Recently, I have noticed a trend that is flourishing within my social circles. A trend so contagious that once someone started it, it is nearly impossible to stop. Even I was once a victim. What trend you may ask? I am talking about the trend of people trying to imitate gangster-like behaviors and speech while displaying excessive obsession over Hip Hop. To be honest, I find it both humorous and a little annoying that such trend is actually thriving, especially near me, because most people around me actually came from respectable families with high socioeconomic status, which is like the farthest thing away from the term "gangster".
Every day, as I tour around campus, I almost always hear people use the term "dope" to describe something that is amazing. While that itself is not a bad thing, I feel like such term is inappropriate when it comes to describing something casual. When bboys say "that is dope", it means they like what they see on the floor. Nowadays, I hear people use the term "dope" to describe food and drinks = = Sometimes, I even hear people say "this candy is dope!". Really? Be glad you are surrounded by people who can actually understand what you mean by that, otherwise, you might just get arrested or tackled by police for saying "this candy is dope", because dope also refers to a narcotic substance that is illegal.Since I established myself as a bboy three and half years ago, I have witnessed and learned many things from bboys around me. One thing that I recently realized, though, is the fact that a lot of bboys made it seem like all they listen to was Hip Hop. No, I don't mean the mainstream Hip Hop artists like Lil Wayne. I mean beats that bboys dance to. While I agree doing research on music is both vital and essential to promote growth as a bboy, I HIGHLY doubt that it is the ONLY music you listen to. Is it really that shameful to be listening to music that you truly enjoy? Even DJ/bboy Ynot from the legendary Rock Steady Crew admitted that his actual Hip Hop collection takes maybe 10% of his entire music bank at best. I will attach the interview with bboy Ynot and DJ Skeme Richard here for those that wants more info~
Point is, why are you trying so hard to be something that you are not? I understand that it can be a way for an individual to express admiration, or sometimes even wishes. However, Hip Hop really is not that serious. It is something that was created from nothing so people who were suffering from poverty can have something that would fuel their daily lives with passion. To totally disregard your background in pursue of Hip Hop
Personally, I find that insulting to your parents as well. They tried their hardest just so that you don't have to experience what the pioneers of Hip Hop had to go through. Is Hip Hop something admirable? Hell yeah! But is it something that you should completely replace your life with? No. Even Skeme Richard said it himself, "Hip Hop used to be such a natural thing, now people are trying way too hard to be extra hip hop."
Just a piece of my mind,
N-dure
