Gangsta rap often reaches higher than its ugliest, lowest common denominator, misogyny, violence, materialism and sexual transgression are not its exclusive domain. At its best, this music draws attention to complex dimensions of ghetto life ignored by most Americans. Indeed, gangsta rap's in-your-face style may do more to force America to confront crucial social problems than a million sermons or political speeches. |
God is just a concept, but music is tangible. |
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Hip Hop offers new ways of seeing and understanding what it means to be black at this pivotal time in history. |
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Kanye West (1977-) |
I am perhaps the oldest musician in the world. I am an old man but in many senses a very young man. And this is what I want you to be, young, young all your life, and to say things to the world that are true. |
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I am terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music will be put on records forever |
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