Dave Chappelle Block Party

Hip Hop is not like it used to be back in the 80’s. Hip Hop revolves around the black culture as well as the black community. It has affected the black youth in positive and negative ways. No more poetic, real lyricists such as Nas, 2 Tupac, Biggie Smalls, Slim Shady, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, etc. But the “rap” today doesn’t tie into just the black community but other races as well. The white community uses this rap music as a way not to be themselves, do or hear something that is out of their norm. I feel all young teens don’t listen to the lyrics. They think it’s just a good beat and the word usage “nigga” can be said by everyone. Dave Chappelle is the type of person who voices his opinions about a topic that no other comedian would dare talk about. Some might think that he’s a racist to his own people but instead draws in the white community. On the other hand Chappelle has no intension to degrade any race. Chappelle just says what he feels and knows what will make the public laugh; keeping it real.

Dave Chappelle’s Block Party film attracted a younger audience. To many this film could have just been another hip hop concert caught behind scene, not realizing it also had a message showing all races coming together and enjoying themselves with live entertainment. Showing their always doesn’t have to be a separation between black and white. Activist in the hip hop world/ Neo Soul, the performers of the block party consisted of Kanye West, Common, Mos Def, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Jill Scott, Erica Badyu, The Fugees/ Laurwn Hill, etc. Born and raised on the East Coast, watching this film was a big culture shock. We listen to nothing but go-go music. For a concert like this, you have to be open-minded because the music leaned more towards an older crowd unless you were raise around that style or genre.

Hip Hop has made its way over to “rap” music. The film portrayed nothing but hip hop artist. I feel Dyson would positively endorse Block Party because the artist who performed has a positive outlook towards the black community/youth, that their lyrics aren’t just based on drugs and violence. People rap about what they see, know and have been through. The black community feels they can’t show any weakness. Some rap about selling drugs, rape, killing, when they have never done or experienced any of it. Moving into a different generation, artist now rap what they know is going to sell. While art imitates street life and hip hop, the fact is MC’s exploit the game by using violent imagery, gangster talk to make more money.

In Dyson’s text he say’s hip hop promotes vulgar language, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, sexual promiscuity, domestic abuse, parental disrespect, rejection of authority, and the glorification of violence, drug use, rape and murder. I however disagree. Though Dyson’s makes good points about gangster rap, hip hop is not only a more intellectual type of urban music, over the past few years it has become its on genre. In the film, Chappelle brings together a collection of positive and thought provoking hip hop artist who perform for a community promoting their poetic views about the world that we live in, reality, and an overall sense of good life.

Dave Chappelle Block Party references to the fact that if a community is exposed to good music, promote positive reviews among those who are willing to listen and I must agree. Other than the fact this film is a dedication to the late hip hopper J Dilla, it proved the point that genuine music can not only bring people together but it can also bring the best out of people. Looking at the interviews, the commentary, the performances in the film, I say that Block Party was successful in its intensions.