Music for Grown-Ups - 15/12/2003 : Hip Hop: feedback

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by Gerry Smith

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15/12/2003

Hip Hop: feedback

John Miller writes:
I enjoyed the current issue. Several issues have propelled me to visit my neighborhood music store. This latest issue, however, propels me to the keyboard! As always, provocative. And isn't that what all good art and discussion is about? Keep up the good work!

My comments below are addressed to "Jan in Atlanta." Jan wrote:
"My three year old picks out Ludacris, Eminem and 50 Cent as his favorites. We are raising another unique generation. I play a wide variety of music around my house, but those are his favorites."

Dear Jan: Though much of contemporary hip-hop isn't my cup of tea, I definitely understand the argument that it has artistic merit. I likewise can understand the argument that Eminem's music has artistic merit. (I would argue that his music is mere pornography, but that is another debate altogether.)

Eminem's music has been defended on many levels: portrait of the disaffected youth of the white working class; snapshot of the moral sterility of the (sub?)urban street-scape; savvy marketing to the lowest common denominator; dark satire of political correctness.

I can fathom the argument that Eminem's music can be "appreciated" on many levels, and thus is art. And I can understand (though I disagree) with the argument that the hip-hop "artists" you mention would be appropriate for a bright and intelligent 12 year old who could appreciate this type of music on many levels. What I cannot fathom, however, is how anyone can argue that Eminem's music is appropriate for a 3 year old! Please tell me that these sentiments were written in a satiric vein.

If so, I apologize in advance for being so oblivious to an otherwise enjoyable read. If not, I fear to tremble for the "unique" generations of the future.

Sincerely, JOFOMA, bound, but not gagged, in Alabamy!

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