The Conservative Edge

I heard about the list of nominees for potential induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It seems that the judges are trying to maintain their ridiculous standards for inclusion in the Hall. I laughed—out loud, I think—when they put Madonna in, but this year’s choice is just as laughable. They want to put LL Cool J in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Apparently, the committee has guidelines about their selection process. They have some kind of mission statement, to the effect that they select artists who have contributed to the advancement and/or evolution of rock and roll music.

That might explain why there are some country or rockabilly-type artists in the Hall of Fame. People like Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and others definitely had R&B, gospel, and country roots. And they continued to develop their styles into what came to be known as “rock-and-roll.” Hence, the rise of stars like the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly.

But I have to question how rap and hip-hop music contributed to the evolution of rock-and-roll. If anything, those genres have brought about the demise of rock-and-roll as mainstream-type music. There really has been a concerted effort by rap and hip-hop artists and producers to supplant rock music, especially among young white listeners. It is no accident. Rock music has generally been created by white artists and heard by white listeners. As a result, rock has been viewed as an institution that must be torn down by the rappers and hip-hoppers. To fill the vacuum, rap has been extensively and ruthlessly marketed to young whites, especially teen girls.

So now, millions of dollars are flowing into the coffers of rap and hip-hop artists and music producers. Ironically, it was black artists who, many years ago, complained about the amount of money the Bee Gees were making during the brief disco era. They don’t seem to be complaining now that their music tops the sales charts. Additionally, young white males have little of their own culture and musical history to identify with. This has all gone according to plan.

Fortunately, there has been a renewed interest in classic rock music. “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” games are leading scores of young males to find a new appreciation for true rock artists, and the legendary songs they created. It is remarkable how successful the guitar-simulation games have been. This must be due in part to how the games have been designed, but it must also speak to the greatness of the music itself. Hopefully, many young folks will maintain their interest in classic rock, and help evolve rock without any influence from rappers. And I hope I never see a “Rap Hero” game ever come to market.

It is simply amazing, this obsession with Michael Jackson. He was, at one time, a great singer and dancer. In fact, if I had the choice of listening to Michael’s Off the Wall album or anything of today’s thuggish rap or hip-hop “artists”, I’d take Michael every time.

But he hasn’t accomplished much over the past few years. The rap/hip-hop junk smothered him out, just like others who have talent, but aren’t aggressively marketed by organizations like Def Jam or Rush Communications. Michael has only gotten the occasional headline, usually for an unfortunate incident or an ailment. How many entertainers were sitting around a month ago thinking about how great Michael Jackson is? It’s funny how they suddenly have come out of the woodwork to appear on a televised event.

But now, we see Michael being used for publicity. Not just by the media, but by the Jackson family, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and others. How undignified, unprofessional, and childish it was for Jesse and Al to argue over who would get the most airtime at Michael’s funeral. How ridiculous it is for the public to be asked for donations to cover the cost of extra security measures needed for the ceremony. Enough is enough. Michael Jackson may have given many people a reason to sing and dance, but he wasn’t a President or a King. He was a talented artist who should be given a honorable, decent memorial for his accomplishments. Instead, we see a circus for a funeral.

If the city of Los Angeles needs money for the extra costs of the public ceremony, it should petition the Rainbow Coalition. Jesse Jackson should have to pay for the publicity he’s getting at this overdone media extravaganza. I sure hope nobody is stupid enough to actually donate their hard-earned money.

Yes, I know that seems odd. But I really am thankful for Metallica’s latest effort, “Death Magnetic”. You see, I am just terribly sick of hearing the mindless, stupid pounding of the now-ubiquitous rap and hipitty-hop music you hear thumping from every other vehicle you encounter at the gas station or traffic light. But now, I have something to fight back with.

I’d really like to have some giant speakers, fed by a couple of thousand watts, mounted in the back of my truck. Then, I could turn up Metallica’s “End of the Line” or “Cyanide” at the gas station next to some lowlife who’s trying too hard to get attention with his Kanye West or Eminem junk. I can’t believe that people—especially young white folks—think rap is so great that the rest of us should eat it up too. Not me! Metallica’s “Death Magnetic” is the kind of music that feeds the macho beast that lurks inside my normally quiet self. You’ll have to pry my metal from my cold, dead hands.

Come to think of it, I’m thankful that Ozzy is still around. And that AC/DC has a new CD. And that Guitar Hero is introducing classic rock and roll to young ones all across America. Maybe there’s hope for us rock aficionados after all. I remember when disco music got buried almost as soon as it became most popular. Yet, we’ve been enduring rap now for what—15 or 20 years? We need to throw off the rap rubbish and “Usher” in a new renaissance of metal music. Metallica’s new CD is a great way to get started.

Rock on!