Can Conscious Hip Hop Spark a Revolution? [VIDEO]
The truth is, truth isn’t trendy–or perhaps it’s not allowed to be.
From dinosaur record labels to YouTube algorithms, those who produce music promoting freedom or questioning the system likely won’t win a Grammy or find their names on the trending page anytime soon.
Still, in a post music industry era, it’s incredible to watch the underground, “unauthorized” success of countless independent musicians who persevere, despite being blacklisted by power structures that control so much of what we call culture.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Vinnie Paz, rapper and founder of the group Jedi Mind Tricks, who for years has created controversial music seeding truth in the minds of anyone who listens.
“If a P.T. Anderson film comes out,” said Vinnie, “and a Schwarzenegger film comes out on the same weekend, what’s gonna make $100 million and what’s gonna barely crack a million… you know what I mean?”
There’s a predictable pattern that can be found in all forms of media. With video games, it might be Call of Duty. With movies, it could be Transformers. And with music… well, it’s crap like GUCCI GANG…
The disparity between lyricism with a message and lyrics for morons is something countless artists have had to deal with when facing establishment record companies–the closer you get to that tiny capstone at the top of the “success” pyramid, the tinier the IQ of the consumer…
As Vinnie puts it:
“Do people wanna hear [hard truths] when they sorta live in this wake up, go to work, 9 to 5, a wife they don’t like, kids screaming… it becomes this like, ‘oh I don’t want to hear about this shit…’ What’s the antithesis? Escapism.”
That was a thought-provoking point from my interview with Vinnie Paz and made me wonder if people crave escapism as an antidote to the misery of everyday life.
Perhaps humans have a threshold for suffering, and the more pain and confusion we endure, the less capacity we have to confront some of the larger evils in our world.
It would certainly help explain why the system tries so hard to keep us all in debt, to divide and conquer, and to instill fear into our psyche. People are easier to control when they’re afraid.
I suppose I can understand why it may be easier to vibe out to Gucci Gang, and so the views skyrocket and the endorsement deals flood in–but real success isn’t always measured in those numbers.
The veteran Philadelphia MC told me this:
“Success to me is over two decades of doing it for a living, touring the world, seeing the world, being able to come see you guys this year [at Anarchapulco] and meet all these wonderful people, and being on every continent through the music I’ve made.”
Our conversation covered everything from early rap influences and going down the rabbit hole, to overcoming indoctrination and asking the right questions.
We also talked about music as escapism vs realism, life on the road, anarchy and looking forward to Anarchapulco 2020.
This only scratches the surface of what we discussed in this exciting interview. Anarchast episode 493 is one not to miss!
Enjoy the full show:
Vinnie Paz and Jedi Mind Tricks will be entertaining and enlightening us at Anarchapulco 2020, adding to the rich history of revolutionary artists who’ve joined our community.
Earlier this year, Immortal Technique rocked the stage with Chino XL at Acapulco’s hottest nightclub, and last year, members of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan tore the house down with a spectacular surprise performance!
Anarchapulco is known as The World’s Premier Liberty Event–and it’s all happening again at the famous Princess Mundo Imperial Resort from February 10th through 20th.
In addition to the musical talent, attendees will have the chance to meet and mingle with a variety of amazing speakers, from Dr. Ron Paul and Freeway Rick Ross to John McAfee and Sherry Peel Jackson (plus so many more).
If you’re planning to be there, tickets and rooms for Anarchapulco 2020 are expected to sell out so be sure to BOOK YOURS and secure your space while you still can!
The 6th annual Anarchapulco will get you direct insights from over 100 cutting edge presenters on 4 stages, exclusive entry to the opening night concert featuring Jedi Mind Tricks and special guests, nightly pool parties hosted by Freenauts and the DDP (Decentralized Dance Party), surprise appearances and much more!
Of course, you can also bring the kids (below age 18) for FREE! Our Free Your Family Camp will be a fun and positive environment where children of all ages can enjoy games, activities and memorable experiences.
Culture is shifting. Will you participate as we evolve the world?
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