Hip Hop has always been a competitive sport, which to date has added to its appeal and in a lot of senses-reality. So much of what we know about life and success has a comparative nature, the ambition to be better than. I think they call it "flexin" now a days. We see it everyday. Often times we use our social media outlets to serve as a summer jam screen for what we do and how we live. NO argument or knock from me, I am guilty as any other. What I do want to call into question in this piece is the element of confrontation that derives from the art of competition being taken the wrong way, or to the next level. What sparked this train of thought was an interview I heard in which 50 cent commented on, and offered his opinion regarding the recent beef between Chief Keef and Lupe Fiasco. For those who are not aware in so many words, Lupe Fiasco has targeted Chief Keef as a perpetuating influence and representation of the violent times amongst the citizens of Chicago. Let me start by going on record and saying that I do not agree with Lupe Fiasco calling the brother Chief Keef out like that, for many reasons.
With that aside I find it funny and very much so disappointing that the beef has escalated to the point where Chief Keef has alledgedly threatening physicality against Lupe Fiasco. On so many levels this could have been avoided, and the ground one being that Lupe Fiasco could have gave his opinion, voiced his disdain even called to action as it pertains to the senselessness of the violence and deterioration of his beloved city. However centering that and putting the weight on the shoulders of Chief Keef when all he is doing is expressing his first amendment right is uncalled for.
Yes Hip Hop has gotten away from what the pioneers had intended. Not every rapper cause rhyme like Mos Def. Not everyone in the public is of the backpack paradigm. There is a place for everything, and a need if you will. Does Chief Keef need an education on his power, his influence, and understanding of the attention that is coming his way- MAYBE. But is the owness on Lupe to do it in the manner that he did. NO! To teach is to uplift. I commend 50's approach of appealing to the relation that they have, background wise. With that being the case, there is a common ground; and with it, a forum for communication which may be productive. At the end of the day Chief Keef has the right to put out the kind of music which he and his fans appreciate. More so than criticizing, we should hope for the best.
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