Time to take Hip Hop back to its roots
Aaron Frazer — December 21, 2009 11 Comments
Paradoxically many artists have tried in vain to keep such traditions alive; scornfully discrediting “the system” while developing increasingly reactionary and self interested justifications for its perpetuity. In delighting in the virtually unrestricted opportunities for the creation of wealth, many rappers criticism of the status quo reeks of dishonesty. The result is a frustrating paradox; an attempt to idealise and identify with the poor yet a ritualised debasement and ridicule of those who either fail to accumulate wealth or simply do not sufficiently value such endeavours
Culture, Editor's Pick
Indian composer Ilaiyaraaja is a genius; how long can the West ignore him?
Vignesh Subramanian — February 16, 2009 36 Comments
Vignesh Subramanian can’t understand why Indian genius composer Ilaiyaraaja has not been recognized by the music world in the West.
Culture, Editor's Pick
It’s time for music to get politicized and accurately reflect our generation
Ralph Allen — December 3, 2008 21 Comments
It is rare for musicians to successfully straddle the line between mainstream appeal and forthright political activism, but it has happened in the past, and rising artists must begin engaging again with the issues that affect us all.
Culture, Editor's Pick
Back to basics, please
Andrew Crook — September 29, 2008 2 Comments
With a changed global economic system and cultural superstructure, American politicians need to catch up quick, for their own sake and ours.