Nightline & Hip Hop

Eclipse · #1 09-07-2000, 09:06 AM

Did anyone watch the first of Nightline's 3 part series on Hip Hop last night? Most of the show was devoted to Russell Simmons and his empire and how hip hop is being embraced by white kids as well. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Racquel · #2 09-07-2000, 10:14 AM

I did catch parts of the show. From what I heard tonight Jay Z will be on the show. I found it disturbing that some young people did not know who Al Gore was, but could recognize Russell Simmons. These young people are to be our future leaders of our country.

Racquel · #3 09-07-2000, 01:10 PM

I think that Simmons wasrecognized because of the fact that he has a popular clothing line. To put a another spin on this topic, does anyone else feel that hip hop artist have gone off the deep end? The Source Awards is one example, and also with a lot of artist getting arrested, not paying child support, and "beefing" with other groups. What kind of message are they sending young people, or people in general? My co-workers and myself had a discussion on this topic, and we came to the conclusion that we should stop buying their music. This will hit the artist where it hurts(in the pockets), and then they will understand that we do not condone their behavior! You also have the artist that brag about in no certain terms that consumers are throwing away money for their cds so they can have diamonds, cars and whatever else. I know that I work hard for my money, and I know now that they won't get it anytime soon!

Sorry for the long post.

Eclipse · #4 09-08-2000, 12:21 AM

Raquel,
I found that a little hard to believe! (Al Gore vs. Simmons) I know that Russell Simmons is HUGE, but he is more of a behind the scenes kind of person. Do you think the average hip hop fan knows his face that well?? I could see if it was Puffy or even LL Cool J.....I found that part to be a bit of a set up. I know this is going to sound racist as heck, but I was glad it was the 'suburban kids' who were asked, not the 'urban' kids.

MIDWESTDIVA · #5 09-08-2000, 06:54 PM

I have to agree with you Racquel. There was a time when I loved gangster rap, (Eazy E, DJ Quick, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, etc.) Now that I have matured it really sickens me. I finally stopped buying rap music at all, unless I find the lyrics to be enlightening in some way. Most of these hip hop artists have nothing to talk about except their sex lives, degrading women, getting high and their material posessions. Then you have these ladies who have the "if you can't beat them, join them mentality" and try to rap just as nasty as the men. Why would I want to pay $16.99 to listen to that?