The topic that I chose to do my presentation on was current themes in rap and hip hop music that pertained to African Americans. Throughout the course of my research, I found that there were multiple themes in rap and hip hop that perpetuated the stereotypes of black rappers. Those themes included: the law/police, "ghetto's" and poor living conditions, money, drugs, violence, family, and gender discrimination. However, for the purpose of my blog, I will focus mainly on the drug issue. I also established through research that there is a strong correlation between these themes and participating in deviant, anarchical rituals that often provide independence and inebriation.
The blog that I will be discussing about is the interview that the infamous rapper Lil' Wayne, had with Katie Couric about his addiction to marijuana. During this interview ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM2VAbYgJPQ&NR=1), Wayne describes himself as a "gangster" who rebells against anyone and by his definition, that means he is able to do whatever he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. Part of being able to do what you want also means having the financial needs to do so and, since Wayne obviously does, he lives his life to fullest. His marijuana addiction is highlighted in the interview when cameras follow Wayne to his two tour buses located outside; one if for sleeping and the other is for smoking weed and recording music. The rap-phenom has also been issued a medical marijuana card for excessive amounts of pot he smokes. However, Wayne further explains how marijuana puts him in the creative, aggressive, go-getter state of mind to become one of the best rappers of all time. I can relate to Lil Wayne saying that because since he was brought up in the rough and tough southern image of New Orleans (where "reality" is faced at a very early age), his up bringing was much different than that of any one else. He was brought up around drugs, violence and the image of always being a rapper, so this lifestyle is common for him. As far as if his weed addiction enhances his ability to create music, I think that by listening to the lyrics of one of Lil' Wayne's songs, you will clearly be able to identify his mastery and uniqueness; if marijuana has helped him become one of the greatest rappers of all time, who are we (individuals who have no knowledge of being a rapper and the lifestyle that accompanies it) to judge him and say how "we" think he should act?
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