I came of age during a time when artists like Nas, the Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac ruled the airwaves and the public conscience of anyone who truly loved hip-hop.
The message those artists conveyed in their music resonated in a way that today's artists fail to understand, or simply choose to ignore completely.
Lil' Wayne, Drake, and Soulja Boy are three of my children's favorite hip-hop artists, and although they are very bold in their lyrics, it seems there is very little purpose or substance in their music.
For example, on Drake's song "Forever," he calls himself the greatest rapper of all time, yet his premature proclamation suggests he has no idea of what it really takes to claim that throne.
As I argued this point with my oldest son, a realization dawned, and it suddenly became apparent that I had assumed a role my own parents held when they first ruled out hip-hop music as a bunch of noise with no point.
That lesson stuck in my mind, and it brings me a new perspective on the current situation LeBron James finds himself embroiled in, due to his recent free agent decision.
James is stuck between two different eras of opinion in the NBA, and his choice to join Dwyane Wade has helped usher in a new age, which will probably become the league's new standard.
Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan have drawn equal praise and criticism for comments regarding James' choice, and even though opinions vary wildly on the subject, they are neither right or wrong in their assessment.
Magic's and Jordan's words were made from the perspective of a different generation in the NBA, and their point of view may be one of the reasons Kobe Bryant's image has been elevated in the wake of Ja...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
