>n/m

Peace to Mele Mel, the Godfather of Rhyme. Thanks for kicking the knowledge about who coined the term, Hip-Hop, and such. Great post.

As for the "pushing weight" question about Hip-Hop, and more specifically to speak on the question raised about who provides guns and the need for violence, I'd like to respond if you don't mind.

Not that I'd like to get in a heated debate specifically in this thread that Mel has introduced himself to the community, but your question begs the answer.

As the proverb goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink," for providing guns and the so-called need for violence is not the excuse for both to occur. Corwardice is the reason. The only truly honest excuse acceptable is the conviction and honesty to admit you allowed yourself to be negatively influenced and controlled by outsiders. It's about responsibility. Own up to it. It's not a blame game or a matter of pointing fingers. Look in the mirror.