The White Rapper Show is the latest reality show from VH1 airing Monday evenings at 10:00 p.m. The show's objective is to discover the next Great White Hype in the hip hop world. Since the introduction of the Beastie Boys in 1985, followed by the explosive introduction of Marshall "Eminem" Mathers in 1999, there haven't been many white rappers to make their stamp in the rap world.
Although rap is mainly dominated by black artists, a reality show that attempts to integrate hip hop blatantly makes a mockery of the music and movement.
The contestants on the show can't be taken seriously as true artists of hip hop. They may have a passion for the music and some of them may even live the lifestyle, but when watching the show there are more feelings of humor than general respect. You have a Texan front man of a rock band being compared to rap legend Rakim, a Queens, New York, native who feels comfortable with using the "n" word and a Paul Wall look-alike.
Are they serious? The very essence of hip hop is not gold grills, fitted hats, g-unit clothing, and reading "The History of Hip Hop". As far as Nas is concerned, hip hop is dead. Or is the winner of this show supposed to revive hip hop? After just viewing two episodes of the show, the comic factor and blatant disrespect of hip hop's true emcee's becomes very apparent.
After taking a tour of South Brooklyn - the birthplace of hip hop in 1973 - break dancing, and testing the contestants' hip hop knowledge by listening to a snippet of a song and identifying the artist and song title. Knowledge of the game doesn't make you a good emcee, break dancing doesn't make you an emcee, and white contestants on a reality show living in the south Bronx don't make good emcees.
Some of the contestants on the show possess skills, they have the rhyme delivery and the general knowledge to make a statement over a dope beat, but why are all the extra antics necessary?
It isn't stated anywhere that hip hop is only for black artists, there is no affirmative action needed in hip hop. Hip hop is about the music, not about the characters claiming to be hip hop artists. The show continues to disrespect the music. In future episodes, the contestants compete in a competition called "Affirmative Action", where the contestants interpret common phrases, myths, assumptions and words regarding black life.
And not only does the show punish the contents by wearing a "N" word chain for a day when they use the "n" word, but there is also a Ghetto Pass, when you have immunity from being eliminated from the White House.
Although, many critiques and disdain for this show is apparent there is still many people who feel like the show is genuine and that there is a possibility that the next great white emcee will be found.
Only time will tell how this reality show will play out. Maybe hip hop will be revived and the shows purpose will be positively reflected, but I doubt it!
Be the first to comment on this article!