I have been involved with the local and national hip hop scene for at least 5 years steady. I have had some of the greatest experiences during these times, and had some real serious turbulence during the last few. I have some qualms about being a rapper and when I went to New York City a few weeks back and met up with a blogger that I frequently spoke to on Twitter (Craig Jenkins) we got into a discussion about how being a rapper and trying to make it is much harder then being in a band and trying to get famous. The reason? rappers do not help other rappers out. Its not always true but 99% of the time it is a factor.
We started to discuss why this was such an issue in the hip hop scene, and I came to the conclusion that it was part “rites of passage” and part “fuck you I am better” attitude. I expressed that listening to other rappers stories about how they came up made it more prevalent, I mean if you had been pushed down the entire time you were trying to get a leg up on the local scene would you not also turn your back on newcomers and the scene that birthed you once you finally made it? I think the hurtful emotion most rappers go through when trying to break out perpetuates this issue. This is also another reason why local hip hop shows have low attendance. The idea that another rapper would support another local rapper is just insane to most of my friends, the response I get is always “he doesn’t come to my show, why should I goto his” regardless of the talent exhibited on the lineup. This seems to be the opposite within the indy rock scene and I have witnessed it first hand. I used to manage and release records by a band called “Lover Left You Bleeding”. When I would man the merch table for these guys the shows were packed! I could not even fathom the same attendance at a similar rap show. It’s all due to ego and the rap mentality that just because I am better then the next rapper that I should not support that person, and this is what continues the cycle. So if your local scene collapses and the venues stop putting on shows, you need to ask yourself. Did you go and support the scene? if it was no then the fault lies on your shoulders.
I welcome all comments and questions. -@Joshhw
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Josh H.W. DeCosta , Josh H.W. DeCosta . Josh H.W. DeCosta said: I had a conversation awhile back with @CraigSJenkins, a few days ago I wrote a blog about it: http://t.co/waHqJNR shouts to hiphopfiend [...]
Agree. On all points. Across the board.
[...] my personal views with it. I got some great responses and some less then stellar ones as well. Here is the link for the article. (Big Ups to Grant for allowing me to do this) Share and [...]
I agree. That is why I love doing shows that mixes the local hip hop scene with the local rock/punk/metal scene as well. A lot of local rappers, you and me included, have shitty attitudes towards certain things. I also think we put more into our respective scenes than most who spend their days complaining on facebook about it. Makes me wonder how long before the roof collapses like the Metrodome.
same thing is going on in my city SD which already has a tendency to get slept on. Crews are not only uninviting to other mc’s but there is a general braggadouche and negative attitude towards the other acts fans and newcomers. Over the years I have heard this from many fans and witnessed it firsthand at most shows. I have gotton so much more love for my music and performances from multi genre events, electronic events, raves, festivals and hippy shows than any hip hop, crew type of event i’ve played at. The only exception is when an out of towner gets booked who has a big enough buzz to pack the place with fans rather than a bunch of local crews homies standing around hating and feeling insecure. It seems though that in the last year things have been changing for the better. there is a theme building that focuses on bully free hip hop with a love for community and respect for the music. I just hope that trend keeps growing and breathes life back into the scene. http://www.bullyfreehiphop.com
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