Troy

Del at the time I did not think hip-hop would go global either, but then I had no real framework to appreciate how corporations could capitalize and exploit it. Chris I could not disagree with your professor more. His assumption is that spoken word artists do not understand poetic form. That is what we call stereotyping. I actually doubt, Chris, that you understand how I feel about rap music. Lumping me in with your professor tells me that. Just because I don't consider myself a disciple of hip-hop, and I don't really like much of the popular rap music out today, does not mean that I dislike all rap or that I think rap artist have no musical ability. My feelings are much more nuanced, not stereotypical. Part of the problem in America is that Black people's art is often thrust into a tiny box, stereotyped. If you are Black and write about an urban setting, you are automatically a street/urban/hip-hop author. That designation brings in a ton of baggage, most of it not good. Indeed, the same is true for being a African-American author, who writes about Black characters. The mainstream culture puts you into a category that means only Black people will like you books (read: it won't make any money). It is only interesting if it talks about dysfunction, crime, slavery, etc The only reason what we call "hip-hop" has gone global is because of corporations. Hip-hop has become a corporate tool. Corporations are the primary beneficiaries. Most of the brothers and sisters who originated this thing you call hip-hop are not benefiting from it financially, nor are the vast majority of devotees. You give hip-hop a lot of credit for doing things that I would assert have been done previously under another name. Del, Public enemy was a very powerful force back with hip-hop was a reaction to an oppressive culture. Today hi-hop is a tool an oppressive culture. No I did not expect hip-hop to go global, but I also could not have imaged that the most popular music would be riddled with the n-word and use bitch and ho like they were terms of endearment, but then I had no framework on just how corporations operate.

Bill is not speaking on the allegations it because; (A) He is guilty or; (B ) He is innocent. Either way he gains nothing other than opening the door to more negative questioning about his sex life, family, etc, etc. I think the the officer in Ferguson case will walk, otherwise they would have made the announcement by now. The only reason to delay the announcement until 9 p.m. CST tonight it to mobilize forces. The family has already been informed of the verdict. It is fascinating to observe the "news" outlets frantically position themselves two be the 1st two announce the results of the ‪‎Ferguson‬ verdict. Search engine and social media optimized, stories ready to go--anxiously awaiting to pull the trigger (pardon the pun). Marion Barry did indeed pass. He was loved by the people. DC will probably never see another Major like him. No major city will. I think it was criminal the way they set him up years ago. But they do that to us all the time, don't they?. R.I.P. Mayor B.

The producers of the show would absolutely have Obama if he would show up. The rating would go through the roof! I agree the show would be beneath Obama's dignity. Tavis, in his prime, was arguably the most distinguished Black journalist we had. I thought dancing with the stars was beneath Tavis, but obviously I was wrong.

As an individual, in the short term, I would lose time time, energy and money. Collectively, we lose our in independence. It is the last reason that concerns me the most. Individually I can use strategies that benefit me. Collectively I'm pretty helpless. I can share articles like the one above. I can talk to people. I can become the anti-social media nut no one wants to be around, but if we (content providers) all turn to social media as our primary internet presence we all lose, not just us content providers, but the readers. When we relinquish control of what is seen, by depending corporate controlled social media, only interested in showing what is profitable, we all lose.

Yo Del Happy Belated Birthday Man! Chris I'm not surprised the 2nd song it more popular. It has a more engaging flow. I have no problem understanding the lyrics. Again, as you suggested "better" is subjective. I'm not sure the problem is equal playing time. If I were to extend your book analogy, that would mean I could sell more copies of Toni Morrison's Beloved simply by promoting it more. My experience tells me something different. Often books that sell best on my site are books I was completely unfamiliar with, and not promoting at all. Usually they are not of the caliber of a Toni Morrison novel. Sure after I discover them, through sales I may begin to promote it and ride the wave. People buy what they enjoy. Rational vendors promote what whats poppin' Sometimes you have people like me who push products I think are important for people to consume, knowing darn well there will be fewer takers. We are mission as well as profit driven. But you make less money that way. Ultimately as all sellers focus on what is most popular, everything else gets crowded out. We are seeing this in the book world as we lose platforms. This happened to rap music a Long time ago.

Cynique, OK I'll cut Tavis some slack, as I did not appreciate the nature of the program. Thanks for that. If Barack Obama, after he was out of office for a few years, went on the show as a contestant; how would you feel about that?

A Black man's view of Daniel Handler's Racist Remarks During the National Book Awards. The idea that when I search for Jacqueline Woodson and National Book Awards I don't get information about her accomplishment first, I get news about the "Racist" comments made by the night's MC Daniel Handler (of Lemony Snicket fame). I was at the event it was a sea of white folks. All of the people who were so bent out of shape about the stupid joke could care less that there were virtually no Black people in the audience, at arguably the most prominent book event of the year. Of course the media could care less about us and utilized tremendous energy talking about Daniel's joke rather than coveraging the finalists like Fred Moten and Claudia Rankine. The Black media was just missing in action. And of course social media colludes by serving up the dirt rather than the substance. Meanwhile Black people, clueless, obediently go right to work in service of the corporate machine, feeding into the social media frenzy by commenting and sharing information that is factually incorrect with the requisite faux outrage. All of this results in enriching the social media platforms while diminishing our collective profile. My video of Woodson in two days received 264 views, while a video of Handlers watermelon joke bootlegged from another source gets 10K views in one day. If I was smart I would have just promote the watermelon joke and not the award recipients. Actually if I were smart I'd stop trying to promote books and Black culture altogether. But just when I'm ready to throw in the towel I get an encouraging message from someone who lets me know there are still people who find value in what I'm trying to do. In reaction, to my list of Black National Book Award finalists, someone emailed me saying: Hi Troy, I think serious readers, book groups and literary people, especially those that embrace black literature, want and need these kind of data to keep them hopeful and encouraged. As an avid reader, writer, reviewer, book club member, and researcher, I and others appreciate your contributions and attention to our literature. Our literature matters, is a vital part of American and international history and culture. Keep up the good work. We can't mount a defense, much less and offensive if we don't even recognize when we are being stomped into the ground. Peace, Troy

Chris the panel appeared to have a good mix of people. I was able to find the original flyer below. It definitely was a social media love fest. I expected to gain more insight into social media. I was not expecting a full on sales pitch fr social media. I did not even stay to network afterwards, very disappointing evening...

I think I see the difference in our opinions Chris, what you see as permeation I see as sellin' out. What you see as influence I view as co-optation. To a casual observer the distinction means little, but to me it means everything in the world. The hip-hop of my day was not a tool of corporate America it was instead a direct reaction to oppression. Seen?

Chris I did not know he was doing this until after it was all over. Once I heard about it, my curiosity got the best of me. The video above and one other are the only two I've watched of the program. Again, as I suggested in the other post, clearly represents Tavis Smiley's jumping the shark moment. No I don't view him as seriously as I once did. And no I can't blame hm for getting a check. Though if I were prominent enough to be asked I definitely would not do it unless I was hard up for cash--even then I would seriously consider it. My focus on Tavis, as of late, has been on learning the status of his publishing company, Smileybooks. I put a lot of effort into promoting that business. and attended the launch party. Today I can't get anyone to tell me what happened to the business. Tavis has not replied to my email. Perhaps he is too busy dancing with the stars. OK maybe I should not be joking about Tavis so much.

Here is Jacqueline Woodson's acceptance speech for winning the award. The night's MC was vilified in social media for racists remarks here is my take on what was said. Perhaps needless to say, my take differs greatly from what was written on social media, mostly by people who ever not even there.

I have not see this new show. The clip below looked so painfully corny I could not finish watching even 4 minutes. Why these people have a problem with the show completely escapes me. But trying to reason with Christians about their religion is a waste of time. If their Bible tells them their God's Son Jesus is white; it is pointless to argue. Many people who believe this are also Black. I wouldn't waste my time getting bent out of shape about it.

Chris I agree with most of what you wrote above. I recall hearing Talib say he does not want to be considered a "conscious rap artist." I forget his reasoning, perhaps he did not want to be put in a box. I suspect once you are considered "conscious" that means you are not gonna make any money, because you are no longer commercial. Like selling Black books, you aspire to be a "conscious" rapper it because it is important, not because you wanna become wealthy. But most people, including rappers, "jess gots to get paid." Besides what conscious rap artist is current enjoying commercial success, or has a top record? Has there been a conscious rap group whose music you'd actually play at a party since Arrested Development? I think the reason for this is that all the conscious rappers just are not very good compared to the TI's and LIttle Waynes. If you don't have a bagin' beat as a rap artist you are basically done. At least a signer can create music with their voice. You need the music. The lyrics are secondary, always have been... even from the beginning of hip-hop. Combine a dope beat with great lyrics and you've got a hit.

Well at least Buster is getting paid even though he has "Jumped the Shark." Speaking of jumping the shark as anyone peeped Tavis Smiley on Dancing With the Stars?

Oh the humanity! Why, Tavis why!? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6COpmxyEA0A When did the brother get so fat? OK if they offered me money to prance around in a wig, I probably do it too, but I don't have any money. But if I were a Tavis Smiley there is no way in hell I would do this unless I really needed money. It has simply been fascinating watching Al Sharpton go from Morton Downey to the White House while Tavis goes from respected journalist to Dancing with the Stars. Then again who ever thought Bill Cosby would be accused of rape by 15 different women.

Social Media Bots Offer Phony Friends and Real Profit "...a giant pyramid scheme has emerged on social media, where fake friends now command real money." Earlier in the year I attended a presentation given by Black Enterprise (BE). BE is a publication I respect and have supported for many years, I sold countless subscriptions to the magazine for years, though not as many in the last few years. I also subscribed myself, though not currently. BE held a presentation on social media in which they touted the benefits of using the major social media platform to promote your business. I'm already a bit tight because I feel BE should be promoting the Black owned social media platforms, that are are struggling (like the vast majority of Black platforms online). But I decided to go figuring I might learn something of relevance to me as a Black entrepreneur. During the QA I suggested social media might not be as beneficial as the panelist were making it out to be. One Brother on the panel said he "rejected" my supposition. Unfortunately, it was his show and I was not given an opportunity to elaborate or respond. At any rate, it dawned on me that I may as well have been at Facebook or Twiiter given his reaction. I was disappointed because naively I was thinking the presentation would be more centered on benefiting Black entrepreneurs rather than promoting corporate social media platforms. At any rate, BE is not not unique; few in the Black community seem to truly appreciate what is going on in with social media, and are still touted it as the best thing that has happened for us since emancipation. The majority community however is all over it. Perhaps one day the Black community to catch up and do something about it. Better yet we will stop falling for the okey doke, hook line and sinker... everytime.

Chris you are essentially talking about marketing. I'm best thought of as a resource of a marketer. I provide a platform where on my place advertising. I also work as a resource to publicists; basically the people who secure media coverage (free promotion). While I'm glad to help, I'm not really the guy to develop the whole plan. While I technically capable of doing it, I have to stay in my lane and focus on the website especially now given my limited resources :-) That said, I would start out by simply talking about and sharing more of your work on this forum and others. We can get started by updating your AALBC.com page. Send me an excerpt of something you think would have broad appeal. I can create a page for it and share it with my readers in the newsletter. Do you have any youtube videos? Send me links to you other websites that I can put under related links. Is there a post on these forums that you like I can link to a couple of those as well. What is the date of your most recently published book? Is it on your page? I would also consider the book review as well: http://aalbc.com/reviews/reviewer_guidlines.htm I can give you a substaintial discount (most of the money goes to the book reviewer). The benefit is that the book will get a lot more exposure. I however would not do the review if the book is more than a few years old. Many authors focus primarily on advertising to generate sales. The smart ones advertise to build a brand. The different can be easily determined by looking at how they advertise. Do you advertise and promote only for a few which when a book comes out or do you advertise and promote continuously over the course of a career?

Chris (everyone) I encourage you to put links on the site (my name is not Mark Z.) AALBC.com is part of the world wide web, not a walled garden, you need links to make the WWW work. I put links to external site on every page I create. I only have an aversion to it you people start to get spammy. Chris we can agree there are positives and negatives with hip-hop. This is true for most things in life. Because of our experiences with the "culture", you Cynique and myself have different perspectives. Cynique has praised some artists you would call hip-hop in the past on this very forum. She rocks a tattoo. She could be lumped into "Hip-hop," but clearly she is a much more complex woman than the confines of hip-hop would allow to be expressed. Indeed it would be silly to try pigeon hole her that way. From my perspective: about 10 years ago I was to talking to a buddy (who happens to be Harry Allen's brother). He was surprised to learn that PE was one of my favorite groups. I explained why and also expressed to him I was not interested in much of the new stuff. He explained to me that I was too old for it. I rarely encounter people in my age range, who proclaim they are part of the hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is a youth oriented culture. Wouldn't you agree? As a youth oriented culture hip-hop simply does not speak to me the way it once did. Sadly very little in the popular culture speaks to be as a grown Black man (what else is new), what I find resonates most with me is music from a period before rap was co-opted, or new music that is influenced by music from an earlier period. As I mentioned I teach young people as well and have been around teachers most of my life. I can appreciate that you can connect with your students, using hip-hop, in a way that your peers can't. I'm sure some of those peers would argue that might not be a great idea. People like Michael Eric Dyson and Cornel West are known for dropping Kanye or Biggie lyrics when speaking to an audience with young people. Shoot, West has even done a rap album. But there are other great communicators who don't quote rap lyrics but still connect with young people. I know you are not saying hip-hop is the only way to communicate with young people, but the implication is that you can't unless you do. Besides, not every young person associates themselves with hip-hop. Chris when you say that hip-hop is at the forefront of bringing Afrobeat to the masses it sounds like hyperbole. Much more of Femi's influence came from Fela, who was influenced by musicians that predated hip-hop. We see the term hip-hop applied so liberally it is no wonder it is not clear to most people what it actually means. Hip-hop is a marketing term really that give whatever it is applied to a hip, youth oriented, street cred. I was supposed to go to an event last night where Questlove was the DJing. He was playing for the National Book Foundation's 5 Under 35 event. I guess you would say that hip-hop even influenced the staid National Book Foundation too. Maybe we will see some "Hip-Hop Lit" as future nominees for National Book Awards.

It really is a good deal. The mailing list is 15,070 names (clean list no bad addresses), more than 1% paid subscribers with a 15 to 20% open rate (conservative because I can't track all opens). The bidding will only be open for 3 days. I just now sent a notice to my subscribers in the November eNewsletter. Chris I would not rush to grab this, just to get a deal. When you are ready just reach out and we can work something out that works for you.

LOL! Chris this typifies the complete and utter co-option of hip-hop.

This post is dedicated to Chris. The influence of hip-hop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcnWb-vomN8 This is a neat video which actually illustrates Biggie's skills as a lyricist and story teller. Biggie remains on of my favorite rap artists.

Harry, if you watch this video to the end you will see that some of us never forgot Robert. I shot this video in September Champion, who was likely performing that day, was murdered two months later.

Chris my Stevie wonder question was absolutely fair, You described Ras' music as a "modern classic." I consider Stevie to be classic from a previous generation. I also do not understand why Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Musiq, Anthony Hamilton, and Jill Scott are considered hip-hop artists. The same type of performer from an earlier generation would have been consider Soul or R&B (two more nebulous terms developed for little more than marketing purposes). If all of those artists are hip-hop artists you can just as easily say that any artist is Hip-Hop including Nick Payton. (btw I saw Musiq Soulchild perform this summer; his performance was, in a word, horrendous.) I'm fine with narrowing the scope of the conversation to "whether Hip-Hop has added value to the musical cannon of Black art." I would say yes too, but would put it's contribution behind Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B, and Soul. What is the contribution musically when the music is mostly looped samples. The lyrics are no more profound that what poets were reading before the word hip-hop was ever invented. Today I think the corporate controlled version or hip-hop, the one most of us will ever see, has been largely detrimental, profoundly so. Many of our movies were dominated by rap artists. While you would say that has been good. I say that has prevented us from enjoyed better trained actors. I saw a Raisin in the Sun on Broadway. Puff Daddy was in the lead role. Again the audience saw a sub-par show because a better trained actor was not in the role. Honestly, I don't see how you can also completely ignore the misogynistic, obscenity laced, crime glorifying lyrics so common in the most popular hip-hop songs. ​Here is a joint that being listened to by many more folks than "How To Kill God." The relative number of youtube views will reflect clearly what is more popular and therefore much more influential. I submit to you, DeJ Loaf's, "Try Me" a much more representative example of contemporary hip-hop. The hook speaks for itself. I think the guys at Cash Money Content are doing some great things--especially with literacy, so I recognize there are some positive impact, but when you tally the figures I think we are in the hole, and have been for the last 25 years as far as hip-hop is concerned.

The Barkay's Holy Ghost once a big jam back in the day. I've visited Stax the last time I was in Memphis (I visited Graceland too). I have an interest and curiosity in music in general. Music is an important part of my life, as it is with a great many people. So when an accomplished musician (which most hip-hop artists are not) like Payton says "Hip-Hop as a whole is wack," I listen. I could immediately react by saying that he knows nothing about hip-hop, the way many self-proclaimed hip-hop headz would. Instead I read what he wrote and tried to understand his perspective. Because he absolutely knows more about music, and the business of music, than I do and he knows more about contemporary hip-hop as well. You see Chris, I simply don't have a romanticized view of hip-hop the way you do. I live in a community where hip-hop was strong. Very few benefited. Many of the DJ's who spun records are struggling. They are walking around looking broke down. Very few who embraced the art form and the culture have little to show for it other than memories--but you would not know their names, or the people. Certainly the community has not benefited from it. Even the hip-hop museum they had in Harlem could not survive. Still rap music was an outlet for many in a bad situation. Us kids however would have benefited more from better services and educations. While graffiti (or the aerosol arts) is a nice art form; it was, from my perspective, a blight on the city for many years. The young men walking around with their pants below their butts are hip-hop, while when I was hip-hop even our jeans were creased. The biggest beneficiaries of the so called culture are corporations, its biggest consumers are white kids. You question my knowledge of Big KRIT & Ras Kass because you know these folks are largely unknown to people who are not devote hip-hop offianados. Do you have to like Jay-Z in order to like hip-hop, or is that tantamount to disliking Christ and calling yourself a Christian? I know people love Kanye West. I literally try to avoid him and his antics. Does that mean I don't know anything about hip-hop? But again different strokes for different folks. I'll pursue my interest in music outside the genre, but i will check out Cadillactica I've seen most of the artists from Big Daddy Kane, PE, Biz Marke, even Vanilla Ice, perform live back in the day. Less than a year ago I saw TI and Little Wayne perform live. Not one of these live performances were better than the last Prince show I saw, or the last The Ohio Players show, or the last Stevie wonder Show, I could go on. I will say that my favorite live hip-hop show was MC Hammer's during the mid 1980's (many hip-hop devotees on the east coast said Hammer was wack too). Chris would you you rather see perform live Ras Kass or Stevie Wonder? I really like the lyrics on this rap. You actually have to know quite a bit to understand all the references Rass makes. The looped beat used, as with most rap songs is becomes monotonous after a while. While I don't particularly care for the beat it is adequate enough to support the lyrics. After hearing the song once, and enjoying it. What else do I with it? If is not like you can play it during a party and get people to dance to it? While I actually like the lyrics I don't have a need to listen to it again, because I did not learn anything new. In other words, I have no desire to download the song to my personal collection. Perhaps my 20-something self would but not the 50 year old version of Troy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT7X2LfCn5w Is there a song on the above album you would recommend?

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