Intrigue, you know your my "brotha from another motha" and I have always heard you speak nothing but the truth. As usual we agree to agree.
But you make the statement that "the positive is overshadowed by the superfical and destructive" (in regards to hip hop), which is true, but isnt that the case about just about everything in life? The negative about anything and everything is what makes news and draws attention. The balance is out there, but Common, PE, Talib Kweli, and a gang of other positive artists will never have the draw of the "negative" (and all of its not bad) out there. (People said NWA were just gang bangers making records, but they were the first ones from my generation to open my eyes to police brutality, racial profiling, etc. Maybe you didnt like the way they delivered the message, but it was the truth. Long before the Rodney King video confirmed it.)
Negativity sells. People like to talk about Pam Anderson and her jumbo breasts but not her dedication to animal rights. We talk about athletes, who they are dating, how long there rap sheet is, and how much money they make, but how much do you hear about their charity work or money they donate to charities.
Its "our" job to accentuate the positive to counter the negative that we KNOW the media is going to put out there. (I dont expect anything less from them, so when I see it, Im not the least bit suprised.) "Each one, teach one"...about everything...including rap music.
Your right about Bill, and I wasnt trying to take a shot at him. Ok, maybe a little one...he's just too judgemental for me. Everyone isnt going to do things how he did it.