Okay, there is a pink elephant walking up and down Woodward Ave. I am tired of everyone seeing it and acting like it is not there.
I may be hyper-sensitive to this as I have been engaged in our scene in various capacities for quite some time now. With my current focus/contribution, I pay a lot of attention to how innocent bystanders respond to our desire to gain their attention. When I say I pay attention, I literally the study reactions and keep written record of them. I am comparing numbers, making charts and developing theories to test in future instances.
Now I see a lot of attempts to get the attention of people. People try all sorts of methods. Some beg almost to the point of nagging; some just pose like they are cooler than they are and front their way through it. Either way, it is as if folks think people are stupid. It is kind of disturbing.
We are living in crazy times right now. It seems like we are losing folks, left and right. Whether it be moving away from their hometown or just general life events, our numbers around Detroit are dwindling. The interest in hip hop in general is weak. Nothing exciting is going on, but we continue to yell about stuff like it is going to change things.
What I am calling for is a true recognition of the situation in your hometown. I am asking that you think about what it probably looks like to someone that is not like you.
I have written a lot here, but I mean this in the most serious way. The negative bursts need to cease. It looks bad, very bad.
Again, do what no one has done, teach the youth. There is a strong core of new talent that could use some seasoned guidance. If you do not know of any, I could give you some referrals.
The course of negativity needs to be reversed. It is getting annoying. If only shit comes from the top, what do you expect to sprout? Especially considering nothing is really being planted to replace whatever fruit gets picked.
Folks, I implore you. Let’s right the ship. If you have no clue as to what I mean, feel free to call me (313.820.4075).