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What I See - Summer07 by D2Nott
Finding your niche and staying consistent takes a discipline all on its own. Once mastered, the sky is the limit. I am thankful to have the chance to portray to others what I see. I only see so much from my perspective, (the good, the bad and the truth), but brave enough to share it with the world in this column. Having recently celebrated my birthday, a year gone by, a little wiser and smarter, I'm still getting better with time. During Black Music month, Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World was playing in the background; "I see skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark say'n goodnight, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. "That Armstrong classic reminded me of how music has shaped society.
"It's ironic kind of shit that we buy man make us iconic; Threat to corporate America, that why they runnin' from it; How could they be so ignorant look at what Hip-Hop done done; It's allowed us to run a business, legitimated our moneys; Got us out the ghettos, relocated our mommies I made it all the way here, ain't no way you takin' it from me; So excuse me Oprah honey; I'm sorry really I promise; But niggas, bitches, and hoes do exist I'm just bein' honest" T.I. feat Eminem- Touchdown
In a day and time where rappers are legitimating (not a Jesse Jackson ebonic-intellectual creation; check the dictionary: in accordance with established rules, principles, or standards) money and getting wealthy off selling water, when most black men don't make it to their 30's without a criminal record, Michael Eric Dyson has a new book chronicling the challenges to be successful in today's America. Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson has called on two of hip hop's biggest names for his latest book entitled "Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop."
According to the author, the book focuses on hip-hop's international exposure, use of politics and gender relations, among other topics. Dyson's book opens with an introduction by Jay-Z and an outro written by Nas. "Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop" hit stores on July 2nd.
Just to clear up who is at the top of the Hip Hop Money list, Jay-Z appeared in Forbes Magazine's annual "Celebrity 100 Power List," joining Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Tiger Woods and Brad Pitt, who were also among the top ten most paid and talked about stars of TV, film, sports and music. According to Forbes, Jay-Z (born Sean Carter) earned around $83 million in the past year, landing him at the No. 9 position; outranking director Steven Spielberg who stood at No. 10 and also left his rap peers at bay, as 50 Cent and Sean "Diddy" Combs placed 32nd and 43rd, respectively. Since the top of the year, Jay-Z has closed several major business deals, including a deal with Coca-Cola and a partnership with General Motors to collaborate on a new concept vehicle. In addition, reports surfaced in April that Jigga is in negotiations with champagne giant Armand de Brignac, well known for its "Ace of Spades" logo. Forbes predicts 50 Cent will be ranked higher next year and, thanks to the Vitamin Water deal, is expected to take in $100 million. If you didn't know, Coca Cola offered $4.1 billion for Vitamin Water company Glaceau, of which 50 Cent owns a minor stake.
A society based on a "crabs in a bucket" type of game, it's hard to get people together for a common cause because the thought of what someone else has is the only motivation; it's an enslaved mentality. Those that think outside the box are usually outcast. Since the people are the ones that control Hip Hop, everything DJs, radio stations, and labels do is done to attract people that are excited about their music.
Working hard is usually a route less traveled, which means unconscionable acts satisfy this image that their favorite rapper would portray. "Somehow the rap game reminds me of the crack game." It?s all about product placement. Recently Pimp C was interviewed and the most important thing he said was about how people need to come together. It's easy to speak about doing something, but those that are in positions of power usually don't have to speak, their surroundings speak for them; living that "High Life" with "Diamonds against the wood." Pimp C said, "as long as you are taking care of your business, and doing King S#!t, you are a King."
Maybe Nas was right.
If I Ruled The World by Nas
"You'd love to hear the story how the thugs live in worry
Duck down in car seats, heat's mandatory
Runnin from Jake, gettin chased, hunger for papes
These are the breaks many mistakes go down out of state
Wait, I had to let it marinate we carry weight
Tryin to get laced, flip the ace stack the safe
Millionaire plan to keep the gat with the cocked hammer
Makin moves in Atlanta, back and forth scrambler
Cause you could have all the chips, be poor or rich
Still nobody wants 2 see a ni**a havin shit
But if I ruled the world and everything in it, sky's the limit."
Like T.I. says "Don't be a fool you better take yo ass to school."
It's good to see people doing things without just the thought of making a dollar on their mind. With 50 Cent and Kanye West's albums now set to release on the same day, another battle of wits will take place, keeping the game interesting and fresh. As long as there is money to be made, there will be MCs coming from all walks of life. Hip-hop's death will be due to frauds since a flawed system is doomed from the get-go. Thinking you know everything is always the biggest mistake, it's called ignorance. Since reading is fundamental, if more books were picked up instead of guns or drugs, uplifting would occur. Can't change the world but trying to make it better couldn't hurt.
Another month packaged and delivered for the hip-hop heads. It's just "What I See." I can't see everything but the state that hip hop is in right now has a lot of people wondering if it will survive this decline in sales. Gimmicky gangsters and "D" boys flooding the market, I can't help but wonder if the capitalistic views behind what they preach have finally been realized and the public just isn't buying it anymore.
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