With print media slowly dying and online media the leader in communication, it got me to thinking how journalism remains credible in hip-hop?
Magazines have always documented the culture written by actual writers with some credibility. Granted, I haven’t always agreed with album reviews or articles but I could at least have faith in knowing writers like Nelson George, Dream Hampton, Elliott Wilson or Davey D were at the helm. With online media, the credible voices are becoming fewer and fewer. Its equivalent to naming dope hip-hop lyricists of this generation. Trust me it’s a short stock.
Outside of Jay Smooth, I can’t name many other prominent voices of this generation. What’s being said is just as important as who’s saying it. With hip-hop becoming blog dominated for news there a number of sites that present a TMZ approach to reporting on hip-hop (see: VladTV and Globalgrind.com). Like urban radio its becoming very one-sided. It’s all very focused on the common denominator of sex, drugs and violence. Sensationalize anything for hits or page views with blatant disregard for facts or for having sources. That’s troubling especially if more sites begin to follow that format.
With that said, where exactly does that leave journalism? Fortunately, the internet isn’t run by Viacom or Clear Channel so there is an equal opportunity for all voices to be heard. The sites that have corporate backing through ad space revenue will have a greater reach but necessarily better content/news. With freedom of speech, there’s no way of policing these other sites from reporting trash but there is lane for new and credible to be in the fold also. Secondly, I also think some of the younger writers from print publications have to step up to that challenge.
I don’t think hip-hop needs saving, but it could use some new voices that reflect this generation. I don’t mean the biased pitchfork writer who only reviews hip-hop albums when asked. I’m mean the guy who actually goes to shows, owns the music and knows its history. That way when they write about hip-hop the reader gets reference points and an opinion they’ve formulated on facts. Hopefully more news, critique and analysis we’d get through print media begins to have a greater on-line presence.
as someone who just started up a blog, I’m feeling this post.
@DJ Multiple Sex Partners Obviously negativity will always sell but there has to be some truth amongst the all the BS.
Thanks for the comment
peace.
@Sir Alistair I’m also worried where journalism (for hip-hop) is heading. I guess the good writers are underground at the moment….lol Between print media dying and getting used to an online-presence for magazines one would frequent, it’s definitely a transition period.
Thanks for the comment
peace.
Nice post, SS.
Oh, and…MASH COMP outta DC. Definitely fits the bill of the ideal hip hop journalist you’re talking about. So does TAIS, and I know Illyas has done a lot of journalism work, too.
There’s more money in a distorted headline than an honest report. Period. That won’t change. Unless it does, “journalism” will remain an artform practiced by devotees who sacrifice for it.
Great points, it’s hard to have prominent voices break through the clutter these days, and its even harder to have prominent credible voices break through… definitely makes me wonder where journalism (for hip-hop) is heading…