Do you think hip hop music has lost its identity as a popular music culture?
When we compare the rappers of the 80s with the Gen X rappers, they seem to differ in themes and messages delivered through rap music. The old school rappers concentrated on what they were facing in society and express it in the form of music. They have sung about issues of racism, classism, segregation, and discrimination. Old school hip hop music was more lyrical, story-telling with clever lyrics and funny and smart punch lines. The rappers include Tupac, LL Cool, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. On the other hand, modern rappers are using rap music to mention their ‘thug’ life. A good example is the above example of the artist Ice Tin his lyric ‘cop killer.’
Do you think it is necessary for institutions to control rap music?
Both the lyrics and behaviors of rappers need to be morally upright. We saw how hip hop artists had turned rap music to gangster rap. Some of the artists have got into the crime that has to send them to jail and even face severe punishment.
Do you think the courts should use music lyrics as evidence?
We saw what forces the judges to use music lyrics as evidence is because they do not understand the meaning and language of the popular hip hop culture. The courts are required to hire experts who can translate the language of the popular hip hop culture to the jury. It will allow the judges to give proper and fair judgment without bias.
Do you think it is possible to end the misconceptions in hip hop music?
If yes, how can we achieve it?
If no, what is the big challenge?
To gain trust and misconception, the public has to hip hop music, let the artists set a good example of what they are singing. The lyrics they sing should not bring a picture of crime. By observing morals can help them change and follow a new direction. The big challenge comes when sometimes the audiences fail to understand the message they have in their music. It is always what they sing is a ‘gangsta shit.’
Do you think the biases rappers get from the public can make them change from gangsta shit?
Creating more policies such as California’s Street Terrorism Enforcement and Protection (STEP) can help artists stick to the laws.