Tanning Of America Reflection #02

What resonated with you the most about the reading?

On page 40, Stoute writes, " Sometimes you have to venture into the unknown, take the risk, and be different ." What artist in Hip Hop today would you say is taking risks and pushing the culture forward in a positive way?

I think the artists who look like they are making the biggest moves are the ones who are just the only ones taking "risks"; they are just diverging from the norms of what's popular and really just paving the way for culture and what will be popular. Tyler, the Creator, I wouldn't call overly positive and not the best example (he's a man with his faults, we don't have to bring up old lyrics right now), but in my opinion, for years, he has been a step ahead on something different, and culture chases him. Fashion and prep style mixed with street wear.

Gt rap pop, whatever you want to call it, people go crazy for it. Her growth is cool to watch, and her influence over men astonishes me. It is not easy for women in this industry to gain respect from the male listeners with such "girly" music and personality. But she preaches kindness and uses her growth and influence to speak against global political issues.

Then there are other artists such as Massive Attack who take larger risks within their music and speak publicly against genocide, but I would not say they hold the power to younger generations that people like Tyler, The Creator, A$AP Rocky, and Doechii have with their online influencer presence.

I think women are super important people taking risks in a musical manner and social, style, fashion, and political manner. Solange. Doing it all and being open and outspoken about it