02/26/07
Cyndie
I think Change the Nation is a step in the right direction. I feel more positive messages need to be heard in Hip-Hop. It's called balance and moderation. It is true the African American community does/has suffered from negative issues spoke of in "Hip-Hop" lyrics, but I think it also is all one sided. African Americans have overcome negative issues and have brought positive things to the table as well. The problem is when the ONLY thing spoke of in "Hip-Hop" lyrics are negative, it tends to make the Race as a whole look negative. African Americans have a lot of positive things to offer to the world. You can't deny their sense of style, tenacity, ability to draw others in, for example, when they come up with some "catch phrase" like "I know that's right" or "True that" or whatever it is......everyone.....old, young, whites included join in and share the phrase. You can't deny the wonderful ability they have to dance, the flair of their music" The brotherhood/sisterhoo
d they share with one another. However, I do wonder if the "negative lyrics" somehow cause a lose of respect. Like taking 1 step forward but then 2 steps back because now people don't see them as the joyous, talented people they are, instead they are seen as thugs, gangsters....etc. I don't think the Hip Hop culture is the only one disrespecting women....all mass media is doing a great job of doing that. If I could change the Nation is a great song. If I could change a Nation, I know the Number One thing I would share is RESPECT. Respect of self, Respect of Others, Respect of Differences and Appreciation for what each and every one of Us has to offer to the world!
02/21/07
Kim Davis
Detroit, MI
Hang in there. Your lyrics are off the chain. I'm seriously feelin this song and I know there a whole lot others who want to here this. A change gone come.
1/24/07
Jelani Cobb
This reminds me of old school hip hop. More specifically, Ice Cube's "Today was a Good Day" and Tupac's "Keep Your Head Up." At its best moments, the music has been brave enough to be optimistic, to look at the world and ask "What if?" The irony, of course, is that both those artists made more than their share of testorone-fueled gangster epics.
Perspectives like these, questions about changing the direction of our country and creating a better world are increasingly rare inside the music. But this is really a major part of what hip hop is about.
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