Gladys Knight thinks hip hop is bringing us down as a people. When asked how hip hop has changed the nature of black music she responded:
"Well, it’s been good as far as giving young artists an opportunity to get out there. But, it’s been bad, in my opinion, as far as the quality of the music and the stories that they tell. It’s one thing to be raw about your history, but they took it to another level and it became vulgar. It has not elevated our industry musically, and it definitely has not elevated us as African-Americans because we show disrespect for our partners, men and women. I believe we have lowered our self-esteem with these performances and presentations."
She has a point--about SOME hip hop. Unfortunately, I think she is making the same mistake others outside of the Black community make in thinking we are all homogenized. We do not all have the same experience and all hip hop is not vulgar gangsta/thug rap. There are conscious rappers out there. There are MC's trying to make a change. We even have feel good party hip hop. Before condemning the entire genre, I think people need to take the time to explore all its facets.
Hip hop does not like Gladys Knight either
ReplyDeleteGlays Knight did not lie. She told the truth. Before hip hop there was Gladys. So, to me, she is the voice of wisdom. Young and old can agree to what she is saying.
ReplyDeleteGladys Knight is a 65 yr old grand mother, why do you think she is going to pump gangster bitch or little wayne's lollipop in her car while she rides to the store. she came from a different place and time where you didnt have music like that. i dont expect my mother to like hip hop and you would not be able to play those songs around her either. nor do i play those songs around my nieces and nephews. what are you expecting from grand parents and elderly people ? do you think they are going to listen to stroking my ego by to short or pop that pussy by 2 live crew and be cool with it ? people pls.
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