I talked in a recent blog about the ongoing trend of media and police to blame hip-hop music for violent acts committed at bars, clubs or other places in the community. In that blog, one of my main points was that the rap music played on the radio or at clubs is not representative of real hip-hop culture (see Violence Created by Hip-Hop Shows? from July 6, 2006).

Recently, groups of hip-hop activists all over the country have stressed the same type of viewpoint by speaking out against local urban radio stations for their inadequate coverage and misrepresentation of urban communities.  

Instead, most activists feel that local media outlets purposesly create controversy, reinforce negative stereotypes and play up beefs between public figures while ignoring important events and issues significant to hip-hop.

“Delegates from a variety of cities complained about a lack of relevant news coverage on urban radio. Comparing notes, they concluded that most urban stations have replaced newscasts with gossip-filled entertainment “news.” It also appears that very few have done any coverage of local election issues …

Concerns were also voiced about radio’s assaults on the psyche through song after song containing graphic images of violence and sex.”

Davey D from Hip-hop activists decry urban radio programming published July 27, 2006

Luckily, these feelings appear to be gaining support in large hip-hop markets all over the country. According to Davey D, hip-hop stations in New York and Los Angeles have experienced significant drops in ratings. Maybe everyone is getting sick of the crap they play over and over on the radio.

If you feel that your local hip-hop station is guilty of playing music that is not representative of true hip-hop culture, you can also make a difference. Call them and let them know how you feel. Request a wider range of topics and lyrics. Demand that they broaden the types of hip-hop they play, as well as the perspectives they make available to listeners.

If they don’t comply, then take the advice of dead prez … “Turn off the radio. Turn off that bullshit!” If corporate-controlled radio loses all its listeners, they will be forced to play better hip-hop and then everyone will prosper.