Existential Markets

Updates on transforming conservation-oriented investments into experiential investments; i.e. carpool for 20% mobility transit energy reduction into karaoke carpool experience; sharing native plant seeds to plant at property boundaries for habitat corridor creation; inviting rotation of friends for special vegetarian meals 3x per week (equals 1 day of meals) or more. ; \\ to how modeling and acting celebrities are sort of the ultimate existential/experiential industry expression [and professional dancers sometimes get to a point where the work is about their body and life culminate in expression], or how apple's store and brand was about the experience rather than the tech, or starbucks being about a gathering place rather than just its coffee, or McDonald's about its convenience, "non-judgment" and "happiness"/loving it happy meals and play place for kids. Very similar to how CK Raju would state corruption and religion being the two primary vehicles for colonialism; good experiences are the essence of what often fuels religion. Instead of corruption, systemically positive alchemic/allegoric transformation can be the appropriate and compelling alternative to outmode.
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We've witnessed the "Devil Music" era of Hip Hop, and we're climbing out...

Wisdom inspired by conversations with Willie of the Wellness Center: much like the thrilling days of Rock and Roll, Hip Hop entered its "devil music" phase circa the entry of Snoop Dogg [Lion] et al.  In particular, when they set precedent with prolific profanity by degrading people as "Bs and Hs".

Yet there exists a definite counter to the industry standard which bubbles up from the ground up.  Though spread out, there certainly are groups and individuals who strive to integrate a positive message into the music, and utilize the medium for community and societal transformation.  I'll point to the Hip Hop Congress, 5E Gallery, and Rap for Food as particularly notable organizations.  I heard an employee from the East Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC) lay down his verses this evening too.  These aren't necessarily religious movements in themselves, but they certainly strive to bring light to their audiences, and I think it's much needed.  Utility music (Gebrauchsmusik) is alive and well...

[Whoo!  What a bunch of links.]

Edit 18 IX 2012:

I just realized an interesting irony.  Rock and Roll, which once was labeled as "devil music", now has its own sub-genre of "Christian Rock".  I'm sure there's something out there like "Christian Rap", though I mostly appreciate witnessing the relative clarity of movements and causes emerging in hip hop at this time.