12 Point Program For Hip Hop

This is a twelve point program I have constructed in hope of rejuvenating the Hip Hop community and industry across the board. I believe without fail that if these ideas are put into action that Hip Hop will gain a higher status in the minds of those who love it as well as in the hearts of those who hate it. This list can be used by anybody (regardless of race, faith, or culture) who is an MC/rapper.

But for those that TRY to be conscious, I feel these things are a must:

1. Stop the cursing. If you are going to reach the people, you need to be refined lyrically. You will have one up on the radio industry who tries to ignore you. Plus you don’t have to always make clean versions of everything- so it saves you money.

2. Stop using the word "nigga". The word "nigger/nigga" was a lyrical tool of empowerment for the Hip Hop movement during the late 80′s and early 90′s. It came at a time when Black people needed to counter the hateful words being put upon them for so long. Now, the word has indeed been diluted in its power

3. Read. The more you know, the more you can rap about. Read about the history of your people as well as the histories and cultures of others. Choose a topic and go learn something you did not know the day before.

4. Rap about YOUR Struggle. MC’s and rappers who are remembered are story tellers. Slick Rick, Ice Cube, Tupac and Rakim are able to bring you into their world and allow you to see from behind their eyes. This should be your goal as an MC. If you cannot do that, you will certainly fail to impress and inspire. Tell us about your city.

5. Stop following trends, create them. The rap industry tries to create cookie cutter rappers now. We need more people pushing the lyrical envelope. Do not be afraid to find out who you are and challenge the trends across the board. . From your look to your flow, be original in your life and on wax.

6. Respect Women.

This is a subject that cannot be discussed too much. We need to stop using the word bitch and hoe (I’m talking to myself as well as y’all). You can still make a dope jam and show respect to the women. Just show some respect.

7. Don’t forget to rock the party. Most of the MC’s who try to be conscious. They get so caught up in their mission that they forget to have fun. If all you do is spit politics and stuff, people never get to see you shine creatively. Show the people you have skills to rock the party, and then give them something to take home.

8. Learn an instrument. Since its inception Hip Hop has gotten far by sampling. Sampling has served its purpose, but it is time to show the world our full creativity. Learn an instrument for yourself. If you do, you will gain a new respect for those you sample and you’ll get new insights on how to make music for yourself.

9. Listen to all kinds of music from the past. This is crucial. Part of the reason Hip Hop is so stale is because Hip Hop only listens to Hip Hop, nowadays. This is a BIG part of what makes them great. Now, go be great!!!

10. Acknowledge the beauty of the other Hip Hop elements. This is a HUGE problem. But the bottom line is that if you don’t have a full appreciation for graf writing, b-boy’ing, popping, locking, and turntablism you are missing a lot of tools that you can both learn from and incorporate into your shows. Don’t sleep on that.

11. Choose a Cause. Once you know who you are, it is important that you ask yourself "What will I champion in Hip Hop besides my lyrics?" You care about education? Poverty issues? Are you just a party MC? Are you gonna champion your culture? Politics? Child abuse? Domestic violence? WHAT?!?!? Choose a cause then make sure you mention it from time to time. NOT ON EVERY SONG- because you will turn people off.

12. Never forget the poor. This music is from them, for them, forever. Knowing that fact always,

IS KEEPING IT REAL