Anywho... When I was younger and I got in trouble my parents had a few things they would do to punish me for my actions. However, by far the worst one was taking my stereo. I literally felt like I couldn't function without it. My music heads understand---its like how do I work, how do I sleep, how do I pregame!? It can be tragic.
So of course when I was looking through #AskNow questions I had to pick the one that related to music. A Howard student emailed in and asked, "do you think music is influencing our youth positively or negatively?" I had a convo with Sunni and the City, a radio host and socialite in the DC area to help me adequately and honestly answer this question.
Sunni is someone who is really dedicated to the community and women empowerment but she also really likes hip-hop and pop culture. It was a pleasure talking to her and I feel like she gave a very thoro and honest answer to the question. She also gave us a little background into what its like being a female radio host in one of the biggest markets in the country.
I recommend this interview to any conscious person, music lover, individual interested in working in media, or resident of the DMV area.
Let me know what you think!
I feel like her views towards artists aren't really doing what they are saying in their music and the youth needs to understand this is only entertainment is quite frustrating. Our youth only knows what the artist perceives through their music/social media, how are they suppose to know that content isn't real? I feel like their music is creating the "content which isn't real in their own lives (the artist)" real for our youth. These present day role models/idols are what the youth desire to imitate which is the artist's fake reality. Me personally I couldn't be a radio personality that's oh ok/supports that. Also, honestly she is responsible for what the music she plays does to the youth. I feel like if you are artist and you have a huge following, you are responsibility for positively impact the youth. But, that's not really what's important but it's a lot of about what makes money.
ReplyDeleteHey Greg!
DeleteFirst thanks for reading the post and watching the interview! I really appreciate it. :)
As far as your point of view I understand why you feel the way you do. But honestly, I agree with both ideas. I DEFINITELY think artists need to be more mindful of what they put out there. Because, when children and people in general listen to music they are subjecting their minds to some of the ideas in the lyrics even if they don't realize it. It would be nice to have some of those ideas be positive and uplifting yet still something that I enjoy hearing. We can't just blame the youth for the negative things going on if we are creating outlets that promote their behavior.
However, on the other hand I agree with Sunni in that people give music and media personalities way too much credit. In my opinion, entertainment is supposed to be a way to be entertained and escape reality. It is not a belief system or a state of mind. While I do think it is powerful, people need to realize that artists are just like everyone else and they are supposed to ENTERTAIN you not show you how to run your life.
I like artists who put the medicine in the candy wrapper and mix the two. When I listen to artists like Jcole, Wale, and a few others I feel like I'm being entertained but I'm also listening to something with substance.
But I mean thats hard to find these days lol :)
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