5 Ratchet Rap Happenings That Became Teachable Moments

July 17, 2014 - 4:03 pm by Juan Vidal TWITTER

This one time I stumbled on to some Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and oh, my God, what was that? I remember a fiery exchange and then, before I could tune out, there were fists and hair extensions in the air and everyone ultra pissed and I was hooked. At least for the rest of the hour. It was all just too brilliant and my chest ached because of it. Committing myself to another episode will for sure destroy me, I thought, and so that was the end of that.

Many of us don't mind welcoming doses of ratchet entertainment into our lives now and again. Whether we get our fix through music, television, or a classic Yeezy sermon the fact remains: These things, in some sense, free us. They provide an excuse for us to revel in another's stupidity, or plain boldness. Most of it is pretty mindless, sure, but I'd argue it's also necessary and helps us to decompress. Research paper stressing you out something serious? Boom. Mortgage due? Hold that.

And here's DJ Khaled talking about McDonald's because, well, DJ Khaled talking about McDonald's is what the streets need.

Music, specifically that of the ratchet order, affords us the opportunity to get completely ignorant and undignified for moments at a time. It doesn't matter who you are. OK, so you have a Master's Degree in Nuclear Physics, eh, hotshot? Splendid. Are you saying you don't wish you'd penned “Type of Way” by Rich Homie Quan? Of course you do. Everybody wishes it, two times.

Some people take it further than just the occasional ratchet binge, though. Like, they actually dwell in that space permanently, contented and without shame. If you want to smoke beedies all day like it's 93' and watch New Jersey Drive in your mom's basement, go ahead and live. Do you.

But for the rest of us—and because this has now been overly intellectualized enough—here is an arbitrary something of “turn up” happenings you can use as teachable moments. —Juan Vidal

Wale and Motivation When Wale called the Complex offices and unleashed a rant about not being included on a “50 Best Albums of 2013" list, he taught the world an important lesson. The guy is talented, truly, but maybe just a tad sensitive (see: most artists). And getting left out of something as subjective as a best of whatever should be no cause for such anger. Surely we could all benefit from this type of motivation. Let your critics compel you to work harder and continue pushing toward excellence in every facet. Just don't threaten anyone with violence, deal? [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

DJ Khaled and the Art of Tact Passion is wonderful, yes, but when it leads to aimless yelling and the disrespecting of others, it becomes empty. Khaled, who is like Tommy from the show Martin in that no one knows what he actually does, is notorious for his babbles. This one here, though, schools us all on the importance of possessing a level of tact to go along with our spirited fervor.

Wake Flocka Flame and Public Speaking In arguably one of the greatest segments to ever air on live television, Wack Flacka reminds us that, well, “votin' cool.” May we all learn the value of voicing our opinions with confidence and in being prepared to answer life's tough questions. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Kanye West and Holding Your Tongue Here, the paprazzi does all the teaching. Lesson: Sometimes just don't talk. Also, don't take a photo of someone who does not want to be photographed because they might hurt you and break your things. It's just a weird way to make a living, isn't it? In this case, the breaking of bones and equipment might have been totally justified because it was preceded by a warning. Anyway, everyone knows that before you aim your words at Yeezus you must first offer a proper sacrifice and gird yourself with sackcloth. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Brandy's Little Brother and How Not to Be Brandy's little brother is a perpetual source of wisdom for what not to do and say. And watching Brandy get subjected to one of his rants is hilarious and equally painful, like watching a turkey being massacred behind Sarah Palin on live television. [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]

Ratchet rap happenings that became teachable moments

To summarize: work hard, be respectful, speak your mind with confidence, and know when to shut up. But mostly, don't be Ray J. Good luck out there, kids.

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