This past Saturday night, my family and I passed the time by cooking dinner together. In case you were wondering we made Sugar & Spice Duck Breast with White Corn Truffle Polenta and Kale (recipe available at Williams-Sonoma.com) and it was delicious. Anyway, while we were cooking, the Mother decided to pump up the jams by playing some tracks from Whitney Houston's new album which, unfortunately, blows harder than the dick she sucked to feed her coke habit. Poor Whit. After about 30 minutes, I became anxious listening to this monstrosity of a record and decided to swap it for a Beatles CD (also, I hadn't used a CD in awhile and I put it in face down ha ha). It was a hit...of course! The Father, Mother, and I all joined in and were able to enjoy one classic melody after another. But when "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" came on, Father made a comment that really stuck with me for the duration of the evening- while casually stirring the fig-infused au jus he remarked, "Now those were some risque lyrics!" At first I did the usual oh-em-gee-you-are-my-dad-and-therefore-I-am-obligated-to-think-everything-you-say-is-uncool eye roll but then Mother said "I mean, it really is poetry...none of this Bitch come here baby baby oh ya ya" (which by the way, is her most commonly used lyric when referring to any rap song ever made). I thought for a second and realized I didn't have the heart, or the stomach really, to bring to their attention the fact that rap lyrics today extend far beyond a mere frequent usage of the word "bitch" but rather have become so obscene that it has become kindof embarrassing to even sing along to one's favorite song...which is actually pretty bad!
Don't get me wrong. I LOVE RAP MUSIC. My favorite (hazy) memories definitely consist of grinding to some saucy Lil Jon mix followed by endless Pitbull in a stranger's arms. One of my best friends at school once remarked to me about the defamatory nature of some of the lyrics (although she of course "loved the beat," too) but I heartily dismissed her prudishness and poured us another shot of Bacardi Razz (hardcore). But after chatting with my parents I realized that maybe something really should be done...but what? I do not think the music industry is responsible for all of the world's violence or even the degradation of women in general but honestly, what is the point of being so incredibly graphic?!? I mean, keep in the bedroom! Once when I was at the gym (literally, once, because I think I went to the gym about 3 times all of senior year) I remember stepping off the Elliptical and nonchalantly singing along to "Shake That Monkey" by Too $hort. My sparkly earphones were in so I was unaware of the volume of my voice, as usual, but stopped and looked around awkwardly when I realized I had actually just said
"Now put yo ass on his dick
Let him know you da baddest lil bitch
Put ya hand on ya clit
Ask him do he like that shit"
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. IN PUBLIC. WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE. The melody is so catchy so I mean why not, right?! But wouldn't it be nice to go back to a simpler time when holding hands instead of dicks was normal for a first "date." I think so. The Beatles have lasted forever and its not embarrassing to listen to their songs with the elderly or youngsters. Yet their lyrics still retain the meaning and significance of love... and maybe even hint at provocative behaviors to come later. I think there is something to be said for being respectful of the private things that a man may want to do to a woman (or another man), or vice versa if you're a Lil Kim type. All of this being said I can't stop, won't stop (cause I came to get down) listening to rap songs but I will be more receptive to those who find the lyrics offensive.
So that was how I spent my Saturday night. I realize now that the most depressing thing about being in Las Vegas isn't the oppressive heat or my lack of friends on a daily basis but that the most amazing artists come to perform and DJ in clubs here (this weekend my current favorites LMFAO, Kaskade, and deadmau5 were ALL HERE) and I can't even go down to the strip to see them!!! Its beyond depressing because dancing to fun music used to fulfill a decent amount of my usual happiness quota but soon my family is going on a few trips so hopefully my mind will be taken off my lack of employment etc.
HAPPY LABOR DAY Y'ALL! Thank god for Lifetime's "Goin' into Labor" Day specials.
And feel free to share your favorite naughty rap lyrics below!
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