Quote:
Originally posted by Blackwatch
When you hear the message of dead prez, I don't really hear much self love. I hear a lot of pain, and hatred for the system, and criticism of black bourguoise, but I would think that self love would be demonstrated with a proposal for a specific, empowering plan of action articulated pragmatically with optimism and and a vision for a better way of life. With their advocacy of violence as an offensive plan of action and the calling out of certain "upper class" Blacks to contribute to a yet to be clearly articulated cause, I think that on some level, they may be doing more harm than good in that they place legitimate calls for revolution in the same catagory as some type of gang warfare context with the message "revolutionary but gangsta". I find it hard to see how a revolutionary can be gangsta' when the gangsta' mentality is exactly what the system wants out of black people. The gangsta' image is one of wanton hedonism and nihilism, two atributes that will almost certainly kill any revolution as well as the people that possess them.
Blackwatch!!!!!!
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And about Dead Prez. yes I would consider them positive. Being militant has nothing to do with it except shows how serious they are about their cause. Malcom X was considered credible, and he worked for a positive future. Dead Prez is outspoken and not scared to say what they think and what they feel, no matter who it may offend. There is a lot positive about them. They dont drink, or smoke (ciggerattes). They are vegan. Its refreshing to see hip hop used for something political rather than just money
You hear a message of pain and hatred for the system because thats what their message is....a call to arms. Yes the system may want a gangsta mentality out of the black man, but the point that Dead Prez is trying to make sometimes when they talk about guns and violence is that they dont care what the system does and doesnt want anymore- they would be willing to do whatever to end the suffering and mistreatment that still goes on today but that is covered up. Even I agree with you that there would be better ways to go about things but I respect that this is how they feel, and that they feel so strongly about it.
However, you have to keep in mind that they are a group, on a label. They would not be able to survive simply as a hip hop group with a message about perserving black culture. Im sure they have executives and stuff saying do this and do that, we need to make this album sell as well....just part of working for a label, you cant be 100% free