Eminem

[Discogoddess]

Soror AKA 2D '91:

I think there are a couple of reasons why Latin entertainment awards shows have gained slots on major U.S. networks:

1.) Latin music has become palatable to middle white America, and network TV is trying to capitalize off of this while it's still "hot" in the minds of "mainstream" America;

2.) Latin music is HUGE (and I mean HUGE) in many parts of the world, and these shows are an outgrowth of that form of entertainment being more out in the open here. It's always been here, though (and I LOVE salsa, mergenue, son, cumbia, etc.-don't hate on Latin music; most of it has African roots anyway!). If you ever get a chance to read up on any of the major Spanish-speaking networks, you'll get a sense of how fast-growing the Latin music demographic is. Middle America acceptance is just icing on the cake. There have been Latin Grammys for a long time, just like there is a Spanish-language MTV, HBO, etc.;

3.) "Our" awards shows don't bring in the advertising dollars, so why would a network bother to put them on during a prime slot? And why don't our shows bring in the advertising dollars? Cuz advertisers know we'll buy their products and services anyway, whether they market specifically to us or not, since they know welove giving our money multinational corporations. Besides, they also know that while we talk a good game and get all huffy amongst ourselves, we rarely stand up and take action to get what we want. And why are we waiting for them to "give us" a prime-time show? I think the commercialization of R&B, rap, and other "black" music is precisely why most of it is @#$^.

[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited July 11, 2000).]

[darling1]

DG Thank you for both of your responses regarding the Latino issue. As a Black/Latina who is learning about her Latin culture I am becoming more aware of how disregarded the culture has been for years. You couldn't even get a Latin Awards Show. The most many of us knew about Latin culture was the various stereotypes, unless you lived in cities like NY. At least there was the Image Awards that SHowcased African American talent. Reiterating, right now Latin music is hot and it generates money. Secondly, with regards to Eminem, as much as I find his lyrics a bit disturbing I am entertained by them as well as his beats. But he too will wear out his welcome because the Angry MC routine eventually gets played out.

[blu_theatrics]

Hello ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, I was told about this forum and had to come post my 22 cents.
( you should really trying making this public, I'm sure you would get a great response. But then again, it might turn into another "race war" topic)

But anyhow, first off, I love me some Will Smith and Jada too( I know yall are proud of your soror )I really am not completely into him like back in the day, but I have to give him propr for eternity for the song he did about his son, it was bluetiful.

Back to slim shady/emeinem.
Although,I do agree that his secone cd is out there, he said that it would be and warned people that if you didn' want to hear it, don't buy it and don't listen to it (or go to your local walmart and get the edited version..lol)

But I must say, I like the second CD (especially the song anout Stan) and I like the beat s and I feel like he is just getting his own therapy out (and were paying the bill, I guess....lol)

[AKAtude]

DG, your point is well taken. I believe that is one of the reason why the NAACP and the Latino community joined forces last year in an attempt to get the networks to acknowledge both cultures more on television. I'm beginning to enjoy their music because I honestly have never truly been exposed to it that much before, especially in this part of the south.

[HER_STORY]

aka2d91,

when i used the word uplifted i meant that we have come a long way, i am not suggesting that we have arrived. but i do see some improvement, don't you? i don't think that them (the latinos)having their own show means that they are the flavor of the year. or that black people are not important. i take it as they are now saying "hey we want representation also" is that wrong for me as a black person acknowledge other ethnic groups? i hope not !!

[molasses79]

Hello, well Slim Shady is not my favorite rapper in the whole world, but I think he's tight. Truly, his music isn't made for children ears, but can be made for mature minds. Too me, his rap very unique and intelligent in a odd kind of way. Basically, he's just keeping real and he's very blunt and society can't handle that kind of tackless attitude. His rap music is full of imagination, paradoxes, foreshawows, ironies etc. Rap is different now days that's why I only stick too NAS, Outkast, Redman and Method Man, Hot Boys- even though I think Juvenile is ignornant, the beat is cool! These female rappers are comming up though. ut, Enimem is cool- just probably had a ruff life so far.

[onesavvydiva]

Hello all,
Well I want to expand on what a SF said earlier. Okay, it's not that I am saying that just because a rapper is cursing then it's okay if they have a good story behind it. There are some songs out there that are just done in very poor taste. The point I was making on the Will Smith issue is that just because he doesn't curse, that does not, in my opinion, make him the epitome of a good rapper. I think his rapping skille leave a LOT to be desired. When I think of talented rappers who don't usually use profanity, I think of Common, Goodie Mob, Outkast, (like the SF said earlier), I think these guys are EXTREMELY talented...now you compare one of Common's songs to Will Smith, and every time Will Smith comes out with some bubble-gum song about how much money he has, and how he doesn't have to curse to sell records, that's the only thing he prides himself on b/c his rhymes are weak!!! The ONLY song I ever liked of Will Smith's was "Summertime", and otherwise, I think of him as a "one hit wonder"!

Go out and Common's new CD...it is really good!!!

[Taykimson]

Onesavvydiva,

Is the new Common CD out yet? I tried to order it last night from Amazon.com (yes, I'm too lazy to drive to the music store) and Amazon said it had not been released yet.

-----------------
Alpha Kappa Alpha
17-Alpha Phi-91

[LadyAKA]

onesavvydiva I must admit I loved "Summertime" by Will - I am going to leave the rest of this conversation alone.
I started the topic by saying I DON'T like Eminem or his music and that's how I am ending it - peace.

[Discogoddess]

Onesavvydiva:

Common's CD has BEEN out! I'm surprized Amazon doesn't have it. My husband and I have been rockin' it for a couple of months now, and I've noticed he has some videos that have been getting some airplay (for a change). I'm curious about your comparison of Will Smith and Common, though. Common does most definitely (and speaking of him-Mos Def-does anyone have his CD? I want to get it, but the music budget is on the back burner right now) CURSES! I haven't purchased any Will Smith stuff since my teen years, and then it was "Girls of the World Ain't Nothing But Trouble" (remember that, children of the 70s and 80s?). But, I do like his music, even though I think it's fluff. It's like enjoying a movie or book that I don't think it necessarily holds it down on the intellectual level, but is still enjoyable.



[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited July 14, 2000).]

[AKA2D '91]

Herstory

If things are so better, why are "we" still being hanged... now, its from trees in OUR OWN YARDS?

Why do you not think that this latin "explosion" is not the "flavor of the year?" I do.

And I acknowledge EVERYONE, but remember that old saying..."charity begins at home...well, acknowledgements, concerns, etc. begins at home, too!

[Diarra]

onesavydiva, I agree with you a 100 percent. Discogoddess, the MOS DEF cd is excellent, it is a must have. Take care ladies and stay blessed.

[HER_STORY]

aka2d91,

out of respect for the forum, i will agree to disagree. have a blessed day !!

[AKA2D '91]

You do the same!

[AKA2D '91]

Oh! Isn't that what America is ALL about?