Last year Dr. Cornel West released a hip hop album entitled: "Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations." This album has not hit the mainstream markets, apparently, probably because it lacks the negativity of most rap albums today. This was a brilliant idea by the Honorable Dr. West to reach out to the mainstream rap artists and show them that their records will still sell, even if they stop cursing and degrading women. Dr. West was able to conjure up such great lyricists as Talib Kweli, Rhymefest, KRS One, Rah Digga, Andre 3000, and M1 of Dead Prez. To further compliment the album he also added Prince and the Great Jill Scott. The album had street artists as well, who were able to express the problems they faced growing up, without using the dreaded N-word or calling out our black women. They expressed themselves both lyrically and matter of factly and still their message was received. Which brings to point a previous blog of mine. Rap music can still exist if the rappers decide to make a change. In the beginning rap lacked all this negativity and it sold.
People will buy what "their" role models persuade them to. If all rappers decided to only put out positive music, it would sell. Promise. If you don't believe me, check out Dr. West's album. He was able to put together reputable artists, with surprisingly good beats, that compares to what is out today. And guess what? You listen to it and almost forget it's positive.
You find yourself rapping to Talib's "Bushonomics." "Plus we don't have no universal health care/and who the hell care about crack mothers and welfare. They called President Clinton a whore monger/voted him out and replaced him with a warmonger." In "Still Here," Ambassador proclaims, "Doesn't matter what you been through in you're life, you still here/ even though you feel like giving up the fight, you're still here" He was able to express how hard his life was, but never did he mention he wanted to kill niggas, f*&k bi*&hes, and so forth.
Dr. West also has a discussion with Michael Eric Dyson and Tavis Smiley about the use and ban of the N-word. This 12 minute debate was very enlightening as all three expressed their concerns and use of the word. They make the argument that corporate america has taken a word that blacks use as a means of reminding them of the struggle and strife in life, and used it for profit. That is what makes the word wrong to use.
This is a very positive and enlightening piece of work by Dr. West and its contributing artists. A must listen. This album is truly a message to mainstream rappers that the use of negativity in music is not a guaranteed sell. Especially when all of you sound alike. Change is what attracts attention, ask Outkast, Goodie Mob, Ceelo, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, KRS One...
This album proves that corporate america is controlling OUR music. It's time we take it back. Starting with BMWMB: Black Men Who Mean Business!
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