[margaret]

It's all about the commodity!

Awards shows are not about art, creativity, and musical expression. They are all about building brand identity in the music industry, selling more records and making more profit. While there can be peer recognition and support for new talent with some music awards ceremonies, organized by associations that promote the industry, mass-mediated gala award ceremonies such as the Cassandras hosted by the glamorous diva Paulina Rubio are about pulling in viewers to consume brand images and advertising. It’s a big infomercial! It’s not about supporting and recognizing musical expression and creativity.

When Merengue de la calle as a genre starts to sell or when there is money to be made from the musical expression of barrio artists, you can be sure they will get their brand category in the Cassandras.

That sample you provided, I would dance to it in club. I wouldn’t buy it and I wouldn’t download it. And my Spanish isn’t good enough to understand all the lyrics so if there’s a message, good or bad, I’ll miss it. I don’t approve of some of the aspects of some sub-cultures that get glamourized in hip hop or rap music, reggaeton – guns, violence, drugs, and prostitution -- but I’m sure there are probably different streams of Merengue de la calle, some might be very positive and satisfying as a form of musical expression and communication.