Just a Gwai Lo fun within prescribed limits [?]

Pete Mariott, in an interview with John Book, on the state of hiphop: “The MCs are the ones who are really blowing it. The majority of them are writing lyrics with their egos as their inspiration rather than their hearts. They can’t seem to grasp the concept for the need for the James Taylor’s of hip hop; they don’t understand why we need the Carly Simons’s or Johnny Cash’s of hip hop. But When I listen to lyrics by Jean Grae or Infinite Space I not only hear poetry but I hear honesty, love and integrity in their words and I will more than likely remember their songs because of their great songwriting abilities. A great song will continue to make you money for decades but hip hop artists are more focused on that short term money. Who says art music can’t be profitable? Producers like Philip Glass and Brian Eno are filthy rich and they make art music. Is hip hop not an art? Think about what they are doing and why they are artistically and financially successful.”