Where Are the Black Hip-Hop Bloggers?

The argument honest discussion between Sally and Oliver Wang, David's response and the confession at the beginning of Byron Crawford's latest review got me thinking (again) about the lack of Black folks representing in the hip hop blog world.

I offered it to the hip hop bloggers group for discussion. Join in, or keep track via our webfeed.

Comments

[Christopher Kendalls]

Let's face it hip-hop isn't what is used to be. It is no longer a novelty and has become the mainstream, rather than the alternative, music genre.

But I blog, occasionally about hip-hop, but I am an african-american who blogs. There needs to be a variety in the blogs by african-americans, not just a domination of hip-hop in black blogs.

[Christopher Kendalls]

I'm a little unsure about the phenomenon of blogs being a collaborative effort of more than one contributor. I blog and I don't see the need to blog collectively, becuase blogs are free and the technology is relatively easy to understand so I figure everyone is going to have their own blog anyway.

It does seem to be that whites are dominating the blogging scene, I'm not so sure whether I would attribute this white "subculture" of suburban life to high-speed internet connections as such, because most blogs are more about journalism or writing a journal, and less about fancy graphics or anything that would require high-speed access.

Blacks do have internet communities, and web sites, it is just a slower transition to blogging from chatting and participating in the forums of the african-american based websites that already exist out there.

Also, an earlier post dealt heavily with acculturation. I think that the community needs to begin to view themselves outside of the few extracurricular activities that the media continues to push onto blacks as those few that define the african-american experience. Notably, sex, fashion, music, etc. Join me over at http://adifferenttypeofblog.blogspot.com and see what a black blog that isn't stereotypically "black" is like, what the "other" african-americans are blogging about.

Hip-Hop is important because it gives us a power voice, from a socio-political perspective, but it is not the end all and be all of black culture. Too many people are trying to push that idea onto us, particularly with younger people, for different reasons. Some of it is because of this great financial opportunity that it has become, and some of it is because there are more individuals who cannot articulate and express themselves as well as they can through hip-hop, than a lot of us would think. Often, I believe, in the African-American community, anything that gives us that voice and allows us to succeed in life is held onto for dear life, when in reality, there are millions of different ways to express one's self and get ahead.

[cyrus]

There are black bloggers out there. Even Black hip hop bloggers. Its just that people are always looking for music and fail to ralize that hip hop encomapsses a style and approach that is fluid, improvisational, fragmentary and adaptive. There is more to hip hop. Some of us are taking the elements of hip hop mentioned aboved and using them to critique politics and society as advocates for a world that allows hip hop to thrive. It really is about more than just a salary. We are out there - Keep the Faith Baby!

Holla

[tabbysmiracle.com]

Hip Hop is DEAD! Face it hip hop is POP! It's OVER! It's HISTORY now.... that may be a good thing for society but a bad thing for hip hop lovers. lets face it, the country is not NYC and Philly and LA, its everything inbetween, and they like 50 cent and rims and money and all that garbage....... hip hop is as conseravtive as Bill O'Riley! RIP hip hop, you are blessed to have witnessed the glory days of hip hop if you were born 1963 or after.....

[Cherryl with 2 R's]

Hey i'm in the house too! come check me out at the last nerve and i'll try to make a list of everyone who posted here and add you to my "blog pound" soon. also i have a brand new blog, http://hiphoppundit.blogspot.com that i will be posting all my hip hop posts, reviews. etc. too very shortly. Whoever said we are basically too much on the grind to blog on the reg as white as some white folks made a really god point.

[Cherryl with 2 R's]

"Made a really GOOD point". Excuse me... peace!

[kmarcelous]

I dunno know about you (or y'all) but I come from a legacy of people that hace a history of being stolen from. And although I admire and take pride in the strides of Hip Hop (growth, commerciaIization, pop, clothing etc...), I just want something that we can call our own for once. For whatever trendy reason of the moment I like Hip Hop in all of it;s phases. Sometimes I love her more than last weeks top 10. Nonetheless, I listen to her and pay attention to whoever is pimping her next.

And this might be abstract but I don't like to arrive at Hip Hop shows and it's 75% white--I hate that. It's not that I hate white people--'cause I don't--it's just that I have an embedded urge to be surrounded by Hip Hop and the essence of her Blackness.

One thing I keep going back to is the infiltration of Black culture by Whites, Asians and all others. No, I'm not trying to regulate the racial composite of Hip Hop. But what I keep going back to is: You NEVER see a gang of Black folk at Ozzy fest. But man,, when I hit up a PE show, it's all White! I hate that simply because when I listen to PE I don't think or even envision White people. So at the show it kinda fucks me up and makes me wonder if the White people hear it the same way I do...I doubt it. Because if they did, they wouldn't wouldn't even show up. Instead they would let me--and all the other Black folk who get annoyed in the same light--have an evening in PE bliss.

Another related phenomenon is the amount of White dreads at the Sizzla show. Wow. I mean Damn. I mean, I live in the CA, Bay Area (Oaklandish) and it's hard to attend anything exclusively Black. Yet at the same time--dig this--we as people never ever ever (or rarely) bum rush the rock venues.

And we don't sport spiked mohawks like Whites do dreads...?

Sure, I could be impressed that my culture is so admired. But like I said, I come from a legacy of people that have a history of being stolen from. And personally, from one Black Man to the rest of the world...I just want some space where I can be Black and unobserved by "outsiders."

Africa used to be ideal, but that got infiltrated too.

In the meantime, White folks and others alike can continue to jock Hip Hop, and we'll just hustle it. Pacify.

Fight the Power.

[kmarcelous]

I dunno know about you (or y'all) but I come from a legacy of people that hace a history of being stolen from. And although I admire and take pride in the strides of Hip Hop (growth, commerciaIization, pop, clothing etc...), I just want something that we can call our own for once. For whatever trendy reason of the moment I like Hip Hop in all of it;s phases. Sometimes I love her more than last weeks top 10. Nonetheless, I listen to her and pay attention to whoever is pimping her next.

And this might be abstract but I don't like to arrive at Hip Hop shows and it's 75% white--I hate that. It's not that I hate white people--'cause I don't--it's just that I have an embedded urge to be surrounded by Hip Hop and the essence of her Blackness.

One thing I keep going back to is the infiltration of Black culture by Whites, Asians and all others. No, I'm not trying to regulate the racial composite of Hip Hop. But what I keep going back to is: You NEVER see a gang of Black folk at Ozzy fest. But man,, when I hit up a PE show, it's all White! I hate that simply because when I listen to PE I don't think or even envision White people. So at the show it kinda fucks me up and makes me wonder if the White people hear it the same way I do...I doubt it. Because if they did, they wouldn't wouldn't even show up. Instead they would let me--and all the other Black folk who get annoyed in the same light--have an evening in PE bliss.

Another related phenomenon is the amount of White dreads at the Sizzla show. Wow. I mean Damn. I mean, I live in the CA, Bay Area (Oaklandish) and it's hard to attend anything exclusively Black. Yet at the same time--dig this--we as people never ever ever (or rarely) bum rush the rock venues.

And we don't sport spiked mohawks like Whites do dreads...?

Sure, I could be impressed that my culture is so admired. But like I said, I come from a legacy of people that have a history of being stolen from. And personally, from one Black Man to the rest of the world...I just want some space where I can be Black and unobserved by "outsiders."

Africa used to be ideal, but that got infiltrated too.

In the meantime, White folks and others alike can continue to jock Hip Hop, and we'll just hustle it. Pacify.

Fight the Power.

[hiari]

I think the lack of blacks repping the hip hop blog world is due to the overall lack of focus blacks have in uplifting, promoting or doing anything with consistancy

[hiari]

http://www.hiarishouts.blogspot.com

[nubianem]

Here is the coolest DJ and hip-hopper on the air, Joe Madison, "The Joe Madison Show," THE POWER, POWER 169 1450 AM - WOL (WASHINGTON, DC) www.xmradio.com also www.joemadison.com

Now let us talk. We may be enjoying the bloggin and such, but if we continue to be apathetic, blind and coward to bringing about change, we are doomed to fall victim to the coming era. As a Shangoist (Orisha,Vadu, ect), the belief that history or circumstances repeat every fifty years is strong. Hence, it is not beyond belief and evidence that neo-facism and the old facism is back. We spend too much time fronting and not enough time working for progress and positive change.

Fortunately though, people like Davey D, Jeff Chang and a new group of hip-hoppers are contributing to a positive consciousness ( www.kpfa.org 'HARDKNOCK RADIO' from 4pm to 5 pm monday to friday with Davey D www.daveyd.com )

Folks, we must work for change and I listened to Ms Cho (THE COMEDIAN) on Hard Knock radio and her regret was that there had not been an Asian Civil Rights push which leaves asians vulnerable in the US, however, in the Bay area there was a unity among Asian Chinese/Japanese and Blacks that goes back to the 1800's. The same was so in parts of Louisiana. As for the Caribbean, the strongest evidence was there. In fact, some of the top producers in Reggae music are the Kong and Chin brothers. So, we can unite to help make America and the world better. We have done it before and historically, it is a relationship that is over three thousand years long before the Black Monks and the Black Cong from Congo/Sudan, Hu Na Kunte migrated to China, (SEE "Susu Economics," pub. by http://community.webtv.net/nubianem )

[C Love]

I recently starting bloggin. I didnt think I had anything intellectual or worth while saying (on a regular basis)that is why I refrained for so long. It is such a committment. Now that ive been doing it since the summer...I love it! It is so great to just vent and not be judged- Its my life and thoughts.

In response to the person that wrote there is very little going on in hip hop...I agree. That is why I focus on what I am doing to find good music..its out here all around us. I focus on Baltimore primarily, but I think the sentiments I express are releveant to wherever.

[nubianem]

The Hip-Hop Nationalist community must get back to the business of creating rap and hip-hop that works for and with the national interests of those who are oppressed. Self-preservation must be among the first objectives of the people.

[nubianem]

Self-preservation, cultural preservation, using our common sense and using hip-hop to uplift those at the bottom is what is needed. Most of all, love and unity begins at home. We cannot 'love' and 'sex' people who are part of the system that is destroying through booty-shaking and the cheapening of our men and women.

http://www.rastafarispeaks.com/cgi-bin/forum/config.pl?noframes;read=69447

http://community.webtv.net/nubianem

[KEV]

THAT ATTITUDE IS WHY THERE IS SUCH A HUGE GAP IN THE CULTURE. YOU REALLY NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHO IS TALKING? BECAUSE I DO NOT THINK YOU REALLY BELIVE THAT B### @$IT! THAT MUSIC THAT YOU TALK OF WAS CREATED BY US! NOT THE PEOPLE THAT INFLUENCE YOUR TASTE. BECAUSE I GOT TO TELL YOU WHEN MOVIE PRODUCTION WAS SILENT NOBODY COMPLAINED THAT IT WAS TOO MUCH CURSING? AND WHEN COLOR AND SOUND WAS ADDED I STILL DONT REMEMBER ANYONE PROTESTING IT THEN! MOVIES TODAY HAVE MORE OR THE SAME AMOUNT OF EVERYTHING RAP TALKS ABOUT,BUT YOU PAY TO SEE IT AND JUDGE IT INDIVIDUALLY ON IT'S ARTISTICK MERIT! BUT WHEN AN HIP HOP ARTIST DOES IT THEY ARE HURTING HIPHOP? "YOU KNOW IF YOU LEAN YOUR HEAD TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET THAT BLEACH OUT CHA DOME"! CAUSE THAT WHATS HURTING HIP HOP!

[q]

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[aero]

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[Kyle, Marketing Director at Galapagos in Brooklyn]

For immediate release. Please list!
For more information or to set up COMP PICKETS, contact promo@galapagosartspace.com.

Dead Prez, Da Backwudz, DJ K-Salaam and more
LIVE at Galapagos in Brooklyn
on Friday August 25!

IT'S THE PARTY OF THE SUMMER.

Galapagos Art Space (70 N 6th Street in Williamsburg) is proud to present the DJ K SALAAM record release party, Friday August 25 at 10pm. Only $10. With live performances from DEAD PREZ , DA BACKWUDZ, SAIGON, & DJ sets from DJ K-Salaam.

Hosted by SUHEIR HAMMAD from HBO's Def Poetry Jam.

DJ K-Salaam's new disc "The World is Ours" features exclusive songs from: Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Sizzla, Dead Prez, Papoose, Busy Signal, Saigon, Da Backwudz, Capleton, Luciano, and more.

"Queens DJ K-Salaam shows off his uncanny ability to blend the best parts of hip-hop on reggae on this star-studded effort. From dope hip-hop reggae collabos (Mos Def and Sizzla) to worthy solo efforts (Saigon, Talib Kweli), K-Salaam not only knows how to pick which artists to work with, he also brings out the best in them." --Scratch Magazine

"The Florida-based political rap duo Dead Prez consists of Sticman and M-1, a pair of rappers inspired by revolutionaries from Malcom X to Public Enemy. They immersed themselves in political and social studies as they forged their own style of hip-hop, which debuted on the Loud '97 Set Up tape "Food, Clothes and Shelter." They went on to work with Big Punisher on his 1998 album Capital Punishment and released singles like 1998's 'Police State With Chairman Omali' and 1999's "It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop." Their debut album, Lets Get Free, was released in early 2000. A two-volume mixtape project — Turn off the Radio: The Mixtape, Vol. 1 and Turn off the Radio: The Mixtape, Vol. 2: Get Free or Die Tryin' — followed in 2002 and 2003, boasting tracks and new productions, and their proper studio follow-up, RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta, appeared in 2004." -Allmusic Guide

# # # #

Galapagos Art Space
70 North 6th Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
www.galapagosartspace.com

[MalikONE]

Peace and much love.

For the sake of clarity, the following are some FAQ's for Hiphoppas who seek general knowledge.

What is the Temple of Hiphop? A Hip Hop ministry, A Hip Hop archive, a Hip Hop school and a Hip Hop preservation society (M.A.S.S.).

What is the Temple of Hiphop's function? To nurture and protect Hip Hop's cultural development.

When did the Temple of Hiphop begin? In 1996 when its founder KRS-ONE announced publicly; "Rap is something we do; Hiphop is something we live!"

What does the Temple of Hiphop teach? Ancient spiritual truths through the culture and language of modern Hip Hop. We teach average "rap fans" how to be true Hiphoppas. Our teachings are based upon the philosophy that education should assist You in becoming a better YOU!

What is the vision of the Temple of Hiphop? To establish Hip Hop as a legitimate international culture of peace and prosperity. We envision a full-service Hip Hop city someday.

What does the Temple of Hiphop believe? We believe in GOD! We believe that Hip Hop is God's response to our suffering. For us, Hip Hop is solid proof that God is real and that God loves us! Yes, God loves Hip Hop! For us, Hip Hop is indeed the "Promised Land".

What are the basic principles of the Temple of Hiphop? Health, Love, Awareness and Wealth (H-LAW). As a temple we are governed by the principles of the Hiphop Declaration of Peace and we are guided by the Gospel of Hiphop.

What are Hip Hop's nine elements? And why? Breakin, Emceein, Graffiti Art, Deejayin, Beatboxin, Street Fashion, Street Knowledge, Street Language, and Street Entrepreneurialism. As nine elements Hip Hop is capable of being lived; not just performed. For us, Hip Hop is a sustainable lifestyle; not just music.

There it is.

MalikONE
Global Advocate
Temple OF Hiphop

HIP HOP APPRECIATION WEEK MAY 13th-19th 2007

Welcome to the Temple of Hiphop

www.malikonespeeks.blogspot.com
www.templeofhiphop.org

[Hillary]

I have been looking for sites like this for a long time. Thank you!

[sveta]

I like it and the background and colors make it easy to readk

[Marenda Taylor]

I am a Black woman I blog and came across this site in my search for Black bloggers. (I blog about Hip Hop/Culture/Issues & more)

Lynne put it down with regards to the "digital divide"and resources. I believe its also a matter of visibility (web presence), and actually locating and connecting...

Glad to have found this site. I look forward connecting.

Best wishes always,
Marenda Hughes Taylor

[PREDITOR]

JUST HERE LETTING YOU KNOW ITS "ANOTHA DAY ANOTHA DOLLA ANOTHA BEAT" . THATS RIGHT ANOTHER OFFICIAL MOVE FROM THE 3RDWALL CAMP. RAWBEATZZ HAS COMPLETED THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MIXTAPE COMPILATION TITLED JUST THAT "ANOTHA DAY ANOTHA DOLLA ANOTHA BEAT". ANYBODY READING THIS KNOW THAT THIS IS A COLLECTION OF WELL ORCHESTRATED COMPOSITIONS. IT COVERS ALL REGIONS WITH ITS WRITERS AND POSSESES UNIVERSAL PRODUCTION FROM RAWBEATZZ. WITH NAMES LIKE THE AK 49'ERS, JOKER THE BAILBONDSMAN, MESSY MARV, SKRILLA GETTAZ, MARLEY YOUNG, RICH THE FACTOR, GUCCI MANE, BOHAIGEN, SLIM CALHOUN AND SEAN P OF THE YOUNGBLOODZ AS GUEST APPEARENCES. THE COMPILATION TAKES YOU FROM ALASKA TO ATLANTA ON A NON STOP RIDE FROM THE NORTH TO THE DIRTY SOUTH. THERE IS ALSO A DVD GOING THROUGH ITS FINISHING TOUCHES COMING FROM THE CAMP TO ACCOMPANY THIS WORK OF ART. YOU CAN WATCH SAMPLES OF THE DVD AT http://www.youtube.com/jamonakacuzzo. ALSO THE MUSIC IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT http://www.myspace.com/rawbeatzzproctions. THEY SAY ITS A LONG AND CRAZY ROAD TO THE TOP BUT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT 3RDWALL IS MAINTAINING A SOLID POSTION ON THAT ROAD. THERE IS ONLY A FEW INDEPENDENT COMPANIES THAT CONTINUE TO PUT OUT QUALITY MATERIAL ON A MAJOR LEVEL WITHOUT THE MAJOR BUDGET, AND 3RDWALL ENTERTAINMENT IS ONE OF THEM ( http://www.3rdwall.com ). THEY GOT MARLEY YOUNG FOLLOWING WITH THE MIXTAPE TITLED "THE LAYOUT BEFORE THE ROUTE" WITH DJ MACK. SO WITH AUDIO AND VISUAL PRODUCTION PLUS A ROWSTER OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED ARTIST, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR IN A COMPANY.

CHECK THESE LINKS FOR MORE INFO ON 3RDWALL AND RAWBEATZZ:

http://www.3rdwall.com
http://www.myspace.com/rawbeatzzproctions
http://www.youtube.com/jamonakacuzzo
http://www.myspace.com/pentagonron
http://www.myspace.com/m2gent

[Karima Brown]

Does any one know about the BET Hip Hop Awards this year to volunteer?

[Usher Milk Mustache]

I think usher has a really good blog with a decent following. He's so awesome