Hip Hop Considers Itself at Congressional Hearing
At a recent congressional hearing, artists and other concerned parties were invited to testify about the state of Hip Hop. Most notably David Banner and Master P spoke on the second panel. Below you’ll find both of their testimonies from the hearing. Interestingly enough, the Enough is Enough Campaign was outside the building protesting the continued broadcast of demeaning, disrespectful, and objectifying lyrics that are played 24/7/365 on urban radio stations across the country.Â
Here is David Banner’s testimony:
Here is Master P’s testimony:
Who do you think makes the most compelling argument? What are your views about Hip Hop today? And if you have problems with it, how are you committed to changing it?
October 4th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
I was at a legislative conference of the Congressional Black Caucus a few years ago when the topic of Hip Hop and the church was raised in a closed session by former Black Panther and then U.S. Representative Bobby Rush. We had a brief but interesting discussion. Russell Simmons attended that same conference, albeit, as I recall- he was not present during that particular session.
FYI,
A brother from the Bridgeway Church there in Columbia Md, relocated to New Jersey, in order to start a Hip-Hop Church several years ago. I suspect that Hip-Hop is going to be with us for a long time. Aside from some of its more perjorative lyrics and themes, Hip-Hop is an art-form whose roots can likely be traced back to the Mother Land!
We don’t always like the language or the themes, however, most of the time - these folks are, good or bad, telling a story! I suspect that it is one’s perception of the lifestyle that seems to accompany Hip Hop that is also what is most disturbing to most people.
Some of the lyrics are instructive and informing! Besides, Hammer, a local, went from Hip Hop to the Pulpit. He seemed to have honed his preaching skills in Hip Hop!
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:46 pm
I appreciate what both, Master P and David Banner explained. Hip Hop other then being a billion dollar business is a tool. This tool has been pererted long enough. I believe God is taking back this tool and using it to promote goodness, to uplift and encourage the younger generation, to expand the kingdom of light, to heal, to set free, as well as using it to bring him glory!
The negative forms of hip hop as we know it is in dying need of the positive forms of it. When the media embraces the positive forms…it can inspire the negative artist to change their lyrics.
If you are looking for Clean, Strong, Banging Hip-Hop that promotes, LIFE check out Von Vargas: http://www.vonvargasmusic.com
Thanks