Emulating Black Culture

[raybia]

that has to be the most broadest definition i ever heard of, that tries to pass itself as an aspect of culture. I don't believe intellect has anything to do with culture, just the way your bought up and your ability to comprehend. being poor is'nt going to make you stupid nor smart. that post does'nt say anything else on what you're trying toprove to me.

You don't have to believe intellect has anything to do with culture but that doesn't mean that you're right.

Also I'm not trying to prove anything to you. I'm just showing you and others that I didn't just pull the factors that I believe to effect culture out of my azz.

Believe or don't believe, its makes no difference.

 

[My Liege]

This thread is so pretentious

As is your post.

It depends really. If they're emulating the stupid 'big up' style of black boasting music (see rap and R&B, Eminem and Christina Aguilera), then it's ridiculous, as it's stupid from the outset, regardless of race.

If however, it's a simple infusion of structure of belief, fashion, philosophy etc, then that can only be a good thing.

 

[celldog]

Imo, mocking hip-hop culture isn't mocking black culture.

Hip-hop having an alliance w/ any culture (in actuality) is only an interpretation. Since certain affluent African Americans have a vested interest in Hip-hop, it's labeled 'Black.'

Corporate America owns hip-hop and makes the majority of income off of it. Arguably, the origins of hip-hop come from sampling James Brown, the Isley Brothers, and Arethra Franklin, but regardless of how it started, it never really was a 'black' enterprise when it hit mainstream. There are too many labels involved who are making money off of something that is portrayed as temporary.

In a sense, the showy display of ones means of life is advocated by a lot of inner city youth, but when you look at their surroundings, most of these people have no money, no decent living quarters, and no real goals in life. Hip-hop is debatably symbolic of a party-lifestyle that is desired by most young people.

Unfortunately, most people in it don't realize that its current state, hip-hop strips them of any artistic credibility. How can you respect an art form where the no. 1 goal is money? I'd wager that 99% of the songs focus solely on materialism. [that's the problem w/ national radio today]-[it doesn't matter what quality goes on air, it just has to sound the same as the previous successful hit. Growth or maturity is little more than a marketing ploy.]

There's no real way to emulate(in terms of one attribute) 'black culture', 'white culture', or any other for that matter, because they're deceptive interpretations in the mind of the viewer.

Stigmas become reality, and people run w/ it. Honestly, hip-hop is little more than a sub-group in business. . . like the only legal monopoly: Sports(NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), Hollywood/film-tv, Media. It's sole connection to 'Black Culture' (as people would say) is that it's marketed as such to give it "realism." Any time you hear 'the struggle,' 'we gon' make it,' or some other bs attached, people are drawn to that affiliation w/ an underdog(figuratively speaking), and some identify w/ this. Again, it's just intelligent marketing.

Regardless of who is making the most money from it or if it's influence is less than desirable to affluent Blacks, Hip Hop/Rap is a black cultural product. http://www.mrwiggles.biz/hip_hop_history.htm

Check out the history behind this phenomenon.

 

[celldog]

Imo, mocking hip-hop culture isn't mocking black culture.

Hip-hop having an alliance w/ any culture (in actuality) is only an interpretation. Since certain affluent African Americans have a vested interest in Hip-hop, it's labeled 'Black.'

Corporate America owns hip-hop and makes the majority of income off of it. Arguably, the origins of hip-hop come from sampling James Brown, the Isley Brothers, and Arethra Franklin, but regardless of how it started, it never really was a 'black' enterprise when it hit mainstream. There are too many labels involved who are making money off of something that is portrayed as temporary.

In a sense, the showy display of ones means of life is advocated by a lot of inner city youth, but when you look at their surroundings, most of these people have no money, no decent living quarters, and no real goals in life. Hip-hop is debatably symbolic of a party-lifestyle that is desired by most young people.

Unfortunately, most people in it don't realize that its current state, hip-hop strips them of any artistic credibility. How can you respect an art form where the no. 1 goal is money? I'd wager that 99% of the songs focus solely on materialism. [that's the problem w/ national radio today]-[it doesn't matter what quality goes on air, it just has to sound the same as the previous successful hit. Growth or maturity is little more than a marketing ploy.]

There's no real way to emulate(in terms of one attribute) 'black culture', 'white culture', or any other for that matter, because they're deceptive interpretations in the mind of the viewer.

Stigmas become reality, and people run w/ it. Honestly, hip-hop is little more than a sub-group in business. . . like the only legal monopoly: Sports(NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), Hollywood/film-tv, Media. It's sole connection to 'Black Culture' (as people would say) is that it's marketed as such to give it "realism." Any time you hear 'the struggle,' 'we gon' make it,' or some other bs attached, people are drawn to that affiliation w/ an underdog(figuratively speaking), and some identify w/ this. Again, it's just intelligent marketing.

I do agree with your post, though.

 

[raybia]

Regardless of who is making the most money from it or if it's influence is less than desirable to affluent Blacks, Hip Hop/Rap is a black cultural product. http://www.mrwiggles.biz/hip_hop_history.htm

[/B]

In its origins but not in its current form. I feel that its now a product and image produced by corporate America.

 

[Alpha and Omega]

Regardless of who is making the most money from it or if it's influence is less than desirable to affluent Blacks, Hip Hop/Rap WAS (maybe) a black cultural product.

It's a business now man. The history is just that: History.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

OMG! Teh braids are black exclusive!

I thought they where stripper exclusive

 

[celldog]

Posted by Alpha & Omega:
It's a business now man. The history is just that: History.


But that doesn't change it's roots. The NFL is not what it used to be either. Players still worked regular jobs in the off season. There was no AFC....millions of dollars in TV ads didn't exist! But so what?? It's origins remain in tact. It's still football.

Same with Hip Hop.....it's nothing like it started out being. I hate that. I like the early stuff.

What happened?? These guys happened.....

Everybody turned thug and gangster. It all got real "negative" real fast.

 

[tzarinna]

I thought they where stripper exclusive

I've been parading around looking like a stripper

 

[E-Mack]

What happened?? These guys hppened.....

Everybody turned thug and gangster. It all got real "negative" real fast.

I don't entirely agree that's "what happened". You can't place the blame on those people.

Tupac did embrace the "thugged out, mean mugging, i'm the top dog" lifestyle that most associate with modern rap, but unlike the others, he did bring a different side to it. Mainly in his lyrics. Not to mention he has had countless inspirational songs that involved the ghetto, which is sadly lacking today. And, he managed to do all of this while in the public eye, not really having to dumb himself down.

NWA, the "**** the police" mindset is pretty old now, but it was something new in the early 90s. No one had the balls to speak out like that in music, and at that time, there was a huge animosity towards the LAPD. So I'll give them a pass on that, since it did relate to their current time.

So no, I don't blame them. I blame the mindless artists today for simply replicating, and not bringing something new to the table. I'd like to hear more (because there are rappers that do this) music regarding the current times, rather than focusing on what made 2pac and NWA famous.

 

[celldog]

I don't entirely agree that's "what happened". You can't place the blame on those people.

Tupac did embrace the "thugged out, mean mugging, i'm the top dog" lifestyle that most associate with modern rap, but unlike the others, he did bring a different side to it. Mainly in his lyrics. Not to mention he has had countless inspirational songs that involved the ghetto, which is sadly lacking today. And, he managed to do all of this while in the public eye, not really having to dumb himself down.

NWA, the "**** the police" mindset is pretty old now, but it was something new in the early 90s. No one had the balls to speak out like that in music, and at that time, there was a huge animosity towards the LAPD. So I'll give them a pass on that, since it did relate to their current time.

So no, I don't blame them. I blame the mindless artists today for simply replicating, and not bringing something new to the table. I'd like to hear more (because there are rappers that do this) music regarding the current times, rather than focusing on what made 2pac and NWA famous.

Please forgive me. But I've heard that type of lame rationalization forever! The kids in the street ain't tryin' to dissect the nuances of what these guys are saying! It ain't that deep to a 14-year-old kid. They are imtitating it! Tupac wrote some "inspirational" stuff?? So what? . That's suppose to negate the more popular "Thugged Out" images he embraced? Smokin' weed......screwin' anything with two legs and breats?? Threatening to shoot his foes? Pistol whipping some guy in a Vegas hotel?? Living by the sword and dying by that same stupid sword!! So yeah I place blame squarely on these guys. They made the choices. They take responsibility.

And what social change did **** the police bring to L.A.??? It created an environment that made being in gangs even cooler. Made young black men even more justified in their hated of white people and authority of any kind. It encourage more violence, misogeny and drug use.

Were these rap groups the cause of the strife?? No. The fire was already there. But you don't help the fire when you walk by and squirt lighter fluid on it either. You can't justify that.

 

[E-Mack]

I never said it justified it. Just that in the very least, 2Pac and NWA did rap about more important things and didn't just focus on superficial items for their singles. (Moreso with 2pac) They had diversity.

"Money, Cars, Hoes, and Clothes". I think that fairly describes mainstream rap today. I don't mind those types of songs frankly, but it does get annoying when that's all you hear in the radio.

As for the kids, honestly I'm on the fence about it. On one hand, I do think rappers should realize they do have quite an impact on the youth, and should take more responsiblity in the material they put out. On the other, parents should look after their kids more and moderate what exactly they're allowed to view/listen. Both parties are at some fault, that's for sure.

 

[terry78]

People usually emulate another culture or style because they have none of their own or can't relate to their own.

 

[celldog]

I never said it justified it. Just that in the very least, 2Pac and NWA did rap about more important things and didn't just focus on superficial items for their singles. (Moreso with 2pac) They had diversity.

"Money, Cars, Hoes, and Clothes". I think that fairly describes mainstream rap today. I don't mind those types of songs frankly, but it does get annoying when that's all you hear in the radio.

As for the kids, honestly I'm on the fence about it. On one hand, I do think rappers should realize they do have quite an impact on the youth, and should take more responsiblity in the material they put out. On the other, parents should look after their kids more and moderate what exactly they're allowed to view/listen. Both parties are at some fault, that's for sure.

They rapped about important things.....in negative ways! But that Death Row label did its fair share of ho's, *****es and cash songs too....not to mention threats to other rappers.........There's really nothing to be on the fence about. Even if you like their beats, you can still be objective. If you want to rap about social issues in "positive" ways, it's been done before. Curtis Mayfield....Gil Scot Heron.......
Dig these lyrics to "Angel Dust"

He was groovin'
and that was when he coulda sworn
the room was movin'
But that was only in his mind
He was sailin'
he never really seemed to notice
vision failin'
'cause that was all part of the high
Sweat was pourin' --
he couldn't take it
The room was exploding --
he might not make it.
Angel DustPlease, children would you listen.
Angel DustJust ain't where it's at.
Angel DustYou won't remember what you're
missin', but down some dead end streets
there ain't no turnin' back.


They were standin'
ev'rybody in a circle;
the whole family
listening to the preacher's words
Sis was cryin'
She alone held all the secrets
'bout his dyin'
tears fallin' to earth
Maybe her fault
He was so trusting
God only knew why
they was dustin'!
Angel DustPlease children would you listen.
Angel DustJust ain't where it's at.
Angel DustYou won't remember what you're
missin', but down some dead end streets
there ain't no turnin' back.

Not once is he glorifying the use of the drug. On the contrary, he's warning us not to use it.

 

[celldog]

If you never heard that jam, down load it. It's smooth.

 

[celldog]

By E-Mack: parents should look after their kids more and moderate what exactly they're allowed to view/listen. Both parties are at some fault, that's for sure.

Easy to say but harder for the single parent homes most of these rappers end up getting their videos and music into. Momma's at work trying to make money....kids at home looking at everything they can get there eyes on....listening to foul crap. You can't even listen to a urban hip hop radio stations anymore. My radio has to be on Radio Disney or news talk....I have 6 year old.

The rappers put parents in a very difficult position. They can't be everywhere. So...Mr. Rapper....why not watch what you put out there. Help that parent out a little. They're trying the best they can. Stop squirting lighter fluid on them.

 

[oakzap425]

I personally don't appreciate it too much...

But that might be because I'm Black...


Then again, I'm most often or not insulted by my own race by being told I act like a "cracker" all the time... so what ever...

 

[oakzap425]

By E-Mack: parents should look after their kids more and moderate what exactly they're allowed to view/listen. Both parties are at some fault, that's for sure.

Easy to say but harder for the single parent homes most of these rappers end up getting their videos and music into. Momma's at work trying to make money....kids at home looking at everything they can get there eyes on....listening to foul crap. You can't even listen to a urban hip hop radio stations anymore. My radio has to be on Radio Disney or news talk....I have 6 year old.

The rappers put parents in a very difficult position. They can't be everywhere. So...Mr. Rapper....why not watch what you put out there. Help that parent out a little. They're trying the best they can. Stop squirting lighter fluid on them.

...the assumption here is that said single parent hasn't seen their child in about 4 years...

Just beause the parent has to work doesn't mean they can't discipline. It's no excuse.

 

[JLBats]

For some reason I keep reading this thread title as: Emasculating Black Culture

 

[Alpha and Omega]

Then again, I'm most often or not insulted by my own race by being told I act like a "cracker" all the time... so what ever...

Yeah, um, anyone who says that to you automatically should be categorized as 'senseless'.

I've been called generic things like 'Oreo', 'Bryant Gumbel', and 'confused'.

I even had one of my grandmother's friends tell me that I was confused because I was a mixed kid. (happened when I was 5 or 6 and it puzzled the hell out of me.)

It made no sense; you shouldn't worry about it too much when those things happen. It's inexplicably foolish.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

For some reason I keep reading this thread title as: Emasculating Black Culture

we should start a thread about dowloading black culture on e-mule

 

[Carter]

White people steal everything.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

I personally don't appreciate it too much...

But that might be because I'm Black...


Then again, I'm most often or not insulted by my own race by being told I act like a "cracker" all the time... so what ever...

you know? that's really annoying.
I had a friend tell me once that I talked "too white"because I pepper my sentences with "dude"sometimes.

I'm like "what would you have me use.."ese"?" should I shave my head and wear wifebeater so that you can more casually stereoype me?
I have no idea why certain people are "expected" to act a certain way just because they are a certain race.

so ******ed.

 

[Alpha and Omega]

Download the reading material by Clayton Bigsby.

 

[E-Mack]

By E-Mack: parents should look after their kids more and moderate what exactly they're allowed to view/listen. Both parties are at some fault, that's for sure.

Easy to say but harder for the single parent homes most of these rappers end up getting their videos and music into. Momma's at work trying to make money....kids at home looking at everything they can get there eyes on....listening to foul crap. You can't even listen to a urban hip hop radio stations anymore. My radio has to be on Radio Disney or news talk....I have 6 year old.

The rappers put parents in a very difficult position. They can't be everywhere. So...Mr. Rapper....why not watch what you put out there. Help that parent out a little. They're trying the best they can. Stop squirting lighter fluid on them.

Parents have a reponsibility too. They can't just blame work for not being there for their kids. It is called time management.

Like I said before, rappers are at fault as well. But the best that can happen is censoring bad words on the radio, and putting a parental advisory on their albums. While rappers should put out more valuable songs out there, it's still not right censoring their right as an artist to do what they want.