Rap and DanceHall Lyrics

[Dev]

Whats your take on the the lyrics of Dancehall and/or Rap music. Is it just me or are they only focused on one thing or rather two things, women and sex or make it three things women sex and violence, oooh, make it four things, women-sex-violence and money.

Whats going on in this world. And the funny thing is the general populous is eating this thing up, they're getting airplay and sponsorship and promotion at big events and people pay to go see and hear these people perform and sing about all kinda unwelcomed stuff.

Whats up with that huh pplz????

[d_knight]

Whats your take on the the lyrics of Dancehall and/or Rap music. Is it just me or are they only focused on one thing or rather two things, women and sex or make it three things women sex and violence, oooh, make it four things, women-sex-violence and money.


true some of em are a bit too violent aren't they but thats how it is, you choose what you want to listen to.. it all boils downt to choice i guess.




Whats going on in this world


Its coming to an end devn its all been written. :(


also there are a few that aren't strictly explicit (parental advisory labeled)

and while some of em may use curse words the theme of their songs are pretty good, take people like tatalib kweli, mos def, pharoah monche as example artists, they have pretty CONSCIOUS songs out there, more poetic than hiphop/rap

[Dev]

I understand what your saying and I know the world is coming to an end.

Just wanted to know where most persons stand, do they listen to it or do they shun it.

Also Do we realize that its affecting our society since these artist have alot of influence on our younger generation giving them the wrong outlook on life?

[NIBOO]

I don't listen to dancehall at all ther are howeva sum pretty gud rhythms that i've heard -bac in the days sure but now its jus pure violence, sex & degrading women. I find it interestin that wen u take a survey more women listen to & love these songs more than guys do AND 2 ME THAT IS REALLY DISTURBING [-( - bcuz they're supportin the same songs dat don't giv respect yet they expect men 2 shower them wit respect and this makes it harder 4 FEW OF US GUD WOMEN WHO R LEFT 2 b stereotyped by all classes of men.

NOT 2 MENTION THE IMPACT IT HAS ON OUR YOUTHS- if this continues 2 happen wat wil the future b like for this country-then again THE SCRIPTURES ARE BEING FULFILLED.

BLESS UP 8)

[Nastro]

Listen Man....I'll stick with Eminem's view....

If you let your kids become a particular way because of Music, then its your fault - "apparently you ain't parents".

There are some many other things that your kids interact with each day that makes them the way they are, if you don't set your standards for your kids and enforce it, then they will become what ever they choose to pick up.

THIS IS NOT EASY!!!! ... so its simple, if one method don't work - try a next.
There is such a thing as tough love. Maybe I am just old fashioned.

[Greatis]

Listen Man....I'll stick with Eminem's view....

If you let your kids become a particular way because of Music, then its your fault - "apparently you ain't parents".

There are some many other things that your kids interact with each day that makes them the way they are, if you don't set your standards for your kids and enforce it, then they will become what ever they choose to pick up.

THIS IS NOT EASY!!!! ... so its simple, if one method don't work - try a next.
There is such a thing as tough love. Maybe I am just old fashioned.

Well said Nas. Parents have a huge part to play in the what their children grow up to do. The influence the child receives at home where he will spend most of his/her formative years should be strong enough for them to remember when they come at a crossroads.

Parents need to have a communication bond with thier children, thus enabling the child to share their views when going through a patch and not be afraid of being rebuked.

[Drew]

nope, i don't listen to this at all. i don't even watch bet or mtv. you guys know the music i like anyway so i don't have to worry about hearing anti-human lyrics.

[Bashment Girl]

I love Hip Hop & Dance Hall I really do. I am a person that catches vibes from the music more than the actual lyrics though. I love the sounds I'm a SOUND GIRL to the core.

Regarding the lyrics of Hip Hop and Dancehall... I just wanted to let you know that there are a lot of artists in both genres of music that are intelligent. They talk about social and political issues. They also talk about LOVE as opposed to sex, they talk about family and a lot of positive things. However... that's not what gets rotation unfortunately...

I would personally like to see more situations like SIZZLA where they will play a song like "Black Woman & Child", "Give Me A Try", "Solid As A Rock", "Got It Right Here", and "Pump Up Her ______".... it's important to know there are many sides to an artists and it's up to DJ's to play and sample more than one type of song from them.

[Kitten]

i dont like this music with lyrics that condone violence and degrade women. :eusa_snoo

[Bashment Girl]

i dont like this music with lyrics that condone violence and degrade women. :eusa_snoo

ALL genres of music have songs with those lyrics in them! I have everything in my CD collection from Gypsy Kings, Gentle Giant, Vybz Kartel, White Zombie blah blah blah... they all have it! The problem is that in DANCEHALL & HIP HOP those are the only song people pay attention to and it's ANNOYING!

When a dancehall or hip hop artists makes a song about GOD, FAMILY, CULTURE, SOCIAL or POLITICAL issues or ANYTHING other than sex, violence or drugs... no one lays it, no one pay attention. Sizzla is luck that he gets a lot of different types of his work played in rotation because most artists don't hve that luxury.

The problem isn't that the postive music isn't out there... it's just not getting the props that it deserves.

[Kitten]

Well what did I say, I thought I said I dont like lyrics violence and degrading women. Did I say anything else. Can I have someone here to recognize that.
This is not the place for your hostility.

[Bashment Girl]

Well what did I say, I thought I said I dont like lyrics violence and degrading women. Did I say anything else. Can I have someone here to recognize that.
This is not the place for your hostility.

Where was the hostility in that post madam? I was having a convesation with you. Relax.

[MiTcHiE]

Hmmmmmm calm down guys. But it is a fact that women are degraded in many forms of music. Rap - B***hes, Dancehall - Gyall, or the general treatment of women

Its a give and take situation. The lyrics arent wholesome but it will get airplay. People will request it. For example I a sure u guys know of Kartel's song called - Tek B***y Gyall, and how it basically treats or looks upon a woman as a piece of meat for enjoyment only. I have heard women call radio stations to request it, so go figure.

These things will always be in society. No escaping it.

[Greatis]

Kitten could you pls clear some of your pms. I have been trying to respond to you

[Kitten]

Hey you have no argument from me I only said I did not lyrics with violence and music that degrades women. I dont see the problem. Because that is my opinion on that type of music. Have a great day :)

[MiTcHiE]

Yeah kitten u really need to clear ur inbox, outbox

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Hmmmmmm calm down guys. But it is a fact that women are degraded in many forms of music. Rap - B***hes, Dancehall - Gyall, or the general treatment of women

Its a give and take situation. The lyrics arent wholesome but it will get airplay. People will request it. For example I a sure u guys know of Kartel's song called - Tek B***y Gyall, and how it basically treats or looks upon a woman as a piece of meat for enjoyment only. I have heard women call radio stations to request it, so go figure.

These things will always be in society. No escaping it.

What I find messed up too are the songs advocating gold-digging...like Macka Diamonds "Tek Con". What kind of message is that?

[Kitten]

Well maybe some women do like it. But I know that not all do. So its a matter of taste. And you are going to have that and your right. You cant do anything about it, except if you dont want to listen to it. You dont have too. Ok

[Bashment Girl]

What I find messed up too are the songs advocating gold-digging...like Macka Diamonds "Tek Con". What kind of message is that?

It's the same logic as people who glorify pimping and the whole GHETTO FAB thing. It may not be right but, it comes from the same place... mentally.

[MiTcHiE]

I guess macka diamond version is a response to kartel song. But to me I find this funny, real funny. SOmetimes I wonder if these artistes know how young people look up to them and glorify them and implement what they say in their songs into their lives. But when u think about it hard its not funny at all its rather sad.

[Bashment Girl]

I guess macka diamond version is a response to kartel song. But to me I find this funny, real funny. SOmetimes I wonder if these artistes know how young people look up to them and glorify them and implement what they say in their songs into their lives. But when u think about it hard its not funny at all its rather sad.

That's the thing too. As an adult I find the "Sound clash" funny but yeah it's kids that look at it seriously! Look how many little girls idolize LIL KIM! How scary is that?

[Greatis]

Well maybe some women do like it. But I know that not all do. So its a matter of taste. And you are going to have that and your right. You cant do anything about it, except if you dont want to listen to it. You dont have too. Ok

Let's take a moment to disect this comment.

Ok so we don't like it we don't listen. We are not the problem as we are older and already have a sound/unsound base. What about the 7 - 16yr olds do you tell them the same thing? what will a 7 - 16yr old kid who idolizes such an artist do?

[Kitten]

Greatis why are you dissecting what im saying. What do you want to analyze everything someone says.

[Bashment Girl]

Let's take a moment to disect this comment.

Ok so we don't like it we don't listen. We are not the problem as we are older and already have a sound/unsound base. What about the 7 - 16yr olds do you tell them the same thing? what will a 7 - 16yr old kid who idolizes such an artist do?

As a child, the way my parents were... they explained everything to me. They made me understand what is appropriate for adults, or even just other individuals, isn't necessarily appropriate for me.

My parents were like that in every scenario not only music... they were open about life period so that I understood, and didn't let a lack of knowlage, or curiosity alone, cause me to make poor decisions.

[Greatis]

Greatis why are you dissecting what im saying. What do you want to analyze everything someone says.

No kitten not like that at all. It's just that in some conversations people use that comment very often. I just decided to hightlight that comment because I see it used so often. I wasn't even aware that you had written it to be exact.

Please accept my sincerest apologies if you feel targeted in anyway.

[Drew]

i grew up listening to air supply, chicago and similar artists because thats all my parents listened to. if i listened to anything else that would be problems for muah. i got older and realised that what i was dying to experience in music when i was younger is pretty much crap.

i think that if more people to a stand it what their children listened to like my parents did. these artists and co. would be out of biz. a child who parents listening to these degrading lyrics going to develop a liking for these genres and start adopting the habits that are suggested.

thats just wat i think.

[Bashment Girl]

Word! lol that's what my parents did except I could listen to whatever I wanted they just made sure I was educated and stayed grounded you know what I mean? ;)

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I am curious to know why some people approve, glorify and love lyrics like:
"Mi murda people eena broad daylight"? :eusa_thin

Somebody explain why a song like this is celebrated so much?

[Manu]

Even intelligent people who are not gun slingers glorify it too... and I can't seem to understand the significance of it. Can't be he flow of the song cos some people only know that one line....

[gucci man]

if mi get this country fi run for 10 minutes a judgment upon certain artiste

[silentburn]

The entertainment industry has become so messed up. People have allowed them self to be taken over by the pumped up music and euphoric atmosphere that is created at some of these popular parties. It is troubling. Its doesn't matter the lyrics, as long as the music is hyper everyone jumps to the party.

You know what I think would be a great solution. Fine the entertainers. That way we avoid protest from John Public. Drop some hefty fines for violent or raunchy lyrics. I'm sure it will curb the reach of the music. They need to stifle it.

[Manu]

What happen to right to freedom of expression????

[Nika_869]

There are times you have to revoke that freedom. Jah with those horrible lyrics.

[Manu]

You can't really ban a DJ from singing a certain song BUT you can censor the airwaves (even the edited versions), censor what is played at dances or in public and that will cause them to sing other songs. If people want to hear it, they go and buy the CD and listen to it in their homes but if the volume (& content) disturbs their neighbours, they should be charged and fined.

The songs reflect the violent society and society in turn reflects the songs. The cycle must be broken somewhere. Things that like this they should look into instead of those other radical constitutional reforms to give the constabulary greater powers.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I was reading where some artist who made some song about "I must be the winner" or some such thing, got that song banned from the Jamaican radio stations, because there were lyrics of the song which promoted violence. The article went on to show the lyrics in question. Sure enough, dude was saying something to the effect that he must get money, even if he has to use his gun to rob, sell drugs, or turn some girls into prostitutes to make him money.

Then he, and others, act shocked when the song gets banned and are wondering how anyone could have drawn the conclusion that he is promoting violence, and crime with the song he and others think is so inspirational.

:eusa_wall

Get a clue nuh star?

[Nika_869]

True@ MANU, that cycle should be broken, but as long as society dotish enough to keep the trend going, and it sells, then who are we to stop it.

BCK.....article plz. he is quite foolie if he was shocked at that happening.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

The second verse of the song says, "Coulda be the pounds, the keys or the straps/ groom some sexy girls and put dem to work on the blocks/ I don't care if it's legal or illegal/ If I don't get this paper now it's gonna be lethal/ To get this money a coulda some ...mi a smuggle or a some clothes and some shoes mi a juggle/ mi have mi .... and mi just might use it and I don't really wanna but/ If you keep flossing all yuh jewellery you just might lose it."

...

"I was surprised. Mi neva tink anybody would get the message in a negative light. Mi neva tink nobody would comb through the song dem way deh and find it negative. A whole heap a people tink it is a positive song and dem have it as dem theme song weh dem play every morning," said Konshens, who several industry players have touted to create waves this summer

Read more ... (http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20080728/news/news2.html)

What is positive about threatening armed robbery, planning to establish a prostitution operation or selling drugs? Today's values are getting more and more warped.

[Manu]

LOL.... he can't really mean that. No seriously...WTF? Now man.... him playing fool fi ketch wise. What in those lines are positive? Let's see... covetousness, robbery, prostitution, murder, narcotics....yup all positive things to aspire to.

I seriously hope he was kidding because it would reflect dimly on us as to say that we have become sensitize to too many things. Then again... who is he? Some no-name upcoming DJ. What happen to the other songs song by MAVADO and KARTEL? Because they have big shot lawyers like Neita-Robinson they can get away it? Double Standard :thumbsdown:

[Manu]

"Most people disagree wid with it and think it's foolishness...."

One very disturbing comment....

Is it ignorance or sheer stupidity?

[Nika_869]

Read more ... (http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20080728/news/news2.html)

What is positive about threatening armed robbery, planning to establish a prostitution operation or selling drugs? Today's values are getting more and more warped.

He felt that with the song, ppl would understand the desperation in his community and his country. However, with all that is happening now, I do not feel we need a reminder of the desperation. more so, we need solutions. Like i said, he proper foolie.


LOL.... he can't really mean that. No seriously...WTF? Now man.... him playing fool fi ketch wise. What in those lines are positive? Let's see... covetousness, robbery, prostitution, murder, narcotics....yup all positive things to aspire to.

He thinks the enlightenment is the positive. Trying to get them to see from his stand point what he is willing to resort to in order to make his money.


I seriously hope he was kidding because it would reflect dimly on us as to say that we have become sensitize to too many things. Then again... who is he? Some no-name upcoming DJ. What happen to the other songs song by MAVADO and KARTEL? Because they have big shot lawyers like Neita-Robinson they can get away it? Double Standard :thumbsdown:

I am still upset that some people consider Mavado a singer. I think I heard one song from him that sounded slightly intelligent. I forgot the name. As for Kartel, he stop sing bout sex so much now?? I was not aware, since they tend to push his songs about pleasuring and being pleased.

[Manu]

No... Kartel's repertoire includes songs about violence (war tune) and about women (gal tune). Bounty Killa too but he's such a non-factor nowadays....hardly worth a mention. Occasionally when Betweeny Man wants attention he sings one too.


And I don't buy that he singing about what he has to resort to. How about singing a song about stop doing all of that singing a song to make his money? How bout that? Isn't that what some of the rappers did? How about a song about sweeping road and cleaning toilet to earn an honest and LEGAL buck? How bout open a little side shop and gwaan sell till him own a likkle supermarket? How bout invest in his children who turn doctor and come back to buy him house in Norbrook? Life is hard yes but what makes him feel he needs to take away what others work so hard to get? And very people get robbed in Ja. nowadays without picking up a gunshot or a stab. Why carry a gun if you don't intend to use it? They should probably detain him for the 60 days without trial because they "suspect" he has a gun or is participating in illegal acts based on his own admission. I mean... how him know so much? It's either him or someone him know. This get rich quick...i wanna floss is what is destroying this country. America is a big glutton. Hogging most of the world's resources while others suffer and Europe should be blamed too because they were the pioneers. Now everybody want that American dream and little Ja don't have means to supply it so they rob and kill the few that do manage to get a piece of that pie.

They should not stop with radio play. The radio DJ said that he would play it at dances. Hardly anybody listens to radio anyways. That is where they should go and ban them. Let people go read a book for a change instead of idling the night away.

[Nika_869]

Tell him how you feel Manu.

As for that American dream, not even Americans can get a piece of that dream.

We can throw blame all we want, but that is what the man trying to portray. See it from his side, then show him the right vibes.

[Manu]

Nobody has to steal to get by. No one has to kill either. Until he can see that, then there is no point in me seeing it from his perspective. Why not kill himself since life so hard? Why deprive another the joy of enjoying their life? Why make a child fatherless? A wife a Widow? Never an excuse. If you need food... grow it. That's all you really need to survive. Food and water. All else is vanity.

[Nika_869]

Nobody has to steal to get by. No one has to kill either. Until he can see that, then there is no point in me seeing it from his perspective. Why not kill himself since life so hard? Why deprive another the joy of enjoying their life? Why make a child fatherless? A wife a Widow? Never an excuse. If you need food... grow it. That's all you really need to survive. Food and water. All else is vanity.

It is one thing to say it and another thing to live it. You may feel everything else is vanity, but would you give up your computer, your car your clothes etc. Just have your house and a plot of land? Let me know

[Manu]

I don't have to give them up.... but I wouldn't kill someone who has something that I don't that I REALLY want. I wouldn't even kill if I needed it. I'd only kill for revenge or to save my life.

[Nika_869]

Ay papi. Escuche que mi dice

You may not need them, but he needs it to be on par with everyone else. you, my dear, are already there.

[CyberCat]

Sometimes I wonder about some TechJamaicans.

[ramesh]

Sometimes I wonder about some TechJamaicans. What are techjamaicans ............?

[Manu]

Ay papi. Escuche que mi dice

You may not need them, but he needs it to be on par with everyone else. you, my dear, are already there.


Au contraire mon cheri amour, I am not on par with everyone else. It is not a need. It is a desire. He may feel he needs it but he will not die without it as he has not already.

[CyberCat]

What are techjamaicans ............?

Oops, sorry, I thought I was still on TechJamaica.

I meant CaribYardies.

[Nika_869]

Au contraire mon cheri amour, I am not on par with everyone else. It is not a need. It is a desire. He may feel he needs it but he will not die without it as he has not already.

Your French is sexy. ;)

back on topic. I love conscious reggae for the most part.