Ari Melber has done a great thing by incorporating Rap into his show. I’m 77 and didn’t like or dislike it. Part of my problem is that I could never hear the words, especially with the fast pace. I’m so uncool that I didn’t know a lot of the terms. I respect it now and I am glad that it is in our culture.
Ari, another great educational piece. I was talking to my sister when you dropped this newsletter. I remarked to her, “Ari just dropped a newsletter, it’s about “Hip Hop.” Don’t think, I’ll have anything to say on that.” We proceeded to declare the Sugarhill Gang, as our favorite, with Rapper’s Delight! Ironically, you mentioned them first-because they were! There have been many rap songs over the decades, but none matches that one. Finally, I recall several of your historical, controversial hip hop events, especially that of Sister Souljah. It was unfortunate, and so unnecessary!
Hi CG! Rapper’s Delight had everybody on the dance floor. If you played it today, 40+ years later, we’d hobble onto the floor.😂. I’m having a great Friday: Netflix and meals!😬. Enjoy your weekend ❤️
Fantastic piece Ari! Great photos. I can tell you had an amazing time, you were definitely in your element. So happy you received an invite, you deserved to be there. It’s about time hip hop is getting the respect it deserves. Growing up in Manhattan, and having 8 older siblings I learned to love all genres of music, from different generations including hip hop and reggae because my dad is from St Thomas VI where I spent many summers. Thank you for sharing this momentous event!
Yes it is! I loved spending the summers there. I haven’t been in a few years, but I’m hoping to plan a trip back there soon. I have lots of family there.
Hip hop, like reggae, has told the raw, unfitered tales of the plight of society's poor, oppressed, and dispossessed. Though reggae has gained international embrace, adoption, and adaptation (imagine my caucasian co worker angrily telling me that "I shot the Sherriff" originated with Eric Clapton 🙄--but, that's neither here nor there), it has remained quintisentally Jamaican. (Im making a point... promise☺️)
In a somewhat similar vein, hip hop has made it through fifty years of attacks from both the left and right, misunderstandings and outright untruths, subjugation efforts and the like, to emerge as a truly in-your-face African American artform that never backed down from highlighting the lived experiences, dreams, and aspirations of mostly Black urban youth. In that way, at least, i feel hip hop might be " often imitatated, but never duplicated"; cementing its place in history as unabashedly Black and proud!
Pearl, I must apologize. Now I remember. We had that conversation about DJT just before Ari's Zoom Call and I was looking forwaed to seeing you but it all went wrong for me. I wasn't able to join the call until after 10, and by then it was too late. It had slipped my mind but I'm glad that you reached out to me again. We'll talk more on Ari's next letter. I hope you have a wonderful week, Pearl!
The Revolution will not be Televised for me was such an incredible anthem of truth. Gill Scott Heron was a poet and a soothsayer. I believe he changed the landscape of hip hop. I love the range of rap expressions. It seems bigger than a genre and it crosses borders and changes minds - I hope at least. I am happy for the recognition it deserves. Ari, you must have had a great time at the VP’s party
Gil! So great. Many consider him a songwriter or even R&B, plus great political protest anthems, and he definitely laid the foundation for later hip hop. (Drake has a popular cover of one of his songs w Rihanna.)
That is why I like country music so much. I can always find a country song that says just how I am feeling and need to hear again to make me feel better. CAH I like all kinds of music now.
The year was 1973. I was in college (NIU) when I heard, The Revolution will not be televised by Gil Scott-Heron. Fast forward to 2002. I composed the musical works, Cityscapes by Two Cold using rap and house beats for some of the jazz instrumental songs. Billboard Discoveries called it 'timeless'. That same year I was invited as a guest panelist at a Chicago suburban (Oak Park, Il) forum on community policing and diversity. It was there that I decided to 'spit' the truth. I said, "Hip Hop had done more to improve race relations than the civil rights movement." The people gasp, but I had the evidence. And guess what? I didn't even have Ari's newsletter for backup!!! I rest my case your honor. Happy Birthday!!! Happy 50th!!
Ari, I would like to advocate for an underserved Genre. Dixieland Jazz is Joyous Music and can usually brighten any listener's day! Some examples are: Tuba Skinny, The Potato Head Jazz Band, and The Shake 'Em Up Jazz Band. There are many more. If you're feeling down, this music can usually bring a smile to your face!
Wow what a Special Report: This segment was outstanding and so riveting! I was so intrigued by D.A. Fani Willis’s story, I wanted the segment to go on in order to gain a broader perspective about her. Ari Melber you did a brilliant job on this story! But, I’m not surprised because you’re a great storyteller! She’s a very inspiring woman. I’d love for you to do an interview with her. Thank you Ari for giving us a glimpse into how Fani Willis became D.A. Fani Willis♥️👏👏👏 Trumps in trouble🙌
I’m thrilled that I may finally have reached the REAL Ari!! Soooo many imposters are out there!! Thanks for the response to my comment. It made my day!!
Good evening and Happy almost Fri-YAY, Ari and everyone!
I like the title of this newsletter: House Party: VEEP edition👍🏽😃
Thanks for sharing your experience on the 50th Hip Hop anniversary which was celebrated in a grand way - in the VEEP's house. I am pretty sure that you truly enjoyed that moment. I am a fan of Hip Hop but I am not nearly as good as (excellent) you are with Hip Hop and quoting rap lyrics.
From a block party during lights out in the Bronx NYC to the number one music genre…that is so awesome!
Like Drake would say (rap), "started from the bottom now we are here".
Do I have a favorite artist or memory from hip hop's 50 years?
I have more than one favorite hip hop artist…some of them have been in your show and I always love to tune in because you always make their appearance so special
David, I took the liberty to write down your address too. I promise to never bother you unless I really need to. It makes me feel good to know I have the address of someone who is a friend. CAH
Hey, Clarence, you need to get your act together and ditch all that white male supremacy crap. You got waay too much testosterone for your own good and it's gonna hurt you and many other innocent people if you don't sit down and STFU!
Rap/hip hop has become an integral part of our society and daily lives that many people don’t realize how much it influences us, unless they’re fans or someone points it out.
I don't feel George Clinton (Parliament) was part of Hip-hop so much as inspiration for parts of it... Same for Kool and the Gang... They were part of the Funk scene which I came to discover in my middle school years in the 70's... I recall really enjoying Curtis Blow's "These are the Breaks" before The Sugarhill Gang, but that could be a memory lapse on my part... Public Enemy was probably my early favorite group...
Joanna, why has no one mentioned 'Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk'? This Off Broadway Musical Revue told the Story of Black History from Slavery to the Present. The Director, George C. Wolfe, took the Rap lyrics of Reg E. Gaines and turned them into Tap/Rap which was Tap Dancing informed by Hip Hop and Funk Rhythms. It was critically acclaimed and won numerous Tonys for its depiction of the 'Black Experience'.
There was also Sly And The Family Stone. I believe that all these groups had a hand in laying the foundation for Hip Hop and Rap. This demonstrates the rich tapestry of Human Creativity in various Media including, but not limited to, Art, Music, and The Written Word. We, as a species, can accomplish so much when we put our differences aside and 'Work Together' like Canned Heat advised us to do.
Ari, many in your audience, like me, are Neophytes to Hip Hop but you have educated us. Marcel Proust said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes (and ears!)" You have taken us on a journey of discovery and we have enjoyed evert minute of it! Thank you for all you do, Sir!
Ari, why did no one mention 'Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk'? This Off-Broadway Musical used Tap/Rap to tell Black History from Slavery to the Present and was critically acclaimed! It won several Tonys.
I think you and Ari both are both DA MAN. I learn a lot from both of you. A lot of it does not sink in, but If I keep on reading both of your posts and comments, hopefully some of it will sink in. You are both so smart. CAH
Ari Melber has done a great thing by incorporating Rap into his show. I’m 77 and didn’t like or dislike it. Part of my problem is that I could never hear the words, especially with the fast pace. I’m so uncool that I didn’t know a lot of the terms. I respect it now and I am glad that it is in our culture.
Ari, another great educational piece. I was talking to my sister when you dropped this newsletter. I remarked to her, “Ari just dropped a newsletter, it’s about “Hip Hop.” Don’t think, I’ll have anything to say on that.” We proceeded to declare the Sugarhill Gang, as our favorite, with Rapper’s Delight! Ironically, you mentioned them first-because they were! There have been many rap songs over the decades, but none matches that one. Finally, I recall several of your historical, controversial hip hop events, especially that of Sister Souljah. It was unfortunate, and so unnecessary!
Hi Diva! I was wondering what you would say as your favorite and you did not disappoint! I hope you're having a good Friday!
Hi CG! Rapper’s Delight had everybody on the dance floor. If you played it today, 40+ years later, we’d hobble onto the floor.😂. I’m having a great Friday: Netflix and meals!😬. Enjoy your weekend ❤️
Fantastic piece Ari! Great photos. I can tell you had an amazing time, you were definitely in your element. So happy you received an invite, you deserved to be there. It’s about time hip hop is getting the respect it deserves. Growing up in Manhattan, and having 8 older siblings I learned to love all genres of music, from different generations including hip hop and reggae because my dad is from St Thomas VI where I spent many summers. Thank you for sharing this momentous event!
Thanks Janice, appreciate that and - big family! : )
St. Thomas is beautiful!
Yes it is! I loved spending the summers there. I haven’t been in a few years, but I’m hoping to plan a trip back there soon. I have lots of family there.
It's been some years, but I loved my time there and would love to go back. You're very lucky to have family there!!
Hip hop, like reggae, has told the raw, unfitered tales of the plight of society's poor, oppressed, and dispossessed. Though reggae has gained international embrace, adoption, and adaptation (imagine my caucasian co worker angrily telling me that "I shot the Sherriff" originated with Eric Clapton 🙄--but, that's neither here nor there), it has remained quintisentally Jamaican. (Im making a point... promise☺️)
In a somewhat similar vein, hip hop has made it through fifty years of attacks from both the left and right, misunderstandings and outright untruths, subjugation efforts and the like, to emerge as a truly in-your-face African American artform that never backed down from highlighting the lived experiences, dreams, and aspirations of mostly Black urban youth. In that way, at least, i feel hip hop might be " often imitatated, but never duplicated"; cementing its place in history as unabashedly Black and proud!
Here's to fifty+ more🥂🤗
Very, VERY well-stated, S.R! I liked “I Shot the Sheriff,” by the way😂😂😂. Point received and understood!
Haha. Thank you, Miss Diva!🤣
Hi namesake, Happy Fri-YAY!😃😃😃
🎶 I shot the sheriff but I didn’t shoot no deputy🎵 Oh I love that song😃😃😃
I love everything you said...Hip Hop is here to stay...ain’t going nowhere. Have a nice weekend😃😃😃
You too, Miss Sandra O!!
Ms O, the Bob Marley and The Wailers version or the Eric Claton Cover or Both?
Nice to meet you too.
Pearl, I must apologize. Now I remember. We had that conversation about DJT just before Ari's Zoom Call and I was looking forwaed to seeing you but it all went wrong for me. I wasn't able to join the call until after 10, and by then it was too late. It had slipped my mind but I'm glad that you reached out to me again. We'll talk more on Ari's next letter. I hope you have a wonderful week, Pearl!
Hi Dadid
Hello, Pearl, I'm pleased to meet you.
Sorry David
I misspelled your name
Perfectly stated💯
This was beautifully put!
Thank you!
The Revolution will not be Televised for me was such an incredible anthem of truth. Gill Scott Heron was a poet and a soothsayer. I believe he changed the landscape of hip hop. I love the range of rap expressions. It seems bigger than a genre and it crosses borders and changes minds - I hope at least. I am happy for the recognition it deserves. Ari, you must have had a great time at the VP’s party
Gil! So great. Many consider him a songwriter or even R&B, plus great political protest anthems, and he definitely laid the foundation for later hip hop. (Drake has a popular cover of one of his songs w Rihanna.)
Also Winter in America, a classic!
Love the pic Ari. I love all forms of music. It's story telling at its best. Watch your program everyday. I like honestly, and you tell it like it is.
That is why I like country music so much. I can always find a country song that says just how I am feeling and need to hear again to make me feel better. CAH I like all kinds of music now.
My sentiments exactly! A little music lightens the danger going on in our country.
Erick B and Rakim are definitely amongst my favorite rap artist. I appreciate that people are now understanding that hip hop is a movement.
I got to meet and speak with Rakim Last Saturday on John Coltrane's Birthday. Sponsored by The Coltrane Home in Dix Hills Long Island.
The year was 1973. I was in college (NIU) when I heard, The Revolution will not be televised by Gil Scott-Heron. Fast forward to 2002. I composed the musical works, Cityscapes by Two Cold using rap and house beats for some of the jazz instrumental songs. Billboard Discoveries called it 'timeless'. That same year I was invited as a guest panelist at a Chicago suburban (Oak Park, Il) forum on community policing and diversity. It was there that I decided to 'spit' the truth. I said, "Hip Hop had done more to improve race relations than the civil rights movement." The people gasp, but I had the evidence. And guess what? I didn't even have Ari's newsletter for backup!!! I rest my case your honor. Happy Birthday!!! Happy 50th!!
Ari, I would like to advocate for an underserved Genre. Dixieland Jazz is Joyous Music and can usually brighten any listener's day! Some examples are: Tuba Skinny, The Potato Head Jazz Band, and The Shake 'Em Up Jazz Band. There are many more. If you're feeling down, this music can usually bring a smile to your face!
Wow what a Special Report: This segment was outstanding and so riveting! I was so intrigued by D.A. Fani Willis’s story, I wanted the segment to go on in order to gain a broader perspective about her. Ari Melber you did a brilliant job on this story! But, I’m not surprised because you’re a great storyteller! She’s a very inspiring woman. I’d love for you to do an interview with her. Thank you Ari for giving us a glimpse into how Fani Willis became D.A. Fani Willis♥️👏👏👏 Trumps in trouble🙌
Thank you - our team found her larger history - professional and personal - quite interesting to go through.
Your welcome! I feel the same, I found her story fascinating!
Appreciate you and your amazing Team for giving us a deeper perspective into D.A. Fani Willis's earlier life.
Such a great article!! I don’t know anything about hip hop. The little I know, I’ve learned from you. Thanks, Ari!!
I’m thrilled that I may finally have reached the REAL Ari!! Soooo many imposters are out there!! Thanks for the response to my comment. It made my day!!
Good evening and Happy almost Fri-YAY, Ari and everyone!
I like the title of this newsletter: House Party: VEEP edition👍🏽😃
Thanks for sharing your experience on the 50th Hip Hop anniversary which was celebrated in a grand way - in the VEEP's house. I am pretty sure that you truly enjoyed that moment. I am a fan of Hip Hop but I am not nearly as good as (excellent) you are with Hip Hop and quoting rap lyrics.
From a block party during lights out in the Bronx NYC to the number one music genre…that is so awesome!
Like Drake would say (rap), "started from the bottom now we are here".
Do I have a favorite artist or memory from hip hop's 50 years?
I have more than one favorite hip hop artist…some of them have been in your show and I always love to tune in because you always make their appearance so special
To another 50 years, Hip Hop! Cheers🍾🥂
Hello Sandra O,
Hip Hop Hooray!😊🥂🥳
I thought he said started from the Biden? 😆 I'll stop! I didn't even notice the House Party reference and I grew up with Kid N Play.
Ms O, I shall reiterate my invitation. My email address is: dawells55@gmail.com . I hope to hear from you.
David, I took the liberty to write down your address too. I promise to never bother you unless I really need to. It makes me feel good to know I have the address of someone who is a friend. CAH
Carol ann, you may Always contact me. We must do our best to support each other.
Hey, Clarence, you need to get your act together and ditch all that white male supremacy crap. You got waay too much testosterone for your own good and it's gonna hurt you and many other innocent people if you don't sit down and STFU!
Rap/hip hop has become an integral part of our society and daily lives that many people don’t realize how much it influences us, unless they’re fans or someone points it out.
I don't feel George Clinton (Parliament) was part of Hip-hop so much as inspiration for parts of it... Same for Kool and the Gang... They were part of the Funk scene which I came to discover in my middle school years in the 70's... I recall really enjoying Curtis Blow's "These are the Breaks" before The Sugarhill Gang, but that could be a memory lapse on my part... Public Enemy was probably my early favorite group...
Joanna, why has no one mentioned 'Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk'? This Off Broadway Musical Revue told the Story of Black History from Slavery to the Present. The Director, George C. Wolfe, took the Rap lyrics of Reg E. Gaines and turned them into Tap/Rap which was Tap Dancing informed by Hip Hop and Funk Rhythms. It was critically acclaimed and won numerous Tonys for its depiction of the 'Black Experience'.
Wow, I've honestly never heard of this before...
Hey, Dale! What about The Village People?
That was a fun few songs, but they were disco imo... It was the Macarena of the period...
I apologize, Dale. Sometimes, my facetiousness gets the better of me!
How
bout the Lambada?
Well, not disco certainly, but idk how to classify that...
There was also Sly And The Family Stone. I believe that all these groups had a hand in laying the foundation for Hip Hop and Rap. This demonstrates the rich tapestry of Human Creativity in various Media including, but not limited to, Art, Music, and The Written Word. We, as a species, can accomplish so much when we put our differences aside and 'Work Together' like Canned Heat advised us to do.
Ari, many in your audience, like me, are Neophytes to Hip Hop but you have educated us. Marcel Proust said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes (and ears!)" You have taken us on a journey of discovery and we have enjoyed evert minute of it! Thank you for all you do, Sir!
the proust bar! : )
Ari, why did no one mention 'Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk'? This Off-Broadway Musical used Tap/Rap to tell Black History from Slavery to the Present and was critically acclaimed! It won several Tonys.
You Da Man, Ari! ( < :
I agree. CAH
I think you and Ari both are both DA MAN. I learn a lot from both of you. A lot of it does not sink in, but If I keep on reading both of your posts and comments, hopefully some of it will sink in. You are both so smart. CAH
R E S P E C T, that is it!