sci bucks
in short, the whole soul scene isnt representing the whole heart of the people as it once did - you must remember that as time moves on people find different modes of expression - hip hop seems to be the mode of choice for those with a message - uk and us - listen to all the conscious ragga now aswell - soul just doesnt do wat it used to but there are other ways -i miss the old soul where songs meant something more than a story bout sex!

POIT.MCE
I think using music to voice our social ills is very necessary and valid. However, it is a common misconception that music alone will make change. Music alone gives spirit, but it is always up to the people to use the spirit of music to gain strength to overcome their individual and collective obstacles.

I think that musicians of the 21st century should be very mindful of how to use music, combined with other forces, to bring about change. They need to be mindful of the purpose their music serves, whether it is trying to comfort the hopeless or speak out against oppression. Either way, it should be clearly defined within the musicians/artists themselves.

DJ Cédric
I think the incredible thing about soul/nu-soul/neo-soul etc (and hip-hop, for that matter) is that it has continued to provide a voice for the black community over a period of decades during which many things have changed (although some things really have not, check Kanye's 'racism still alive, they just be concealing it')

I think it would be odd to expect the same quantity and intensity of political and racial content from artists due to the partial progress that has been made since the likes of Marvin and James Brown were at their most influential. "Say it loud- I'm black and I'm proud" and "What's going on" represented the mindset of an entire generation back in the day.

It does go without saying however, that nu-soul and 'real' hip-hop continue to provide an essential, and very loud voice of expression to society as a whole, let alone the black community.

Check out the lyrics to Jadakiss's "Why"....Anyone could feel that! Malik Yusef is well worth checking out, and Jill Scott's "Watching Me" from her vol.1 album makes some really good points. As always, Common has a rare talent for relevant and inspiring lyrics.

Hip-Hop and its family of genres will always be socially and musically relevant as long as improvements are needed in our culture. Which essentially means forever.

zein
Political music usually just preaches to the converted. It doesn't reach the people with the power to make real changes -so whats the point? Artists should feel free to express themselves, but I don't think they are able to make a real difference.

CJ
There maybe some artists speakin out, but compared to back in the day people seem to care more about prooving what they've got, not helping other people. Maybe that's coz things are better for most people today, but with New Orleans and all the stuff that's happening in the world it's about time we heard some hard hitting music again.

Gabriel Myddelton
Hundreds and hundreds of songs come out of Jamaica each year dealing with violence, politics, inequality and injustice in a thoughtful and intelligent way. Unfortunately most of these are ignored by those in whose interests it is to characterise Jamaican music as obsessed only with money, violence and sex. I've no doubt the same thing goes on with nu soul, hip hop and other black music. Artists like Bounty Killer, Richie Spice, Sizzla, Gyptian, Beenie Man and loads more have all made important contributions to political discourse in recent years.

Big Poppa
I'm writing a dissertation on hip and politcs, and looking at the last 20 years, i think that hip hop in particular has been good on getting black people involved in politics. it started with the music from people like public enemy, and NWA, and moved onto conscious rappers. now people like russell simmons are using their position in hip hop to get people involved in politics, and getting their messages across.

Andreen Nicola Irving
Artist like DPZ, Talib Kawali, Naz, Tupac and Bilal, are a few to mention who keep the black politica alive within their music genres. They don't glamorise "White Gangsters" i.e. Scarface, guns, drugs and money as the be all end all. They don't forget about where they come from and their people who continue to suffer and struggle.