We've all made our judgements of rap music at some time in our lives. Whether you love it or hate it, you must realize that it isn't all the same. I used to love it when I was younger, but the artists I listened to were intelligent rappers. There were, and still are your "party songs," but there has been an increase in gang-banging, womanizing, drug-using rap songs ever since the 80's. But one thing I have to say about Eminem. He spins a verbal web that encompasses a lifestyle that many rap-listeners can identify with. He uses his voice as an instrument (something that he wasn't able to do at the beginning of his career) But the one thing that bothers me about the way he, and other rappers are perceived; is the lack of realization that he is an entertainer. This comes from the fans and the detractors.
Many people have persecuted him for telling stories about his life that aren't true. In fact many rappers have a reputation that isn't really who they are. But even if Eminem didn't grow up the same way he says he did, one thing remains...somebody else did. Many kids did. When they hear his music they may not know what life Eminem really led, all they know is that his lyrics hit them smack dab in their own hearts. The same effect goes with inner-city kids who idolize their favorite "ghetto rappers." Now before the angry moms start writing their letters, I do realize that Eminem has some foolish songs as well. Foolish songs to make his fans laugh, to give them the comic relief that they need to survive their day to day life, and also to reach the most people with his music in an effort to make more money (I'm sure you saw that coming.).
So whether you agree with Eminem's music or not...he is serving a purpose in this world.
3 comments:
My view(s) about music have always been that I can listen to ANY type of music as long as it doesn't interfer with what I'm doing. If I can talk to people, I'm okay. My problem with Rap is the SHOCK factor it portrays. And Eminem is no different. Because of our right to freedom of speech, we allow the songs to be aired. Call me old-fashioned, but, the same songs could express views without reference to death, rape, cop hatred, beating others, etc. So, I guess my thought is simply: The style of music is okay, it must be the words. Should the words be spoken? Maybe. Maybe not. Music should be uplifting. Make people think good thoughts. I may be missing a point, however, I personally want my music to achieve that goal. Sure, there are sad songs. And those songs tell a story we all can relate. My problem with RAP is how many deaths have occurred because of the words of a song. People today, seem to not revere life, in general. I do.
as secpol points out below, there have been to much violence as a result of the words of a rap song. But I believe it is the situation that spawned the violence. Sometimes I have to wonder if the violence is real. If I had millions of dollars, and could pretend that I was dead, I'd love to move to an island somewhere. My point remains...no matter what your life is all about, music can help you recognize your feelings, and there is no need to validate the performers words based on the performers actions. After all, the music we call Pop is called that because it is short for popular. And most pop music consists of somebody with a good voice singing words that they didn't write over a beat and some music that they didn't write.
Lyrics to "Like Toy Soldiers"
that Ja (Ja Rule another rapper) shit, I tried to squash it, it was to late to stop it, there's a certain line you just don't cross and he crossed it.
I heard him say Hailie's (m's daughter) name on a song and I just lost it
It was crazy the shit went way beyond some Jay Z and Nas (other rappers)shit
And even though the battle was won, I feel like we lost it
I spent so much time and energy on it, honestly I'm exhausted
...
This ain't what I'min hip hop for, that's not why I got in it
That was never my object for someone to get killed,
why would I wanna help destroy something I helped build?
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