As a Hip-hop junkie, I find it funny when my own people tell me I am not real Hip Hop because I do not sag, never been to jail and wear a suit, yet the only hip-hop artists they know are the ones who are currently charted...wow!.
I remember when HIP HOP was first music, then it became a lifestyle, and then the artists thought they had to keep it real - on the negative.If lyrics about the real gangsters and being 'thugged' out were not mentioned on your record, you were not authentic.
If you check the meaning of the word 'thug' or 'gangstar' you would not want to be one or want one to marry your sister, mother or daughter, but it has become a term of endearment.
Cool artists had to be 'thugged out' to become accepted; some had to lie about a frivolous past to be respected, gunshot wounds, gang affiliation, drugs, women and guns a la cart.
Yet these so called guaranteed steps to stardom and success has led to the highest level of mediocrity in hip hop since the mid nineties..
Every one is saying the same thing..Bi&%h, Guns, Yawn!
Go ask Will Smith, Queen Latifah or even the skateboard-totting Pharrell how much not being gangster has (not) helped them, they did not need it yet they kept it "real".
I do not recall anyone going to watch Run DMC, Whodini, Grandmaster Flash or even A Tribe called Quest at a concert and praying they did not get shot or beaten up.
Now you go to some of these concerts dressed up for war with bullet proof vests and helmets!!.
Hip Hop artists are going to jail for silly crimes that people who have no gumption go to jail for. Let’s not even talk about crimes people with money should not commit.
I guess it is art imitating life or life imitating art.
We have all come from some form of "Ghetto" in our lives, but that does not mean we cannot get out or teach others how, yet we act as though we still remain there.
I do not want to hear that old song of how difficult it is to stay away from crime, you did it then to get some money, you did it then to get some props, well you got both now so when will it STOP!!.
I am waiting for the day when a Hip hop artist would put out a record that disses violence, encourages peace, staying in school and all that good stuff and we the people, the so called Hip hop impresarios go out and buy it, make it a #1 record, go out and break this awful cycle of violence and death in our communities.
We do not have to grow old to change, tomorrow is not promised, today is what we have. That’s why it is called the "present".
We just have to open our eyes . Why don't you serve first. It just might be an ace!
Taiwo Lawrence is one of Paulina and Jonathan’s twin boys. He is a Music Executive and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
