Ignorance

[One-Way]

I was checking out some threads from '03-'04 on this board in the music section, and I thought I should make another thread. I read a few threads on Hip-Hop talking about what people thought of rap in general and on certain artists. Ok, now I have to ask. Why are people so ignorant when they talk about rap music. A lot of people who dislike it, straight up say, "I hate rap music. It's a disgrace. All they do is say stupid shit over a beat that's not even 'musical' - it takes no talent." Most also say, "Rappers are all the same. I have a lot of money, I have a lot of bitches, I have nice jewelery and nice cars. None are original." I've heard that all before now I wanna know why.

Rap is a form of expression, just like any other genre of music. People started rapping to vent, and just talk about what they wanted to. If you wanna talk about the beats, and how it takes no talent, just talk to a real producer. Honestly, do really hate rap just because of what you hear on the radio? 50 Cent? The Game? Is that what you "rap-haters" base ur thoughts on? If anything, first of all, that's not rap. That's "hip-pop", rappers who make radio friendly songs to entertain and make money. RAP consists of true artists such as Talib Kweli, Crooked I, Mos Def, Royce Da 5'9" - who have a message with their music. They have something to say, and touch out to people. Rap songs are one of the best songs to put on and it fits the mood you're in- and you just vibe.

Now this also goes to people who hate Rock. I don't really like Rock, but unlike most people who DO like Rock and hate Rap, I'm not ignorant. Yes, all of the songs do sound the same and it sounds like they're yelling like a bunch of idiots- but I know there's more to it than that. I like listening to some- but it's just not for me. Now I know you're thinking, "Yeah, well rap isn't for us" - but you guys aren't even giving it a chance. A lot of people who hate rap find out I rap, and quickly make judgements. I mean, first take a listen to my music, or rap in general, then judge.

For all you people who don't like rap, what's the deal with being so ignorant? I know there's a bunch of people who hate it that's why I ask. Do you guys ever listen to real rap or what? Take time to listen to other artists then the ones on the radio, then tell me what you think.

[Anonymouse]

So basically, since you're a "rapper" and in order to not feel at a disadvantage you have to try to redeem yourself by trying to pretend that rap has some merit or talent.

[One-Way]

No. I'm just trying to say rap isn't what most people think it is. Of course it takes talent- and I'm not trying to say I have talent or anything xxxxy- and it's just as good as the next genre of music.

[Anonymouse]

Rap doesn't require the same talent as playing the piano or violin or singing in opera. Face the reality.

[One-Way]

*Sigh*

[Anonymouse]

*Sniff*
*Sniff*

[nairi]

I agree with One-way on Rap. I have brought forth this argument on at least one other forum, but only few people seem to understand it.

Rap in its most primitive form is simply speaking rhythmically (which, btw, to do competently is A LOT harder than many people think!).

One of the greatest misconceptions is that rap is equal to hip-hop or Rap as genres of music. Hip-hop and Rap are merely genres that employ rap in their music. There are many other genres that also employ rapping, and yet the same people who seem to "hate" rap, enjoy the other genres because they strangely don't consider the rapping in that genre to be rap.

For instance, MC-ing could be rapping. An MC who raps for a hip-hop band or Rap band is considered of a lower quality by haters of rap than an MC who raps, say, to breakbeat. MC Conrad on Blame - Logical Progression (early form of breakbeat), for instance, does nothing more or less than rap.

Other examples are for instance bands like Massive Attack and Gorillaz who employ rap in many of their songs, and yet the same people who say they hate rap, for some odd reason feel that these rappers cannot be considered rappers because they do not conform to the stereotype of rappers we see on MTV.

In other words: rap is not a genre of music; it's simply the idea of speaking rhythmically, with or without accompanying music, beat, or any other form of sound. This form of "singing" is as old as Africa. Think of spirituals, call-and-response. They all have a form of rap in their repertoire.

The hip-hop/rap scene on MTV that we know today is merely ONE of many, many, genres of music in which this rhythmic speaking is employed. Personally, I have no problems with this genre as long as the music is good, as I have no problems with good music, regardless of genre. And like One-way already suggested, you should never judge a genre based on what you hear on MTV.

[magdalinka]

I think that this is a metter of taste. If a person listens to rock or classic music you have no right to ask him why he hates rap. I personally think that such songs as "I take you to the candy shop" have no right to exist.

And consider this: people still listen to the real music I mean Vivaldi, Chaykovsky, Bethoven and many others, but will they listen to M&M or Britney Spears after 50 years?

[Anonymouse]

I agree with One-way on Rap. I have brought forth this argument on at least one other forum, but only few people seem to understand it.

Rap in its most primitive form is simply speaking rhythmically (which, btw, to do competently is A LOT harder than many people think!).

One of the greatest misconceptions is that rap is equal to hip-hop or Rap as genres of music. Hip-hop and Rap are merely genres that employ rap in their music. There are many other genres that also employ rapping, and yet the same people who seem to "hate" rap, enjoy the other genres because they strangely don't consider the rapping in that genre to be rap.

For instance, MC-ing could be rapping. An MC who raps for a hip-hop band or Rap band is considered of a lower quality by haters of rap than an MC who raps, say, to breakbeat. MC Conrad on Blame - Logical Progression (early form of breakbeat), for instance, does nothing more or less than rap.

Other examples are for instance bands like Massive Attack and Gorillaz who employ rap in many of their songs, and yet the same people who say they hate rap, for some odd reason feel that these rappers cannot be considered rappers because they do not conform to the stereotype of rappers we see on MTV.

In other words: rap is not a genre of music; it's simply the idea of speaking rhythmically, with or without accompanying music, beat, or any other form of sound. This form of "singing" is as old as Africa. Think of spirituals, call-and-response. They all have a form of rap in their repertoire.

The hip-hop/rap scene on MTV that we know today is merely ONE of many, many, genres of music in which this rhythmic speaking is employed. Personally, I have no problems with this genre as long as the music is good, as I have no problems with good music, regardless of genre. And like One-way already suggested, you should never judge a genre based on what you hear on MTV.

"You should never judge a genre based on what you hear on MTV".

The faulty assumption which that is, is not the reason why some of us, such as myself, have criticized rap. I have listened to all forms of music before I arrived at that conclusion. I listened to classical, to jazz, to country, to 80s, you name it. My favorite genre is rock, mostly classic. I have enough musical taste and perception to know and distinguish the difficulty and talent which musical genre requires. With the advent of many technologies, and synthesizers, digital instruments and sound effects, many don't even need to know how to sing (Ashley Simpson and most rappers). In fact it does not take as much talent to rap, than it does to memorize musical notes, and play a variety of instruments. How many rappers can actually play instruments or read music?

Now, I like MC Conrad and DRS about as much as the next drum n bass listening freak, because I admit I love drum n bass. And yes, I also like Jedi Mind Tricks because I find their rap pretty awesome. But at the same time, after having listened to Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopen, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Wagner, I know that rap can never match, the depth, genius, talent, and intellect of classical music. Even listening to jazz, or classic rock, one can see a talent and genius and complexity of music that is still unrivalled by modern genres.

This image of black people who rap and live in million dollar mansions and drive pimped up Cadillacs is simply stupid, yet at the same time they talk about how "hard my life is in the ghetto". Furthermore, the complexity of ebonics is ever changing and new stupid words and slangs are constantly being invented, which are nothing more than a way of admitting that they are not creative enough to make words rhyme, but have to bend words and create slang to create rhymes. "Rap" has its roots in the 60s and 70s when poor old black kids would sit there and rhyme usually with sexual innuendo and violence. This whole "conscious hip hop" or "conscious rap" movement is a new thing. The only difference is back then there were no synthesizers or drum machines, sampling, or loops. Now that we have technology we have these talentless freaks taking the spotlight as if they are doing some big difficult thing. And what's more the gesticulating illiterates in rap music are idolized by the modern half wits. Rap is garbage. It has always been garbage, and the lowest form of so called "art" born of a culture of undereducated, foul mouthed, marginally-talented thugs who are called "artists".

[magdalinka]

"You should never judge a genre based on what you hear on MTV".

The faulty assumption which that is, is not the reason why some of us, such as myself, have criticized rap. I have listened to all forms of music before I arrived at that conclusion. I listened to classical, to jazz, to country, to 80s, you name it. My favorite genre is rock, mostly classic. I have enough musical taste and perception to know and distinguish the difficulty and talent which musical genre requires. With the advent of many technologies, and synthesizers, digital instruments and sound effects, many don't even need to know how to sing (Ashley Simpson and most rappers). In fact it does not take as much talent to rap, than it does to memorize musical notes, and play a variety of instruments. How many rappers can actually play instruments or read music?

Now, I like MC Conrad and DRS about as much as the next drum n bass listening freak, because I admit I love drum n bass. And yes, I also like Jedi Mind Tricks because I find their rap pretty awesome. But at the same time, after having listened to Vivaldi, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopen, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Wagner, I know that rap can never match, the depth, genius, talent, and intellect of classical music. Even listening to jazz, or classic rock, one can see a talent and genius and complexity of music that is still unrivalled by modern genres.

This image of black people who rap and live in million dollar mansions and drive pimped up Cadillacs is simply stupid, yet at the same time they talk about how "hard my life is in the ghetto". Furthermore, the complexity of ebonics is ever changing and new stupid words and slangs are constantly being invented, which are nothing more than a way of admitting that they are not creative enough to make words rhyme, but have to bend words and create slang to create rhymes. "Rap" has its roots in the 60s and 70s when poor old black kids would sit there and rhyme usually with sexual innuendo and violence. This whole "conscious hip hop" or "conscious rap" movement is a new thing. The only difference is back then there were no synthesizers or drum machines, sampling, or loops. Now that we have technology we have these talentless freaks taking the spotlight as if they are doing some big difficult thing. And what's more the gesticulating illiterates in rap music are idolized by the modern half wits. Rap is garbage. It has always been garbage, and the lowest form of so called "art" born of a culture of undereducated, foul mouthed, marginally-talented thugs who are called "artists".

Mouse, you were the only one to write short posts, now they converted you too.
Btw am I the only one who doesnt read the long boring posts?