This article, or blog post rather, is based on different things I’ve been reading around the net about the latest white sensation Kreayshawn. Granted, I don’t care if she’s white, I just felt like mentioning that because that’s what I guess everyone is basing their opinions of her and her music on. If you aren’t familiar with Kreayshawn, here’s a preview in the form of her highly watched video “Gucci Gucci.”

Also, just to reference here’s a collection of things I’ve read about her on the net, and I will close this post, by giving my own opinion.

White rappers aren’t the problem. Exploitation of Black culture is Black culture is diverse with various meanings; and how one defines Black culture varies from individual. In the case of Kreayshawn, I’m referring to her misinterpretation of what she thinks Black culture and hip-hop is. One could argue she is exactly what hip-hop has become–gimmicky, devoid of substance, whack, the glorification of a street life, sexualized and talentless. If that’s the case, is she appropriating Black culture or just a part of a watered down genre? I don’t believe for one second her image is authentic. It is one derived of the stereotypical “sister girl” trope we’ve seen time and time again. Understand, I’m not arguing whether “sister girl” actually exists. I’m not even arguing that the “sister girl” is to be shunned. But Kreayshawn’s image, how she carries herself, her lyrics are all derivative of her very limited view of Black culture. – Clutchmagonline, source

@mrFrenchie: “Kreyashawn was the worst thing to happen to hip-hop race relations since Vanilla Ice” © Refinedhype. — I like Gucci, Gucci
@HipHopDX: Kreayshawn Officially Signs To Sony Music http://t.co/Y7dgTH2″ Exactly what’s wrong with hip-hop smh
@VibeMagazine: White Girl Rapping: Is Kreayshawn Just Another Gimmick? http://t.co/lpBYEPM
“Basically, I don’t think she’s being original, you know and true to herself and I feel she’s try to ride off of Lil’B since he got famous for making stupid songs.” –@bionca

Erin (Bella) speaks now: I don’t think the problem with music is Kreayshawn, she’s definitely fitting into the place where she can. Look at it this way, contemporary music outlets aren’t really playing things of substance—a lot of the mainstream music is trend driven. Do I think she’ll be popular five years from now? No, probably not. That’s not a diss, but if her music doesn’t evolve past what it is right now than no. She fits into the same niche that a now somewhat fizzled down Souljah boy was at with “Crank Dat” or where those guys who made “Stanky Leg” or the Rejects, or Cali Swag District are, or even Young Joc for that case, and that niche is a trend. Eventually, like clothing trends, this music will always die, which makes these people less relevant when that happens. If you want to pout about that, talk to the record companies don’t complain about her.

Yes, I bumped the “Gucci Gucci” song one day, because it’s funny and it’s catchy. If you choose to ignore that fact you’re being a hater, yep, a hating ass hater.

No, I don’t agree with her using “nigga” or those in her camp who use “nigga” (people were writing this on twitter, so I’m speaking from that) however, you have to look at it this way. Being from Oakland myself, “nigga” is as common as using the word friend (I couldn’t think of a simple word—maybe I should’ve said “house”) so sometimes words like that become engrained in the culture she just happens to live there, however, I can see the arguments coming that you don’t have to be a product of your environment, so here’s another scenario that could potentially get put down again. It’s kind of contradictory to be black and say nigga but not want anyone of another racial group to say it. It’s one of those things where you have to lead by example. Granted, people should know what’s right from wrong and not feel like they need to repeat everything that’s said—however, in our culture that’s not always true which is a trend shown repeatedly in our culture.

Lastly, in response to the idea that Kreayshawn is destroying the black race and capitalizing on black culture—like really calm down and pause your lives a little. If this girl is destroying the black culture, we definitely have bigger issues within the race. Yes, hip-hop is predominately a black thing, I guess, because blacks started it, I guess, but it’s not like some separatist club. Everyone from every race can rap, like calm down. Furthermore, I don’t really think of Kreayshawn as a hip-hop artist, or an emcee so perhaps my feelings on that are different.

Ending here, she’s definitely not what’s wrong with hip-hop. What’s wrong with hip-hop is these label heads signing artists who don’t have longevity, but looking for how much money they can get at the current time. There are some really dope artists out there who based on the standards and blueprints record heads have laid out won’t ever get a contract and will remain underground artists. It’s pretty sad, however it’s true.

What are your opinions?