When hip-hop first began, many artist’ created music that represented the sentiment of the poor segment of the inner city life. They delved into the struggle of dealing with life in the ghetto. Before going main stream, hip-hop gave ordinary people some music to identify with. Through hip-hop, younger people were empowered and inspired to make a change in our community. Chuck D and Public Enemy, Krs-One, Queen Latifah, MC  Lyte, Heavy D all made music that made people realize virtues of self value and purpose.

My own personal favorite was “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick, which portrayed the image of a young seventeen year old who was consumed by the glamour of gang life. But his life was cut short after a run in with the police. The song directly addressed gang violence and police brutality, as well as other socio-economic themes effecting the community that I am a part of. That song connected with all the children, parents, students, teachers, brothers and sisters that surround my world. It taught us how to come together and love life a little more.

Things are much different nowadays, artists used to address the struggle for community upliftment, but now they’re consumed with pride and they’re lyrics glorify ill gotten gain. Hip-hop music is like a weapon that fell into the wrong hands. That leaves us with a choice to make. Should we continue to ignore the problem or should we stand up and take what’s rightfully ours? The children of today deserve to be a part of what I once knew as hip-hop. My mother always told me that there is nothing new under the sun. But until then, I’ll be waiting for the day that we go back to making music that reflects dignity, pride and will effect things in a positive way. Peace.  – C. Taylor aka Snipe The Stereotype