Interview (Interlude)

So, um, what is it with the state of hip hop and the arts in general at the moment?

Well thanks for having us and thanks for asking this
Can I please start with the last question? (Sure)
'Cause it seems there's a
Move to let the arts reflect what isn't exactly there, you know?
Make it strictly for and about rich people and wealth
And when it's not about that it's indirectly about that, you know? (Right)
And that seems to be reflected in music nowadays
And, uh, hip hop is a good example 'cause you have a case today where
The music is all about things that have ephemeral value
Like your money, clothes, sex, lifestyle and all (Yeah)
And it ignores the original message of peace, unity and having fun (Right)
And if you look at the old school, it was alright to be middle class or even poor
As long as you had skill and told the truth (Right)
You know, you stood for something, you know?
That kind of music is not being played today on the radio or on the TV
And people need to be reminded of the bittersweet truths now and again, you know? (Yeah, yeah)

And you know rap, rap actually stands for rhythm and poetry
And the poet in the role of justice and truth seeker
Stands aloof and speaks to you like we do in the booth, you know? (Right, right)
And like Plato said, art has got to be of value to the community or else it's of no use
So you lying to us on records is just wrong you know?
And there's a place for bragging 'cause no one will do it for you
And showing skill is good too or but that's just a minor part of it, you know? (Yeah)

And isn't rap just a part of hip hop?

Yeah, yeah rap is just a part of the larger body of hip hop
Which includes djing, b-boying, graffiti, emceeing, fashion, entrepreneurship
And of course the knowledge which brings it all together (Right)
'Cause it's a universal movement, you know?
And we are hip hoppers, not because our lives are all awesome
And we've got no problems
Or we've got a ton of money or clothes or whatever
But just for the funk of it (Yeah)

So you know, the main part of the art, hip hop, or rap, you know?
Is about truth, making people feel no pain, making the world a better place
And spreading (Love)
Love
That's it