SPEAK OUT:: Has The Hustler's Mentality Poisoned The True Essence of Hip Hop?

We just came across an interview by Dead Prez's M1 regarding the transformation of hip-hop. As much as I'm a fan of the music as a whole. I see where he's coming from.

Here's what he had to say on the evolution of hip hop:

"What happened to hip hop was the use of capitalism in hip hop. I was listening to EPMD the other day, and Parrish said—I don’t want to misquote him—but he said, “And I still don’t see one rapper living comfortably.” Things have changed since that time. We have found artists who have developed the capitalist mold into their way of thinking. Artists have even shifted from the artistry to how well you can make money.

That really shows how good of an MC you can be. So if you come on the scene, and you are seen as someone who can be influential and knows how to turn capital over, then generally you can speak the language of hip hop. That’s why Jay-Z has found affluence, and Young Jeezy, the moneymaking aspect of it. To me, that’s the poison. That’s the poison in it, is the indoctrination of capitalism. Not to say we don’t need people to understand the business of making money; but the model wasn’t Marcus Garvey—the model became people like Rockefeller.”

Interesting....