Comments on: Is Hip-Hop Teaching Americans Money Lessons?

By: chris

chris — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:17:07 +0000

if i was at home, i’d throw up a youtube link for the wutang financial service from the chapelle show.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:49:08 +0000

Independent Women by Destiny’s Child (2000)

The shoes on my feet
I’ve bought it
The clothes I’m wearing
I’ve bought it
The rock I’m rockin’
I’ve bought it
‘Cause I depend on me
If I wanted the watch you’re wearin’
I’ll buy it
The house I live in
I’ve bought it
The car I’m driving
I’ve bought it
I depend on me
(I depend on me)

It would also be interesting to identify the release dates of the songs, see if there is a change in theme over time.

Some of those first lyrics you posted almost make me think the guys are trying to get a sugar mama!

Like Beyonce Irreplaceable (2006)

Everything you own in the box to the left
In the closet that’s my stuff, yes
If I bought it please don’t touch

And keep talking that mess, that’s fine
But could you walk and talk at the same time?
And it’s my mine name that is on that tag
So remove your bags let me call you a cab

Fun post!

By: Kristy @ Master Your Card

Kristy @ Master Your Card — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:55:49 +0000

LOL, you know, I tried to think of some other songs, but most artists are still talking about 7s and 47s. I mostly listen for the beat and not the lyrics because the lyrics aren’t really that interesting to me. But, I do like both of the examples you’ve listed. I wasn’t too keen on Ne-Yo’s version at first because it seemed like a poor rip-off of Webbe’s song…I still think that, actually, but I like it a little better now then when it first came out.

I think these artists could have a major impact on how society views things like money, but I guess it wouldn’t sell as well if it were clean. Ah well. Great post, though! Love it.

By: JB

JB — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:05:34 +0000

This was awesome, I listen to hip hop as well. Now I’m going to start listening closer for references to current events.

By: sidd finch

sidd finch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:43:47 +0000

“gettin’ it,” by the cool kids and featuring lil wayne, is also a testament to fiscal responsibility, both in the short run and the long run.

cash management:
“if i had a hundred grand, well i’ll be g* damned if i throw it in the air, like i didn’t care. and i must say is no way and nowhere is a pocket full of cash to be thrown in the air.”

529 plans/trust funds/estate planning:
“and i got a lil money where the safe is for my babies’ babies’ babies.’”

By: J. Money

J. Money — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:43:38 +0000

it’s funny that you mention finance w/ hip-hop right now….i literally *just* hosted a personal finance “Rap Off” that, and i’ve got a new them song coming out tomorrow which is also a rap.

want a sneak peak? You can listen to the Budgets are Sexy mp3 here.

By: TaxRascal

TaxRascal — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:54:52 +0000

(It is not, of course, hip-hop — but could be reimagined that way)

By: TaxRascal

TaxRascal — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:54:15 +0000

Here’s a song on the importance of hedging your exposure to commodity price fluctuations:

http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/parton/2/11.html

By: Baker @ ManVsDebt

Baker @ ManVsDebt — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:49:05 +0000

Wow, very unique idea. I loved the article! It would be easy to sprout a whole series on this theme.

Have you thought about doing Country? Blues? Punk?

It already has me brainstorming a couple lyrics from each genre…

By: The Weakonomist

The Weakonomist — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:28:54 +0000

That’s a good one too! I was hoping some readers would have some additional songs to add to the list.