When rap leads you astray, come back to Hip Hop

Rap music has moved a universe away from the philosophy that Hip Hop was built upon. No amount of perceived street cred will make some of the drivel that’s been co-opted by the masses authentic Hip Hop. When in doubt, check in with the caretakers and true masters- go back to the essence. Every era has had its share of true Hip Hop, however, mostly, it’s overshadowed by rap void of substance. During the early nineties when the masses bought into acts like MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice as the real thing, a group called Poor Righteous Teachers flew nearly unnoticed by mainstream media. Since those days, fluffy rap has lost it’s Hip Hop card, and instead, for the better part of the last two decades, what’s passed off as Hip Hop has evolved into a culture of flaunting wealth, overt debauchery, and a constant air of illicitness. Once again, check in with the originators. Go back to GrandMaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message.” It’s as relevant today, as it was three decades ago. Check in with Run DMC’s “You’re Blind” or “Hard Times,” those songs’ meanings not only still hold up, but speak volumes about what Hip Hop was born to do- speak for the voiceless and uplift, not degrade.