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Indie vs. Major: who's right?: Is internet hip-hop elitist or no

© Steve Juon

Thanks to a very lively and engaging discussion with Kari Orr from the House of Phat Beats, I've had some time to consider my role as an internet hip-hopper and the influence those of us who are radio DJ's, article writers, and editors have.

It would seem that often, those of us online or in the DJ booth tend to be in an "elite" that gets to hear independently distributed and released records that many people don't get to. Often, we form high opinions of these records compared to the more well-distributed artists of major labels, sometimes to the point of dismissing a major label artist altogether in favor of an independent release.

This may be healthy for keeping underground or innovative hip-hop alive, but it is also greating a growing chasm between those who buy hip-hop and those who are out spreading hip-hop to the world, especially online. We have millions of record being sold by artist like Master P and Bone-Thugs which nobody in the elite can relate to. Automatically the masses are stereotyped as "ignorants" who don't understand what the "true" hip-hop music is.

Maybe it's time we all practiced a little more open-mindedness, especially those of us in the business of getting other people to step up to and/or appreciate hip-hop. Even though Common Sense and Master P may seem to have nothing at all between them, both are young black entrepeneurs who are giving people records they like. Fifty years ago, black artists couldn't even be on the cover of a record, let alone own their own record labels.

So why the divide? For the time being, I'm offering a truce between the elites and the masses. I think we both have something to share, and ways to learn and grow that can benefit all of hip-hop. An open-minded listen to Master P might reveal that he is not a regional fluke but a storyteller who emphasizes hard times and heavy beats. Believe me two weeks ago I would never have been caught saying those words, but that is my compromise -- I'm willing to explore new territory I've never been in before. In return I hope some of Master P's fans might pick up a Common Sense record and appreciate the skillful production or the clever lyrics. I think that in hip-hop music, we can find a ground we all share, and I intend to work towards that end.

Peace, Flash

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