If you are a hip hop fan and consider yourself part of the hip hop culture, here is a list of #5thingsyoucantdo:

1. Become discouraged by the current state of hip hop 

• We all know that things aren’t in the best condition right now, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get better. We just each what we can do individually as fans, artists, journalists, etc., to make sure we improve the culture over time

2. Over look the positive that is out there

• People tend to be so unsatisfied with the current state of the music and the culture that they rarely appreciate the positive aspects that are out there. There are still artists, DJs, blogs, articles, and all other forms of representation that are placing hip hop in an authentic light. They may not get the recognition they deserve, but they are out there, and we can hang our hats on that.

3. Put down what you don’t like without supporting what you do

• There are many people that are quick to dismiss EVERYTHING they don’t like, but then rarely promote what they do. All this does is give the artist they don’t like more attention, while garnering none for the “right” people. While the goal is to help others see why somebody or something isn’t good for hip hop, the best way is to display what is good and have people see for themselves.

4. Download music for free

• I know times are hard for everybody and so people try to get as much as they can for as little as they can, but we need to start showing artists that what they are providing is meaningful and something of worth. Otherwise, what we are essentially telling them is that their music is worth just as much as any artist we don’t like or feel is representing hip hop properly, since we wouldn’t spend money on them either.

5. Forget all hip hop has done

• In helping to ensure that we don’t do any of the other things listed above, perhaps what we need to do from time to time is reflect on what hip hop has done. For some, reflecting is only more ammunition to bash on today’s hip hop climate, however, if we see all of the other battles hip hop has over come, it should give us hope moving forward that better things are beyond the horizon.

What are some other things you would add to this list? Let’s make sure we keep in mind the things that we both need to do and can’t afford to do, in order to make a positive impact on the culture in the future. You can also send any e-mails to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.