Questlove: “Hip Hop Failed Black America”

Questlove released his first memoir, Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove, last June but has not put the pen down. Just the other day, the walking hip-hop encyclopedia broke down how hip-hop has failed Black America. Last week, Forbes announced that Sean Combs, Dr. Dre, and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter had a combined estimated wealth of over 1.7 billion dollars. According to Quest, hip-hop has developed into a popular genre, whose popularity has become so pervasive, that it is used to describe the entire black race. After claiming artists such as Rihanna and Beyonce are labeled hip-hop because of their association with hip-hop artists, he explains how the culture of hip-hop has become subjugated: "And that's what it's become: an entire cultural movement, packed into one hyphenated adjective. These days, nearly anything fashioned or put forth by black people gets referred to as "hip-hop," even when the description is a poor or pointless fit. "Hip-hop fashion" makes a little sense, but even that is confusing: Does it refer to fashions popularized by hip-hop musicians, like my Lego heart pin, or to fashions that participate in the same vague cool that defines hip-hop music? Others make a whole lot of nonsense: "Hip-hop food"? "Hip-hop politics"? "Hip-hop intellectual"? And there's even "hip-hop architecture." What the hell is that? A house you build with a hammer? One of Quetlove's fears with this development is that those who wish to eradicate Black culture would "need only squelch one genre to effectively silence an entire cultural movement." Quest explains the difficulty to provide meaningful music and make it popular in hip-hop. However, he admits that Kendrick Lamar may be the exception to the rule: "The winners, the top dogs, make art mostly about their own victories and the victory of their genre, but that triumphalist pose leaves little room for anything else. Meaninglessness is addictive. People who want to challenge this theory point to Kendrick Lamar, and the way that his music, at least so far, has some sense of the social contract, some sense of character. But, is he just the exception that proves the rule?" Quest makes a lot of valid points. It is nearly impossible for any music with meaning, yet alone hip-hop, to break through into mainstream. However, the threat from those who wish to do away with Black American culture is minuscule at best. Ironically, the same nonsense that has been given validation from white America, has become so embedded in the global culture, that it would be almost impossible to exterminate. There is no way to get rid of the culture when "little Tommy's" favorite artist is Lil Wayne, and little "Becky Stienburg" is a loyal member of the Beyhive, enlisted in RiRi's navy, and an acting participant of Nicki's Barbs. The very people who try and get rid of us have raised children who want to be us. Beyonce is hip-hop. Rihanna is hip-hop. Pop is hip-hop. R&B is hip-hop. Hip-hop is the new rock & roll, you can find facets of it in almost every modern day genre. There is not one country singer alive who doesn't know who Jay Z is. Not to mention the two most influential artists in hip-hop (Jay Z & Kanye West) make a lot of meaningful music, that address some of the most unrighteous mistakes and injustices in our culture today. Quest was spot on in his reference to Kendrick Lamar's social contract and sense of character. Although, he for to dilate to the fact that J.Cole is right up there with him, and even though Chance The Rapper is not on the same celebrity status; the overwhelming majority of his fan base is young white America. Quest is right though. Hip-hop has failed black culture, in the sense that we continue to promote the ignorance and meaningless nonsense of violence, drugs and material items of no significant value. While, hip-hop has not failed Black America yet, we are at a cross roads. And, if we as consumers want good music, we need to be a good audience. Either way, we will get what we deserve. But, some say that we are entering another golden age in hip-hop, and with the new found love for lyricism; we just might be!

P.S. We have a new music video from Pharrell, Asher Roth's long awaited sophomore album, Mya's new EP, and new singles from KeKe Palmer, Joey Bada$$, Ray J, Chevy Woods, and Yo Gotti. Also be sure to check our our latest TrueMusic Girl Next Door below.

Asher Roth - Retro Hash

Mya - Sweet XVI EP

TuT - State Of You

Keke Palmer ft. B.o.B – Ride This Beat

Joey Bada$$ – Mr. Wonderful

Yo Gotti – Been Thru It All

Ray Jr & Stalley – Wit Sum Money

Chevy Woods – 30 Deep

Girl Next Door: Today we have the stunning 22 year old, Ms. Haissa. Just a for warning. do not state at her pics to long. This girl is so pretty it hurts. This sexy sister is Brazilian born and raised, but currently resides in Missisauga, Canada with her 2 year old daughter (I know hard to believe this body has a kid). She isn't just all looks though. Haissa is a full time student and full time fashionista. You can catch her flawless figure and intoxicating eyes on Instaram at haissamorena_.