It's MY Music

Another Superbowl halftime show is done. Looking back, I think it may have been the "wardrobe malfunction" show that did it. The Superbowl used to be about the game. People tuned in to watch the two best NFL teams battle it out. Then came commercials. Advertising dollars spent like monopoly money to be the funniest, or win the hearts of an audience tuned in to rate the commercials.

Then came the era of the Halftime show. Marching bands and cheerleaders were just not enough. Big name stars headlining a major production, for a 15 minute concert. Bring your A game for sure, or maybe do something controversial to get attention. In this era of Superbowls, the Halftime show steals the attention, and this year was no different. Hip-Hop and Rap music on center stage, arguably the biggest music stage of the year with the largest live audience and viewing audience at home.

Of all the music genres, I think Rap and Hip-Hop bring most people to polar opposites. Many people can tolerate country, or classical, or even jazz. But when it comes to Rap or Hip-Hop, most will say they love it or hate it with zero tolerance.

In exploring the love/hate difference, it occurred to me that this genre comes with a certain unique fan base to any other music culture. It has always felt to me that Hip-Hop and Rap music are like an exclusive club. You are not allowed to like the music unless you are in the club. Country music fans would love everyone to listen to their music. Jazz and classical fans are definitely music snobs, but they still welcome newcomers to their festivals and concerts and are happy to explain to you what you are listening to, and when it is appropriate to clap.

This is not the same for Rap or Hip-Hop. You can't just like the music. You have to have come from a poor neighborhood, or have been to jail, or at least in a street fight. There are special qualifiers that need to be met for you to be a legit fan, otherwise you are rejected by the fan base. There is a wardrobe requirement, a jewelry requirement, a vehicle requirement, and you have to know the words to every song.

Personally, I don't enjoy rap music because it's like listening to some guy or girl give a speech in the context of music, and I am a fan of music, but not speeches. I'd rather hear some interesting harmonies and melodies with high notes nobody should try to replicate.
Good thing I am not in charge. Obviously the producers of the halftime shows have done their research and know what people want to see and hear, right? Did they?