Hip Hop is "brain" Dead

In regards to the beef (if you can call it that) that Young Jeezy has in regards to the title of Nas' latest album, Hip-Hop is Dead, I offer this commentary.

Hip-Hop is alive!!!! It is still a living and breathing art form. No doubt about that.

However, I think that Nas' statement is addressing the fact that Hip Hop is "brain" dead; particularly, the commercialized form of it. Hip-Hop no longer thinks for itself; exhibiting no forms of intelligence and/or creativity, resulting in a consciousness that focuses and expresses the only thing that it now knows – DEATH – while it’s only vital signs are measured in dollars and cents; which ironically reflect a lack of “scholars with sense”.

Every comment that Jeezy used to defend the life of Hip Hop (i.e. “busting guns”, “Nas’ being on the block”, “does Nas have street credibility”, “is any of Nas’ homies in the Feds”, etc.) are merely reflections of “death”; or more appropriately, a “mindset” of death, that is a far cry from the versatility, creativity, intelligence, and life that once flowed through the veins of Hip Hop. The fact that Jeezy had to question Nas’ street credentials/credibility as opposed to Nas’ contributions to Hip Hop as an emcee is a clear indication that skill, talent, and longevity are no longer qualities that define a Rap artist, but rather, the length of their rap sheet.

In 1990, Eric B & Rakim came with a song called “The Ghetto” which chronicled a man using his mind to escape the confines of his surroundings. Unfortunately, 16 years later, we’ve arrived at an era where a rapper can’t see nor think past the ghetto; much less his block or his “hood”. Even with millions filling his pockets, his mind still spews lamentations of limitations. Hip Hop isn’t living……..it is barely surviving.

Thinking that money is the key to his freedom he ignorantly shoves the bills in the locks that bind him; further securing his own slavery.

Of course, it is possible that many of the rappers today have no clue who Nas is or what he has contributed, much less the Hip Hop artist that preceded him. With that considered, you can’t expect these new cats to do much better. You can’t do any better if you don’t know any better.

Look back 20 years (to the mid ‘80’s) and you’ll find artist like Run-DMC, UTFO, The Beastie Boys, Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, Ice-T, MC Lyte, NWA, Slick Rick, Dougie Fresh, Fat Boys, LA Dream Team, Afrika Bambaataa, Salt-N-Pepa, and 2 Live Crew (just to name a few), and NONE of these groups/rappers were the same; and all of them provided hits that have influenced the music that we listen to today.

All of them were original and creative in their own rite as it relates to style, appearance, delivery, and content. The only thing that they had in common was Hip Hop. But today, everyone is doing, looking, sounding and saying the same; like corpses after the flesh has decayed to dust, revealing its bare bones that are unidentifiable when placed side by side. The Hip Hop necropolis.

What people like Nas and the fans of the Golden Era of Hip Hop are seeking is BALANCE; an intelligent alternative to the thugging, materialism, buffoonery and misogyny that plague the airwaves today. They seek a balance that exhibits the creativity, versatility, skill, talent, and artistry that once defined the genre. Because of this, new artists like Lupe Fiasco are being welcomed with open arms as they serve as a breath of fresh air with a side of food-for-thought.

Yes, Hip Hop is still a breathing body; however, it is animated at the behest of big business, much like Geppetto’s puppet Pinocchio before the Blue Fairy told him that he could be “real” if he learned “courage”, “kindness”, and “honesty”. Hip Hop could learn a lot from Pinocchio.

Personally, I am an individual who was breast-fed by Hip Hop. Some people love H.E.R. like a wife, I love H.E.R. like a mother. I knew H.E.R. before she got lost in the streets. Not only would I not know where I would be without Hip Hop, I wouldn’t know WHO I would be. So, if anyone has a problem with my views on the state of Hip Hop, to quote Jeezy, you can "tell them to get at me”.

Tungz

Sony's Black vs White: Blackout

Some would argue that Sony is merely personifying the racial tension that really exists - albeit vastly ignored - in the greater culture of the major nations; regardless of how tasteless it may or may not be. Simply put, they've commericialized wounds that many claim aren't there, and that others deal with on a daily basis, which is the reason it bothers many of us so.

The ad implies "dominance", "preference", and "better"; which could quite possibly could be the case with their new (white) PSP. All company's claim that their latest product is better and preferred over the former. It's called "marketing". Nothing new there. Seems pretty innocent - right?

However, it seems that Sony chose to use a social ill that many believe to be true - that white believes itself to be "better", "preferred", and "dominant" over black - to personify it's product. Subliminal advertisements of these sorts are intended to convey a subjective message/response other than what's objectively implied. In this case, the dominance of black over white is explicitly implicit (i.e. clothing, skin, lighting, black knot around the neck, etc.); which will probably result in Sony using "artistic integrity" as its scapegoat.

The question is, should we be mad at Sony, or should we be mad at someone else (like ourselves) because these conditions exist in the first place for Sony to exploit? It seems that there is enough blame - and thus "responsibility" - to go around for all.

Because it's an advert, it comes off as if Sony is promoting this mindset (white racial dominance) more so than it's PSP product. Conversely, this ad commercializes racial dominance; virtually minimizing the importance of racial unity, and justifying the bigotry of...well....bigots! It comes off as if to say that racial unity is so insignificant, that they can sell a product by showing a lack thereof.

Obviously, Sony's intent is merely to get their name on the tip of everyone's tongue; with little regard of how inflammatory and/or racially insensitve their methods may be. "Shock value" has proven profitable in many situations; which could easily explain Sony's bold, seemingly unconscionable, effort. Even in Hollywood, there is a saying that states, "There is no such thing as bad publicity." But Sony could have quite possible shattered that adage.

As more and more major corporations take steps in embracing diversity - whether the intent is genuine or not - you would think that a company as large as Sony would have thought twice before releasing an ad that blatantly - to some - implies otherwise. Truthfully speaking, major corporations embrace diversity as a means of remaining "competitive", not necessarilly because they have a genuine concern for equlaity. Ironically, this quite possibly could be Sony's attempt at "keeping-it-real", for a lack of a better term.

From an artistic/metaphorical expression standpoint, this would be a non-issue; mainly because art reflects a state of mind or concept - albeit positive or negative - that exists in the mind of it's creator; purely subjective.

But when your intent is to influence and motivate people to support your product, one should be more socially conscious of it's customer base; which is the reason this ad comes off as socially irresponsible, insensitive, racist, and simply put, a bad idea........unless of course it is Sony's intent to alienate it's minority customers.

If that is this case, then minorities should honor Sony's wish and refuse to purchase any of its products. In fact, even if it was not their intent, Sony should take the steps of admitting its short-sightedness - if they believe it to be so - and replace the add with one that gets their point across without disrespecting ANY social group. If not, maybe Sony should experience the sting of a "black out" boycott. Then we can really see how true that ad is!

TUNGZ

The Creation of Chaos

Has it occurred to anyone that all of the chaos that has been popping up around the world as of late are actually orchestrated events that are being used as a "divisive and divertive" tool to direct our attention away from the Big Picture (i.e. the corruption in government, the move to impeach the president, domestic spying, the permanence of the PATRIOT Act, the plan to attack Iran, etc.)?

From the strife revolving around the characterization of the Prophet Mohammed; to the recent church burnings in Alabama; to the anger facilitated at the plan to rezone schools in Georgia to diversify the classes; to the nuclear program in Iran (to name a few); all of these events are old festering wounds that never fully scabbed over; making it easy to create chaos, allowing for the application of the #1 rule in the art of war: Divide and Conquer.

In the South, racial tension is still VERY real; making it easy to create race-related chaos. Between countries - particularly the U.S. and the Middle East - religious differences are EASY to exploit. All over the U.S., the government labels immigrants as a threat to the economy - creating “race” and “class” chaos - while silently and conveniently ignoring the fact that it is big businesses (and thus government) that have benefited the most from immigration.

Consider last year, when the Mexican President - Vicente Fox - made the comment that "Mexicans take the jobs that black people don't want", or when the Mexican "sambo" stamp of Memin Pinguin had Black Americans fuming at the Mexican population/government. Blacks become infuriated with Mexicans, while much of white American and media took the stance that they couldn't imagine someone doing such a thing in this day and age. Yeah, right!!!! When did you ever stop?!?!?

The LAST thing that the powers-that-be want is for humanity to be of ONE MIND and ONE PURPOSE; minorities in particular. Just the sheer thought of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans being on the same page politically and socially is a GRAVE threat to white America and the powers-that-be; the REAL minorities. And the unification of the Christian and Muslim faiths is a bigger threat because this crosses the racial and socio-economic boundaries. As long as we remain divided by race, class, religion and such, we are easily manageable. Just imagine if Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Christians, Muslims, Rich, and Poor came together in one mind to battle the common enemy of Injustice. The ONLY outcome would be "REVOLUTION". The Powers-That-Be will do whatever they can to insure that that DOES NOT occur.

We need to realize that these chaotic events are not mere happenstance. EVERYTHING is happening for a reason; strategically orchestrated and planned like most wars are, and we need to focus on the Big Picture while connecting the dots of the smaller ones. The “created chaos” will serve as a precursor to and justification for the removal of our personal rights and freedoms which will be presented in the guise of “security”.

The government knows us better than many of us know ourselves in terms of how we react to chaos; precisely exploiting our weaknesses of "fear" and "greed". Don't lose focus. The evil that we “really” need to be concerned about is not on the news.

Tungz

Moved By Death

If there is one condition that could be attributed as the principal “motivator” in the current consciousness of Mankind, it would have to be the condition of “death”. From the establishment of the Christian religion which is founded on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, to the recognition of our great world leaders, our move to appreciate, recognize, and value Life is only expressed at the onset of death; and even then, our efforts are in vain as we focus solely on the “celebration” of ceremonies as opposed to the “sanctity” and/or “spirit” behind them.

From the crucifix that dangles around the necks of many, to the stuffed deer heads over the desks of prideful hunters, to the war medals that drape the breast of decorated soldiers, the effigy of death in society has become a trophy of sorts; one that is ironically celebrated just as much as it is feared.

The majority of technological advancements and discoveries are directed at creating weapons for the removal of life, as opposed to creating tools to create and sustain it. Even worse, we use our beliefs, traditions, and religions to justify the promulgation of death, while simultaneously convincing ourselves that we are supporters of Life.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise than many people have condemned a movie about love between two men (Brokeback Mountain) as a sin, while going in droves to see Hostel and Saw II; two movies about death and torture. In essence, we are hypocrites in our own rite that are entertained by the rush of death and destruction. How ironic is it that we refer to ourselves as a “civil-ization”?

On January 30, 2006, humanity lost a civil rights Matriarch who carried the legacy and “baton of freedom” of a movement that was spearheaded by her late husband, Martin Luther King, Jr. On February 7, 2006, thousands of mourners descended upon New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta to pay their last respects to Coretta Scott King. But we each should take the time to sincerely ask ourselves if we ever truly paid our “first” respects. If Mrs. King were still alive, and an announcement was made stating that she was going to give a speech at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, would the same number of people flock to show their respect? This scenario is arguable; but I’d venture to say that the answer is an emphatic “No”.

So what is it that we’re paying respects too – the life that “is”, or the life that “was”…….or do we merely find comfort in the “appearance” of appreciation? After all, that is why the President was there. Photo Ops come in many shapes sizes and colors. And for the President, this was a good look.

Too many of us feel that merely showing up at a funeral equates to “paying respects”. However, this is about as accurate as surmising that showing up to your job equates to “doing work”. Instead of venturing to pay our “last” respects, we should endeavor to pay a respect that “lasts”; one that embodies the ideals, ideologies and actions that the Kings advocated. The “only” way to honor and respect the Kings in death is to bring their philosophies to life by continuing in the movement to make the world a better place for everyone.

Unless we quickly adopt and exercise a philosophy that displays an appreciation for life and constructiveness, it is our hypocritical values and ideologies – guided by the tyranny of our so-called leaders – that will ultimately usher in our demise; ending an era of a race that embodied infinite possibilities; who unfortunately, were only moved by death.

Tungz

"Thinking" Is Half the Battle

In spite of the apparent predestined demise of humanity at the hands of the current world leaders, it must be understood that this fate is NOT inevitable. Believing so makes it so. We could change everything for the better RIGHT NOW if we just changed our thoughts and took responsibility for our actions……and the lack thereof.

We put more energy into discussing how bad things are getting without putting any thought on how good things could be, and actually taking the steps and initiative to make the good things happen. Collectively, we could removed the tyrants from power and successfully make this world a better place. Consider the French Revolution: The common people "literally" stormed the Basilica and ousted the monarchy and restructured the government. We could do the same on a much broader scale.

Because so many people are already accepting defeat - claiming that our re-slavery is inevitable - many aren't motivated to do anything to change things for the better. Many of us are just waiting to die; in the meantime, finding temporary comfort in our PSP Playstations and paychecks.

The powers-that-be are well aware of the fact that once you get someone to "believe" that they are already defeated, that they lose the will to even try to fight. That is exactly where the vast majority of us are now - mentally defeated. Everyone has the "ability" to create positive change. It's just that most don't want the "responsibility" of doing so. Realize that whatever happens to us is our own fault.

Tungz

Bush Administration: The Image of Truth


As expected – and as stated in the previous blog (“PATRIOTless Act”) – the Bush Administration has begun its’ “fear frenzy” campaign by dangling a tape of its favorite bait and “ace-in-the-hole”, Osama Bin Laden, positing that an impending terrorist attack plot on U.S. soil is near completion. Not unlike the “flashy thing” that Agent K and Agent J used to erase memories in the movie Men In Black, the Bush Administration uses “fear-mongering”; a more obscure means of thought distortion in which the recipients willfully acquiesce under the weight of fear and confusion, effectively directing their attention away from what really matters. Simply put, terror produces blind submission.

This tactic has proven effective on numerous occasions; notably, in the signing of the PATRIOT Act which was passed under the duress of 9/11, and during the London Bombings of 2005 which effectually silenced the British people who were tenaciously pursuing justice and an explanation from the Blair/Bush Administration regarding the “true intent for war” revealed in the Downing Street Memos. An act so abhorrent that even Nostradamus felt compelled to include it in one of his quatrains 450 years prior (click here to read the quatrain and the interpretation).

This is not to insinuate that “real” terrorism (the kind they show you on the news) doesn’t exist. Quite the contrary. Terrorism exists in many forms and in every country. It’s a political tool used to control and dominate with the power of “fear”. And its use is just as prominent in the United States as it is in the Middle East; only differing in overtness and application.

With continuous reports of “multi-level” corruption within the Bush Administration, not to mention the revelations of illegal phone/internet tapping per the request of the president himself; the continuing Hurricane Katrina/Bush/FEMA debacle; illegal torture and detention of prisoners; mounting concerns regarding the “under-equipped” soldiers in Iraq; and growing dissent with the war and the Administration in general, it is imperative that the Bush Administration do something to divert attention away from itself, while simultaneously justifying or downplaying the unjust and unlawful acts that it has committed. They have to make themselves look like the “good guys”.

Not only could an attack on U.S. soil/citizens accomplish this goal, but it will "appear" to justify the existence and need for the PATRIOT Act; placing it in the position to become law, which is ultimately one of the many things that president Bush wants to do – TO CHANGE THE LAWS – and this is not for your safety and protection! For this reason, the Bush Administration is pressing hard to get the ambiguous Judge Alito approved for the Supreme Court, shortly after the withdrawal of the “ill-experienced” Harriet Myers whose nomination wreaked of nothing more than “nepotism”.

Up until recent years, most of us may have believed that one must be reasonably intelligent in order to be President. However, it has been made quite apparent that all one needs is to be "well-connected"; intelligence is an option.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon “the people” to realize and understand that the world of “Politics” is not concerned with Truth, but rather, the “image” of Truth. It matters not “what is”, only how it appears. It is here where major media sources serve their purpose as mere marionettes of the Political Puppet Masters on the stage of democracy. Unlike Pinnochio to Gepetto, major media sources still haven’t learned how to “get a life”; fearing severance of the strings from their source of existence – the Political Right.

We have become fixated on showmanship at the compromise of substance; valuing credentials over character; resulting in a country run by well-dressed, “pious-pretending” tyrants who we allow to condemn the upright and acquit the guilty. The sooner that the populace realizes that the world of “Politics” is devoid of moralistic and ethical values, the sooner we can collectively do what is necessary to change the government to what it is “pretending” to be - a Democracy.

Tungz