Solomon/Nov.11/”About a
week ago!!”
“About a week ago!!!” These are four words I will never be able to say without singing. They are simple, contagious, catchy and a prime example of how music has become less about content and more about gaining popularity. This quote comes for the popular song by Bobby Shmurda. If you take the time to watch his music video for “Hot N*gga,” which got over 34 million views on YouTube, you’ll hear catchy lines about using guns as well as a reference to a day that happened the week before; you’ll also see his ever popular “Shmoney” dance.
Although entertaining,
this type music allows many individuals to get a negative connotation about the
African-American community. I grew up in neighborhoods where violence was seen
as the only way to handle problems, but this isn’t something that we should
teach to the future generation. I can honestly say that I have tried to do the “Shmoney”
dance, but the meaning behind the lyrics of the song is disheartening.
When Nas, a
multi-platinum rapper, released his 8th studio album titled “Hip Hop
is Dead,” he recalls receiving backlash. He later said in an interview, “I am
someone who cares about Hip Hop music that much… I wanted a reaction… that
statement was needed.” This goes along with the Rap vs. Hip Hop debate. Many see
the two as the same, while others like Nas feel that Rap artists need to step
it up. You may ask, “What is the difference?”
Well……. Hip Hop is
about expressing hardships. The artists may have catchy lyrics, but the words
always tell a story about the neighborhoods they grew up in, the households they
were raised in, as well as ways of coping with loss. Rap music, on the other
hand, is about being flashy. Most rap music revolves around topics like popping
bottles (expensive), making money, and laughing at those that aren’t doing the
same.
There is a difference! If
you don’t agree, have fun doing your “Shmoney” dance; I’ll be more focused on
the current week.
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