Austin360 blogs > Almost Urban > Archives > 2007 > June > 18 > Entry
Juneteenth Special: Mr. Blakes delivers ‘The State of Texas Hip-hop Address’
A year ago, on Juneteenth weekend, I launched this blog with a write-up of “The State of Texas Hip-hop” showcase hosted by prominent local rapper Bavu Blakes. To commemorate the occasion, I asked Bavu to deliver a “State of Texas Hip-hop” address, which he did, with great dignity, here.
In the year that has passed, Bavu has kicked it with Matthew Knowles in L.A., received props from the Village Voice in N.Y.C. and been promoted to the position of urban music director for ME Television in Austin. In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, I asked the venerable Mr. Blakes to take a moment to reflect, once again, on The State of Texas Hip-hop.
With no further ado, Almost Urban proudly presents: A guest entry from Mr. Bavu Blakes.
My fellow Texan hip-hoppers and rap music lovers:
2006 was a crucial year in hip-hop for two reasons.
First, Nas said “Hip Hop Is Dead” and further opened a huge, desperately needed dialogue. The consensus reply, especially from a Texan’s perspective, was “Hip Hop Ain’t Dead, It Moved to the South.” Second, Rap CD sales dropped tremendously. In fact, no rap releases cracked the Top 10 for the year.
A recent USA Today article titled “Can Rap Regain Its Crown?” analyzed the effects of rap going pop, and whether fans are tired of current trends or if the corporate business model pushing major rap releases is just too old.
It’ll be interesting to see how well 2007 releases from Paul Wall, Mike Jones and Chamillionaire sell. Let’s face it: In the industry’s eyes, Houston is Texas. The current XXL magazine cover reads “What’s the Problem With Houston?” Meanwhile, Dallas’ superstar-in-the-making Big Tuck had lukewarm sales for his national debut “Tha Absolute Truth” (Universal) to put it gently.
So what’s anyone going to do about it? Lay down and concede that the Texas wave is over? Create the next big movement? Just humbly take it a day at a time? I subscribe to the latter, because that’s how every movement or wave was ever made - by persistence, humility, patience and consistency.
Hip-hop is far from dead. But it is swiftly and ironically returning to its humble beginnings, where the dead are laid to rest -underground!
So ask not what Texas hip-hop can do for you. Ask what you can do for Texas hip-hop! Otherwise, no further questions.
Thank you,
Mr. Blakes
(photos by Ricardo B. Brazziell)
Comments
By Momma D
June 18, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
The question is not whether Hip-Hop is dead, it’s one that really extends to the whole music industry. Perhaps because so many Hip-Hop artists have had to grow their craft underground they may actually be better prepared to keep it alive in a time when musical artists of all genres are being challenged. All artists and music lovers will appreciate the film “Before The Music Dies” - an inspiring, eye-opening yet unsettling look at the whole industry. In fact - let’s host another screening of it in Austin. Check it out. http://www.beforethemusicdies.com/blog/b4md Love ya’ Bavu, Patti (Flynn D’s Mom)
By Old School Rap Fanatic
June 19, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Hip Hop isn’t dead, it is losing it’s value though! Some of the material that is being put it is so commerical and so copycat that it really aggrivates me. These new school artist are really not in Love with the art of Hip Hop and the skill or craft of rapping but what putting a few words on over a track can give them…. where are the Public Enemies, KRS1, Rakim’s and Ice Cubes, of today, the artist mention had a true love and passion for the game, that is missing from today’s Hip Hop and that’s why I feel it’s losing it’s value.
By samax
June 20, 2007 6:50 AM | Link to this
there is just as much good hip hop as there ever was. unfortunately, there is a growing amount of crap.
turn off your radio and only support dope artists until mass markets get the message!
BAVU FOR PRESIDENT!!!
By aquaman
June 21, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
intellicrunk…community building… thats how we do it…organize the thug dirty south rappers…into intelligent gangstaz investing their money in sustainable businesses ..daunting task..sounds like a fantasy..but it’s where we gotta take it … Stay up money…keep buildin
By Meso
June 22, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Very Well Stated, Bavu, and if ur looking for heart and substance when you hear lyrical flows from MC’s, you’ll get it from Underground, such examples, (Ryno, Slim Gutta, Garcia, Trae). Cuz most underground talent is hungry for the next spot light, you hear heart and soul vibrated in each verse. All have something to say, but not all can make you leave a show feeling the emotion behind each verse and the struggle just to stay on top.