Conversation Of The Week LIII: National And International Hip-Hop Artist, Jasiri X, Seen As An Effective Force To Bring About Political And Social Change

I am inspired by people who use different artistic avenues to dismantle systems of power, prejudice, and inequality in order to create awareness about present issues going on. Jasiri X is one such example that is inspiring because by his very intentional words in his lyrics he is able to invoke a response. He is able to reach populations that might not otherwise think about these issues. This is why I think artistic expression is important to dismantle oppression because it is a way to creatively and uniquely engage people about their beliefs and cause people to rethink the present structures of power, prejudice, and inequality. Education and empowerment can come in many different forms and I like how Jasiri X is able to engage young African-American boys how to analyze and create media for themselves. Overall, this was an inspiring article because it shows that directly confronting issues is an important aspect of dismantling oppression in order to combat color-blind racism that tries to avoid the topic.

I'll admit that I have never heard of this artist, but this article has made me want to look him up. The work he is doing to put out music with positive messages reminds me of the rapper Macklemore. His song "Otherside" is a personal narrative that encourages young people to stay away from drugs and violence even though it is in all the music they hear. Even more powerful is his song "Same Love" which is talking about gay marriage and the homophobia in rap music. With his popular radio hit "Thrift Shop", he is rapidly gaining more fans that will listen to his other songs. Music is such a powerful weapon to reach the masses; I find it inspiring and encouraging that rappers with positive messages are rising to the top. Surely they will be able to at least make a dent in the opinions of the youth.

This is a great avenue for promoting positive ideas because music is praised and heard by almost everyone. He is doing a great thing by using music in this fashion, especially since the type of music he creates has a lot of negative messages that it sends out normally.

I must say I am quite intrigued and impressed by Jasiri X and plan to YouTube his work after reading this article. I, personally, love soul and hip-hop music, and appreciate the use of music as an opportunity to reach mass amounts of people towards peaceful measures.

I recently took two courses which also appealed to various forms of social justice: Film and Social Justice and Poetry and Social Justice. Both courses were enlightening as I had never though of film or poetry as avenues towards change. Now, after multiple courses, I truly view the arts and media as THE way forward.

I appreciate the efforts of artists like Jasiri X, and hope to see more people, in general, making statements towards a less racialized and prejuidicial world.

I have always thought that the way to reach young people-or people in general-is through the mediums that speak directly to them. There is no message like the one that directly relatable-we know this in the ways we learn-we understand what we know and can assimilate. A message that is heard from a source like Jasiri X to youth either already involved in the situations he talks about or on the verge is going to resonate deeper than most others. Our children are at risk and we are severely lacking the mentorship and leadership to direct them-it would seem we are left with artists like Jasiri X to fill the gap. As much as I am glad to have expression through different forms of art and a venue to reach our youth-it just demonstrates how much our social systems are failing. Until every individual realizes that these issues are not just "their problems" but "our problems" we will be left with these artists holding the ball as the 'voice' for oppression and moreover giving them a plethora of material to use. Imagine if everyone donated just a bit of their time to a community or child in need how much of a difference that would make. It seems we have forgotten how to be an example for others-we have forgotten that the world encompasses more than our immediate existence.

It is so cool to read about someone who is reaching out to people in a manner of the new age I guess I could put it. Our radio stations are filled with hip hop music that incourages kids to engage in sex, drugs, and other deviant activities. It glorifies crime and is polluting our youth. What Jasari X is doing is creating a healthy message and putting it out there the way kids listen to things now days. They can see that not all music is about "the street" but things that matter like equality and other racial issues. This in my opinion is the best way to reach out to our generation, it reminds me of a rap group called "The 5-0", which is two cops who rap to children about how to stop crime and living a healthy lifestyle that will get you places. Cuddos to Jasari X for getting the message out there and doing it with style!

Music is a great way to get a positive message across. I love what his group is doing to help young make positive music, or conscientious as I believe he said. I think it is sad that he was told it wasn't marketable. The idea that companies would rather promote the music that only continues the negative stereotypes is ridiculous to me, but not surprising by any means. The almighty dollar must prevail. I applaud him in his efforts and I truly hope he inspires many to do the same.

I think utilizing hip-hop music as a means of addressing and promoting political issues is an ingenious idea. Jasiri X is encouraging political participation in African American communities throughout the United States with his music and commentary. The hip-hop industry tends to be viewed by whites as nefarious due to the constant referrences to crime, drug use and demeaning lyrics aimed at women. Jasiri X is using hip-hop to educate aspiring rappers on the negativity associated with the music/rap industry while still being successful. I think it is important for more young African American men to step up and be positive mentors in their communities.

Its nice to see an "celebrity" using their influence to further our society, in America. You always hear about stars going to other countries, you know who they are. We have racism, bigotry and hate in the U.S. Its refreshing to see a young person who can better relate to the generation that can make a difference. It also helps his commentary is not preachy and easy to listen too.

I think this is an innovative approach to raising awareness of political and social issues. Hip-hop, and all of pop culture, is the medium constantly used to infiltrate the minds of youth with socially constructed ideology, so it is refreshing to see this same method be used to deconstruct some of that ideology and promote healthier messages.

It is very inspiring to see a hip-hop artist doing such work on political and social issues. With his lyrics, he is educating the youth the reality of oppression and privilege, something resembling a college course, but not as expensive. With catchy melodies and good rapping skills he may be attractive to many listeners. I think this is great especially for the younger people and those who are uneducated about social and political issues in general. Hip-hop world needs more artists like Jasiri X to communicate such messages to our society. It is a great idea for future artists.

I am glad when I see articles about hip-hop artists helping to create social change. Jasiri X is an inspiration and is providing good social commentary about the nature of politics in the world. His, is an important voice in the same way as other hip-hop legends like Immortal Technique, Public Enemy and others. Bravo to Jasiri X and keep up the good work!

So, what do you like to do? I'm pretty sure that most people that have responded to this question included music in their answer. I'll admit that I'm not a fan of hip hop, but I like anything with a good message that elicits emotion which, to me, is what this artist intends to do. As other posters have mentioned, some of his music selections are tied to a specific global issue like gay rights or drug abuse.

This successful artist has really discovered an outlet for change that will inspire children everywhere, for children are the future (corny, I know). Now we just need to continuously strive to reach people through other popular outlets of communication. For instance, as yet another fellow poster suggested, poetry. Now, poetry is not as popular with the youngsters, but older generations could probably appreciate the simplicity and power of a well written poem. I've heard artists describe their music (I think it was a rap artist) as poetry.

If important public figures, artists, etc., continue to follow the example set forth by this man and many other greater citizens, I can see some real change in our society.

Jasiri X is a great example for showing that black culture is not only for blacks anymore. Hip-hop music is one example of significant black culture. However, it is not weird that other races enjoy hip-hop music, and even many black hip-hop musicians can be stars/role-models for other races. We have several white hip-hop musicians now, and later hip-hop might become part of American culture which embraces all other races. Hopefully, other areas that are viewed with black and white have similar movements like this article, so people are less cynical about other races.

I don't want to say this without sounds negative because I mean everything to be positive, but this artist gives hope to the Hip Hop genre. What you hear most of the time from this musical genre is all about bitches and hoes, but this man is making a stand against the stereotypical Hip Hop-er. He wants to influence young men to make their own inspiring and positive message Hip Hop songs, instead of the classic music that is degrading towards woman. And I also think it's great that UCCS got an interview with this individual!~Much needed!

I think this is a great example of what could and what can be inspiration through music. However, I do not think this is the first time this has happened nor will it be the last. Hip-hop artists have been political since the beginning of rap. Artists like Q-TIp, KRS One and Rakim have been very influential in making songs to express political feelings. I think the problem with political figures and political ideas being associated with Hip-Hop is that the people who don't like Hip-Hop won't listen. The music has to be heard in order to be understood and I think there are a lot of artists in the last 10 years who don't have anything credible to say, but they know how to sell records. If the goal is to make money, then who cares what is in the lyrics, but if the goal is to spread a message the dynamic of the music completely changes. I think that Jasiri X is someone who wants to spread a message. A lot of of other people associated with Hip-Hop just want to be famous and make money. The artists who have a purpose for making music may not be heard as often, but they are there.

I think with our generation music is a great channel to send positive messages. The music scene today is huge and more and more hip hop artists are sending positive messages. This is one way in which I think a positive message will be heard by millions. Although I have never herd this artists music or videos on youtube I know they are out there. This is one of many ways in which we can minimize oppression in our society.