So with all that said theres been controversy from last year where a shooting happened near the end of the event or just after in which 6 people were shot. That begins the story of where the problems began and currently still are. Trae of course was in no way involved in the shooting and neither were 99.9% of the people who attended, yet the stereotypes and media culture that exist around hip hop has put the blame on everyone there. They portray things as though this never happens at other types of music related events, however it does. We can admit there is a bit of a gun culture and street culture with much of hip hop. However hip hop doesnt have a monopoly on violence as there are more than enough drunken fights and problems at rock n roll events or whatever other event.
There are almost always going to be problems made by a few troublemakers who want to ruin the good for everyone else. It happens everywhere, not just hip hop. Its unfortunate that with hip hop it tends to come in the form of shootings. Speaking with Trae I know that he doesnt encourage this with his music or message and does what he can to make sure its a safe community environment and event. He and I spoke as I commented about Waka Flocka being part of the event and how I didnt feel he fit the spirit of what was happening. He explained to me man to man how the artists he brings in are relevant to the audience he’s presenting them to and how they would not ever be allowed to present a negative message. In fact I think if an artist like Waka Flocka was able to speak to the kids directly along with his music it would give him a good chance to explain its entertainment and that he doesnt encourage people to do what he’s expressing in his music, its just a story of the streets.
We cant allow the media to dictate what hip hop culture is, we need to dictate it to them and show them the positive influence it can have. We have to support putting a message along with the music and do it all the time. Trae knows he’s in a big battle with the media, sponsors pulling out, artists withdrawing, venues declining to host his event, but he’s in a battle for the right thing and we all should support that. I support what Trae Day is about and what he’s trying to do. I made my opinion known and its respected, but I respect the rebuttal he gave me personally and it makes sense. We have to fight back against popular media, tv, radio and present a positive role and image for what hip hop is along with the reality based stories it can tell of the streets. Theres no doubt its more popular than ever and this is our chance to push back and define it instead of allowing them to define it for us!








