no money, no honey
As like most, I am very passionate about hip hop and hip hop culture. As I listened to Self Scientific’s “The Return” it got me to think. Damn, these cats were rapping about how hip hop was getting out of control back in 1997 and here we are, and it still is out of control. Now my question is, do you “keep it real” and stay passionate about your craft wether it be producing, mc’ing, dj’ing and even art. Do you “sell out” and make that auto tune track or have that latest popular m.c. feature or stay true to yourself? Remember when Hot 97 would break records? Wu-Tang Clan, Souls Of Mischief, and Blackmoon were on regular rotation? Radio has become a “pay to play” situation. I’m not judging you if you get down with mainstream music. I had my dirty south phase, but for the most part what “they” play on the radio is not for me. Now mind you, I’d never charge an artist for a review or feature on my blog. If I’m feeling your music I will post it. For the most part, who the hell am I and why would you want to listen to me anyways? I’m not here to disrespect anyone or their art form. My soul purpose of The Wunderground is to inform people and let them know hip hop is not dead(I hate that statement) and it never was. Nowadays its up to you to decide what is “Hip Hop” and what is not. So artists, I ask you, do you stay the indie route or make something for the radio and or mainstream? Me? I’ll stay broke if it means me keeping my self-respect. Honestly, my soul ain’t for sale. I don’t need to be rich and famous. I love hip hop! As long as I can pay my bills and spoil my girl once in a while I’m good. I look at artist/record labels like Jedi Mind Tricks, Duckdown Records’ and Stones Throw and I say to myself, “damn they stay true to themselves and their music.” The one thing mainstream hip hop will never have over indie hip hop is loyal fans. I find with mainstream hip hop is your only as hot as your last record. Also, mainstream hip hop fans are fair weather fans like most New York Jets fans.Anyone heard the new M.I.M.S. or Ying Yang Twins record ? No, because they are irrelevant in the hip hop world now. What the hell happened to Tru Life? Just another pawn in the record industry. Dude was nice so I hope he makes it back. Either record companies are blind or just don’t they just don’t care, is that quality hip hop was once “Mainstream.” Artist were able to be true to their craft and still have “mass appeal.” Biggie, Big Pun, Ghostface Killah, and Outkast all had mainstream appeal, so records, and still were respected as “real” m.c.’s. That is not the case anymore. The indie route seems to be catching on. Look how successful Freeway and especially Slaughterhouse did when they went the indie route? My point, loyal fans and quality hip hop. I guess the decision lies within in you. Money or respect? I just also wanted to take a minute to thank Dart Adams over at Www.Bloggerhouse.net for the inspiration, Solo For Dolo, and whoever reads this. Thank you so much. Your support is much appreciated.
peace, love and dope beats,
re-kon
Classick Material 