Hip-Hop Vs. America

Love it or hate it, Hip-Hop is the epitome of a young, urban progressive America endowed with talent, intelligence and influence, dipped in beautiful hues of chocolate with splashes of vanilla. Hip-Hop is also the mask behind the darkness of a culture that glorifies misogyny, pimping, prostitution, objectification of women, specifically black women, discrimination and crime.

Don Imus, the radio host fired by CBS for derogatory racial comments he made against the Rutgers Women's Basketball team earlier this year, was the catalyst needed for the light to shine on the irresponsibility of hip-hop. Imus' comments brought the proverbial "chickens home to roost". It's about time. It's time for African-Americans to stand up and address the carelessness and thoughtlessness we are putting inside the minds of our next leaders through hip-hop music.

Hip-Hop has been a blessing to many young men and women who would have otherwise self-destructed in the ghettos of the environments they were raised, but it now seems to be a curse as it has also stabbed and turned its back on the hands that fed it - its culture, its history, its strength - its mother. Many would beg to differ with me, but black women are the biggest victims in hip-hop culture. BET finally came to its senses and decided to play on the other side of the fence and bring awareness to the very thing that brings it prosperity - stereotyping of the Black Culture, specifically, the Black woman. A dichotomy at best, but it is progress.

Town hall hosts Jeff Johnson and Toure', both are hosts on respective shows for the BET Programming, took on the likes of a diversely opinionated panel with hip-hop artists, T.I., Nelly & Master P as well as Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (Georgetown Univ. Professor/Writer), Rev. Al Sharpton, former Editor-in-Chief at Essence Magazine, Diane Weathers and other notables. Part I focused on addressing the stereotypes and contradictions portrayed by hip-hop artists. Nelly seemed to be on the defensive since his infamous video Tip Drill was the focus of protests, particularly at Spelman College for its exploitation of black women. Nelly stressed he felt as if the world was placing the blame of America's problems on the shoulders of hip-hop. At times, he seemed to be out of touch with the purpose of the dialogue, which was to address the stereotypes played out in hip-hop videos and then seemingly more confused when Dr. Michael Eric Dyson eloquently and factually tied today's stereotypes in hip-hop against black women and likened it to the mutilation the black woman was made to endure in slavery at the auction. T.I. on the other hand felt that Dr. Dyson was taking it too far and took a strong stance mixed with arrogance and conviction for his own music, which he called "his testimony" and comes from what he endured in his urban environment prior to fame and fortune. He also admitted there are many artists who are misleading and promoting youth to engage in illegal and dishonorable activities through their music they wouldn't do themselves and should rightfully be called out and made to take responsibility for their actions. He also stated there are many in the hip-hop industry who really are giving their testimonies of struggle and survival infused with an underlying message to listeners to learn from their mistakes.

There were only two women on the panel and they seemed to struggle with having their voices heard, however, Diane Weathers, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine, challenged hip-hop artist, Nelly to be more responsible in the choices he makes by being mindful of the affect his choices will have on the younger generation that look up to him and listen to his music. I don't believe Nelly has matured to that level, to be willing to take ownership as his main concern seemed to be defending his music and the scantly-clad women in his videos instead of recognizing the power and influence he has to lead a radical and welcomed change in the hip-hop industry.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson was profound and articulate as he dissected the negative elements of hip-hop clearly in the hopes of helping the artists recognize the detriment the current trend in hip-hop has on African-American cultural. Unfortunately, his wisdom seemed to go over the heads of the artists. One was focused on defending himself and the other was stuck on being prideful.

The forum's mainstay was on the panelist sharing their differing views with one another and at times, against each other with the audience quietly observing and the hosts struggling to facilitate, however, Jeff Johnson, was great at bringing the panel back to the discussion at hand and led the charge and challenge to hip-hop to evolve.

The attempt BET made for addressing this issue is to be commended and hopefully will continue. It is also hope that it will also encourage BET to examine its current programming that exploits the same negativity and be a catalyst for change. This forum was in a III part series the issues currently facing hip-hop is sure to continue to be explosive, engaging, entertaining and hopefully, will eventually weave itself a solution.