Keeping It Real:
White Rappers and Black Epistemology
In the article, “White Rappers and Black Epistemology”, we look the different ways that rap music is interpreted by its audience. You are able to see how this genre of music is judged on its authenticity. You see how “keeping it real” is crucial to the success of a rapper. We look at the success and failures of white rappers and how the precedent is set by the black rappers. “You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.”(NWA, “Straight Outta Compton”) (Olson and Shobe Jr., 2008, pg.994).
Olson and Shobe Jr. are able to illustrate for you the importance of authenticity in your rap songs. In the article you take a journal through the evolution of rap music and how early blacks have expressed themselves in other genres of music (ie...Blues, Negro spirituals, etc...). Early pioneers are cited along with the message they portrayed in their lyrics, and how it directly related to the lifestyle they spoke about in their music. We see how rap music expanded beyond the confines of the ghetto, not only in terms of who is buying the CDs, but in terms of who are making the CDs as well. (Olson and
Shobe Jr., 2008, pg.995) The authors explore early white rap pioneers and how they were able to survive in Mainstream and have moderate to large success based on being honest about their background. We see examples of artists such as Vanilla Ice are crucified in the public eye due to the fabrication of his background and upbringing. The basis that rap music was built surrounded the black epistemology of actually living the life that you talk about. Examples are given of rappers who are known for giving shouts out representing the cities that they come and from the improvised environment they talk about.
We see that as the rap music has evolved so has the audience and the appeal of the genre. Rap music is appreciated for its honest interpretation by the artist. Rappers are poets and storytellers. Their success depends heavily on them “keeping it real”, and being authentic in their craft.
Olson, Paul J. and Shobe Jr., Bennie (2008). White Rappers and Black Epistemology. Pgs.994-1009. In The Journal of Popular Culture, Vol. 41, No. 6, 2008, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation 2008, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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This was very well written! I never remembered there being so much publicity around how people react to listening to rap music. I mean Eminem has been sued several times because of the content of his music. He is one of the few white rappers that I know of that have been able to stay successful. I do that it is a tragedy artists misrepresent situations that they have been in. I do think that some rap music should serve as a positive example to the youth of the nation. It doesn't matter where you come from, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
ReplyDeleteA good article that sheds new light on rap music. Speaking as someone who doesn't listen to the music, but has heard the criticism - think I came to a conclusion based on other people's opinions. And I only heard one side of the story. I will be more open minded about this form of music from now on!! I love storytellers like Harry Chapin, and should look at these artists the same way.
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