Ludacris has been an active member of the community making a difference by being at the forefront of issues like Get Out the Vote. The oftentimes destructive behavior of hip-hop as it relates to crime, drug slinging and its redundancy in terms of the negative, stereotypical images of rappers is not a part of what this young man has done. He is a great example of how one can shine by being a rapper, actor and activist.
Following this framework displays how when an artist sells something, he can make a difference in society. Artists who fail to follow this example contribute to dissuading brothers from their own greatness. Ludacris has not only faced controversy, but has moved past it. At the same time, he has never suggested criminal behavior as a solution to society’s ills. We need more artists delivering lyrical content with a message, not just turning out music where the beat is so good that the negative messages get lost.
We must admit that there is a tragedy when it comes to celebrating freebasing cocaine because the beat is so good. There is a no value in us saying something negative about ourselves to young brothers who might listen to this type of music or watch the videos and believe that they are not affected by music when they can play it every second, repeat it a million times and watch thousands of YouTube videos at no cost. This level of media consumption by the urban community might need to be researched because the intensity of negative and lack of socially impactful music is irresponsible and is failing our children. Failing to add hope to desperate situations and igniting ignorance perpetuates a behavior that many artists seem to condone by promoting the use of drugs or violence as a way to gain success, popularity and fame.
Congratulations to Ludacris on Furious 7 and Ludaversal. Congratulations to the founder of the Ludacris Foundation. Congratulations to the man who is a responsible father and husband.
Congratulations.
