September 11th 2007, a very hyped historic day in hip-hop that most of us will always remember. Why would we not? It was this day that two of the biggest hip-hop icons released their highly anticipated third albums on a major label. This major event caused blogs, radio shows and even friends to engage in heated discussions over who will reign the king of hip-hop. Everyone had an opinion, even country singer Kenny Chesney, who believes he will end up on the top of the charts. September 11th has become a target date for many rappers as a release date. But before this year, September 11th, was remembered for another historic day in our lives. September 11th, 2001. I can still see the tragedy. The burning towers in New York and people falling out of windows high in the air. I still remember the pain, agony and sorry I felt for everyone involved. Apparently, I am one of the few that do remember. On September 11th, 2007, 50 cent and Kanye West had everyone’s eyes and ears. I was disappointed that neither artist, especially 50 cent who represents New York, failed to speak about the tragedy. September 11th, 2007 was solely about album sales, money and egos. Not one moment of silence from 106 & Park (filmed in New York) who spent hours hosting both artists. As the two artists appeared on every major television and radio show throughout the day, there was no mention of the lives we lost on September 11th, 2001. Although this is primarily a hip-hop website, I do not see how we can ignore the biggest tragedy in hip-hop’s birth place. Today, hip-hop is critized by almost everyone including politicians and journalists. I see a missed oportunity by two of the biggest hip-hop icons today, to show people that hip-hop is more than money, record sales, and violence.
By ALI