BULLETIN: Copy of 'Changing the Game: The Decline of Hip-Hop'

CHANGING THE GAME: THE DECLINE OF HIP-HOP
By Corey Price

It’s being played everywhere, through the airways, blasting out of car windows, blaring through headphones and earbuds, and being idolized all over TV and the internet. It is hip-hop. The catchy style of music once known as the starter of all the latest dance crazes has most recently dissolved into a bass-thumping and degrading disgrace. Although there are still some songs and artists who have maintained the classic values once found in this musical art form, the growing influence of a new style is undeniable.

With the exception of a small percentage of artists, most of today’s hip-hop appears to be an amalgamation of lies, profanity, and degrading remarks. Even with the pointless censorship of radio stations and the “edited” versions of songs, it still doesn’t take a genius to understand an artist’s message. In fact, many artists are so up front and specific about their intentions that it is hard to see how it could not be found offensive.

Aside from the messages found in many songs, the image of hip-hop artists is another factor which has contributed to the decline of the genre. Many kids idolize these artists and grow up trying to emulate the styles which they see. If kids observe rappers like Lil’Wayne, Plies, Lil’ John, Rick Ross, and Ludacris on TV dancing around surrounded by piles of money and half-naked girls, they will assume that this is the lifestyle they must live if they aspire to be cool like their idols.

Musical artists are given the gift of a voice which many can relate to, but it is up to each individual artist to use this voice for the purpose of promoting good acts and a positive image. Many may argue that it is the responsibility of parents to keep their kids away from such bad influences, however, hip-hop should be a musical genre which can be enjoyed by people of all ages like it once was before its corruption. If only the world could revert back to the time when hip-hop music made listeners bob their head, not cover their ears; when music was used as a platform for emotional expression, not vile and degrading expressions. But the fact of the matter is that the number of true hip-hop artists is steadily waning as the game continues to change—and not for the better.

So, where do we go from here? The answer is not as simple as one might hope. But the only chance of reviving the classic style of hip-hop rests in the hands of young listeners. It is the consumer that truly controls the hip-hop industry, and if individuals can learn to take action and voice their opinions on a larger platform, change will surely ensue. Celebrities and political figures alike have all gathered together to discuss the problem with today’s music; however, it is the young listeners who have control over the music which they listen to. In order to effectively utilize this control, the source of hip-hop’s growing impact must be identified. The hip-hop industry has become so successful because of its ability to speak volumes to and through today’s youths.

Those who really want to see a change in the style of hip-hop must take small steps at a time. Showing greater support for artists who continue to stay true to the real definition of hip-hop, such as Lupe Fiasco and Common, and refusing to buy the products of those whose influence has damaged the reputation of the genre are small but effective ways in which listeners can make an impact. Also, those who take offense to much of the negativity involved in hip-hop must learn to stand up for themselves for the purpose of defying the degrading stereotypes that have evolved from the music genre.

As members of a young generation, we must understand that we have the power to change and influence many of the issues taking place in today’s society. The decline of hip-hop is one particular issue which cannot be taken lightly because the music is steadily on the move to becoming an irreversible trend of degradation and conflict.