Joe

Thomas Murphy J. Haynes WRT 105 November 16, 2008 Unit 3 Essay Proposal I propose to write an essay focusing on the cultural resistance of rap music and I will attempt to convince readers that although the genre has become extremely popular it has been appropriated into capitalist and popular culture making it relatively ineffective. This makes for an intriguing and complicated argument regarding the popular and capitalistic rap and the culturally resistant and political version, which are very different in purpose.

I have interest in this particular topic because I have listened to a few culturally resistant rappers before and found their lyrics to be very interesting. Also, I’m interested in the economics and capitalism behind the assimilation and alteration of the rap music that is presented to society and popular culture.

There are many fascinating points that can be debated in this argument. One is the popular rappers who are famous for their lyrics and lifestyle that they present to society. Their main focus is on sex, drugs, violence, and being gangster. This represents a sensationalize view of rappers and hood culture that excites the listener much more than politics that they probably don’t even understand. This is very effective at drawing interest from consumers and therefore generating sales that make companies millions. Rap that has real substance and wants to make a political point doesn’t sell to the consumers so therefore it is pushed out of the spotlight and can’t get its message across to a great deal people. The appropriation of rap to make money in capitalist society ultimately undermines the purpose of culturally resistant rap.

To explore the debate more thoroughly I plan on analyzing lyrics in each type of rap music and the popularity of the different rappers. Also, of interest will be how capitalism has affected society’s view on rap and the results that. A Time Magazine article I found deals with the economics of rap which was very interesting and can help to support and develop the appropriation of rap by capitalism. I’m also considering interviews with people to gain insight on how different people view it.

I plan on taking information about both types of rap to build and support an argument that will ultimately persuade the reader to agree with me that capitalist rap has rendered rap unsuccessful in spreading culturally resistant ideas.

Joe, what about rappers and their stereotypical obsession of money? Also, during this election many rappers wore political shirts if not advocating a particular candididate, advocating voting. And in many songs lyrics such a "paint the white house black" were used and when Talib Kweli came to campus he was sure to make his political message heard, what are your views on that? are these cultural? Danielle

Something to look at is where the gangster image comes from and why we hold so much value to it. White kids all over america act gangster to fit a gangster persona, probably because it shows toughness. Limp Bizkit acts "black" and tough for the same reason most rappers do. Rappers use body language to portray the same image with their hand movements and even how they walk and talk. Rappers often have pictures of poeple like Scarface on MTV Cribs, who holds the image of getting rich and killing people.- David

Dialogue Assignment __People__ 1. Me 2. Ta-Nehisi Coates (Time Magazine) 3. Russell Simmons 4. Nelson George Topic: Does gangsta rap still have the ability to be used as cultural resistance? (with respect to capitalism and lyrics) Me: I know rap has become very popular and influential over the last few decades, but has it become so assimilated into society that it is no longer a successful form of cultural resistance? And what effects have developed from its appropriation into capitalism and its recent lyrics? Nelson George: Rap has long been a form of cultural resistance that has allowed people to express their ideas and values, one great example is Pulic Enemy. It also has been known for its incorporation into capitalism since Run D.M.C.’s “My Adidas” song and following advertisement deal. These deals have become a cornerstone of spreading and popularizing gangsta rap in America. Russell Simmons: I was part of that original deal that sparked gangsta rap’s involvement in all sorts of commercialism and advertising. It is now has an enormous part in society. Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella endeavor is one example of how gangsta rap has become incorporated in different industries. Gangsta rap has only been fueled to help more people and spread messages to others through its popularity. Therefore, gangsta rap has only become a better form of cultural resistance and change. Ta-Nehisi Coates: Although Gangsta rap’s movement towards capitalism has helped fuel its popularity and turn into a dominant music genre in today’s society it has also driven its artists and labels to become money hungry. Gangsta rap lyrically lacks its genuine and meaningful appeal it had when it first developed. Me: Its lyrics have become quite vulgar and indecent to the point where children and young people shouldn’t hear them and for that matter no one should want to hear them. They promote and glorify many illegal activities.

Ta-Nehisi Coates: Exactly, Gangsta rap’s record sales have dropped tremendously since the start of 2000. Gangsta rap has thrived off of sensationalism from violence, drugs, sex, and gangs that had drawn so much interest from America’s youth, especially whites. This has caused it to lose recognition and reputation.

Russell Simmons: Gangsta rap has definitely taken a down turn, but what it needs is something new and exciting. It is still effective when it comes to cultural resistance and sending a message because it is on such a large stage.

Nelson George: Gangsta rap has been so popular for the last few decades because of chameleon-like abilities that allow it to be applied to so many different aspects of society. It has become stagnant and repetitive, like Russell said its ability is still there people just need to be creative and be able draw the attention of others. Its lyrics are what gave it credibility and popularity to begin with and now they have taken it away. Gangsta rap’s involvement in capitalism doesn’t effect it because capitalism has always been there. If you give gangsta rap a message that is strong and important it can still be spread.

Ta-Nehisi Coates: Agreed, but the issue remains many dislike gangsta rap and see it as vulgar and morally wrong. This could very well permanently damage gangsta rap’s ability to continue as a productive means of cultural resistance.

Me: Gangsta rap still reaches many people and it is quite possible it might be damaged by its current form, but it is clear that the lyrics and current artists are what has caused it be so poorly regarded by society not the fact that is has been appropriated into capitalism.

Nelson George: Right, and to expand on that, capitalism has given gangsta rap much more exposure and power to affect the world. The question is whether or not that is going to be taken advantage of and I think Russell has the right idea when he recently asked many rappers to clean up their lyrics and set a better example for others. Ironically, if rappers clean up their language it might cause cultural change in the youth and create a decrease in their vulgarity.

Russell Simmons: I believe that it is clear that if we work to fix the lyrics and direction of rap that it can be a working method of promoting cultural resistance and change that can be successful on many levels. People are looking for something new, but if we retrace our footsteps back to the days of Public Enemy and social and political awareness gangsta rap still makes a great link to many of the young people that will shape today’s world.