Who Can Vouch For You?
At one time, that was the most pertinent question that one could ask and would ask in the streets. Who can vouch for you? Do you all remember that? A person could not, nor would he attempt to talk about the things he had, what he did, who he did with or what he would do, without having a “co-signer.” I came of age during a time of authenticity. To put it in summation, Jay once rapped, “you couldn’t talk about it if you ain’t did it.” Not only could you not talk fake shit, you couldn’t even wear fake shit when I was growing up.
Written by Cornell Dews
But nowadays, you can get away with posturing any image you choose because it’s accepted by the people. Fake shit is a multi billion dollar industry. Is it just me, but doesn’t it now appear that every rapper was a millionaire prior to becoming a rapper? Is it just me, but doesn’t it now appear that every rapper has murdered someone, or will murder someone? Now of course, when I say “every,” I’m attempting to sound sarcastic and express my annoyance. I realize that there are some artists who choose not to allow their creative expression to be stymied by such lies. I’ll recognize one in particular as I continue. Now back to the “Is it just me” questions. Is it just me, but doesn’t it now appear that every rapper has street credibility? Come on guys, who can vouch for you? There are exceptions to every rule and I’m certain that a few may have experienced the lifestyle they project on cd; however, statistically and realistically, I’m prone to not believe the vast majority of them.
The saddest part is this, these men, who are in positions of authority to influence the masses do not have to choose to project such imagery to sell their music. I think Kanye just proved that. If you was listening, his big brother previously simplified present day rap when he simply stated, “The games fucked up. Niggers beats are bangin. Nigger your hooks did it. Your lyrics didn’t, your gangster look did it.” We’ve allowed ourselves to be sold on the idea that it’s acceptable and encouragable to to “look” and “act” like a gangster in hip hop. Previously I asked the question, “when did everybody get tough” now I’m asking, “when did everybody become a gangster?” And more importantly, who can vouch for you? I already know the answer for many, “nobody” because they’re not gangsters, but that’s okay and that’s what they need to come to grips with. It’s okay to be whoever you are. Whatever you are or will become, learn to accept you. Stop lying and projecting imagery based on someone else’s life. Tell your own story.
I know, I know, some rapper will attempt to say, “it’s just music” and compare their form of artistry to a Sly Stallone shoot ‘em up flick. So, will those who use that analogy admit that they’re acting? Or will they find offense in someone questioning their credibility? And not only find offense in the questioning, but attempt to defend what’s being questioned about them in the same manner as the image projected. Somehow I do not believe that Sylvester Stallone answers to Rambo off the movie set, nor does he introduce himself as such.
In the October issue of XXL magazine, Kanye West made a riveting statement. He said, “I’d rather be hated for what I am than loved for what I’m not.” That’s a statement that many people (especially rappers) should familiarize themselves with and become accepting to. Can you imagine the diversity we’d have in hip hop alone, if everyone (1) found their own lane and (2) stayed in it? Aw man, it would be so refreshing and enlightening, as well. As a matter of fact, I think that the solution to the stagnancy found in the art form is people becoming more honest in their music and with their music.
Somebody needs to start holding these artist accountable for the things they’re saying and the image they’re projecting, if they’re not going to hold themselves accountable. Especially with the influence they have on our youth. Everybody is tired of it, other artists included, not just me. I’ve read or listened to interviews pertaining to this subject from older artists such as Pimp C, more popular artists such as TI and newer artists such as Plies. Everybody didn’t come up in the streets or the game. So why when you’re given a microphone and a record deal do you have to begin telling lies? And furthermore, who can vouch for you?
Written by Cornell Dews
Suggestion Box
September 14th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Just like the hooks that get the put in the spot light are catchy, it’s catchy to just follow the trend instead of being yourself. These “rappers” these days would rather just follow what seems to be HOT right now to try and get on instead of trying to set a new trend with their own sound……..
September 14th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
FIRST bitches!!!!!
very good read, made me think and realize he is right. its not anything new being said but it needs to be reiterated to keep artists honest. cuz this is some bull ass shit aka the state of hip hop-2007
peas.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
DAS DA FUkIN TRUTH …THE WHOLE WORLD IS ALL FUCKED UP NOW…But im From brooklyn shit aint change ova here…if u talk about something den u doing it or did it…i jus think think da rest of the world is fuked up… Looking at hip hop for example u got Gays rapping about gangsta shit …niggaz tryna rap about drugs ….nowadayz everybody a drug dealer…”Dont talk the talk if u cant walk the walk…Phony Niggaz will outline the chalk”
September 14th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
MY UNCLE PEKO BOOGIE DOWN BRONX!!!!! FREE PEKO! !!!!!!!! DA HOMIE C-LOC FROM LONGBEACHHHHHHHHHHH
September 14th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I agree!
We as hip hop fans can help aswell though, take someone like Jay-Z he is in a comfortable position so when he made Kindom Come the backlash didn’t effect him that much.
All he was doing was being real to himself and what he rapped about on that album was where he is at in his life at that point. Alot of people coudn’t except it though they all wanted to hear Jay-Z spit gangsta and bragging like he did in the past.
I think we will all look back on that album eventually (love it or hate it) and say it was turning point in hip hop cus I think it sums up ur article.
September 14th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
@ coney island….
get the fuck outta here with that “THE WHOLE WORLD IS ALL FUCKED UP NOW…But im From brooklyn shit aint change ova here…if u talk about something den u doing it or did it…” bullshit. YOU ARE exactly what he’s talking about. real trappers/gangsters/ballers/bosses(whatever you wanna call it) in the dope game don’t have time to comment on articles. their minds are not focused on blogs. people who read music blogs are:
1. students
2. music junkies
3. office workers wasting time @ work
4. deadbeat ass niggas with too much fucking free time that need to get a job and stop living their vicariously through the internet
September 14th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
youd be suprise how many people fuck wit da internet…not even to come off like i sell drugs or nothing like dat cuz to be real i dont…all im sayin is yes im a STUDENT…and i am from the hood…Marlboro projects to get specific …and i recognize alot of fakes…cuz i know the difference between someone whos real and someone whos fake…me im a student tryna get my shit together to move out da hood farreal…u want to call me fake for dat den go head
September 14th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
nice work Mr. Dews. i feel you
September 14th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I thank you all for reading my piece and posting a comment. Cornell
September 14th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
#6
Thats your experiences and thats all you know, but there are alot of rappers that ain’t been through what they rap about they just follow the trend. That’s why alot of them get exposed!
I think that’s what the article is on about.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I agree wit’ em’..everyone is on the bandwagon..remember Kid & Play?? Lol..catchin’ beatdowns in House Party and they were HOTTT back in the day!
And Princess J.: I think your missing a word in your rant “deadbeat ass niggas with too much fucking free time that need to get a job and stop living their ___________ vicariously through the internet..”
September 14th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Oh yeah (lol) props to Mr. Dews, your article was right ON POINT! Hope to see more from you on RT…
September 14th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
BE YOURSELF!, you can only pretend for so long….plus more than likely the niggaz you tryna impress just as lost as you are. I feelin this article tho. Propz.
September 14th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
#12 MZLegalizeIt haha I like that name, its creative lol.
September 14th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
6 u stupid as hell i do my thang n still find time to come on her once or twice a day it aint that hard lol fukin dummy n coney island wtz hood my dude tell these niggas bout nems
September 14th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
lol… 15 posts. This is the problem with people we’re too busy consuming sh!t we don’t need to impress folks who don’t care instead of investing in real sh!t like family/community.
September 15th, 2007 at 12:13 am
THE ARTICLE IS TRUE ALOT OF THESE RAPPERS LIKE WAYNE AND YUNG JOC TRY AND SAY THAT HUSTLAS BUT THEY ARENT WAYNE IS A BLOOD NOW LOL ASK ANY NIGGA ON DA WESTCOAST DO THEY BELIEVE WEEZY IS A BLOOD PIRU OR DAMU AND THEY WILL LAUGH IN SAC TOWN WE BLOOD AND CRIP AND MOB FORRREAL… THATS Y I LIKE AND RESPECT 50 OK HE PROLLY AINT KILLED NOBODY BUT MOST OF DA SHIT HE TALK ABOUT IS REAL HE GOT SHOT SOLD DRUGS DOES GET ALOT OF MONEY DOES FUCK BITCHES HAS SHOT AT NIGGAZ SO CALL IT WAT U WANT 50 HATERS HE IS REAL…
September 15th, 2007 at 12:57 am
I’ma rapper, I aint rich but I talk bout I get money because I get money, you just gotta know how to give a diffrent perspective of it
September 15th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Good article Mr. Dews. So many of us are trying to be something that we’re not to impress others, to get a couple of dollars, and get our names in bright lights. We will sell our souls and everything else to get some exposure. Think about what’s being lost, in this attempt to gain notoriety. We lost ourselves, our dignity, our integrity, our children, our communities, our families, the list continues to grow. It’s an epidemic and it needs to stop.
BE YOURSELF… EVERYONE ELSE IS TAKEN!!!
September 15th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Good article Mr. Dews now all they have to do is listen. Keep up the good work.. You are about to show real soon. I can see you shining over here.
September 15th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Go nessa go nessa! You got money in the bank baby…lol!
September 17th, 2007 at 7:18 am
C Dews, keep up the good work. I still wear my ” STOP LYING ” T- shirts.
September 17th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
WHEN GOD CREATED THE MOUTH IT WAS CREATED WITH TWO MAIN REASONS.[1]SIMPLY TO EAT. [2] TO SPEAK ENCOURAGING,UPLIFTING,POSITIVE,AND MOTIVATING WORDS.WORDS ARE THE VERBS OF GOD.CREATING ACTION,AND MOVEMENT MENT TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE.THROUGH THE FREE WILL OF MAN MAN HAS CHOSEN TO POLLUTE AND CONTAMINATE THAT FORWARD PROGRESS WITH WORDS THAT KILLS STEALS AND DESTROYS THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO DO NOT VALUE ANOTHER IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE BODY,THE EAR.BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU LISTEN TO YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT.THOSE WHOSE MOUTHS DON`T SPEAK ON THE RIGHT NORMALLY SPEAK FROM THE HOLE NEAR THE HIP.YOU KNOW WHAT COMES OUT THAT WHOLE. SH.T!