I came across this documentary recently and thought I would post it as it is to me a great reminder of what true Hip Hop is all about. I think that over the years many that have gotten involved in Hip Hop specifically the element of rap have either forgotten, or for some reason never knew that Hip Hop was founded on the premise of Peace, Unity, Love and Having Fun.
I have met hundreds of artists over the decades that I have been a part of the Hip Hop Culture specifically rap artists. Many of them have expressed how they stay away from being conscious or speaking on real issues as it more pushes people away, rather then attracting a large following. People want to enjoy music and entertainment without being preached to they would express. I find this ironic as a majority of people live their lives seeking out answers. A majority of people live looking for what their true purpose in life is. To fill the feeling of emptiness within ourselves is why so many turn to drugs, alcohol and other destructive behaviours. Rather than to stay true to themselves, artists will more focus on fitting in, doing and saying what they feel will make them popular even at the expense of themselves and those on the receiving end of what it is they are saying.
I have personally witnessed the effects of the messages rappers relay to youth and adults alike. I have spoken with many prisoners over the years that were caught for trying to live out the life their favourite rappers talked about in their music. Even I fell victim to living the life I rapped about. I was just fortunate enough to have been given a second chance which many aren't so lucky to receive. This was when I decided to choose the message and the music over money and become a raptivist.
It wasn’t that long ago that rappers would inspire listeners to seek out higher learning rather than to celebrate destructive behaviours. Rappers such as KRS ONE, Chuck D of Public Enemy and Rakim just to name a few uplifted individuals as well as whole communities with their music. These days rappers that have something positive to say are forced into underground Hip Hop which is purposely hidden from mainstream listeners. We have allowed our culture to be exploited in such a manner that it has become exactly what we as a culture were first trying to escape, a road to self destruction.
The culture we know as Hip Hop had the power to transform an entire city upon its inception bringing gang violence in New York to a near stand still. It then went on to transform the entire planet. This power that Hip Hop possesses has now been turned against us. We are now constantly engulfed in negative images and negative behaviours that are destructive. Rappers are being murdered on a near weekly basis. People are calling rap the most dangerous occupation on the planet now. If there was ever a time for the Hip Hop community to regroup and to regain control of our culture it is now.
I can not speak for everyone. But I am one that holds a deep love for the culture of Hip Hop and I can not stand by and watch what we have built be destroyed completely. So whether it is by way of a song, a concert, a lecture, a workshop, or even a blog post I have dedicated the remainder of my life to remind whomever I come in contact with by these means mentioned that our culture, the Hip Hop Culture is a Culture of Peace.
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