Keeping it "Real"

            In the music & culture book, this chapter discusses Eminem and the way he is viewed by people that live in closely the same economic region as him, meaning the Bronx. Eminem is a white rapper which to many makes no sense. R&B and Rap music have usually been viewed as "black" music. Eminem came into the scene and though the skeptics were many he gained credential from even the black community after proving himself in his words. Eminem had a rough childhood growing up with a retched mother and being poor.
          Many people in the black community commended Eminem for "keeping it real." By this, they mean he was true to his life. He raps about real life. Much of the rap scene has been overtaken by black musicians that rap about big money, big chains, big hoes, and living large essentially. Eminem raps about real struggles of growing up in the Bronx. Eminem to this day does not over dress with big expensive showy jewelery and clothes. Eminem doesn't rap about being rich and famous and how great it is. Eminem, in his creative and unique way, raps about his life and how he feels with making no apologies for it. He has been criticized and he doesn't get angry, he makes fun of it. Congress people and the press try to put him down and he raps about it in a joking way. He pokes fun at his haters back. The reason people say that Eminem keeps it real and has earned respect from all walks of life is because he is real and he doesn't pretend or try to be something he isn't. He is who he is and that is all there is to it. He makes no apologies for who he is or what he does or how he feels.
           For me, reality based lyrics are only important to a certain extent. I am all about imagery and different creative writing techniques to get a point across but the reality in the point being portrayed is what is important. In other words, If a rich kid from New Port decides to try to make it in the music industry by rapping about how sad his life is and how financially hard it has been for him he is going to look like a goon. He is going to lose respect from people who really have grown up with financial issues. I don't respect that. If a singer sings a song about being in love but has never been in love for real, that is more tolerable. I guess I think the authenticity of the writers intention is what is important to me.
          In conclusion, Eminem gained the respect of all areas of life and music by his truth and reality in his lyrics. I think artists that try to pose as something they are not lose respect of fans because the people that are truthfully the way the artist is trying to "pose" as get offended when they get the situations wrong in their lyrics. All in all, it is always best to stay to true to who you are and what you know.