Are Rappers Keeping It Too Real?

Please watch: "J. Prince Talks Drake & Pusha T Beef, Rap-A-Lot Records, & New Book | Soulful Sundays"
• J. Prince Talks Drake ... -~-
“Keep it Real” has become a phrase synonymous with the music of our culture. But is Rap an honest account of what’s going on in an artist’s life? Or is it just entertainment? With all the access social media and blogs have given us to rappers’ lives - we get to see rappers beating up other rappers, rappers going to court, rappers abusing drugs, & rappers violating their probation - are rappers keeping it too real? Let’s break it down…
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Produced, Written & Hosted By: Murs
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Produced, Shot & Edited By: James Kreisberg
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Produced By: Ural Garrett
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[@ThaBlkRainbow]

1) I think we need to stop confusing the words real and criminal. Keeping it real is about being honest. You can be honest without glorifying criminal behavior. - The best rappers usually understand this. While they talk about the street life, gangs, and prison life, they also talk about the reality of the dangers presented. Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac, Biggie, Kendrick, Ice Cube, etc. all talked about the thug life but also talked about people they love being killed, being locked up, and being constantly terrified that somehow the bad things they did would catch up to them. - Most of these rappers have now transformed their lives to avoid these things or try to prevent other young people from following down the same paths. 2) I'm from a lower income background. I don't want to say I'm from the trap but I was exposed to some dangerous elements of the world. Some of my classmates did go to jail, join gangs, do drugs, sell drugs, have guns, or knew where to get them. - My mother always told the truth about the world around us but she also encouraged us to stay educated, make good decisions, and choose our friends wisely. 3) I feel in love with the music because the stories these artists told were very real to me. I loved how rappers were able to tell the raw and unfiltered reality of what many people like me were facing everyday. I was born in 1989, so it was good to see young black people like me being their true selves, without being polished or watered down.

[@shawnorjiakor]

Agreed

[@jkajmo]

Goddman Britney, that's very enlightening & very true.

[@chanejohnson3476]

I will agree that "real" artist, the ones with something to say other than the same old repertoire of tired themes that we hear today, are becoming very few in number. Being "real" isnt rented exotic card and bank loans for your chain. What is "real" is subjective, according so social norms and demographics. What isn't real is a little easier I believe...someone spewing the same generic material that doesn't have any substance other than a catchy hook. In the end, we, the consumer dictate what's "real", by buying into it. Ferraris ain't real to us, stacks of cash, slinging weight, poppin caps, that shit ain't real to most of us...but we buy it because we want to escape and live vicariously through other peoples "real......and that's "real" talk! 100

[@Panckeswitcheese]

Brittany Wilkins so are you saying the best rappers were the ones that kept it real?

[@theotsalaile250]

@@Panckeswitcheese yup

[@2AMSOUL]

When keeping it real goes wrong

[@livingabstraction2206]

2AM SOUL was waiting for this comment.

[@storyspice974]

2AM SOUL pin this up

[@marcusvalle47]

Fucking love the one where Dave is in a business meeting and yells WU-TANG at the ceo

[@ImJohnnyMajor]

WU-TANG!!

[@Corrinthian_]

Good topic suggestion. It would answer some of the questions raised in this video.

[@2k7digga]

Murs,I held a grudge against you for no apparent reason. I am a follower of the great Mr. Hunte and I never really watched your videos in favor of his. (You do have one of my favorite songs though. And I have a few of your cds) I deliberately skip your videos in favor of Hunte's. But today I watched this whole one and found it very insightful and needed. You're a dope journalist!! Thank you for this video. And forgive me of holding a invisible grudge. You've earned a new follower/fan.

[@MursTv]

Thanks for your honesty. I respect your loyalty. I asked Justin for his blessing before accepting this opportunity. And was granted it. I know that may not change your feelings. But I hope you continue to check in here. As well as with Justin. But make no mistake. Without Justin this show doesn’t exist. And we will never forget that.

[@2k7digga]

MursTv chuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrcccccccchhhhhhh!!! Bless up!!!!

[@tobi9466]

what exactly happened? Why did Justin Hunte leave this channel? I couldn't find anything on Google

[@2k7digga]

geronimo I don’t know

[@4kilometers]

Digga Jones what song is that?. I've never heard his music

[@betchaker21]

yo, thanks murs for showing me that amazing jim carrey clip

[@Nolimitcam._]

Isaac Calabrese Thank James lol

[@alfonsecapone1]

I remember when that aired...sh#t was hilarios!

[@betchaker21]

fluffy i just had 3 things to say. didnt expect em all to be this popular

[@MindKontrolUltimateLevel3]

This is probably my fav reoccurring show on the net. Respect to Murs for keeping thought provoking hip hop dialog alive

[@MrKing8050]

Since the mid 2000s "Keeping it real" term hasn't maintained its credibility

[@allacates9211]

So keeping it real didn't keep it real?

[@ohhKilla]

You were born in the mid 2000s lol. Foh

[@streetprinceopal2290]

shiiit like the hell it aint!... hollywood mfkrs aint the niggas who kept it real' ..u dont or never heard of the real niggas the real artist who kep it real....for real' FUCK HOLLYWOOD!~ understand me lil niggas!' .... or dont' .... a don cant sweat it'

[@marcusplenty1153]

And this is just example of When in Keeping it Real Goes Wrong.

[@lifestraight]

MrKing8050 Mid 2000s? Keeping it real wasn't even the mantra by early 2000s.

[@samuelsilverman3060]

I'm a white dude who grew up in Oregon which is the farthest thing from hood. only listened to country music until I was 17 got into rock which lead me to get upsessed with delta blues. which is a about the struggle of the black man. Just switch Bronx late 70's with Mississippi 1930's. I actually got into hip hop about 2 years ago ironically through my church in chula vista CA we had a few ex ganstas and other brothers and sisters who were MC's and dj's and that was the first time I heard hip hop that wasn't radio garbage and through them got me into old school stuff like Public Enemy Cypress hill and N.W.A which blew my mind .When I was in my late teens we lost our farm and had to move to the worst part of Mesa Arizona with my grandmother. After that we moved a bunch I went to school in south Phoenix where for the first time I experienced discrimination. which me think shit how hard must be to black in most of the US. there couldn't have been more than 5 white kids the rest were a mix of black and latino And good amount the white dudes acted like fake thugs but clearly weren't which made me sick because. I was a legit cowboy born literally on a ranch. Which is also about keeping it real for those who don't know people pretending to be cowboys is very similar to those who act like they Hood but aint. You can see them from a mile away wearing fake hats, jeans and boots and go to a rodeo and think Theyre a cowboy now. which is similar with People dressing like they're a G but they grew up in the burbs. Also a lot of those who are in the rodeo/horse trader context are legit criminals all of my friends had been to jail. I knew a few folks who had killed people. drinking and treating women like objects and getting into fights all the time and not taking shit from anyone. Which is similar to hood culture. I'm not saying all hip hop is girls,money and breaking the law I actually mostly listen to conscious hip hop. so basically I still listen because I like the music, in a weird way I relate to the culture and I try to not act like I'm something I'm not. So keep it real y'all so if your a white guy from Calabasas that's cool too but don't pretend your from south central. Thanks Hip Hop DX for the dope content peace.

[@MursTv]

Samuel Silverman bro!!!! Thank you! This was amazing! Love your perspective. From how you got into rap to the discrimination you’ve experienced. So much power in your testimony. I appreciate the sharing! Love to you and yours.

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

Interesting experience i gotta say

[@AFO_AnalyRics]

Hmm, well, I'm not from the trap. I'm Nigerian - born and raised. Compared to the statistics, I had a pretty clean background, thanks to my parents. But, that being said, luxury and poverty can be very relative terms. So when I listen to some American rappers go on that gangster rant etc, I'm actually entertained and even inspired - not because I support it, but because it gives me hope that there's a better life out there. The truth is, as comfortable as I'd say I am, THE GANGSTER LIFE I HEAR SOME RAPPERS BRAG/COMPLAIN ABOUT IN THEIR SONGS SOUNDS RATHER LUXURIOUS TO ME, COMPARED TO WHAT I SEE IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD EVERYDAY. So it's relative, and that relativity gives me hope in a weird kind of way. I don't mean to minimize anyone's struggle or situation, but to be honest, given the wide gap in the average standard of living between our societies, an american rapper's idea of penury usually matches my idea of comfort. Odd stuff. Even I find it hilarious - which again is part of the entertainment. Example: one of the frequent things I've heard rappers mention in terms of poverty is 'having to eat chicken wings for so long'........meanwhile I'm laughing out loud like, "wow, y'all getting chicken wings like that?!" #itslevelstothatish

[@rayakojuice]

same. the poverty, the social and financial divide, and the blatant disregard for human rights or life in India is staggering. tho ppl only think about vibrant colours and spices and shit

[@stefan-rarescrisan5116]

Boy, that's a smart comparison you did here! But have you ever listened to Lecrae or KB from Reach Records before? I mean, those guys are really keepin it real and i bet you could relate more ; no lie, they're clean and inspirational. They are a problem for the hip-hop community right now and im quite curious if you've heard of them.

[@MursTv]

Love the perspective! Thank you.

[@MrSmurf459]

JaspeR Fola great comment! And it’s something I agree with! What people call poverty in America is very luxurious to some people but as you said it is all relative!

[@AFO_AnalyRics]

+Stefan-Rares Crisan Thanks. Yeah, I listen to some Lecrae....I particularly like the new direction he's taken with his themes. He's probably the only Christian rapper I know right now who represents the gospel for what it really is: THE GOOD NEWS. Not pseudospiritual judgements, not sanctimonious banter - none of that stuff in Lecrae's game, so he definitely has my respect, cause I'm sure it's a tricky balance.

[@BrianCooksey]

I don't have the answers to these questions, either but I'm damn glad you're asking them.

[@MursTv]

Brian Cooksey s/o the Company Man!

[@rew6117]

Videos like these really makes society look at itself tbh, shits really refreshing. Good work Murs.

[@betchaker21]

Last time I was this early, eminem was clean shaven

[@aidanking7401]

Do a video on big pun and big L

[@geraldfromhillwood1451]

Comic book Guy this generation ain’t ready for shit like that lyrics like that would give niggas of the generation would get a mental breakdown

[@Ason.Unique]

^^^

[@solitudeisbliss1234]

Gerald From Hillwood You do know that there are a lot of hip hop heads from this generation that like lyrical shit too right?

[@geraldfromhillwood1451]

Mr xo not everyone is tho you seen the music that been dropping recently nothing like the big L and pun era

[@solitudeisbliss1234]

Gerald From Hillwood You clearly aren't looking, there are plenty of lyrical rappers now

[@krombopalousdrexal1677]

Murs Ive been listening to your music for about 15 years now and as much I love the music, I love this path of hip hop philosophy your taking. You always have been and always will be one of the most positive influences in the game. Thank you.

[@khizararif1355]

Krombopalous Drexal wait he makes music?

[@tommyaddams6620]

fuck yes murs underrated mc peace love unity

[@truthhertz10]

I love your ending questions, thank you for making people think

[@DivaRoach]

I can't even explain how much I love these videos. The research, editing, and the host. All of it. Just really solid content.

[@TheSnoozeFox]

Most "real" rappers could be considered fake, even Ice Cube, he grew up in a nice area, married parents and everything

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

yes

[@luistorres8005]

He had his parents but he didn’t grow up in any nice area.

[@tybooskie]

Married parents doesn't= good life; trust.

[@jizzyg1559]

Because he wasn't ganbanging. The difference is he said that in his song, like "Once Upon a Time in the Projects" "Her brother came in he's into gangbangin' Cause he walked up and said "what set you claimin" I don't bang I write the good rhymes" Cube was talking about reality around him. Now he has kids, he's rich etc so he is not rapping about killing and jacking in the hood.

[@madderthanever]

Man, I miss _In Living Colors_ - that show was the shit. We should forced the Wayans to bring it back.

[@donmichaelcorbin4417]

Love the show, man. I'm a 40 yr. old lower income white dude from the 'burbs. Although I'm not from the hood, I do a lot of business with and have quite a few friends who are. I guess you could say they're "keeping it real". To me this type of music is all about the struggle. Struggling to stay alive, struggling to stay free, even struggling to stay clean and sober. We all struggle in our own way, some more than others, but "the struggle" is something we all can relate to.

[@ancientarubin9115]

I'm a black middle class man and I listen to trap music because of the beats honestly. My favorite rapper is Future and although a lot of people say that he's a mumble rapper, I can oddly understand him more than any of these other mumble rappers. And speaking of mumble rappers, people like Lil Pump (I know people are gonna disagree with me) don't have large bars. The bars they spit are bubble gum kindergarten bars over a hard ass beat and that's why I don't like it. Also, honestly his songs are 2 minutes long, at best. I just feel that we are living in the time where people just don't give a fuck anymore.

[@moneyhouseblessin]

I don't take an issue with the term "Keep It Real" as much as I do the term "Real Nigga". Let's break that down.

[@MursTv]

Money H. Blessin' I feel you! that right there is a breakdown and a half bro!

[@transsexual_computer_faery]

I find it fascinating that black culture in America is so keen on otherising itself from the rest of society, almost as if it was a sport

[@michaelmbz8182]

"Bobby Shmurder" lmaoooooo

[@soberhippy8240]

I'm a skinny Indian nerdy kid from Toronto that gets no bitches but I like driving around to gangsta rap because it's escapism. I can feel like a badass for a few minutes

[@midn1ghtsky271]

Rap nowadays a reality show. This been known

[@DUHKING24]

It's been like that since the 80s

[@3percentdelay]

Pro Wrestling

[@alleztoute2527]

Music industry plays that reality show game.

[@superbadandsupermad]

As a white 20 year old living in Ireland, it might seem I'm as far from the trap as possible. But the reason I started listening to hip-hop and making music myself is similar to the reason hip-hop exists; goverment. It didn't take me long to see how fucked the system is. Rap music is a direct response to a corrupt system by disenfranchised poor people who felt that they had to get their message out there. Mobb Deep, MF DOOM and the Wu are first and foremost storytellers, prophets telling tales of their struggles that they faced because of racism, and an economy that keeps the lower class too busy fighting for their lives to escape the trap. On All Amerikkkan Badass, Joey spits some of the realest, thought-provoking shit you will ever hear and you don't have to be black or even American to empathize. You should stand up against violent atrocities and pointless murder no matter who you are or where you come from. We're all brothers and sisters in this war against the rich and powerful.

[@superbadandsupermad]

Of course, zed love X spent years on the streets after his brother died. After the label dropped black bastards he had nowhere to turn, he became trapped in the trap as many young black men do. Eventually rebranding himself into one of the most influential artists in hip-hop history; DOOM, who's lyrics reference imbalance and racism constantly.

[@andreas0101]

hahaha ok kid and when you're in your 30s and actually earn money for yourself you will look back at this time and think of how little you knew.

[@superbadandsupermad]

What does that even mean? I make money now, I've been working for 3 years to put myself through college. What part of my statement is wrong? educate me if you know so much.

[@kenkrqige9245]

look up "US government Cuban Rap group" hip hop exists to control the youth. It was the first genre executives KNEW what they were doing. One hip hop executive said "If they aren't rapping about killing I'm not signing them". Mind you this is an old white man that doesn't listen to rap.....there is an agenda!... Other music genres are controlled to "influence" the youth but no other genre is more "controlled" than hip hop. The US government PAID a Cuban rap group to make anti establishment music against the Cuban government. It worked and influenced the youth accordingly. You think they don't do that in America? They system is so well oiled the government doesn't have to step in to the music industry anymore and tell them "don't promote that band and their message" or "promote this artist and their destructive message".....They music executives do this shit automatically now because that's how they were taught and it's what makes money.

[@michaelhaydenbell]

Ok really stupid ass and completely pointless comment.

[@vrostar]

*WHAT UP THO IM MURS*

[@Bartholomule01]

There is absolutely no problem with the music being good being more important than your cred. It's music and I think the music being good should be absolute top priority.

[@loganleatherman7647]

For the old school though your cred is what made the music good. If you’re just a poser ass bitch like Slim Jesus, back in the day nobody fucked with your shit because it wasn’t honest. The most consistently critically acclaimed artists like Kendrick and Cole make good-sounding music, maintain their credibility, and are incredible poets all at the same time.

[@anonymouslakernerd7214]

These videos are the shit. Insightful, provocative, well-framed conversation starters. So glad I found this channel. My little two cents: I wonder if the issue might have less to do with "keeping it real" (i.e., authenticity) than with its effects on the community. From its inception, rap has been dominated by young men. And what do young men think and talk about for the most part? Pussy, money, and violence. You give a pen to a young bull and that's what he's going to write. Give him a microphone, and that's what he's going to preach. Whether he's gangster or not, he has gangster thoughts and aspirations. Why? Because that's what he believes, at his age, is dope. Add to this fact that this is what other young men want to hear, and what they buy, then you have a recipe for more of the same. On top of that, there has always been something appealing about the outlaw or rebel. White kids in the 50s, 60s, and 70s had their James Dean and Easy Rider, no? Blues lore has its Stagolee. The Harder They Come starred Jimmy Cliff as the ultimate bandit and folks ate that up. Whether we're talking film, literature, music, or the visual arts, we have to realize that all art is the product of the imagination. And the outlaw will always hold a special place in our imaginations. But back to my point: The issue isn't whether the artist lived the life they portray, but that said portrayal might inspire others to live such lives. Another issue is that these narratives are stale as hell. Take Rick Ross for instance. Why give us more hustler tales? Especially when you have something close at hand that we've never heard before? I, for one, would be interested to know what life was like as a black C.O. What must it be like to be an agent of the system that imprisons folks who look like you? What have you seen that none of us may have? What psychic dilemmas do you face every day? If you hate that job, what forces made it necessary for you to work there? One of the things that made HBO's The Wire so compelling was that you got to experience Baltimore from a number of different perspectives. Where is rap's equivalent? I read somewhere that J Cole's "4 Your Eyes Only" is a long persona poem in the voice of a drug dealer and I was like, "are you serious? We can't get any more creative than that?" Rappers, even the best of them, are keeping it real monotonous. Real tired. Just like I'm tired now, of writing this long ass post.

[@buteverybodycallsmegiorgio]

I'm a white man from a very suburban part of Europe and I grew up on hip hop. My intro was Eminem (shocking, I know) but what I've always liked about it was that there's a struggle. Like that quote from Fight Club: "Our Great War is a Spiritual War". And hip hop made me see that there's more to life than soccer practice and minivans. I never pretend to have been through shit, but I hope I can understand those who have a little better.

[@KingBenny]

Is kid cudi actually good or is my mind playing tricks on me?

[@nickzaine8038]

yes

[@jjoaoarthur]

He's great

[@NK-wy8wp]

King Benny Garcia mind playing tricks

[@urineanxiety]

He actually said that song was the inspiration for his hit "day n nite"

[@alleycatgillis1964]

King Benny Garcia Hit or miss

[@ATOWNFONTAINE]

It's like showing people that they went through something. People respect the struggle. Seeing a person getting it from the bottom gives a person hope on making it.

[@jayjj9165]

Best question to ask your fan base

[@0santoos]

These breakdowns are getting better and better, shoutout to murs for the great job

[@ryanxmcmaster]

Im not from the trap but I like trap music because I like to listen to the stories and I think its interesting. Apart from pure entertainment I differentiate trap artists by their ability to keep me interested in their previous lifestyle throughout their music.

[@rob7216]

Don't know if you guys still do the breakdowns, but I love them. You guys do a great job. Stay up!

[@thatasianplum]

0:41 casual atmosphere reference

[@MursTv]

thatasianplum 🙌🏾 ayyyy! You caught that!

[@thatasianplum]

MursTv I was thinking to myself where have I heard that?

[@Feverm00n]

I was looking for this comment!

[@therambler3713]

The term "keep it real" is subjective and you simply took it to its darkest and worst application, while forgetting it can also mean staying true to all the good things you were raised with and taught.

[@shawnorjiakor]

+The Rambler Agreed.

[@africuz.mp4]

Im not from the trap but I listen to quite a bit of trap music mostly because of how bad it is to be in that kind of place. I use the music to further cement my belief of not wanting to get involved in it. I use it as a lesson, learning from someone else's mistakes.

[@6slade]

Gerry that’s a good way to put it man, long time ago I watched a video of the trap scene in Chicago, the video was very well done w old residents and hood kids alike all saying the point of the game is to get out of the scene, to escape that part of the city/the whole cycle of violence that kids are forced to repeat. Now seeing young artists intentionally choosing to get into it without knowing what they’re really doin, it makes me wonder man.

[@sethdavid7476]

You are the type of journalist the world needs. James Kreisberg, thank you for your content.

[@elydot8693]

Don't support the phonies, support the real. - Tupac Shakur

[@rexstevenson3239]

Tupac wasn't even a real himself

[@fredrickjohnson9473]

Rex Stevenson how sway

[@fredrickjohnson9473]

E Man how was u there

[@fredrickjohnson9473]

DesignerHeadToToes why

[@rexstevenson3239]

Frederick Johnson he did ballet

[@Sygnit]

I came down to Memphis when I was 15 years old, thrown into one of the "worst schools in Memphis" and introduced to the music i now love. I might not have grown up in the trap, but i respect the men and women who did and found a way out of it with this platform.

[@hterbluc]

Can’t you be real without being a repeat criminal or a sellout?

[@lifestraight]

Noah Culbreth Cole did sellout. With the Sprite campaign.

[@emanatingf]

@@lifestraight He sold out what though? He still has his soul intact & he releases great music.

[@shauncameron8390]

In hip hop, no. Non-gangstas are considered corny and lame.

[@iDesignFLi]

My favorite breakdown...the questions i ask people everyday

[@TreFKennedy]

Great breakdown Murs

[@zacharybower5703]

I’m only 17, but I grew up on south side music, Dj Screw, Tru, UGK, Z-Ro and 8Ball & MJG. Eminem is my personal favorite MC, but it’s always given me the inspiration to get up in the morning. They deal with situation I couldn’t imagine myself in, if they can handle their issues, I can handle mine.

[@JT-bt6jy]

I don't really relate to it. The music just sounds nice and has flow.

[@unology1]

Murs, these breakdowns get better each week. I love that you put your own personal feelings in them. This is hip hop journalism on another level sir. Thanks for Keeping It Real!

[@benjamindewolfe4370]

No matter who you are murder is wrong

[@TheB-ManChannel]

Powerful message at the end. Preciate that Murs

[@VinnieDangerous]

Best Murs breakdown so far 👍🏾🙌🏾

[@anonymouslakernerd7214]

I'm a 46 year old, lifelong hip-hop head and I remember "keep it real" in a whole different context. Far as I remember, it had less to do with people going pop, but rather people who didn't live street lives fronting like they did. No one faulted Hammer for being pop, we just thought he was corny. If someone was pop/clean cut/suburban/palatable to the mainstream, and that was authentically them... no one had a problem with it. The Fresh Prince was pop as fuck, but no one thought him fake. It was when acts like Boss, etc., started hopping on that gangsta bandwagon that folks started urging others to keep it real. And of course, like you said, Dre et. al. Anyway, just another perspective. Dig your videos, brother.

[@ZM-pd1jq]

“gucci gang, gucci gang, gucci gang, gucci gang” - realest out there, lil pump

[@ilayazraf7652]

Saint Beats R A P S A V I O U R

[@themaser1984]

Yo parents still live in a tent

[@daxerbreh]

Lil Pump Goat Greatest Of All Things

[@forevercoldentertainment5211]

fr lol

[@3percentdelay]

G.O.A.T

[@TABCentral]

I'm not from the trap but I listen to rap for inspiration. I relate to struggling financially, doing illegal things to make ends meet (never sold drugs, but I once was a madam), being judged because of factors that were not under my control. I relate to the anger when someone tells you that you can't do something because of what they think you are supposed to be. I relate to wanting to hurt idiots out of frustration. I also have a love for poetry and heavy beats. I sit and listen to the anger, the intricate wordplay, and meditate on a hopeful future.

[@chocolatecharlie1976]

I certainly prefer a hiphop universe where objectifying others & praising violence are trumped by intelligent, empowering & heartfelt lyrical content. #WhyILoveStrangeMusic

[@emanatingf]

innovators

[@mrandmrsbearau]

I enjoy listening to people's struggles. In that, I mean I appreciate the story telling. The fact they can come from somewhere, generally a dark place, and make it entertaining to listen to. I also appreciate the art and skill.

[@royalkina]

About the video: the idea to me is,if ain't bout that, ain't live like that... don't talk about it. So keeping it real is a thing. Even more if you don't write your shit,then i dgaf about it anymore. About the questions: English is not my first language,so in the beginning I couldn't understand shit people were saying.After years studying and living a pretty fucked up live in the hood i started to avoid the real thing and keep it just about the music stuff. Most of the rappers I still fuck with don't live that life,but still write their shit.

[@Thomas-nv3sn]

Motivation, motivates me, can’t relate specially to gang rappers struggles, but it’s more like, see an issues and their self belief to overcome, so use that music as motivation and confidence to work out and stand up for myself at school

[@philipfowler8843]

Imma keep it real with yall, Soulja boy ain't really from the hood.

[@d.u_]

Anybody else catch the Atmosphere quote from Trying to find a balance? I love seeing those dudes get the respect they deserve

[@dzhix]

It depends on how you define real, were they real when they were doing dirt or were they real when they grew up to be family men or ____________?

[@UToobUsername01]

Real mean being true to who you are so if who you are is a thug then that is real. If trying to escape poverty by working your ass off and being a commercial success is who you are then that can be seen as real. All people seem to agree that legally doing it may seem less hip but illegally (using crime) is better because you are showing that the world can't keep you down. There is a spiritual side to it. If you are doing what true to yourself then your fans will not think you betrayed what you are. So if you are a thug and can pay off the judges you are a real thug who knows how to use crime and corruption to his advantage. (money is what makes this world go around after all) But if you are a person with virtues and care about family and provide and protect using sucess to get your dream then that is equally valid as real because you are a real family man. You may even have enough money to help poor black kids in the hood and this could be seen as "a real guy who cares about fans and others less fortunate than himself. And the music was the method to getting to this point since without it he wouldn't have achieved his dream" "Fake" to me = when people outside the hip hop culture just come in and want to make money off of it but don't really care about it. They commercialise the music and don't see it as art or exrpession but just a vehicle to make money. If it wasn't giving them a return on investment then they could not give a shit if the music continued to exist or not. So they are are not invested in it from the heart as lovers of the music genre and just came for money. This is what fake means. You only care about its material value not what the music means to the black culture generally and the message in the lyrics.

[@JordanClemons]

I'm from a low-income, high crime, poverty riddled area, I understand the fascination of trap music, because that's all you see in those types of areas, but it comes a point in life where you are ready for that next step, be it, financially, spiritually, mentally, and that shit takes all your energy. You dont have time to be ducking bullets and the law, or the music that glorifies that.

[@masterofmashup1737]

Rap today is the fakest it has ever been. All gimmick no skills

[@masterofmashup1737]

Super 7 Today rappers are full of internet gangsta. Simpin' ass emotional bitches. Dmx, Jay, Biggie, Shyne, Pac, Busta, etc, all Real. Cypress Hill, E40, Ice T, Eazy E, Suge, and others were real rappers from the west. Who YA got Now? Chief Keef and.....? Niggaz now are wearing dresses and walking around with pocketbooks. Please stop talking what you know NOTHING about. Btw, Snoop had two classic albums with SKILLS, ask ANY expert.

[@chrisblogs5115]

Master of Mashup that's cause people like you just listen to mainstream shit. Start listening to some independent artists

[@GoldLBS]

Master of Mashup there are a few good rappers today. back in the 90s the radio wss the only way to break records, people were spoon fed artists.. now with spotify, soundcloud etc. you can actually look for NEW artists that fit your style. then you have kendrick and j cole that embody the essence of hip hop.

[@ohhKilla]

+Omni Homeboy Umm... they can be mainstream & independent lol.

[@ayeb0ss]

rap has been a fuckin circus for a while, just full of clowns

[@Dotrund]

I'm not from the trap and have never been a part of the trap. I listen to almost exclusively trap music. Trap music is about overcoming a struggle even if its not only the trap struggle. Escaping the trap and moving on seems to be a major theme in a lot of trap music and I can relate to the struggle of being in a less than ideal situation and still trying to keep your head up and have a good time while also keeping your hustle going. I admire the perseverence in the face of adversity that is represented in hip hop.

[@moneyfolder1182]

People like seeing rappers locked up and committing crimes for the same reason people love watching fights, authenticity has a poetic power that draws people in. I don't like Dre because he capitalised on the life of crime his contemporaries suffered through while not doing so himself. Nobody likes someone being dishonest because if you can't be yourself then you're effectively no-one. the only reason people don't care about realness anymore is because everyone is un-real on some level these days. Trying to find a genuine real-one is like finding a needle in a haystack, except there's no needles in it whatsoever... people will still say they found one tho.

[@moneyfolder1182]

And as for the whole idea of the trap and people relating to trap music, I think it's just the worldwide issue of money and class struggle. Where coming from the hood/trap just translates to being poor and the fancy chains they're now adorning represent them beating the hurdles they face. In the UK there isn't a race issue, so hip-hop isn't about black and white for me as it is about rich power and poor oppression. Your trap is no different to my "scheme" as we call them in Scotland. We can all rejoice in beating the powers that be.

[@MRGUSTAVOCHICKENFRING]

Ross Anderson mental gymnastics

[@lifestraight]

Money Folder There are race issues in the UK!!

[@potatosfilmcompany3774]

I'm not from the trap, but I really relate to good rap because I was the awkward nerdy poet in high school, and I got bullied a lot. I turned by poetry intro raps and got pretty good at freestyling and was able to defend myself and cope, so now I really appreciate good music from the artists I initially drew inspiration from and more.

[@moonstar188]

F the new generation of rappers who "keep it real" because what I see and hear is them saying it living it but not really knowing as scarface he showed us the other side of being part of the hood and how crazy it gets mentally and physically also hearing Notorious BIG gives us an idea of certain situations like in juice...I listen to rap because I relate when police harasses or when people try and rob someone and knowing that there is a reason a bad way of doing things but is the inside knowledge of it....Keep it real is knowing the influence a rapper gives to the audience and knowledge you as a rapper provide and how to avoid it... that's my opinion

[@alfonsecapone1]

lionel bravo Scarface, Pac, Cube, Ice T, Kool g rap...all would specify the pitfalls of the gangsta lifestyle way more than they would glorify it.If they glorified it at all. I dont think they did.

[@moonstar188]

Alfonse Capone I'm not say they did but giving knowledge of the "keep it real" music they provided for us the audience

[@rmsveke]

This series is the realest on this channel!

[@zero1188]

Thought keep it real started with Chris rock

[@andrewmarshall3408]

Great one as always murs In answer to your final question: I'm not from the trap myself, but im from an area where it's EVERYWHERE and iknow a lot of people who've been involved. Now most of em (at least here) do it out of desperation and inability to find an opportunity to support themselves or their family legitimately. The reason i choose to support it, is so that hopefully, any artist who made it out and truly doesn't wanna go back to trappin' won't have toand can show other people out there that there in fact are optiojs available

[@slimshady8252]

Really enjoyed this video. Especially the part about Drake

[@erngar619]

but we all hve to gro up sumtime. and those last questions are great questions Murs. which im curious to see the responses... STRAAAANGE!!

[@youngcity4241]

THE FANS ARE THE REASON WHY HIP HOP IS IN THIS SAD PLACE SMH

[@MursTv]

young city fans run this. Rappers just live herw

[@jjw1920]

I totally agree. Fans buy this shit and get mad that there is no good music left. If u buy strip club and party music all the time what kind of music do u except to come out.

[@vernellthomas6644]

Great segment and great questions toward the end. As a teen I loved the Gangsta rap:Geto Boys Cube Ice-T but I knew I wasn’t a hood dude but it was intriguing wether or not these guys really lived that way. There is a thing where you can keep it too real and end up six feet deep or in jail. It depends on how you was raised and what you’re raised around.

[@kup4ever]

11:10 The answer to all those questions.......The BEATS! If it wasn't for these producers more then half of these trash artist would never be mentioned. We blame the artist for "killing hip hop" but producers got a lot to answer for too.

[@MursTv]

BlackLIFE that’s interesting being in the game for awhile. I know quite a few producer that have a “holy” life but sell beats to Gangsta rappers even write some of their hooks. And I think it’s hypocritical AF

[@flyingsnake3737]

MursTv Thats the main issue i have with producers but i also have an issue with rappers and people defending them saying is harmless entertainment. If they were rapping about killing people and left it there that would be fine but they go out of their way to be part of criminal acts and support muderers. Thats not entertainment anymore, thats vile.

[@ehjaybee85]

Love the Rhymsayers shoutout at 0:50

[@troycummings709]

Keep it real or don't rap about shit you won't back up. 🙅

[@troycummings709]

Tyler much like Eminem makes it clear what's fictional. He doesn't potray that he is really out here doing those things

[@MursTv]

Amen!

[@DUHKING24]

Rap is entertainment you slow as can't differentiate the to

[@troycummings709]

Label it as entertainment and don't act as though any of it is real then 🙄

[@50greykitties]

damn i guess im going to continue blasting my speakers around my town hoping that the great Murs will hear it and walk up to me hahaha

[@chiefsosa2568]

u need a certain amount of intelligence to listen to to pimp a butterfly

[@dglover326]

Damn no one realized the rick morty copypasta

[@neilwalkercomedy]

Nah u just need ears fam

[@ayeb0ss]

lol all jokes aside, you do need to have a good range of musical tastes to enjoy to pimp a butterfly, it just goes completely over your head if you dont

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

Drake is love, Drake is life no. Dont start this shit.

[@dglover326]

Miles Prower 😭😭😭 Dude look up Rick and Morty copy pasta then look at these comments again

[@banishedbary5239]

I like the editing and how you formulate your videos

[@lindylindylindy]

Logic keeps it real Allah particles

[@paulhealy2557]

Get that 10 he couldn't even get unused name

[@phillipgray9327]

I'm not from the trap. I don't relate 100%to everything expressed in hip-hop, but I had a terrible, neglectful childhood that made me realize that millions of other people had to deal with the same and don't have opportunities to lift themselves out of their negative circumstances.

[@pumpkin1escobar]

rappers are just entertainers.

[@cubbymahn1979]

Really thought provoking topic. More to come as I reflect.

[@ashurbanipal6121]

Bc we love outlaws and hate the establishment

[@BryansMusings]

My big brother(R.I.P) is the one who got me listening into hip hop as he used to play loads of hip hop in our room 50 cent being his favourite rapper at the time. Though i was born in Africa living in the UK now i can not say i have lived the trap life but the idea of someone talking about the life he has lived or living that's different from mine gives me different perception of life. actually as a teenager i wanted to pursue a rap career but my parents would not invest on it due to the negative image the rappers i was listening to were portraying however they did pay my school fees and now am 24 with an office job that i hate regretting why am not a rapper.

[@overkill2006]

Nah they just keep it real stupid.

[@Riddles248]

When I listen to trap it's not to celebrate the lifestyle, it's because I can relate to it. Kevin Gates is a Great Example of this, he's so real on the tracks and actually highlights the struggle rather than making it all sound like glory. A lot of times rappers take it over the top like Weezy, but when someone spits bars that are Really real I feel like I can make a deeper connection to the music

[@Pnut571]

I struggle sometimes. It's not about the things you have. It's about how your life is going and my life is alittle rough right now.

[@masonmabrito6618]

I often get asked the same questions you did at the end of the video. I'm a white male from Chicago who though grew up in a bad situation - has become very successful. My wife often asks me why I listen to Chicago's Drill music, or Atlanta Trap. To me it's about telling a story, a story of a life I didn't live, and also to be honest - really don't want to. People choose to experience different stories through books based usually off of fictional characters. I like to hear my stories as first hand accounts of the neighborhoods and cities left behind by the ever growing US. Everyone is always so quick to point the finger at these communities and blame them, or their up bringing.. but never really dissect why these things happen.

[@cazschiller]

Great question and I really appreciate the deep topic Murs. For me hip-hop started with Eminem and the hardcore guys now these days I listen to people like NF and logic who talk of a better world and better values, while still keeping it real about what life is really like and their past.

[@TheHolyFlipsterTHF]

Salute to Murs for trying to keep this unbiased!

[@Stevie_D_Pre]

I shied away from rap as a kid during the bling era because it didn't seem real and to glorify bad things. When I was about 12, I heard MAAD City and have been a fan of rap ever since, because it is the best medium for communicating real stories and insights. It makes me change my perspective on things because I get an insight from a viewpoint I could never have on my own.

[@hlumelogxotiwe4228]

Murs, my man, you were the one keeping it real in this video. Props.

[@mellakat80]

I like the last two questions you posed in this video. They're very succinct to The Narrative of today's culture. Art imitating life... Life imitating art. To the point where it is indeed a detriment to not only their community but the culture itself. It's like the old saying... A cat going to jail gets more props than a to college. I understand being counterculture, but there's a difference in being of the counterculture and perpetuating and subscribing to the degeneration of a culture. This is not who we are supposed to be. This was a path forced upon many of us. We're not supposed to WANT to be this

[@FailedAragorn]

Just want to say I'm a big fan, and Murs seems to be carrying the torch. This is THE channel for hop-hop theory and it is consistently excellent. I'm not from the trap, or even close to the trap. I got into hip-hop after getting into Speakerboxx/The Love Below, which got me into Outkast, then Goodie Mob, and then Wu Tang, and the circle has been expanding ever since. What I like about the music is partially why I also like punk rock; which is the attitude and the politics, but after that I also learned to appreciate a good flow, production, and lyricism. The craft in general. The thing that grates on me about the gangsta stuff is not that it is gangsta, but how that life is portrayed. In Liquid Swords, there is this great moment towards the end of the album where you realise that this Shogun Assassin story that GZA is rapping about is like a fantasy that covers up the dangers on the street, and the cracks are beginning to show. However on other artists' records, the lifestyle is simply glorified. For people with some intelligence, that can get justified as escapism, but for some people this isn't the case. In the Bangladeshi community where I used to live by, they were taking the straightforward music as something to be emulated. In summary, I think the line drawn is not about what is being said, but rather how clear the thought and intention is behind what is being said. That's just my opinion as a White-British fan of the craft though. I could well be wrong.

[@morobamber3090]

I'm a 16 y/o from Toronto, Canada and honestly the reason I listen to trap and stuff like it is because its just really hype, its turn up music. Of course it is far from the only thing I listen too, but its definitely my favorite type of music to turn up to.

[@soupman1919]

Unreal vid. One of the best yet.

[@FernandoMendoza-dw8nz]

My cousin was always playing rap growing up. He got me on west coast hip hop and we were always playing gta sa. But as I grew up I got more into rock cause that's what my ma listen to. Didn't get back into hip-hop till senior year of highschool. Before that I really didn't like what was on the rap stations so i never listened. But then a friend of mine put me on j cole and k dot and now 4 years later I'm still throwing myself into it all. really trying to find what i love. I love the lyricism and poetry of it no matter what the topic might be really.

[@RobertThomassilenticon]

Very good points sir, keep these videos coming they are very very thought provoking.

[@unklesuga1644]

Murs dropping knowledge once again.

[@docrussojr]

Sometimes change is for the better.