I miss the days when rappers cared about being rappers. There once was a time when the people who claimed to be the voice of the hood were actually in the hood. I'm not trying to knock the next man for doing well and moving on, as I believe that is or should be the goal of every young individual growing up in a struggle. My beef is this, when you get paid to do something you should work towards being your best at it. With that being said I've lost count of how many times I've heard rappers say "I'm not a rapper! I don't care if people think I'm nice". That's exactly why the industry as a whole is struggling. Once upon a time rap was looked upon in the hood as a way out, a ray of hope. It was like playin basketball, only a few people you knew, if any, were actually good enough to make it. So almost noone counted on success in the music industry and they educated themselves and did there best to put themselves in position to succeed. This appreciation for the opportunity was reflected in the music as artists used their opportunities to relay a message to society. While the messages varied they all shared a common theme, a need to be accepted for who we are and what we do. Somewhere along the way that gratitude has been forsaken for commercial success. These artists treat the music industry like a summer job come in make some quick money and leave. They could care less about the path they leave behind, or destroy for young up and comers and so the cycle worsens to the point where every young up and comer feels the pressure to succomb to a gimmick in order to succeed. The music lacks integrity, its more about regional appeal than lyrical ability, and definitly more about a catchy hook than any substanse of content. Besides all we wanna do is get high and dance right? The music has been dumbed down so bad that many dedicated fans have lost hope. As a lack of respect for both the roots of the music as well as its forefathers mutate the music into something almost unrecognizable. My most frequently used quote these days is "that's what they callin rap now?". I think the solution or at least a start is in supporting independent radio. Without any obligations to big sponsers and major labels, playlists often feature much more thought provoking music. With better funding and support from the industry as well as indie artists it can provide an even better outlet for those artist making music that doesn't fit into todays "poppy" categories. Not to say that I don't enjoy a good party cuz I do but, theres a time and a place for everything and rap music doesn't understand that anymore. Rappers need to stop partying and start talking to the people again. Once they get back in touch wit the real hood not the fictious one they had built based on memories and movies then they can start talking FOR the people again. Once people can identify with your message they will support it and sales will increase. It would help if they actually HAD a message! If your whole album is for the club then which tracks do I bump when I'm driving? How about when I'm depressed? or angry?...exactly! not your album. So why would I buy it? I party a lot less than I sit down and chill and I think the average listener can say the same, so... ill listen to ya joint when I'm in the club I don't need to buy it. --dizzy