Robo Robb

Hip-Hop from it’s inception to this very day has been absolutely key in confronting the hegemonic media. The creation of Hip-Hop challenged the very power structure that Hip-Hop currently assumes it is part of (in control of). When speaking of Hip-Hop we must always understand the political implications of being titled “Hip-Hop”. To make sense of how I view Hip-Hop I would like you to first remove yourself from the music and understand that this culture was built in protest, unlike any other music in the modern conscience. When we disscus the “business model” of Hip-Hop we must also understand that the modern understanding of “business” goes agaisn’t everything Hip-Hop was founded on. Does any business model really have the majority of the Hip-Hop community’s best interest? The power structure that exists in Hip-Hip mirrors that of greater society. The shining examples of success in Hip-Hop are “token” examples of what the supremacist society has “graciously” allowed their most marginalized groups to posses. A real business model for Hip-Hop would involve economic revival for the many.

In reference to Hubert’s tweets earlier tonight: I think it is a shame that a grass roots record store like fat beats is closing. But I don’t we should talk about why fans are not buying music. We should talk about why fans are not affording music. We must always understand first and foremost Hip-Hop and everyone participating in Hip-Hop is participating in politics. When you attend a show or listen to a rap song you are active in politics. We must always put the heart of Hip-Hop before the wallet.

I’m blogged out.. I hope that provides clarity!