Is this really what hip hop has come to?

In the eyes of many fans and artists, hip-hop music has taken a turn for the worst. I’m not speaking for all rappers – there are definitely some talented and lyrically adept underground emcees – but what happened to mainstream hip hop?

When it first broke ground in the early 1980s and through the “golden age” of the mid 80s and early 90s, hip-hop music actually meant something. It was influential, diverse and most importantly – a unifying force in the African-American community. Artists like Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C., Rakim and Big Daddy Kane were some of the most notable pioneers of the “golden age,” giving hip hop a sound and a name. Back then the music was motivated by the passion of the artist, whereas today it’s driven by commercialism and marketability.

Today, when you turn on the radio, every hip-hop song is about drugs, money, expensive cars and material possessions. As legendary rapper Nas so eloquently put it, “hip hop is dead.”

He may be right.

After nearly three decades of growing popularity, hip hop has seen a significant drop-off in sales over the last 10-plus years. According to Billboard Magazine, hip hop/rap sales have dropped 44% and shrunk to 10% of all music sales since 2000.

Needless to say, today’s hip-hop music has also faced tremendous criticism. Many people, both inside and outside the hip-hop community, have denounced it for spreading the wrong values by endorsing using/selling drugs, theft, rape and illegal activity.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

That’s the sound of hip hop on life support. With fewer 2Pac’s and Biggie’s and more Soulja Boy’s and Lil Jon’s, the outlook for this once glorified and unique musical genre gets dimmer and dimmer every day.

One fact that the casual Kevin Bacon fan might not know is that he is also in a Band with his brother Michael. The Bacon Brothers (their bands name) have been performing together professionally since 1995. While the brothers have not received too much fame as a band, you can find a few of their songs on lesser known film soundtracks and have probably seen them perform a song or two on a couple late night TV shows.

Unlike his more famous brother, Michael Bacon never cared too much for acting. He received a music degree from Lehman College and has composed hundreds of songs for both television and film. In 2008, Micheal received well deserved praise for his soundtrack for the miniseries, The Jewish Americans.

The Bacon Brothers are not looking to make it big as musicians. They are both very successful in their solo careers to the point that their band is just a way to enjoy something they have loved doing since they were kids. Making music together.The hits keep comin’: Kevin Bacon Saw ‘Footloose,’ Thought It ‘Rocked’

Snoop Dogg has also made appearances in several movies. Some of those movies include: Baby Boy, Half Baked, The Wash, Boss N’ Up and Malibu’s Most Wanted. He is currently working on a film entitled “The Roast of Donald Trump”, which is expected to be released sometime this year.

Snoop Dogg is married to his wife Shante’ and has three children Cordell, Corde and Cori. He filed for divorce from his wife in 2004, but they later reconciled and renewed their vows. Snoop is actively involved in his children’s lives and even coaches one of his son’s football teams.More info here: Snoop Dogg’s guide to Rage’s wasteland is handy, slightly impractical

1. James Hetfield of Metallica deserves lots of mention in this list. He helped to found an entire genre of Metal called Thrash and has created many great songs that have gained much popularity over his 30-year career.

2. Flavor Flav is another popular artist who deserved mention. While his qualities as a musician might come into question, there is no doubt that people all over the world love him. He has been the star of several reality shows, too.

3. Ted Nugent makes number 3 on this list of popular musicians. He is outspoken and opinionated enough to catch the interest of many conservative and liberal news outlets. He also created Cat Scratch Fever, which should be enough on its own.

4. Garth Brooks started a country revolution and has probably sold more albums than any Country artist combined. He also donates a lot of money to charity.

5. Last, but not least, Dimebag Darrell is arguably the most influential Rock and Metal musician on the planet. Sadly, he was gunned down by a crazed fan during his band’s show in Ohio, but his memory lives on.

One of the most alluring things about Beyonce’ is her beauty. She looks more beautiful every time that she appears in a magazine or at an event. Her hair is always done nice and her makeup is flawless. More importantly, she is a beautiful person on the inside. She has donated a large portion of her time and money to numerous charities. Jay-z is very lucky to have a woman who is as beautiful and kind as Beyonce’ is.

Beyonce’ announced at the 2011 VMA’s that she is expecting her first child with her husband. The baby is due in February of 2012. The sex of the baby has not yet been revealed to the public, but insiders are speculating that it is a girl. Beyonce’ looks very beautiful pregnant. Her face is glowing and she is carrying the baby weight very well/