I’m not gonna lie, I’m a complainer.  I excel at the art of complaining.  If there were a 200 meter dash of complaining, I would be Michael Johnson.  I don’t take pride in this fact, most people usually frown upon it.  But there is one thing that I complain about often and do so whole heartedly: the shit I hear on the radio. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I do like some of the music that I hear on the radio, even the Hip Hop; but hearing Hi-Tek’s, “Where it Started At,” fitty-ele’en hunded and eight times in a day really wears out the song.  And as far as pop hip hop music goes, 90% of that garbage, I cannot listen to.  I suspect many fans of Hip Hop Linguistics feel the same way.   So I take an active role in not listening to the radio.  

I dig through what music I have to make sure that the radio is never played in my car.  I keep different CDs in the whip to keep whatever passenger is with me happy with the music selection.  I got Yoyo Ma for my pops.  I got some Aretha Franklin for my mom.  I got Elmo’s Christmas songs for the nephews.  I even got the Dirty Dancing soundtrack for my gay cousin.  Needless to say, the radio has not been on in my car for about 6 years.  This is what I do to fight garbage rap.

I’ve recently been thinking, though, what do I do FOR Hip Hop?  Well, for one, I check out HHL regularly.  I search worthwhile resources for good Hip Hop.  In Malcom Gladwells’ book, “The Tipping Point,” I might be described as a “maven” of Hip Hop.  That is, someone who actively and thoroughly investigates their interests.   Malcolm Gladwell describes a “maven” as the reason why Dove soap puts its 800 number on every box.  I mean, who the fuck has questions or comments for Dove soap?  Well, I guess if Hip Hop albums had 800 numbers on the backs, i would be calling them.  Instead I’m left with checking out myspace pages.

What else do I do?  I go to shows.  I support the live performance of artists that I like.  I purchase CDs, helping to ensure that artists get paid.  I purchase merchandise.  But really, I don’t have to spend a dime to support Hip Hop.  I make an honest effort to tell anyone that will listen about what I’m listening to.  I might even suggest music more than I complain, and that’s saying a lot.  I think that if I were an artist, that’s the least that i could expect from a fan.  As a fan, I can’t just sit around and complain all day.  I gotta do something.

Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R,” is one of my favorite tracks because I feel the metaphor is near flawless. Hip Hop is a woman that I’m in love with.  We have a longstanding relationship.  Sometimes she wakes me up with a bj.  Sometimes her PMS doesn’t seem to end.  But I love her and she has given me so much.  I gotta make sure I give back.

Keep it Movin!

by Guest Author: Profit