RZA Talks Rap Glamorizing Violence: "Hip Hop Has Become One-Sided"

BY Erika Marie 2.9K Views
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RZA
Recently, radio DJs came forward to say they would no longer play gang-related diss tracks, and RZA speaks on violence being perpetuated in music.

The violence permeating Hip Hop culture within recent years has caused so much concern that radio DJs have vowed to ban music with certain content. Investigators continue to look into the murder of Drakeo The Ruler as fans await news on an arrest or charges, and Young Dolph's alleged killers are awaiting their trial. Others, like YNW Melly and Pooh Shiesty, face charges related to violence, and according to RZA, Rap continues to glorify certain behaviors that are detrimental to its culture.

“Growing up in the golden age of Hip Hop, we lost maybe like a couple of artists but not a dozen artists or more,” he recently said.

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Of course, the most talked-about deaths during that time were those of Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace and Tupac Shakur.

“Sometimes Hip Hop music glamorizes certain things. It glamorizes prison life, it glamorizes gangsters and thugs. I understand that, because I grew out of that," RZA added. “But it doesn’t give you the total tragedy of what that can end up being, nor are we being represented with a lot of alternatives. The point being made is there was more bounce, there was more substance. Hip Hop has become one-sided.”

There have been several Rap veterans who have spoken out against the ongoing violence within the Rap community but it is clear that more is needed. Do you agree with RZA?

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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