Karma's A Bitch...Literally.

My Favourite New Song, Funky Bubble Land - By Ludacris

I have a not so secret love of all things hip hop.


But I struggle with a lot of the misogyny that comes with many of the artists' lyrics. I am actually someone who prefers the censored version of hip hop songs and I spend a lot of time thinking about whether I can bring a pro-woman message to my all time favourite hip hop song, Jay-Z's "99 Problems..." (a song I can proudly rap every lyric to on command - although it helps if I've had a couple beers first).


Like, is it too much a stretch to put a positive spin on the following lyrics from the song:

Now once upon a time not too long ago
A n*gg* [see I can't even write the bad lyrics] like myself had to strong arm a hoe
This is not a hoe in the sense of havin a pussy
But a pussy havin no God Damn sense, try and push me

Like, Jay-Z isn't actually talking about hitting a woman...it's just him talking about people in general he felt pressured to hit at one point in his life, just using super descriptive words that society (not Jay-Z) has made derogatory...right? 

Anyone with me?

Fine.

And although he's no Jay-Z (who is, really), I have found myself on occasion car-dancing to Ludacris. I am particularly fond of the song "Money Maker." But to the extent Jay-Z's lyrics are problematic, Ludacris creates even bigger problems for me and if I am truly to become a serious fan, I would probably have to return my Women's Studies Minor. I can't even bring myself to quote lyrics from Money Maker. That's how uncomfortable Ludacris makes me feel.


So, it does seem sorta weird to me that today Ludacris (or Chris Bridges in this context) announced that he has launched a children's website, Karmasworld, a site that is described as follows:

Karma’s World was an idea first introduced by Chris Bridges’ third grade daughter, Karma. She wanted to create an exciting educational website that was interactive, full of good music and fantasy. Chris wanted to make Karma’s dream come true, so he brought creative people together to make the website she envisioned.

The result is Karma’s World, which upholds the standards that Chris set. It is a site that encourages children like Karma to learn in an atmosphere of fun, offering academic lessons as well as ethical ones. It teaches the Golden Rule: how to treat others the way you would want to be treated. It teaches an understanding of “karma”: how doing good deeds can bring good into your life. It shows the importance of manners and the rewards of hard work. It reflects Chris’ belief that the habit of working joyously from the heart opens the door to children for a lifetime of meaningful success..

Hmmm... where to start? "Treat others the way you would want to be treated..."....I think I'll leave it to you, smart reader, to figure out what I'm thinking in reading this.


That all being said, who can deny the appeal of the tracks on this site... you try listening to Funky Bubble Land and tell me that that's not pure children's music genius. I dare you.