Negativity in Local Hip Hop, Missoula Artists Finally Speak Out

Since I took a personal stand against negative influences in the Missoula music community last week it seems that my message is finally getting the attention of local area performers and is stimulating conversations throughout our small scene.

Per Carlson from Universal Choke Sign, Missoula's biggest metal band I'm sure spoke for many of you when he asked in a recent Facebook status update:

Per Carlson · Corvallis High School

What the hell is going on in The Hip Hop world?

Good question, and it's one that many people in this town are confused about as well. It's simple. Right now, lines are being drawn and sides are being taken. Artists in this tightly knit rap game are fed up with the stereotype of being labeled as a thug, a gangster or a felon. Some (although very few) actually are, and are choosing to amplify that lifestyle even more so now than ever. While others are quick to point out that their music has always been positive and that they are doing their best to benefit and not hurt the community.

Charlie Banham · Montana

We (Shaymlusly Elliterate) been positive and stayed real since day one. Check our first mixtape. Appreciate another artist that does the same. #MuchLoveFam

Brenton L Daugherty

· CH1LLZ/MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

I STARTED SEEING IT THIS WAY A WHILE BACK..I SEEN MY HOMIES DEAD THERE KIDS UNAWARE IT 4EVERNN SH%T HIT HOME..WE LEAD THE EXAMPLE...I RAISED MY KID LIKE A G AND NOW HE SUFFERING 2..LOL OUR MUSIC WE MAKE IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY..IF U SAY IT AINT U SHOULDN'T MAKE MUSIC..IT PUTS THE ENERGY U PROJECTING INTO THE LISTENER..AT SOME POINT WE GOTTA B MAD AT THE SYSTEM OF MINDF#$%ERS WHO TRICKED US INTO THINKING WE REBELLION N OG FOR MAKING SET TRIPPING A NECESSITY..LOL WE FELL 4 THE TRAP OF THINKING WE OUTLASTING N RUNNING S#$T BUT THA DOPE COME IN FROM THE GOVT...THE CARTELS ARE RAN BY SAME..THE ROOT TO ALL EVIL IS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE...BALLS TO SPEAK UP ON IT..ORGANIZE A TEAM OF TAKEOVERS THO YES..WE NEED TO RISE UP AND FILTER OUT THE BREEDS WHO REFUSE TO SHARE THE PLANET..

I also spoke recently with Jim "Tonsofun" Spurlock and Erik Jusenius, both well-respected artists in the Missoula music community and yet from different walks of life. While Tonsofun is arguably the first person to bring Hip Hop to the streets with shows and performances in Missoula nearly 12 years ago, Erik also offers a perspective from the rock side of the musical spectrum with his experience in the band High Voltage. Both unanimously feel that "hip hop is ready for a shift and it is becoming obvious with artists like B.O.B., (and a more) conscious positive movement as opposed to screaming lyrics and repetitive beats (with a negative approach).

Push play for audio from the interview

(hear the full interview this Sunday at 10pm on the Homegrown Radio Show)

Even Wapikiya Records is finally addressing the controversy after being thrust into the spotlight as the most predominate record label in the state. It seems their artists have come under fire practically from day one and have struggled immensely with the efforts of trying to remain community-driven and yet relevant to today's fickle Hip Hop fan.This brand new video starts out with Wapikiya artist Frodie laying his words over beats, then the final four minutes takes time away from the music to give each currently signed artist a chance to express their views on this controversial topic.

What are your thoughts on the current negative Hip Hop stigma? Do you agree/disagree with these artists?
Sound off in the comments below.

Categories: Missoula News