Got Money and you know it..take it out ya pocket and show it??

Uhm first things first,hout out to Dom, Vic, Millie and Ricky for you all's presentation. I liked it a lot and it sparked good discussion.

I think the influence of capitalism on hip-hop is definitely a worthwhile discussion to have, because it started as a thing for "under-privileged" young people(kids who didn't have money) to have something fun to do, to express themselves. Now it has evolved into this money-making captilatistic arena full of cash, cars, drugs, and sex. Not everybody, but the vast majority of what people see are definitely those things. I just think it's crazy how times have changed.

I guess the flossy stage appeared with the gold rope chains and whatnot and has progressively grown since then, alright fine. But now, I feel like the money binge has gone overboard compoletely. I understand it's a business, well to most people. I do still honestly believe that some people aren't in it for the money, the people less heard from mainly, but that's another story. Anyway, I just feel like now some people take it too far, "gettin money" tests the extremes. I understand the business aspect but I just think things like 50 cent entering the "sex toy" industry is ludicrous. As I think Chuck put it in class paraphrased, "I think you become a sell-out when what you're doing becomes a mockery. People start laughing and shaking their head at you, because you're doing something they don't respect." I completely agree with that.

It's a grey area clearly. I just feel that it's not pure if you're out for nothing but money anyway, then you're not a real artist. I feel like a real artist just wants their message to be heard, they just want to say what they want to say, not be flashy or whatever. If the money comes it comes if not then they're cool with that. That's just me talkin though. How do yall feel?