Now that we’ve laid some groundwork for discussing Hip Hop, I’d like to jump into the first lesson we can learn: Listen to People’s Struggles. I work with a lot of urban and rural youth, many of whom are a part of the hip hop culture, some of whom are not. At times, there are youth who share some of the same comments that many adults share, “that music is so negative.” My caution to them is that, though it is okay to disagree with some of the content, it is important to listen to a person’s struggle when they are sharing it.
Song writing is an art form, and it often involves vulnerability and the bearing of one’s soul to some degree. Now, not all songs are like this (Nelly’s song Grillz would be a good example, and I’m sure you can think of others in different genres), but many are to varying degrees. There are many hip hop songs that talk about violence, drugs, hustling, gangs and other issues, but through the lyrics you hear the struggles of a person trying to find meaning and purpose.
Tupac (I’ll probably reference him more in these posts) has many songs that talk about struggle. Here is an excerpt from Dear Mama:
They say I’m wrong and I’m heartless
But all along I was looking for a father, he was gone
I hung around with the thugs and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
And then there is the Notorious B.I.G. who sings in Juicy:
I never thought it could happen, this rappin’ stuff
I was too used to packin’ gats and stuff
…
Puttin’ 5 karats in my baby girl’s ears
Lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool
Considered a fool ’cause I dropped out of high school
Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood
And it’s still all good
I referenced these two songs for a particular reason. One of the local Hip Hop stations (101 the Beat), consistently plays those two songs throughout the day (probably the only two songs they play that are more than a year old). In other words, these are songs and lyrics that many people connect with. They are struggles many people today still understand and share.
What songs do you know that contain lyrics of people sharing their struggles?
(It doesn’t have to be exclusively Hip Hop)
Not so much a comment on your post as just saying “I’m back!” It’s been close to a year (wow!) since I’ve even checked your site, and almost as long since I updated mine regularly. Recently I’ve been thinking about blogging again, though, so I decided to come check out what you have done recently.
I really admire you for your convictions and your consistency in posting your thoughts. Please keep them coming and I will start reading and commenting again!
As for hip-hop…You’re right – I love music that is “real.” Most of my favorite bands have little to do with music, and a lot to do with lyrics…
Ariah,
Very interesting topic. I’m glad that you’re tackling it. Please know that I enjoy hip-hop music myself – however, my biggest struggle with the music and the culture is the message of the degradation of women. (Although some are a bit more subtle, “You Wouldn’t Get Far” by The Game and Kanye West is a prime example.) I went on a missions trip with high school students last summer and the girls and guys chose to ride in seperate vans throughout the week. Of course the girls wanted to listen to hip-hop and, instead of banning it, it was a great opportunity for me to talk through some of those issues with them. (“Promiscuous Girl” and “Loosen Up My Buttons” were two of the big songs last summer).
As far as songs about sharing struggles go, “99 problems” by Jay-Z is a great example as it spends a lot of time on the issue of racial profiling. I actually love the version off of the album “Collision Course” where the song is mashed-up with “Points of Authority” and “One Step Closer” by Linkin Park. To me, the end result expresses the rage that discrimination culminates in.
My all-time favorite song about sharing struggles is “What It’s Like” by Everlast. If you haven’t seen it before, I highly recommend crusing over to youtube and checking out the video…. powerful stuff.
What It’s Like
Everlast
We’ve all seen the man at the liquor store beggin’ for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange
He ask the man for what he could spare with shame in his eyes
Get a job you fuckin’ slob’s all he replied
CHORUS
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
‘Cause then you really might know what it’s like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it’s like (X4)
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom who said he was in love
He said don’t worry about a thing baby doll I’m the man you’ve been dreamin’ of
But three months later he said he won’t date her or return her call
And she sweared god damn if I find that man I’m cuttin’ off his balls
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walkin’ through the doors
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner, and they call her a whore
CHORUS
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
‘Cause then you really might know what it’s like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it’s like (X4)
I’ve seen a rich man beg
I’ve seen a good man sin
I’ve seen a tough man cry
I’ve seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie
I’ve seen the good side of bad
And the down side of up
And everything between
I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup
Smoked the finest green
I stroked daddies dimes at least a couple of times
Before I broke there heart
You know where it ends
Yo, it usually depends on where you start
I knew this kid named Max
He used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late at night
Liked to get shit faced
And keep pace with thugs
Until late one night there was a big gun fight
Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45
Talked some shit
And wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of his pain
You know it comes that way
At least that’s what they say when you play the game
CHORUS
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
‘Cause then you really might know what it’s like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it’s like (X4)
To have to lose…
Keep it coming Ariah. Did you check out Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop?
Thanks for the Hip Hop posts. I am learning more about Hip Hop because we are taking a Hip Hop and graffiti artist to the Pine Ridge reservation this year. I agree that music is a powerful way to express struggle and at Pine Ridge, one of the poorest places in the U.S., there is plenty to express.
Kate,
Thanks so much for the thoughts. I’ll definitly get to the degradation of women, it’s an important topic. And that Everlast song is deep. I’d heard it before but never really listened to the lyrics.
I’m collecting YouTube videos of songs of struggle, so send any more you can think of my way.
Josh,
I checked the blog briefly, but not too much. I’ll get to it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your blog about race, it’s an important revelation.
Amber,
Glad your enjoying the posts. Whose the artist? I went to Pine Ridge once in high school. It was an interesting and education experience. Thanks for sharing your story.
Brian,
Glad to have you back!