In my Ear: Violence

An interesting interview with Treach from Naughty By Nature about the recent rise of viloence in Newark, NJ.



Treach brings up many interesting aspects. The main point that caught my ear was the vacancy of rules/codes of the street. Treach is doing great things by promoting peace. I believe the loss of rules comes from the lack of responsibility from the current role models/veterans of the game.

If we take a look at who the veterans are... they are the same people who were the heart of "Gangsta" Rap and "Reality" Rap. But where have they gone with their lives? With few exceptions, many of the artists had their fame and moved on. This is fine; except words are powerful and the words these "Gangsta's" were rapping were in negative light. Whether they were speaking truths or narrating creative scenarios; there is a certain level of responsibility that must be followed. These artists were kept in check by their elders; but seem to be spiteful for it. Subsequently, I feel these artists are not stepping into place to keep current; young artists in line.

This has a spiraling effect downward through society. Though the music seems to be more in a party and swagga theme... the young artists seem to want to prove they are hard. It seems as if there is a mystique to the hardcore gangsta rap of the early 90's. These artists want to live up to the hype of Onyx, NWA, and Naughty By Natue. The thing is, the new artists have no clue what these veterans lives were like. This is were the rules and codes of the street got lost. Its a new generation of violent crimes.

To me, street crimes have lost their integrity; and this violence is an outpouring of broken tradition. Then again, the generation before mine probably reiterated similar statements twenty years ago. A cycle that is sure to repeat... hopefully weakening the presence of street violence with every generation the passes; but till then do your part.. respect yourself by respecting others.