Dear Reader,
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I was pleasantly surprised upon finding that the Reader had taken the time to review a hip-hop concert [Rock Etc., August 25]. However, my surprise quickly turned to disgust when it became apparent that the writer sent to cover the concert knew nothing about hip-hop. Whoever thinks that the Pharcyde revolutionized hip-hop subject matter has absolutely no knowledge of the history or evolution of the music. Rosalind Cummings should refer to the late 70s when the Cold Crush Crew, Treacherous 3 and other non-“nihilistic” and “violent” hip-hop groups were the norm. In other words, in the 20 years since Afrika Bambaataa and Kool Herc began rockin’ hip-hop in the parks of the South Bronx there have been countless groups who have covered a wide variation of themes. I’m pleased that you are giving hip-hop respect by giving it space in your paper but please make sure that the writers you assign to cover the music understand and respect the music from a proper historical and cultural perspective. Thank you.
