Will Smith Speech

Good afternoon to all,
hope the day is going well for you.

I found an article today that mentioned Will Smith's intention to address the hip-hop community of rappers tonight on the BET Awards show. Smith, who is emcee'ing the event, plans to give a speech to the assembled crowd on the subject of gangsta rap's impact on the youth of America and the world. While the points made by ol' Will do have some truth, I'm wondering how it will be received by the gangsta rap community, too often the want and almost obligation of "keepin' it real", blocks out all sensible reason. I don't know what the big deal about keepin' it real is anyhow, how does that prevent someone from expanding their view upon the world, into putting down the gun, and trying to make a positive difference? I can understand the need to tell the stories of the street, to pass along those tales to others who couldn't imagine a life such as what they're hearing described, it's important for others to know, as it in some way educates and gives voice to those who would otherwise have had no voice. However, it's far too often that we see the emergence of the "super street person", baddest on the block, gunslingin', wearing a 20 lb. piece of platinum around their neck, swaggerin' about proudly wearing the bullet-proof vest, cruisin' in their bomb-proof car, and talking down about any education other than what the street can provide. The street can provide an education, that is for sure, but it is a hard lesson, one that comes in the most unforgiving of ways. What would impress me, would be for one of those gangsta rappers to start up a community center in their old neighborhood, and to think back to a time when they were growing up there... what was it that they most wished the neighborhood had at the time? Giving a chance to the kids of their old neighborhood would be an admirable thing for them to do, rather than just living off of them as they purchase their CD's, buy their sneakers. and clothing items, only then will they be worthy of their position of influence. Imagine the first kid graduating from college on the 50 Cent college scholarship, now that would be cool, if only 50 would grow up a bit and stop imitating the role of Al Pacino in Scarface. Imagine the first home built by the P. Diddy Habitat for Humanity joint effort, and the smile of an inner city kid who now has a safe backyard in which to play, all is possible, but the music world (all genres of music, not just rap) is short sighted in how it makes money and gives little back. Imagine if the proceeds from just one concert per year, from all the mega-successful artists out there, and the real good it could do for a community or even just one family down on it's luck or living in a shelter somewhere (there are entire families out there who are homeless), instead of buying the $500,000 car to park next to the $300,000 car in the garage, why not do some good for the world around them? Afterall, if the donation were done in the name of a private foundation they could create, the amount would be a tax deduction. Anyhow, enough of my soapbox ranting, I was momentarily lost in what I would do if God blessed me with the responsibility of wealth (something I've thought about, and actually mentioned in a prayer a few times: I said, "God, I don't know what you have planned for me in the future, but if you allow me a way to help people, I pledge to you that I surely will and with all the love in my heart." I plan to one day be able to buy a few homes, fix them up, and speak to homeless shelter administrators, and churches to find families to help, one year with no rent, after that all rent will apply towards ownership of their own home. My parents think my idea is crazy, but I don't care what they think, sometimes people just need a little help to turn their situation into that which they could scarcely dream about. Though it might sometimes sound like it, I'm not one of those preachy people, I have my faith but I don't believe in forcing it upon anyone else, hope you all don't mind some of the stuff I talk about.) Anyhow, back to the Will Smith story, *LOL I'm not sure how his words will be received, as he isn't exactly a member of the gangsta rap community, most likely he will be dismissed as someone thinking they are above the rest, and harsh words are almost sure to follow as the comments fly. He has some good ideas, but what would really make a difference would be if a rapper like The Game were to speak up on the issues. We'll see how all of this plays out after tonight.