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Letters for Saturday, May 24, 2008
• True hip-hop culture
• Teach malignancy of ignorance
True hip-hop culture
In response to the letter titled, “Hip hop rap, a malignant cancer,” Letters, May 22:
I strongly disagree with your generalization of what you call hip-hop rap. I agree with many of your points about the quality of rap music heard on commercial radio, however, this is not a representation of true hip-hop culture.
If you research the history of hip-hop culture, you will find that is has, for three decades, provided many positive outlets and venues for youth who would have otherwise fallen victim to the streets and/or gang activity. I am a witness. I embraced hip-hop culture at the young age of 8 and have since identified with the music, as well the culture. I have since earned my bachelor’s degree as well as two master’s degrees, and I still am inspired and motivated by “real” hip-hop artists, not to be confused by the “garbage” heard often on commercial radio. Let me reference Erykah Badu’s new song “Soldier” which gives props to youngsters who “never miss a day of school.”
As a youngster I was greatly influenced by KRS-one, who became a hip-hop artist in the South Bronx after being mentored by his group home counselor, the great DJ Scott La Roc. KRS-one continues to create positive music and also lectures at universities across the United States.
Queen Latifah started from ground zero and has since influenced millions of America’s youth through her positive music and business endeavors. She is now CEO of her own media company. Additional artists such as Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Theory Hazit, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, KRS-one, Zion I, continue to create the art form in its truest since. Wax Poetic magazine is a great publication that promotes positive hip-hop.
I worked as coordinator for KKCR’s Teen Radio program for a few years. I had the opportunity to travel to a national youth radio conference on the Mainland a few years ago. There were hundreds of teens from across the U.S., of many cultures, who were hip-hop DJs and advocates of positive hip-hop in its truest form. The artist, “4Words” who performed at the Hanapepe cancer event has been a DJ on KKCR’s Teen Radio program since the age of 14. He has been committed to providing an alternative to mainstream hip-hop. Through his involvement as a hip-hop DJ on community radio, he has learned valuable life skills, communication skills and has conducted live interviews with international artists.
What you referred to as hip-hop cancer didn’t start in the black community. It started in the midtown Manhattan offices of major record labels where CEOs and A&R directors consistently turn away intelligent, positive and artistic youth on a daily basis. The prostitution is continued on corporate-owned radio stations who only play what’s handed to them by the corporate pimps. Like many artistic creations that have emerged from grass roots efforts in the community, hip-hop was abducted and transformed by corporate America. If you choose to listen to only commercial and mainstream radio then you will be affected by what you call a “hip-hop cancer.”
Dayne Greene
Lihu‘e
Teach malignancy of ignorance
To Garrett Williams (“Hip hop rap, a malignant cancer,” Letters, May 22):
Did you listen to the lyrics of the hip-hop rap that was performed at the Relay for Life? It has everything to do with surviving cancer. It appears that you may have neglected to realize that children of cancer survivors have to deal with the ramifications of the disease as well. What better way to reach out to these children than to deliver a positive message through a style of music they like to hear? Better yet, deliver this message through one of their peers whose mother survived cancer?
How can cigarettes be used as a comparison to hip-hop rap? Have you ever heard of a “good” cigarette that benefits your health? Well, hip-hop rap with positive messages does exist. From my teenage years, through college, and still today, hip-hop has always been a source of social consciousness and an inspiration for poetry. Of course there are hip-hop artists that choose to curse, aggrandize violence, degrade women, etc. These type of artists exist in every genre/category of music. Though I love all types of music, these are not the artists I choose to listen to or purchase in any genre or category of music.
Ignorance is the cancer here Garrett. It is ignorant for a radio station to play rap music and think that they’re “cleaning up” the song by bleeping out certain words. This doesn’t change the message of the song. It is ignorant for record companies to flood the market with negative artists that pollute our youths’ minds when there are so many creative and positive artists who truly have something with substance to say. It is ignorant for anyone to place all hip-hop rap music into one category and think that all of the material is the same or even of the same topic matter.
The lifestyle of hip-hop in its original form evokes poetry and dance. The next time you’re looking for something to do, catch an open mic at one of our local business establishments that hosts them (i.e. Small Town Cafe, Tree’s lounge, Grindz Cafe, etc.) You’ll find eye-opening and thought provoking poetry, some of which originated as hip-hop lyrics. Check out one of the hip-hop dance contests put on by KUGA. These functions keep many of our teens away from drugs and channels their energies in a more constructive way.
At this juncture, being that you are part of a growing number of people who have moved to Kaua‘i from elsewhere, I would like to mention, be mindful of where you are and the lifestyle that we as Kaua‘i natives like to preserve. It is what makes Hawai‘i a unique and special place to live. Familiarize yourself with the term “pono.” We must teach our youth the malignancy of ignorance. You’ll be surprised by the intelligent choices that you inspire them to make.
Barbara Green
Kapa‘a
• Teach malignancy of ignorance
True hip-hop culture
In response to the letter titled, “Hip hop rap, a malignant cancer,” Letters, May 22:
I strongly disagree with your generalization of what you call hip-hop rap. I agree with many of your points about the quality of rap music heard on commercial radio, however, this is not a representation of true hip-hop culture.
If you research the history of hip-hop culture, you will find that is has, for three decades, provided many positive outlets and venues for youth who would have otherwise fallen victim to the streets and/or gang activity. I am a witness. I embraced hip-hop culture at the young age of 8 and have since identified with the music, as well the culture. I have since earned my bachelor’s degree as well as two master’s degrees, and I still am inspired and motivated by “real” hip-hop artists, not to be confused by the “garbage” heard often on commercial radio. Let me reference Erykah Badu’s new song “Soldier” which gives props to youngsters who “never miss a day of school.”
As a youngster I was greatly influenced by KRS-one, who became a hip-hop artist in the South Bronx after being mentored by his group home counselor, the great DJ Scott La Roc. KRS-one continues to create positive music and also lectures at universities across the United States.
Queen Latifah started from ground zero and has since influenced millions of America’s youth through her positive music and business endeavors. She is now CEO of her own media company. Additional artists such as Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Theory Hazit, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, KRS-one, Zion I, continue to create the art form in its truest since. Wax Poetic magazine is a great publication that promotes positive hip-hop.
I worked as coordinator for KKCR’s Teen Radio program for a few years. I had the opportunity to travel to a national youth radio conference on the Mainland a few years ago. There were hundreds of teens from across the U.S., of many cultures, who were hip-hop DJs and advocates of positive hip-hop in its truest form. The artist, “4Words” who performed at the Hanapepe cancer event has been a DJ on KKCR’s Teen Radio program since the age of 14. He has been committed to providing an alternative to mainstream hip-hop. Through his involvement as a hip-hop DJ on community radio, he has learned valuable life skills, communication skills and has conducted live interviews with international artists.
What you referred to as hip-hop cancer didn’t start in the black community. It started in the midtown Manhattan offices of major record labels where CEOs and A&R directors consistently turn away intelligent, positive and artistic youth on a daily basis. The prostitution is continued on corporate-owned radio stations who only play what’s handed to them by the corporate pimps. Like many artistic creations that have emerged from grass roots efforts in the community, hip-hop was abducted and transformed by corporate America. If you choose to listen to only commercial and mainstream radio then you will be affected by what you call a “hip-hop cancer.”
Dayne Greene
Lihu‘e
Teach malignancy of ignorance
To Garrett Williams (“Hip hop rap, a malignant cancer,” Letters, May 22):
Did you listen to the lyrics of the hip-hop rap that was performed at the Relay for Life? It has everything to do with surviving cancer. It appears that you may have neglected to realize that children of cancer survivors have to deal with the ramifications of the disease as well. What better way to reach out to these children than to deliver a positive message through a style of music they like to hear? Better yet, deliver this message through one of their peers whose mother survived cancer?
How can cigarettes be used as a comparison to hip-hop rap? Have you ever heard of a “good” cigarette that benefits your health? Well, hip-hop rap with positive messages does exist. From my teenage years, through college, and still today, hip-hop has always been a source of social consciousness and an inspiration for poetry. Of course there are hip-hop artists that choose to curse, aggrandize violence, degrade women, etc. These type of artists exist in every genre/category of music. Though I love all types of music, these are not the artists I choose to listen to or purchase in any genre or category of music.
Ignorance is the cancer here Garrett. It is ignorant for a radio station to play rap music and think that they’re “cleaning up” the song by bleeping out certain words. This doesn’t change the message of the song. It is ignorant for record companies to flood the market with negative artists that pollute our youths’ minds when there are so many creative and positive artists who truly have something with substance to say. It is ignorant for anyone to place all hip-hop rap music into one category and think that all of the material is the same or even of the same topic matter.
The lifestyle of hip-hop in its original form evokes poetry and dance. The next time you’re looking for something to do, catch an open mic at one of our local business establishments that hosts them (i.e. Small Town Cafe, Tree’s lounge, Grindz Cafe, etc.) You’ll find eye-opening and thought provoking poetry, some of which originated as hip-hop lyrics. Check out one of the hip-hop dance contests put on by KUGA. These functions keep many of our teens away from drugs and channels their energies in a more constructive way.
At this juncture, being that you are part of a growing number of people who have moved to Kaua‘i from elsewhere, I would like to mention, be mindful of where you are and the lifestyle that we as Kaua‘i natives like to preserve. It is what makes Hawai‘i a unique and special place to live. Familiarize yourself with the term “pono.” We must teach our youth the malignancy of ignorance. You’ll be surprised by the intelligent choices that you inspire them to make.
Barbara Green
Kapa‘a
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| island breath |
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of kauaiworld.com.
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:19 AM:
" Hello again TGI,
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Please do not expect anyone to buy your theory of promotion or advertising and success program Waimea High School. We the former students there at one time in our lives actually do not care of local propaganda and success story with you or anyone there and their cars to show for as a success story.
Basically, I wrote to Waimea High School, and I suspect as always that this town is a ghost town. No offense but there is nothing to do there, just unemployed educators and former students.
I am not with their idea of success story, and I am not placing religion or anything like that on anyone, because as you know, this is still a free country and you can do anything you want. The whole idea of success just doesn't work well in a farm club setting and wanting to make it out or make it happen after you graduate in high school there to say the least.
Basically, some people I may know here, think some of you people still stuck there are still losers because you haven't made it happen for yourself or others, if you get my point staying home doing nothing.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:45 PM:
" First of all, let this be known, that these comments here are worthless and useless considering the topic being discussed. We found this topic a useless waist of time and money. This is from any intellectual interested reader. And yes, I am not associated with any former classmates there on Kauai also, for this matter alone.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:50 PM:
" I have seen alot of losers being mentioned in association to Waimea High School sports at UH Manoa. Might I add they are the one's who are delerious and a debachery to any level minded reader. These names are wide and long. And they run from 1979-1990 graduates trying grace the pages of Kauai and represent that school, outrageous. I for one, right now am putting all of them down for ever contemplating fame and popularity. We actually do not understand your fame and glory at Waimea High School.
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is in regards to your articles on the Waimea High School athletics and any department there.
Sincerely,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:55 PM:
" Losers I have mentioned that graced those pages are as follows:
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
Ross Kagawa 1984' UH baseball 1987' classmate of Percival Butay(cousin)
Edmond Acoba 1981'
Liko Pereira 1989 and someother school baseball?
Kui Souza 1988 Sacramento state baseball
Craig Ibara 1983' HPC of honolulu baseball
Keith Pigao - student information desk for all information here for class reunion
Lyman Lacro 1986, UH Volleyball 1987
Barry Magoay 1985, UH Volleyball 1989
These are just some of the names trying to gain popular votes via their own high School Waimea High School
even now. Unreal!
Best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
HiKauai wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM:
" Hello again TGI,
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
This is me, Dean Kelly Sabado. Thank you for letting me comment on your articles there on the island. I just want to thank everyone agreeing with myself on who actually I meant, calling them losers in that town. Ha! Ha! Ha! I am a personal graduate of that high school but will proudly say if they keep up the good work in academics and life, will not be too ashamed of being associated with Waimea High School as an alumni.
Sorry, but there are others who felt this way! Here on the island of Honolulu and even the mainland. These names may have one time in their lives even mine represent the epitome of failure and laughs, and not success.
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "
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HiKauai wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:08 AM:
RE: 2/11/2009 and the above topic
Can we cut out the "EXPLETIVE" here. Everyone knows if you are or were affiliated with high school at one time in your life in Waimea, Kauai, you would know that you do not place one of the three stooges willing to work at Kentucky fried chicken and place him at the vice principal's seat at Waimea High School. We all know that BOE and DOE played no roll in this nonsense of students being athletes then becomming success in the respected choice of degree and field like a BA degree. An example, you cannot put someone like a Pereira or even an Aaron Francisco from Kahuku High School, now former Arizona Cardinals NFL, as a BA candidtate after a prolific showing in sports. It just does not work that way. We all know that they cannot be serious placing academics after a 10 year assistant coach with a rediculous man/educator and/or coach if I might add like Tommy Rita of the 1980's and then expect him, Patrick Pereira to educate people in 2000's after being associated with dumb athletes all their life and now turn to academics. Now they educate people? Ha! What are we looking at here is basically a rediculous and dumber community than most perceived DOE standard base learning. Otherwise throw this article out already, alright?
best regards,
Dean Kelly Sabado "