Attack on Hip Hop and how to protect it

Hip hop is under fire more than normal over the last few weeks following the Imus episode. I am amazed by the attack but for many reasons. 1st the horrible PR by the Hip Hop community is tragic. It becomes evident that hip hop is a true representation of the problems within the black community. There is no unity, self governing, expectations, message, and togetherness in the industry as a whole. I have some what of a problem of watching too much news and commentary and have to admit that I cringe every time a goof ball gets on television to speak on the behalf of the hip hop industry. At the top of the idiot list is Cam'ron. I don't feel him musically since I heard My Horse and Carriage... He has never been in my top list. Maybe its the Pink thing. Nevertheless, this idiot gets on TV and doesn't have the common sense to sound like a human being in a stage that can be viewed by the world. Maybe this dude really feels the way that he does and he is keeping it real whatever that means. However, when u are on a world stage as a representative of your community and family you act like you have common sense. Where is his mom and dad? I know they wanted to slap him in the back of the head screaming how dare you embarrass us like that. You show restraint, you err on the side of intelligence and common sense when ever you are in a public arena. It may be wrong but because of the still prevalent race ignorance in our society you hold a responsibility to act appropriately. If you can't say anything that is smart and admirable then you don't say anything at all or when you got home hell is to be paid. The same outrage needed from some of the ambassadors of hip hop. I must say that hip hop is bigger than the attack being waged on it. And it will weather the storm but at what cost. Hip hop is a culture and identity that has arms that transcends the ages, race, societal norms, political correctness, politics, policies, sports, fashion etc. It is something that was built from grass root levels and survived decades of critics when it was viewed as a possible fad. Now its a multi billion dollar industry that is world renowned. Something that should be celebrated but yet it is in the trenches on defense. Lets ask why. Does it cause more damage than it does good?Is it a representation of the black community as a whole? On both questions I answer with a solid no. Do I feel that the use of Nigga, bitch and Hoe require some sort of censorship and attention? Absolutely.
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...DEFINE ITS LEADERS....
I think that many hip hop fans, urbanites, and other children of our era would agree that something needs to be done about those words and the affects it has own our children and society. However, the powers that may be in the industry don't see the benefits of acknowledging this fact. They rather let the likes of Al Sharpton steal the front page as a representative again for the black "voice". Sharpton, Jackson for some reason are always placed in the limelight on issues of this magnitude. Are these the people that we want speaking on the behalf of the hip hop community? Heeeeeeeeeeeeeell no. This whole issue is bad business on behalf of hip hop. Not the corporations. Whom hip hop has let define it instead of the continue definition of itself. We need Russell Simmons to move back in to the forefront to encourage develop and assimilate the message that this industry wants to send out to the WORLD. I choose Russell because he is a pioneer and one of the few over the years that know how to speak intelligently, concisely, and concrete about the industry. I correct that he is not the only one who can he is the only one that is willing to speak out. Realizing that its bigger than him. Accepting the responsibilities that's come with its success. Simmons can show the artists how to manage on a PR level the business of Hip Hop and the responsibility that comes with it. He has already started the dialogue and band of the big 3 words on the public airwaves. Not allowing the corporations, radio stations, to control that fact. Taking the power from Sharpton and others not closely attached to the art form the ability to come in and stir waters they have no business stirring. The hip hop industry should be something worth preserving and protected by the artists, producers, musicians,videograph-ers, dancers, etc. The industry gave them an outlet and opportunity to make millions. They owe it and its their responsibility to make it better than when they found it. How does it fight back...

....Define itself.....

Message.... Message message message.... I'm not sure of how political you are but look at the two parties that are the constant debate in this country. Democrats and Republicans. I know many don't know how to define the two on social, political, economic issues but that aside there is a big difference. For my political life time and I'm only 29 the biggest distinction is more of operational for me. I notice that GOP (republicans) stay on message. The have an agenda and across the board that message is pounded and pounded with very little dissension among the ranks. The Dems on the other hand are so stretched across the board that a sense of togetherness leaves their message unclear. Because the GOP have such a resounding message they are able to keep the Dems on the defense so much that they don't have time to define themselves. Hip Hop and its ambassadors, those that care about the industry; the art form; the fans; the communities in which it has an affect has to take a look at itself in the year 2007 and define its issues. Understand the state of the business. Open dialogue to ascertain what are its strengths and weaknesses. And with some of the creative minds of our times in the musical genre needs to put together a message that needs to be concise, self-governing, concrete, sensitive, aware, intelligent, and simple. It needs to stand for more than what it portrays to the world.

... DEFINE THE MESSAGE...
Freedom of speech and expression is not a defense. Its a privilege. Hip hop cannot continue to hide behind this powerful entity with out acknowledging its limitations and the responsibility that comes with it. You can't falsely yell fire in a crowded area and not be prepared to face consequences when hundreds are injured trying to escape. This same awareness needs to be addressed in this art form. Personally, the use of language on albums is protected and isn't the issue. Its possible that the rating system and parental guidance methods may need to be revisited. And if there is a weakness there then it should be addressed. The message in a whole should address accountability of the artists to want to better their communities. To protect their children. To want more for their listeners. The message should furthermore address the lack of leadership in the industry. Much like the lack of strong role models in the communities most affected by hip hop its lacked in the industry as a whole. What is the cost and rewards of the s support of inappropriate messages being accessible to children via radio, video, and other media outlets. There has to be away to show some concern and find a common ground that offers some compassion and action toward this issue. I am first to say that the big part of the issue is parental accountability and awareness. Many parents need to start monitoring and caring about what their children listens to and watches to make sure that its appropriate. So many parents think its cute when there 4 yr old stands in the living room singing I'm in love with a stripper word for word. This can be addressed. Use the creative talents to address this on wax and in policy. Stand for something. Remember that you are either apart of the problem or apart of the solution. I'm sure that our artists don't even let there own children freely listen to their own work. To sum it up... The industry in conjunction with its ambassadors needs to effectively understand what it stands for what it will tolerate and what it supports. Every genre that is under attack addresses and polices itself accept hip hop. Pornography, the movie industry, Video games etc all have had to answer questions address societal blames for their respective industries. And yet they do a better job on a PR standpoint to counter the attacks intelligently. They do their own research, they sponsor their own studies. Hip Hop needs to look at communities like the NBA, NFL who understand their product and does what they can to market it appropriately overcoming attacks to become more profitable.

.... Be Proactive...

Its time for Hip Hop to take a proactive approach to answering these questions. To show the world that it accepts its responsibility to the society and its listeners. I'm not saying admitting fault unless the industry deems fault is appropriate. But addressing the problems by opening dialogue within its community, implementing policies to correct it, and fighting to preserve its image and defining it as an art form. Then and only then can it embrace the freedoms afforded to it.

There is so much to say about this issue. And many people spend their brain power looking to defend by the same old means that don't address accountability and respect for this culture. I see it as a business something that I am a fan of wishing I was a part of it and had the finances to protect it because those that reap the financial rewards don't have the savvy or desire to see the big picture. KRS One get off the air if you don't have a message. Cam shut it up. Dame Dash.. step up. Jay Z where are you. Jermaine Dupree talk up. Mos Def speak. Common come on. Baby put your mouth where the money is. Dr Dre use the power don't abuse it. You have the ability to protect what we all have come to love.

This is a memo