A Beautiful Exchange In Regards To Lupe Fiasco and Hip-Hop
Via Facebook:
READ THIS FROM THE BOTTOM UP!
Kemet ThePhantom Coleman wrote
at 9:20pm
Yes, actually - credible in the rhelm of perception. He is a credible source for citing purposes because he, arguably, represents what Hip-Hop is - and it’s manifestation. When people think of some of the best in the game right now, they may name Lupe Fiasco as one of them - more so than, for instance, Joe The Plumber.
My point is that his success should not solely dictate his credibility - especially because he is so fresh in the game (although he would argue that) and has a very seemingly apathetic attitude toward it. Ultimately I would like to see cat’s make good music instead of trying to foresee its future and inadvertently inoculate Rap with the sickness they believe runs amok. Why bother?
Delete
Imhotep Coleman (Los Angeles, CA) wrote
at 7:02pm
So you are saying that one becomes credible by having commercial and critical acclaim?
Write on Imhotep’s Wall - Delete
Kemet ThePhantom Coleman wrote
at 6:52pm
The fact that he’s now (recently [like within the past three years]) a formidable force in the game. His last album went gold and his art is highly respected by respectable emcee’s and fans alike.
Delete
Imhotep Coleman (Los Angeles, CA) wrote
at 6:48pm
What makes Lupe’s voice “newly credible?”
Write on Imhotep’s Wall - Delete
Kemet ThePhantom Coleman wrote
at 9:16pm yesterday
Good! It’s better than Myspace, I think. What you said about the industry is true on the commercial circuit. Radio, Ringtones, MTV etc. but nonetheless there thrives an unknown and untapped universe of passion and culture - one that commercialism cannot touch. Once we get past the Auto-Tune, bubblegum rap and money-driven rap a fresh new layer of rap will shine.
If what these white collar professionals put out has tainted the perception of Hip-Hop than so be it, but those who think Rap is coming to a - “dare I say it” - end, really have lost faith in themselves because they can change the apparent trajectory of where they think the game is headed. Are they NOT Hip-Hop?
I personally think Lupe is using his newly credible voice to create a spectacle to further hype his “final” album. But since when can we trust a rappers “retirement” Jay-Z, Master P, Ja Rule and The Game are elements of this thing we call hype.
Of course, it’s in my nature to carry the blood stained banner til’ death!
Delete
Imhotep Coleman (Los Angeles, CA) wrote
at 3:22pm yesterday
I’m getting the hang of it. As far as Lupe, the industry is what I think he is speaking of. The passion of lyrical expression is different from the pressures of industry expectations. Once business gets involved, it stops becoming fun to some. Just a thought.
