The truth behind hip hop has shamefully been misrepresented in popular media today. The rappers/entertainers(for the most part) do a horrible job reflecting the true nature and essence of hip hop. As a fan of true hip hop, I have witnessed everything from Nas to Soulja boy.

The music of today has become more about the business than the culture and the messages have also been corrupted. Instead of being voices of the generation, or talking about relevant subject matters such as: econmy, social issues/justices, political issues as well as global problems the music has become about outdoing one another.

In light of this I have decided to write four articales which all will break down the true pillars of hip hop as well as will shed some light on what the true purpose of hip hop is. It is my hope that after reading those articales those of you who are not hip hop fans because of some misrepersented view of it will give it a small chance.

Though not in the mainstream of music played today their is some relevant artist which I would suggest you guys check out. Below is a list of relevant MC's (Master's of Ceremony or Microphone Controller, lyricist or rappes as they are commonly known).

1. Lupe Fiasco( a real definition of a lyricst; sometime you have to listen to him twice to catch what he said and the true meaning behind it.)

2. Common( a very versitale hip hop artist; very poetic in nature plus a great story teller)

3.Jay electronica( a southern rapper who is an underrate rapper in the game, worth listening to)

4. Nas( a legend in the game some of his lyrics are harsh, but very true based on actual events of his life)

5. Mos Def( quality rapper him along with Talib Kweli formed black star; his lyrics are subtle yet catchy)

6. Talib Kweli( A great rapper but to be honest you must devlop a taste for this rappers fast delievery)

7. Jean Grae(female artist she is a Brainiac Maniac!!! enough said )

8. Eternia(another female artist just as DOPE!!!)

9. Royce 5'9( kind of hardcore with his delivery, yet can be very playful.)

10. M.F. Doom( Dark and Twisted almost like reading a graphic novel)

*I want to address the difference between a hip-hop artist and a rapper. A rapper- Rap is just one of the four elements of hip hop and a rapper is an artist that raps or rhymes over a beat.

A hip-hop artist can come from any of the four the pillars of hip hop eg. a rapper(rap), a Dj(disc-jockey),graffiti artist(graffiti), and a b-boy(breakdancing)

Rappers were meant to convey an actual message to the crowd not based in just club music and beats. Meaning the music that you hear today usually has no relevance. It doesnt make you more aware of anything going on in the world, it doesn't teach people how to think for themselves, it doesn't even give you insight to the artist "true feelings".

So keep a look out for my four part series on hip hop and its true purpose.

-Prince Stringer aka P. String-