more underground like the past. In Order to change a cycle we must start from the past and develop the future. Look at the east coast rappers in NYC. They are aware of thier mistakes. The south now turned into new York and believed they was superior. I just want that feeling back when B.I.G rap and 2 Pac. A saying I believe every rapper has one good song. Later Cpg factory-- some of my music is bad but it's true lol!
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Permalink Reply by William J. Donner on -
That's whats up, knowledge - discipline - progress! I'm not a Rap artist but I've been a fan from back-n-the day, with groups like: Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 and The Sugarhill Gang. I want to see the rap game bounce back harder than ever,because it's come too far to fall off & we need good rap music coming hard in order to prevent Chaos amongst the people.
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Permalink Reply by HollyHood on -
riiiiight...even tho i love what i do (musically), im almost afraid to be recognized by a major company in fear that they would try to turn me into something im not. i get sooooo tired of hearing about all the bullshit in today's music. like everybody else said, whatever happened to the importance of lyrical ability? ive noticed the transitions that hip hop/rap music has gone through over the last few decades and a big part of me is hoping this is just another phase that will soon pass. however, with the control of what type of music gets 'pushed' to the masses, i have to be pessimistic.
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Permalink Reply by King Quill on -
True Indeed!
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Permalink Reply by Peppah Gos on -
No Sell out!!! Independence is the way
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