This is what started it:
(Hm. What have YOU done?) RT @sweet_coloosh: what have any of these rappers done besides show up for self-promoting photo ops?
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
And now…a little lesson:
Folks do nothing besides complain abt what others are not doing, buy zero conscious hiphop, but wonder what "rappers" are doing smh
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
Fuck rappers. Fuck what "rappers" are doing. What are YOU doing? I wasn't in Ferguson as a rapper. I was there as a man.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
Can't name 1 "conscious" album u actually bought but complaining about the state of hiphop and rap radio. U the problem. Trust that.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
Rappers won't save you
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
@SadikuBey I was in Ferguson, Chicago, Kenya, South Africa, Chile this month alone. Where were u? Being a bitch behind a keyboard.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
There are many in the hiphop generation, raised on hiphop, working for positive change. Look past the rappers & u will see them.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) November 26, 2014
Whew.
A couple of things. One, I find that I was guilty of questioning why certain artists hadn’t said anything about what’s going on in Ferguson (and other issues as well). But then, it simply didn’t matter. Yes, I believe those who have the means and the resources to make an impact should, but…that has nothing to do with MY voice.
Second. Talib Kweli is 100% correct about the state of hip hop. We do THEEEEE. MOST. complaining about all of this trash that’s out here. But guess what? The trash is what gets sold. The socially conscious messages aren’t getting played. The first week J. Cole released his tribute to Michael Brown, the radio was ON IT. Now? I haven’t heard it in at least a month. But “Fight Night” – Migos and “All Me” – Drake (w/ 2 Chainz and Big Sean) STAYS in rotation.
WE, the consumer, BUY and LISTEN TO the trash and mindless music. Executives and decision makers couldn’t be pumping this stuff out if it wasn’t making them money. So yes, Talib is absolutely correct. WE are the problem.
Now. What are we going to do about it?
Or should I ask, ARE WE going to do anything about it?
