[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Rap/hip hop has been around since at least the 1920’s. It was frequently used to give news that affected black communities but would not be covered by local media.

Some is made up on the spot, especially if a battle. Some is carefully crafted. If you can’t understand the words, find and read the lyrics. Not all is obscene, sexist and violent. Some speak to loving their family, their children, how they’ve changed, social issues, past history. Some advocate violence and spew nothing but obscenities. Enimem started with rap of childhood abuse and dreams of revenge to his mother. Now, his rap waxes poetic about his daughter and his hopes and dreams for her. 50 Cent started as a thug, tats and bullet holes. Today, he is a successful businessman, has had tats removed, raps about non-violent ways to be a man. The 20 YO murdered in Miami was a complete and total punk. Yet, his rap was a message of hope that he was changing, that he would grow into a man proud of his actions.

It may not be music to your ears, but it is to many. Elvis was not music to your parents’ ears. Swing was once considered obscene. The waltz was risqué. And so on and so forth. Like it or not, rap is here to stay and, like most art forms, evolves as time goes on.

Red...how did the highlighted part, above work? Where did they gather back then? In church? What kind of news, exactly? I don't understand that part at all?