How Do We See Rappers: Media Vs. Reality

    Now a days it appears that in order to get a fan base in the hip hop world you have to have a certain something about yourself that stands out. In today's world its either you gotta be a gang banger, a gun toter, a weirdo, or blah blah blah the list can go on for days. But is every rapper really what they appear to be? There are hundreds of thousands of hip hop artists out here making a name for themselves and a good majority all seem to have the same persona. Well in all honesty its because of us. We buy into that. When we put on music we become that cool, rich, gangster that we know damn well were not. But that's the point isn't it? For a good three minutes or so we don't have to face reality. We become one of our favorite artists for a hot second. But do we stop to realize that maybe that artist is doing the same thing?  Yeahhhh I made ya think didn't I? I know I did, that's what im here for.

    

   If you spotted that gif to the right, you probably already know the shit I'm about to talk about that artist there. Now if you haven't been tuned in to social media as of late, I'll fill you in on whats been goin on.   But first, we all should know of artist Soulja Boy. We grew up dancing to one of the best songs when it was popular  titled, "Crank that Soulja Boy." Here's a link if you'd like to see the video or just reminisce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UFIYGkROII 



Yeah that weapon there looking real Macho



Soulja boy has been the center of attention lately due to his childish antics. Within the last couple of months he's managed to start trouble or "beef" with numerous other artists. He's also been seen waving around guns and sending threats, specifically with a Draco and a small purple gun. Now the most amusing part about all of this is that not a soul has taken him serious. I think it is clear as day that he's trying so hard to be something that he's not. He's probably doing this in order to stay relevant and keep a fan base though. A rapper with no fear and a street mentality is what the people like. However In this case it just doesn't work out for everyone. When you've been introduced to us as an artist that isn't violent and even makes music for the kids, how can we take you serious now? He gives us this hard body thug in the media and in reality that's just not true. The worst part about it is that it backfired so badly. Now he's the butt of most jokes. It's even gotten dangerous and backfired in the streets. Please Watch Soulja Go To His "Hood"

 

 

 

     I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a fan of Young Thug. If you know of Thugger than you're probably wondering why Im mentioning him. Well im not questioning his street cred obviously, that's an artist that isn't pretending to be a thug. However I will question his sexuality. Uh Ohhh, yeah im gonna talk about that, try your best not to be offended, that's not my goal here. Since becoming famous, Thugger has made a few questionable decisions. Young Thug has been comfortably open about his feminine choice of clothing.

Now usually im not one to judge... okay im lying I may just have to judge this one time. I mean c'mon you can't tell me your very first thought when you see this isn't " Wtf  does he have on? Whats good with him?"

Believe it or not this is his album cover... HIS ALBUM COVER. But guess what... It still sold and was #3 on the Billboard for US Top Rap Albums. He's a Rapper, a gang member, Engaged to his girlfriend, and is a ....Cross dresser? Yeah that can be a little confusing. However the more I thought about it the more I began to realize it how smart he was. Like I mentioned earlier you have to have something stand out about you in order to stay relevant and keep a fan base. What better to do to keep the media talking? Im sure in reality he doesn't walk around his house in a dress and heels, however in the media if it is controversy than its good. Any publicity is good publicity.

 

        I don't intend to leave out the rappers that are actually giving the media the real them. There is a vast majority of those who actually had no option but to be a thug or a gang banger in order to survive. Hip Hop was the third option to keep them alive. For example, just about every South Side Chicago artist is no pretender. Artists like Chicago's own  Chief Keef, Fredo Santana, Lil Herb, Lil Bibby, Lil Durk, Lil Reese, Lil Jay, Fbg Duck, etc... (Damn it's a lot of "Lil's") They all come from a variety of gangs and they reside one of the most highest murder rate cities In the U.S.

The whole point of this is that in today's music industry,  it is a trend to portray yourself as something your not in order to be successful. Don't get me wrong, that doesn't go for each and every single hip hop artist. To be honest, sometimes we frown upon it and say be yourself, however is some of those artists regular self going to sale records? Would we be interested in a normal person? Probably not. So for now it'll continue to be that way and we'll continue to buy and support. Nothing wrong with a little change in yourself if its best for business......unless your Soulja Boy. Don't be Soulja Boy.