Should rap music be banned?

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Ah generalization. There ARE parents who use ratings. And youtube can undoubtedly be blocked.EnigManic

Yeah, we know, it's politically incorrect to use generalizations.

But the overwhelming majority of rap "artists" include the use drugs, gangs and violence in their lyrics. And most of them do not play a musical instrument.

Videogames have drugs, gangs and violence too and certainly does not make you smarter. I mean seriously you sound like Jack Thompson. I never saw the rule where it says to become a "artist" you have to play the guitar. Do you think its easy to produce a hip-hop beat? Just because you make one doesn't mean everyone is going to like it. Just like any song with any instrument. You have to practice and have skill to produce a song people will enjoy. How come you never say the negative influences rock has had? No disrespect to him but people idolize Kurt Coban and he commited suicide. I don't know you about you but he's life seemed alot better than all of ours. The Beatles are amazing but we all know alot of there music was influenced on doing drugs. I think its more important to have musical harmony with all genres instead of bashing just one.

Absoloutely. Then the world would be perfect.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Ah generalization. There ARE parents who use ratings. And youtube can undoubtedly be blocked.EnigManic

Yeah, we know, it's politically incorrect to use generalizations.

But the overwhelming majority of rap "artists" include the use drugs, gangs and violence in their lyrics. And most of them do not play a musical instrument.

Please, for the love of God, prove it's the overwhelming majority. I've got over 500 artists in my iTunes (539 to be exact) who fall under hip hop and only 20 to 25 have even a mention (Denegrating or glorifying aside) sex, drugs, money, violence or gangs. I'd understand if your dislike fell under "It's not my style." Or quite simply, "I just don't like it" But c'mon now. Even an untrained ear can find the fallacy in your prepubescent statements.

[QUOTE="pianist"]

Actually, no. He's right on the mark. In the grand scheme of Western music, rock and pop are not high on the ladder when it comes to sophistication, complexity, or performance demands. Certainly not to the extent you seem to believe they are.EnigManic

Really, why don't you pick up an instrument and do it. Then you can tell us whether it is sophisticated or complex after you master a musical instrument, compose an original rock song, get it published and see it achieve success.

I can say the same about creating a lyrical piece of musical poetry akin to Sage Francis, Murs, Busdriver or even the whole Jurassic 5 and make it a success. This whole thread you've pointed out people who don't play their own instruments. So Pavarotti and the other three tenors were no talent hacks because they didn't play? Curse Luther Vandross and Barry White. What they're doing is obviously not music. As long as you can wank on a guitar with the same three chord progression and Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Break-Random guitar/drum solo-fade out scheme, you're a god in the eyes of every wanna be musician.

I mean all the rap music talks about girls with huge a***s, drugs and money. Don't you think this is a bad sign for kids?Simsfreak14

So, many emo bands sing about subjects which could cause depression in a child. The world can be both a beautiful and depressing place, best to learn this early on in a non dangerous way.

Videogames have drugs, gangs and violence too and certainly does not make you smarter. I mean seriously you sound like Jack Thompson. I never saw the rule where it says to become a "artist" you have to play the guitar. Do you think its easy to produce a hip-hop beat? Just because you make one doesn't mean everyone is going to like it. Just like any song with any instrument. You have to practice and have skill to produce a song people will enjoy. How come you never say the negative influences rock has had? No disrespect to him but people idolize Kurt Coban and he commited suicide. I don't know you about you but he's life seemed alot better than all of ours. The Beatles are amazing but we all know alot of there music was influenced on doing drugs. I think its more important to have musical harmony with all genres instead of bashing just one.

muffincakes87

1 I never agreed with banning anything. Get your facts straight.

2 Kurt Cobain didn't commit suicide. There is forensic evidence to prove he was murdered. Feel free to start a thread about it.

3 What difference does it make if the Beatles did drugs, or any other band for that matter? Were most of the beatles songs blatantly about drugs and violence?

4 Don't compare this topic to videogames. You can't say that the vast majority of videogames are excessively violent or offensive.

5 Any retard can mix beats. It takes real talent to play an instrument. Why don't you try it?

You phail.

Quit crankin dat Soulja Boy and listen to some good rap.

5 Any retard can mix beats. It takes real talent to play an instrument.

EnigManic

Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."

Max Roach, arguably the greatest jazz drummer of all-time, has this to say about rap:

"Hip-Hop is complete theater. These kids don't have rhetoric courses, so they've created their own script in rhyme--it's verbal improvisation. They don't have formal musical training, so they make music from the tones and rhythms of human speech--they'll sample Malcolm X saying, 'Too black, too strong.' They've even created their own instrument--the turntable. They have nothing but the inclination to be involved. And like Louis Armstrong, out of nothing they create something."

Why would such a legendary musician have such high praise of rap if it took no talent?

James Brown, also known as the Godfather of Soul and the King of Funk, collaborated with hip-hop artist Afrika Bambaataa on the song Unity. Why would they collaborate if they had no respect for each other? Why would James Brown associate himself with hip-hop?

Legendary funk musicians Maceo Parker (saxophone), Fred Wesley (trombone), and Pee Wee Ellis (saxophone), also known to many as the JB's who were James Brown's backing band for many years, all played on the hip-hop song I Am I Be by De La Soul. I thought rap songs had no talent involved? Why would these legendary musicians even associate with rappers?

Legendary funk artist George Clinton collaborated with hip-hop artists ranging from Outkast, Redman, and Tupac. Why would he do such a thing?

Jazz bassist Ron Carter played bass on Verses From the Abstract on the hip-hop album the Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest. Why would such a legendary jazz musician associate himself with rap if it didn't take real talent?

Miles Davis, arguably the most ambitious jazz musician of all-time was at the forefront of almost every major jazz movement of the past 60 years ranging from Cool Jazz, Hard-Bop, Modal Jazz, Third Stream, and Jazz-Fusion guess what he was also working on a jazz/hip-hop album with hip-hop producer Easy Mo Bee before he passed away. Why would Miles Davis delve into hip-hop if he didn't think it took real talent?

After seeing how hip-hop producers Organized Noize worked on debut albums for hip-hop groups Outkast and Goodie Mob, legendary funk/soul artist Curtis Mayfield asked to collaborate with Organized Noize and they ended up working together on Curtis Mayfield's last studio album before he passed away. Are you more musically inclined than a legend like Curtis Mayfield, because he certainly respects hip-hop. He thinks it takes real talent.

Roy Ayers, the Godfather of Acid Jazz, played the vibraphone with hip-hop group The Roots on the song Proceed II. Roy Ayers also collaborated with Guru on the song Take A Look At Yourself. Why would he even bother with these hip-hop artists if it was such an unrespected genre and took no talent?

Stevie Wonder recently collaborated on Been Through the Storm, a hip-hop song by Busta Rhymes produced by Dr. Dre. Stevie Wonder is a music icon, and he also respects hip-hop.

Donald Byrd, an amazing jazz trumpeter who was once part of the legendary Jazz Messengers, has played with artists like Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Theolonious Monk and others to name a few yet he also played trumpet on the hip-hop song Loungin' by hip-hop artist Guru. Why would Donald Byrd associate himself with such a no talent "retard?"

Trent Reznor, the face of Nine Inch Nails, produced the last album by hip-hop artist Saul Williams. Why? Because he thought hip-hop artist Saul Williams has talent and he sees the potential in hip-hop.

Freddie Hubbard, one of the greatest trumpeters of all-time who has played on cIassic albums such as Eric Dolphy's Out To Lunch, Oliver Nelson's Blues and the Abstract Truth, Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, John Coltrane's Ascension, and Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil also played trumpet on the hip-hop song "Something in the Past" with rapper Guru. Now tell me why he would do such a thing?

If these rap artists are such "retards" and have no "real talent" then why do major musical figures from the past 60 years hold them in such high regard? Just wondering...

Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."...Orlando_Magic

Or maybe they just like the sound of it? Anyway, one band influenced by some low-talent crap doesn't mean much.

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."...EnigManic

Or maybe they just like the sound of it? Anyway, one band influenced by some low-talent crap doesn't mean much.

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."...EnigManic

Or maybe they just like the sound of it? Anyway, one band influenced by some low-talent crap doesn't mean much.

It's obvious you don't know much. And I highly doubt you know who DJ Shadow is, so you take the easy way out and call him "low-talent crap artist"

Quit talkin out your ass.

That's fascinating. But it doesn't change the fact that most foul-mouthed rappers can't even play a musical instrument.

That's fascinating. But it doesn't change the fact that most foul-mouthed rappers can't even play a musical instrument.

EnigManic

So it's a proven fact that rappers can't play musical instruments?

That's fascinating. But it doesn't change the fact that most foul-mouthed rappers can't even play a musical instrument.

EnigManic

There is different "instruments" for different genres.

Just the same as a rock artist who can't produce hip hop beats....I wouldn't say they have no talent.

So it's a proven fact that rappers can't play musical instruments? tbone29

Now there's an intelligent response. Do you see many rappers playing a musical instrument?

[QUOTE="tbone29"]So it's a proven fact that rappers can't play musical instruments? EnigManic

Now there's an intelligent response. Do you see many rappers playing a musical instrument?

Not often, just as I don't see many "retards that can mix great beats".

As if that were all there was to rap music, which it isn't.

As much as I hate rap it should not be banned, rap is an expression of the street life(not all but most) while others who arent exposed to it find it demeaning. Maybe kids listen to it because its a reflection of what they go through in their daily lives like kids from Bad Neighborhoods in LA and stuff like that. The same could be said of a war vet listening to Slayer. Slayer talks about killings, war, and religion which is one thing a war vet goes througgh in Iraq. Besides I may hate rap but one thing that I do like about it is that alot of rap songs are about opportunity. Not all rap is about gangs and violence ok.geraldwillkill

*****

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."...EnigManic

Or maybe they just like the sound of it? Anyway, one band influenced by some low-talent crap doesn't mean much.

That's fascinating. But it doesn't change the fact that most foul-mouthed rappers can't even play a musical instrument.

EnigManic

I never knew playing an instrument was a requirement for music... so any a capella isn't music now? I'm glad you feel as though you can just rewrite the definition of music because you dislike a genre:lol:

[QUOTE="tbone29"]So it's a proven fact that rappers can't play musical instruments? EnigManic

Now there's an intelligent response. Do you see many rappers playing a musical instrument?

Miles Davis, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Freddie Hubbard, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Max Roach, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers,, and George Clinton... all of whom are music legends from the past 50 years worked with rappers, admired rappers, and recognized the talent behind hip-hop. What makes you think you know more about evaluating "real talent" than any of these music legends? Is it because you can strum a few notes on your bass guitar like any average Joe? I'm impressed :|Orlando_Magic

Wow, I'm impressed. You almost made an intelligent post. First of all, I never said I play bass guiter. Try learning the difference. Second, if you really wanna open another can of worms, how many of those legends you speak of happen to be black?

Second, if you really wanna open another can of worms, how many of those legends you speak of happen to be black?

EnigManic

That's irrelevant...

[QUOTE="EnigManic"]

Second, if you really wanna open another can of worms, how many of those legends you speak of happen to be black?

tbone29

That's irrelevant...

So is just about everything else he's bothered to bring up at this point. I'm starting to think he's just making a very elaborate attempt at trolling. Or he just doesn't know what he's talking about.

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]Miles Davis, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Freddie Hubbard, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Max Roach, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers,, and George Clinton... all of whom are music legends from the past 50 years worked with rappers, admired rappers, and recognized the talent behind hip-hop. What makes you think you know more about evaluating "real talent" than any of these music legends? Is it because you can strum a few notes on your bass guitar like any average Joe? I'm impressed :|EnigManic

Wow, I'm impressed. You almost made an intelligent post. First of all, I never said I play bass guiter. Try learning the difference. Second, if you really wanna open another can of worms, how many of those legends you speak of happen to be black?

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]Radiohead, one of the most acclaimed rock bands of this age, actually admits to being influenced by hip-hop producer DJ Shadow's album Entroducing which is made completely out of samples and nothing more. Notably, Radiohead uses a sampled drum loop on Airbag off the album OK Computer as a direct influence from DJ Shadow. Why would a band like Radiohead admire such a thing coming from a hip-hop producer? Maybe because it takes "real talent."...EnigManic

Or maybe they just like the sound of it? Anyway, one band influenced by some low-talent crap doesn't mean much.

[QUOTE="EnigManic"]

Second, if you really wanna open another can of worms, how many of those legends you speak of happen to be black?

tbone29

That's irrelevant...

He's just trying to draw attention away from what I was pointing out. Notice how he tried to mock my ability to make an intelligent post, how he didn't address my point at all in his post, and then how he tried to create a distraction by bringing race into the issue. How funny!

As much as I hate rap it should not be banned, rap is an expression of the street life(not all but most) while others who arent exposed to it find it demeaning. Maybe kids listen to it because its a reflection of what they go through in their daily lives like kids from Bad Neighborhoods in LA and stuff like that. The same could be said of a war vet listening to Slayer. Slayer talks about killings, war, and religion which is one thing a war vet goes througgh in Iraq. Besides I may hate rap but one thing that I do like about it is that alot of rap songs are about opportunity. Not all rap is about gangs and violence ok.geraldwillkill

First, I don't care what you play. I didn't feel like going back 20 pages and finding out whether you played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, or even a freaking kazoo. All I know is that you bragged about how much talent it takes to master an instrument, and tried to act like you knew everything about talent because you can fiddle around on your instrument a little.

Second, I named white artists like Radiohead and Trent Reznor already who appreciated and acknowledged the talent behind rap... if it makes you feel better.

Third, why do you care if they are black or not? It's irrelevant just like most of your points.Orlando_Magic

Quit acting so pretentious, as though your point of view is the only one that matters.

As far as talent goes, I think I'm in a fine position to speak on these matters. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was ten. I've played music since I was 15. I've played the piano, violin and guitar, both acoustic and electric. Now argue over what takes more intellectual creativity and physical effort, writing rap songs or playing a musical instrument and using it perform a song you composed.

As far as the race card is concerned, I'll explain the relevance. We can all agree that the majority of rock listeners are white while the majority of rap/hiphop listeners are black. Race shouldn't matter but in this case, you listed a bunch of people who have been involved in rap and hiphop, most of whom happen to be black. If you had included more people of diverse ethnicity in your list, it would have strengthened your argument. If I posted a list of white musicians who were influenced by rock music, would that automatically mean rock requires more talent?

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]First, I don't care what you play. I didn't feel like going back 20 pages and finding out whether you played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, or even a freaking kazoo. All I know is that you bragged about how much talent it takes to master an instrument, and tried to act like you knew everything about talent because you can fiddle around on your instrument a little.

Second, I named white artists like Radiohead and Trent Reznor already who appreciated and acknowledged the talent behind rap... if it makes you feel better.

Third, why do you care if they are black or not? It's irrelevant just like most of your points.EnigManic

Quit acting so pretentious, as though your point of view is the only one that matters.

As far as talent goes, I think I'm in a fine position to speak on these matters. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was ten. I've played music since I was 15. I've played the piano, violin and guitar, both acoustic and electric. Now argue over what takes more intellectual creativity and physical effort, writing rap songs or playing a musical instrument and using it perform a song you composed.

As far as the race card is concerned, I'll explain the relevance. We can all agree that the majority of rock listeners are white while the majority of rap/hiphop listeners are black. Race shouldn't matter but in this case, you listed a bunch of people who have been involved in rap and hiphop, most of whom happen to be black. If you had included more people of diverse ethnicity in your list, it would have strengthened your argument. If I posted a list of white musicians who were influenced by rock music, would that automatically mean rock requires more talent?

[QUOTE="EnigManic"]Quit acting so pretentious, as though your point of view is the only one that matters.

As far as talent goes, I think I'm in a fine position to speak on these matters. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was ten. I've played music since I was 15. I've played the piano, violin and guitar, both acoustic and electric. Now argue over what takes more intellectual creativity and physical effort, writing rap songs or playing a musical instrument and using it perform a song you composed.

As far as the race card is concerned, I'll explain the relevance. We can all agree that the majority of rock listeners are white while the majority of rap/hiphop listeners are black. Race shouldn't matter but in this case, you listed a bunch of people who have been involved in rap and hiphop, most of whom happen to be black. If you had included more people of diverse ethnicity in your list, it would have strengthened your argument. If I posted a list of white musicians who were influenced by rock music, would that automatically mean rock requires more talent?

NetYankEagle

Oh, now there's an intelligent response. Why don't you get an education. If you're going to insult someone and flame their point of view, have the guts to intelligently support your argument or GTFO.

[QUOTE="Orlando_Magic"]First, I don't care what you play. I didn't feel like going back 20 pages and finding out whether you played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, or even a freaking kazoo. All I know is that you bragged about how much talent it takes to master an instrument, and tried to act like you knew everything about talent because you can fiddle around on your instrument a little.

Second, I named white artists like Radiohead and Trent Reznor already who appreciated and acknowledged the talent behind rap... if it makes you feel better.

Third, why do you care if they are black or not? It's irrelevant just like most of your points.EnigManic

Quit acting so pretentious, as though your point of view is the only one that matters.

As far as talent goes, I think I'm in a fine position to speak on these matters. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was ten. I've played music since I was 15. I've played the piano, violin and guitar, both acoustic and electric. Now argue over what takes more intellectual creativity and physical effort, writing rap songs or playing a musical instrument and using it perform a song you composed.

As far as the race card is concerned, I'll explain the relevance. We can all agree that the majority of rock listeners are white while the majority of rap/hiphop listeners are black. Race shouldn't matter but in this case, you listed a bunch of people who have been involved in rap and hiphop, most of whom happen to be black. If you had included more people of diverse ethnicity in your list, it would have strengthened your argument. If I posted a list of white musicians who were influenced by rock music, would that automatically mean rock requires more talent?

[QUOTE="NetYankEagle"][QUOTE="EnigManic"]Quit acting so pretentious, as though your point of view is the only one that matters.

As far as talent goes, I think I'm in a fine position to speak on these matters. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was ten. I've played music since I was 15. I've played the piano, violin and guitar, both acoustic and electric. Now argue over what takes more intellectual creativity and physical effort, writing rap songs or playing a musical instrument and using it perform a song you composed.

As far as the race card is concerned, I'll explain the relevance. We can all agree that the majority of rock listeners are white while the majority of rap/hiphop listeners are black. Race shouldn't matter but in this case, you listed a bunch of people who have been involved in rap and hiphop, most of whom happen to be black. If you had included more people of diverse ethnicity in your list, it would have strengthened your argument. If I posted a list of white musicians who were influenced by rock music, would that automatically mean rock requires more talent?

EnigManic

Oh, now there's an intelligent response. Why don't you get an education. If you're going to insult someone and flame their point of view, have the guts to intelligently support your argument or GTFO.

you should be banned for wanting to ban rap music, nuff saidhell_blazer899

[QUOTE="EnigManic"]

As for your first paragraph, some of them are talented acts. I like Beastie Boys, Dre and Eminem's early stuff. But I still maintain that if they're not playing instruments, it's not music.

pianist

:lol:

Sorry, J.S. Bach. Your a cappella choral works are not music, because no one's playing an instrument.

[QUOTE="Erasorn"]Anyone can play a rock song on an instrument with a little dedication.. It's really simple music.. :| Now if you're a true piano wizard or something, I might praise you.. but not for a silly pop song! :lol:EnigManic

Okay, I'd like to see you pick up an electric guitar and play a rock song.

[Canibus]
This is the master thesis underneath the deepness
Come to micclub.net where you can read this
run a plot on a map hyper space 'ya
From the society for scientific exploration
color is vibration, vibration is sound
sound resonates through the mouth check it out
What I say vibrates no less than 9 ways
South, South East, West, south west, east
North, North east, North west
And the black and white images fade
to great sound waves
Track my adversaries like a mouse in a maze
with a bewildering array, of lyrical display
The best of Bis oftenly rearrange
Moto atomic elements, with a deft intelligence
The highest professorship, my English etiquette
compels me to not say it if I can't spell it ****
My circularised 3rd Eye, sees all
Atlantis was surrounded by 4 sea walls
I read one-fourth of the Library of Alexandria
before it was burnt to the floor
I wish I could've learned more
about the shapes of the sacred geometry they used to draw
They were new millennium but Euclidian in form
ancient in many ways but not nearly as old
Carved from Egyptian gold molded in Assyria
with processed Beryllium by the quintillion
They cooked on symmetrical stoves
with my logo etched above the hole where they inserted the coal
And they barbecued birds to the bone
They burned incense in a Buck Mister Fuller type dome
I talked to Mr. Fuller over the phone
and he said he had a contract to rebuild Rome
said he didn't want to do it alone
I told him I was busy writing poems
but I'll think about going
The process was slow, and the dough was low
but I took it as the perfect opportunity to grow
plus I never traveled that far from home
but I heard about the beauty of Sydonian (city of ancient Pho)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1jCkXck_lU&feature=related

girls with huge a***s, drugs and money? I fail to see it through out this rap song?

As far as talent goes, you're nowhere close to having 40-50+ years of experience like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, and Miles Davis who shaped music for the past half century... all of whom admire rap, work with rap artists, think rap is music, and appreciate the talent behind rap. I'm glad you feel your experience puts you in a better position to determine talent than them. Who are you again?

Now you're changing the subject again. No one ever said creating a rap song took more talent than composing and playing a piece, which is now what you're trying to bring up, and why? But to answer your question, they are two completely different talents that are incomparable. Rap and rock require two separate unique talents. Originally you said rap artists were "retards" with no "real talent" which is what everyone has a problem with, not that one genre took more talent than the other. Personally, I'm a fan of both genres and many others... but I think it's fairly obvious that it takes talent to create rock and rap music.

The majority of rock listeners are white, and actually the majority of rap listeners are white, so no we can't agree on that.
Orlando_Magic

So I guess you're telling me that the vast majority of african-americans don't listen to rap or hiphop? regarding Miles Davis and the gang, they were very talented indeed and I think they present a clear image of what rap and hip/hop should be. If they were so influencial on rap music as you say, I find that hard to believe. I don't recall James Brown or Stevie Wonder singing about gangbanging and doing drugs. BTW, didn't Stevie play an instrument?

We can argue all day about generalizations, but the fact is this. Here on these forums you're gonna see posts by people who know music based on what they've absorbed through mainstream music. And, thanks to the scumbags who ran the music industry for the last 15 years, the majority of rap and hiphop played on mainstream radio and tv was of the more offensive variety. If all the decent rap and hiphop artists you speak of got more radioplay and tv time over the last 20 years, I'm sure I would have quite a different opinion of the genre. Instead, I grew up in a large urban city where, for pretty much my entire childhood, most of the african american youth I met listened to "gangsta" rap and hated me for being white.

Getting back to talent, how hard is it to make rap music? Let me see, come up with some lyrics, mix some beats on a machine, edit and get paid. Oh yeah, that sounds real hard. You try juggling your personal responsibilites and hold down a job while practicing an instrument at least 20 hours a week with your bandmates, compose your own music, then bust your @$$ tryin to book gigs and get signed. Then tell me which takes more talent and dedication.

Rap music should be banned? WHY??

Because all the heavy metal rock fans don't like it?? No 1 is forcing you to listen to it so stop kicking up a fuss about how you hate rap music because it apparently causes kids to do stupid things.

You don't see me complaning about heavy metal rock to be banned do you? and you know why because I don't have to listen to it, no 1 is forcing you 2 listen 2 this rap so just put a sock in it, seriously!!

Rap music should be banned? WHY??

Because all the heavy metal rock fans don't like it?? No 1 is forcing you to listen to it so stop kicking up a fuss about how you hate rap music because it apparently causes kids to do stupid things.

You don't see me complaning about heavy metal rock to be banned do you? and you know why because I don't have to listen to it, no 1 is forcing you 2 listen 2 this rap so just put a sock in it, seriously!!

odyssey_divine

Here's some advice. Instead of just reading the title of the thread and posting something, why don't you read some of the previous posts first. That way, we don't have to sort through a few dozen posts by various people saying the exact same thing.

[QUOTE="odyssey_divine"]

Rap music should be banned? WHY??

Because all the heavy metal rock fans don't like it?? No 1 is forcing you to listen to it so stop kicking up a fuss about how you hate rap music because it apparently causes kids to do stupid things.

You don't see me complaning about heavy metal rock to be banned do you? and you know why because I don't have to listen to it, no 1 is forcing you 2 listen 2 this rap so just put a sock in it, seriously!!

EnigManic

Here's some advice. Instead of just reading the title of the thread and posting something, why don't you read some of the previous posts first. That way, we don't have to sort through a few dozen posts by various people saying the exact same thing.

...It's called using my own opinion, maybe you should try it sometime?odyssey_divine

Hmm..boy, that comment is an epic fail. Try reading some of the previous posts in this thread.

[QUOTE="odyssey_divine"]...It's called using my own opinion, maybe you should try it sometime?EnigManic

Hmm..boy, that comment is an epic fail. Try reading some of the previous posts in this thread.

So I guess you're telling me that the vast majority of african-americans don't listen to rap or hiphop? regarding Miles Davis and the gang, they were very talented indeed and I think they present a clear image of what rap and hip/hop should be. If they were so influencial on rap music as you say, I find that hard to believe. I don't recall James Brown or Stevie Wonder singing about gangbanging and doing drugs. BTW, didn't Stevie play an instrument?

We can argue all day about generalizations, but the fact is this. Here on these forums you're gonna see posts by people who know music based on what they've absorbed through mainstream music. And, thanks to the scumbags who ran the music industry for the last 15 years, the majority of rap and hiphop played on mainstream radio and tv was of the more offensive variety. If all the decent rap and hiphop artists you speak of got more radioplay and tv time over the last 20 years, I'm sure I would have quite a different opinion of the genre. Instead, I grew up in a large urban city where, for pretty much my entire childhood, most of the african american youth I met listened to "gangsta" rap and hated me for being white.

Getting back to talent, how hard is it to make rap music? Let me see, come up with some lyrics, mix some beats on a machine, edit and get paid. Oh yeah, that sounds real hard. You try juggling your personal responsibilites and hold down a job while practicing an instrument at least 20 hours a week with your bandmates, compose your own music, then bust your @$$ tryin to book gigs and get signed. Then tell me which takes more talent and dedication.

EnigManic

Getting back to talent, how hard is it to make rap music? Let me see, come up with some lyrics, mix some beats on a machine, edit and get paid. Oh yeah, that sounds real hard. You try juggling your personal responsibilites and hold down a job while practicing an instrument at least 20 hours a week with your bandmates, compose your own music, then bust your @$$ tryin to book gigs and get signed. Then tell me which takes more talent and dedication. EnigManic

Is it more difficult than rock music? No, but rock music is not the most difficult thing in the world either...both require different levels of talent. You really do not know how much talent something takes until you try it and fall flat on your face. It takes a long time to be good at rap...years of practice before you develop the right set of skills to be a wholly original rap artist.