How is it that rap music has taken over the country? It has brought in an era where black kids and white kids from suburbs speak "ebonic tribalspeak"? I feel correct grammar and spelling is important, and rap takes no skill. they play no instruments! all rock actually takes skill and knowledge. how did this happen?
2006-07-26 19:23:15 · 5 answers · asked by Garlik luvr 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
As to the comment about the "snotty *** English 300 years ago," the correct form of the word would be the posessive, i.e. "their" as in "their words," not "they're," which is a contraction for "they are." The American Revolution occurred 230 years ago - 300 years ago, in 1706, "we" (meaning the English colonies - no dis meant to the Spanish in Florida, the Dutch in New Amsterdam, nor the millions of native peoples across the continent), "we" *were* English. We were colonies established by the English. People here considered themselves English, and they were. The Revolution wasn't fought over people speaking English poorly, it was fought over the basic rights of English people that were being denied to the colonists. However, I still agree with the questioner in regards to the notion that we need to respect the rules and standards of basic grammar. Or rather, if a person wishes to be successful, one must embrace these standards. You don't see the heads of companies (Hip-Hop record label owners excluded) using "street language" in business meetings.
On the other hand, the English language is a very vibrant, living thing - the rules are constantly in flux, and we add many new words every year. (For example, I used the term "dis" - meaning "to show disrespect to or disdain for" in my first paragraph. This is a word that has crept into the currency of standard language, and it definitely had its beginnings on the street.
Don't fret that all the kids are speaking "ebonic tribalspeak." It's all part of the transformative nature of English as a language. 150 years ago, simple, standard words like "joke" and "hamburger" were non-standard words, and the keepers of the language gates would look down their noses at people daring to use such "street language."
On the questioner's main point about rap and hip-hop music, I must disagree, to a point. There is a talent to writing and performing rap music, and there are a number of rappers out there who have that talent. The problem with the rap/hip-hop scene right now is that it's oversaturated and that it's overviolent. There are too many guys being handed $2.5 million contracts for doing essentially very little. Certain performers, like Eminem (and I'm not a fan of his by any stretch, but I do respect his talent) truly make rap an art form - an art form that's edgy and makes people scared, which is one of the things good art can do. (I dare you to look at Picasso's "Guernica" and not be scared of the horrors of war). As in any field, there are a few greats, and the vast majority of everyone else is mediocre, at best. I also agree that there is more skill in playing an instrument in a band - this requires at least a modicum of practice and skill. (Guitars don't play themselves).
For knowledgeable rap, try the band Blackalicious. Intelligent, insightful, and not like anything you hear on your average "urban" radio station across the country, that's playing the very same playlist every other "urban" station across the country is playing as well. Seek independent music!!!
2006-07-26 20:37:43 · answer #1 · answered by Scott R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not a big fan of rap but you are a wrong on many levels. There are rappers out there who play their instruments, a lot better than some rock bands might I add. While rapping may take no skill that you acknowledge or appreciate it still takes skill. You have obviously NO clue what goes into making an album.
Plenty of rock bands these days can barely play their instruments, have empty vacuous lyrics and play off bastardized melodies they have ripped from the past. So the same can be said about rock as well.
All music seems to be watered down and lifeless these days, if you can find good music, embrace it. It is a rarity in this day and age.
2006-07-27 02:31:31 · answer #2 · answered by Gynolotrimena Lubriderma-Smith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We're breeding a generation of idiots.
2006-07-27 02:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Spaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"ebonic tribalspeak"? WTF r you talking about?
The snotty *** english also felt the same way about they're words 300 years ago. They said Americans were backwards and not proper englishmen. Stop this crap!
2006-07-27 02:26:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i see u r on the side of loosin funn e cuz i dunn feel like win in ...
2006-07-27 03:10:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋