Pride

This particular episode of Sesame Street (hey, we all do need to keep in touch with our inner child somehow) featured Arrested Development performing a track named Pride. Basically, the track is about taking pride in oneself with regards to one’s race, ethnicity, beliefs, individuality etc. Arrested Development are often regarded as an alternative hip-hop group due to the fact that the messages in their lyrics were often positive in nature as opposed to that of gangsta rap in the early 1990s.

During the earlier years of hip-hop, it actually helped to reduce gang violence. DJ Kool Herc often held bloc parties in the Bronx, which drew teenagers, who were sick of all the gang violence, and these bloc parties provided them with outlets to express themselves. Instead of physical violence, they now turned to MCing, DJing, graffiti and breakdancing. What DJ Kool Herc did inspired Afrika Bambaata, who was once a gang leader, to create the Universal Zulu Nation, which aimed to pull teenagers out of the vicious cycle of gangs and violence. Hip-hop was meant as an outlet of expression and was often used as a voice for social issues.

However, the ‘hip hop’ nowadays seems to work against what its predecessors were preaching about. Commercial ‘hip hop’ often glorify violence, drugs, guns and tend to revolve around money, bling, women and hate. Rappers do not realise the impact they have on the impressionable younger generation. After a day of boasting about gangs, drugs and violence in the studio, the rapper goes home to his multi-million dollar mansion to enjoy the spoils of another platinum record achieved. On the other hand, a teenager who is a big fan of the rapper and who recently purchased his album, decides to exact revenge on the group of kids who have been giving him a hard time in school and the only revenge that seems logical to him is in the form of a handgun.

‘Hip hop’ in its current state, is just a mere money making tool for many. These rappers, agents and record labels only care about profits and take a devil may care attitude towards social responsibility. It is sad to see the legacy, which was painstakingly built by the pioneers being destroyed by the current generation who hold materialism in higher regards than societal issues. There is a whole lot more to life than what this doppelganger who calls himself ‘hip hop’ is ranting about all day. Give back to us our real Hip-Hop.