Forum Post: Jay Z: America's Modern Poet
Posted 11 years ago on March 7, 2013, 5:20 p.m. EST by OTP
(-203)
from Tampa, FL
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Ok, so this comment by Rubio was disturbing on many levels. First off, lets go back and listen to some of the songs I remember as a kid (key word there being KID, as in, not a full grown freakin adult like Rubio). Rubio saying this guy is a poet is a slap in the face to even the worst poets. Jay Z owns part of the NJ Nets, and is very proud of the new Barclay Center they play in (yes, THAT Barclays). Really Rubio? We knew you were a total yes man, another shill, but this is almost humorous to watch you up there saying that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31xa0CLbcls
But then there is another level to it. Who are our modern day poets? Is this what the nation has become? Really?
Dont get me wrong. When I was younger and driving around with friends getting high before school, during school and after school - until booted- listening to stuff like this, the fact that this messaging was being pumped into my head was not even a thought. Nor the consequences.
I grew up. 15 was 17 years ago. But many dont grow out of it. They create an entire way of life around it.
But as I listen to the songs of the 60's and 70s, I hear a lot of social activism. And its powerful.
Here's two songs that are all over the airwaves right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVYOhV24Zuk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOdPenYO5kU
Nothing but glorifying money, money and more money. And the first one saying that spending it like an idiot is all good.
Someone please explain to me where a popular culture like this leads to?
Jay Z.? How come nothing about defend education day? I thought OTP stood for Occupy Tampa?
http://www.defendeducationday.org/tampa-students-occupy-administration-building-to-defend-education-rights/
At least Jay Z has supported the kind of education efforts occupy supports.
http://elitedaily.com/elite/2012/jayz-called-hurricane-sandy-guardian-angel/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/jay-z-to-raise-money-for-_n_1137755.html
Nice post! I actually enjoyed Tupac music growing up. There was a subtle activism to his lyrics, but what goes for popular hip hop today is nothing but life style commercialism. They are not advertising products but are advertising a type of personality that makes for a good consumer.
I liked Tupac too. I cant listen to too much of that stuff atnymore. Tribe Called Quest is still cool though :)
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It leads to stuff like this:
Jay Z To Sell "Occupy All Street" T-Shirts, But Will Not Give Proceeds To Occupiers
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/11/jay-z-occupy-wall-street-t-shirts_n_1088132.html
No one is doubting that people like that grew up poor. But I wonder how many of em really think they are just "telling their stories" as opposed to carrying out the plan of some very sick people at the top.
The music industry nowadays is a lot like politics. If you don't agree to play their game and follow their rules, they won't let you into the club. And one of the main rules is to push a certain 'message.'