RAP IDEOLOGY PART 1

Rap is not all about  rhyme and the expensive videos its more than that...Whats rap all about??
Rap started in the seventies,but it wasn't all that well known untill music videos started  showing in M.T.V in 1984.Rap videos stood out as videos that were much different than rock and roll videos that actually received much air play at that time.Back then rap videos were simple,simple like the current kenyan music videos.Videos did not cost much to make.The rappers would be seen  standing on the streets reciting their lyrics.A few videos featured the rappers driving one expensive cars,wearing a big gold chain,and expensive clothes and there might be one or two girls in the videos.Some rappers criticzed some policemen being racists,some talked about having a good time.The audience for  rap was predominantly black .In the 80s people waren't making more money as they do now.In 1984 the income from the music was $22500.In 2002 the income doubled yo $42000.People by then did not have as much money  so they did not spend much money.Now that they have more money to spend,people's lifestyles have become more expensive.More people are making more money.So people are spending more and buying expensive things.Nowadays rap videos feature cars that cost close half a million dollars,platinum and diamond jewelry being worn,very expensive clothes being worn and there atleast half a dozen girls per video.Statistics show that the audience of rap consist of mostly blacks listeners but whites make up a large portion of the listeners.Economics determines your  morals.There is the idea that property determines wealth.Materialism and Capitalism are lifestyles and religion.People are trying to attain enlightenment.These music videos influence listeners very easily.Most go out and try to imitate these rappers  but they have a smaller budget than the rappers do.These music videos reinforce the way of thinking that says"if my clothes are newer,if they cost more than yours ,or if i have more things than you have ,or if i have more girls than you do....then am beta than you"By flashing money  in the videos ,they are just saying that they accept the ideology and don't want to change it.Apparently there are a handfull of socially consciousness rappers such as Mos Def,Common sense,Talib Qweli,Nas who rap about your dreams come true,not being caught up in your negative surrounding,realizing things for oneself,and changing the world.Nas's video"I know i can"features children clapping and singing chorus while he urges them to stay in school and not let negative people influence them.These "Consciousness Rappers" can and do influence  social change,because they are free from ideology and the economy.An xtream opposition to socially Conscious songs and videos would be Jay Z's song "big pim pin" which is all about getting girls,money,cars,and mansions.The music video also reflect ,its visually filled with references.You can hardly listen to the words ,which aren't saying much anyway because you are busy looking at the excess in the video.This type of video and music reinforces and reflects ideology...........