(ThyBlackMan.com) Florida Rapper touches on some real issues…
The fact that family is important is sometimes lost in hip hop. To be honest, a lot of things of substance are not talked about in hip hop or entertainment in general. So understand; I was a little shocked, and pleasantly surprised to hear Plies song “Family Straight.” An up and coming successful rapper talking about serious issues is rare, Plies, has two gold albums, and several 
features with other famous artist. The risk of losing money and fame from making positive or honest music can be costly sometimes.
I know he is the self proclaimed “goon” and makes songs like “Becky” and “Bust it Baby” but that can be tolerated if he can balance it out with songs like “Family Straight”. I feel that way about all the artists to be honest. Some hip hop fans may disagree, but I always thought balance, diversity, and truth keeps the music fresh. Connecting with artists comes from real life stories, not necessarily their own stories but stories from the human experience. This song reminded me of my family and the struggles that we have encounter. The honesty in the hook got me open immediately…..
“Last ten years, my mama been working twice a day/Grandmother on a kidney machine she then lost her weight
My aunt tee got Aids, she starting to lose her faith/ my Brother back in prison, second time he gone away
My daddy still smoking that shit, I can see in his face/ my cousin 16 got pregnant from a n*g*# thirty- eight/Try to stay on my son, make sure he doing what his mama say
Before you take me God/ Help me get my family straight!”
I know there a lot of artists who make great music, and touch on real issues and emotions in there songs, but I don’t hear these artists all the time. Most radio stations are paid, and programmed to play the same songs over and over again. Inviting your ears to this process, sometimes make you hate a song after you once liked it, and vice versa.
For me, the most disturbing part of the situation is the artist has little say so in the actual release of his /or her material. Creative control is a sticking point when signing a contract with a label, and what usually sticks is you have no control of your creativity. Add on a 50/50 chance that the album may not get release and then you have a lot of pressure on the artist to come up with what’s “hot” right now as oppose to dropping what they feel. I’m thinking the trend can be reversed, if someone who is “hot” right now makes something meaningful that becomes successful. Just maybe the copycats will take that lead and create something that can benefit the community.
That’s why I wanted to give Plies his props, because he didn’t have to put out a song like “Family Straight”. He could have stayed “Wasted” with Gucci Mane, rode around and pick up his “Buss it baby” and got some good some “Becky”, but if he spent all his time doing that, I guess his family will never be straight.
Staff Writer; Jarrod Horton
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