It’s a shame. The rapper Busta Rhymes is known for his innovation and style since the mid 80’s to 90’s. I will say that some of his work was quite entertaining. He has a flare for the unique and visually captivating style. And thankfully his lyrics are not nearly as vapid as many of those commonly found today. Yet he seems no less immune to the violence that plagues the industry.
From the loss of a bodyguard in a shooting incident, to alleged assault due to an autograph request, to now an alleged assault for spitting on a car is a sad progression. Why is there such violence that seems to be attached to rap music and its top performers? And why is it that in almost each case of violence, the cause is a minor incident. Actors sports athletes, and musicians of other genres are no saints either yet we do not see such rampant and indiscriminant violence as found in rap. Then again when it’s considered that this is the one genre that seeks out and encourages former and current criminals to be its top entertainers, one shouldn’t be overly surprised by the results.
One a different thought, Snakes on a Plane has finally arrived in theaters. Mr. Samuel Jackson has another number 1 to his credit. For as much as critics have spoken about this movie, there is one fact to be remembered it hit #1. This was never expected to be a stellar movie. There was no thought that this $30 million dollar film was an Oscar contender. But it has been successful in capturing over half its cost to make in its first weekend. Odds are good that it will make its money long before it reaches cable or DVD. [To make money a movie needs to clear between 2-3x its cost.] I like Mr. Jackson, and his choices in roles appeal to fans of many genres. When critics have downplayed the revenue of this film they seem to nullify, to some degree, the fact that Mr. Jackson is so well regarded by fans that even a movie that is not Oscar-worthy has gotten the type of hype seen in few $100 million+ movies. Now if that isn’t star power in action I’d love the critics to mention what is.
Speaking of movies, there are several that will be coming out soon that seem of interest to me. Mr. Dwayne Johnson, otherwise known as The Rock, has a new film called Gridiron Gang. This is a based on a true story. It’s the story of kids that has fallen into the wrong path, imprisoned and needing to find a better way. Mr. Johnson uses football to inspire them and show these kids that there is a better way, and that their self-respect can only be lost if they allow it to be. This looks like it can be a good film, something that the young Black African Americans it targets can look at and find inspiration from.
Mr. Johnson, The Rock, has made a decent transition to film roles. Not the greatest actor, he has made his roles believable, and he has picked his roles well. This is perhaps the most dramatic role for him so far, and the most inspirational. If I am understanding the television commercials well. Given that I hope the film does well. I’m glad that Mr. Johnson is taking the chance to expand is range as an actor, especially to provide a positive image to at risk youth.
It’s interesting to note that in an effort to target more of the youth, specifically Black African Americans, Xhibit is also in this movie. I do not recall other movies he has been in, thus I fear what effect he may have on this film. As you may recall I have a poor opinion of Rappers that have little or no experience in acting garnering large roles in movies. Often they lower the quality of the movie, or the more recent trend is to have several in movies of little value just to capture the hip-hop/rap fans money. There are some exceptions, but they are rare. My hope would be that Xhibit is an exception, which I doubt, or that his role is merely a minor supporting one. We shall see.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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