Hindu Rap!!

[TatTvamAsi]

Namaste,

This is an example of rap "music" that revolves around Hinduism; Shiva in particular: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upxC0jdWeIE

The chorus is in the Carnatic raag of Shanmukhapriya; a sublime and melodious raag indeed.

Also, if you listen carefully, there is some SlokA that is recited in the beginning and during the song as well; it is recited by a sUdrA presumably and can be contrasted with the best recitation of any SlokA I have found online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMdXVPf_nXM or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pBUiOlrTMU (both by Brahmins presumably). [Yes, I have assumed that the latter recitations are by Brahmins but with good reason! ]

Anyway, please enjoy the song and discuss your thoughts on this Hindu "rap". Of course, priests are not going to be rapping in the temples any time soon, at least hopefully not!

Namaskar.

[Eastern Mind]

Vanakkam:

I liked the traditional parts, but not the rap. There seems to be no meaning or melodious tune in rap. Its suited much more for a political statement than for the lyrics heard here. So, I didn't like it. Simply not necessary! They did get the contrast to the extreme part right, if that was the intention. But I have no idea of the intention.

Aum Namasivaya

[TatTvamAsi]

Vanakkam:

I liked the traditional parts, but not the rap. There seems to be no meaning or melodious tune in rap. Its suited much more for a political statement than for the lyrics heard here. So, I didn't like it. Simply not necessary! They did get the contrast to the extreme part right, if that was the intention. But I have no idea of the intention.

Aum Namasivaya

EM:

Yes, I too am not a fan of the "rap" as I look at it as a desecration of the divine. However, I think it is a new medium through which many youngsters of today may at least hear about Hinduism.

There is also Hindu "hard rock" by a band from Singapore called "Rudra"!

Here is an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arhWNhCjVWc

It is quite interesting to see elements of Hinduism in media such as these which most 'educated' people consider garbage or non-music.

Namaskar.

[renuka]

listen to this song. simply divine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6JrW8e-FP0

[DavidC]

Rap is supposedly derived from the ancient African musical tradition of the griots, so I do not think there is anything inherently wrong with it unless there is something inherently wrong with Africa, which would be racist to say.

I have heard some regular rap, r&b, jazz, funk, hip-hop, trip-hop, reggae, jungle, d&b, and also some rap from India, but I do not know if it was Hindu. I have also done half a year of African hand drumming & music.

Breakbeat is a nice type of music sometimes but should not be restricted to modern instruments, though if someone prefers them for a tune that should also be okay. However it is best when mixed with other instruments, and traditional/Classical is still the best. I suppose the tabla can be played with breakbeats.

I like spiritual music better than secular music, but about the only I dislike are gangster rap and hard/negative rock/metal. One should be able to see the good in almost any type of music. I even like some (political) punk (and proletarian ghetto) lyrics but not most punk instrumentation.

I think saying a chant must be said in a certain way just goes back to the idea of whether the Vedas or whatever later Vedantists are right about how a mantra or hymn must be said.

I am more interested in continual contemplation than listening to more of any type of music, but I think if new rap was made up expressing Hinduism it might be okay. If they did it in a less aggressive way, like r&b (feminine 'rap')--or most reggae--maybe that would be okay, but r&b can sound less confident/audible, and spiritual music should not seem unconfident or unclear. It should also be able to express spiritual ideas with political force.

I am not pushing a specific opinion here but think people should be able to consider the issue some more in-depth.

[rainycity]

thanks so much for posting this, I saw this video a while ago and I could never find it when I tried to look for it again.

[Sagefrakrobatik]

You guys might like this song

This is what I thought of when I read the title

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzm1oxXbGQA

here is a description:

Apache Indian's sweet musical composition devoted god shiva.

Here,ragaas are coupled with highly vibrant sanskrit chanting of slokas in the background creates an electric environment making you feel mesmerized.

so,Almighty be praised for the creation of mankind.
A heart felt prayer to Lord Shiva.
Say om namuh shivaya