Rap Files
Are You Not Entertained?
By: Deshair Foskey
Last updated January 26th , 2010

Last week, I had a conversation with a fellow hip-hop scribe of mine. You know, the type of conversation that begins with playful wordplay and escalates to full on, "When were you born, yesterday?!" kind of banter. We debated about whether rap music should be taken seriously or is it best consumed and promoted as entertainment that inspires. And we didn't limit ourselves to today's music. We covered the entire timeline.

After I hit up a local 'happy hour,' I thought about my opposition. I thought about those that still take rap seriously and came to a conclusion. First, it seems that each individual who loves rap has his or her own definition of what's 'real.' An emcee arises from nowhere with precise delivery, a solid cadence, efficient story telling with occasional religious references, and immediately receives the weight of the industry on his back before his debut album is released. People may not realize why they love Jay Electronica so much in such a short time. But to me, it's obvious that he fits the mold of the tools I just described. He has been given the 'real hip-hop' label; a title that comes with a lot of allure and not enough support when it is all said and done. 'Real' to you, might not be 'real' to the next fan.

Taking rap so seriously treads a fine line between 'real' and 'reality'. Lil' Wayne raps about wishing he could deflower every woman in the world, while raising a daughter at home. If he is the best father in the world to her, he would tell her that what he recites in his music is, you've guessed it, entertainment. The lyrics that he recites could very well be reality for some, it could inspire a new reality for others and the rapper could very well be not real in his remarks. Let's take it a step further. If you are in your late 20's or anywhere in the 30's, what style of music were you listening to during your teen years? Think about how much you loved the music, and how 'real' it was to you back then. I'd like for you to play some of that music this week. Listen closely to the lyrics and ask yourself, "Do I still believe in this message?"

So, I found that the debate I had was meaningful as well as a waste of time. 'Real' is an opinion in hip-hop. During my high school years in the mid 90's, my friends and I didn't go a day without listening to Wu-Tang. We were inspired by them. The music felt good to us. This feeling was real. And this is how hip-hop fans define what 'real hip-hop' is; by their first feeling of love for the craft. Looking back 15 years, listening to those lyrics today, I am no longer connected to the message. That doesn't mean that I wasn't entertained while listening to my minds' classics.

What are you thoughts on these views?

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