[Captain Ray]

I used to be "hip." But the fact that I think I used to be "hip" doesn't make me very "hip" to the average teen/pre-teen!



My daughter.. my sunshine.. my reason for living.. likes hip-hop music.... well, before I go any further, I should introduce you all to my daughter..

This one is Corina-belle with the Marlin 30/30... a bit much gun for her, but she's pretty brave.

Here is one of her on the same day with the Baretta 21a .22... she really likes this gun!

And here she is with rifles she's more comfortable with.. on the left she is shooting the Glenfield Mod. 25, and the right she is shooting the 10/22...





Anyway.. the reason I am posting this is not just to show off my beautiful, pro-2A, sharp-shootin' daughter.. (OK.. I am showing off my beautiful, pro-2A, sharp shooting daughter.. but HEY MAN!!)It's because she likes hip-hop music.. and I don't!



I bought her an I-Pod for her "big" Christmas gift, and am trying to find songs for it that are kid-friendly. I keep hearing that not all hip-hop music centers around "how tuff it is for a pimp".. and that not all artists routinely refer to women as "bitches" and "ho's." But I am having a hard time finding them.



I have asked her for some ideas about what artists she likes, but I am not too impressed with the lyrics of said artists.. Usher, Chris Brown, Bow-Wow, Cassie, etc... after downloading and listening to a few of the tracks, I had to take a bath!



So if any of you younger (or older) folks know of hip-hop genre musicians that I can look at.. that generally have a positive message combined with a smokin' bass line.. I sure would appreciate it.





Raymond

 

[Papacubed]

I know what you mean. The only time I would hear new music is during "drive time". I spend way less than an hour per day in a car (retired) and have no clue who or what is popular.

 

[ClosetCaseNerd]

I admire your parenting!



I am 21 and I can tell you if not most, almost all lyrics are concernable in some way, if not for the "Emo" kids singing incessantly about their lost loves, then the rappers singing about drugs, women, illegal activities, ect ect.



But my advice to you is don't take the lyrics too much to heart... what she will listen to is primarily driven by whats cool at her school and really after all its just music. Its up to you to teach her right and wrong, responsibility. She is going to listen to music that her friends like and it is a socializing thing. Don't think the music will influence her lifestyle, because it really and truly wont.



I'm sure your parents didn't like your music either, but its the way it goes. Hopefully you didn't turn out nearly as bad as those rock stars :wink:



For what its worth, I really hate rap music and the culture they represent. Good luck, hope my kids are as cool as your daughter.

 

[96Ranger]

I prefer country, so my knowledge on this subject is limited, but I'll try.



Let's start by separating terms: "Hip Hop" and "Gangsta Rap". I wont try and define them (because I can't) but generally I would say that Gangster Rap is the notorious objectification of women/glamorizing a criminal lifestyle version of this genre, while hip-hop can have a more positive message. At least that is how I separate the two in my mind.



Jurassic Fives "Concrete Playground" might be worth looking at, as well as Lyrics Born "Callin' Out". There will be some cursing, but I've heard both and think their kind of catchy. I think Jurassic Five (J5) goes for that whole "non-degrading" thing as part of their theme. That isn't to say there might not be some cursing, but it's a start. If those songs work for you, look at others from the same bands. I also know that usually two versions of every album are produced, an explicit version and a "radio edit" one. I thought Wal-Mart refused to carry the explicit ones, so in your electronic searches, "radio edit" or "clean version" might be useful search criteria. Then of course there is the Beastie Boys, but that just might be too old school.



Good Luck!

 

[LockNLoad]

As a parent and relatively young (so I'd like to believe...mid 30s) I would contend that the selections you mentioned aren't too bad. (Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Usher...etc.) Their subject matters are little mature (Considered PG-13, I'd venture to say PG-16).



You can't go too wrong with Walmart's policy, they don't sell CDs that have explicit language. Even iTunes has gotten into the act (somewhat), they give you the option to purchase "Clean" cds.



Bottomline, consider the clean CDs at Walmart or on iTunes. I personally only listen to the clean stuff.



NICE PICS BTW...

 

[superstar]

My little girl is 9 and listens to the teen bop music of Cheete Girls, Hannah Montana, Lindsey McGuire. Find these artists on Disney and Nickelodian Teen programming.

 

[Mdnitedrftr]

Check out the Black Eyed Peas.

 

[erOksta]

Man, I'm in a hip-hop group. I'm from Pittsburgh, PA. One of the guys in the group distributes CD's and if you wanted to send me a message I'll send one back with a huge list of good stuff. Just so you know, I'm Christian and I'm real serious about music. I can assure you that any artist we know or promote is super clean and doesn't necessarily push Christianity but will definitely have good messages. You'll be hard pressed to even find one cuss word from any of the artists. Seriously, my list consists hundreds of CD's. You can check them all out online too. sphereofhiphop.com is a good place to start. Hope this helps.....

 

[Captain Ray]

Thanks for the tips fellas'!



Eroksta, I pm'd you.. I will be very interested in your suggestions.



Raymond