 |
 |
Another Thought
Process Edition:
Gotta Say Something!!
Written by: Oa'Toya James
Rapindustry.com
Disclaimer: This article is strictly based on MY opinion. I realize that this
may not be the feelings of you, the reader. You are entitled to your opinion
on this subject matter.
I’ve been
holding my breathe for a long time on this one. Every since Russell Simmons
and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) issued a statement (April 23)
urging the recording industry and media outlets to censor misogynistic lyrics
and racist terms from future recordings, I’ve had something to say.
At first, I wasn’t going to share my views on it. Because I have VERY
strong feelings when it comes to this, and I felt like, it would all be in
vain anyway! But I thought about it, and that’s the problem with rap
today! Rappers are afraid to talk about meaningful stuff for fear that people
won’t listen or be in support of it.
Well they need fans support, ya’ll pay their bills. I work an 8 to 5
everyday for my pay, so I’m free to say what I wanna say! Plus, I can’t
hold it any longer! The only thing I ask is that you read each article in
its entirety. Hear my entire case, before you make your decision. Some of
you will feel me, must of you won’t! Either way I get paid every other
Friday?! So, let’s just get started!
When rap music hits the airways, its censored. (For the most part, at least.) In order to get your music played you have to take out your “bitches”, your “hoes” and your “niggas”. Why, because radio stations cannot appeal to a large audience with certain language and content, and plus the FCC SAID SO!
Do artist go along with that? Of course they do! Because if I don’t get played, I don sell! (In most cases) So, I’ll do what you ask me to do to get what I need to get done.
The record plays without the use of “Bitch”, “Hoe” or “Nigga” in the song. We are introduced to the clean version. From there, we decided whether or not we like the song(s). Then from that, we decide whether or not to buy your album.
Now, if the song is hot, its gonna be hot with or without the use of those words. If the song is garbage it will be garbage with or without the use of those words. (Never have I heard a song, didn’t like it, and then heard the original version, complete with all the “Bitches”, “Hoes” and “Niggas” and said “Aw, this cut is alright here”.)
So the use of those words in your music is unnecessary. You can make your point without them. You can sell without them. You can make good quality songs without it. They’re not the main ingredient. If they are and you rely on those words to make your song, then you ain’t saying much and should look at another career!
If you’ll take those words out because federal regulations requires you to, with no objections…if you are cool with that, then why not regulations coming from your own. I mean, if you truly have something to say, if you are truly an artist with skills, then it should actually be appealing to you. Because you would then appeal to everybody.
See, I curse (Cuss, whateva!). But I try not to use profanity in my writings. That way any and everybody I meet, be you street or be you church can read my articles. I can tell a non-cursers (a good ole usher at the church) “Hey, I wrote an article about beef, check it out, tell me what you think?” She can read it, come back and say; hey you were dead on when you said…. Or I didn’t get what you said when…” Mission accomplished. She read my article; she gave me her opinion, very good. Because, the purpose of me telling her to read it was to get her opinion right! Now, if I chose to curse all through my piece, I can still invite that church member to read it, but she might be like “Oh, I couldn’t read it, it was just too much for me.” By taking the cursing out expand my audience. My theory is that it’s easy for a person, who does curse, to read or hear something without cursing and be cool with it. Then for a person who doesn’t curse to get with something that’s filled with cursing. Does that make sense?
I guess what you have to look at is the purpose. Why am I doing this? If I got a message that I think everybody needs to hear, why would I say or do something to block You from hearing what I want You to hear. That’s crazy, especially when it’s something unnecessary or not needed to make my point.
Don’t change the channel….Stay with me…READ PART 2 HERE
| |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
[ Rap Industry ] [ Hip Hop News ] [ Rap Music ] [ Rap Videos ]
[ Music Showcase ] [ New Releases ] [ Contact Us ] [ Rap Photos ]
2007 Copyright. RapIndustry.com. All Rights Reserved.