#116 Black Music that Black People Don’t Listen to Anymore
November 18, 2008 by clander
All music genres go through a very similar life cycle: birth, growth, mainstream acceptance, decline, and finally obscurity. With black music, however, the final stage is never reached because white people are work tirelessly to keep it alive. Apparently, once a music has lost its relevance with its intended audience, it becomes MORE relevant to white people.
Historically speaking, the music that white people have kept on life support for the longest period of time is Jazz. Thanks largely to public radio, bookstores, and coffee shops, Jazz has carved out a niche in white culture that is not yet ready to be replaced by Indie Rock. But the biggest role that Jazz plays in white culture is in the white fantasy of leisure. All white people believe that they prefer listening to jazz over watching television. This is not true.
Every few a months, a white person will put on some Jazz and pour themselves a glass of wine or scotch and tell themselves how nice it is. Then they will get bored and watch television or write emails to other white people about how nice it was to listen to Jazz at home. “Last night, I poured myself a glass of Shiraz and put Charlie Parker on the Bose. It was so relaxing, I wish I had a fireplace.” Listing this activity as one of your favorites is a sure fire way to make progress towards a romantic relationship with a white person.
Along with Jazz, white people have also taken quite a shine to The Blues, an art form that captured the pain of the black experience in America. Then, in the 1960s, a bunch of British bands started to play their own version of the music and white people have been loving it ever since. It makes sense considering that the British were the ones who created The Blues in the 17th Century.
Today, white people keep The Blues going strong by taking vacations to Memphis, forming awkward bands, making documentaries, and organizing folk festivals. Blue and Jazz music appeal mostly to older white people and select few young ones who probably wear fedoras. But that doesn’t mean that young white people aren’t working hard to preserve music that has lost relevance. No, there are literally thousands of white people who are giving their all to keep old school Hip Hop alive.
Even as you read this, white people are telling other white people about the golden age of Hip Hop that they experienced in a suburban high school or through a viewing of The Wackness.
If you are good at concealing laughter and contempt, you should ask a white person about “Real Hip Hop.” They will quickly tell you about how they don’t listen to “Commercial Hip Hop” (aka music that black people actually enjoy), and that they much prefer “Classic Hip Hop.”
“I don’t listen to that commercial stuff. I’m more into the Real Hip Hop, you know? KRS One, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, De La Soul, Wu Tang, you know, The Old School.”
Calling this style of music ‘old school’ is considered an especially apt name since the majority of people who listen to it did so while attending old schools such as Dartmouth, Bard, and Williams College.
What it all comes down to is that white people are convinced that if they were alive when this music was relevant that they would have been into it. They would have been Alan Lomax or Rick Rubin. Now the best they can hope for is to impress an older black person with their knowledge.
graphics, and breaking rule
Personally, I only listen to “world hip-hop”. Especially British hip-hop…made by authentic post-colonial subjects. Oh, and K’Naan because his stuff is real, dig.
I think the real question we should explore beyond this article is “what is white music and black music”. In reality, the stuff some people of other races may classify “black music” is not actually what all black people listen. So called “black music” has categories as well and you would not know that unless you seek/take that musical journey. I definitely wouldn’t call what you hear on the radio “black music”…you actually only hear pop music in different genres of music (my opinion). Most black people listen to all sorts of music and know about most of the big named stars (within black music especially) before they make it “big”. The same I am sure applies to “white music”. I personally think the music labeling terms are absurd considering that I think musical taste are regional, if you come from the south like me I tend to not mind country music and in some way can relate to it
and on the other hand because of my ethnicity I can relate to the international sound and love world music. Bottom line “music is universal not white, black, old, or new.
At least it’s British, the qualification of white people to be is British…black British. I always thought Regina King’s music was more Afro-centric/trendy ethnic than the likes of some poser Natasha Bedingsfeld (wait, she’s a white blond Brit!) +
and what about SWV and en Vogue? all white people love that now, ironically of course.
lol Amen, Its amazing the depth of Euro centrism, First upper Africa and all its history, then Spain, American history as a whole, and now music, well to be honest, white have been claiming black music since its inception.
Hey, just a point of reference white people, if another group of people from a different race create something amazing, it doesn’t make you less of a race, aka Egyptians society, Moors, and southern Africa,
If Obama does well Kenya well soon be considered white next………lol
Every race is beautiful in their particular way. You don’t have to piss on it to lay a false claim to enjoy it. I know that’s how our country got started and all but geesh I though we have learned from that mistake lol
We all enjoy everything at some point no matter what race you are…lol
lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
please stop using lol in every sentence.
Wow. You never feel as white as you do when a SWPL really pegs you and cuts you to the bone. You nailed me.
sooo true.
Could we soon get a
#1?? “Continuing their psudo-intellectual blogs way after all creativity dried up”?
Thanks!
true that.
I think it’ll come right after “Commenting on pseudo-intellectual blogs about how bad they are, only proving that they still read said blogs.”
Nice one.
Dude, you’re not supposed to point Alex’s poor attempt at being intellectually superior and funny.
Easier to tear something down than build it.
And, alex, while you’re creating a compound word that includes the term “intellectual” you might want to exercise some intelligence and spell it correctly.
Effin’ pseud!
oops, never mind the last bit, I didn’t read it right, my bad.
What an idiot.
Why you still readin’, foo?
(see “Self-aware hip hop references”)
Ignoring the obvious typo
–,I think we should put up using “psuedo” in front of everything to sound smart, as something that white people like!!
This is preciesly why 2 Live Crew is experiencing a 2nd renaissance all of a sudden.
May be my favourite one so far. Oh how I laughed :’)
i’m totally guilty of taking a trip to Memphis!
Fine post.
In a city like Chicago, the only blues clubs are on the northside. Blacks do not patronize blues clubs anymore and probably haven’t since even the 1970’s, possibly since it’s usually White guys in them, and no “blondes” to lust after.
Most blacks are into “muh dick”, um, yeah “muh dick” and “da club”, yeah baby “da club”, etc.
I know this is Stormfronts sister site but we reserve that kind of language for Curt maynards blog and others. “lusting at blondes “. dont flatter yourself asshole.
Somebody’s never been to New Orleans . . . yes there are lots of white people here but there are many many black people. And we got the good kind of jazz you can dance to, not that intellectual bullshit.
True dat, but as a relocated New Orleanian, I have to say that NOLA is the exception, not the rule.
Also, no houses.
I believe this about New Orleans. Is Public Enemy still touring? I saw them live a few years ago, LONG after they’d become irrelevant, and it was sad (I loved them in the 80’s). They were all up on this little stage at this teeny club in SoCal, Chuck D, Flava Flave, Professor Griff, and the S1W’s. It was sad because when the S1W’s did their karate chops they almost knocked over some lights, they were so cramped up there. But man, the white people loved it.
New CARTOONS here: http://spinachflame.wordpress.com/
I’m from the N.O….Brass Band Jazz is the best….Very, celebratory.
So are you saying that Black people are too stupid to listen to Coltrane, Davis, MARSALIS, etc or New Orleans people in general?
Let me skip to the point: you comment is bullshit.
I read the headline and thought: Finally, one that doesn’t apply to me, I don’t listen to rap or hip-hop at all. But right as I unpaused my iTunes to the Charlie Hunter Trio’s Fables of Faubus I realized the essay was about Jazz too. Damn you SWPL, stop stalking me!
Has anyone heard Beethoven’s 7th? Allegro?
I’m curious about this website. I’m also curious to know if there are any progressive cities on the planet built from the ground up by Black’s? I mean functioning, vibrant, modern cities..
I have always found it fascinating how Black’s cry about the injustices of the world but as soon as they have a lil money or fame they are the first one’s to look around for someone to look down on to make themselves feel better.
This site isn’t even close to being intelligent or progressive or humble.
God bless and protect Obama
WTF does Beethoven’s 7th have to do with this essay?
You’re curious about this website because you appear to be a racist by nature of what you have posted. By the way, when did YOU last build a city from the ground up?
AND, since you do not get the humor of this website, I suggest you take your teeny brain and go park it somewhere else.
(And, we don’t need your christian god blessing anyone…..barack will do fine with or without her/his endorsement.)
word
+1
guess u don’t know the password to get into Chocolate City.
actually I think they built most of them.
just didn’t get paid -or credit.
I think the most celebrated city built by Blacks is Richmond, VA.
I won’t even comment to the latter…
beethoven was mixed race.
Public Enemy, because it’s political.
This is by far the best entry since the book came out and SOOOO VERY TRUE. However as a black guy I’m offended that I’m supposed to like commercial rap. I hate it and totally listen to the underground.
Yet I find it funny that every show I go to is filled mostly with white people and half are probably there for novelty. The thing is whites buy/download more Rap/Hip Hop than anyone else because they are a majority and have resources to do so. And therefore going to be exposed to all types of Rap/Hip Hop.
I know that it may be offensive to you, but keep in mind that the whole blog pretty much is just making fun of white people. I’m a bit offended that as a white person I can’t actually enjoy classical or jazz music. The message I get from the entries is “pretentious shallow guy with too much money”. But I laugh at that and move on.
WOW! What an ugly musically illiterate article! I haven’t seen ignorance since, maybe “deposit Beatles trash here” (I wasn’t there when people booed Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring off stage). Hey, why don’t we just burn all traditional jazz recordings now, now that “Indie Rock” has transformed all of music into the Sarah Palin-esque “We-only-look-forward” garbage idioms. Hell, let’s just “1984″ all music except what this twit likes, and magically rename EVERY song ever played or recorded as crap.
I love when 20 year old clowns claim ownership of pop garbage. But ONLY a thoroughly uncreative non-musician would flush the primary American musical idiom so readily. Kind of stinks of racism; you people smell the odor?
ER
Shut up dickwad!
Interesting that a fairly intellectual, witty, and humorously tongue-in-cheek blog like SWPL manages to attract the densest simpletons with no sense of humor.
Stop it — you’re making me feel bad about feeling bad about the death of Alton Ellis.
“I wish I was a little bit taller. I wish I was a baller. I wish I had a girl who looked good, I would call her.”
It would be neat if “Stan” was playing in the background while people read this post. Can wordpress do that yet?
HAHA! so perfect!
This is one of the best Things White People Like yet. I loves me some jazz cause ain’t no words to confuse yourself with.
They’re not called “black”, you insensitive god-loving neocon ignorant fuck.
Barry? C’mon Barry…
Ahhhhh get out of my head!!! Or stop reading my diary, whichever you’re doing. CUT IT OUT
christian, have you addressed white people’s love for their large, catalogued collections of bootlegged live performances? in the jazz realm, you’re not a real white person unless you can name that tune, every performer on each instrument, the year and venue. and preferably hum a few choicer licks.
What can I say, it’s true about hip-hop. There was some cool stuff back then, but this mainstream shit is just that: absolute shit, and I am dumbfounded to this day as to how it has become so popular.
Correct again, however I am not really into any of these genres.. well I do like to listen to Jazz every now and then with a glass of red wine =P
But commercial rap is really really really shit.
“All white people believe that they prefer listening to jazz over watching television”
You have an exceptional ability to make sweepingly inaccurate and patently absurd generalisations Christian. Very few Black, White, or Asian people like Jazz. It’s a niche market. Jazz is not a “Black” musical phenomenon. Some people really do like Jazz and some of these people happen to be White. These people include the unashamedly racist poet Philip Larkin. Your unconvincing attempts to shoehorn this into the one-trick pony which is your comedic oeuvre is laughable.
To conclude from the observation that the majority of people who follow Hip-Hop, in whichever of its nauseating guises it presents itself, means that Black people do not like this genre, might have a fig-leaf of credibility if it were not for the fact that in a country with an overwhelming White majority, I think you will find that every musical genre is disproportionally subscribed to by the majority ethnic group…duhhh! My limited college retail experience in music stores does point out one racial preference that seems quite clear. Black people have virtually no interest in the more demanding, and ultimately more rewarding, musical forms.
Are you aware of that you start by writing “You have an exceptional ability to make sweepingly inaccurate and patently absurd generalisations Christian” and then you end with “Black people have virtually no interest in the more demanding, and ultimately more rewarding, musical forms”?
That’s a sweepingly accurate statement Olle. Is English your first language?
Olle’s right: you’re sound like a hypocrite.
I’m not a hypocrite because my opinion is based on credible evidence. Christian’s opinion is based on the slanted analysis of a biased sample. I probably do sound like a hypocrite to people who are of above average stupidity.
You can justify it by comparing yourself to Christian Lander all you want. And defending your actions, while insulting those who call you on your mistakes (questioning our English, our “level of stupidity”), doesn’t change the fact that we know you’re a smart but confused individual screaming for an identity of an intellectual on Stuff White People Like. Funny but sad.
“You can justify it by comparing yourself to Christian Lander all you want”
I can and I do. Whatever makes you think that low-brow disputations are symptomatic of a desire for intellectual kudos sonny?
Christian…………..the new klan……lol
for a religion spanned from inclusion its amazing how incredibly exclusive many people make it. The Christian religion I know rarely has a big church and a denomination, and usually serves the public with no other intention than to serve others
No need for international trips abroad or political endorsement. I suppose they just think we should love god first ourselves second and our fellow man
go figure…….lol
You’re a douche and you’re also not the smartest person here. But congrats on your vocab! GUFFAW!
and Ollie said it kinda funny
Humor is not to be scrutinized, it’s to be laughed at.
“They will quickly tell you about how they don’t listen to “Commercial Hip Hop” (aka music that black people actually enjoy), and that they much prefer “Classic Hip Hop.””
I just had this argument the other day with a blond girl. She says American clubs don’t play good hip hop. I said what, like Snoop, Dr. Dre, Biggie, Tupac? Her response: OMG, you call that hip hop? Me: Ohh so you listen to hip hop that only white people listen to!
I like Southern hip hop! Give me some Luda, Lil Jon, T.I so I can actually dance and not stand and sway!
The salient point of this conversation is really the contempt expressed for the authors musical preferences. This indicates that the young woman was engaged in an act of “negative affirmation”. NA is about enhancing your self-esteem by denigrating others. This being the case we are really dealing with social snobbery and this is not a phenomenon that can in any way by deemed to be racially exclusive to Whites, or, indeed exclusively expressed in the patronage of Blacks by Whites. As an example we have only to look at the late Joe Strummer, a Jewish member of the social elite who spent his entire career masquerading as a member of the White English underclass. Indeed, prior to the nineteen eighties far from having any interest in Black culture (unlike the White working-class who embraced Ska), the White middle-class intelligentsia were engaged in intense competition to appear as proletarian as possible. Obscurantist elitism is not a White phenomenon: why is it being discussed on a blog about White people?
“this is not a phenomenon that can in any way by deemed to be racially exclusive to Whites”
It is not written anywhere on this site that these habits and customs are exclusive to whites.
“It is not written anywhere on this site that these habits and customs are exclusive to whites”
Okay! Let me rephrase, “This is not a phenomenon that can in any way be deemed to be significantly more evident among Whites thahn it is among any other groups”
If we now apply your degree of semantic rigidity to this blog title, we will find that “Stuff White People Like” now encompasses anything ever done by any White person at any time. Things like, eating chicken, wearing shoes and taking a shit on a full bowel for example.
OMG!!! You like, Totally sound like Ignatius Reilly…
Live with your mom, too?
OMFG Siofra! You are an elite white person because you mentioned Ignatius Reilly. Bonus points for not mentioning the book he appears in!
(Yes, yes. I am an even more elite white person for called her / him on it.)
I’m trying to figure out if that book (I guess it would be capitulation to mention it now) is SWPL for Dummies, or maybe SWPL a reissued classic with a book jacket designed by Shepard Fairey…
Elite?
“for called her” is a grammar error.
I’m more elite than you.
Oh oh, and the proper form should be “for having called her”…yes?
Would it be more elite or more SWPL to admit that it’s one of the books I have in my bookcase and simply haven’t gotten round to finish reading yet? Even if it has now moved to my bedstand?
I think a simple ‘Yes’ will do.
I do it with 70s soul music; especially soundtracks:
Superfly, Shaft, Black Caesar, Shaft…
So true. so so true. I’m actually pretentious enough to enjoy listening to Christmas Jazz while drinking brandy. My cover is blown.
I hope that you now realise that any activity undertaken by Whites is an attempt to establish a status that they don’t deserve and perpetuate a superior position in society that is no no way shape or form attributable to ambition, work and perseverance, and has its basis in “the exploitation mannnn!”, and that no one actually likes Jazz unless they are Black.
I’m depressed that you’re drivel is on every other comment now. Won’t you go away and annoy a different blog?
er…”YOUR” rather…and that shows how blue I am that you are a posting on this site!
James is a biznitch!
My joke has always been, “you get older, you get into jazz”, which does apply to urban white people fairly accurately. Basically you will go to a club with mostly white people (except the bass player) and you will eat an expensive dinner, “listening” to perhaps the first 2 songs before you get all wine-buzzed and talk about finance to your bored date.
BTW “jazz” is now officially a meaningless term which encompasses everything from squeaking dissonant noise to John Tesh/Kenny G.
So you have achieved a socially secure status, presumably from years of work and application, and you can now enjoy good food and wine and pleasant conversation, but you feel the need to apologise because you tend to enjoy an inoffensive musical genre as a pleasant backdrop to your evening? I’d suggest you stop groveling before sneering pseuds and maybe grow a pair?
James is my biznitch!
I’m white and I like 70’s funk, like Parliament.
It’s catchy and easy to dance to, while also goofy and non-threatening.
I suspect that’s how you like your black people too, goofy and non-threatening.
I must admit that I am a jazz loving whitey. The birth of this love stems from 9 years of youth trumpet playing. I possessed solid technical skills but lacked the intangible qualities that the giants in jazz have that make them great.
Being total devoid of any creativity myself, I can’t help but to be moved by it in others.
I must admit that I am a jazz loving whitey. The birth of this love stems from 9 years of youth trumpet playing. I possessed solid technical skills but lacked the intangible qualities that the giants in jazz have that make them great.
Being total devoid of any creativity myself, I can’t help but to be moved by it in others.
Then surely you object to Christian’s racist claim that honkeys only fake an interest in Jazz as a means of boosting their PC credentials, because they have an inability to truly appreciate music (whiteboy ain’t got no soul). Why don’t you just go back to sleep Carl?
James is still my biznitch.
I’m loving this pattern dude. “James is STILL my biznitch.” Haha.
#117 Typing Two Spaces After a Full Stop.
Finally, a white pleasure I don’t enjoy! In this case, I’m ok with being the wrong type of white person.
I’m glad you used Hip Hop to name the genre instead of “Rap.” White people never, ever call rap music Rap.
Underground!!!! Part of being ‘the only white person’ around.
Notice how the vermilion domed Christian carefully and meticulously references all of the most relevant bands in this dispute. Christian is as anxious to display his credibility by testifying to his knowledge of Black culture (in as much as such a thing exists) as the group he deconstructs. When rap music gained popular appeal it lost elite appeal. The natural reaction of the elitist White music snobs was to reject the now popular Black music and to extend the claim that only pre-commercial Black music was “real”. Inevitably this “old school” “real” rap begun to attract the attention of White late adaptors who picked up the successive trends. The next stage in this sorry charade for White Music snobs is obviously to reject the increasingly popular old school rap and to re-embrace the “commercial” musical form that is being rejected by the late adopters. Far from being a critique of musical elitism, Christian’s post is an example of a White liberal elitist hopping like a frog on a hot shovel in an increasingly vain attempt to keep ahead of the fashion curve. This sorry charade is reminiscent of the infatuation that former punk rockers had with bands like ABBA whom they had previously expressed hatred for once their music had fallen out of fashion.
Biznitch!
A frog is cold blooded. Therefore, it would not matter if the shovel was hot or cold.
It would probably hop off the shovel if the person holding the shovel was a pseudo-intellectual douchebag who takes himself too seriously.
I swear you write all these comments yourself.
Jazz is the new Classical Music. Someday, Hip Hop will be show tunes and you’ll see on PBS during pledge time very very old rappers filling orchestra halls with Aarpers mouthing along to the lyrics, like you see now with Doo-wop or the lesser British Invasion bands.
Am I the only one noticed this?
“With black music, however, the final stage is never reached because white people are work tirelessly to keep it alive. ”
Are work? English good yes? Grammar check no?
If you had read the post on Grammar correction, you would know you just WP’d. (white-personed)
lols typos happen
At last a post that’s not just for American white people! Jazz has been ‘taken up’ by fashionable Europeans (almost all white people) for the longest time — it was they who were the keepers of the flame during the long years between the time the ‘cool school’ faded with hip whites took up drugs, sex and rock and roll and the more recent NPR-inspired revival of jazz.
Don’t forget the House of Blues. A place made by white people in order to keep their idea of the Blues alive. Carlin was right, burn it down!
I’m so embarrassed. Last night, I was JUST telling my friend how my new favorite thing to do was cook dinner while listening to big band jazz. So white.
I agree strongly with this post. . I LOVE the blues-masters (The Martin Scorcese mini series was great), and I just cannot get enough of old school James Brown (Funky Good Time), Earth Wind and Fire, the Commodores and the Brother’s Johnson. If you ever rent the Spike Lee Movie “Crooklyn” (A hidden gem, in my opinion) the soundtrack plays homage to early 1970’s soul…What I cannot understand with Hip Hop is that musicianship and vocals are non-existant.
The main premise of the author’s post is that White people are not genuinely interested in Black music for the music. If you really like old-school Blues and Soul you strongly disagree with this post.
Still a biznitch, no matter what you say.
JK is a pimp.
Or, you agree with the title “Stuff White People Like: Black Music that Black People Don’t Listen to Anymore,” didn’t read the post, and just wanted to leave a self promotional link without it looking like SPAM.
lol how completey wrong!!!!.
I am a black person and read this site for the market group perspectives. I laugh most of the editorials because of how dead on I think they are. This particular one was not only disappointing, wrong, but surprisingly obvious in regards to the type of eliticism these stories usually have as an undertone.
Blacks love Jazz, have you not recognized all the recent sub genres that only mostly blacks listen to
Beat Poetry
Neo Soul
Acid Jazz Est….
What frustrates me the most is that many people like yourself classify what is white with your middle to upper middleclass but do not do blacks the same justice.
Our poor often define us, even though our middle and upper middle class make up a very significant fiscal contribution to many major metropolitan areas.
When will you begin to see us and define us by our successes as appose to failures I wonder?
Anyway, I don’t put much faith in the ability of whites in American to see, understand, or change their conditionally racism, ( I guess that’s my eliticism popping out…lol) but I thought I write a comment just the same
Peace
“What frustrates me the most is that many people like yourself classify what is white with your middle to upper middleclass but do not do blacks the same justice”
So as a Black man you are upset that middle class Blacks cannot be subjected to the same inaccurate and insulting stereotyping that Christian subjects Whites to? Christian is now pissing off Blacks who are asserting their right to be called superficial, patronising and hypocritical. Hal, my mind is going!
Your comment just proves how vastly different every person perceives information.
lol. My comment was a social point aka “grand stand”
And so I suppose to directly comment on your statement, yes I much rather even have negative points of view directed at the group of blacks that work hard, provide for our families, and contribute to society. Those of us within that group are more incline to hear criticism and establish dialogue towards a solution of healing racial pain.
Our poor traditionally don’t embrace diversity….lol…
Its all-good man I am sure you will find another negative comment to make about this statement as well
Try positive reflection, it helps with understanding=)
What are you, new?
Most WPs on this site aren’t even white. Don’t be such a didactic ninny and grab some nuance dude.
James can’t stop his biznitching.
“Anyway, I don’t put much faith in the ability of whites in American to see, understand, or change their conditionally racism…”
Ummm… we (America) just elected Barack Obama. Did you forget already?
Get a grip. If you notice i started my comment with “lol” you are taking this conversation way to literal.
Besides if you disagree with my comment due me the justice of picking a point and not just more rhetorical ranting.
And if you elected Obama to prove a point as appose to hiring him because he was the best man for the job, then case and point………..lol……….did i forget?…….wow…..that wasn’t insulting……..lol
And people wonder why are two groups have trouble accepting each other…….ha.
“as appose to” should really be “as opposed to”
“conditionally racism” should really be “conditional racism”
I have been listening to jazz and blues since I was a wee bairnie at the tat. I learned to love John Lewis, but I can’t stand Djangirov’s playing. Give me Oscar Peterson any day, all the old school guys.
And blues. Sigh. What jazz is for the intellect, blues is for the soul. The complete food group.
OK seriously, please employ a copy editor. Your constant grammar and spelling errors detract heavily from the humor.
You’re not concerned with the racial stereotyping, inaccuracies and extrapolations?
I don’t think anyone who enjoys this blog is concerned with the stereotyping. Probably because most of us whities love the site because we live up to so many of them.
But I agree with the copy editor comment.
Probably because most of the “whities” who love this sight don’t regard themselves as part of the white mainstream, but have a fantasy that they belong to a special, superior, enlightened white minority to whom the stereotypes don’t really apply.
I agree with the “enlightened white minority to whom the stereotypes don’t really apply” comment. I still think this site is hilarious, though, and a great opportunity to laugh at myself and ask, “Why do I like______?”
I also love how the premise at the end of each entry is always that someone is trying to befriend a white person, and is using this information as social collateral. Hilarious!
ding ding ding! you figured it out.
Except the really superior people think it’s funny.
Hey James, you biznitch, don’t you ever stop to masturbate?
shut up.
What does it say about me that I still like Al B. Sure?
Angie (from over at http://www.HalfAssedKitchen.com)
It says you are working out an angle to improve your social kudos and impress your friends. Don’t you get it? White people are incapable of just liking music. It’s probably to do with us being the “cancer of humanity”, or something
Any white person (and since I am one, I can say this) who is under the age of 35 who says, “Oh yeah, I’m down with the Old School” needs to be horsewhipped and connected to battery cables. The little shits weren’t even ALIVE when Old School was in.
And what about NWA?
Jazz has morphed too far to still be labeled “jazz.” I like Dixieland and ragtime, but I cringe when we call it “jazz” because it bears almost no resemblance to Miles and Thelonius.
Jazz as a term has been stretched for sure, but how is Louis Armstrong not jazz?
The bee-bop era you cite is only one (but probably the most distilled form) of the genre we love for it’s embrace of improvisation – Dixieland did this too.
Also by your logic, you shouldn’t even be down with ragtime since it was before your time.
Valid objection, but I never said I was “down” with it, only that I liked it.
Everyone should is taking this blog far too seriously. I find it a good place to laugh at myself since I do like a majority of the stuff white people like.
Very accurate…..i especially like the reference to Williams College
Foward Lord Jeff
Gotta love the Fairest College…
This post hit too close to home. Ouch. And I’m not even white. But who doesn’t own a copy of Kind of Blue??
“The RZA, the GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Ghostface Killah, and the Method Mannnn”
Yeah, I’m cool.
White people, especially those hitting or in there 40’s also love rare soul, funk & R&B.
There was a huge scene in the North of England in the early 70’s that kept this music alive at all-nite disco’s and dance halls.
It has now found it’s way to North America. There are a number of blogs and d.j’s all white mind you that dedicate themselves to it.
Yes besides Northern soul, there is Carolina beach music, Lindy hop and Carolina shag – 50s 60s R&B and soul.
Carolina beach music (carolina shag) has got to be the greatest music ever. What’s even better is that it’s not even dead yet. A huge portion of Eastern NC (especially in the southern part) still listen to both the older and newer carolina beach music. A lot of kids (speaking of people 20 and younger) actually grew up on and are continuing to hear this music.
Absolutely and without a doubt one of the best SWPL so far…… I LOOOOOVED:
“Calling this style of music ‘old school’ is considered an especially apt name since the majority of people who listen to it did so while attending old schools such as Dartmouth, Bard, and Williams College.”
and
“Today, white people keep The Blues going strong by taking vacations to Memphis, forming awkward bands, making documentaries, and organizing folk festivals. ”
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH
This was really REALLY well done!
Old school yo :p
LMFAO.
What about the new old school? Its like old school, but edgier.
De La Soul’s “3ft High And Rising” is the only good De La Soul.
You have got to be kidding!!!
Dig deeper, it gets deeper.
Absolutely phenomenal!
The whitest, white people I know LOOOOOOOVE their jazz, particularly while drinking a fine pinot. They also love to point out to less hip white people that they are attending a jazz show. Here’s how a convo might go:
“What’s about [insert white person's name]. What are you doing this weekend?”
“Nothing good. You?”
“I’m going to Bloc Party.”
“Oh. I was thinking of going to that, but I don’t like their new album very much and now that they are on One Tree Hill, I like them even less. Plus, [insert name of obscure, probably awful jazz artisit here] is playing at Johnny D’s on the same night and I’ve got to see him. But have fun at your less cool show.”
God I hate jazz. And the white people who like it because they don’t like it either.
Yes! I’ve been waiting for this one. I became a fan of the blues and then I started going to clubs seeing nothing but white people playing and being in the audience. I began to ask myself, “what do these people know about the blues?” It seemed very fake. If there is one thing the blues are about it’s coming to terms with really deep sad feelings brought on by a hard lived life. I can see the white people in the crowds perhaps feeling blue because ‘they didn’t get a promotion’, or ‘their car broke down’ or ‘didn’t have a recipe turn out right.’ White yuppy people love to skim the surface of things and skip to the next thing. They love the mechanics of the blues and can talk about it, but they don’t live it. No way. They couldn’t handle it and would resort to losing themselves in video games and buying crap rather than deal with something head on.
Know what’s even more obnoxious? Assuming all white people have easy lives. Its equally bad as the assumption that all poor people have hard lives.
By your logic, any poor black person who listens to rap talkig about living lavishly and being rich, hookers, etc, and aren’t themselves rich, aren’t living the life of a rap star and can’t understand it then.
“Its equally bad as the assumption that all poor people have hard lives.”
Dude, are you for real. Being poor sucks, and is kind of hard, no matter what race you are.
Actually, very few Blues songs from Son House to Jimi Hendrix centre around racial discrimintation, they are mostly about women….
I love Blues, Reggae and Soul and R&B, any non-metal related rock-band revolves around those types of music. Jazz however is music without soul, and never went anywhere besides newer forms of Jazz itself. I hate it when people put Blues and Jazz in the same boat, it’s like how the term classic rock encompases both Black Sabboth and The Mama’s and Papa’s, and God forbid Eric Clapton and ughh… Def Leopard.
White people hate typos. Please proofread.
White people love grammar nazis?
White People love to be the grammar Nazi.
haha, true.
Shut up, all of you, shut up. What the hell is going on? I’m convinced people listen to what they like. Their choice is something that, in most cases, is a free choice. What the hell is all this blabber from clander to Steve about? Lander it might be time to get a real job.
By the way my favorite piece is the Star Bangle Banner. I know soon after I hear it, I’m going to see a NASCAR race.
Agreed.
I hate jazz. But I do love Del the Funky Homosapien.
This is exactly what I do *blush*. And I’m not even white!
Hit the nail on the head with this one.
I love when people call Public Enemy Old School. Ridiculous.
I know, they’re young enough to be like Melly Mel’s grandkids right?
You sir, are redonculous.
I just played some “old school hip hop” for a group of boring late-20 somethings from my predominantly white hometown at a wedding this weekend. Cries of, “Hell yeah, bra!” went up as the boom boom of their 90s past played over the speakers. I wanted to vomit on myself.
P.S. I am writing this comment just inches from the streets of Memphis.
I love it when Xavier smokes that sweet crack rock.
I have always loved this site. This may be my favorite post. Definitely top 5.
I have never learned more about Jazz, “Jimi”, the blues, disco, or obscure rap than I have from my white friends.
And while Elvis, the Rolling Stones, Eminem, and John Mayer do a good job hijacking black musical styles…
You forgot one vein of black music that has been bastardized and kept alive by whites by way of emulation and pretentious vinyl consumption: The Jamaican influence: Reggae, Dub, Ska, so on.
We can’t forget The Cure, 311, Sugar Ray, No Doubt, the Aggrolites, etc keeping Red, Yellow, and Green Adidas jackets and puma shoes in fashion in the US and abroad.
I’ve been to a few reggae festivals, they were little more than white kids in tie dye with dreads and hygienic shortcomings.
Dont forget Sublime…… God I hate Sublime!
dude how can you hate sublime, or 311 for that matter
This is totally true. I hate it when i go to a club with my white friends and the “old school” session comes on and the battle to show me ( the one black friend they have) that they are “down” and know all the lyrics to Sir Mixalot’s ” I like big butts” followed by the next 5 songs the DJ plays in that category. LOL
Sadly, i coudn’t care less…
Really one of the best, I laughed my *@)() off reading this. It was last night that i put some Kenny G (guess that would be considered classical Jazz) and drank some moscato. Good times
Kenny Figin Gee is not jazz. Not even close.
you are badass
You too are an idiot.
Good article, but I think there is still love for Jazz by blacks. My dad turned me on to Jazz when I was a kid and I have been a fan of Miles Davis ever since. But as a hip hop head, and any hip hop head could agree with is that jazz plays a vital role in the genre. When I say hip hop I mean true hip hop with all its essence, not that commercial crap on the radio. But just listen to the samples in the music, it all comes from Jazz. One of my favorite groups Slum Village has a song that samples John Abercrombie Timeless track. And just a few weeks ago a DJ has a album in which he remixed several of the Miles Davis classics from Bitches Brew and other albums. To go further just a bit Gangstarr always comes with a Jazzmatazz album fusing hip hop and jazz together. I could go on and on to validate this point, Jazz is very much alive in the hearts of young black people, just like anything you just gotta find them.
Jazz will always live in the hearts of music lovers.
you forgot to mention how Lindyhop, a dance invented by african americans have been revived by a majority of white people!
this dance is specifically done to jazz…played by Count Basie and Duke Ellington, sung by Ella Fizgerald and Billy Holiday etc.
Well I believe The Hip Hop that has been 80’s influenced has and will always have an esoteric following in Black Society. Those who listen to music don’t change their opinion about what’s good music it’s just this new generation has been influenced by what the media has pushed. Since corporate don’t have the ties with the So-Called Old Skool Hip Hop, they haven’t been promoted. But It’s great to see White Asian Black Latin and Europeans grooving to the essence of what the culture is about. So regardless of the fly by night stars, like the a lot of Music that comes from the South, the cream well always rise no matter how far they try to bury it. It’s crazy because I heard an Old Skool MC say that he has more fans now than he did we his music was new and hot. I think All People Recognize that we are one soul and the more we accept each other’s culture the more we can be one family. One Nation Under A Groove.
I also think there’s still a love of jazz by blacks, but blues audiences are mostly white. I used to work at a jazz and blues club and the one exception would be when the white Mose Allison played, the audience was mostly black.
Does Al Green count? What about Parliament? Bootsy Collins? George Clinton? Marvin Gaye? Sly Stone? Love them. But I actually did listen to them in 3rd grade. And they’re not jazz.
I think Soul and Funk count. Let’s not forget Hollywood’s obsession with having Julia Roberts and various other starlets sing along to Motown hits in a touching moment that brings everyone together. That may be more of a ’90’s technique, but it sure is effective.
Yes, but don’t forget that 60’s Motwon was made to appeal to white folks and has only traces of real soul and funk.
My favorite romanticized notion of black urban life was captured in Method Man & Mary J. Blige’s video for “You’re All I Need.” I identify with it completely because I too like sitting on rooftops. It’s as if the video’s director filmed my entire life/struggle exactly as it were if I could make it exactly how it is not.
Oh, and Christian, I’ll happily do the copy editing for the site. Just give me five min before you publish a new entry. As everyone knows, my content-rich website contains precisely zero typographical errors. I pride myself on this almost as much as I do on the 800 verbal I got on my SATs.
The facts are these:
KRS One, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, De La Soul, Wu Tang, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots and the rest of them DO/DID MAKE GREAT MUSIC.
I am 32 years old, I am white and I truly genuienly love their music and you won’t make me listen to Soulja boy. I may totally prove your point but I sleep just fine at night with that.
My absolute favorite thing about this site is not the articles, but the comments. They are mostly white people trying to defend themselves with incredibly “white” comments.
My problem with modern hip-hop is that it’s basically ripped-off, untalented, vile trash… more so than it used to be. Funny website though!
-Some white guy.
I read this post twice and all of the comments here thus far. Not really sure if I agree or disagree with the OP due to the fact that I’m not a white person. I can say I have been in the situation where a white person brings up some now defunct Hip-Hop group, artist etc. or may even segue into a Jazz band or artist as a way of trying to connect with me on some level.
Since I have a blog where I attempt to bring underground artists and groups to light while also reviewing older albums from established artists and groups in an effort to show the universal aspect of music, I find the humor in what the OP is trying to convey but am also disturbed by the writing of a post to make a statement as broad and sweeping as you have. I get the tongue in cheek of the blog but assuming that White People only like Jazz or the Blues or “Old School” anything just it because it seems to be the “in thing” to do and to show a black person (how more than likley could care less) they are “down” is utterly ridiculous to me. It’s almost as if you are saying that these genres are undergoing an “Audio Gentrification” similar to thousands of predominately black and hispanic communities in the US solely for a gain in status. Music is too universal for that. I don’t feel it can be contained in a pre-concieved box of that sort. You either listen to it or you don’t. You like it or you don’t. If someone takes the time to turn you on to it and you then get into it more, kudos!
I have these types of discussions on a regular basis and they can be quite enlightening for both parties involved, unless the person I am speaking with has no real clue as to the real history of any genre or is unaware of how it all links together and is just spouting nonsense and is unwilling to embrace a real discussion. It is quite incensing to have a person that pretends to want knowledge about the subject strike up a conversation to appear in the know and then not be able to back up any point they are trying to make.
That being said and going back to the OP, now that this has been written in glaring black and white, are you also attempting to state that ALL black people don’t listen to Jazz, Blues, Funk etc? If you really think about it, those genres might not be as mainstream as other music of today that gets heavy rotation on modern Radio and Video networks but most of those songs take root in those other Genres in the form of sampling. Is it the actual complete origianl work? No. Will most people be able to pick those samples out and instantaneously state with glee; ” Hey, that’s a Stan Getz song, that J. Dilla sampled part of for the Pharcyde’s song Runnin’ from their Labcabincalifornia album!”? Of course not.
I guess that is another major purpose for my blog as I listen to all mentioned genres and have taken the time to attempt to upload them to several Virtual Hard drives to give people a way to access the same music you state we (Black People) don’t listen to.
I didn’t read all of this incredibly long diatribe from a professional blogger because after two paragraphs it got unbelievably boooooorrriiing. My gawd, man, say it and move on. Pick your emotion, create your prose, and move on. Quickly!
Jeezus Khrist, I told myself to control my anger, and I lost it. I’ll try again tomorrow.
You both responded though didn’t you? Mission accomplished. That short enough for ya?
Lighten up…..you have put too many words on the screen an no one is going to read it.
I read it.
Has anyone ever genuinely liked jazz ever? The musicians who perform it seem to be all about it, but thats because they can just noodle around while watching idiotic white people pretend to love it.
Nick. Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Sinatra, etc. and basically ALL of the music that was on the radio in the 40s was jazz. I know people back then were smarter than folks today, but it’s probably possible for you to learn to appreciate jazz, even the more advanced stuff. I suggest you start with “Charlie Parker with Strings” and work your way up to Miles, Coltrane, Jimmy Smith, and the other greats.
add to this Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Ahmed Djamal, Wynthon marsalis, Dina Washington, otis Reading( the author of Satisssssffffffaaaaaction) before the evil rolling stones stole it !!!
Short answer: yes. I love that shit, even some free jazz.
But I don’t know enough about music to really appreciate what’s going on, even in the standards. So I like it on a gut level; does my ignorance of the intellectual level mean that I’m only pretending to enjoy what I’m hearing?
Personally, I can’t wait for the day when black people start getting in to harsh noise. That’s a genre pretty much entirely dominated by Asians and Whites (plenty of the wrong kind of white people in that crowd though).
i love noise! Prurient, Gang Gang Dance, Merzbow, Sunn O))), Fennesz, Nurse with Wound, Black Dice, Einsturzende Neubauten, Animal Collective, and the works. but i am not the WKWP. I can’t wait till afro-americans experience as much individualism as us (irony). if this site taught me anything it is that White people’s perceived individualism isn’t that individual. It is pretty ironic, since white people complain about blacks and other minorites not listening to different kinds of music like them, however, most white people adhere to the posts of this site. I just blew my mind.
I have tried to expose the African American teens that I teach to Jazz, Blues, Soul, and Funk with the zealotry of a white evangelical missionary in the Congo. Occaisionally they feign interest, or say “My Gramma listen to that junk.” Of course, they are all going to successful rappers, so why should they bother to learn about some of the greatest art ever created in the USA? When they start talking about the big stack of dough, bling, Lambos, booty, cribs, etc. they gonna get when they bigger than T-Pain, I suggest that they pick a weekend a couple of months hence and make as much as they would on a single shift at McDonald’s, say 50 bucks, in that weekend rapping. “Huh?” I then hear the gears turning, and often the deer in the headlights look appears on the face. Then I teach: “If you want TO ALWAYS MAKE MONEY in the music business, learn Blues. There is always a tavern that will let you play there and collect money from the white people in the audience, who will be very happy to pay it to you.”
Eh, this site used to be funny. When did it stop?
When you explain yourself too much, it loses the joke.
But I do like the white people that comment about how white other white commenters are. What I love is that white people love to call out other white people as white and thus prove that they aren’t so white themselves.
White people also like to call out other white people that call out white people for being white. And on and on….
Well said.
I like to listen to Fifties R&B and imagine I would have been a cool enough white person to go to a black neighborhood where they actually sold it in the Fifties back when they used to call them, “race records.”
E.g., Clyde McPhatter, Wynonnie Harris, Big Joe Turner, etc.
Zen Wizard, if you want to know about some ‘cool white guys’ who were deep into 50s R&B….so deep that they wrote some of the all time great R&B 50s classics….
just look up Leiber and Stoller….
Hahahahah. It’s so funny that the comments people leave are so serious. This post almost made me pee my pants it’s so funny . . . and yes, I’m white! Gasp.
i know right?
hehe.
You’re lucky it was only pee. There used to be a guy on this site who always pooped his pants. I often wonder where he is at now.
Shush! He’ll hear you and come back!
Ahhh…. The golden age of hip hop… Brings back memories of high school… Tribe, De La, LONS, Black Sheep, Das EFX, Fu-shnickens, Brand Nubian…. Yes, I am in fact naming all these groups to impress everyone as that’s exactly what white people who listen to the old school do.
Just want to point out that there are many Black people who actually do listen to hip hop such as De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, etc.
But I do remember I was at Rock the Bells that had a bunch of hip hop acts and Rage Against the Machine, and when Mos Def came on, a group of white people went crazy. Almost as if he were Obama, ha.
Ha ha ha , funny this “classic hip hop”!!
I never stoped hearing blues and jazz, not that it’s trendy , just appreciate BB king, Big Billy Broonzie, memphis slim, nd brits like Eric Clapton !!!the are never outdated!!
do The Cool Kids fall under this category? They have the old school vibe and hip indie cred. Perfect for white people listening. Does anybody honestly like them?
im white and along with lupe fiasco and mos def the cool kids are my favorite
Dan Humphrey? You are sooo cute and cool
Dude, I totally dig The Cool Kids, they got some funky fresh rhymes.
Also, other white people hip-hop: RZA- Liquid Swords.
It’s a concept album, has cult film soundbites and chess references, white people rejoice!
Liquid Swords was done by the GZA. RZA did the production and had one verse on it.
If you’re going to be a fool, at least get a fact checker.
An important part of appearing someone’s intellectual superior (aka The Lisa Simpson Syndrone or LSS) which afflicts us whitefolks is that you like what is obscure and not what everyone else likes – this gives the appearance that you have refined tastes.
Being conversant with Jazz is okay, but only if you know the Jazz played more than 50yrs ago. Similarly, if you are going to say I prefer Hip Hop, it is best to choose a group that no-one ever heard of.
However, all this takes time consuming research and patience, having to develop your own tastes, remembering names of artists e.t.c
A much easier way that achieves the same results is to denigrate mainstream artists or pop figures – a perfect choice is Kylie Minogue.
“I hate Kylie Minogue, she’s so commercial” is your ticket to instant refined tastes status, without the hassle of having to listen to any music
Actually dissing Kylie would have given you cred about ten years ago, but she’s transcended that era. Doing a song with Nick Cave helped as he’s a cult favourite and never considered mainstream.
I think your point is valid, but Britney Spears is probably a better choice of dissee.
It’s arguably just as hard to keep up with contemporary jazz that’s any good as it is to keep up with old jazz.
Ugh, this website is both lame and boring. I thought I would finally check it out after multiple friends insisted it is funny.
Instead I find it tiresome and weak-minded.
One of my top-five over-hyped internet sites to date.
Just the same, have a good day.
You don’ t have to front. It’s okay if you just don’t get it.
lol Amen, Its amazing the depth of Euro centrism, First upper Africa and all its history, then Spain, American history as a whole, and now music, well to be honest, white have been claiming black music since its inception.
Hey, just a point of reference white people, if another group of people from a different race create something amazing, it doesn’t make you less of a race, aka Egyptians society, Moors, and southern Africa,
If Obama does well Kenya well soon be considered white next………lol
Every race is beautiful in their particular way. You don’t have to piss on it to lay a false claim to enjoy it. I know that’s how our country got started and all but geesh I though we have learned from that mistake lol
We all enjoy everything at some point no matter what race you are…lol
Ugh, this post is both lame and boring. I thought I would finally check it out after multiple friends insisted it is funny.
Instead I find it tiresome and weak-minded.
One of my top-five over-hyped comment posts to date.
Just the same, have a good day.
Ugh, this reply is both lame and boring. I thought I would finally check it out after multiple friends insisted it is funny.
Instead I find it tiresome and weak-minded.
One of my top-five over-hyped comment replies to date.
Just the same, have a good day.
Ugh, this reply to reply to a post is both lame and boring. I thought I would finally check it out after multiple friends insisted it is funny.
Instead I find it tiresome and weak-minded.
One of my top-five over-hyped replies to reply to a comment thread to date.
Just the same, have a good day.
jujubee = parrot
ok
#1I’m white…, at leat i belive i am
#2 i like jazz
#3 i wear fedoras
………..
T_T <<<<<<*crys*
what are you trying to say?
i was wondering are these supost to only be for white males or females too? at least for the most part?
<3 <3 <3 <3 loves this place …: ( but my school has the site blocked
That was quality, son! Glad to see this site getting back on track. That was a clever idea and well executed. I think you can link this back to how all white people love the album “Midnight Marauders” by A Tribe Called Quest.
LMAO. Wow. You are hysterical!!!!! How do you come up with stuff?
The part about only liking old school or non commercial “hip hop” (which isn’t a music style, rap is) is hilarious and so true with white people.
If you are a white person who likes commercial rap (and not the wrong kind of white person) you had better be the type who makes sure to make a big show of it, dancing in an exaggerated way and making corny gestures, maybe throwing in a “yall” or “dawg” in conversation once in awhile.
what are you talking about JUSTIN, who died and left you an expert in BLACK MUSIC.
Everything Elvis did, he learned from a BLACK MAN.
Listen to this killing blues of a white brit guy!!!!!
i find this sooooooo funny and the white people i know have afro-man on their i pods and yes some vanilla ice but classic hip-hop is actually considered what was hot when you were in the young prime of your life and what was your soundtrack to life .
the classics are jay-z nas, talib kweli , mos def , camp lo , etc.
if ya don’t know now ya know.
*first rap song by james brown and the tempations (not together)
I find this site sooooo boring. Does anyone have anything worth reading too say. I knew YOU PEOPLE were full of it when it came to ethnic music, but too what extent. This is just plain awful. I had more fun rearranging my underwear drawer than reading some of these blogs. How does anyone of non black background know what music afro american people listen too. Further more, who really cares. Stick too what you people know, poorly remade rythme and blues music recorded by alot of piss poor non white musicians. LOL.
true that – very few people with an actual sense of humor ever comment here … most of the posts are by someone who got their feelings hurt because something struck home or by someone who feels the need to battle racism on a spoof site. Today’s post was actually pretty lame compared to some of the early ones. And, hey, maybe you should rearrange your underwear drawer and relax… you sound bitter.
You last two jackasses aren’t funny either. Practice what you preach.
hey you buckaroo, who the heck are you? i hope you are not referring to me as one of the two donkeys. if so, let me kindly tell you to kiss my ass.
I’ll kiss your ass, spit and give me a clue where. You’re all ass except your mouth and that’s a public shit house.
I bet you would kiss my ass you HOMO, (no disrespect to the gay people on this site, including this buttwipe into your group is insulting enough) so pucker up. Your language is sorta offensive, was all that necessary? I guess you were trying to refer to me as one of the two jackassess earlier, let me kindly just say to you that i do practice what i preach and you can still kiss my ass. have a wonderful day cupcake.
I am very relaxed JkinLBC, Im just amused at the comments i am reading here. My feelings were never hurt and mommy and daddy never touched me inappropriately, I just think that all your comments SUCK!!!! It is my constitutional right to feel that way. Its not slanderous because its true. I have not seen anyone mention Public Enemy yet, I guess the truth hurts sometimes. Its OK, I understand. I didnt mean to make you cry, it will be better in the morning. Now suck it up and take a hike. Nobody asked for your opinion anyways. I am finished with you.
jkinlbc, i do have a humor, i just dont see anything funny here. my feelings have never been hurt and mommy and daddy or anyother relative or friend touched me inappropriately. I just know what i know and that is this, especially you SUCK. i have not seen anyone mention Public enemy yet. you are right on one thing, this post is LAME, i have to be the judge on the other ones, time will only tell. so, go bite the big one and let me do what i do DUDE. my bad, did i hurt your feelings, did i make you cry, take it like whatever you are and hit the road. I am finished with youl.
one more thing jkinlbc, dont get flattered that i had to cut your behind twice, that was by accident. you are only worthy of one response. toodles
YO Enigga, what do YOU mean YOU PEOPLE?!?!
dahoffa, you act like you recognize that term “you people”, i guess you use it often. the sword dont feel so good on the receiving end huh….., i said several things in my blogs and all you could focus on was YOU PEOPLE, all i have to say is take it anyway you like. HA, anything else you want to say SON, i am a busy person and dont have time to play around with the likes of you.
Thanks for taking the time out from your busy, important life to set me str8. Yes, upon re-reading your post I see the truth and wisdom in your screed that only the truly enlightend can behold. And as a token of my gratitude when ever I pass you or one of your ilk on the street I’ll drop a little extra change in your cup.
You are more than welcome Hoffa, Im glad to see that you had some mental capability of realizing the error of your ignorant ways. I know that sooner or later the dumb become inlighted. Wisdom is free so you dont have to spend your life savings helping the needy on my behalf, no, use that money to help repair that leaky roof on your cardboard box you live in. Im proud of you SON, actually, I take that back, you have graduated to LIL BOY now, keep up the good work, pretty soon you will be elevated to dumbass. Keep the love in you heart Lil Boy.
Just an fyi, because you must have been absent that day in ebonics…”to” and “too” have different meanings. You have used “too” incorrectly every time in your writing, just swap ‘em around in your rantings and you should be all set!
hey SML, thanks for the english lesson but the next time i want your opinion, i will give it toooo you. no go take a flying hike and save your unwanted grammar lessons to someone who gives a rats butt.
Learn how to write, you dumb ass.
Why dont you learn how to mind your business, if i want your opinion i will give it to you. And with your superior mind, the only thing you can think of to call me is DUMB ASS, wow, you really put me in my place with that one huh?!!! LOL, I will really think twice about saying something to you, dumbfuckaroo.
I’m starting to miss James…
Claiming to like a genre of music to look cool is for pussyboys. Meaning, white boys who are GenX.
too funny – thanks!
True. But you forgot one thing.
‘Conscious Rap.’
I guess Im the wrong kind of white person, but am I the only person who thinks rap and hip hop is kind of retarded. Ok lets take a James Brown/80’s new wave sample and perform rhyming poetry over it. Old school or new school it has to be the most talentless form of music since a neanderthal first banged on a drum. Ok maybe some guys who can freestyle are impressive and I have to admit some of the more commercial stuff is fun and kind of catchy, but I’ll take music with guitars and actual singing any day.
In college in the early 2000’s I used to go to a bar where they played Biggies “Juicy” and all the middle class white kids from LI and Westchester used to go crazy. It was a “white chicks and gang signs” extravaganza. People singing along to a song that they cant relate to in anyway, it was the only time in my life I was embarrased to be white.
You are so funny! I know at least a dozen white friends off the top of my head who could fit in any of the descriptions listed here–very well executed commentary!!
Ha ha ha, this post reminds me of all the hip kids on campus wearing those red Notorious B.I.G shirts.
“I be hatin’ armadillos, Yo!”
This post is SOO TRUE!
I am a DJ at my college radio station, and let me tell you something. We have a Reggae show (hosted by a white guy), Blues show (black and white guy), Abstract hip hop show (white guy), Jazz show (white guy,korean girl), Soul music show (white guy), and our other hip hop shows are hosted by black people.
you didn’t really mention Reggae, but that is a BIG genre that has a large white listener base.
I used to listen to a little bit of Dead Prez, busdriver, Dalek, and Cannibal Ox, but i stopped listening because i kind of just did it to look like i had some rap on my ipod.
I loooove jazz; Ella, Billie, Louis, Nina, all of them, and listen to it with much frequency. I love OLD SCHOOL hip hop; Run DMC, oh yesss. And I love reggae, as well.
I’m not black, and I’m not white… or at least I’m not either entirely… so I’ll continue believing this blog doesn’t apply to me at all and maintain my happy life.
there have been people here that have tried to make a good point and failed. essentially this site partakes in a socially acceptable form of stereotyping and racism. when it says “white people” it presumes to classify a race as what is more accurately described as a liberal stereotype. so people have said, what if there was a list about things black people liked and then said things like “chicken”. now this is not fair because this site is successful precisely because it goes above that basic level of stereotyping and is a lot more sophisticated and insightful in it’s racism. (and honestly i agree with a lot of the things you say, i just don’t think that makes it any less racist). it would be interesting for an author, preferably this author, or another black author, to post a list of things black people love. don’t say you are black. just post it, and see how long it takes before people start calling you a bigot. what if that list included things like:
*louis farrakahn– i’ve never met a single non-black person who thought he was an admirable individual
*being “in da’ club”– just do a brief survey of how many of the hip hop songs in the top 40 charts right now talk about being in the club
*expensive car rims, especially on inexpensive cars– go to any predominantly black neighborhood and admire the wheels
*talking about being black– see any black public intellectual (only thing cornell west talks about).
*making fun of the way white people dance– see every black comedian that ever lived and subsequently every white comedian imitating a black comedian
*clothing at least 2 sizes too big– take measurements at the “urban youth” section of any department store.
*brightly colored faux crocodile skin square toed shoes– not owned by a single non-black man in america (see the entire tracey adams collection)
*gay bashing– it’s awesome to make fun of even smaller minorities
*making white people feel guilty about being white– see this site
*hoop earrings with owners name spelled into it– (also applicable for puerto rican women)
*ass– everyone loves ass, but black people make it an art form
*making new words– “crunk”
*scarface– you know he dies in the end right?
*john singleton movies– boys in the hood part 12
*pimps– a black cultural icon. the word pimp now so far removed from it’s actual meaning it’s meant to describe anything cool.
as you can see all of these things refer to a single type of black person, a stereotype that rings true in some of our minds. it’s no more of less racist than anything else on this site because racism doesn’t necessarily mean negative attitudes, it just mean attitudes based on race.
Good points, and well said. But, as long as we continue to apply racist principals to words, and they are just words, we will never be allowed to celebrate diversity by acknowledging our cultural differences without offending.
As humans being, we all need to evolve into emotional creatures with thicker skin.
Then we can truly celebrate and enjoy our cultural diversity without worrying about who we will offend.
I’m offended by your comments.
“we will never be allowed to celebrate diversity by acknowledging our cultural differences without offending.”
Thank you, for that. Observing race is not being racist. People are different, that’s just reality.
We need more forums like this one.
Boo – hoo. Poor white people. Big mean nasty blog. stereotyping them…
Relax, it’s supposed to be fun and funny! And people already did spinoffs of this blog, like “stuff black people like”, “…asian people like”, etc., etc. Google it!
Those sights do not bring out the bigots like this sight does. It seems that alot of white people actually BELIEVE the satire they read here, take it to heart as fact, and then take the next step in thinking that ‘white people’ are the ‘end all to be all’ in everything, from civilization, to culture, to music.
Fortunately, these types are not as numerous as they were before the presidential election.
Very good post! This site is an insidious facet of a campaign of deligitimisation of Western (White) civilization, which is being undertaken by the White intelligentsia, whose aim is the restructoring of society with themselves as a new elite. These cultural Marxists know that they have zero ideas that appeal to the public and are incapable of formulating constructive social innovation, and so depend upon a withering and relentless campaign of carping, complaining and criticisism of the established paradigm.
Damn right! And your point is??
BTW, the president of your Western (white) civilization is an African American (how ironic?).
Also, if you are going to use multi-syllable words, at least SPELL THEM CORRECTLY.
James wrote: deligitimisation
Webster’s Dictionary wrote: delegitimization
If you can’t dazzle us with your brilliance,
you try to baffle us with your bull****.
James, James, James, the cracks in your intellectual armor are increasing with every entry you type. Tsk Tsk Tsk.
You make a good overall point about the differences in cultural acts that are in and of themselves funny, but critique of ethnic practices for the sake of humor is not racism. Racism requires,
a) the belief in distinct races based on physiological/genetic distinctions (which, of course, do not exist)
b) the belief that such groups can be placed on scales of value that indicate one is better than another.
c) a general institutional support of this overvaluation of one group over another (for instance, in job hiring, political representation, relative earnings, imprisonment, health, and so on).
So I think an attitude based on race requires the idea that races exist, that some are better than other, and that some are doing better than others in order to be racism, per se.
Attitudes based on race is BIAS. Bias does not necessarily mean
that you are racist because bias:
Bias- a mental leaning or inclination, partiality; prejudice; bent; (verb) to cause to have a bias; influence; prejudice.
whereas Racism is:
Racism- a doctrine or teaching, without scientific support, that claims to find racial differences in character, intelligence, etc., that asserts the superiority of one race over another, and that seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race; any program or practice of racial discrimination, segregation, etc. based on such beliefs.
Everyone is bias in one form or another (bias towards Froot Loops as opposed to Cheerios), whereas with racism, you CHOOSE to become. Racists are not born, they are created.
Bias is another word for partiality (a liking or dislike for a person, place or thing), which everyone has. When bias is based on skin color, then you go into that realm of bigotry, and the most extreme form of bigotry, which is racism.
If you don’t stereotype all black persons with all of what you said, then you are BIAS.
BUT, if you believe all the things you said hold true to all Black people, you are a BIGOT.
Bigotry- the behavior, attitude or beliefs of a bigot; intolerance; prejudice; bigot- a person who holds blindly and intolerantly to a particular creed, opinion, etc; a narrow-minded person
BUT, if you not only believe all those things you said hold true to all Black people, AND that is why you don’t like black people because YOU FEEL SUPERIOR TO ALL BLACK PEOPLE because of their skin color, then you are a RACIST.
the typos and bad grammar were very distracting. while i do thoroughly enjoy this website, i’d appreciate it if the next article was proofread. and yes, i realize my appreciation for good grammar makes me a stereotypical white person.
ditto! and is it me or are the articles getting longer and lamer?
If you are so much a stickler for typos and grammar, then why did YOU not put CAPITAL letters at the beginning of your sentences?
People who point out faults are mandated to set good examples, and Alex, you are NOT a good example of what you so much appreciate.
But unlike you, most of us don’t mind. “To err is human.” We forgive your mistakes.
I don’t like jazz, and I don’t claim to like jazz, but old-school-2Pac is GREAT! A Tribe Called Quest! Fugees!
COME ON!!!
Alright, so I went to a suburban high school, and all my firends wished they were black. But I didn’t even listen to that stuff back then all that actively! I only recently re-discovered these. They really ARE great!
Fugees???? “The Score” fricking came out in ‘96! Anyway, great post, and oh so true.
You really think white people are the ones keeping jazz, blues and conscious/”classic” hip-hop alive? That seems like giving a lot of credit where its NOT due. just cause they listen to it/appropriate it doesnt mean that Black people have given up on it. not at all.
Count the Japanese artist Yoko Kanno as the one keeping Jazz alive, and Symphony and Progressive too.
She boosts the style everytime she does another Anime soundtrack.
And Old School was better, only if it was “Gangsta”. Good enough people shot each other about it. Silly people.
Yoko Kanno is a hack.
GET OUT OF MY HEAD! ( love de la. I am so effing white.)
Classic, although you know of course that Del, KRS ONE and De La aren’t strictly old skool. You have to go back further to the bronx river projects hosted by Bambatta…….etc….etc…
Stuff White Cultural Marxists Like:
Over analysing pop cultural trends interpreting them in ways that support their narrow, paranoid world view and generally kissing up to minorities in new and imaginative ways.
What’s a white cultural marxist?
After its success in Russia Marxism failed in Europe, because it was opposed by the workers it was supposed to appeal to. Marxist intellectuals theorized that this failure was due to the hold of traditional values and traditional culture. A campaign of cultural subversion was launched, which was brought to America after WWII in the form of the Frankfurt School. Marxism was essentially a movement that appealed to intellectuals, the modern American intelligentsia are as febrile in their support of neo-Marxism as their antecedents were in their support of paleo-Marxism.
Or… maybe they came to America (modern artists, musicians, architects, anti-fascists, Walter Benjamin and the FS) and elsewhere in Europe because Hitler wanted to kill them.
And maybe many of the people who were most opposed to the Nazis were rabid Marxists who hated American free-market democracy with as much vehemence as they hated Nazism? The fact that Hitler wanted to kill you makes you a good person does it? That Joseph “Gulag” Stalin must have been one hell of a nice chap then!
I can’t believe you think the Frankfurt School is scary.
Oooo challenging artistic expression… quick get me to the nearest Cineplex so I can numb my mind back into consumption mode!
And since when is it not normal to have issues with free-market economy, especially when it comes to culture?
Mo’s comments are like a soothing breeze blowing in from the shores of SANITY, REASON, & REALITY. Just because some founders of the Frankfurt School were Marxists doesn’t mean they all were; And-
even if they were/are Marxist, that doesn’t mean they worshipped Stalin, who was an anti-democratic murderous despot; AND-
If you think “free market” Capitalism is like mother’s milk then you must have slept through 2008–and you clearly haven’t studied up enough to know that the biggest welfare recipients in the US have always been the rich & multinational corporations– what’s “free market” about that? ; AND
that whole “cultural Marxist” rant has no basis in actual history or reality–about Marxists “taking over” the US in some vast conspiracy to control… to control….what, exactly? As far as I can tell your (James’) buddy Rupert controls more mass media outlets than anybody else. All the “rabid” Marxists I know are poor & would like to see an end to poverty AND racism; AND
…. I forgot. I actually prefer the funnier comments, like when you guys go back & forth calling each other “dumb ass” and such. Very entertaining.
Barack Obama.
Obama is not white……he is african american….
And before any idiot with RACE ON THE MIND comes out and try to correct me, consider the following:
His father: Born in Kenya——AFRICA
His mother: Born in USA——-AMERICAN
put them together:
Obama is AFRICAN AMERICAN!
Case closed on THIS SUBJECT.
louiecoolgato, I love your logic!!
you are pure genius, dude.
This was awesome.
But I disagree with something. You cannot tel the story of Hip Hop without KRS One or De La Soul. The other two yeah that is just foolishness
In my freshman year at a small, rural, 99.9% white liberal arts college – this was 2001 – we had Naughty by Nature perform at the school’s annual spring festival. It was hilarious. Until they invited a bunch of girls back to their rooms and proceeded to trash the local Holiday Inn. That was the last “big name” act we had on campus, but at least we did our part to keep aging hip-hop alive.
It’s always a shock to white liberal aficionados of militant chic, whose stance is nothing more than a fashion statement, to discover that militant , hostile and confrontational attitudes projected by underclass minorities, are actually the result of hostile militant, confrontational attitudes. Never mind! The capacity of White liberals to not learn from their own experience will surely overcome!
hmmm…..like the capacity of white conservatives to not learn from THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES IN 2006….only to be kicked OUT in more numbers in Congress in 2008…..silly conservative….it is funny how you cast off on others while you cannot see the hypocrisy of your words……
“It makes sense considering that the British were the ones who created The Blues in the 17th Century.”
Very clever…
Dude, that shit is funny as hell…and since i said dude…you would be right in thinking i’m white…but i can recognize the funny when i see it…now did someone see my illmatic cd…i need black people to think i know what i’m talking about when it come to the rap
Yup! Racist humor is funny as hell. That’s why Cultural Marxists had to work for so hard and so long to prevent people making jokes about Blacks, Jews, Asians, Women and Homosexuals. We’ve now got Henry Ford racism, you can have any style you like, as long as it’s white!
I always read comments by individuals who claim to be white that this blog is racist. I would like to point out a few things that argue against this claim.:
1) Scholars (Research Psychologist and Sociologist) of Racism and Sexism define these -isms as racism/sexism = prejudice + power. And they distinguish between discrimination, prejudice and racism though laypeople tend to use these terms interchangeably. See the definitions below.
2) This is blog is clearly humorous and it is satire.
3) One could argue that that this blog is prejudice, but prejudice assumes that there is no knowledge, thought or reason. I believe that this blog is written with knowledge, thought and reason, the authors are clearly writing about people they know and themselves.
4) At best this blog is a stereotype of white people who are upper class and liberal. This is clearly not about all white people. This rules out racism because racism is strictly about being a member of a different racial group based on skin color and other physical features.
5) Even black people make fun of other black people. Black comics have always made jokes about black people. Most white people are less aware of this because the shows typical have a largely black audience. However, watch an episode of In living Color or the Chapelle show, if you don’t believe me. I think the problem here is that SOME white people are uncomfortable about anything that criticizes/mocks them. And some of these people are prejudice against blacks — hence the comments some of the arbitrary negative comments against blacks. Clearly MOST of the white readers see this blog as humor.Do you believe that black humor by black people is the result of racism?
Definitions from the National Association of School Psychologists:
Prejudice: Prejudice is an attitude, opinion, or feeling formed without prior knowledge, thought, or reason.
Discrimination: Discrimination is differential treatment that favors one individual, group, or object over another. The source of discrimination is prejudice, and the actions are not systematized.
Racism: Racism is racial prejudice and discrimination supported by institutional power and authority used to the advantage of one race and the disadvantage of other race(s). The critical element of racism which differentiates racism from prejudice and discrimination is the use of institutional power and authority to support prejudice and enforce discriminatory behaviors in systematic ways with far reaching outcomes and effects.
http://www.nasponline.org/about_nasp/pospaper_rpd.aspx
Nicole
“Racism is racial prejudice and discrimination supported by institutional power and authority”
No it isn’t. Racism is a belief that there are significant heritable differences between historically isolated human groups. Your conception of racism has been created by Cultural Marxists as a means of ignoring the many obvious examples of non-White racism. Because in White majority nations White people naturally dominate authoritative bodies and institutions, it is convenient for the ideological enemies of European civilization to allege that a negative value (racism) is coterminous with this constant. This silly analysis ignores the fact that there is no relation to the degree of power held by White people in any given political system and the degree of racism extant under that system. Hitler’s Nazi regime was powerful and racist. Stalin’s Communist regime was powerful and not racist. Both regimes were White. It is also untrue that “power” is a non-situational phenomenon manifest only in institutions and authoritative bodies. An unarmed White person in a Black underclass neighbourhood does not have meaningful power over the Black residents. It’s convenient for Black racists and White CM’s to assert this only because it identifies racism uniquely and falsely with White people. You are not very clever.
Whites make up 80% of the US population…..whites are in almost all places of power on the state and local level (on the national level, with Obama, this may change)…..The only way that a non-white can be racist in this country is if he believes in the superiority of whites over all other races…….a good example of this is Justice Clarence Thomas…..
I am a white woman and my head hurts too much today to try to be bright. I’m not very smart anyway, so be kind. It’s nice to have a voice. Any voice.
I stumbled upon this blog and have been reading some of the posts. Interesting stuff and good study material for me to mull over. I think slow, but I think often. It will happen while I’m loading the dishwasher or driving down the road, though it probably doesn’t happen much if I am also chewing gum.
I like obscure black music so I can be cool? Well, I think I know the people you’re referring to but it’s not me. I could be a stereotype but I’m not. I just like what I like, and I don’t know enough to know why. I just feel it. Some music bores me and other music makes me lift my palms to the sky (and my hips sway). I honestly haven’t thought much about the origins of it all, although the study of it might fun. Running out of time in this buffet of tantalizing questions.
Oh, there was one comment in which the writer disparaged of the musically inept who keeps a beat that only he or she can feel…….oh but what a blessing to feel any beat at all. I remember meeting someone once who said they didn’t like music. Wow. I’m thinking maybe that’s a sign of sociopathology. Or am I forcing the piece into an incorrect opening in the puzzle? (A piece that’s been in my pocket for thirty years or so. No, it’s not bothering me. I can keep holding the piece infinitely.) No problem. However, I do need to pee.
And there’s the writer or writers who want to put it in my face that there’s going to be a black president. Ha. Well who do you think voted him into office? I said to myself it’s this man’s turn to be president, above and beyond the woman’s turn or the brutalized soldier’s. (But not until after I’d read one of Mr. Obama’s books.) We are called upon to discern and make a decision and I did my best. You’re going to take my choice and rub my face with it? Rub my face with something else I love too. Don’t stop until it’s a true facial.
I feel better now. I kneel down to NO ONE, except maybe ONE LOVE. Not the song though. It doesn’t make my hips sway.
Nicole, the problem is not the blog, it is the bigoted people people who write on it (and they are mostly white…and if you don’t believe me, look thru these blogs and read for yourself)…..
While you make some valid points about satire, as a non-white, i am not going to let some bigot, under the guise of ’satire’ just get away with unsubstantiated bull****.
While all that you wrote is true and valid, unfortunately, the words ‘white people’ brings out the worse in white people….not all of them, but enough of them to take the humor out of whatever the author of this blog hoped to generate.
When it come to race and racism, it is alive and well….just because we have an african american president does not mean that there’s a big shift in race relations…..the country is still 80% white, and until whites change their attitudes, there will be racism.
PS: only 43% of all registered white voters voted for Obama in this election…..which means that 57% voted against him….
The 57% figure would be true only if 100% of all registered white voters actually voted.
Also the country in no where near 80% white anymore.
You throw bad percentages around like a honky wonk.
You sure you’re not white?
Cuz you’re gray matter is awful pasty.
But that 57% was not the right kind of white person. Stick with the program.
This guy needs to start proofreading before he posts. I’ve spotted two careless mistakes and it kind of irks me.
I am so sick of people who point out grammar mistakes! You are not smarter than the rest of us!
OMG, I can hardly stand it. I actually change the genre on most of my jazz and old vocal standards to “Dinner music” so I can just hit the playlist when people come over for dinner parties. People always say, “You have the best dinner music”. And it’s the only time I listen to it. IASW!
LOL, “dinner music”- that’s rich! I love it! I’m stealing it!
HA, HA, HA! WU TANG- NOT COMMERCIAL; HA, HA, HA!
Don’t Get me wrong- I know that it’s, “Wu Tang Forever”- but really- they are one of the most “commercial” Hiphop acts out there. I say that with respe(k)t
I think to be right kind of white person you have to balance on the knifes edge of liking both of the right type of main stream and the right kind of underground.
That way you can pull off having Ludacris’s Chicken and Beer, sitting next to your Atmosphere album, nuzzled inbetween NWA, West Side Connection and your best of Tupac & or Biggie.
This would show that you value substance and the roots of hip hop and most likely own style wars or Beat Street.
Yet, also show that you know about the streets, Ends, guns, Hoes and possibly don’t mind dancing. In short that you were around to appreciate the 90’s.
All the while implying that ayou can wear a backpack and hoodie with the very best of them at the new underground shows
OH, and if you want to hear some good hip hop-
Go get:
88 Keys and Counting- Grieves with Budo
Paper Cut Outs- Soul Crate Music
Murs for President- Murs
The Undisputed Truth- Brother Ali
When Life Gives you Lemons…- Atmosphere
P. S. Kanye West’s new album is a joke.
P. P. S. I’m pretty sure I’ll have my ethnic card pulled for that 1st P. S.
and lose all my white friends.
Kanye West is not exactly hip hop in my opinion. Anyone who samples Can is clearly not colouring in the lines. Good for him.
It’s not his production and mixing that I have a problem with, in fact- most of the time I am thoroughly impressed by it.
I just wish he would shut up and stay behind the scenes; most of the time. I don’t really think he’s the best MC and that a lot of his beats would sound so much better with somone else over them.
Oh and I am frickin sick to death of the voice modulator!
Can anyone say
Saul Williams?????
album: Road to Damascus
song: September 12th…..
I liked that movie he was in about being all slammy poetical in prison. I think it was called Slam? yeah?
I hate jazz music, and I can’t even admit that in public because of the look of disdain I get every time I do. And jazz brunches? Why the eff would I want horn instruments blaring in my ear when I am hungover and trying to get some greasy food time.
Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: Because there’s a jazz band playing on the other side.
This is sooooo true!
Another head shot. Well done.
But there’s another itty bitty piece that we can’t overlook.
Eventually white people get around to inserting white people into the origins of said music.
“Well, you know the African adopted the European scale which is what enabled Jazz itself to be formed in the first place so it can’t rightly be called ‘Black music’.”
“Well, you know, Black people were sampling hard rock records on turntables invented by white people which is what enabled Hip Hop to be created in the first placeso it can’t rightly be called ‘Black music’.”
“Well, you know, white people created the horrible conditions that inspired The Blues so it can’t rightly be called ‘Black music’.”
So on and so forth.
The tragedy, of course, is that there is no popular musical form today that can be traced back to a “white” origin. We’re EVERYWHERE even the White House! ESPECIALLY your White House!
You’re an idiot! Of COURSE the music can be traced back to us. What kinda music did you guys have in Africa??(That is when you werent busy selling each other to the Arab slavetraders??) Just banging on the drum all day. White people have music that stands on its own(from an unlimited diversity—I hate that word–of folk music all the way up to Mozart)but black music is totally dependent on the European element to be worthwhile. I mean,what do you listen to out of Africa?? (Aside from people screaming??)
Josh, you ignorant slut…
All current POPULAR music points back to us mud people.
Rock (and all it’s derivatives: Punk, Metal, Alternative, etc.) is just amplified Blues (Black music)
Country is derived from Mexican proto-rancheros.
Pop is just watered down R&B. (Black music)
Hip Hop. Self-explanatory. Black music.
EVERY top selling form (POPULAR) of music in America points back to black / brown folks.
Chew on that.
Face it, your people have no culture. Sucks to be you, play-less.
Oh yeah… and while you’re plucking away at your banjo and thinking you’re being super-white… recognize that the banjo comes from Africa.
haha stagolee, love the Steve Martin ref.
Even he wanted to be black – remember The Jerk?
I would only argue the country point. Some of it may be derived from proto-ranchero music, but some of it is derived from Irish and Scottish musical traditions brought to Appalachia from Scotch-Irish immigrants (is it white to call a group Scotch-Irish?).
However, the rest of pop music? (I mean anything they play on the radio that isn’t in a classical format) is DEFINITELY derived from African traditions. And I like it like that!
And I think alot of the RKOWP actually enjoy commercial hip-hop, they just don’t want to it admit for fear of being mocked by their friends. How else do you explain acts like Rianna, TI, and Chris Brown consistently being the top single downloads on iTunes. When you get caught you can sheepishly laugh and say its a “guilty pleasure.” White people love guilty pleasures!
Stag, don’t forget, no self-respecting white singer would NEVER go on a world tour without the perverbial backup FEMALE BLACK SINGERS!!!……LOL…..
It’s like, in order to ‘legitimate’ that music to the world, american singers HAVE TO HAVE black backup voices….Don’t believe me? Look at any concert that comes on PBS….hell, look at any Rolling Stones concert the last 30 years!!….
‘free your mind and your ass will follow’…..
The banjo was “upgraded” to European engineering standards by Joel Walker Sweeney. President elect Obama is genetically (using Physical Anthropological terminology) Of Congoid/Caucasoid ancestry. Hip-Hop is not a complete musical art form. it has ALWAYS “sampled” music or shall I say PLAGARIZED from other peoples arrangements, compositions, licks and phrases. Too much political correctness has been payed praising how Definitive a genre it is. Sorry, but the emperor has no clothes on.
Mike, by using your thought process, let us analyze your points:
Point #1: “…Obama is genetically….of congoid/caucasoid ancestry…” Your argument is based on “genetics equals race differences.”….Well your argument is based on a falsehood because people of all shades are of the HUMAN RACE. All humans are of the same species, and although there are variations within our species, SKIN COLOR IS THE LEAST IMPORTANT. WHITE SKIN DOES NOT EQUAL HIGHER INTELLIGENCE. All that congoloid/caucasiod bull**** you are talking is scientific RACISM, and YOU know it!
Point #2: “..the banjo was ‘upgraded’ to european engineering standards…” …..”Hip-Hop is not a complete music art form…it has always….plagarized from other peoples arrangements ..etc….”
Now let’s just use your words and look at this….Europeans basically made the banjo ‘better’ with European engineering standards…..BUT…..DID NOT GIVE CREDIT TO WHO INVENTED IT IN THE FIRST PLACE…….Isn’t this called…..STEALING??…Oh, but since the european made the original sound better, it is OK for the european to take credit for it…..sounds like the european is a THIEF (which is nothing new to non-white people who study history and culture…. but…. it is so nice of you to justify why whites/europeans steal from non-white cultures.
…. to make the original better….Ok…?)
And as for your diatribe about hip-hop plagiarizing from other music…It is OBVIOUS that you know absolutely NOTHING ABOUT MUSIC IN ANY FORM. What you call ‘plagiarizing’ is what goes on in all forms of music…..This is what make music, music.
plagiarize |ˈplājəˌrīz|
verb [ trans. ]
take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one’s own.
• copy from (someone) in such a way.
Hip Hop artists do not create music and take claim for it. On the contrary, they COMBINE different forms of music and make it ‘better’, to take your words. And unlike the European (of your example) who readily steals and do not give credit, Hip Hop artists give credit because…..if you knew anything about the music industry, the people who created the original samples are given credit on the albums, and are PAID for their use….
Point #3: …”sorry, but the emperor has no clothes on..” This is the most correct statement you made….we would appreciate it if you’d kindly put some clothes over your ignorance in certain subjects and leave those out-dated anthropological manuals alone!
louiecoolgato, I like what you have to say. But I believe that sampling does create new music. Who’s the arbiter of what a piece of music is? And if European composers constantly pulled motifs and phrases from each other to build new music, then I say sampling does the same.
PS to Mike H.: You obviously weren’t paying attention in your BioAnthro 101 class. I know that most students take it as an elective, rather than a major requirement, but if you had paid attention during the whole semester, you would have learned that skin color is controlled by 7 alelles on 1 gene and no anthropologist hase used that “caucasoid” classification in 75 years. Except maybe Mengele and the Nazis.
stagolee is back!
African music sounds like people screaming??? LoL, you should ask a few black folks what heavy metal sounds like to them… Blues, rumba, salsa, jazz all derive from African traditions that were brought to the west via the slave trade. This is why they are traditionally referred to as Black music… Not because the majority of artists are Black. Many contemporary genres (punk, rock, pop, even indie) originate from Rock n Roll which has deep roots originating from Blues music.
And THAT is what we listen to out of Africa… So, next time you’re listening to Nickelback on your Mp3 you will know that African music made it possible…
Its cool white folks prefer “Classic Hip-Hop”, but can we keep it out of the karaoke line-up? If I hear Baby Got Back one more time Ima throw my drink at somebody…
“Well, you know, white people created the horrible conditions that inspired The Blues so it can’t rightly be called ‘Black music’.”
ROFLMAO!!
You need to do a guest column!
“Well, you know, white people created the horrible conditions that inspired The Blues so it can’t rightly be called ‘Black music’.”
LMAO!
But the Wu Tang Clan ain’t nothin’ to f*** with, clander! C’mon! This article, by implication, is f***ing with them! Think of your safety, good sir!
Quite!
What a great post!! Captures the dickheaded pomposity and superiority mixed with condescension (Not to mention the kissing of black ass–which is whiter peoples favorite sport) of whitey,as he blubbers about Mississippi John Hurt and Muddy Waters et al. White people have this great capacity to lick the anuses of older blackies,the people that blacks themselves have gotten sick of–as the poster says. Yep,jazz is horrible. Blues (electric) is mostly junk,but sometimes is actually good. But whitey listening to “old school hip-hop”—YOU DUMBASSESS!!! “De La Soul”???? Go to hell!!
To Comment on #116 Black Music that Black People Don’t Listen to Anymore by Nicole
I wonder if you miss the best feature of this site: the pointlessness of being above it all. White people REALLY like “Stuff that White People Like” Sure, your comments are true enough at some level, but is not like saying water is wet? To observe racism is bad is true, but is it about as insightful as being against cancer.
Is seems the more helpful insight is that we are all “prejudice”. I have a prejudice in favor of Honda and against Ford. Ok, maybe the word is preference, but regardless of the word you use and the definition you impose the reality is that we make choices based on both informed and uniformed preferences about many things and prejudice/preference always enters the equation when is comes to the way we act and react to others. Some women may have a prejudice against short, stocky bald men (I can attest that many do). Is that wrong of them, is that a moral failure? No, if you in questions of romance, it is a question of personal preference, Yes if the issue is civil rights.
With all due respect to the learned Dr. West, and the requirement that racism exist only when conjoined to power, it misses the more universal truth that all people (all, coming from the original Old English word meaning “all”) make distinctions between US and THEM. Race is just the easiest way to make an US and THEM distinctions (“race” is a word of little scientific precision; there certainly are groups with more or less genetic diversity). Babies are drawn to other babies and often afraid of men – small = us, big = them. Young children often segregate according to sex – boys with boys, girls with girls. Teenagers segregate by clicks, Jocks = us, Goths = them (or vice-versa)
Until we all admit that we all make justified and unjustified; moral, amoral, and immoral choices based on US and THEM and that is it so much bigger than race and racism we will never make progress. The key is to make sure the US does not have the power to treat them unjustly. A necessary condition of this ideal is that we quit fretting over the fact we will always divide ourselves in to US and THEM.
Just a few comments on an issue that dwarfs this forum.
Awww, lighten up. What’s so wrong about having a giggle at our own foibles?
There is NO HUMOR in ignorance…
“that racism exist only when conjoined to power”
This interpretation of racism was invented by Cultural Marxists to contest allegations by White people could be victims of racism. Anyone who understands basic English can understand that this is bullshit. Racism can only be “expressed” when conjoined to power. To infer from this that only white people can be racists necessitates a belief that Whites have power over Blacks at all times and in all situations. In reality a two hundred pound Black man has a power advantage over a one hundred and thirty pound White man in a prison cell, a Black man in an unlit car park has a power advantage over a White woman, a Black man with a gun has an advantage over a White man without a gun on a deserted street. The degree of racism inherent in any race can only be discerned when the race in question are able to give expression to that inherent racism. Zimbabwe might be a useful example.
JAMES WROTE “To infer from this that only white people can be racists necessitates a belief that Whites have power over Blacks at all times and in all situations. In reality a two hundred pound Black man has a power advantage over a one hundred and thirty pound White man in a prison cell, a Black man in an unlit car park has a power advantage over a White woman, a Black man with a gun has an advantage over a White man without a gun on a deserted street.”
Your examples of Black “power” are singular non-sytemic occurences that while emotive, are ultimately misleading (more on this later).
I agree with your fundmental premise that common cries of racism are often “Bullshit”, that’s really the result of a lack of linguistic sophistication by the accuser.
In American we incorrectly refer to name-calling as “racist”.
NOTE: It’s too bad that your feelings get hurt when people incorrectly call white people “racist”. Similarly, it’s too bad that anyone gets their feelings hurt by name calling.
We incorrectly refer to mistrust as “racist”. E.g., “I don’t like those people, I hear they smell funny.”
That’s not racism. That’s prejudice or, well name-calling, but it’s not “racism”. And I agree that the average white person lacks the power to be racist.
Now, when we get to “I will work to keep them out of my neighborhood” or “I’d never hire one.” we are stepping up to racism. And then when we get to “I just bombed a bunch of them last week”, we’re pretty much at the tippy top of the scale.
That’s the racism that matters.
——
JAMES WROTE: “Zimbabwe might be a useful example.”
Zimbabwe is an example of political comeuppance. The white settlers stole the land and were eventually forced off. Simple. South Africa and Kenya should do the same. Or, like Ghana, simply outlaw foreign ownership.
——
It’s quite telling that you chose criminal examples of Black “power”.
As you likely know, examples of white “power” are significantly more potent.
For example: The creation of all white towns/counties through violent banishments (e.g., Forsyth County, GA and White Settlement, TX),
The forced segregation of cities like Chicago and Boston with the police as the enforcers.
The creation of toxic dumps in areas that have been designated as black/brown areas.
The redlining of loans so that black / brown people are unable to create new financial opportunities in their communities.
THAT’S racism.
And even our new Black president ain’t got that kind of power.
You make a valid point James, but the point your making is just as racist as you can get. Racism IS based on power, walk into a bank and try to get a loan, try to catch a cab at night, or walk in a fancy neighborhod as a non-white and see who has power. You can put away your thesaurus, all the big words in the world cant hide your ignorant…no STUPID points. Racism is conjoined to power because if you control system, if your the majority, if you are considered the man, that equals what? son, it equals power.
But, I do have to say that due to the recent turn of events as of late, the tide may be turning for wanna be blowhard nazi rejects like yourself who think your superior because you have a dictionary beside you so you can pretend to be and intellictual. ha, Well ponder upon this, you may be right after all. Now that I think about it. Non-whites no longer need 40 acres and a mule, 50 states and a white house will definitely do.
As far as your examples, if you replaced the big scary black man with a trailer park loser like yourself, a ignorant neo nazi reject, you would still have the same effect. Non whites may seem to have racist tendancies but they arent racist. If someone oppressed you for 400 years, you would be pissed. Thats not racist, thats understandable. And with people like yourself spreading ignorance, you are not helping the cause non at all. I would keep on but I will leave on this happy not, A BLACK MAN IS PRESIDENT NOW, isnt america great. We shall over come will be the next american anthem right next to the Star spangle banner. Now stand up and salute your new commander and chief.
oh dear oh dear, can’t we all just get along..
Come on.. Jazz and the Blues are still alive for black people too. I love Jazz, and I love hip hop combined with it, which is often the “old school” stuff. If by commercial rap you mean most of the mainstream, gangsta stuff, then I guess I’m not black cause that stuff is crap (a lot of it anyway). Seriously, I like most posts you put on here but I’ve gotta call you out on this. The so called “old school rap” (which some artists still make?) is the best kind, and it IS real hip-hop–just ask Nas.
hip-hop music iss tha bomb bitches !!
Exactly why I have to listen to baby got back at every wedding I’ve been to for the last how many years.
If I ever questioned if whites, (as a whole), were incapable of understanding and accepting people that don’t look, act, or speak like them, I am definitely without question positive that it’s (for the most white people) true now after reading many of your posts. Lol. But many will think I am referring to the some one who obviously shows his disdain, but apathy is just as ugly in regards to compassion for others or lack thereof. PC is necessary for most of you because its not natural to be respectful I suppose. Unfortunately, oppression has affected many blacks and those of use succeeding despite of it have begun to accept you behavior as a byproduct.
To the guy that talks about the site being for whites, I give you that’s, kind of like blacks and Ebony, but you wont see anything in ebony or anything that “black people like” that is polarizing.
Its cool man, you guys have ruled, in comparison to the other races, for a short term on this earth, and unless your thinking becomes more inclusive, (kind of how Rome stayed up for awhile) then your rule will pass soon enough….lol
This site is def insightful though, Thanks for it!!!!
As a white person who enjoys the blues (but not jazz) I have to say that there are far too many of us who like to think they’re being culturally aware by doing so. I just happen to like the sound, but many people talk about how much they “empathize with black experience” because they listen to Muddy Waters or Buddy Guy. Just shut up and enjoy the music.
Also, I do not wear a fedora.
I’m a Scandanavian-American from northern Wisconsin/NE Minnesota. I love the blues and have traveled to Chicago, Mississippi and Memphis for blues tourism.
I’ve always wondered if there are black kids from the south who make pilgrimages to northern Minnesota to track down obscure polka players. If a carload of African-Americans from Alabama will ever show up at my great aunts house and ask her to play some tunes on her concertina for them.
I know that if black kids do make pilgrimages to Minnesota, it will be to find the birthplace of Prince (Rogers, that is)….
I do hope you are recording those obscure polka songs Chuck…that is part of musica americana….they should be added to the great variety of music that this country has produced…..
These are getting worse and worse…
Less output, more editing.
Please bring the love back.
damnit. how you continue to cut to the core of my whiteness and stuff i like is just straight-up uncanny. i like jazz. i like hip-hop (but not 98% of commercial hip-hop). and i also like blues (except when performed by awkward middle-aged white dudes).
though, i actually do listen because i enjoy it. not because i pretend to relate to the majority of themes on say, The Chronic. i grew up in suburban minnesota and therefore relate more to The Jonas Brothers.
ps- white people LOVE http://www.diaryoffools.com
It’s a free exchange. Black music takes from white music, white music takes from black music. Soon enough it will all just be music (just take a look a rap-metal or white rappers or black rockers). Anyway, it’s nothing new either, just listen to this “old-school hip-hop” that takes it’s music straight from the whitest of white bands. Kraftwerk – a bunch of German nerds playing around on electrical equipment.
Until recently (like the 1980s), white music had always took from Black music, due to racism, and put white faces to black music (ex: Perry Como, etc) . In the 50s, ‘rock and roll’ (which meant in the black vernacular of the 50s, having sex) was a term taken by Allen Freed to introduce black music to white kids who were not exposed to it. Freed was a white DJ who loved black music, and he believed that music should not be segregated, but the white establishment eventually crushed him (payola scandals), and white bread established DJs like Dick Clarke rose up and had white singers sing black music…..
Rock and Roll is nothing more than black rhythm and blues dance music…..
Disco music is nothing more than black rhythm and blues dance music….the word ‘disco’ became a bad word when whites tried to imitate extended dance songs like black artists…and out of the disco era, the white extended songs are more or less forgotten, while extended dance tunes by black artists (Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, McFadden and Whitehead, GQ, Cameo, Donna Summer, War, etc)..all these artists had songs that went 6-7…up to almost 17 minutes long (Donna Summer ‘Love To Love You Baby’…arguably the first 12′ ever put out in 1975)…..you play these songs today, and people dance to them…..play some BeeGees or the Rolling Stones late 70s tunes and……uh…..good luck getting a bunch of black folk running in droves to the dancefloor!!
Don’t get me wrong….I like their music….but when played in a mix group of blacks and whites, inevitably, most whites groan and say that they don’t like disco…..
Now in my opinion, the 1980’s was the best time to be a DJ and to be ‘into music’……………music was what you described Koubi…whites liberally borrowing from blacks…who borrowed from middle eastern (Eric B. & Rahim Pump Up the Volume)…who borrowed from africa…who borrowed from europe….who all of them for a time borrowed from the caribbean…..Music in the 80s crossed over each other so much that catagories were blurred beyond recognition for awhile……..I was extremely fortunate to be a DJ thruought the 80s….there was no such thing as white or black music, even though radio stations in the 80s tried their hardest to pigeonhole the music….was Debbie Harry a rocker, a reggae singer or a new waver???
The 90s was when the music industry finally got their catagorizing ways back into the music and in my opinion, with the exception of World Music, popular music in general has gone seriously down the drain….there are some gems out in the desert, but you have to look hard for songs that you can actually remember from 10 years ago!….
LOUIECOOLGATO WROTE: “play some BeeGees or the Rolling Stones late 70s tunes and……uh…..good luck getting a bunch of black folk running in droves to the dancefloor!!”
And ^^ this, people, is the true test.
What louiecoolgato has done is demonstrate how you measure the influence of one culture over the other.
You put on rock or Country music and white people will start gyrating and throwing up the devil horns.
Put on Ranchero and Mexican people start gyrating.
Put on Karoake and Korean people will pretend they’re gyrating
Put on some African American Soul or Hip Hop, or some Jamaican Reggae and EVERYBODY jumps up and starts gyrating.
–
On another note, Louie… Great background history. You clearly love music. Glad to be in your company.
Stag, I think that you were overwhelmingly merciful NOT to include how the BRITISH INVASION of the 60s pop music into america was initially based EXCLUSIVELY on Black Blues songs remade by Brits, and amplified going into the 70s (which you covered rather well). The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, along with almost all British groups who came over in the 60s readily acknowledged where their so-called ‘new’ sound came from, but white america said that they don’t care about the roots of the music, just shut up and play. And they did.
American Pop music by its very nature, is derived from African American music and tradition. No one outside of the US really reminisce over Grunge Music of the early 90s, or Industrial (unless some ‘color’ is injected into it…ie: drum rhythm beats, and Hip Hop samples……Hell, no one except the most dedicated to Industrial music/rock would even know the group Skinny Puppy (one of the first, and in my opinion, best example of the genre).
Keep up the good work.
“In short that you were around to appreciate the 90’s”
so true
As the wrong kind of white person in college, I used to hate it when fellow (white) classmates would go on an on about Robin Hitchcock, Nick Cave or whoever the f—. It was all a big game of who could be the most esoteric. The height of this nonsense: I was once in a bar with friends and my pseudo-date actually LEFT the building while a certain popular song was being played because it apparently pained his highly refined sensibilities too much to listen to it for 3 minutes, let alone dance to it. Needless to say, he did not get any play that night. Jackass.
I know all kinds of people who like various forms of jazz, swing, blues, whatever, but they don’t have to announce it to everyone. There is a certain kind of white person who will self-consciously talk about it ad infinitem. Often it’s the twenty-years-later version of the people who crowed about the obscure indie rock they listened to in college. There may be a certain kind of black person who does this too, but I have never met that kind of black person, so I wouldn’t know.
Still, busted: I have found myself referring to “Old School” lately while talking about such gems as Digital Underground’s “The Humpty Dance,” Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky” and Salt’n'Pepa’s “Push it.” And I have no idea what I’m talking about, other than it is “old” and dates from the time when I was in highschool.
One word:
Ska.
the is way too correct. my friend got rid of her tv because it makes too much “noise” in the living room. now she plays nina simone in her living room at a noticeably louder volume.
hahahahahahahahahaha
Fat boys! All you can eat.
How I hate white people, and what they have done with this once fine country.
Snuffed out the likes of you.
Sorry to get technical here but there’s an entire discipline call ethnomusicology. Africans did indeed bang on logs but its music if mainly vocal. The scale used is mostly pentatonic (five note) plus those “blue notes” between major/minor thirds and seventh. Blues is the closest to African roots. Jazz is a hybrid of the European harmonic system with Blues (African). Thus in coldly scientific terms, Jazz is a product of musical miscegenation. And I disagree that punk and heavy metal contain any African influence at all. When you eliminate ska punk (itself a mixed race baby), the metal/punk tradition is Celtic/Nordic European folk music on steroids. When you add Classical European influence, you get the likes Iron Maiden . Finally, the decline of rap followed the decline of white musical forms as well. Old School rap sold to white college kids in the 80’s because it had a high level of excellence in composition and execution. As all new genres degenerate, its standards decline as it tries to find a bigger audience and approaches least common denominator. Not everything sucks these days. Excellence is still out there.
Superb and interesting post Sir!
Rechill, you talk like you the only one who know something about music. Somebody hold my drink, while I handle this.
–
RECHILL WROTE: “Jazz is a hybrid of the European harmonic system with Blues (African).”
STAG SAY: The “European scale” is actually the Moorish scale. Pay it forward.
–
RECHILL WROTE: “And I disagree that punk and heavy metal contain any African influence at all.”
STAG SAY: Fact: Rock is distorted and amplified blues.
Standard Metal (AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Kiss, etc. And on into Venom, Metallica and early Slayer) is an offshoot of Rock, and Punk Rock (Sex Pistols, Ruts, Cock Sparrer, 7 Seconds, Black Flag, Sham 69, Green Day, etc. is the bastard offspring (Notably, hardcore and art punk bend the rules).
Therefore I stand by my assertion that Metal and Punk are interpretations of amplified and distorted Blues.
–
RECHILL WROTE: “… the metal/punk tradition is Celtic/Nordic European folk music on steroids. When you add Classical European influence, you get the likes Iron Maiden…”
STAG SAY: In imagery, yes (Viking, Saxon, Anglo, Norse, etc.). But other than the operatic vocal stylings of Bruce Dickinson, Maiden were a straight draw down from Sabbath (ditto for King Diamond). Now, go back to the Paul Dianno days and you’ll see that pre-Dickinson Iron Maiden is really just amplified and distorted blues. I do agree, however, that Iron Maiden is the turning point from Blues towards more native European influences. Such as on “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”.
Now, European “Black Metal” (e.g., Mayhem, Celtic Frost, Bathory) is an intential quest to abandon the African roots of rock music in search of an aggressive, modern European musical style.
This is demonstrated by their use of European instrumentation (keyboards, violins and folk instruments) and their abandonment of the Verse-chorus song structure with its undeniable links back to the Blues and hence to Africa.
–
RECHILL WROTE: “Old School rap sold to white college kids in the 80’s because it had a high level of excellence in composition and execution.”
STAG SAY: I disagree on the terms that Old School rap did not have a significant foothold with white college kids until the 90s. And it wasn’t for quality, it was for safety. When rap became dangerous, white kids looks to it’s older, less threatening big brother.
Stag, you ARE DA MAN!!!….Keep up the good work….and be diligent….there are some IGNORANT folk out there when it comes to Black Music….keep on educating…..
“Free their minds and their asses will follow!” (paraphrasing George Clinton)
Peace..
way to talk like a black man, Louis the cool Georgia Toe. racist
beotch.
Sweet double dribbling Jesus you have way too much time on your hands.
I guess getting laid off from your IT gig sucks, eh?
It’s just fuckin music.
Jeez.
Guy in the chair, why aren’t you saying anything to James? He’s the one who drew first blood with his pompous claims about black music…….Or is it because the brother is giving you more knowledge about the music YOU LIKE…..sort of like, too much chocolate in your white milk……
For a person who thinks its just ‘fuckin music’ you sure are upset by what the man has put down……I guess November has been a bad month for ya, eh??…..first, you have to look forward seeing that ‘black guy’ who happens to be president…every single day for at least 4 years….then you come to ‘music that black people don’t listen to anymore’…..thinking that you’re gonna have nice white to white conversation about black music…..but then your eyes come across some GASP!!…..NON-WHITE PERSON!!….and more GASPS…..he’s dropping some knowledge on you not about only black music, but….GAG & GASP!!!!…..that beloved so-called ‘white music’ (heavy metal, rock, punk, etc)…..Daaamn!!…..is there anywhere a laid off white guy can go without encountering these……..NON-WHITES???
It’s OK Guy……go to #111…pea coats……i think there are only people like you on that blog…..then you can then sit back in your easy chair, sip on your Bud, and wait for your unemployment check without the distraction of guys like Stag to bother you….
just……free your mind….and your ass will follow…..LOL
For the record.. there’s no so thing as too much chocolate in white milk.
LOL…..
What the F?
A: I don’t give a shit about who is in the Oval Office — has nothing to do with what kind of music I like.
B: I’m not reading every single entry to follow the arguments between a couple of dickhead music snobs.
C: I’m not the least bit upset by the arguments arising between aforementioned dickheads with waaaay too much time on their hands.
D: I don’t think about skin color when I listen to music.
E: Only teenagers should use ‘LOL’
F: F you, you fuckin loser.
Have a nice day.
Hey guy in chair,
1. It looks to me like you do care who is in the oval office, daddys little girl mad because there is a smart AFRICAN AMERICAN man in the BLACK, ooops, white house. Also, your mad because you cant join in the convo because your dumb ass dont know jack about music.
2.Your not reading all the entries because they are writen above a third grade level so your little mind cant comprehend.
3. You must have too much time on your hands also because you put your ignorant two sense into it, but I guess that makes you the PUSSY because you can respond intelligently to any of the remarks.
4. The only smart thing you said, music is universal, my bad, its for all people.
5. LOL means laugh out loud or laugh on line, just to let you know sense you must not have known that. Three universally known letters is alot easier and quicker to write than a whole phrase. Atleast for intelligent people so I guess i understand your complaint.
6. F you you fuckin losers, WOW, spoken like a true scholar. Did it take you twenty minutes to think of that profound thought. Im impressed. Pretty soon you will move up to saying See spot run.
7. Keep your dumb ass on your chair and shut the hell up. If you dont have nothing smart to say, keep it to yourself.
Now you have a nice day BITCH.
.Your not reading all the entries because they are writen above a third grade level so your little mind cant comprehend
Hmm. Let’s see.
You misspelled “written,” and the proper contraction is “you’re” not “your.”
You are a major league retardo, enegro.
Who has the 3rd grade reading level?
Seriously, my brutha, I could give 2 shits about whichever fuckwad occupies the OO, whether it’s Dubya or Black Obama or Jackie Chan.
It’s shitbags like you that make blogs like this utterly humorless. Do you understand sarcasm — when it’s not directed toward your tiny penis?
I know what LOL means, you fag, and guess what?
It’s a cliche for teenagers. Congrats.
And I never said music is universal. I said I don’t think about skin color when I listen to music.
Having traveled all over the world, I’ve found good and bad music on several continents. Music is either enjoyable or it sucks, and only douchebags like you worry so much about color, probably because you’re actually scared of white people. I guess as a child some white kids poked fun of the pubic hair on your head and you got mad.
So now you respond as such.
So sad.
And why the fuck is an angry black boy like you reading a blog for white yuppies?
You must have serious identity issues or you must be seriously bored/lonely.
Later enema. Peace out homie.
Also, it’s two cents, dude.
Not “two sense.”
I bet your ruin the grading curve at MIT, eh?
WOW, I got put in check by the stupidior race, now you speak. Thanks for letting me know that I made a few errors in my humble lil blog, but it lets me know that not only did you read what I wrote, but that it hit a nerve also. Now dont you feel better about yourself, I probably made more mistakes than what you have pointed out but who cares because in the end, you still look like the asshole that you are. Yes, after I put you in your place, you couldnt help but to think about my penis, sorry, I only do females. I dont play wit “BOYS”, boy. So SON, leave that gay talk to your lil homo friends you hang out with. Hey…. I remember you. Your old name use to be “boy under the desk”. Looks to me like your steppin up your game huh?
You do know that excessive use of profane words shows a lack of intelligence, hence, your blog. It is a case in point of how dumb ass red necks who failed second grade three times think. Its a dark place in that big empty place between your ears so Im going to cram this in there.
Nope, I wasnt picked on as a kid, I got along with people, black, white and everyone in between. No one picked on my head of hair, thats your memory, not mine. I gave your ignorant behind the benifit of the doubt when I said you made one smart comment, and instead of taking a underserved compliment, your dumbass is going to let the world know that you are to small minded to even make a comment like that. “I didnt say I said music was univeral, I said I dont think”. ENOUGH SAID, you got that part right cupcake. Your dumb butt didnt think when you decided to put your two cents (happy) in a conversation between grown folks.
I guess the third grade reading level was abit to advanced for you, let me downgrade you to kindergardin. Actually preschool. Im sure you took that class several times too. You did ask a interesting question though, Why is an angry boy like me reading a white yuppy blog? Because i can, and because I understand what is being said. My question to you is why is a poor white trash kkk reject like yourself doing on this site. Shouldnt you be on trailer trash .com or something of that nature. You would fit right on in BOY. Now you look SON, you mind your manners and respect authority. Watch your tongue when grown folks r talkin. Dont make a bigger ass out yourself than you already have already. Got that BOY. Now shut the hell up and beat it, your dismissed.
ps, put alil love in your heart BITCH.
PS. I do your white girlfriend in the butt, and she likes it. That probably would have hurt, but since the only girl you had in a long time was your right hand, I will take that back.
sweet dreams cupcake.
Of course you like anal sex.
No surprise there. Guess you’re one of those “down low” brothers? Hey — when you drink a lot of brandy and King Cobra after you leave the club, a hole is a hole, right?
Fortunately it ensures stupid negros like you will not reproduce.
Gotta love the irony: The only thing your race does well — besides park cars at state fairs and football games — is reproduce, and you can’t even do that.
Classic.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to the trailer park to whip up some meth and fuck my cousin, and then it’s off to the swamp to shoot some gators.
I love how you refer to me as the “stupidior” race.
Genius.
Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle…..nevermind.
See you at the next Mensa meeting, holmes.
Fo sho.
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Welcome back, your giving yourself alil too much credit dont ya think. I know you do meth but you dont hold the mental capibility to make the stuff. It involves science and brain power something that you dont have. I see your a glutton for punishment huh, you had to go straight to the dumb mans ace card huh, ignorant racial slurs. I bet your soo jealous of those big black negros for their ability to actually be able to attract a female mate so that procreation can happen. Unfortunately for you, the only offspring that will come from the palm of your hand will be “sticky fingers”. LOL, you are a total loser. Ha Ha Ha. It must really get your goat to know that you just keep getting your ass handed to you by a BROTHA, its ok, your not the first bigot asshole i had to put in place and you wont be the last. It must also piss you off that everytime you look at a woman of any ethnicity, she may have been done by a big black brotha. Basically, its none of your beeze wax what my favorite position is, Im not going to give you something to fantisize about tonight in your lonely pathetic chair, but atleast i dont have CHIN NUTS, Oh, in other words. A big dick in your mouth!!!!!!!
Since you had trouble comprehending LOL, I certainly should have known better than to expect you to get “stupidior”. I just joined stupid (which is you) and superior (which your not) together and tada, there you go. You say ” we are good for is parking cars…..” well at least we own cars unlike losers like you who use your feet all day. You must not have a life, where can you find the time to worry about what black folks are doing anyways. Come on,,, you can tell me. Secretly , you want to be a nigga dont ya. Good looks, big dick, screwing white women, driving cadillacs , eating fried chicken and watermelon. You can only dream of it. NOPE, all you got is your busted up chair and a hate for blacks. Its ok, you will be alright. Take your ass back to the trailer, along with your right hand girl friend and deal with it. Oh Yeah, incase you didnt get the memo, there is a black man in the white house. I know you just love that dont you. Now BOY, mind your manners and stay in your place. Dont make me have to tell you again SON.
Now put alil love in your heart HOMO!!!!!!
Rereading some of these posts……. Wow, when I took a glance more than a few days ago, it wasn’t so bad……..and now this crazy stuff. Shame on both of you bad (shut your mouths). Spiralling down into the pits. I might be more angry at the guy in the chair because he is fairly evil, but enigma is getting pretty ugly too. I do think it’s the right thing to insert a strong objection to this guy in a chair’s hideous racism but I don’t think I’m going to let enigma’s disgusting behavior slide either. Aw, geesh, what ugliness.
I guess it’s intense here because music is so personal and yet it gets sold to just ANYONE with money for the jukebox. Hell, I don’t know.
I want to say “black music” is my music too, because it was playing out the radio when I was a teenager cruising at the mall young and so alive and innocent……… but maybe not everyone thinks I deserve such a fine thing. I know a good thing when I hear it no matter what continent or culture it comes from. But maybe someones think I have taken too much of the stuff that floats to the top. Maybe someone wants to shut me outside while they dance inside.
It might have been my fiftieth I’m thinking….a few years ago celebrating my birthday with the free birthday dessert at one of the chain restaurants that don’t suck so much……..had a handsome black waiter, probably a college student. He asked me what I was going to do next to celebrate and I told him I might go out dancing so I could shake it like a polaroid picture. I said it prim and proper like I usually talk. He sure did a step back and double take, laughed and asked if I had a younger woman hiding inside me.
Well yes I do. I have decades worth of music in me too. When I was a child I wore my father’s records out. I waltzed with the broom and the blue danube. Polkaed with I don’t want her you can have her, she’s too fat for me. Old man river, he just keeps rollin. (sang it hanging upside down in a tree looking at the creek) After the ball is over……..after the break of day (dawn?)……. Big rock candy mountains. And I keep hearing something a lot in my memory like a xylophone………I see the black man on the album cover but I can’t remember his name. I think it was forties music but I don’t know what it’s called.
And I remember my old man and me sitting on a roof, shingling it together when I was a teenager…….and he’s singing “Will it go round in circles? Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky?” My life was (is) always accompanied with music……like a movie soundtrack.
Well you want to make sure I give credit to the black or african influences of whatever music I’m listening to and don’t just take it with no gratitude? Don’t you worry. Not everyone is as careless as the white people Christian writes of.
Did Germans bring the accordian to the Mexicans? It sure sounds like maybe they did……… How much did the French influence Vietnamese cooking?
I like music that nobody listens to anymore. But then too……..who is this Timbalake fellow that Chris Cornell is teaming up with? I wonder about the new direction……..I’ll always have the old CC……..and what will the new be like? WORTH WAITING FOR I am hoping.
I will say that my tone did come off alil harsh, BUT necessay due to the ignorant tone of M.I.C. I enjoy all types of music and music to me has no color. Thank you for sharing your memories opalintj and dont let our lil spat take away from your love of music. I will strive to be a more kinder and caring enigma, atleast till provoked. Thats the best I can promise you.
Thanks enigma. I take what I can get.
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Guy, you commented on Stag’s post…..it seemed to you that ‘he had too much time on his hands’ in explaining the history of Jazz in particular, and overall music in general….i merely pointed out that you should keep your mouth shut if you don’t like to read about knowledge……what he explained to Rechill, what you call ‘fuckin music’, was an educational dialogue……UNTIL you put your two cents comments in it!!
And judging by your comment, and what you call yourself, “Guy in the Chair” one can imagine you doing what i described…afterall, only a dumbass sitting in a chair commenting on things he does not know about, or worse, does NOT WANT to know about, would make IGNORANT COMMENTS on credible information…..let us look at your statement;
’sweet double dribbling Jesus you have way too much time on your hands.
I guess getting laid off from your IT gig sucks, eh?
It’s just fuckin music.’
Yup, you are all that i said about you AND MORE…not only are you IGNORANT, YOU ARE STUPID also…..Tell us what do you know about music??….that you love to listen to it?….well that is just great…..why don’t you SHUT YOUR MOUTH and keep listening?…..If your mind cannot grasp the adult conversation about the inner workings of music in general son, it would behoove you to KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT so that no one would not have to point out your deficiencies……You left yourself open, you got smacked, take it like a man and move on……
Well played, sir. Well played. I agree with you on everything except the assertion that the European scale is a Moorish scale. Arabic music divides the octave into more than 8 notes. There was a Turkish (Ottoman) influence into classical music beginning around the time of Mozart and made for some interesting compositions “ala Turk” which utilized the leading tone to flat 6th melodic gestures. Really impressive stuff, Stag. And no, I’m not laid off from my IT job….yet.
To those concerned, I get paid to do this.
RECHILL WROTE: “There was a Turkish (Ottoman) influence into classical music beginning around the time of Mozart and made for some interesting compositions “ala Turk” which utilized the leading tone to flat 6th melodic gestures.”
I think we’re on the same page.
This is great. I just discovered Barbara Carr this week.
Listen to her Footprints On The Ceiling or Bo Hawg Grind on TheRadio dot com. I thought she was saying she kept her man in line with pork rinds when I fist heard the second one.
As soon as I saw the title of this post, I busted out laughing because it is SO true. I anjoy a lot of jazz and “old school” hip hop myself, so I can really identify with this one. This post applies to the majority of my friends, too.
See which songs are getting banned from school pep rallies at http://detentionslip.org
Remember this:
Back in the 80s/90s artists like Too $hort, NWA, E-40, etc. were “Underground Rap” while the Neo-Afros like Del, Heiro, De-La, KRS, Pharcyde, etc. were “Mainstream”.
Times change, but one thing doesn’t:
At no point in Hip Hop’s history have white folks been in an authoritative position regarding what’s hot / real / authentic / great.
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When y’all say “I like Hip Hip but not the modern commercial kind” you tell on yourselves. You want what’s ours, but you don’t want us.
The tables have turned… you’re just behind the curve.
The truth is…
Y’all are salivatin’ and waitin’ for the black man to deliver /
The next form of expression cos we’z the culture life giver /
Ya crossing your fingers and hoping and dreamin’ /
That you can say you were there before it went mainstream.
… Ether…
If only T.S. Elliot had had a rhyming dictionary and a vocabulary of six hundred words perhaps he too could have reached your stellar heights of poetic virtuosity.
THANKS!
Again with the jokes.
TS Eliot chose to be english!!!
Oh james … you read T.S. Elliot ? good one !! you are unique in America!! you deserve a reward in euh … reading poetry!!
Do many Americans not read T.S. Eliot? That’s a damn shame. I am American and I haven’t read much T.S. Eliot, but we should pay more attention to our poets. Although he wasn’t techinically our poet in later years, but still…..
Come on, don’t you think that’s a little behind the curve? I know plenty of white people who like commercial hip-hop, and plenty of black people who like the more underground stuff. Then again, you and the white people that this site is making fun of are probably of an older generation than I am, so I guess you see the world differently. I’m just saying though, things are changing. Or maybe the midwest suburb where I grew up is not at all a microcosm of America.
Hustodore, all stagolee is doing is bringing to attention the historical foundation of that music…..it may sound like he’s “behind the curve’ to you because he is talking about WHERE today’s music you listen to ORIGINATED.
Older music tends to sound like, well, old music, when listened to by newer generations like yourself…..but the popular music that you hear today borrow more than ever from that ‘older music’ that stagolee is talking about……
I was actually responding to the implication (or maybe outright statement) in stagolee’s post that only black people can ever really know what the next big thing in hip hop is, because I think that attitude is misguided. I will definitely concede that, historically, white people have always been behind the curve in knowing what black music is actually good. But that’s not the case anymore. Hip hop may have had a predominately black audience in its early stages, but it’s become widespread enough at this point that many white people follow it just as closely as do black people. It just seems narrow-minded to write off those white people as mere followers of the trend rather than people who are informed enough about the art form to decide for themselves what’s good and what isn’t.
As for the historical side of the discussion, I’m not really qualified to participate-but I don’t want you to get the impression that I don’t appreciate ‘older music.’ I’m sure I’m not as well-versed in it as you are, but there’s plenty of old music that doesn’t sound the least bit outdated in this day and age.
Your point is duly noted, and accepted.
I’m from Yorkshire, am so white that I’m virtually translucent and I once trained a Kestrel that my brother Jud killed because I didn’t go to the bookies for him. Hardcore rave and Brass Band music don’t get a mention in any of the entries on here so how’s it racist?
Ton Loc!!!!!!!
Stagolee is right: the original rock bands were just minor variations on the blues with distortion. About 80% of Led Zeppelin songs (my favorite band) can be traced directly to African styles of some kind or another (blues has African roots, not just African-American) including reggae and New Orleans style funk grooves.
All of the major American musical forms have their origins in anglo-celtic folk and religious music.
Please back up your mythology.
And just to be fair, no aksing for cheats on Stormfront.
You made your allegation first. Please validate your allegation. I’d like examples of the indigenous African pre-Western forms of these musical genres, and the prototypes of the instruments used in these musical genres. Since I can’t find any evidence of the existence of nascent form Jazz or Blues among the detailed accounts of Stanley, Mungo Park, Livingston, or Richard Francis Burton I wish you good luck!
Just as I suspected. You’re running on E.
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Son, if you don’t know that The Blues is drawn from African call & response, field shouts, hand claps and percussion, then you’re probably a great candidate for America’s Next Great Village Idiot. And I say that with love. Love meaning hate in this case. Kinda like how we made “bad” mean “good”.
And if you don’t know that Jazz (which came after Blues) is regarded as the first “Indigenous” form of American music then you’re hopeless (a respectful and somber nod the the Native people of this land. We simply don’t know enough about your music. My apologies.)
But on the off chance that you have a sincere interest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues
http://www.standingstones.com/banjo.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz
Griots and Griottes (Book)
Get to work, you’ve got a lot to learn.
Yep! Just like I said, the highest level of musical achievement attained by Africans under their own steam amounted to field calls and hand clapping. Only a totally asinine liberal could believe that the introduction of Black people into a civilization that had a sophisticated repertoire of musical instruments and a fabulously rich, live and vibrant musical culture, was not the major significant factor in the creation of the American musical forms Blacks are falsely credited with authorship of. Even Black Church singing has its origins in the Western Isles of Scotland.
James, I see what you’re doing……..LOL……you’re just thowing stuff out to illicit responses…….I was one of those, along with alot of others, who had fallen for this……
but…..your credibility has gone out the window….that last sentence you wrote, “even black church singing has its origins in the western isles of scotland” has shown your true hand….even YOU don’t believe most of the stuff you’re saying!!
Black church singing have ORIGINS in the western isles of scotland??….you REALLY stretched it on this one!
Sorry, but your ‘opposition’ credibility card has just been cancelled!….you had a good run, but it is over…….look on the bright side, you provoked lots of back and forth conversation on the subject….but you just had to go just a little too far……
Now if you want your card back, tell us where did you get your information about the Black church, and how did you connect this information to the origins of the western isles of scotland? Give some specific sources (two or three would suffice).
(Now THIS should be interesting!)
And only a rabid white supremacist thinks that culture flows from the powerful to the powerless.
Take a look at world history.
In cases of conquest, the unintentional trend has been for the “colonizer” to eventually resort to adopting the culture of those they colonize.
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One last point in the argument: When you read “hand claps” from me, think sophisticated polyrhytmic forms like the Hambone. African.
I’m absolutely NOT refering to anything resembling your people’s anti-rhythmic epileptic form of “clapping” to that unique beat that exists only in your head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsDnBvUyLjk
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Seriously dude, you’re out of your league when you’re arguing with me. And I say that with zero humility.
You. Can’t. Compete.
Crawl back into your cave where you belong with that ignorant talk. Science says that the oldest man was found in Africa meaning while DA REAL SOUL BROTHA #1 was evolving into kings in africa building pyramids and mastering the sciences, angloceltic ….. CAVEMEN were still scratching their ass saying uhga buga. Just about all great non-black groups out there then and now give credit to the blues, black mans blues that is. Ethnic music. I will let you have bluegrass though. lol
I’ll just have to content myself with, Puccini, Marcello, Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart and Albinoni.
Beethoven was a Black Man…….LOL……
And add Haydn to the list of dark composers
“he was, by his own admission, ugly, but, as Dies continues to recount, not ‘in his form but only in his pock-marked skin and the brownish complexion.’ His complexion was in fact so swarthy that he was once dubbed a ‘Blackamoor’ by his prince at Esterháry. ”
–
Alexander W. Thayer (Beethoven biographer) wrote, “Beethoven had even more of the Moor in his features than his master, ‘Haydn.’”
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At the very least, we can agree that in your eyes, James, they would not be regarded as “White”.
.
..
…
Was that the sound of your head exploding?
Stavinsky had spinning rims on his car.
jimmy , you forgot the greatest Bach , the christian , par excellence, musician
add stravinsky, shaikovsky, bela bartok, rimsky-Korsakov, sibelius, rachmaninoff, and all others!!!
marcello ? unknown!!
If you love Johann sebastiann Bach, then i love you!!!
Hey enigma, I hate to break it to you but the pyramids were built by white Egyptians. Sub-Saharan Africans mastered no sciences at all. Perhaps the oldest man was from Africa but those that left the motherland evolved into races with higher IQ’s (on average).
LOL!!!!!!!!!!, i dont have to read a history book to tell you that you are full of it too RECHILL, fly your ass to africa and see for yourself. I will never say there is no such thing as a white egyptian cause then I would sound as stupid as you, but what i am saying is the truth is what it is. Eygpt today is still majority non-white. The sphynx had a soul brotha nose before it was shot off so save me your im the superior race propaganda. And dumb ass, using your own logic, da superior race evolved from big black brothas. haha. unfortuantly, not every one of the black white cousins evolved to have a high IQ. Namely the ignorant racist trailer park offspring from the orignal black man’s seed like yourself who is shame to not have a tan of golden brown. ha ha. I would be bold enough to say than majority of non black people dont believe in the crap you are trying to dish out and they proved it on Nov 4 when they voted a BLACK MAN into office so bow down to your commander and cheif and like it.
Today is not 4000 years ago. Today the racial makeup of people inhabiting the lands we call Egypt is Arab, not African. In ancient times, the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were closely related racially. Relax, you’ll always have peanut butter, blues/jazz and great dancing. I never bowed down to any president and certainly not to this empty suit. Obama is brand that was sold to the Amerikan consumer. He’s this year’s IPod. Enjoy. I’m going to go listen to some jazz.
Rechill, you cannot change directions so easily and not go unnoticed…..You KNOW that when you said white egyptians, you meant that there were white egyptians 4000 years ago….now in mid stream, you try to laugh it off and say:
‘today is not 4000 years ago. Today the racial makeup of people inhabiting the lands we call Egypt is Arab, not African.’
WRONG. The last time I checked a map, Egypt is STILL on the Continent of Africa. The people may have Arab culture, but they are by definition: AFRICANS. Today there is more mixing of races in Northern Africa, so what you have is NOT white africans (unless you procreate with exclusively white europeans while on the continent of Africa, your offspring WILL NOT be white), but people of color.
By using the standards that racist whites love to use to separate themselves from the ‘lower, darker shades’ of humanity: If you mix with anyone other than people with white skin, then your offspring is NOT WHITE.
You can’t have it both ways Rechill. Unless millions upon millions of white people from Europe came to Africa and refused to procreate with the natives, then by definition, there is no such thing as a WHITE AFRICAN. you may claim to be of the CULTURE OF Europe, but your skin color will give you away.
PS: the Greeks, Romans and The Egyptians were NOT closely related…..BUT…..if we would choose to believe your assumption, then you would concur when I state that Greeks and Romans were of African descent….
And how could i come to this conclusion? Well by using your assumption of all three are related, we could safely conclude that the progenator, or the original, or the OLDEST of the three civilizations were the EGYPTIANS.
Now if the Egyptians were the oldest and had the longest continuation of civilization (over 20 centuries), then we can come to to conclusion (by using your assumption) that this AFRICAN civilization (which had extremely little contact with Europeans over this period), is the beginning of all European civilization (Beginning with the Greeks and continued with Roman Empire).
And of course, you KNOW that Egyptians were Black people, right?….Yea….I think you already know that 4000 years ago there were NO WHITE PEOPLE in Africa….
Rechill, do not use the word RACE ever again in your arguments…..it is painful to read your so called knowledge on the subject.
“White” Egyptians?
No such animal.
Rechill, if there were white egyptians who built the pyramids, then all the presidents of the United States were at least half black. Oh, you say that this is foolish…..all we have to do is see their portraits and we will see 43 white men!!
Well, how the hell can you say that there were white egyptians when if you looked at any of the paintings within the pyramid walls, all of the depictions were of NON-WHITE people?
And as for your diatribe about Sub-saharan Africa, during the European Middle Ages (The Dark Ages as eurocentric historians love to say), the people of the sub saharan were living MUCH BETTER than your european counterparts. Read up on how Europe was after the fall of Rome…..No Sciences there for a good 500 years……guess who brought the sciences to Europe?
The Moors!….they happen to be Africans and Iberian-Africans. Look it up and educate yourself…
Great post! And to the guy on about Heavy Metal, FUCK YEAH!
Wow. I gotta say. I read this blog because I think it’s good for a nice chuckle here and there, and I’ve only perused the comments a couple of times…but jeez, the hating going on here really blows me away. I mean, this seems like a good place to have a respectful conversation about race, but instead it just looks like cut downs and one ups. C’mon folks, there’s got to be a better way, I mean, what’s the point?
Taking the piss out of Anglo-Celts is a “chuckle”, correcting some of the falsehoods being promoted is “hating”. Do you work for the ministry of truth?
I listen to M.C. Hammer, but I only listen to his more obscure albums and un-ironically (ie: I actually enjoy them)
Does this make me more or less of a White Person?
Please advise.
Less of a White person!! Haha, just joking!! You can enjoy any music and still be good to your folk! I am 29, White and listen to rap, bluegrass, oldies, rock and White pride music. I expecially enjoy DJ88’s type music!!
never.
Nice!
Do you not even care anymore about proof reading? So many mistakes, and yet you only have one post a week? I would love to hear your excuse. If you had more than one post a week I would forgive you, but one post with that many mistakes is sad, so so sad.
Personally I’m impressed by Christian’s amazing triumph over the accepted “quality over quantity” paradigm.
nice….being from europe, and just entering my “old school hip hop” stage just about now…..and being white….nice article
lot’s of truth in it, at least from what i’ve heard from white people in the US of A.
Don’t you understand that Christian is describing people like you as being engaged in an act of moronic and pretentious, musical one-upmanship? You have just basically said, “thanks for pointing out what an asshole I am”. I’m sure you must have friends, or even family members that could have done that for you.
James, I see what you’re doing……..LOL……you’re just thowing stuff out to illicit responses…….I was one of those, along with alot of others, who had fallen for this……
but…..your credibility has gone out the window….that last sentence you wrote, “even black church singing has its origins in the western isles of scotland” has shown your true hand….even YOU don’t believe most of the stuff you’re saying!!
Black church singing have ORIGINS in the western isles of scotland??….you REALLY stretched it on this one!
Sorry, but your ‘opposition’ credibility card has just been cancelled!….you had a good run, but it is over…….look on the bright side, you provoked lots of back and forth conversation on the subject….but you just had to go just a little too far……
Now if you want your card back, tell us where did you get your information about the Black church, and how did you connect this information to the origins of the western isles of scotland? Give some specific sources (two or three would suffice).
(Now THIS should be interesting!)
You have an unfailing ability to strangle yourself with your own sphincter.
“So off went the good (Black) professor – first of all to Benbecula and then to Back on the Island of Lewis. When he heard the Gaelic psalm singing he was blown away. To him it was very similar to the old style of Gospel music in the Black churches back home. He played it to an old Black precentor who wept when he first heard it”
If you want to eat some more crow pie here’s a link.
http://www.freechurch.org/issues/2004/may04b.htm
If you want to play intellectual chess with me, I’d suggest you learn the basic moves.
I’ve seen this info before.
It’s anecdotal.
There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that the Scots didn’t actually borrow Black gospel stylings from African Americans.
In effect, no one knows where it started.
Sure, one could ASSUME that the Scots gave it to Blacks. Or one could just as validly ASSUME that Scots took it back home after learning it from Blacks.
No. One. Knows.
Now, intellectually-speaking, it’s my suspicion that the vocal stylings most-likely came from Europe and were African-ized here in the colonies. But I have no historical proof to back that up.
How can we know that they didn’t, for example, originate in Persian chants, for example?
We can’t.
As typical with quasi-eurocentric intellectuals like James, they put this false information out as fact, under the guise of ’scientific thought’ and think that people would be dazzled with their so called brilliance.
Unfortunately for James, there are non-whites who have studied not only eurocentric history, but history of others who happen to NOT be white.
James, I would suggest that you read some non-white historians and sociologists, because the information you use has passed its time. This is 2008, not 1958 and before.
I will state the evidence is clear that the major contributions of science and technology, civilization building, engineering, liguistics and even the highest examples of the arts etc. have come from the subracial subspeciation of peoples of the Caucasoid racial branch. Of the five racial branches of the Homo sapiens categorised through craniofacial analysis in Physical Anthropology: Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Congoid, Australoid, and Capoid and further subcategorized from each respective branch. (Skin color has little relevance to a complete racial identification. A more detailed classification of man prior to quantized genetic analysis has been through examination the the skull. ) Academicians have argued about which subcategory of the branch has been at the forefront of this creativity. Nevertheless the evidence clearly shows these contributions have come from morphologically Causasoid peoples. Be they the Tocharians(a cultural bearing Caucasoid people to China and Mongolia 3000+years ago) or the ancient evidence of Celtic civilization, Sumerian Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Persian, Hellenic etc. These are simply facts not opinions. You can see the record for yourself.
Mike, all you are doing is spewing a myth that skin color actually means something when it comes to civilization and the human race. Your ideas are built on a belief that white skin actually had something to do with humanity and civilization. This is a myth, no matter what gobledygook you write on race.
What do all so-called ‘races’ have in common? We are all homo-sapiens. Humans are all of the SAME SPECIES.
Species: (Webster’s dictionary)- a distinct kind; sort; variety; class; 2) outward form, appearance, mental image. 3) (Biological definition)- a naturally existing population of similar organisms the usually interbreed only among themselves, and are given a unique, latinized, binomial name to distinguish them from all other creatures.
This means that RACE, or skin color, or all of the above stated differences you make mean absolutely nothing in terms of trying to make a hierarchy of intelligence within our species, because skin color has NO CORRELATION TO INTELLIGENCE.
Race and racism was a white concoction to separate humans into a superior/inferior hierarchy, with the justification that white skin is superior to all other shades of skin. The word caucasian was NOT originally used to designate white skin, but rather to designate a LOCATION:
Caucasoid- (adj.) from the erroneous notion that the original home of the hypothetical Indo-Europeans was Caucasus…the Caucasus is a region in Southeast European Russia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
People who try and justify superior intelligence and civilization as the domain of White skinned people, are by definition, RACISTS.
Racism- a doctrine or teaching, without scientific support, that claims to find racial differences in character, intelligence, etc., that asserts the superiority of one race over another, and that seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race.
Let it go. White people are no more than people who have not yet been darkened by sunlight. We are all the same and your white skin does not reflect anything except, maybe light.
“According to the Nation of Islam (NOI), Yakub (also spelled Yacub or Yakob), was a scientist responsible for creating the white race (including Jews) — a race of devils, in their view.
Yakub created white people by a process of grafting the “black ” to a “white” from the original black population of the world.
According to the Autobiography of Malcolm X, all the races except the black race were by-products of Yakub’s work.
It took 600 years for Yakub and his successors to fully whiten his creations.
This was achieved under a despotic regime on the island of Patmos.”
Racial mythology and pseudo-science works both ways.
PS… I suggest you take a good long look at what real “Caucasian” people look like. Same with true “Aryans”.
I’m sure you’re neither.
So the Scots learned how to line out from the African Americans? Since this form of worship existed in Scotland before there were Blacks in America, can you tell which Black genius invented the time machine they used? Your ignorance is almost comical.
James, tell me HOW did you reach this conclusion? Your FALSE assumption is that in order for Blacks to have a certain type of worship, they HAVE TO BE EXPOSED to Scottish worship!
You also assume that blacks in America did not worship before being exposed to scottish worship…….And what is “learned how to line out”??? I’ve never been to any Black worship service that ‘lines out’.
Are you confusing “line dancing” with “Black worship”??….If so, you are exceedingly more ignorant than i thought. Stick with what you think you know and leave subjects that you know nothing about alone. Non-white history is NOT your strong point.
James, contact between Africans and Europeans date to centuries before the trans-atlantic slave trade.
In fact, Gerald Massey – one of the foremost Egyptologists – asserted that 90% of the river and road names in England can actually be traced to the Nubian empire.
And let’s look at your classical Greek civilization. You may know that the Greek gods retired to Ethiopia to regain their strength. You did know that didn’t you?
James, the African is your father.
aaahhh….therein lies your FOOLISHNESS James….you did not read what i asked you….I stated..
“Tell us where did you get your information about the Black church, and how did you connect this information to the origins of the western isles of scotland?”
You provide information about scotland, but I wanted to know what do you KNOW about the Black Church BEFORE you give me your propoganda about the isles of scotland……Just as you know so much about the isles of scotland music, I know about the Black church….but of course, you can’t say nothing about The Black Church because you are so pressed with your ‘ANGLO creationist of all music’ bull****. Help a brother out and tell us what you know, then i will consider your ‘isle of Scotland’ theory….
Silly wabbit, if you want to play intellectual chess, at least read the directions before you make a move!!
LOL. I love this blog. I’m white and I was just telling someone how much better classic hip hop was the crap on the radio now. I also love scotch and shiraz.
90% of ALL music is shit. The appeal of “old-school” anything lies in the fact that only the good 10% is ever allowed into this category. Because 90% of PEOPLE are as thick as shit, with sufficient finance, the public can be convinced, in the short term, that ANY music is good. When promotion ceases music has to survive on its own merits. This music is then given the misleading category of “old-school”, when, in fact, it is just good music. The relevant factor being overlooked in this shallow Cultural Marxist analysis is the exculpatory scalpel of time.
“old school” = “good music”
“Old school” is allegedly defined as hip hop from ‘79 to ‘84. Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_school_hip_hop
But I think when white people make statements like “I don’t like that. I only listen to old school” they’re hiding the fact that they loved songs “Set a drift down memory bliss” or “Let me clear my throat” but are ashamed to say it outright. The term is used to camouflage how behind they are in the genre, and sound like they listen objectively to non-old school hip hop and dislike it.
I can just hear Lander’s conversation:
“Hey Tom, what are you listening to?”
“Hey Frank. The new XXXX album. It’s really good! Do you like hip hop?”
“(What? Who the hell is that?) Yeah, I like hip hop.”
“Wanna listen?/Want me to burn the CD for you?”
“(Gotta sound like I know what I’m talking about, but not sound uninformed or prejudist) No, that’s ok. I only listen to old school.”
“You listen to Kool DJ Herc? I used to love that stuff!”
“(Who’s he? Damn!) No, more like late PM Dawn. (Crap!)”
Music is a universal thing, just as people are different, so is their style of music. Ol school music is just as it implys, old music that survived the test of time. There was some god awful “ol school rap” as well as regga, rock, punk, metal, etc…. the list goes on and on. I may have liked metalica but hated dokken. I may like public enemy but loathed two live crew, both groups still had to have something going for them because we all know who they are.
Making music a black or white issue is just a show of how ignorant people can be. I love old music, back when music ment something. The problem with modern music is most artist are doing it for the money. Name the number 1 song from march of 06. Bet you cant because music is so forgetable now. Not all new music is bad, but a big number of it is. Personally, I dont listen to the radio unless im listening to the news. I rather listen to my cds. lol. And i will leave you with this thought, how many cds do you have that you dont have to skip to particular songs. Not many. The ones you dont have to are the ones majority of people deem true classic from AC/DC’s back in black to Dr Dre’s da cronic.
Black authors are trying to get white people to like more of our books. Or at least buy them. Check out http://welcomewhitefolks.blogspot.com/
The author makes a foolish blanket assumption that most whites are consumer robots who soak up all black culture without any taste. But not all black music is good. Rap and hip hop is audio poison or mentally ill noise for small lesser minds. With the election of Barack Obama, one hopes blacks will sing happy songs again, not make mad animal zoo cage sounds.
And what will it take to stop bands like Slayer, Judas Iscariot and Andrew WK to cease their demonic warbles?
The elections of 43 white presidents certainly didn’t seem to help.
Thoughts?
Yes but stag, don’t you get it? So much of that demonic death metal is acting, just playing out a role to entertain the fans. That zoo animal stuff simply does not fall into that category. It’s inconceivable that rappers would adopt any sort of stage or musical persona in order to make their music more entertaining. Unless that rapper happens to be Eminem, but he’s white.
You’re a complete dolt
Hey someone who dont know jack, you mean to tell me that millions of lil white boys and girls who are blasting mad animal zoo sounds out there cars and ipods are wrong, corp. america is wrong for using those songs in all forms of media and commercials. I bet you have some jungle music in your 8track too..LOL, you are a propaga tool, I bet your dumb ass actually believes the crap you wrote. I listen too all music and for you to say that rap music dont fall into the catagory of entertainment is ALMOST as stupid as you. Metal and rap are the two most extremes of music there are, both are intertainment. Sometimes entertainers get caught up in their own lil hype and do something stupid, whether it be going to jail for some stupid charge to biting the head off of live animals. Is that smart, no, but it happens. Anyone who judges music based on the skin color of the performer is an asshole who has little to no credibility. Hope you see the light one day, put alil love in your heart.
White People should listen to this!
doesn’t work , girl!!
Not mentioned in the entry, but it’s interesting that reggae popular with white people is old stuff, especially songs by a dead man/political singer-songwriter/professional pothead/religious icon. If you have to ask who he is….
This blog is satire… (A lot of it may be kinda true but still it’s satire) Why are you all fighting about who likes this music and the origins of that music?
Laugh a little… Sheesh!
This blog is satirical, until you get some ‘people’ who take satire for fact and go on intellectual diatribes on things they don’t know about.
satire |ˈsaˌtīr|
noun
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
When some white people start to use the satire as a basis of fact for to spread falsehoods and inaccuracies about non-whites, their culture, and their music, then what you have is a fight. Those falsehoods and inaccuracies have to be corrected.
Sorry to spoil your laugh.
awww, you are such a caring individual Gato, taking the time to comfort the lil lady. thank you for having a heart and comforting those in need of comfort.
i hope you will be able to get a giggle soon Stacey, but reading some of the bull on people been writing should be funny enough to make anyone laugh. i sure am. lol
LOL…..it is what it is……LOL
Thanks for fighting the good fight. Thou noblest of deeds hath been to swing thy shining sword in arrest of the comment board creeps, those foul slingers of mud and misconception, those masterful in the art of the intellectual diatribe against whom you and your equally noble companion stagolee have so staunchly defended the masses in such trying times. My hat, nay, all of our hats, go off to you, fine sir, for keeping the commentary clean of all who would’st dare to spread lies and deceit to the multitudes of daily readers of this, the loftiest of social blogs. May the cool cat never die.
As Elvis would say….”thank yahh… thank yahh very muuch”…
You could add early era funk, soul and ska as well.
I would hesitate to include reggae, because pretty much the entire 3rd world has claimed it as their own from Manilla to Rabat.
I know because I travel a lot because I’m white.
Thanks for calling us all out! What do white people know about ‘Old School’ beside Frank the Tank?
Wine and jazz = white I don’t think so. A joint and the Beatles=White. A tab of LSD and Pink Floyd = White
I don’t think he was referring to Trailer Park white.
Does Shakira kinda sound like chewbacca when she does that weird and low singing voice?
I do enjoy a good booty clap though
Stuff white people like for their wedding dance !!! enjoy!!!
If a white person were making fun of “black people” would that be racist? Because you refer to “white people” in mocking ways in this article….if the coin were flipped, would it be racist? If so, then this is as well.
Hey Lee,
Remember when the only job a black person could get was cleaning up the mess white people made?
Now that we have a balck President I see some things never change. Hehe.
Or, more likely, he’ll just smear it around and make it all far worse.
I doubt he can make things worse than this outgoing ‘white’ president….
Sorry Lee but the guy that runs this website is white himself and mostly everything he writes is a parody of himself or his own culture. Check him out on youtube http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=KfRgjW4hFcU
This article is fucking horseshit. Fuck you man, you racist cunt.
-A black person who’s sick of fucking white people
Then you should fuck someone of another color
Wow. Who knew a white guy making fun of white people would elicit such rage? It’s gotta suck going through life with no sense of humour. This is the first article that was bullet-proof enough to the point where I couldn’t weasel out of admitting that I was THAT white guy. I rail all the time against most current hip hop (eg: Lil’ Wayne) and lament the loss of the golden age of hip hop from the early 90’s. BDP, EPMD, Erik B 7 Rakim, 3rd Bass, Lords of the Underground, Pharcyde…sigh…wait, I’m doing it again…goddammit!!
Then stop fucking white people!
; )
Honestly though…thanks for the music, black person!
yes, this is retarded…i guess written by someone quite sheltered or out to get loads of comments.
Damn.
I love angry black people.
So adorable with their afros, African medallions, and necklaces with tiny black power salute fists.
Woohoo! Memphis!
Go to any ‘real hiphop’ show and check the demographic of the audience. As Common spoke “coffe shop chicks and white dudes”.
By zeus! baby agamemnon , what is coffe shop chicks?
if you don’t answer, i’ll tell ajax to kill you !!!
It would make more sense for you to tell Clytaemestra to kill him.
Great culture!! but no answer!!
Hmmm, usually your posts are spot on, but this one was a little lack. I thought you were going to name some bands like NWA, MC Hammer, Run DMC.
I hope I can sleep tonight without being troubled by why you chose to lump together MC Hammer with NWA and Run DMC.
KANYE’S NEW ALBUM 808s & HEARTBREAK comes out on NOVEMBER 24TH!
What in the hell is the matter with you people (and I mean this across all racial and national lines)?
The intellectual discussions on music here are great! Anyone who read them has walked away knowing more about different people’s ideas. This part of the discussion was worthy of a great college music class.
But, lets lose the racist shit. It’s 2008, the United States has elected a President (who has African American and Hawaiian ancestry) who is a human, nothing more, nothing less. Though hopefully a hell of a lot better than the moron that destroyed the world’s economy, while padding the pockets of his buddies (including those in Saudi Arabia). But, I’m sure he’ll make some mistakes too. No matter what anyone thinks it will not change the face of America. It is the everyday efforts by everyday people who make the great things and the world great. (I happen to be eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (thank Carver for the peanut butter and the Earl of Sandwich for the idea, while I’m using a computer that was made possible by some guys playing around in their garage. But none of it effects my life anymore than that, I appreciate what some really smart people did. A big thank you for each of their contributions to my day (I would have used musical references from my commute, but I know very little about any of the people I was listening to, I just enjoyed their work and don’t regret buying their music. But someone would have pounced if I said something wrong and the whole message here would be lost (though that will probably happen anyway to those who need to hear it most))). I would love to think he (President Obama) is a Lincoln or a Roosevelt (the country could sure use one right about now, and even more so in January), but to think they did everything on their own is just wrong. The facts are nobody in this discussion had anything to do with the music you’re talking about. Like everything in this world it evolves by each person who plays a part in it. There is not a pure this is where it started unless you go back the first big bang, or God’s hand (depending on which way you think), but it sure as hell wasn’t anyone posting here. The thing that started it all is a funny post and is probably true for some people, just as stereotypes are probably true for some people. But as is evident here, as long as we (and I mean as people) hold on to the black people, white people, asian people… identities, we will continue to give fuel to the people who love to see us fight amongst ourselves. The whole of you, who have made this a my race is better debate, really don’t even belong in the human race. Maybe it time we get over fighting with and killing each other and start to work on fixing what we have. Who really cares what the ancestral origin of person writing or performing a song is, if you enjoy, do just that (they are not going to share their wealth with you just because your skin color is the same and their message doesn’t mean less because their skin color is different). They are all richer than anyone posting on this blog.
The intelligent people in this discussion, please continue to have discussions, I learned a lot. To the racist here go reenact the civil war, but use real bullets and we’ll all win.
From a white kid in suburbia in the early 80s.
I was listening to Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow, and so on when I was junior high age. It was great music, and I loved it.
From there I tried to do jazz – still a teenager mind you – but I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.
The blues I could listen to. Muddy Waters was one of the first albums I bought ever, and was one of the most played. John Lee Hooker of course, and a few other more obscure artists.
Ironically the blues kind of steered me towards Southern rock, and I discovered that there was a gritty spirit shared by the early southern rock scene and the blues. Getting a little older, I found some great bar scenes here and there where you’d have the equivalent of Muddy Waters, and Lynyrd Skynyrd hanging out together.
All of the yuppie trendy stuff was a foreign language to me then, but it just kills me to watch pasty white kids from Scottsdale with the whole urban thing going on. Pull up your pants for crying out loud, and get a normal baseball hat!
Your all fucked…have you got enough food for the next 2 years?
Richmond was built by slaves. it was the only way a brother would ever be able to achieve such an accomplishment.
You’re all so politically correct, but what you don’t realize is that the black man is waiting to cut your throat because they hate you.
Stop kissing their inferior asses, they want to see you gone, forever. except for you white blonde bitches, they love the white blonde bitches.
How are things going in Africa? Zimbabwe, Republic of Congo and so on…
Tell me again the name of a great African culture, one not built out of slavery?
You Americans make the rest of us sick
tell me the name of any culture not built out of slavery ?
It is naive to say…just listen to music and enjoy, don’t think about who made it….like..who gets the ‘airtime’, the cachet, access to internet, ….look, you people have no idea what it is like to live more than 1km from the nearest mall. We are talking here on this blog about American musicians….as non-Americans we can’t even take part in your so called debates about neutrality. We wait and see if your president will really change all that…if other continents can find a voice that is heard above the loudness, domination and firepower of yours, if this is Africa’s century…for instance
This was right on. I really do drink Shiraz while listening to Miles Davis. I prefer Cabernet however
The other day, I played Dave Brubeck (on my Apple computer, of course) while pouring Merlot for my friends. LOL.
As a sweeping generalization, this is pretty good. But some of us actually do love old jazz. I’m a 52-year-old white guy whose favorite album of all time is Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I know, I know. I went through several years of jazz-only listening, with a kind of snobbery about popular music, and I was nuts for old Charlie Parker records, Satchmo, Ella, Sissy, etc. Then I really got into free jazz, and would listen for hours at a time to Ornette Coleman, convinced I could understand it if I listened to it enough.
When rap started up, my kids were interested, because their friends were. I actually liked Kool Moe Dee (in small doses), but found everything else they brought home a little dull and repetitive. They outgrew most of it, too. The first rap song that ever made me say, whoah, there’s something interesting going on here, was Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” And I was knocked out by the intricacy of the writing in “Cleaning Out My Closet.” So my fave rapper is actually white.
But my fave musical artist of the past decade is D’Angelo. I still listen to Voodoo a lot.
And my point? I have none, I guess, except that for me, music isn’t about posing for my friends. It’s about feeling alive. Some music makes you feel alive more than other music does. And for whatever reason, there’s a lot of aliveness in black music–especially the old stuff from before the business crushed so much of the unique attributes of music and homogenized it.
And what about this briton? isn’t he lovely ?
You see this with other types of popular entertainment too–i.e. whites (or maybe more accurately the educated middle class) embracing something once it’s no longer popular with the masses. Think of silent films, Hollywood musicals, even schlocky seventies horror films. It’s easy (if not inaccurate) to make fun of the snobbery behind this phenomenon. On the other hand, it is also good to see someone keeping the best of older forms of entertainment alive too.
Yes flo, but pehaps comes from the fact that we can appreciate the old and think it can not be outpassed like Bach , beethoven , mozart.
Absolutely hilarious!
Crazy blog, but some pretty funny stuff. Stereotypes are unsually a bit true, but some of this stuff I never thought of before lol.
This has got to be the most irrelevant topic on this page. Jazz is not dead, it just smells funny. And Charlie Parker’s music is not relaxing, it burns with energy and drive. Many of his tunes are played at tempos faster than anything Slayer or Metallica ever did. Being an avid white jazz listener and player myself, i should inform you (the writer) that jazz has always been changing and still continues to do so today. To call modern jazz irrelevant is just silly. Did you (the writer) know that your definition of “relevant jazz” was mostly exclusive to big cities (NYC, LA, New Orleans) and was for the most part the same style (Bebop, Swing, Dixieland)? Nowadays jazz is so diverse and combines so many elements of styles that it sounds nothing like the said “relevant era” of jazz. In fact, it is more relevant than ever. Check out names like Joshua Redman, Brian Blade, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Esperanza Spalding, Dave Holland.
Can I add my own blog that talks about how white people have formulaic views of jazz? Improvisational music really is hard to understand if all you have been accustomed to is the verse-chorus-verse-chorus/hooky lyrics/produced band sound.
I believe this has just proven the writer’s point of the “prestige” associated with jazz that about .05% of white people actually understand and the rest pretend to so they look intelligent and cultured.
You mention lots of details about jazz that most of the population doesn’t know or care about unless they’re professional (or wannabe) musicians, teachers, or NPR music critics. This blog is talking about masses of middle or upper-middle class whites who say they like jazz, but don’t understand any of it beyond the stereo-types.
funny stuff… thought provoking… but i thought people liked charlie parker just because he was charilie parker- a on-of-a-kind savoured in time musician. in fact if music is an outward expression of one’s inner emotions… forget about race… just dig that shit. i’d travel the world to understand different music and different emotions but would never bump my head to any corperate music inspired by dollar signs. Dont give a damn how many inner city black kids or country white kids buy it.
but thats just me. a little bit more real white dude than the black dude who thinks he knows me. enjoy your ranting playboy. i’ve got some shiraz and parker to attend to.
This is funny as hell.
This is like the intellectuals vs the intellectual wannabes.
There will be those who truly like jazz and appreciate it and those who want others to believe they can appreciate it. It is a form of ego tripping. The same thing goes for wine.
I wonder how many Black people will give something up just because White people start getting into it.
Some people buy expensive stereos for status and pretend to appreciate it and some people buy it because the sound is worth it to them.
I can handle light jazz like Quincy Jones but Davis and Coltrane almost sound like noise to me.
Money Runner
Listen to what pleases you and tell anybody that objects to kiss off.
There’s nothing worse than posers in any culture, any genre of music and any society.
I just spent the last couple of days wandering around New Orleans, listening to old time jazz music — much of that time while wearing a fedora! Once again, this blog sure has me pegged!
They only thing better than the people offended by this site are the people that defend themselves by expounding on how “its so true how someone people pretend to like jazz but others, like myself, truly appreciate it.”
It makes the blog even more relevant.
Well Matt, I think you may be right in some ways, about these “me think thou dost protest too much” posts, but relative in what ways? I’m relieved I don’t much like jazz.
Do you think it’s of any worth for people to “see” themselves in the mirror of other people’s words? “OMG, is that ME?!!!” I guess I think it’s a worthy thing, but hopefully not in a way that gloats (or feels embarassed when it is ME). Is it relevant to be able to “peg” someone with no future development to the story?
Here I am on Christian’s blog, about to call him pompous and self-serving……. on HIS blog. In his own home so to speak. He’s making a buck off this fluffy dead-ended stuff he writes. But wait, I can see his redemption. If he can make at least a few people question themselves…….. “Who am I? Am I who I think I am?” Christian doesn’t seem to want to break things down further…..or does he? I don’t know Christian at all.
Shall the darts be thrown at me for trying to think analytically about it? Do I fit into the stereotype of the self help junkie? Is there a corresponding TWPL number to go with this category?
Maybe you should pull your head out of your ass and quit it with the half formed pseudo-profundities.
So…..”oh god”……..what is a “half formed pseudo profundity” in this case? Is it otherwise sometimes called a query of questionable merit? Are they only able to be half-formed in the environ of one’s ass? Are they fully formed outside of one’s ass? Can there be a cross-over of the two? (a half formed both inside and outside) (a fully formed both outside and inside).
Try to be a little more clear with the whys of your wishes. It’s really not enough to say “pull your head out of your ass”. It’s so vague.
You’d like me to stop talking and you yourself don’t want to talk other than to say pull my head out. That leaves me reading Christian’s writings……. Shall I go buy the book also? Please let me know. I don’t want to assume anything. Talk loud so I can hear you. Things are a bit muffled.
So what, by overanalyzing my statement (which meaning of you most likely heard loud and clear), you’re hoping to overpower me with your intellect? Well, I think it worked. Or perhaps you’re teaching me a lesson in clarity? Point taken, I’ll admit that I used nineteen words (unless pseudo-profundities is one word, in which case eighteen) where two (“shut up,” just to be clear) would have done just as well. But if that’s the case, you’re guilty of the same crime-you would have probably been better off with a simple “say what you mean,” or maybe a “put up or shut up.” I sense that you’re also trying to defend yourself by turning my “pseudo-profundities” into your “query of questionable merit,” but that doesn’t come across too well because all you’re really doing is asking me questions that I can’t answer.
Put simply, I think you’re trying too hard to say something of meaning without realizing that your meaning gets lost in the attempt.
Oh I just thought of something, wouldn’t it be funny if I wasn’t the same ‘Oh God’ as the one who posted last night? Or what if I decided to post a response to this as Opalintj and then carried on an argument with myself? I would get a kick out of that. Or if the two posts by Opalintj were by two different people, the second merely someone who wanted to defend the first from an unfair attack? I would have just wasted a whole bunch of time explainng myself. Thanks a lot, jerk.
I’m not trying hard at all! It doesn’t do no good.
I like words. Even if you couldn’t answer my questions you could propose a few ideas of response instead of being mean. You have made it up to me though.
How do you know you’re not really me? Where is the lightswitch? It smells funny.
Boom shakka lakka lakka
damn, soo guilty! not to mention i go to bard! hah. however, i think there is a difference between liking the music and believing that it is “classical” hip hop
As a Folklore and Ethnomusicology student at Indiana University Bloomington, you truly hit the nail on the head.
- The Lomax’s are my heroes
- I’m studying the blues, particularly ragtime
- I want to work at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Another prominent white person obsession:
- Oral Histories / Personal Experience Narratives (Studs Terkel, Library of Congress American Folklife Center, StoryCorps, etc)
Unfortunately Jennifer, your obsessions are NOT prominent among the majority of white persons…..I am quite surprised that a person from Indiana (the birthplace of the KKK), would be interested in ethnomusicology……I am surprised but pleased…
I live in DC and I visit the Smithsonian often….I also have tons of CDs produced by the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings….If you stick with your studies, you will find out how diverse american music is, and you will also find out how much history has been hidden and ignored when it comes to the origins of a lot of musica americana……Race and socio-economic conditions play a major part in this hidden history (from african american bluesmen (and women!) to the music of the Appalachian Mountains)
You have a good start with your particular curiosity for ragtime…. hopefully, this will begin a long love affair with MUSIC in general for you…starting with ‘american’ music…and expanding out to World music…..
Good Luck…
heh. I’ll never forget taking a vigorous ass-chewing from a white “anti-racist” activist from the Bay area about what kind of hip-hop was “authentic.”
She sent her kid to private school, too. And then set up a committee to “promote diversity” in the school– in other words, to lecture other white people about how to talk to colored people.
Hypocrisy, thy name is White People.
And WHERE does Christian get these photos??? That one is breathtakingly hilarious.
I really think you can attribute the popularity of Amy Winehouse to this phenomenon, too. She sounds like the kind of 60s doo-wop that white people only wish black people had done back in Motown.
A lot of these posts lately seem like offshoots of earlier posts. White people are typically much more creative than this.
“‘Amy Winehouse’ sounds like the kind of 60s doo wop that WHITE PEOPLE ONLY WISH BLACK PEOPLE had done back in Motown’”??
Uh, I will be merciful and kind on you White Lady…..and give you an opportunity to AMEND this statement because I KNOW that you did not mean it the way you stated it.
What you wrote is interpreted as “White people wish that the 60s Motown doo wop sounded like Amy Winehouse (Motown and Doo Wop are not the same, but that is another subject altogether)
I may be wrong on this, so please help me out…..
I m looking forward to next update.
good
Love this blog. My race embarrasses the living holy crap out of me most of the time!
Suggested topic for the future:
‘Stuff White People Don’t Like: Having a laugh at their own expense’.
I disagree with his depiction.
White people do not act as he describes.
When I listen to jazz I drink straight from the bottle and then get another.
That is how white people do it.
Straight from the bottle; werd. I could chill with this person.
But the bottom line is the best hip hop that I jive with is ol’ school…know what I’m sayin…fool.
The new stuff is micro managed by pimps that prostitute the client that they signed to work with various professionals.
You can discriminate between organic rap and synthetic.
So…whites don’t take offense at his content but take pride in it
PLIZ guys , broaden you horizons, look beyond america …
this singer grand father is from north africa, which is LOCATED in AFRICA … ha ha ha !!
Juliette Noureddine, better known by her stage name of Juliette, is a French singer, songwriter and composer.
She was born on September 25, 1962 in the 17th District of Paris. Her grandfather, of kabyle origin, arrived in France during the 1920s. Her father, Jacques Noureddine, played the saxophone. Juliette began to learn to play the piano at the young age of seven. Her first teacher was an old woman who used Debussyto teach the young girl. Juliette quickly bored of this music. Her old teacher was replaced by a much younger one who used music by Elton John to teach the young prodigy. Juliette had her beginnings in Toulouse; after spending her teenage years in a religious institute, and after passing through the faculties of Literature and Musicology, she started playing in bars and restaurants throughout Toulouse as a pianist, performing songs by Jacques Brel and Édith Piaf. It was around the age of 18 that Juliette began to write and sing. Her first song was entitled “This evening I’m sleeping with Chopin.” One evening, Juliette sings a song accompanied by the piano in a bar in Toulouse. The boss quickly hires her, and she sings there every evening for a year and a half.
In 1985, and in 1986, she was present at the festival Découvertes du Printemps in Bourges, a festival that features promising young talents. After a tour in Germany, she played the opening act for Jean Guidoni in 1990. It was at this time that she had a meeting with Pierre Philippe. She received the grand prix de la chanson française at Sarrebruck.
In 1991 she published her first album, “Que Tal?”. She received a nomination for the award of “Victories of Music” (“Victoires de la Musique”) in 1994, and received the prize of “revelation of the year” at the same awards in 1997.
After her fifth album, “Assassins sans couteaux” (Assassins without knives) in 1998. She appeared at l’Olympia for the first time in 1999 for six days, and again for two days in 2005.
Her current artistic merits includes seven albums and the medal of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres. Juliette is one of the most original and important voices of today’s french music.
She hosts a radio show at the France Musique station, called “Juliette” or “La clef des sons”. Every Sunday, she presents a selection of eclectic and diverse music, from pop to classical, according to her mood.
Oooops …. forgot !!
this is her black music
Stuff Black People Like
—————————-
#1 – Crack
#2 – Hoodies
#3 – Crime
#4 – Not working; chillin’
#5 – Orange soda
Boy under the desk, I see your still up to your shinanigans again. Trying to make yourself feel better about yourself talking about black people. Havent you learned your lesson yet SON, its not nice to talk about people. Just because you see one of your lil insignifigant buddies talk stupidity dont mean i gave you permission too. Lets think what poor white trash like you and fuck you like;
1. screwing first cousins. got to keep it in da family huh
2. picking on other people because you dont have anything going for yourself.
3. not working either, you must be mad that a black man is qualified than you. I heard about the janitor job you applied for but didnt get because you were not qualified.
4. welfare, dont get it twisted now. minorities are not the only ones utilizing the system.
5. sheep, you better leave them alone, your right hand is starting to get jealous.
6. crime, thats universal. unfortunately, there are some dumb black folks in jail just like there are some dumb white folks too. Screw them all. And for the record, you will be back in soon to reunit with your boyfriend.
I like our little list we made. As for your crackhead buddy, he is right. blacks do like crack, so that it can be sold to poor white trash like yourselves who have no life.
Well kids, whats the lesson today, if you do drugs, you will call yourself FUCK YOU, a name of champions im sure, I bet his two dads proud of him, and you will be a lonely bigot asshole like boy under the desk. Meth kills too, right b.u. d, we discussed that earlier. Well ladies, im done with you two. I have better things to do with my time like rearranging my sock drawer. Its more mentally stimulating.
now,
put alil love in your hearts bitches.
Hey, being a janitor is hard work. Not everyone’s up to the task.
#8 Big asses
#9 Coup de Villes
#10 KFC
#11 Getting paroled
#12 Menthol cigarettes
#13 Yelling at passing cars occupied by a cousin
As much as I hate to agree with you, brothas do love sistahs with big booties, Caddillacs, Popeyes more than KFC. LOL. I will not argue with those known facts. As far as getting parole, I guess whites dont get parole as much as blacks or you wouldnt bring that up. Anyone who was locked up would be happy to parole, cigarettes are for folks who smoke and dont like their lungs and what the hell you talking about yelling at people in passing cars? It that one of your lil kinks. I have no idea what your ignorant behind is talking about there. You never disappoint me with your talking out your ass again.
put alil love in your heart.
#14 Angrily telling people to be more loving
#15 Mispronouncing the word ‘ask’
#16 Hanging out at barber shops
#17 Sucking imaginary food out of their teeth
#18 Holding a pistol sideways while shooting
#19 Tyler Perry
#20 Pimpin and hustlin
#21 Holding saggy pants with one hand to keep them from falling completely down
#22 Substituting the word ’stay’ for ‘live’ as it refers to place of residence; i.e. – where you stay at?
#23 Ending sentences with prepositions
#24 Worrying grievously over whether one is properly respected
#25 Keepin it real
G.U.Y, am I so wrong to recommend putting a little love in ones heart, golly gee, I did not realize I was troubling you so. I am actually empressed with your ignorant stereotypes. Lets see, #18, 19, occasionally 20,22,23 and 25. You did your homework, looking at ‘boyz n da hood’ & ‘menace to society’ have paid off. I can only say that not all brothas act like that, but to keep it real, alot do, accoriding to the media. LOL. You still suck though so dont get happy and take this as submission to your bull You just put alot of thought into your ethnic slur list and hit a few that cant be ignored. Now, #14,17, and 21 are just nonsense. # 15 & 24, Im just torn. I cant tell whether to agree or argue. You have put me in a difficult situation here my nemisis. I will only say that only a very vocal few act like this. The majority of non white people are far from your list of propaganda, and since you did put some thought into your lil list, I will take the high road and let you off the hook this time.
ps, your still an asshole and you still need to put alil love in your heart
#26 Taking oneself way too seriously
#27 Blunts
#28 Joe Biden
*yawn* I believe it is you who has taken himself too seriously. *yawn*
#6- watermelon
#7- ugly white girls
Lighten up; life is too short. I’m black and I don’t like crack.
hahaha, It’s true, it’s all true…
CLINT EASTWOOD LOVES THAT JAZZ MUSIC!
He made a movie on Charlie Parker “Bird”.
I have a theory. Check the radio that is still blaring while the car is a crumpled mess and strobe lights are circling. That is the music the driver really listens to. Mine (an old white lady) would be jazz nine times out of ten. Gotta watch pouring that glass of wine while driving.
I enjoy your antropol0gical work on White People. It is always entertaining even when off the mark.
This one might have been to much of a stretch to be funny.
haha this one is hilarious! but it should be noted that many white people have already realized this and have become obsessed with Lil Wayne in an attempt to reverse the trend.
fuck lil wayne
Damn, I’m whiter than I thought.
I’m white and I love funk. There I said it, let the ridicule begin.
Damn, this describes me perfectly. I love Ice Cube or Snoop or whatever from 1997 but it would have scared me or something at the time. I am white, by the way.
The jazz part of this article is pretty off. It’s wrong and borderline offensive to say that white people have been keeping jazz on life support for a long time. Making a statement like that completely ignores and disrespects Joshua Redman, Christian McBride and other black jazz giants of the modern era. Anyway, that part of the article was one of the few more ignorant and off base posts on what is a generally awesome website.
I may not always agree or disagree with what is said in this blog but I think it’s enternaining as hell!! I live in Naples, Florida (I’m from Dayton, Ohio) and I see a lot of the things discussed in this blog. Funny as hell!!
hipsters.
I realize that this is an uber (perhaps even uberest) white person comment to make, but check your grammar in the first paragraph……”because white people are work tirelessly to…” are work?
PS: I love this blog and also would love for you to write something about people who say “Cheers” all the time!
observation: white people say “that’s the realest dude, ever” or some shit like that when talking about any black male.
I love that only the superior-level white people have the mastery of white-irony (where you pretend to criticise white people to negotiate your guilt and confusion about your own identity)
the one’s that miss it are hilarious, but not the main game. I love the one’s who get it most like me. (check my fixed-gear bike, organic vegetable coop, obama-supporting, hip-hop ‘digging’, italian speaking, gradschool attending, white arse if you want to know…)
good work to all concerned.
The fella who put this thing together is, of course, the whitest of the white, because he turns this white-irony into cash-money (buy the book folks, give it to your white friends), and ’street cred’.
ultimate.
This comment almost makes a valid point but I remember listening to an interview Lander did on NPR. He had said he made this site to poke fun at stereotypes. I like that. Stereotypical notions are alive in every culture and subculture. Since the world is obsessed with the false notion of ‘race’ and stereotypes, this site does well.
yeah,
but he’s also coming from an advertising background. He knows where the money is, and he knows his market…
ya’ll are annoying white beatches.
zip it fools.
some of u are legible.
but there are too many psuedo intellectuals among you including the blacks that read and post pretentious commentary.
fucking annoying.
yes, rap is poetry with a groove.
yes, whites high up on the evolutionary scale do their grocery shopping where the stuff is highest quality because they need air to breath and food as sustenance.
Yes they wear cardigans because the latter are easy on the eye…
beatches
I love how black people are “the blacks” and yet white people are “whites”. Why shouldn’t black people be entitled to post pretentious commentary? Why the incredulity? Are you upset that black people are capable of writing more intelligent and substantial comments than yourself, ‘white pride’.
having said that, u all need to do a cleansing to help you think clearly and then post… by the way d sedarsi does rock
When I was in the ATL my ignorance of this rapper called ‘Nas’ induced some ridicule from these black girls. I tried to defuse their scorn by mentioning that I enjoyed rap music cause I listened to a station called 95.5. They laughed even more….
I don’t really think that radio station was so different from their “black” one except that they had white DJs, but essentially, they played the same stuff…..
Don’t know what point I’m trying to make….
Or they just so happen to enjoy the music. This site builds white people of as the most annoying, pretentious fuckwads on the planet. I just listen to music I enjoy, regardless of who else likes it.
lorelei :
any authentic black who does not speak in ebonics is pretentious
Are you referring specifically to the President-Elect?
There are many genres in every community regardless of color.
There are those in the black community that attempt to mold themselves into whitey.
This is probably true of those who visit this satirical site and post serious responses ala psuewedo intellectual idiots…with spotless grammer but otherwise humdrum response
My guy and a bunch of his white buddies are in a funk band. I’ve heard “Pass the Peas” more times than even a white woman should have to endure.
Aw, who am I kidding? I love the funk, too. LOL.
‘Gimme Gimme that cake’..words from the Average White Band great tune, CUT THE CAKE
PASS THE PEAS….done by the JBs (James Brown band)……
Both tunes were/are great 70s R&B tunes……
That’s an awesome song and group! I think I’ve listened to ‘Pick up the pieces’ so much that I’ve had to replace the damned greatest hits CD 3 times.
Another good group: Tower of Power. ‘What is hip’, ‘I still be diggin’ on James Brown’, etc.
This is freakin’ histerical! I love that wherever you fall on this issue, you are made the fool by this post; fueling this guy’s fire. Brilliant!
Yeah, it’s great, huh? People don’t laugh at themselves enough.
Dammit! Now I have even more to feel guilty about: enjoying music played by real musicians
Here’s something else white people like along a similar line:
White people like it when minorities make fun of their own culture.
How about “Anything obscure. Ever.” Even if it’s popular NOW, it was once obscure, and oh my God I love telling people stuff they don’t know about.
To the person who mentioned the Jamaican comment earlier, that reminded me something from the weekend: white fratboys that love to sing Bob Marley, most notably “No Woman, No Cry.” Whenever I hear a fratboy sing that song, I ask them if they have a clue about what it means. I have yet to receive a coherent answer.
On a side note to my fellow whities, it’s fine if you like listening to black music, but don’t think you’re cool because you do it.
Having never been as desperate as you to suck up to Black people by displaying how much I empathize with them, I’ve no idea what the song is about. I’ve always assumed that it was a song about someone parted from his beloved in some kind of prison. In which case it clearly falls within the subject range of traditional European folk music. I enjoy it at that level. I have no need to look for an understanding that can be utilized to bolster my “right on” credentials. Good luck with your credibility quest though!
Why does something have to “fall in the range of traditional European folk music” for you to like it? Why can’t you take something outside of your White-centric viewpoint as valid as it is rather than equating it to something that makes sense to you? A white person who listens to Bob Marley is not “sucking up to black people to show how much they empathize with them.” Maybe to colorblind racists it is, and maybe you should get your intentions checked out. Also, why are your “credentials” more important to you than anti-racist compassion?
“Why does something have to “fall in the range of traditional European folk music” for you to like it?”
It doesn’t have to, but it’s more likely to appeal to me when I can reference it to something I am familiar with. That’s called the availability heuristic. I am taking issue with the claim that I have to understand it from the point of view of a Black man. I’m not and I don’t and i don’t care. It’s a good song.
“A white person who listens to Bob Marley is not “sucking up to black people to show how much they empathize with them.”
No, but a white person who posts a comment denigrating other white people for failing to understand the song from a Black man’s point of view is, which is what I said thicko.
“Also, why are your “credentials” more important to you than anti-racist compassion”
How many ways can you misunderstand a post?
How many ways can you be colorblind?
You don’t have to understand the song “from the perspective of a black man” to read the lyrics. You are reifing racial hierarchies by claiming that the only way you can relate to a song is by approximating it to Eurocentric values.
The guy you responded to was critiquing people who appropriate reggae because they’re rich white stoners who don’t know a damn thing about what post-colonial Jamaica except for their family vacation resorts there. Which is valid.
Clearly he’s got some fucked up shit going on with that kind of language, but you should check your privilege as well, friend.
How many ways can you be stupid?
I am not claiming that the ONLY way I can relate to this song is “approximating it to Eurocentric values”, I’m saying that this is the way that I CHOOSE to relate to it because it is more convenient for me to do so. Why do you insist that Europeans cannot be allowed to appreciate music within the frame of their own cultural reference points? Is that an example of your famous “tolerance” and “diversity”?
“The guy you responded to was critiquing people who appropriate reggae because they’re rich white stoners”
Nice theory, unfortunately there is zero evidence to support the notion that the majority of White people who like Marley are rich, or stoners. The only thing you are demonstrating is your class prejudice.
You can’t understand Reggae unless you are an underclass Jamaican, so presumably you can’t appreciate Hamlet unless you are a Dane of royal blood?
“availability heuristic”
ha ha ha , what a “high” verbosity james !!!
Pity, avoid these pompous words, you are not able to use them!!
Jazz, ah that’s music.
So You Want To Be a Banquet Manager
most black people love rock and roll, white man music! some are straight up about it others are closet listners! I guess rapping about botty and bling gets to be old even to real black people! go figure!!
Since when is rock and roll “white man music” and who are “real black people”?
This shit is so fucked up.
Plenty of PEOPLE listen to jazz, blues, old school hip hop and non-mainstream contemporary hip hop. Not just white people. But people.
This site fosters so much hate.
You are an idiot. It is a joke, get the sand out of your vagina and make me a sandwich bitch
Album playing while reading: Dr. Octagonecologyst
How come you did not post my comment form Nov 21st?
#120
Always making Starbucks their first official visit in a new city.
You really hit the nail on the head with this one– I listen to all three, including an extra you forgot…FUNK. More white kids listen to Funk than black kids in my school.
Wow! Yet another musical genre that only White people listen to. Only White people listen to Blues, Jazz, Classic Hip Hop, Funk, Heavy Rock, Synth, Folk and classical music. Where does that leave Black people? What Lander and his legion of “me too” comment posters are really saying is that Black people only listen to commercial music of the moment. That Black people listen to music without discernment or taste and are the dupes of the corporate promotion machine. Any intelligent Black person should be insulted by this blog.
That picture of all those white kids bouncing to De La Soul at Pitchfork made me laugh for at least 5 minutes.
The only thing I can think of that would be remotely as funny would be legions of soberly dressed Blacks politely applauding at a Nigel Kennedy performance. I’m not holding my breath.
Don’t hold your breath, whatever you do ! The legions of people of all colours wearing everything imaginable by way of clothing, who threaten nightly to make the roof fall in with their screaming, whistling, roaring approval of that they have just heard…………..that’s a Nigel Kennedy performance.
Soberly dressed ? Politely applauding ? James, have you ever BEEN at a Nigel Kennedy concert ?
Have you, or have you just read a review written by some home counties private school girl playing at being a journalist? In the context of a classical music concert, “wearing everything imaginable by way of clothing”, means a few students dressed in a pastiche of evening dress culled from thrift shops and perhaps an exuberant pair of cords. Have you seen a disproportionate number of Black people at a Nigel Kennedy performance, or any classical, operatic, folk or medieval music performance for that mater?
The answer to your first question is no. Then next you weren’t writing “in the context of a classical music concert,” were you ? You were writing in the context of “a Nigel Kennedy performance.” I have attended many of these and noticed many styles of dress, including that of the principal performer himself, which could never by any stretch of the imagination qualify as “sober.” As for seeing a disproportionate number of black people…………….disproportionate to what ? I don’t see a disproportionate(?) number of black people at Nigel Kennedy’s jazz concerts either. Sorry, James………I really don’t know what you mean by “disproportionate.” The word resonates with inverted racism to me, I’m afraid.
And I still can’t imagine applying the phrase “politely applauding” to the deep-noted roar of approval that escalated into shouts, whistles, and frenzied clapping,which greeted Nigel Kennedy’s performance of Beethoven in Frankfurt last May.
James, given Elsiesca’s complete misinterpretation of your comment, perhaps a different classical musician example is in order, say Gidon Kremer or Anne-Sophie Mutter?
And Elsiesca, I tried but couldn’t help inwardly chortling seeing the words “Nigel Kennedy” and “sober” in the same post. Yes, I’m probably going to hell.
I see james ’s racism is unhidden and alive!!!
one more thing, the last paragraph is hilariously accurate
What’s funny is, Rick Rubin, and lots of black people, are into Johnny Cash. When The Man In Black plays, everyone listens.
since when…exactly…was Rick Rubin black?
He is Jewish, so until “Stuff White People Like” includes chicken soup and chopped liver he sure as hell ain’t white by Lander’s standards.
Chicken soup and chopped liver? OMG! Is he Chinese?
I loved the Blues in the 60’s, when I lived near Chicago and could go hear the greats in person. Now it no longer interests me.
I’m confused by this post. Is it saying that we should let music die? Some white people like hip hop and some black people like indie rock. Should they throw their albums away and go back to fitting comfortably within the stereotypes? I do agree that “old school” hip hop is better because it’s actually relevant to the world. New hip hop talks about expensive cars and hot women and what all your money gets you. Who can relate to that? What’s the point?
No.
It’s a post about people who listen to music for the wrong reasons.
Or it’s a post observing the behaviors and rituals of White People.
This post has more holes in it that my nano cheese. Was this a draft you accidentally posted or what?
JazzBassist:
I agree lol
–
http://hurryupnbuy.wordpress.com
Its all well and good to judge something as being of another culture but isn’t it better that we stop judging things that way? I get it. It’s funny. And pretty true (which is scary) but at least white people have overcome their attitudes to accept and even enjoy some part of a different culture. I recently got to see Cadillac Records (comes out Dec. 5) at press screening. It’s about the rise of blues in 1950’s Chicago. Despite a star-studded cast (including Mos Def, who white people apparently love) and amazing shiny Caddy’s, the movie shows what can be accomplished by people when they embrace different cultures instead of reject them merely on the basis of being different.
PS-White people would love this soundtrack, action packed with old school blues like Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Etta James.
stereotypes are funny, no matter what race its about
Wow, what a stupid thing to say. I am a 52 year old white guy that has listened to and loved rap and hip-hop since its inception, going back to Sugar Hill Gang when it first came out. Before that, I enjoyed Kool and the Gang, Ohio Players, Parliament Funkadelic, De La Soul, Barry White, and all sorts of so-called “black music.” I also like classic rock and bluegrass. I’m a diverse person who loves music.
I think it’s very racist to believe that when people say they are really into something that they aren’t being genuine.
Steve, the more correct word is ‘bigoted’, not ‘racist’…..at least in the case you are describing….
And I agree with you……no one can tell you what you like and dislike because….they are not YOU…..good points…
PS: Only white people call the music you like (Parliament, Barry White, Ohio Players, etc) BLACK MUSIC……..I know that if you’d ask any black person what they’d call this music, they WOULD NEVER say black music, but rather……DAMNED GOOD DANCE MUSIC…….
amen…..
Don’t hold your breath, whatever you do ! The legions of people of all colours wearing everything imaginable by way of clothing, who threaten nightly to make the roof fall in with their screaming, whistling, roaring approval of that they have just heard…………..that’s a Nigel Kennedy performance.
Soberly dressed ? Politely applauding ? James, have you ever BEEN at a Nigel Kennedy concert ?
Have you, or have you just read a review written by some home counties private school girl playing at being a journalist? In the context of a classical music concert, “wearing everything imaginable by way of clothing”, means a few students dressed in a pastiche of evening dress culled from thrift shops and perhaps an exuberant pair of cords. Have you seen a disproportionate number of Black people at a Nigel Kennedy performance, or any classical, operatic, folk or medieval music performance for that mater?
Well, as a black person, I laughed out loud at this one (forwarded to me by a white person who completely identified with the post). And by the looks of the ruffled-feather comments, I think you may just have hit a nerve.
Stuff black people like: the “stuff white people like” blog. You nailed it.
Well, as a black person, I laughed out loud at this one (forwarded to me by a white person who completely identified with the post). And by the looks of the ruffled-feather comments, I think you may just have hit a nerve.
Stuff black people like: the “stuff white people like” blog. You nailed it.
Can not express how I’ve come to grow weary of all that “Real” shit. Every. Single. Time. I mean, like do they realize how arrogant and close-minded that is? Prolly doing it purpose, can’t be helped. Thanks 4 that last part. Man, lotta people don’t realize it, but where would hip-hop be w/o Rick Rubin?
uh Radio?….. I think you got that last part “where would hip-hop be w/o Rick Rubin” VERY WRONG….
It is more like, where would Rick Rubin be without Hip-Hop?….since when does the promoter become more important than the artist?
If there weren’t any music to promote, than there would not be any promotor.
im glad we all cling to something whether it be old or not. white poeple are their strongest when they forget what they are told. black poeple the same. we are all strong when we forget all the bullshit i mean “can’t we all just get along!!!” is just another euphanism that has been shattered. the real problem is “deep within…” we are clinging to alot of bad shit we need to let go. i guess we are all living in the past.
-your white “brother…” ’s uncle
The real reason people listen to classic hiphop is much simpler: Some of us never progress beyond the music we listened to in high school or when we last felt young. I’ve met grown men who still worship Jesus & Mary Chain for the exact same reason.
“Historically speaking, the music that white people have kept on life support for the longest period of time is Jazz”
Funny! I just saw a Mozart performance on Sky Arts and was recently listening to Canteloube on BBC Radio. Apparently “Jazz” predates these two genres, or is Lander just a jackass who has found a niche market among pseudo-intellectuals?
White people are guilty of the same crime in the field of literature, preserving dinosaurs like Shakespeare and Dostoevsky.
pretty sure black people were singing the blues when they were enslaved by people coming from the east, looong before any Europeans showed up.
Please rename the site “Stuff YUPPIES Like”
I have always favored the Lennon sisters. What beautiful music those girls created! As for people of the “negro” persuasion,give me the Mils Brothers–tho I understand they craved white women!
josh becomes “Dr. Aloysius MacGillacuddy M.D.”
ha ha ha , what a joke ! go see one , nyou need a psychiatrist , goyim asshole!!!
Oh! the” psychiatrist” who craves asian pussy , the kkk piece of shit !!!
“goyim asshole!!!”
I see Jewish racism is alive and well then.
I love music. I haven’t heard a single note on this website. Goodbye forever.
rofl, stuff white people do: shun this blog forever, like without their support things just crumble to dust
ROFL
I’m not sure I like this website. It’s the first time I’ve visited – and I’m all too aware [from the blog title alone] that it’s meant to be controversial.. but honestly. Saying black people aren’t into jazz and blues… really? I mean, how many black people do you know? Do you know more black people than white? Does it matter? Culturally, races are mixing now – there is less of a big deal about what is ‘black’ and what is ‘white’ music. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not discounting the source of these genres, but if you knew anything about jazz in particular, you’d know that from the pretty early on (20’s/30’s) it was a mixed-race affair (both musicians and fans).
It just hacks me off to think that after all this time, some people still think that generalising is a productive activity. Sure, not all black people like jazz… but neither do white people. Sure, not all black people like the blues either, but I’ll be damned if I meet one new black or white person today that knows who Son House or Muddy Waters is. The point is, all genres of music have different fans from all different races and generations. Take me for example. I’m half British, half Thai, born in the 80’s. I like blues, jazz, psych, rock, 60’s garage.. all sorts of shit. Even though I’m half white, I still don’t understand this blog. It doesn’t make sense to me. If I were to show it to my African or West Indian friends, they would be just as confused as me with all your pigeon-holing.
Fortunately for free speech, you can have your say – and so can I.
Dude, you are reading way too much into this……don’t let this stuff make you think about things that’s not worth thinking about…..namely, skin color and how it supposed to be a representation of some kind of individual CULTURE…
First, this guy who writes this blog is Canadian!….not many west Indians, Africans, or many people of color in general live in Canada anyway…..so he is going by what he has experienced with his group of friends and what sees…. fortunately, the sample group that he base his conclusions are very small in number.. …..so his basis for all of these blogs is OPINION….just his opinion….
And like you said, fortunately for free speech, he can say these things….
the problem arises when his words, or any other bloggers words, are taken at face value and applied to oneself…..no one can pigeon-hole you unless you let them….and unless you identify yourself with a certain group, like say…….the all encompassing ‘white people’, then you are setting yourself up for confusion…
The basic foolishness that you are reading is coming from people who think that their identity is wrapped up in their skin color……the white (skinned) people culture……I am guessing that the author of this blog KNOWS THIS and he gets immense humor reading all of the blogs from people who say that ‘what is written on these blogs is soooo me!’……He (the author) knows that the words ‘white people’ will keep the foolishness going because unfortunately, there are too many white people who buy into that notion of white culture, which at times, lead to thoughts of white superiority……which is a notion of thought that is way too prevalent in American society today.
Keep liking what you like in terms of music….no one can tell you what you are and what you like unless you let them…
I do have a sense of humour, it’s just that this website isn’t funny or humourous – in my opinion. The article/blog/whatever is devoid of anything that resembles funny (well, to me anyway!). Sure, it’s cynical – all the stuff about ‘real Hip Hop’ is interesting, and pretty much on point – but is still grossly innacurate. Although saying that, I don’t know what the land of Canada has to offer!
Whatever guys, if you think writing a few paragraphs is going to effectively summarise this aspect of contemporary culture – even regionally – then fine! I just don’t agree. Also if it is only regional, why is the blog called ‘Stuff White People Like’ and not ‘Stuff White People From My Town In Canada Like’? Perhaps I just don’t get it. I’ve hung around with so-called white people (and really I am one of them/you too as well as the other you know) and none of them have ever expressed such narrow minded opinions as the ones on this here blog-thang. Is that statement ok with you, white people?
Oh and by the way L. – ‘everyone’ knows who Son House and Muddy Waters are? You don’t meet many new people do you? And by people I don’t mean your right hand or girls in chat rooms. And that question is hypothetical – you don’t HAVE to answer it.
Otherwise, thanks for your efforts at getting me to understand the reasoning behind this paticular website.
Dude, even if this site doesn’t align with your sense of humor, it’s worthwhile from an anthropological point of view. The people described by Lander are very good at looking at other groups’ cultural traits but not particularly self-aware.
Mr. Music Knowledge, everybody knows who Son House and Muddy Waters are. Get over yourself.
Dude –
It seems that, unfortunately, you’re not actually in the audience for this blog, despite being half-white. What you don’t understand, and what it is necessary to read between the lines to see, is that this is a blog specifically targeting the suburban/urban affluent yuppie-inclined post-Boomer white people. In the world of these particular white people, this blog really resonates. This particular post, on music, does a better job than many of the posts on this blog at exposing the pseudo-intellectual inquiries that this sort of white person is constantly making of the world that s/he lives in. The irrelevant black music is part of a really half-baked bid for integrity, authenticity, and identity, all of which this white person has sort of decided that s/he needs, but isn’t sure how to get. If you aren’t asking yourself any of the typical questions that this particular white person is asking, then that’s fine, but it also means that you can’t get it. And I think you realize that.
Also: you seem quite intent on pointing out factual inaccuracies in the post. This is totally pointless. In fact, factual inaccuracies further underscore the point of the entire blog, which is to demonstrate the misguidedness of the various imperatives that this brand of white person has developed for him/herself. If white people think they are listening to authentic black music because it’s not hypercommercialized, and then it turns out that back in the day it was hypercommercialized, and not only that but white people played it, then it totally thwarts what they were going for. See?
The problem with all the farts posting is that they either dont have a sense of humor (an essential trait of all whites) and are followers not leaders.
they listen to what they do because one who does not follow and does not lead does so while thumping the nose at so called authority.
They long to identify with a group (ethnic, religious, nationality) so as not to confront the loneliness that is inevitably sensed when that association is passed.
Taste, like taste in food is not dictated by anyone else other than the connoisseur who will probably nibble at fast food yet spit it when no one is around.
Love the site! And what makes every entry even better are the comments! How many people for every comment get mad, complain, bitch about race relations, or flat out deny there are huge gapping chasms of difference between the races? It’s simply amazing. The comments remind me of all the people in grad school who were so uptight and never laughed. I’ve made it a habit to keep reading the comments until I see one where a poster is swearing they will never read this blog again. Unfortunately, this usually means I stop before I get more than 5-6 comments in.
In reply to louiecoolgato, canada is not a predominately white society. We actually pride our selves in being multicultural. Anyways, just relax all, this is just to have fun.
Hibs, I forgot to mention how multi cultural Canada is….I was not trying to knock your great country….afterall, it was the place most african americans went to first when they could not take the racism of the US….
thanks for pointing this out……
And not to worry, I am having fun…..BUT….i won’t let ignorant statements go unchallenged…..
There is NO HUMOR in ignorance…..
thanks….
jesus christ you’re gay
Willy, you are my POSTER CHILD for IGNORANCE today…..pat your stupid, empty head in congratulations, son…..
I wonder if there’s a difference in this in various parts of the country. From my experience, I’ve found a lot of white people in the South who are under 35 seem to be into hip hop, rap, reggae even more.
Which kind of surprised me…
How about Ted Taylor
This website has crushed my soul
Dude (SWPL), just roll with it. Put on some NWA or BB King, grab some hummus and plan next summer’s trip to South Carolina. Better yet, check to see if On