da Cypha

Hip-hop is too important to take for granted

Date published: 3/10/2005

Too many times we take people for granted. It's sad but true, as some may say.

I count off for days the incidents when I have been guilty of doing just that.

Today, I stand amongst you beautiful people as a changed man.

From now on, I refuse to take hip-hop for granted.

The culture, movement and music are too valuable to commit such sin.

I apologize for my past violations. I used to think the good music was in abundance.

Remember, I grew up listening to Wu-Tang, MC Eiht and Outkast.

Too bad it did not stay that same way.

Now, I grow to despise the likes of Chingy, Nelly and Lil John. Call me a hater. I am proud of that label. I want change.

There's too much material and not enough substance in the music. We always remind each other of Mos Def, Common and Talib Kweli.

But they're not the only ones releasing wholesome music.

What about One.be.lo?

What about Poor Righteous Teachers?

And if you cannot find any suitable currently out, check out the old-school selection: Big Daddy Kane, Run-DMC, Ice-T, N.W.A. and the Cold Crush Brothers.

I know I am a hater, but that's something you must learn to deal with. I am a hater, but simultaneously I am a lover.

STEPHEN HICKS is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Date published: 3/10/2005