Reggae music and this new trend

[Mutty]

I raised this topic (asked these questions) on a local Caribbean station:


Many reggae artists (especially the dancehall crowd) love to embrace the latest. If it's singing about "Jah," "Gad" or "Jesus" that gets them listeners and/or money then that is what they sing about. If it is about shooting [censored] that is the hot subject, then that is what they sing about. If it is about gyal and [censored] [censored], then that is what they sing about, however, I noticed as of late many are singing about putting down guns and stopping the violence. If, as has been pointed out in the past, DJs contribute(d) to the increase in violence due to "gun lyrics," why is it that the new trend of anti-gun lyrics not making a dent in violence, notably in Jamaica? And with the first part of my question, I am certainly NOT desiring a return to gun lyrics in every song. Are there known examples and/or evidence that their influence is stemming the tide?


I don't really listen for rap, but are many of their artists still embracing that "gangsta, I'm from the ghetto and I hate everybody" [censored] or are there some amongst their ranks really trying to get an anti-violence message out there to their young listeners?

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

Simply because it was not th ecause of the voilenc in the first place.
Do you think that Jamaicans take their 'orders' from musicians, in whatever they do?
We could simply pen some reggae music infavour of the politician we would want to elect then..
...and that would be just the ebginning.

[niceniss]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I raised this topic (asked these questions) on a local Caribbean station:


Many reggae artists (especially the dancehall crowd) love to embrace the latest. If it's singing about "Jah," "Gad" or "Jesus" that gets them listeners and/or money then that is what they sing about. If it is about shooting [censored] that is the hot subject, then that is what they sing about. If it is about gyal and [censored] [censored], then that is what they sing about, however, I noticed as of late many are singing about putting down guns and stopping the violence. If, as has been pointed out in the past, DJs contribute(d) to the increase in violence due to "gun lyrics," why is it that the new trend of anti-gun lyrics not making a dent in violence, notably in Jamaica? And with the first part of my question, I am certainly NOT desiring a return to gun lyrics in every song. Are there known examples and/or evidence that their influence is stemming the tide?


I don't really listen for rap, but are many of their artists still embracing that "gangsta, I'm from the ghetto and I hate everybody" [censored] or are there some amongst their ranks really trying to get an anti-violence message out there to their young listeners? </div></div> I really didn't expect you to believe that people do what some entertainer tells them... [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70456-eyebrows.gif[/img]

[Mutty]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Donnika</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I raised this topic (asked these questions) on a local Caribbean station:


Many reggae artists (especially the dancehall crowd) love to embrace the latest. If it's singing about "Jah," "Gad" or "Jesus" that gets them listeners and/or money then that is what they sing about. If it is about shooting [censored] that is the hot subject, then that is what they sing about. If it is about gyal and [censored] [censored], then that is what they sing about, however, I noticed as of late many are singing about putting down guns and stopping the violence. If, as has been pointed out in the past, DJs contribute(d) to the increase in violence due to "gun lyrics," why is it that the new trend of anti-gun lyrics not making a dent in violence, notably in Jamaica? And with the first part of my question, I am certainly NOT desiring a return to gun lyrics in every song. Are there known examples and/or evidence that their influence is stemming the tide?


I don't really listen for rap, but are many of their artists still embracing that "gangsta, I'm from the ghetto and I hate everybody" [censored] or are there some amongst their ranks really trying to get an anti-violence message out there to their young listeners? </div></div> I really didn't expect you to believe that [SOME] people do what some entertainer tells them... [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70456-eyebrows.gif[/img] </div></div>

I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds.

[Jamerican_Gyal]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

Considering the way people took to "Dutty Wine" to the point at least one young girl died from doing it, I would say music has a powerful influence over people and their actions.

I heard of a rap song that tells the listeners to throw their signs up and a fight broke out in the dance - people dead there too.

[Mutty]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

And it goes back to the gist of my original question. In the past some have said that all the gun lyrics and war talk between rival artists encouraged violence. Now that more and more artists are talking about putting down guns is there evidence the trend is going the other way?

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds. </div></div>

So do you believe that those one or two will take their message from other places when th emusicians change their subject,and the level of violence will still balance out?
music is not uniqely the source of all influences to the Jamaican youth,or is it?

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jamerican_Gyal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Considering the way people took to "Dutty Wine" to the point at least one young girl died from doing it, I would say music has a powerful influence over people and their actions.

I heard of a rap song that tells the listeners to throw their signs up and a fight broke out in the dance - people dead there too. </div></div>
This is a prime example of misunderstanding influences and behavior. Dances are always copied,because they are ment to be. That is why they become popular.Lyrics are not always accepted as orders to act. They were not ment to be. Have you ever seen a compettition on who can best act out a lyrics of a song,as they have best dancer cpmpetetion?
Get the difference??
How you could attempt to use that as an example. i don't know!!

[Mutty]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds. </div></div>

So do you believe that those one or two will take their message from other places when th emusicians change their subject,and the level of violence will still balance out?
music is not uniqely the source of all influences to the Jamaican youth,or is it? </div></div>

No, but in Jamaica and other places, entertainers are practically worshiped and emulated in style and fashion and in extreme cases their antics are copied.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds. </div></div>

So do you believe that those one or two will take their message from other places when th emusicians change their subject,and the level of violence will still balance out?
music is not uniqely the source of all influences to the Jamaican youth,or is it? </div></div>

No, but in Jamaica and other places, entertainers are practically worshiped and emulated in style and fashion and in extreme cases their antics are copied. </div></div>
I can tell you about Jamaica. they will mimic their fashion,but do not idolize none .
You don't know the jamaican audence. at all,theyu certainly have you fooled. They will turn against an artist in one instant,irrespectuive of their recent adulations
They will hype him,by never idolize him as is done in the USA.They see him as an entertauner,and as lons as he is doing that he is cheered,but nothing more. Don't let their behavior fool you.
These are the offspring of the people who booed Michael Jakson off th estage,when he was supposed to be on top of th eworld.
...and they sre not much different,believe it or not.
They know too many jamaican proverbs to follow some lyrics by some hurry-come-up artist.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jamerican_Gyal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Considering the way people took to "Dutty Wine" to the point at least one young girl died from doing it, I would say music has a powerful influence over people and their actions.

I heard of a rap song that tells the listeners to throw their signs up and a fight broke out in the dance - people dead there too. </div></div>
I wondeeer whre the hell did that happen. i know thatit certainly not in Jamaica.
Jamaicans do no't fight over lyrics. Hip hop lyrics to at that.Th eonly time fights break out at dance is when the artist or producers disrespect the crowd,or in some cases they want to get rid of an artist. they will stone him,but that is another matter. It is not about lyrics. Jamaicans ar not stupid. They have been hearing all tyope of lyrics all their lives.Why wouuld any one luric or a group of lyrics move them to act?
Did you know that each artist sing on duifferent topics,and opposing topics too. Soi what? they are going to do eveything or just some?
You don't know a lick about Jamaican culture.

[Mutty]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds. </div></div>

So do you believe that those one or two will take their message from other places when th emusicians change their subject,and the level of violence will still balance out?
music is not uniqely the source of all influences to the Jamaican youth,or is it? </div></div>

No, but in Jamaica and other places, entertainers are practically worshiped and emulated in style and fashion and in extreme cases their antics are copied. </div></div>
I can tell you about Jamaica. they will mimic their fashion,but do not idolize none .
You don't know the jamaican audence. at all,theyu certainly have you fooled. They will turn against an artist in one instant,irrespectuive of their recent adulations
They will hype him,by never idolize him as is done in the USA.They see him as an entertauner,and as lons as he is doing that he is cheered,but nothing more. Don't let their behavior fool you.
These are the offspring of the people who booed Michael Jakson off th estage,when he was supposed to be on top of th eworld.
...and they sre not much different,believe it or not.
They know too many jamaican proverbs to follow some lyrics by some hurry-come-up artist. </div></div>

So is it safe to say that someone like say, Bob Marley, has not been emulated, practically worshiped and has not influenced scores even beyond Jamaica's borders? I certainly understand what you are saying as I have been to reggae concerts in St. Thomas (V.I), here in the states and Jamaica, but many of these artists claim they hail from the hard life of the ghettos and have made it to a microphone to tell their stories or express their frustrations, anger and way of dealing with things. They then are hailed as heroes by other youths who see their own experiences in them.

I know that the majority of people see these people as just entertainers, but what they sing about can certainly influence already fragile and impressionable minds. You have depressed people listening to depressing songs prior to blowing their brains out and angry people listening to angry songs before going on some bloody rampage, etc. Nowadays in sections of the black community you have artists stressing "bling" and [some] of their listeners grabbing their guns to go gain said bling by some very illegal means.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dr.Dudd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mutty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I fixed that for you and it's not so much about 'tell' as much as it is about suggestion. If enough kids hear their favorite artist up there talking about "war," "gun" and who fi ded, I am willing to say one or two of them will take such things to heart as okay to do and all it takes is one or two to strike fear in the hearts of hundreds. </div></div>

So do you believe that those one or two will take their message from other places when th emusicians change their subject,and the level of violence will still balance out?
music is not uniqely the source of all influences to the Jamaican youth,or is it? </div></div>

No, but in Jamaica and other places, entertainers are practically worshiped and emulated in style and fashion and in extreme cases their antics are copied. </div></div>
I can tell you about Jamaica. they will mimic their fashion,but do not idolize none .
You don't know the jamaican audence. at all,theyu certainly have you fooled. They will turn against an artist in one instant,irrespectuive of their recent adulations
They will hype him,by never idolize him as is done in the USA.They see him as an entertauner,and as lons as he is doing that he is cheered,but nothing more. Don't let their behavior fool you.
These are the offspring of the people who booed Michael Jakson off th estage,when he was supposed to be on top of th eworld.
...and they sre not much different,believe it or not.
They know too many jamaican proverbs to follow some lyrics by some hurry-come-up artist. </div></div>

So is it safe to say that someone like say, Bob Marley, has not been emulated, practically worshiped and has not influenced scores even beyond Jamaica's borders? I certainly understand what you are saying as I have been to reggae concerts in St. Thomas (V.I), here in the states and Jamaica, but many of these artists claim they hail from the hard life of the ghettos and have made it to a microphone to tell their stories or express their frustrations, anger and way of dealing with things. They then are hailed as heroes by other youths who see their own experiences in them.

I know that the majority of people see these people as just entertainers, but what they sing about can certainly influence already fragile and impressionable minds. You have depressed people listening to depressing songs prior to blowing their brains out and angry people listening to angry songs before going on some bloody rampage, etc. Nowadays in sections of the black community you have artists stressing "bling" and [some] of their listeners grabbing their guns to go gain said bling by some very illegal means. </div></div>
I knew BOB marley he lived on the same street as i did. I was involved with him more than the passing.
During his 'reign' he was never idolized by Jamaicans. He was never worshiipped. He had no entuorage,no body guards no following other than if he had a show. It was th eforeigners who were always trying to get autographs. Not onopy Bobmarley. I know ewvery one of the stars,actors,politicians,and the local peopl;e did not idolize him.
What most foreigners do not realize is that onl;y a minority of his lyrics are origional. most odf it are jamaican proverbs,bible verses,and speaches,by other people,like Marcus garvey Haille selasie etc.They wer not so strange to us,just th emusic wssnew,not th elyrics. The most that would happen when he stopped or walked on th eroad,would be some winshield wiper youth,would beg him a money. Not anything else.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

One more thing. Most of what these singers sing about are not new to Jamaicans who they would influence. If they would do anything would be to emulate them and try to be singers.
Not act like some song as if they are actors.
Do you know that jamaica has laws against incitement,and if it happens one the police would destroy th eartist?
You thinmk that any person can go on a stage and suggest violence and the police don't clean him up of all his wealth??

[tsophra]

Re: Reggae music and this new trend

music is not the cause..its merely an expression of what is already there