It was the Hip Hop music of the late 80's and early 90's that brought the content back to black music. The music of groups like Public Enemy resurrected the rebellious spirit of a generation.
But that rebirth was not without consequence. America has always had a beef with those entertainers who have dared to bite the hand that has allowed them to gain wealth and popularity.
One can look at the careers of Paul Robeson, who was blackballed for being a "Commie", Billie Holiday who was banned for singing about that "strange fruit" hanging from southern trees or Chicago Bulls player Craig Hodges who was blacklisted by the NBA for wearing a dashiki to the White House.
Although, Hip Hop was still in its commercial infancy, Professor Griff, Sister Souljah, Ice T, Tupac Shakur and others felt the wrath of an America scorned at the hand of the Conservatives and those who courted the Conservative vote.
So, now in 2007 we see a renewed attack on Hip Hop from a post Michael Richards/Don Imus America aching for a scapegoat upon which to blame all of this nation’s problems.
But a few of the homies have gotten together and recorded a "diss" record aimed at those Right Wing talking heads who have been guilty of "dissing" Hip Hop. (And frankly, a few were thrown in just cuz we don’t like ‘em.) The track, "Drums of War" featuring Big Swagg, Mr. Cox and yours truly can be downloaded at http://www.hiphopstrikesback.com
Let this be the song that sparks the revolution! The Left’s new anthem that makes the Right shake in their boots! The song that will bring about a wave of social equality that....
OK, I’ll settle for making Bill O’Reilly have nightmares about a bunch of "gangsta rappers" bum rushin’ the No Spin Zone, tying him up and forcing him to watch 48 uninterrupted hours of Black Entertainment Television...
Min. Paul Scott is a "gangsta journalist" based in Durham NC. His blog is http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com He can be reached at (919) 451-8283
info@nowarningshotsfired.com
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