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Who speaks for 'black America' now? Who speaks for 'black America' now?
(3 months later)
Ever since hip-hop became a major capitalist venture worth billions in endorsements and crossover success, the notion of black "rapper as activist" has taken a backseat to "rapper as Pepsi spokesman". The genre was once touted as "the Black CNN" has given way to mainstream artists for the most part treading lightly to maintain their marketability.Ever since hip-hop became a major capitalist venture worth billions in endorsements and crossover success, the notion of black "rapper as activist" has taken a backseat to "rapper as Pepsi spokesman". The genre was once touted as "the Black CNN" has given way to mainstream artists for the most part treading lightly to maintain their marketability.
The same can be said for the African-American athlete. The activism of the likes of boxer Mohammad Ali and basketball player Bill Russell has faded away as single-person conglomerates like 1980s and 90s NBA star Michael Jordan who infamously touted that "Republicans buy shoes, too." The "black power musician" and the "black power athlete" aren't around like they used to be on mainstream levels, leaving me to wonder where the politically charged voices in popular culture can come from.The same can be said for the African-American athlete. The activism of the likes of boxer Mohammad Ali and basketball player Bill Russell has faded away as single-person conglomerates like 1980s and 90s NBA star Michael Jordan who infamously touted that "Republicans buy shoes, too." The "black power musician" and the "black power athlete" aren't around like they used to be on mainstream levels, leaving me to wonder where the politically charged voices in popular culture can come from.
Sure, good old-fashioned activists are always preferable to musicians and athletes, but the entertainment industry has always been the augmenting voice, relaying the message of the "movement" to the masses (think James Brown's "I'm black and I'm proud" from 1968). That's not to say that musicians like Jay-Z and the like aren't pumping money into charitable organizations or contributing in other ways that don't make major headlines, but the musical silence is even louder.Sure, good old-fashioned activists are always preferable to musicians and athletes, but the entertainment industry has always been the augmenting voice, relaying the message of the "movement" to the masses (think James Brown's "I'm black and I'm proud" from 1968). That's not to say that musicians like Jay-Z and the like aren't pumping money into charitable organizations or contributing in other ways that don't make major headlines, but the musical silence is even louder.
Of course, do we really still want rappers to be the political voices of "black America"? Rapper Lil Wayne tried to make some sort of political statement by stepping on an American flag for a music video, but it only came off as half-hearted attempt at attention grabbing. The guy who threatened to beat up a woman's vagina like Emmett Till shouldn't be taken seriously as more than an entertainer anyway, if that.Of course, do we really still want rappers to be the political voices of "black America"? Rapper Lil Wayne tried to make some sort of political statement by stepping on an American flag for a music video, but it only came off as half-hearted attempt at attention grabbing. The guy who threatened to beat up a woman's vagina like Emmett Till shouldn't be taken seriously as more than an entertainer anyway, if that.
When the country gets outraged by the newest Kanye Wayne gesture, I always wonder why anyone is wasting time taking him relatively seriously in the first place. He's becoming more rap caricature that should be given as much political attention as Lady Gaga in a meat suit. The fact that he's selling records doesn't make him a spokesman for anyone but his own brand of raps and skateboards.

Two years ago, Kanye West and Jay-Z united to create an album called Watch The Throne – ostensibly a celebration of excess and wealth – that was actually a subversive work of art set to undermine the idea of success for an African-American. While the duo seemed to just be bragging about their new cars, they spoke on inner-city violence, the way they're treated in their new tax brackets and the desire to defy expectations of what they'll spend money on. This may be the closest thing to a "black power" rap album we get from such major artists. It's just hard to imagine a (soon to be) former NBA part-owner and current MLB and NBA agent upsetting the applecart too substantially.		When the country gets outraged by the newest Kanye Wayne gesture, I always wonder why anyone is wasting time taking him relatively seriously in the first place. He's becoming more rap caricature that should be given as much political attention as Lady Gaga in a meat suit. The fact that he's selling records doesn't make him a spokesman for anyone but his own brand of raps and skateboards.

Two years ago, Kanye West and Jay-Z united to create an album called Watch The Throne – ostensibly a celebration of excess and wealth – that was actually a subversive work of art set to undermine the idea of success for an African-American. While the duo seemed to just be bragging about their new cars, they spoke on inner-city violence, the way they're treated in their new tax brackets and the desire to defy expectations of what they'll spend money on. This may be the closest thing to a "black power" rap album we get from such major artists. It's just hard to imagine a (soon to be) former NBA part-owner and current MLB and NBA agent upsetting the applecart too substantially.
Hip-hop has always had a burgeoning political message in so much of its music, just not necessarily on the mainstream level. Just last year, Killer Mike and El-P released a near-flawless R.A.P. Music album that dissected everything from Ronald Reagan's impact on the inner city, wishing for more action from President Obama and police brutality (which, let me remind you, exists). But the album was an indie project and Killer Mike isn't on the level of popularity of a Kanye West, so it flies under the radar. Plus, there aren't a lot of radio stations willing to play that sort of music. If only these albums were more popular and the subject matter were more widely repeated in music, hip-hop would have a more substantial place in the country's important dialogues and not just in pop culture.Hip-hop has always had a burgeoning political message in so much of its music, just not necessarily on the mainstream level. Just last year, Killer Mike and El-P released a near-flawless R.A.P. Music album that dissected everything from Ronald Reagan's impact on the inner city, wishing for more action from President Obama and police brutality (which, let me remind you, exists). But the album was an indie project and Killer Mike isn't on the level of popularity of a Kanye West, so it flies under the radar. Plus, there aren't a lot of radio stations willing to play that sort of music. If only these albums were more popular and the subject matter were more widely repeated in music, hip-hop would have a more substantial place in the country's important dialogues and not just in pop culture.
There are, though, young artists who are unafraid to make the music that made hip-hop so pivotal in the 80s and 90s. Kendrick Lamar had the highest selling rap album of 2012, and it was essentially about how crime is affecting kids in Compton (California). And Chance The Rapper out of Chicago has painted a picture of violence in his city suitable for its own CNN special.There are, though, young artists who are unafraid to make the music that made hip-hop so pivotal in the 80s and 90s. Kendrick Lamar had the highest selling rap album of 2012, and it was essentially about how crime is affecting kids in Compton (California). And Chance The Rapper out of Chicago has painted a picture of violence in his city suitable for its own CNN special.
Hip-hop has and always will have a section of the music that's useful for important national dialogue. However, as the endorsement deals, record deals and radio stations get involved, the music's message can make way for more "marketable" subject matter. Hopefully, a younger crop of musicians can bring back the feeling of political discussion to the mainstream. Until then, we're watching Lil Wayne step on American flags.Hip-hop has and always will have a section of the music that's useful for important national dialogue. However, as the endorsement deals, record deals and radio stations get involved, the music's message can make way for more "marketable" subject matter. Hopefully, a younger crop of musicians can bring back the feeling of political discussion to the mainstream. Until then, we're watching Lil Wayne step on American flags.
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