What is an Artist?

By: Jeneka Williamson

My definition of a musical artist is a person who expresses their innermost thoughts and feelings through an intricate thought process.   Hip hop and RnB has lost many of it's true artists. Now, it's all about gimmicks. The meaning is gone, the words are empty, the mind of the listener is not being challenged. 

I don't want to be a hater because I love seeing African Americans become successful. However, why is some success at the expense of ethnic degradation?  We are supposed to lift each other up, propel forward and show America something other than malt liquor, fried chicken, gang shoot outs, and cladly dressed ladies.   Is it necessary that we use profane language in ever other word of a rap? I don't think so. I do not agree with the way media portrays us in the news and videos. There are so many more good aspects of our society that I'm anxious to let the world see.