#ifitwasuptome, entrance into the hip hop game would be much different. Before getting signed to a label, starting a label, or releasing a debut album, artists and record execs alike (along with other industry figure heads) would have to take some sort of quiz or examination to ensure that they have at least a basic grasp on the history of hip hop; an entrance exam if you will.

I think that by having an understanding of the history, the sacrifices people made, the pride people took in the culture, and pointing out the obligation all of us have to continue to move the culture forward, would lead to more progressive music and thinking in hip hop. Right now, too many people (not just artists) are benefitting from the hard work and struggle of others and seem to flaunt it without any regard for struggle. By learning what came before them, I would find it real hard for so many to continue on the paths their on now.

This quiz or examination I’m talking about wouldn’t have to be anything extremely difficult. Here’s what it might look like. We have local offices all across the country (with many of the offices near or in historical hip hop landmarks) for easy access, where anybody that wanted to get involved in hip hop could pick up the materials they would need for this exam (these people would include artists, A&Rs, label heads, and anybody else that is looking to enter the industry and profit off of the culture). The materials wouldn’t have to any more than two or three books on the history of hip hop and maybe a couple movies/documentaries that showcase the evolution of everything from DJing, MCing, and break dancing. Once people have finished digesting all of the information, they can go back to the same center they picked their contents up and take the exam, which would test them on the general concepts and ideologies hip hop was founded on.

Some people may say this is too much, but I figure, if you truly love the culture and this is something that you are doing outside of simply trying to make a profit, then these are things that you would do anyway. The people I know that truly love hip hop read books, watch documentaries, and have done their homework on the culture. I don’t know everything there is to know about hip hop, but I’m constantly learning and looking to learn more. I do it because I love it, and so if I had to learn these things in order to enter the industry, it would be something I either had already done or would want to do. I would also assume that the study of hip hop would spark interest in other major historical events and figures outside of hip hop (i.e. civil rights, Black Panthers, etc.). Further research and studies of this history would also allow for a better understanding as to how all of these things helped shaped modern day hip hop and why so many people are not pleased with its current state. 

 
An entrance exam like this would never happen, at least not on a grand scale, but I have to believe that if modern day artists and labels truly understood the culture they represent, and what hip hop is supposed to represent, the music, mentality, and culture as a whole would be much better off. It wouldn’t be perfect and it wouldn’t solve all our problems, but it may just help with some.

What do you think about this idea? If it was somehow implemented, would it benefit or hinder our music experience? What may be some hold ups (I can think of one or two off the top of my head)? What are some other benefits? Leave your thoughts and comments below. You can always send an e-mail to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.