.
Search
 Email this articleE-mail this story  Discuss this articleWrite letter to editor  Discuss this articleOrder a classified ad  Print this page

Rap in the city

Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 19/05) - Kudlualik is far from alone in his love for hip-hop. Ask any kid in Iqaluit what is pouring out of their headphones and half the time you'll learn that the words are spoken, not sung.

"I'd say that 50 per cent of the stuff that we sell is rap or mixed CDs," said Jennifer Mader, who handles inventory and orders at the Northmart in Iqaluit.

Turn on the all-request morning show on CKIQ FM and it is easy to hear how popular hip-hop music is in Nunavut.

Debbie Tobin has been hosting the show since February, but rap isn't music to her ears.

"I get 20 requests a morning for 50 Cent and Eminem," said Tobin, but confides: "I really like rock and I love country."

Glenn Craig is the program manager at Raven Rock, and thinks the percentage of rap requests is at about 40.

The radio veteran has some advice for parents of rap-obsessed teens.

"As the manager, that music comes under very close scrutiny. Parents should be aware that it is often very explicit."

Much of it isn't culturally acceptable in Nunavut, says Craig. The Eminem hit "Stan" is about an obsessed fan that eventually commits suicide. A huge hit - and lacking any obvious profanity - "Stan" was a number-one song on Muchmusic. Craig won't touch it.

"I just refuse to play any songs about suicide," said Craig.

Craig hasn't sworn off rap, he does get some of it.

"I have an appreciation for it, but I hear it every day at home," said Craig, echoing the sentiment of many Iqlauit parents.