Black Folk’s music is travailing in creativity. Rap has dominated having no good purpose.
Consequently, the music is recycled, lyrical contents are shallow, and it’s onedimensional.
Historically, black people are renowned for their musical influence on the world. Black musical creativity extends from musical instruments to the majority of musical genres (Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk, and Rap) that touch every aspect of the black experience while creating musical balance. Moreover, drums, horns, guitars, etc. are imperative to the expression of that experience. Unfortunately, since Hip Hop has become the dominant genre, black music has become onedimensional, stifling the balance and benefits of the others.
The rhythms of R&B, Soul and Funk are gratifying and timeless; therefore sampling and remixing their tunes is undoubtedly the reason for Hip Hop’s success and longevity. However, over time this has led blacks from musical innovation of the past. Most urban artists exercise no instrumental talent, so they are unable to bring raw melodies into existence. Instead, rap artists have convinced themselves that sampling beats and remixing is innovative.
Besides lacking musical innovation, lyrical content is shallow. There is no depth because it is deficient of intellectual and affectionate challenge.
“It is basically about possessions,” said Jasmine Brannon, 19. Director of Student Services, Sherri Paysour says the lyrics speak to the “vagina” instead of the female’s heart.
Ray Bullock, 22, says the lyrics “have an influence on the way males dress and the younger generation’s inability to separate reality from fantasy.”
Hip Hop has a rightful place in black music, but it does not need to dominate the music scene since it doesn’t unite or uplift these days. Since its domination, it has been a major disruption in the plight of black people.
Motivated by love, musical variety is the binding force that aide blacks in accomplishing the goals and task at hand. Brenda Taylor, Freshman Seminar Coordinator agreed, saying Hip Hop is lacking a soulful element.
“There is no love in it,” Taylor said.