DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE: WE CAN LEARN FROM HIP-HOP

There are plenty of fools in the forefront of what most people would consider hip-hop. And this year, the media has made hip-hop the ultimate bad guy because of the actions of folks like Imus, Cam'ron, T.I. and Michael Vick. And for hip-hoppers like myself, who understand, realize, and harness the power and potential of hip-hop, we are outnumbered in trying to explain to the world that hip-hop isn't just what you see on television (and actually hardly ever is what you see on television). Just to be certain that we're on the same page, the hip-hop I'm talking about is complex (Sorry MC Stupid). The hip-hop I'm talking about is into justice (Sorry MC Soldyoursoul). The hip-hop I'm talking about is artistic (Sorry MC Noskills). I may not know the hottest rapper on the radio, but best believe MyHipHop is alive and kicking snares. Hip-hop culture has given me too much for me not to defend its honor. I've spent the last year and a half of my life documenting the power in hip-hop music because it was this aspect of the culture, this unique art form that spoke to me like nothing ever before. As I've matured, I've realized that we can all learn from the culture that grew from the concrete. SOURCE OF THIS STORY