Hip Hop Hierarchy.

When you think of hip-hop songs, what comes to mind? You think of men rapping about drug dealing, violence, sex, money, and fast cars. These are the images that the media exposes us to constantly. These images, in both song and video, are rewarded by our society.

Of course, with every rule comes the exception. Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Jacob Izrael. Scantily clothed women and drugs sold separately. A rapper, producer, and street minister who shines a new light on the hip hop genre. Now you're probably thinking ,"WHO?!", but Izrael has been producing music on a large scale since 2004.

Inspired since adolescence by rap artists such as Rakim, Biz-Markie, and L.L. Cool J Jacob made his mind up about what he wanted to do in life. The only difference? He had a different story to tell. With his own personal struggles Izrael makes music that makes you think about life in it's fullness. No glorifying sex, getting money, illegal drugs, and violence. Just pure truth about life.

How refreshing, right? Here's a talented lyricist who is finally using their passion to pull society out of their rugged ways. You think an inspiration, such as Izrael, would be sure to top charts.

No not exactly. In fact, four full CDs and other miscellaneous songs and videos into the music industry, Izrael does not get recognized on a national level. Thank you, Hip hop hierarchy.

With hip-hop, and most media, there is only one accepted option. Hip-hop does not want these 'against-the-grain' ideas getting out on a mainstream scale. We as a society can not be exposed to another idea about the life we live.

Hip-hop is set in its ways and projects a certain set of messages. While many songs encourage you to follow your dreams they really mean for you to follow the dreams their entertainers have set for you.

That is not to say that you will not have any voice in the industry, like I said, Izrael has produced four CDs that you could find in any local music store. It would cause problems if the industry didn't seem to be giving equal opportunities to all hip-hop. So herein lies the hierarchy. You're voice can only be recognized to a degree that the industry deems appropriate.

Take a look at the video posted, titled "Kill Ur TV". A new track from 2010, Izrael makes very accurate observations about our media consumption.

After watching the video, let me know your thoughts. What did you think of the song itself? And do you think this hip-hop hierarchy is necessary? Why do we limit ourselves to appreciating a very small collection of hip hop music and why is it these particular messages that we reward and enjoy hearing?

It's a knot in my chain, needless to say. I'd love to hear other thoughts on the industry and Jacob Izrael.

Think outside the bun.

It seems matter how crude Justin Timberlake is, he continues to win the hearts of female audiences. In his newest song, Carry Out ft. Timbaland, they compare women to take-out restaurants. Real Classy.

While the tune is downright catchy, it's evident Timbaland and Justin want their women to serve them up right, no tip required. This idea that women should be "open all day and all night" to meet their sexual desires is repeated throughout the song. The music video compliments the lyrics' message. Noting the "Drive-thru" and "Hot Cakes" neon signs that hang in the background, women are shown taking pride in sharing their "goodies" and keeping their bodies in an ever-ready state to take part in sexual acts.

In both the video and lyrics we really get to see just how objectified women are in this song. Sexual acts are compared to fast food and take-out restaurants, making them appear casual and to be convenient for a man's lifestyle. I haven't decided whether I find the video or the lyrics to be more ridiculous.

Timbaland tells us that he'll keep a woman "open all night like an IHOP." How appealing. Because we all know women love a man who takes all night to get things done. He also says that he "just can't get enough, [he's] gotta drive through", suggesting the idea of a one night stand. Ya know, because women are all for being loved and left. That's got to be it. Clearly Timbaland thinks so as he then goes on to say "now is it full of myself to want you full of me?" Yes Timbaland, yes it is. Although he wants women filled with him, he's not about to do it himself. No, instead he's going to order women around instead; "girl, deliver that to me, come see me." I don't know what's more endearing, the fact that he would address a women as "girl" or that he seems to think slavery is still an option? Timbaland really knows the way to a women's heart, or any other part for that matter.

Take a look at the video and lyrics and voice your thoughts on the track. Do you think it's an accurate comparison. Should women be ready for "carry out" all the time?

Here's to hoping Timbaland gets our (women) order right and that his next album will be a littler more respectful to women.

Prince Charming's Mold.

On a new issue of Hello! magazine, the british Prince William is seen with a darker fuller head of hair. Likely adjusted by the use of Photoshop programming, it is ironic that his picture is accompanied by the healine "The Real William". Clearly, royalty comes with a cookie-cutter mold that is upheld by any means. Even men are objectified sexually and obtain certain standards of beauty when they are of a higher social class. Do you think Prince William's thinning hair is something that really needed Photoshop? Or should they have just left his image alone? And if you do think his hair was appropriately enhanced, why do you think we buy into these ideas? The focus on his hair is excessive and unneccessary, don't you think?

Macho for Nachos.

During the Superbowl, there is always a big hype about the commercials that are aired. This year, the commercials mimicked many of the previous years with ads with images of alcohol, fast cars, and sex appeal. One commercial in particular caught my eye; the Doritos commercial. In the clip you see a single mother welcoming a date into her house while her son takes it upon himself to set "house rules" for his mother's date. The media plays up the comic factor on the commercial hoping to generate laughs from the audience. After a closer look you see that they are setting expectations of masculinity for young boys and even encouraging using violence to get your point across. It is following classic gender roles by having a little boy using violence instead of a little girl. It is also a racial role, portraying all African American characters instead of Caucasians resorting to violence. These ideas are crucial to examine because they display images and convey messages that show young boys what is expected and acceptable of them. After viewing the clip, what are you're thoughts? Do you think this commercial is potentially damaging for kids to see? Or is it all just in fun and games?

The Problems of Storytelling.

After viewing George Gerbner's The Electronic Storyteller in class, the consequences of our societies new method of storytelling have been weighed. Gerbner makes valid points in this film about the electronic revolution we've undergone and how it is problematic. Paying special attention to his argument on the images and ideas that our created about certain groups of people being misrepresented, I found an article on MTV's Jersey Shore, a new hit reality show, to prove Gerbner's argument true. After reading the article, Italian Americans and the 'G' word: Embrace or Reject? , what is your reaction? Do you think MTV is doing anything wrong or are people just being overly-sensitive?

Testing things out.

Hey everyone! Just testing out the site, I'll update later. :)