As far back as anyone can remember their entire being has been surrounded by music. From the movement and sounds we hear and feel inside of our mothers, we react to it. We react to music well before we understand what it truly is and how much it influences and empowers us. In present day, we must acknowledge that music has a responsibility. Whatever the genre, it has accountability to us as listeners.  Music is our instructor. Our teacher has an obligation to provide knowledge among their students, regardless of the age group. It gives us direction in ways that are inexplicable. Music craves our attention. It is designed to keep us off our feet and our thoughts far from our troubles. It is crucial that we differentiate illusion and validity. Most music is purely designed to calm and uplift spirits. Music, nor the artists who created it, is never to blame for the negative reactions of some who take the music as a pledge to create damage to society. Violent music doesn’t create or inspire crime, people do. Music is to elevate and encourage the spirit and positively enhance the soul. It singlehandedly is the one of the most important things in life that makes life worth living. Musicians are able to bare their souls to the world in hopes for the support of what they are going through. Through creative metaphors, the message is being displayed and it is up to us to understand and respond to it. Sadly, not all stories will be told and the ones that are will be told in inconspicuous ways. Whether it is the soothing sounds of jazz after a long stressful day or a live Hip Hop club beat before a night out with friends, one cannot say that music has no substance. The variety of genres can fit even the most uncommon personality.
 
How has Hip Hop influenced you? Are the lyrics inspiring or damaging for the generation to come? Has Hip Hop really died? With young, talented artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lola Monroe, Drake, Tyga, Meek Mill, Wale, J. Cole, Keri Hilson, Diggy Simmons, Trey Songz, Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, etc. has the music industry REALLY died off? Finding a great rapper is few and far between. Epitomizing the lyricism of some of the greatest artists is not the easiest task and becoming a heavyweight Hip Hop champ is not happening overnight, even though it may seem that way at times. Being a lyricist is not something that everyone is capable of. There are so many different areas of the music industry that someone may be a part of. It may take time for someone to understand that rapping may not be for them but they could be a great producer or songwriter instead. The possibilities are absolutely endless but this is one of the hardest businesses to become a part of because of how high the demand is. It is almost demanded of us in the media to explore a rap career for the benefits of fame. Fame has become something nearly dangerous in the present day. Many are ready and willing to put aside their inhibitions, responsibilities and faith to become one who is adored by many. Having millions of fans and fame is something a lot want to achieve but is it your true dream? Some underground artists work so hard to achieve their dream and get overlooked by those who do not possess the talents but desire the popularity, so when will this madness end? The world can change one mind at a time. Know what a great artist is and support them. Optimism can go a long and helping each other as we climb can maybe be all someone will need.
 
Until the moment our souls are rested, we will forever create and be affected by music in some kind of way. Allow the mind blowing, breathtaking tunes of love and life be the muse of your existence. Music is what feelings sound like. When your favorite song plays, it is a “tingle in the fingertips” type of energy. Music will always be a part of our lives. How can we live without it? Can you go an entire day or even a week without it? Without the radio or even humming or singing? Doubt it. Calm your soul and use music as tool to fix your life. How will you use Hip Hop to influence the next generation to come? “Free” @InkStains22