Zeta Phi Beta debates hip-hop lyrics at Wednesdays discussion
Chris McCarty
“Hip-hop travels the same route as today’s morals,” said Woods, Flint junior. “Morals are going down the tubes, and hip-hop artists are selling records as they go down with morals.”
More than 40 students turned out Wednesday for the “Where Were You the Day Hip-Hop Died?” discussion Wednesday in the Bovee University Center’s Isabella Room. Zeta Phi Beta social sorority sponsored the event.
For more than two hours, the students discussed the differences in rap music, both chronologically and thematically, as well as whether or not lyrical ability defines hip-hop.
Illinios sophomore Nikki Frazier and Mount Pleasant senior Khristi Miller led the discussion, which remained civil despite differing opinions. After starting with a brief PowerPoint presentation on the differences between conscious and mainstream rap, Frazier and Miller opened the floor to discussion.
“Young people have embraced hip-hop for 25 years, and I think it’s important to understand the differences between the kinds of rap,” Frazier said.
She defined conscious hip-hop as more positive music with a message, and mainstream hip-hop as being commercial and more exposed. Some members of the audience, however, disagreed.
“Lyrically, they can intertwine,” said Isaiah Oliver, Flint senior. “Mainstream and conscious rap can go hand-in hand for certain artists — it all depends on the person,”
Hip-hop lyrics were the most debated aspect of the night, but many of the students felt that strong lyrics are only half of the story — the music matters equally, they said.
The students came to a consensus that hip-hop is a major influential musical force, but there always will be some artists who make statements only to make money and some artists who make statements because they feel strongly about an issue.
“I would have to say Mos Def is my favorite hip-hop artist because he has good beats and a positive message,” said Shawna Patterson, Detroit senior.
Patterson, multicultural adviser in Emmons Hall, said the event did not accomplish much but was interesting, nonetheless.
“There is quite a diverse pool of opinions,” she said. “These students make life a large part of their culture, and I like how they all express their opinions.”
Other students came to see what others had to say about hip-hop.
“I just came to see what everyone had to say,” said Wayne Dudley, Baltimore senior. “People believe what they want to believe. ...
“It was pretty good, though.”
