Vincent Brown’s Journal and Photography

Gangsta Rap, Is It Hip Hop? by Immortal Technique

When I logged into MySpace today, one of my “Friends,” Immortal Technique had a new blog / an essay posted, describing his feelings towards the reality of ‘Gangsta Rap’:

“The connection between Revolution and Gangsta Rap is not only unquestionable in my mind but also historically speaking. So much so that I’m forced to begin to elaborate on it now as I go to more prisons, juvenile centers and schools to talk with young people with uncertain futures about the industry. They ask me about the messages and images in the music. They ask about the origins of this street sound that seems to define what they see as their life and destiny.” - Immortal Technique

“Since “Gangsta Rap’s” inception, many have argued whether or not it is a part of Hip Hop culture or if it belongs in its own seperate category completely. Most recently, a fierce argument broke out when it organizers of New York’s Hip Hop museum questioned the inclusion of gangsta rap in their exhibits. This is one of the many arguments that has raged on over time. Is Young Jeezy, 50 Cent, The Game and other Hip Hop? While many “hip hop purists” explain that Gangsta Rap does not follow with the revolutionary origins of Hip Hop culture, Immortal Technique feels differently and delivers this riveting essay on the subject…”

Read the full essay as it first appeared on HipHopDX.com

Check out Immortal Technique on MySpace.

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