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!
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!
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!
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
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!!
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
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...
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 Ari for giving me a new experience and getting me to understand hip hop. Your show is awesome, between telling us how the Trump trials are going and explaining how and what will happen when the trials start. Also for the music part of your show. You’re great at what you do so, thank you. You’re the best.
My memory for the first rap/hip hop was Robert Preston in The Music Man!! Think about it. It was in the early 60’s. LOL. “Trouble.. right here in River City. With a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool.”
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!
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!
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🥂🤗
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
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.
Erick B and Rakim are definitely amongst my favorite rap artist. I appreciate that people are now understanding that hip hop is a movement.
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!!
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🍾🥂
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...
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🙌
Such a great article!! I don’t know anything about hip hop. The little I know, I’ve learned from you. Thanks, Ari!!
Thank you Ari for giving me a new experience and getting me to understand hip hop. Your show is awesome, between telling us how the Trump trials are going and explaining how and what will happen when the trials start. Also for the music part of your show. You’re great at what you do so, thank you. You’re the best.
My memory for the first rap/hip hop was Robert Preston in The Music Man!! Think about it. It was in the early 60’s. LOL. “Trouble.. right here in River City. With a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool.”