Since its conception, Rap, the music of Hip-hop, has been critiqued 
negatively. If it's not one thing it's lambasted for it always seems to be 
another. Granted there is a lot of negative Rap music on the airwaves 
today with little or no substance whatsoever, but what people fail to realize 
is that positive, socially conscious rap does exist; the mainstream media 
just doesn't play it. 

With that in mind it is a breath of fresh air to see that "Where is the 
Love?" by the Black Eyed Peas has ruled the mainstream top 40 chart 
for six weeks and is in the top 10 for overall radio listening audience. 
The song of social analysis, speaking toward current global ills and 
strifes, has emerged as one of the group's biggest hits to date and 
was recently performed at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. "I'm 
surprised with its content that it has succeeded the way it has," says 
the Peas' Will.I.Am of the Sept. 11th inspired song, which is backed 
by a 40-piece orchestra. "There is so much negative stuff going on 
in the world right now." 

The Peas use their music as a means of empowerment, something the 
Hip-Hop community and the rest of the world can never get enough of 
in the troubling times of today. So, big ups to artists like the Black Eyed 
Peas, Dead Prez, and Common for showing the rest of the world that 
hip-hop is much more than shakin' tail feathers and right thurrrs. It's 
art with a message to the masses, speaking to the people and for the 
people. 

The world is yours. So, go do something about it.    




                                                                      

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