Why not then criticize the fans? Use social pressure to push them into not just gulping down what MTV gives them.

For a number of reasons. First off I have many "guilty pleasures". I put it in quotes because I don't feel the slightest amount of guilt for liking them, though I know others would shame me. This doesn't keep me from listening to some of the greats in jazz or rock or orchestrated music. It doesn't keep me away from awesome noise or avante garde projects, it doesn't keep me away from the harder-to-consume metal and underground hip hop that I tend to enjoy. So i think raggging people about their personal tastes is kind of a low blow and would be hypocritical of me. What I will criticize though is a person's narrow horizons. I will criticize people who won't give other stuff a chance if someone shows them something.

Secondly, there are billions of people (as in the grand majority) that prefer pop-garbage over all else. The idea that all of the undergroup, elitist, in-the-know peeps across the globes, even in combined forces, are somehow going to shame people away from something they like.. is dellusional and a waste of time and effort.

Thirdly, I frankly don't care what other people are listening to that much.

Fourth, people will always sell out. The masses will always be less refined than the niche groups and smaller subcultures and underground movements. This is a reality. And there's always going to be people who are going to do what they need to get their money. I don't see the crime in it. I don't think it makes for good high brow art, sometimes it makes poor mindless entertainment. But it's not hurting anyone and it's idealistic to think it'll ever go away.

In a way I almost understand though. I've heard stories of DefJux and Rhymesayer's label rappers who have been around for ages and get tons of respect, not even having enough money to transport themselves to shows. I heard that about some guys at the Rock the Bells tour in NYC and it just blew my mind. I can't recall now as it's been years since then but i remembering being floored by that thought. It's not like Rock theBells has "nobodies" come and have spots on the stage.

I figure it's got to be hard, especially in the digital era, to be an underground MC and still make money. I think Black Eyed Peas gave it a nice try, never had an ounce of success when their integrity was intact and finally just decided to get their money. They got a chick to lead them and then started pumping out pop/rap-n-b club songs.

I sit and think sometimes who i'd rather be, rich and ridiculed by music snobs, or strugglign with my integrity. And then i look at my everyday life, i look at how I tuck tail and have to remind myself to keep my protests quiet to get by in a corporate atmosphere just to put food on my table... and I know for a fact, I'd take that money any given day of the week and if I had to appeal to the retards that make up the American masses to do it, I'd do it in a heartbeat.