i know i'm catching the tail end of this conversation, but i wanted to add that ras kass is probably one of the most underrated emcees in hip hop. unfortunately, it is because of this, and the simple fact that he expresses himself without reservation, that he has encountered more stumbling blocks than any other emcee. interview with the vampire is one of the most amazing songs i have heard from a hip hop emcee. lyrics alone don't do it justice because the music is just as powerful.
i believe his purpose of writing this song is to make you and i think of what is most important (as evident in the above email response). what is not important is money, jewelery, expensive cars, record deals, and ultimately, other individuals in our lives. what is most important is our thought processes and our beliefs, because if we do not have control of our own mind, who does? the goal of this song is to make the listener think and reflect upon themselves (also evident in r.k.'s response). but as imperfect humans, some immediately focuse merely on race, or the discussion of prejudice between the races. why? i believe because it is the easiest way of discounting what he has to say to society. once an influentual spokesperson can discount something as rascist, the politically correct brain dead masses will regard it as so, and never attempt to reflect introspectively. the bigger point he is making, or question he is posing rather, is what do you believe and why? do you have a full grasp of your beliefs, or do you believe what you do because you are one of the indoctrinated brain-dead? don't accept what is given you at face value, from anyone, because all too often it isn't what it seems.
word to the wise, "if you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things."
- Rene Descartes
madsci
hip hop purist