Tuesday

The South Asian Hip-Hop Scene: Where are we Headed?

By: Ajay Dani

In the 90’s and onwards, hip-hop evolved into a very powerful and influential culture. It has spawned movies, T.V. shows, clothing lines, sneakers, and obviously music. Through its marketing, hip-hop has become a worldwide phenomenon. By growing into such an international force, it was inevitable that it would also touch people of different classes and cultures… and yes, it was inevitable that it would eventually reach the South Asian community.

The art of hip-hop has turned several individuals in our community into what we call “emcees,” artists who can rock the crowd and who can deliver a powerful message through a microphone. Artists like Raja Wilco, Blitzkrieg, and Kaly are only a few of the many emcees that now comprise the ever-growing South Asian hip hop scene. Though it has come a long way and continues to prosper, I can’t help but wonder where we’re going with all this. I admire the work ethic of a lot of artists and I respect the quality of music they are delivering; however there are several things that stand as opposition towards the progression of this movement.

Before I get into these issues, I have to admit – there are several artists whom I feel are doing big things. For instance, rapper Kidd Skilly just recently recorded a duet with R&B powerhouse Akon on “Ni Soniye,” a club banger as well as a catchy tune. New York recording artist Nivla just recently entered into the “Dorito’s Super Bowl” Contest, where him and his team made it into the top 3.

“The Bilz” delivered a smash this past year with their “Spanish Fly” single and video. So with these artists accomplishing such impressive feats, it seems as though the South Asian hip-hop scene is well on its way to mainstream success, right? I’m not so sure about that…

The problem that seems to be plaguing the scene – well, problems – range from lackluster music to lack of community support. Sometimes I feel that a lot of the artists that are making hip-hop don’t do it out of passion for their craft, but rather as a get-money scheme or just a way to get popular. Many artists (if we even want to call them that) use hip-hop just to get fame, and quite often it is transparent in their music. So when that happens, we have sub par rappers trying to make music that we can sing along and dance to, however in turn just end up embarrassing themselves as well as us as a community.

The blame cannot be left solely on rappers, however. Producers also should share this blame, as many don’t create the kind of music that is innovative or refreshing. Looping an old Bollywood song and putting drums to it doesn’t require much thought, and sampling classic Hindi songs combined with the MIDI sounds of Fruity loops just won’t cut it. Sorry. We need to step out of this box and challenge ourselves; otherwise we as a community won’t grow.

One of the things I come across entirely too often are DJs who don’t deserve the title. The definition of a DJ has definitely changed since the 80’s, as anybody who owns any mixing software might call them a DJ now. Over and over again, I come across MySpace pages with individuals calling themselves “the next big Desi DJ.” Instead, what do I hear? I hear a 50 Cent song (or any other popular song of the moment) with a Dhol drum loop thrown on top of it. Then, as an added bonus, we might get a Hindi hook thrown in there. Not to be harsh, but the idea has been done time and time again. Unless we try to do something new and different, we are headed into a downwards spiral.

Additionally, I’ve heard many people say that if the quality of music improves, then they will support. At the same time, however, I’ve seen many people only support once the next person does. I don’t know why this occurs, but perhaps it’s jealousy or spite. Maybe it’s politics – I’m still not sure. I’ve seen people say that meshing Indian sounds with American sounds will never work, however when Truth Hurts gave us her “Addictive” single or when Timbaland more recently gave us his “Bombay” song, those same people were quick to embrace it. I’m not sure why this happens, but I have seen it with my own eyes (and with many people) so I know it occurs. It’s hypocritical, and furthers the argument of why the South Asian scene is in a state of 9-1-1.

So what do we do? How do we, as a community, get out of this situation? If there’s anything I can offer as advice to any artist, DJ, or producer, it is to spend more time on your music. Ask yourself, if I heard this on the radio is it something I would listen to – or would it be the reason you change the station? Challenge yourself to be different and do what nobody else is doing. Don’t be a follower. The forefathers of hip-hop didn’t make their music because of any popularity contest; they did it to have fun. So, have fun. And too, if you’re a listener, support. Instead of bashing what you don’t like, offer constructive criticism. Rather than hating for no reason, have a valid argument for why you don’t like it. And, if by some crazy chance you do like the music – buy it, don’t download it.

I feel that if we can carry out those initiatives, placing an emphasis on raising the bar with the caliber of music we’re making – then the South Asian scene is well on its way to garnering recognition and achieving the mainstream success I know it deserves. Word up.