Hip Hop The Voice Of Oppression

Posted on March 11, 2007

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I think that it's about time that the artists in mainstream hip hop realized exactly what kind of profound effect that they have on the youths that idolize the artists which symbolize the hardships involved in their day-to-day lives. Think about it, were it not for gangsta rappers like the ones that make up the Wu-Tang Clan or NWA or any of the other hard core groups of the early to late 90's, I dont think that the gang explosion would've ever happened.

I know for damn sure that I wouldn't have went anywhere near drugs were it not for GhostFace Killah ironman (check it out, the shit's wack!). It's becoming more and more common, where instead of promoting dealin crack, bustin caps and gang colours, they're using their voice for something different: Teaching the kids a lesson that's better learnt the easy way. That shit's bad, stay away. Its one of the reasons why I like Nas no much. To me, he was the first one that took a step in that direction with 'God's Son'.

I've got respect for him for that, stepping off the beaten path, and telling the kids something that'll acctually be useful, instead of something that'll get them 5 - 10 (if not life). Now, more and more rappers are doing the same, maybe because that's another type of message that sell, or maybe because they give a ****.

Either way, its what hip hop and rap was originally made to be. A voice against oppression, not a product of it.

- Feature by Jooba