Arguing with teenagers!

This past week while I was at home, I had the pleasure of having a pleasant conversation with my 15 year old brother and 17 year old cousin. We talked about everything ranging from college plans, spirituality, and boos. Conversation was pleasant until we started talking about music. At first they were like "you cool, because you like rap and hip hop!"

I mean I've already been thru highschool so that whole validation thing from peers isn't neccessarily pressing to me, but it was flattering. I have a way with the youth and I like that. But here is where the problem came in, I mentioned enjoying music from people like Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def... and they cut me in mid list. They were like "they are all one hit wonders!" My jaw dropped to the floor! If you know me, you know that I LOVE those rappers, like they are great to me, so I know these men are anything but one hit wonders.

But here is the killer...MY OWN BROTHER was like "yeah, they been around for ever, but did any of them ever go platinum, they not as established as Young Jeezy." My heart sank... I felt that somehow I failed as being a postive example in my lil brother's life. Like I suck really bad!

I've never wanted to be one of those people who give young people a hard time about music. Like "Good Grief!" can we be expressionistic like ya'll were...but my goodness!!! Young Jeezy, more established? Definately has more commercial appeal (he would have a fit if you called him commercial) but not more established! This convo wasn't even about who the best rapper was or nothing, just about who we like to listen and they had to go there!

I couldn't say nothing! I saw my age clear as day then... 1982 never looked so far away before! But before you know it, I will be telling my kids why Jay Z is good listening music, better then anything they will ever know about... *sigh*