AP
Incumbent Alderman Willie B. Cochran isn't going down without a fight, and told the Chicago Sun-Times that voters "know the difference between a professional public administrator who's been doing an outstanding job for them . . . as opposed to someone who is a known hip-hop artist who degrades women and promotes violence in his videos." Only time will tell if Cochran's comment will be taken as a stab at Rhymefest alone, or the hip-hop community in general. The back-and-forth comes at an interesting moment. Earlier today, The BoomBox ran a story on Jay-Z saying he's "not hearing anyone's real voice" when it comes to the genre. He said rappers need to "find our way back to true emotion" and that "love is the only thing that stands the test of time," noting timeless love-ladened records like 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.'
Rhymefest had already complimented that thought during his press conference on Thursday, announcing "The definition of revolution is love." There seems to be to opposing opinions of hip-hop -- is it a peaceful or violent machine gun?
"Hip-hop has often been presented as a weapon of the community, but it's not. It's a tool," was the actual quote that the Tribune picked-up on during Rhymefest's Thursday press conference. While the stigma that hip-hop is violent has been omnipresent for decades, its initial motives -- take Gil Scott-Heron's 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' -- was to inform and educate, a new genre that took a page from music's core purpose. Even the lyrics on 'Jesus Walks' toyed with the idea of freedom of expression within its verses, and that song went on to reach millions, as noted by its platinum sales.
But the fight the for alderman brings up the notion that hip-hop's damaged reputation will take away from the real issue at hand, which is, boom-bap beats aside, who is the best candidate for the position. Only time will tell.
Kellie Pickler Named 'Dancing With the Stars' Champion
Beyonce Releases New Anthem, 'Grown Woman'
Taylor Swift Dominates at 2013 Billboard Music Awards
J. Cole Performs 'Born Sinner' on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon,' Reveals Competitive Spirit Against Kanye West
Blake Shelton Joins NBC in Organizing Oklahoma Tornado Benefit Concert
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
Blake Shelton Will Return for Season 5 of 'The Voice'
Brave Woman Stood Down Armed London Attackers
Toby Keith Says His Hometown of Moore, Oklahoma 'Will Perservere' After Deadly Tornado
Surgeon's Remove Giant Hairball From Tiger
Toby Keith Returns to Help Family, Friends in Moore, Oklahoma
LOOK: Bank Vault Saves 22 Lives During Tornado
Carrie Underwood 'Goats' Hunter Hayes With Blown Away Tour Prank
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Carrie Underwood Says She's 'Queen of Awkward' in Marie Claire Interview
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Helen Flanagan Launches PETA Campaign As Only She Knows How
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
LOOK: Photoshop Mistake Is Seriously Cringeworthy
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
Pope Francis Says All Who Do Good Are Redeemed - Atheists Included
REVEALED: Disturbing Trend In Human Intelligence
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Help For Heroes Killing
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
The World's Most Powerful Women
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
WATCH: Tornado Victim Finds Dog During CBS Interview
WATCH: Mom's Emotional Reunion With Son After Tornado
Grossed Out Student Finds "Worm" In His McMuffin
