I personally do not like rap. But the real problem rap has is the same problem as rock and other genres. The recording industry has turned it into pop candy. I don't even listen to the radio. I learn about music through guitar magazines and the internet, MOST of which tell the truth about what is real and what is pop BS. Musicians make art. Industry makes product.

I will dowload as much free stuff as I can and I can't wait for the record industry to go broke. Then how will artists make money you ask? They will play their music live. The good acts will stand and make good money...if not bazillions of dollars. Bad acts, artificial artists, and recording industry lackeys will go out of business. Making a bazillion dollars per record is anti-art. It's become just big business but it will crumble...no question about it. It's got nothing to do with music so it will fall in the face of technology and real art will emerge.

Don't believe me?....Perhaps you think they will come up with effective anti-piracy technology?....Then think about this....if you can hear it through speakers or see it on a screen it can be copied and distributed. Period.

I am not anti-artist, just the opposite, I'm very much pro-artist. But most artists are not popstars. We are smack in the middle of a musical renaissance and real art will emerge as a result of us "illegally" downloading music.

Maybe this isn't the right forum for this....anybody want to take this to another discussion somewhere? I'm new at this so if anyone wants to start it I'd be glad to contribute.