TongueBath©1993
TongueBath #6 - September 1997
2nd Time Around - Recurrent Stuff/Re-Issues: `90s Hip-Hop/Rap Retrospective
As much as I loathe digressing into the realm of racism, because of its proliferation these days, I do feel it warrants dicussion. Some institutions [the White Anglo-Saxon Patriarchy comes to mind first and foremostly] prefer to take a xenophobic approach towards the Hip-Hop/Rap musical genres; denonument and hypercriticism is the default reaction, instead of understanding and learning. Not since the era of New Wave in the early `80s have two musical genres made such an impact in the music biz; let the record show, the sales of music from these genres are astronomical. Granted, sexism, racism, and violence don't rate very high in my book either, but other genres of music could be criticized on these topics as well. [It's not my policy to harp on one particular musical genre, but what about the lyrical content spewed by rock artists like Marilyn Manson, Cop Shoot Cop, Revolting Cocks, Nine Inch Nails, all the Goth bands, all the Nazi punk rock bands, and the list goes on, etc., etc., etc....]
So why are Rap/Hip-Hop, especially Gansta Rap artists typically under heavier scrutiny and attack? I think one answer is because this artform has created empowerment; and empowerment of the oppressed is dangerous for those in charge, and for those in control of information and resources. Don't get me wrong, I think that all forms of media should be analyzed, but with insightfulness and responsibility that begs the question, "Why?" Like musical artists of other genres, I think Hip-Hop/Rap artists write and sing about that that they know-----oftentimes, it is about the desolate and oppressed lifestyle that coincides with life in the ghetto. And, for the most part, it ain't pretty. Albeit, lyrics of controversy and contention.
Without revealing too much about my own trials and tribulations as a woman of color who is constantly challenged with the barrage of indignities imposed on me by social agencies, administrators, other peoples, etc. and the subsequent resultant emotional duress, shame, frustration, and anger imposed on me, allow me to share my appreciation/opinion on these particular musical genres. And, although I do not condone violent actions, or succumbing to drugs or alcohol as an answer, I do in fact overwhelmingly understand why people do in fact act out by engaging in these mannerisms to quell their precarious, uncertain realities. All too often we gravitate to the bad instead of the good, and lyrical content in these particular musical genres are oftentimes taken out of content, and therefore misinterpreted. To paraphrase the band Test Department, I think we live in "a society that believes more in conspicuously favoring its wealthy citizens, its corrupt and denies its citizens basic human rights" which is why I write this review. I personally think Hip-Hop/Rap are always on the short-end of the stick. And, to this end, I feel stongly that extreme conditions demand extreme responses: I strongly believe Rap/Hip-Hop serves this purpose to one end.
Below is a small sampling of releases/artists frome these genres whose releases from this decade I feel deserve a peep, a lap, and a listen. I feel they deserve this because not necessarily because of the controversy, but because of their compostionally musical prowess and talent, for their lyrical sense of compromise, intelligence, introspect, insight, sense, and sensibility based on their environments, and what they know....which is not to say, all persons can relate.
In closing I think these genres can be best summarized by quoting a couple of excerpts from Outkast on their release Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik....
"You need to get out, get out, and get something. How will you ever make it if you never even try?"
"Operating under the corporate American system too long. Outkast, pronounced \`aùt-,kast\. Adjective meaning homless, or unaccepted in society. But let's look deeper than that. Are you an Outkast? If you understand and feel the basic principles of fundamental truths contained within that meaning----you probably are. If you think that it's all about pimping hos and swinging Cadillac doors----you're probably a cracker, or nigger that think he a cracker. Or maybe you just don't understand. An Outkast is someone who is not considered to be a part of the normal world. He's looked at differently. He's not accepted, because of his clothes, his hair, his occupation, his beliefs, or his skin color. How look at yourself. Are you an Outkast? I know I am. As a matter of fact, fuck being anything else. There's only so much time left in this crazy world. Wake up niggers and realize what's going on around you...."
Bring on the Hate Mail, kimgerly@holonet.net.
Kimgerly
Anything by CRAIG MACK
Anything by OUTKAST
Anything by SISTA SOULJAH
Anything by TOTALLY INSANE
1991
QUEEN LATIFAH Nature of a Sista'(Tommy Boy)
1992
PETE ROCK & CL SMOOTH Mecca and the Soul Brother (Elektra)
1993
ED O.G. & DA BULLDOGS Roxbury 02119 (Chemistry)
THA ALKAHOLIKS 21 & Over (Loud/RCA/BMG)
1994
RAPPIN' 4-TAY Don't Fight the Feelin'(Chrysalis/EMI)
THE ROOTS Do You Want More? (DGC)
GIL SCOTT-HERON "Message to the Messengers" (TVT)
Ed. Note: Although Gil Scott-Heron may not appreciate being lumped-in here, in my mind, this visionary started it all---he's been grabbing folks by their shirt collars and jostling bowels for decades. Any of his releases are well worth their weight, and priceless. He's the bona fide Soul Brother #1.
1996
DIGITAL UNDERGROUND Future Rhythm(Critique/Radikal)