The Impact of "Controversial" Music

[Mode' Moheem]

Now my definition of "controversial" music are tunes of the past and present that stirred discomfort, anger, rage, sadness, political outrage, and sexually "perverse" feelings amongst the public. This music of this type of impact can have any effect of age rank involved.

What is "controversial" music to you? For me, it was groups like Public Enemy, KRS-One (originally from Boogie Down Productions), Wise Intelligent, 2 Live Crew, Luther Campbell, NWA, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Marilyn Manson (hope I spelled his name right), and other artists I can't think of right now.

I don't think there is no such thing as "controversial" music. Why? It brings about necessary, and in most cases, long overdue discussion over what is real, what is right, and what is, period, amongst society. Looking at the inner meaning of the song, artist, and timing of their music is only scratching the surface. You go deep when you ask the fans of such music as to why? Why is it acceptable to be, or do the things that they speak of on a record? Why are you so angry? What are you angry about? When did you get this angry? How did you get this angry? Music of such an "offensive" nature, should be looked upon as a great blessing. It even should be looked upon as a spiritual value. Something had to be awakened by the listener in order for discussions of a deep kind to take place.

Now that I have your wheels turning. Answer me, or yourself this. Did the "controversial" music create a hindrance, help, or in between effect with you, or your children, nephews, nieces, etc.? If so why?

Peace & Blessings

Mode' Moheem

[Mode' Moheem]

Thanks Ruby.

You made a lot of sense with your response. I just wish I had an outlet of that level available. That is, when I was young. I had a darkness with myself when growing up. I had a nice written library of twisted, but realistic articles written for the frustrated teen (like me). I even did it in the neighborhood I grew up in. The music I listened to only fueled it.

Waking up should be a constant thing as human beings. It should not be planned, it should be naturalized, especially through music. I really appreciate you sharing your view on controversial music.

I really like the fact that you have a radio station as well. That is excellent. I wonder. Do you have poetry sessions live on air?

Peace & Blessings.

[Ruby]

Yes in fact it did. When I was an adolescent (in high school) I made friends with this wonderful girl named Jennifer. She was your typical teen with angst she listened to a wide variety of shocking music and her appearance reflected her musical choice. I knew she was harmless of course but the other students were quite put off and rather frightened of her. The two of us were transfered to this tiny little school way out in the Appalachian range. We came from different parts of the same state (California) and thats the reason we became friends. I thought her music was unique and interesting because I didn't feel the need to take it serious like the other students did. I couldn't believe the impact she had on the entire school. The more they scorned her looks, and tastes the more angry and seemingly hateful she became. She grew up to be a really sweet. caring, generous person with a strong connection to her friends and family. She did absorb quite a bit of negativity and I carried that experience with me for years trying to understand it. I noticed that since we were such close friends I became a bit "dark" myself and rather bitter with people during my young adulthood. I realized that I asked for it by presenting myself in such a shocking way. Yes, getting people to fear you isn't going to bring you love and happiness. It's funny that it took such a long time for Jen and I to realize this. In the beginning we were just hurt and frightened ourselves and in small ways I guess we felt powerful and intimidating enough to guard ourselves from our fear (in reality we were inviting it)

Here is the funny thing about this question you asked Mode'Moheem! I am currently running a pirate radio station with my closest friends and doing my best to try and share the transmitter with my peers and the entire community if possible ha ha . We play a large range of controversial music. Mainly because the "kids" who are involved believe that they should be able to listen to whatever they want and they are choosing some really radical stuff to put on the air. Each Dj has their own individual taste so there are segments that have a real nice sound like historical bluegrass, Jazz, and even classical sounds. But mainly it's raw punk and metal. This music doesn't really have such a negative effect on the listeners. They love it. They tell us that they are SOOooo happy about our station. It's real and yes it does make our listeners "think" about alternative things that have nothing to do with the main stream. Most of these kids are oppressed hard workers who have suffered the economy worse than anyone I have ever seen. They are angry but I see them doing their best to be as constructive as possible so the anger thing seems to be helping more than hurting. I think that it is nice to see these kids having BBQ's on Sundays with their tofu and summer squash (at the transmitter den) so they can do the radio happily instead of smashing things and crying out in a drunken rage to the night on their way home from a miserable wasted day. The whole town can hear their outcries and passions (mainly music) So far I like the effect of our free radio outlet.

I hope this post made sense hehe Peace out Mode'Moheem I rather enjoyed responding to this question.