Once the white race takes something away from us like that, it is near impossible to interest our next generation in that thing. Which explains why we have Rap to contend with. Rap is headed in the same direction as all the rest. That's my prediction.
This reminded me of a subtheme from the movie OFFICE SPACE. In a nutshell, one of the characters is named MICHAEL BOLTON. Throughout the movie he disassociates himself from the singer of the same name, whose sole claim to fame was his blue-eyed soul, a career built around remakes of motown hits.
But in a scene that had to be intentional irony, we see the next generation Michael Bolton here:
I defer from attempting to study reality from the standpoint of Hollywood fiction because the writer of the script can write whatever they want to seem as a reality, but it is certain that the resulting depiction is anything but.
Hey, is that a "graven image" on the emulsion side of the film?
I defer from attempting to study reality from the standpoint of Hollywood fiction because the writer of the script can write whatever they want to seem as a reality, but it is certain that the resulting depiction is anything but.
Hey, is that a "graven image" on the emulsion side of the film?
Just askin'...
--Mac
I posted that as an example (two examples actually) of white people embracing their generation's version of black music (while continuing to distance themselves from black people.)
I always thought that the music business was the ultimate "equal opportunity" business -- everybody gets screwed!
Do you all know that slavery still exists today? In eastern europe, south america, parts of asia, africa, and well, everywhere, women are being kidnapped or tricked into sexual slavery and kids are forced into dangerous jobs and militias. It is still going on and race has nothing to do with it. It is the people with power exploiting those without power.
Of course this tangent has nothing to do with the first post which is a pretty good set. Did you notice that folks were complaining that they never showed the guitarist's fingers while he was playing lead (I only saw 1/2 of it). By the way, didn't Beethoven use syncopation (ha, ha)?
Assuming I was even capable of rap, are you saying that I shouldn't perform it because I'm white?
If so, that would work both way, which is ridiculous.
73,
Don S.
You would have to be reading between the lines bigtime to come to such conclusion, my friend.
Will have to revamp my recording listening list, though, did not realize that Canned Heat and The Rooftop Singers belonged in the Rap category, thanks for pointing that out.
Do you all know that slavery still exists today? In eastern europe, south america, parts of asia, africa, and well, everywhere, women are being kidnapped or tricked into sexual slavery and kids are forced into dangerous jobs and militias. It is still going on and race has nothing to do with it. It is the people with power exploiting those without power.
I for one am acutely aware of the problem.
However, I am also aware of the fact that various racial and ethnic differences are also often involved.
I wouldn't limit such to just the females, either, ample evidence exists that both sexes - and all sexual orientations - are well represented.
Human Trafficking is also happening on a rather frightening scale right here in the USA, guess that's more of the Equal Opportunity I hear so much about...
I should have referenced this quote of yours which was just above the YouTube of the white guy doing rap.
"Once the white race takes something away from us like that, it is near impossible to interest our next generation in that thing. Which explains why we have Rap to contend with. Rap is headed in the same direction as all the rest. That's my prediction."
I had the two connected, somewhat out of sequence.
Well, the good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, you will live long enough to see my prediction come to fruition.
After all, it is the case for every other genre and style that my people of color have originated, which is the point.
Of course, a lot of the black rappers have indeed cashed in on the big bux, however their problem seems to one of staying alive long enough to spend same...
I always thought that the music business was the ultimate "equal opportunity" business -- everybody gets screwed!
Spinning off what Kevin said, I think a more accurate description of the phenomenon in discussion is to express it in terms of businessmen vs the little guy, NOT white people vs. black people.
Once you start expressing victimization scenarios in racial terms, you sow the seeds of hate... and that ball, once it gets rolling, is very hard to stop. And this is where that rhetoric leads:
Note to moderators: I know this is an unacceptable clip, but it makes a point that is worth making in light of the current discussion. I present it as an awareness point, not as something to be advocated
Last edited by Pat Marr; 03/07/1407:16 AM. Reason: added note to moderator
Once you start expressing victimization scenarios in racial terms, you sow the seeds of hate... and that ball, once it gets rolling, is very hard to stop.
Very well said Pat. That's the reason I haven't commented on the racial statements Mac has made.
I'm still confused why Mac took a clip that I posted that has NO racial overtones or undertones and introduced a racial component.
If there is one scenario that history has repeated over and over, it is speeding up social change by enflaming the youth to rabid fury against some group, then giving them guns.
Khmer Rouge has been described as an army of angry teens with small caliber weapons. What a mess.
When you consider the commonness of violent content in rap, then add in the factor of well-meaning people describing true social injustice in terms that make all white people the enemy, ... that is a formula for history repeating itself.
I'm still confused why Mac took a clip that I posted that has NO racial overtones or undertones and introduced a racial component.
Mac is very eloquent, and I'm sure he will make his own reply.. but I think its hard for the average white person to imagine the world that Mac and his peers grew up in.
A person who has been bit by a dog every day of his life spends more time thinking about dogbite that the person who has never been bit.
What gets left out of the story, though, is the fact that it ain't that world anymore. Its still not perfectly just, but then it ain't perfectly just for ANYBODY of ANY race creed or mindset.
The practice of invoking past travesty to improve the future is a bit like a wife who spends her whole marriage beating up her husband because of something he did wrong 30 years ago. It may humble him... but it certainly WON'T improve the quality of their relationship.
In another thread somebody quoted a line from a James Taylor song (Belfast to Boston, I believe)
"Who will mend this ancient hatred? will the killing to an end? Who will swallow long injustice? take the devil for a countryman?"
The practice of invoking past travesty to improve the future is a bit like a wife who spends her whole marriage beating up her husband because of something he did wrong 30 years ago. It may humble him... but it certainly WON'T improve the quality of their relationship.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean