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Why the last weekend of September 2012 stands as an important moment in Hip-Hop’s public perception

By: Ural Garrett

@UralG

Three significant moments took place this weekend in Hip-Hop and they all provided a clear sense of where the culture is headed, for better or worse. While mainstream media focused on one event’s damage to the culture, two somewhat lesser known events proved to be even more critical in their own rights.

Let’s start with the catastrophe that was the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards show in Atlanta. It’s quite sad that the emotional tribute to Chris Lightly (which included former enemies 50 Cent and Fat Joe burying the hatchet) became overshadowed by two violent brawls; setting the culture back.

The first incident had two of Hip-Hop’s biggest southern rappers and their crews engage in what on the surface seemed like typical thuggery. Those who have followed the conflict between the two understand the ridiculous roots of this so called “beef.”  We’re talking about Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. Obviously, Jeezy still feels salty two years later following Rozay’s success “BMF(Blowing Money Fast)” single from his Teflon Don album. The single had Ross alluding to being equivalent to Jeezy’s incarcerated former mentor and drug lord co-founder of Atlanta’s infamous Black Mafia Family, Big Meech. I guess Jeezy holds a blind and ignorant reference to Meech while Ross still doesn’t remember his past as a former correctional officer. Anyway, that’s more of a shot against their character than the music they create.

Some time later, recent Maybach Music Group(Ross’s label) signee Gunplay was jumped by members of 50 Cent’s G-Unit.

Why doesn’t this type of violence happen at the Country Music Awards? You’d think they’d have the most trouble keeping it together seeing how much folks in that genre love their guns.

Hasn’t anyone learned from The Source Awards of 96?

Or is that the point?

Maybe rappers always find a way to remind critics that they’re never to far removed from the situations that created them even with million dollar bank accounts but the blame goes to BET. BET for years have struggled with it’s minstrel show image no matter how many crappy original dramas and sitcoms the network provides. The 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards have always been a joke, even with the cypher segment seeing that they’re written and prerecorded before taping. This may be the final nail in the coffin  for a network that hasn’t had any true Hip-Hop programming since Big Tigger left years ago.

Point blank, BET’s relationship with Hip-Hop is now a shadow of its former self. It’s corporate ran and doesn’t truly represent the variety of the culture like it use to.

Meanwhile during that same weekend, Hip-Hop vanguard and mega-mogul Jay-Z performed the firsts of eight sold-out concerts at the billion dollar Barclays Center in his hometown of Brooklyn. Was it mentioned that he’s also part-owner of the now Brooklyn Nets? Jay managed to pay homage to pay homage to two influential figures to his career and Hip-Hop as a whole during his performance. We’re talking about Notorious B.I.G. And Big Daddy Kane. Most importantly, the Barclays Center are suppose to bring around two thousand jobs to people in his community according to reports. In an interesting twist, it was reported that felons weren’t barred from certain jobs.

This proves that Hov has elevated from former street hustler to corporate animal who truly understands where he comes from. Jay mentioned in his incredible memoir Decorded that the 2008 election of Barack Obama made the hustler less relevant. While there’s a profound point to that statement, Obama seems far removed from hoods across America mainly due to that group of people’s lack of interest in politics that historically never played well in their favor in their opinion. On the other hand, Hov has been and still is the soundtrack to folks in every hood. His transformation all the way to this point hits home a little bit harder potentially. Especially those around his hood seeing that Barclay is 15 minutes away from housing he grew up in, Marcy.

Everyone can’t afford to pay $40k to sit fifteen feet away from Obama at a fundraising dinner, but a $100 ticket to the “Watch The Thrown” concert is a little accessiblee.

This weekend was Hip-Hop’s official coronation into corporate America.

Across the pond in France, Hov’s Chicago bred BFF Kanye West was being a “N**ga in Paris” during the city’s fashion events. It’s no secret that for the past few years, West has been desperately attempting to enter high fashion with all the ups and downs that come with it. Accompanied with significant other and socialite Kim Kardashian, West seemed to be the fixation of media attention without even actually showing off any designs.

I guess he was right when he said “My presence is a present, kiss my ass.”

By the end of the weekend, West announced a second joint project with Giuseppe Zanotti for another pair of high priced stilettos. By high priced stilettos, we’re talking $6k for Cruel Summer (his recent G.O.O.D. Music collaborative album) inspired heels. West may be the first MC(or high profile African American celebrity) to potentially have a hold on high couture fashion in recent memory. Hip-Hop has always had its hand in fashion for the mass market along the likes of Rocawear, Phat Farm and the many others but only West could bring the hood to Europe’s fashion elitist with such elegance.

Think about how many young black kids will be inspired to truly learn and understand the intricacies of fashion. And by fashion, we’re not talking about the simple dime-a-dozen graphic tees either.

The BET Hip-Hop Awards becomes a lesson in the network’s simple boofonery of the culture while Jay and West move the culture forward in a way that many couldn’t imagine. History was made this weekend and like many events of the past, the effect won’t be felt for a long time.