The first thing to distinguish when we talk about hip hop being dead is if you are talking about simply the music or the culture as a whole. While most people are probably discussing the music when they mention the phrase "hip hop is dead", it is hard to discuss one without the other. The music is simply an extension of the culture and so the music we hear is a direct reflection of not just the artists, but many others around them and the greater hip hop community. In turn, the type of music that is produced helps to spread those ideals and beliefs throughout the community and culture. 

Now you may be able to see where the problem rests. For close to a decade now, the consciousness and awareness in our music has drastically decreased, which can only mean that the cultural awareness of the hip hop community and those that make it up has fallen off, as well. The unfortunate thing is that we can see it every day in our communities, making this terrible situation all the more real. Our interactions with one another, the things we tend to value, our morals and ethics; all of these things seemed to have altered and diminished as time has gone on since the 70s.

A simple chronology of hip hop almost proves how we have lost this over time. Even dating back to Run-DMC with "Proud To Be Black", a level of consciousness was there. And of course we had Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, N.W.A., and others in the mid- to late-80s. In the 90s we saw the emergence of Black Star (both as a collective and solo acts), Dead Prez, and even albums like Illmatic and The Chronic that still dealt heavily with social and political issues and were direct reactions to their everyday struggles (although they weren't as direct as, say, Public Enemy). 

Who in this latest era of hip hop represents that same level of consciousness and awareness? Kanye West comes to mind, but when we think about the "leaders" of this generation, there are very few that have that tend to focus on the struggles and hardships that the hip hop community faces in a relatable and creative way. That is what's missing from hip hop. That is what has people questioning the state of hip hop. Instead of fighting against these oppressive forces, we have almost accepted them and turned into a new-age minstrel show, creating new dances every chance we get and celebrating nothing. This is what makes the "hip hop is dead" discussion relevant.

I have always taken the stance that hip hop isn't dead. We certainly have our issues, but it is not dead (you could argue it's in a coma, but I won't say for sure). The lack of consciousness and awareness in the community doesn't mean there isn't any. I would hope that this blog is proof that hip hop isn't dead. My man Mark and Hip Hop Hope Dealers is proof hip hop isn't dead. The artists on Commercial For Commercial (this is not supposed to be a corny plug) is proof hip hop isn't dead. The belief that Kanye West's latest album broke new ground in terms of sound and style is proof hip hop isn't dead. The fact that fans wanted to protest Atlantic for a Lupe Fiasco album is proof hip hop isn't dead. The list could keep going. We still have so many things that we can be proud of and that we can offer the world.

After going through all fifteen of these posts throughout the last few months, I would say we at least have a start as to certain issues that we can attempt to target and rectify. Before we even worry about the "powers that be" we need to correct ourselves and the things we can control. We need to get back to reading and educating ourselves and understanding our true power. It's a cycle; as the community gets better, the music will get better, and as the music gets better, the community will be enriched, and so-on and so-forth. Let's get the cycle moving again. Let's get the blood circulating again so that hip hop can one day be responsive and not only wake up (regardless of if your stance is wake up from the dead or from a coma, or whatever else), but be functional again.

What's your take? Is the hip hop community dead? Just the music? Is it in a coma? Is hip hop alive and well? What are some of the first steps we can take? Leave your thoughts and comments below and you can always e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com. 

Peace.