Every underground act seems to hate pop music and everything it stands for. They hate “Total Request Live” and teeny bopper Britney Spears going diamond when most underground acts can’t even ship enough copies to go gold.

Being a star doesn’t mean you don’t love music.

As a pop star, you’re living the American dream. It’s not selling out; it’s just doing what you’ve been told to do all your life.

Although band members might not admit it, making it big is what every group wants. They want 10 million people listening to their music, dancing to their sound and rocking to their beat.

If they didn’t, they wouldn’t even make music or be concerned about pop musicians selling out.

I’m tired of groups saying the dollar doesn’t mean anything. This is America. The dollar means everything.

Not too long ago, hip-hop didn’t even stand a chance on MTV. Now the Cash Money Millionaires can’t seem to get off that channel.

The group is a perfect example of the American dream. Its members went from poverty to millions.

You can’t tell me they don’t love making music. Sure, if you ask them they’ll probably say they’re keepin’ it real, but it’s all part of an image they are selling. In America everything is for sale, even images.

Justin D. Brown, State News theater reporter can be reached at brownj72@msu.edu.