Real vs Fake..The Authenticity Argument...

So the other day in class we had a great discussion on what it means to be authentic, essentially what it means to be a Real N***a vs what it means to be a Fake N****a, relative to the Hip-Hop movement. I think this topic is such a good one, because it's so controversial and peoples opinions vary by such different criteria.

Me personally, I feel this way about it I think that you're authentic if what's coming out of your mouth is real, meaning that it's something relevant to you, I think that makes you authentic. SO like if you're talking about your life and your trials and tribulations or even your fame and fortunes, like I feel that's REAL, that's you, that's how YOU feel I also think it's your thoughts on certain things, whereas we have politically and socially concious rhymes as well. If it just happens that people may relate and be able to vibe with you, then that's an added bonus, but authenticity to me, the real essence of hip hop, is a person's everyday way of expressing themselves and whatever they're going through. So like when we had the Tupac and Will Smith comparison, I think they're both authentic. I mean Tupacs was going through what he was going through with gangs, drugs and violence, and Will was going through what he was going through with his parents, just because he didn't talk about slangin and banging doesnt make him any less official.

And then there's Soulja Boy...hmmm IS he Hip-Hop? I really don't care for the guy, true I've fallen victim to the "Superman" syndrome at its earliest emergence, come on who didn't? But after a while of hearing him release songs with essentially the same beat with a new 5-6 word hook and a new stupid dance move and being a featured artist on some tracks uttering bull****pretty much, I got sick of the cat real quick. I mean I give him his props for taking over the YouTube nation, that was smart, hell I wish I came up with the idea. He's getting his money, because people are buying into it. But Hip-Hop wise, nah chill, I have yet to come to terms with calming him "Hip-Hop", like for real what is he talking about? No relevance to anything whatsoever.