This thread is laughable.
Jason you have really made yourself look stupider with every post. I'm posting from a purely neutral point of view, and I have to say you are completely wrong.
Why couldn't you just accept that hip-hop isn't a genre of music, no matter how many tabloids report it, or how many music stores have a hip-hop section. I posted a book for you to read, there are several thousand out there. Stop being so narrow minded, you were wrong!! There are history books that will help you with the history of your favourite music, and one you hope to make a career in.
You say you have been listening to hip-hop all your life, but to be honest that doesn't mean shit. It doesn't mean you know anything about the history or the culture. You can listen without hearing, just like you have seen this thread without reading. Because if you had you'd put your hands up to being mistaken and earn yourself a little respect. And if you "don't care what people on the net think" of you, then maybe you should!!