Storytelling. One of the best tests of a lyricist’s ability. Yeah, he can rhyme some words, but can he frame and shape a narrative with those same rhyming words? Of course, when I think of storytelling, I think Slick Rick, Rakim, LL Cool J (remember, Mama Said Knock You Out and Walking With A Panther has some of his best music). But there’s a song, I should say a verse, that has been on my radar since I heard it for the first time last year. So, as I let that Hip Hop Is Dead queue up on my iPod Touch and “Still Dreamin” (might be the best song on the album if not for “Black Republicans”) come through the headphones, I prepare to hear ‘Ye spit some of his wittiest and vivid lines, and jumped into my own dream.
Some Dreams stay dreams, some dreams come true
So as I lay my head back, I find myself standing underneath a streetlamp on an otherwise dark street. Kanye stands next to me watching a black BMW pull up in front of a house at 6:30pm. Music plays. ‘Ye spits: “he pulled up @ 6:30 in the 745/as he waving shorty “hi"/you know he showin’ his bling out…”
‘Some flashy dude stepping out on his girl.’ I scoffed. ‘He out here faking the funk.’ Kan just nodded and bobbed his head to the beat that loomed in the background like a phantom. “She got in the car/he drove and pulled his thing out…” I felt myself laughing through my sleep. Still, back in the dream, I shook my head and lifted my eyes up just in time to se a beautiful girl alone, sitting up in her bed preparing to chuck a wedding band out the window.
“How she found out?” I ask Kanye. “She dreamt the whole thing out.” He replied.
“Damn.” I say. Once your married, ain’t that sacred? Kanye tried to explain it to me. I wasn’t really trying to hear him at first, but then he spit “Y’all be going through problems/you gotta work the kinks out/when you go to sleep what do you think bout…”
Nightmares from your dream girl’ll make you scream out
My eyes shot open. The picture he created felt as real as that. You can imagine yourself in that situation. Could I face the wrath of that scorned woman? Popular culture and the women I’ve chosen to associate myself with would say no. And I know most of them would agree when the Louis Vuitton don says “y’all get a divorce she gon’ take everything/except the kitchen sink out.” You can almost feel the animosity. And for those of us who’ve been through that before, you know exactly what it feels like. And for those who don’t Kanye continues his verbal sketch: “Make it so cold/that you gotta pull your mink out.”
Yet even as he paints this great scene for us, he follows by taking us full circle and back to the dreamer at the beginning with the line “nightmares from your dreamgirl/ will make you scream out” So then could that original scenario have been the wild, startling nightmares of someone’s honey dip? Let us not forget that Nas gives us some of his usual potent and thought provoking bars in the song, but I can’t help but to wax poetically about how tangible ‘Ye’s verse seems. Sometimes I forget how good of a writer that Kanye West is in between the beat making.
Still, I don’t hear many people talk about this song. Guess you got some who really are Still Dreamin’
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Still Dreaming...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
"Music is like magic there’s a certain feeling you get when your real"
Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.
1. "Till I Collapse" – Eminem, The Eminem Show
If an alien landed on earth and wanted to know how good Eminem is, play them this song.
2. "Long Kiss Goodnight" – The Notorious B.I.G. – Life After Death
Subliminal shots at Pac? Cease says no but you be the judge.
3. "1-9-9-9" – Common ft. Sadat X, Rawkus Presents: Soundbombing 2
The smooth drums blend perfectly with Common's flow.
4. "Mac & Brad" – Beanie Sigel ft. Scarface, The Truth
The rap version of watching the craziest action scene in Dukes of Hazard. The relentless back and forth attack.
"Mac & Brad" – Beanie Sigel ft. Scarface
5. "100 to 1" – AX, unknown
I know you've never heard of him… just listen. Lyricism at its finest.
AX - 100 to 1
Come back every week for a new mixtape!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Where are you?
I remember it like it was yesterday, I would go to check my spot where they sold cell phones, beepers and mixtapes. I would get the newest DJ Clue Mixtape (when it was actually a tape) and check for the new Canibus freestyle. Listening to him was like a cool science class. His vocabulary and his play on words was ill, not to mention he could battle. When it came to making a song by himself let alone an album I never felt like he could get it done. Many rappers fall into this category maybe not as much as him though i.e. Cassidy. I always questioned that, why is that you can be that quick and articulate to break another rapper down but you cannot put together a quality album? One lane rapper? I guess, Canibus Where are you?
-gWiz
Before
Now
Type rest of the post here
Street Cred
Shyne & Puff: A Lesson on Street Cred. Part 1
According to today’s industry standards, your street credibility is almost a pre-requisite in order to have any kind of success. But what is street credibility actually worth? Does having a reputation in the streets really add to a rappers financial or artistic success? Back in 1999, a shooting occurred that changed the lives of two entertainers forever. At the center of this issue were street credibility and the decision to maintain it. The decisions that were made ultimately sent their fates in opposite directions. While many of the details remain blurry the fact remains that Bad Boy artist Shyne took out his gun and fired into a crowded club for what he said was in defense of him and his entourage after an altercation occurred involving his boss Puff Daddy. For his actions, Shyne was facing a long jail sentence but he was given a choice. He had a chance to significantly reduce his jail sentence, possibly even avoid it altogether. All he had to do was identify the man that tried to shoot him first. According to Shyn,e even though he knew who did it and could identify him, he wasn’t going to because he refused to “snitch”. Shyne held down the code of the streets and as a result, he received a sentence of 10 years. On the other hand, Puffy immediately distanced himself from the entire incident. He chose not to “ride with his boy and Co-D (co-defendant)” (although he did pay for Shyne’s legal team) and instead denied any accountability. As a result of his decision, Puff received no punishment whatsoever and was a free man.
At the time, people were furious at Puffy for not standing behind Shyne and accused him of not being true to the streets. On the other hand, “Free Shyne” chants and sentiments could be heard because people respected how he “kept it real”. Without question Shyne’s street credibility was solidified. So how did this street credibility help Shyne since? Well it’s nearly 9 years since that dreadful night and he’s still in prison. In 2004, Shyne “released” a lackluster album which received neither commercial nor critical acclaim. All of his supporters back in 1999 didn’t rush to the stores and purchase Godfather Buried Alive; in fact, they don’t mention him at all these days. These “supporters” have moved on and found new artists to listen to and praise for their “gangsta”. As for Puffy Dad-, err, P.-, err, Diddy, well he’s still on top of the music industry… and the fashion industry… and a few other business ventures. All the people who were mad that Diddy wasn’t “hood enough” just sprayed their Unforgettable cologne on their Sean John shirt while bumping the “I Get Money (Remix)” in their room and getting ready to hit the club and drink that Ciroc vodka with the cranberry.
One incident put two people in a situation where they had to choose whether to follow the code of the streets or not. Puff chose to protect his own interests while Shyne chose to protect his reputation on the block. So I ask again, what was all that extra street credibility really worth?
Stay Tuned for Part 2
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
4 Bars
So I’m listening to 92.3 driving through Baltimore the other day and after the Fat Joe single, “I Won’t Tell” which is an aight track (although 50 clowned him for it hahaha) but in the song he states that “I’ma real nigga and real niggas do real things” yet last time I checked he was Puerto Rican. So the DJs asked the same question that I’m asking ‘Does Fat Joe get a pass for sayin the N word?’. I was surprised to hear that most callers actually gave this pass to Fat Joe claiming all kinds of reasoning, from ‘Puerto Ricans have African blood in em’ to ‘Fat Jidididido is that dude and ya’ll need to stop hatin’. I think the callers will be cause for a totally different discussion but I mean, as I promised I am now getting on DJ ‘NIGGA WE DABEEEESSSSSSSS’ Khaled.
Now let me start by saying that I use the word(s) nigga, nigger, neegah (the African interpretation), and any other derivation of it and honestly, I wish I didn’t, but I can also pinpoint the reason I use it and the first time I ever heard it, told my mom about it and was not told that it wasn’t ok to use. I don’t say that to defend or justify my use of it, but the fact is, the word is one that has been embedded in African American culture for generations and was honestly passed down. No offense to all the Latinos that use it but it ain’t the same, I’m sorry. And as for Khaled, I’m not sure what his nationality is but clearly he’s been given a pass by Rick Ross, Trick Daddy and whichever other MIA artists he works with. What’s the deal though, is this cool? Accepted? I remember a few years ago they got on J-Lo for usin it on the song she had with Ja-Rule, so why is it ok for Joey Crack to use it now? They both Puerto Rican, both from the Bronx, Eminem and Paul Wall sure find it easy not to use and I KNOW that Paul Wall grew up around some people that would let him use it. So what’s the determining factor here? Personally, I think we should drop the word altogether but I also don’t think people should smoke cigarettes etc, so who am I to be the judge. What’s good my ni…?
Next Segment: INDEPENDENT by Webbie and Boosie
"This is it , WHAT!"
Camp Lo Uptown Saturday Night
Lately, I’ve been doing some thinking about 90’s hip hop joints and one song kept tugging at me and I hope that some of you remember it. This particular joint was “Luchini” by Camp Lo and that got me thinking…what happened to those dudes? Did they really just drop off the face of the planet or are they still putting out music right now?
This is it, what!!
How many remember this joint when it came out back in 1997 (over ten years ago, now that I think about it). The 2nd single off a pretty dope album, you would be hard pressed to find anyone that can recite this one word for word, let alone understand what they’re talking about. But besides all that, it’s seldom that you see two emcees really enjoying themselves the way that Sonny Cheeba (Salahadeen Wilds) and Geechi Suede (Saladine Wallace) are on this one. The languages they use evoke a feeling of being back in the smoky underground lounges of Harlem and Detroit in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Black folks moving’, jiving’, jooking and shaking’.
The Geechi Geechi, he be sippin’ Amarett-ahhh...
Well, since that joint dropped, needless to say, Camp lo has been pretty quiet. They released an EP overseas in Tokyo entitled Short Eyes following that up with 2002’s aptly titled Let’s Do It Again. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t as critically acclaimed as their debut. This is not to say that the duo hasn’t been on the music scene, however. Shortly after the release of their album, Will Smith saw fit to include them on his top selling Big Willie Style LP while also appearing in a collabo with De La Soul in 2000 on their joint “So Good.” So, it’s safe to say that their very 70’s style has had some influence in the game. Yet, their sound just hasn’t been able to endure the test of time and even though they released an album just last year, no one has been checking for them since the time of their first release. But it’s hard to forget how magical the sounded together on “Luchini.”
The vernacular used throughout this song is very old school, but there is still a lot to be said about the content. For example:
“A happy time quest to the coast of Key Largo/wire The chain gang keep your ears out for our years/Sippin' fountain blue house of bamboo paradise”
The Key Largo reference conveys the sense of a vacation. You can almost see them lounging in some isolated beach with a few nice women surrounding them. The reference to “wire the chain gang” definitely make the ties to a beneath the surface gangster lifestyle the likes of Nicky Barnes. The message: everything that glitters is not gold. The chain gang still has to lookout for them on the streets and in the jail yard while they collect on the borrowed time of a gangster’s lifestyle. “Keep your ears out for our years” Geechi proclaims, no doubt concerned that the Luchini currently falling out of the sky will soon dry up with the prospects of his underground lifestyle.
Bottom line: these brothers were nice when they were out. Maybe the novelty of blaxpoitation-era language and sharp disco threads wore off and the fans of popular music moved on, as they often do, to the next slick cats that jumped up on the scene. Still, singles like “Luchini” and “Black Nostaljack” – their second hottest single off the album – remind me of how far going back in time can take you.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sleep when you dead...
Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.
1. "Average Man" – Obie Trice, Cheers
First song off this underrated, yet platinum selling album. Obie spits raw.
2. "Walk On" – Method Man ft. Redman, 4:21… The Day After
Red and Meth do it again over this "Rock concert" inspired beat.
3. "Streets of NY" – Alicia Keys ft. Nas & Rakim, Unknown
Someone will have to explain to me how Nas and Rakim rap on the same track and no one even knows about it! And why did it take an R&B chick to make it happen?
4. "Keep It Thoro" – Prodigy, H.N.I.C
Before 50, P was able to stand on his own two as one of the best in the game. Peep arguably the best performance of his career.
5. "Pull It" – Cam'ron & DMX, Unknown
This song is beyond classic. Back when both of these guys were just rookies you could hear the hunger in both of their voices. It's not on anyone's album so the only way you heard it was be lucky enough to tape it off the radio or steal your friends copy (haha)
Reasonable Gangster
Monday, January 21, 2008
Thug-i-cation
Born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Papoose made his first attempts at being a rapper at the age of eleven. He was given his name by his grandmother because of his childhood resemblance to a Native American child. Inspired by rap legends Rakim, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane, he has been well respected on the underground hip hop circuit for a long period of time now.
In early 2006, his StreetSweepers crew linked up with Busta Rhymes' Flipmode Inkprint to co-executive produce Papoose's first official album. On August 24, 2006, his official website announced that he signed with Jive Records, a deal which, according to his management's official website was worth $1.5 million.
Papoose has recently become known for engaging in charity work, visiting sick children and donated to causes including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to various Hurricane Katrina charities.
On September 19, 2007 DJ Kay Slay announced that Papoose and himself have parted ways from Jive records. "We have officially gotten our release from Jive fuckin records. It was like a fuckin year of hell... Unfortunately, we almost became victims of A&R hell." On the radio show slay was asked what was next for Papoose, and he said "You know we can't talk about that man." The future of the album is unknown at this time, but they said to own the records that were created under Jive.
Papoose is no longer affiliated with Flipmode Squad. (credit wikipedia)
This is just one song of Pap's crazy catalog...
Pap...When can we get that album????
Sincerely Yours...
Dear Soulja Boy,
I hope that you are doing well. Let me get straight to the point. I have to apologize for my behavior which can be categorized only as pure “hatin’”. When your song came out, I couldn’t stand it. I barely got through the first verse before I turned it off. It took a few months before I heard the entire thing. If it came on in a club that I was at, I would suck my teeth but inside I really wanted to do that dance because it looked kinda cool. All that snappin’ and leg kicking – and that Superman thing is so creative. Then one time I actually did it and you know what, I enjoyed it. It’s kinda like when the Tootsie Roll or the Macarena came out – regardless of what you thought of the song, you just had to do that damn dance whenever it came on. As much as I wanted to hate it, the song was so damn catchy. My friends would probably make fun of me if they knew that but they probably feel the exact same way that I do about your song.
You have to understand where I’m coming from. I’m from New York and Hip-Hop is very near and dear to my heart. I know you’re only 17 but there was a time in Hip-Hop where being nice on the mic was all it took and you had a shot to make it. However now it’s like if you don’t have a new dance and pop hook you can’t even get a deal, let alone get your song played on the radio. It’s like lyrics don’t even matter. But that’s not your fault. If millions of people are buying your ringtones and small white children are doing your dance and putting it on YouTube, then who am I to tell you not to do it? Heck, you’re even selling DVD’s teaching people how to “Crank that Soulja Boy”. I even heard that you performed for New Year’s Eve this year – not too many rappers can say that. I mean I much rather have you making music then out there on the streets so if for no other reason, I’ll support you. Now I may not buy your album or rank you in any top 10 list (Even you can admit that your lyrics leave a lot to be desired), but that doesn’t give me the right to hate on you. Keep doing your thing playboy and I’ll try my best to “supersoak that hoe.” (j/k lmao)
JusHH
P.S. Please whatever you do, don’t spend all of your money. No matter how famous you think you are, it won’t last forever and you will need this money to last. Continue your education and take some business classes. Invest that money so you don’t have to listen to your music while delivering newspapers 5 years from now.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Hip Hop just saved my life...
For those out there that feel Hip-Hop has been a negative influence on people, need to see this clip. Nikki Jean, an aspiring singer from St. Paul, Minnesota of all places, realizes every artist’s ultimate goal when she got an opportunity to appear on a major album. In the video, her emotions pour through your computer as she hears her voice coming out of her CD player knowing that thousands of others are hearing it too. Hip-Hop gave her the chance for the world to hear her talent. Who knows how long she’s been trying to get signed or trying to get someone to listen to her CD, but you know that this was a dream come true for her. The truth of the matter is, for the past 25 plus years, Hip-Hop has given thousands of young people an outlet that they would not have received otherwise. For many, Hip-Hop was a last resort and perhaps the only option that they had in life. Good educations and access to resources are not available to everyone and when combined with poverty, people are often led down a negative path. Hip-Hop has turned drug dealers into international superstars, stick up kids into fashion moguls and the hopeless into successful entrepreneurs. Say what you want about negative lyrics but you’d rather have these guys saying that’ll they’ll rob you instead of them on the street actually doing it. The irony of this whole thing is that the song that she plays in the car is called “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” off of Lupe Fiasco’s new album The Cool. No one can count how many lives Hip-Hop has literally saved and perhaps Nikki Jean just found herself the newest member of that list.
… watch this video and get inspired, whether its music or any other endeavor, you can be successful if you work hard and stay focused.
- JusHH
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"A bass-heavy medley with a sample from the 70s with a screwed up hook that went "Stack that cheese"....
The “New” Sound of Hip-Hop
It’s Thursday again and I have to thank Jus for filling in last week’s time slot. Awesome job, kid! But I’m back now and this won’t be your usual edition of Lyrical Exercise. Call it a superset of sorts, but a little broader than just the lyrics. In this edition, you could say we’re doing a bit of “track work.”
So, I was sitting at my desk today at work, when an AIM window fills my screen. One of my friends was just sending me a quick hello and we got a short discussion flowing. The topic? The state of hip-hop as a sample heavy mixture of the past and the present. My mind quickly raced to Kanye’s Late Registration (“Touch the Sky”, a Curtis Mayfield sample, “Rosie” a Bill Withers sample, just to name two) Common’s “Be” and Jay-Z’s "American Gangster" (where Diddy and the Hitmen seemingly took a time machine back to the 70’s and brought back some artists with them). It got me thinking: is this seemingly suddenly über-soulful, sample thick version of hip-hop really a new phenomenon?
Hmm…no, I quickly thought. Hip-hop producers have been sampling since as far back as “Rappers Delight” by The Sugar Hill Gang (although the sampler wasn’t invented in 1979, the release time of this song, it is a widely held notion that they had their DJ cut them into the track, which DJ’s at the time were adept at doing). They sampled Chic’s disco classic “Good Times”. This whole sampling thing has been around for years, yet nowadays, it seems as if it’s the only track you hear from producers now. Kanye West is a classic example; but also Diddy and Ski (of "Reasonable Doubt" and Camp Lo’s "Uptown Saturday Night Fame") and just recently, DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia, just to name three.
Don’t be fooled, the sounds, the melodies and harmonies created by sampling some old – and sometimes obscure – classics is intoxicating. Peep Alchemist and Mobb Deep’s “Hold You Down” (an Al Kooper sample that Just Blaze also used for Jay-Z’s “Soon You’ll Understand" from 2000’s The Dynasty). I’m all ears when that song plays and truth be told, much of the hip-hop that I truly enjoy listening to contain heavy sampling. Not to mention how much it’s connected me to the great music of the past. At the same time, however, I can’t help but long for more tracks like Noreaga’s Neptunes produced “SuperThug” from 98’s N.O.R.E. or Timbaland’s “Lobster and Scrimp” -- off 98’s Tim’s Bio – which is a funky, permeating rhythm so oddly sounding that it can’t help but be good.
Speaking of Top Notch Tim, he and Swizz Beatz are two good examples of guys who haven’t really integrated sampling into their sounds and both have made very good livings off it. In fact, Swizzy may be one of the most underrated major producers out there (if you don’t believe me, try listening to “World War III" by the Ruff Ryders, Drag-On’s “Down Bottom” and Jay-Z’s “Money, Cash, Hoes” one more time).
It’s true, hip-hop is an ever-changing landscape and my longing may be equal parts naïveté and nostalgia. Besides, even two of the greatest: Dr. Dre and Dj Premier have been using samples to help bolster their respective sounds. And it would be foolish of me to deny that the music floating out of my speakers hasn’t been this good in a long while. So, as I queue up “Rapper’s Delight” one more time, I’ll take it with open arms. Now, what was the name of that song they sampled for this joint?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
No Duermo...
Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.
1. "Uptown Anthem" – Naughty By Nature, Juice Soundtrack
Brings you back to the time when bats were used instead of gats. Piano intro is classic.
2. "Mo' Money, Mo' Murder" – AZ ft. Nas, Doe or Die
The slower more laid-back sequel to the "Life's A Bitch" collabo.
3. "Legend of the Fall Offs" – Busta Rhymes, The Big Bang
What makes this song great is how many rappers fall into this category
4. "Intrigued" – EPMD ft. Das Efx, Back In Business
The contrasting styles that Das and EPMD have really work over the hard drum line
5. "C-Bonics" – Cassidy, I'm A Hustla
This "Lee-I-ist" is the "Bidd-ed-est" (lol)
Come back every week for a new mixtape!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Remix...Travis Barker
I always had respect for this dude skill with the drums but these remixes actually make it possible for me to listen to the song again...
Friday, January 11, 2008
"Shes dead, shes dead..."
So I’m in the club over break listening to a series of the most ignorant ish I’ve ever witnessed but also found myself bobbin my head and hoping that some "well rounded" young lady would come and make my night complete by showing me how these songs inspire her. The one song that got me was “Get it Bitch” by the Trap Squad Clik, yeah, that’s what they/it’s called (and how it’s spelled). Being a southerner myself, I’ve heard songs like this since I began listening to hip hop around the age of 9 or 10 when I can remember getting in trouble at school for bringing my Walkman containing the cassette single of Pac’s “I Get Around”. From “Back that Ass up” to “Get it Bitch” (the dominant part of the hook is simply “GET IT BIIIIIIITCH, GET IT BIIIIIITCH”) I’ve had great memories; but I also see how much the images that songs like these portray and entice have started to affect young people at an earlier age. We all grew up knowing songs we shouldn’t have and we knew kids that would say inappropriate stuff that was funny cause they were little, but I mean, there’s nothing to balance this stuff anymore. Talib said it best on one of his Smashtime Radio freestyles when he said that they make up with swagger what they lack in their lyrics. I don’t wanna get too preachy but it’s the truth. A rapper like Young Jeezy (I bought Thug Motivation 101 btw) threw some ad libs over great beats and a few one liners and I mean, he’s one of the “hottest” rappers in the game right now. Yet I can still talk to people who actually listen to hip hop who don’t know who/what Little Brother is. I don’t know if ya’ll heard Jeezy’s rant on Monie Luv’s radio show about a year ago, but he talked to her like she wasn’t a pioneer of the art form that he profits from. I’m not tryying hate on Jeezy because I don’t mind the guy, I’ve actually been saying “HEELLOOOO, ladies how you doooiiinnn” for the past 2 days cause that ignorant ass Shawty-Lo song has a banging ass beat. But at the same time, Nas was right, what hip hop used to be, is dead. It’s an image driven money machine now; I’m not saying cats can’t get paid, but can we just have some balance? Please?
4 Bars
Thursday, January 10, 2008
"Who's world is this?...."
My boy K.T. was unable to deliver his usual incredible entry so he asked me to step in. Because I can’t fill his shoes, I’ll try in the 11th hour to put my own spin on his Lyrical Exercise. See it as a nice set of push-ups and crunches instead of the full-body workout that he normally provides (lol). This week, I’m going to break down three of my favorite lines in Hip-Hop.
“…Odds against, Nas’ll slaughter/ Thinking of words best describing my life, to name my daughter/ My strength, my son, the star, will be my resurrection/ Born in correction, all the wrong s**t I did, he’ll lead a right direction.” – Nas, The World is Yours
They say that history often repeats itself however, when it comes to fatherhood, many rappers tend to disprove this theory. Despite growing up without a father or a positive male role model, many emcees make it a point to give their kids everything that they didn’t have. Nas, Ja Rule, Eminem, Ludacris, 50 Cent and Lil’ Wayne are just a few who have either dedicated songs to or publicly showed their love for their children. Even rappers who have yet to become fathers (i.e. Jay-Z and 2Pac) have sent word to their unborn kids that they plan to give them the world. Outside of the commitment towards being a good parent, this rhyme also highlights another interesting idea about fatherhood in Hip-Hop – the child represents a second chance. For rappers who feel like they’ve made many mistakes, their children will give them the opportunity to repent and live a righteous life. His children symbolize a “rebirth” for the emcee as he will get to experience the happiness and positive childhood that he didn’t have vicariously through them. There is no doubt that there is a problem with men being fathers and it plagues the black community, so it is refreshing to see so many rappers making an effort to break this vicious cycle. Fatherhood needs to be promoted more in Hip-Hop and rappers deserve more credit for working hard to provide their family with a better life. (How beautiful was it to see Biggie kissing his daughter on the cheek in the “Juicy” video?)
Another thing I love about this rhyme is the direct connection to Nas’ own life. When naming his daughter, he said that the thought of words that best described his life. So what is his daughter’s name you might ask? … Destiny
“You can’t complain you were dealt this/ Helluva hand without a man feeling helpless/ Because there’s too many things for you to deal with/ Dying inside, but outside, you looking fearless” – 2Pac, Keep Ya Head Up
Next to their children, rappers love their mothers. Oftentimes being a single parent, mothers have had to work twice as hard to raise their kids in impossible environments. This sacrifice does not go unnoticed. For years, rappers have been paying homage to their mothers through lyrics. They understand that they would not be in the position that they are in if it wasn’t for their efforts. In this particular song, 2Pac gives credit to all black women for remaining strong despite facing incredible odds. Throughout all of the hardships and obstacles, these women must remain strong for the entire family. They have to shed their tears behind closed doors and conceal any signs of weakness for they know the children look to them for strength and support. This unbelievable burden becomes even more difficult to bear when you don’t have anyone or thing to help vent your frustration. It can literally eat you up from the inside. Also understanding the cross that single mothers are forced to bear within, 2Pac shed light on this reality and offered sympathy and support for his “sisters”. Because it would be completely understandable if a woman folded under the pressure of being a single parent, it makes it even more remarkable when they not only stand tall but also allow their children to lead successful lives. Keep your heads up.
“Cuz the streets are a short stop/ Either you slingin’ crack rock, or you got a wicked jump shot” – Notorious B.I.G., Things Done Changed
Perhaps the most significant line in the history of Hip-Hop, Biggie managed to describe the broken psyche of the young black male in two lines. Many critics of Hip-Hop quickly dismiss the quality of its lyrics at the first sign of a curse word or the mention of guns or drugs but if they ever truly listened, they would hear the cries of an entire generation. Without a strong family structure and an educational system that actually educates, millions of youth are given an extremely jaded perspective on life. They don’t understand the value of graduating and getting a career because there are no examples of this in their communities. Instead they gravitate to the only two people who seem to enjoy any level of success, the drug dealer and the athlete. The destructive path of selling drugs is obvious where ending up dead or in jai is almost inevitable. Aspiring athletes who are depending on achieving something that has the same chance of happening as winning the lottery can lead to just as much trouble when reality sets in and dreams are crushed. These kids need role models and deserve to have more career options than standing on the corner with crack in their pockets or feeling it necessary to spend hours practicing their jump shot. Biggie did not write this line to sell records, this was his truth in 1994 and it is the truth for so many more today. You can denounce Hip-Hop and criticize it for its flaws but it will not change the harsh reality that rappers and their peers face everyday. If you want rappers to stop talking about drugs and violence, fix these problems in their community, then they’ll have something else to talk about.
- JusHH
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Insomniac...
Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.
1. "F**k Off" – Kid Rock ft. Eminem, Devil Without A Cause
In light of the success Jay-Z and Linkin Park had mixing rap and rock, peep these two Detroit natives mix it up nearly 8 years prior.
2. "Who's Next (X-Clue-Sive)" – DJ Clue ft. DMX, The Professional 2
At a time when people were wondering if Dark Man fell off, X reminded folks why he was dope enough to change the game back in 1998.
3. "Hidden Hand" – Fat Joe ft. Terror Squad, Don Cartegena
One of the best Pun verses ever, do you need another reason to hear this track?
4. "Sports, Drugs & Entertainment" – Cam'ron, S.D.E
Before "Computers computin'", Killa actually cared about his rhymes. He definitely brings it with his imagery and storytelling on this album's title track.
5. "Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)" – Outkast, ATLiens
All their commercial success aside, these two dudes can flat out rap.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Top 5
5. Ghostface Killah – The Big Doe Rehab
Ghostface has no doubt been the most consistent solo artist to come out of the Wu and he continues his stellar performance on this project. With incredible delivery and sharp concept songs, you can play this from start to finish without pressing the skip button. On “Yolanda’s House”, Ghost, Meth and Rae pretty much experience everything that can go wrong when you go to a girl’s crib. Even though Def Jam won’t tell the world this album exists we’ll try to let people know to cop this joint.
4. Little Brother – Getback
Who says the South is all about the trap and catchy dance steps? Phonte and Big Pooh are two dudes from North Carolina who no one has heard of but can probably rap circles around the top 10 on the billboard charts. Combining humor, wit and originality (“Good Clothes” is about the feeling that you used to get when you put on your best outfit), Little Brother proves that Hip-Hop can still be fun and reminds us why we fell in love with it in the first place.
3. Lupe Fiasco – Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool
After receiving lackluster sales on his debut, what did Lupe do? He made an even deeper, more complex album that challenges the listener from start to finish. Songs like “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” and “Intruder Alert” are so vivid in detail that you can literally feel the experiences of the subjects in the verses. Others like “Gotta Eat” and “Dumb It Down” are songs that you can know all the words by heart and still have no idea what he’s talking about. (Note: This album was #7 after the first listen. However upon the second time, I realized just how much went over my head and it kept getting better and better each time.) This is an album that cannot be appreciated in the moment and will still feel new years later as you will still pick up on new lines and concepts.
2. Kanye West – Graduation
Every two years Ye goes back into the studio and delivers a new dose of that crack music. After surviving the dreaded “sophomore slump”, everyone was wondering if he can do it again. As expected, the production was top notch but where this album really separates itself was the continued improvement of Kanye’s rhymes. Whether its clever wordplay, switching cadences and flows or storytelling, there’s no doubt that you have to start considering Kanye as one of the best rappers in the game. His performance on songs like “The Glory” and “Homecoming” is as good as any rapper’s this year. To add an extra cherry to the mix, on top of delivering a great album, Kanye received another victory as he beat 50 Cent in the highly publicized 1st week sales battle. In most years, Graduation would have earned the top spot and 2007 would have been no different if it wasn’t for…
1. Jay-Z – American Gangster
Kanye’s “Big Brother”. Taking a lot of criticism for last year’s comeback album, Jay-Z went back into the studio and cranked out a classic. Although it’s inspired by the film of the same title, you would be mistaken if you assume this album is just about selling drugs. This album is no more about selling drugs than Romeo & Juliet is about suicide. Hov breaks down the psychology of the album’s “main character” from his initial motivations for entering the drug game to his inevitable downfall. It is very difficult to listen to this album and declare that all drug dealers are just senseless thugs who ruin the community; they are fathers, husbands and sons who are often conflicted and possibly regret some of the decisions that they make. On “Sweet” our character deals with the notion that his nephew is following in his infamous footsteps. “I Know” breaks down the destructive love affair between a user and her drug that dealer is partly responsible for creating. The production on this album is incredible as Diddy brought the Hitmen back together and delivered the foundation that gave this album its 1970’s feel. Musically, American Gangster is seen as the hybrid between Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, Jay-Z added great depth and maturity to his already incredible lyrical skill and put together an album that is truly timeless.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Year In Review...
At the end of 2006, the common theme was that Hip-Hop was “dead” and that we’ve seen the last of good quality music coming out of the rap community. While there may be a lot of crap on the radio, there are artists out there who still care and worked really hard to put out some great music. If you are willing to dig a bit deeper you would have found some incredible albums to listen to in 2007. For this PTM Special 2-Day Event, we’re gonna bring you the Top 10 projects that you need to have in your playlist. On this year’s list, we have representatives from California, Houston, New York even North Carolina. This proves that Hip-Hop is not only far from dead, it’s even further from taking a nap.
But before we get to the list…
Major Disappointments – These are albums that many expected to be much better but fell short of expectations.
T.I. – T.I. Vs. T.I.P.
Major Surprises – The following joints definitely turned a few heads and were better than people might have thought.
T-Pain - Epiphany
Honorable Mentions – Projects that almost made the list but just fell short.
Beanie Sigel – The Solution
Sean Price – Jesus Price Supastar
Now on to the list…
Creating this list was definitely a challenge. Substance and creativity was really the standard this year and you had to come with your A game in order to crack the list. Some artists really outdid themselves and because they have so many different styles, very small details separated them. Albums 3-7 are easily interchangeable but I decided that I couldn’t punk out and give out any ties. Bottom line, Hip-Hop is alive and well and we need to do our part and support those artists that really put their blood, sweat and tears into these projects. And now I present to you the ten best albums of 2007 (In reverse order)…
10. Scarface – MADE
With stunning imagery and a strong delivery, Scarface proves that he is a living legend.
9. Talib Kweli – Eardrum
Backed by some strong production, Talib puts together an album that can be enjoyed by more than just the backpackers.
8. Evidence – The Weatherman LP
One half of the Dilated Peoples crew, Evidence’s creativity is what makes this album a must have. “Hot and Cold” is just one example of how you can take a “simple” idea and turn it into an incredible record.
7. Common – Finding Forever
With this album, Common proved that the critically acclaimed Be was definitely not a fluke. There are some nice surprises as the Chi-town emcee hooked up with the legendary DJ Premier on “The Game” and Ye and Com go back and forth a la EPMD on “Southside”. Finding Forever definitely adds to this Hall of Famer’s catalogue.
6. Joell Ortiz – The Brick: The Bodega Chronicles
Joell Ortiz wants you to know that he’s just a “fan with a deal” A student of the game, Mr. Ortiz prides himself on making you press rewind when you listen to his verses. He definitely doesn’t disappoint on his debut album with show-stopping punchlines and creative wordplay. His relentless attack on the songs “125 Parts 1, 2, 4 & 5” can only be rivaled by performances heard by Canibus in 1998. If you are a fan of pure lyricism then this album needs to be in your collection.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Carter 3?
4 new wayne tracks
Lil Wayne - Talkin About It (Dirty)
Lil Wayne - Love Me Or Hate Me (Dirty)
Lil Wayne - Kush (Dirty)
Lil Wayne - Am Me (Dirty)
Click To Download Wayne Tracks
Friday, January 4, 2008
Joel and Lupe...
Just a thought...Will Joel ever be an artist that is reallly respected across the globe? or will he fall in with so many of the other lyrical NY rappers. It happens so many times, as Jay - Z said about some labels "They lacked forsight"
Lupe on Letterman
Good to see dude do stuff like this, I love seeing educated Hip Hop getting shine.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
"So, I typed a text to a girl I used to see"
UGK with OutKast UGK: Underground Kingz
I’ve got to admit, I was one of the few heads sleeping on UGK for a minute, even after being featured on Jay-Z's “Big Pimpin’,” what many consider to be their commercial breakout record. And now, after the untimely death of one half of the legendary rap duo Pimp C, it’s likely that there won’t be another UGK album ever made. So, I thought to myself, get a hold of one of the most bangin’ tracks released this year and share your thoughts on it. It just so happened that track was “Int’l Player’s Anthem” with OutKast.
Keep Your Heart 3 Stacks
Whenever 3000 gets on a track to spit, I constantly ask myself why he doesn’t do it more often. Seriously, this along with the verse he put down in Lloyd’s “You” remix is one of the most heartfelt and witty verses of the year. His delivery is more conversational than hip-hop, but his thoughts on delving into marriage, of all things, is so sincere one cannot help but leap into his shoes and try to understand his feelings. He makes it so easy to do so, too, with his storybook flow: “So I typed at text to a girl I used to see/saying’ that I chose a cutie pit with whom I want to be/...Then I cc’d every girl that I’d see see ‘round town…”The struggle between a man who’s had much “bedroom success” hanging up his black book and committing to one woman is not a subject that is readily accepted in this greater hip-hop community and I give ‘Dre so much credit for attaching so much reality to it and making it an accessible topic in this verse.
The fear is definitely present in his words as he says: “wetness all around me, true, but I’m no island/…give up all this pussy cat that’s in my lap?” Makes you wonder how any man could give it up, right? I mean, let’s be serious, isn’t this what superstar rappers are supposed to be doing? Getting play from every and any dime that offers it? That’s all we see images of, at least. But, hearing him rhyme, over this phenomenal Willie Hutch track no less, about how much that doesn’t matter is just as telling: “Spaceships/don’t come equipped with rearview mirrors/they dip as quick as they can…” Plain and simple, gentlemen, you find that lady, you don’t constantly watch your back as you streak out of the atmosphere, you run with her and you hold her down for as long as your body (spaceship) and heart (atmosphere) will let you. Even though his partners exclaim that it’s too soon “like a preemie out the womb,” they still refuse to let him let this one go, letting him know that “they got his back like chiroprac-tic.”
You Ain’t a Pimp, You a Fairy
The dichotomy between the first verse and the middle two by UGK offer a very clear, well-put and somewhat hilarious extreme on the other side of the barometer. Pimp C kicks the church doors down with his comical and convicted declaration: “my bitch a choosey/lover/never fuck without a rubber…” As if to say,”3000, you can have that one, I'll all the rest of them over here.” As he plainly states, he is not the type to mess around with the “lesser trash.” “Top notch hoes get the most, not the lesser…./she be cross country givin' all that she got/a thousand a pop, I’m pullin' Bentleys off the lot” This verse is so pimp-nificet that I was thinking about picking up a floor length sable fur coat myself.
Girl, don’t touch my protection
Daddy Fat Sacks himself, Big Boi, contributed perhaps the very best verse in this song. Now, seriously, I know many of you may not admit it, but there are more than enough of us out there that have been messing with this one girl who just seems crazier than all the others. Big Boi’s experience in this verse just sounds so true that it hearkens back to the “Ms. Jackson” days.
Apparently, Big Boi finds himself in the unenviable position of playing roulette with his conquests and choosing the wrong one. So what does she do? Messes with the protection even after hearing protests from the man himself “Girl, don’t touch my protection/I know you want it to slip…” It slips. So now he’s at a crossroads, this unfortunate fellow now has a child with this woman he is not particularly fond of AND she isn’t taking care of her end of the bargain “better prepare you for the see-saw pole/she supposed to spend it on that baby but we see she don’t…” And then, in case you were lacking further context, he references Paul McCartney’s ongoing settlement suit with Heather Mills: “Ask Paul McCartney/the lawyers getting sloppy/slaughter of them pockets/want to tie her to a rocket….” He’s desperate, he wants to get rid of her a fast as possible, but those child support payments aren’t going away as he states: “he paying 20K a day/that bitch is eating good…”
The last few bars of this verse are the most important and there is a huge lesson to be learned in this cautionary tale. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU LAY WITH, FELLAS! As Big Boi professes “Like an infant on a double d titty, just getting plump/cause you miscalculated the next to the last pump/dump, dump in the gut/raw from the giddy up/better choose the right one or pick-pick the kiddies up…” You have to watch out because it won’t always be so easy to shut it down once it gets real heavy. Dude wasn’t protecting himself and ended up being the one to pick them kiddies up. Hilarious, yet relevant.
I Choose You
Three 6 absolutely destroyed this track and, honestly, there is nothing about this song that I can say, that hasn’t been said already. I’m just waitin' for that next Kast album to drop.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
"I don't how to sleep, I gotta eat, stay on my toes"
Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.
Seemingly lost Hov track over a sample of the best TV court show ever
2. "Flava In Ya Ear" – Jay-Z, S. Carter Series (Mixtape)
Classic posse cut, now imagine the best playing all the roles by himself
3. "A.S.A.P" – Jay-Z, Unknown
Over the TI record, Jay brings his A game with this complex rhyme scheme
4. "44 Fours" – Jay-Z, Unknown
Think 22 2's but bigger, much bigger
5. "Only A Customer" – Jay-Z, Streets Is Watching
Laid back bass line, LL sample, nuff said.
Come back every week for a new mixtape!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Fresh 2008 Tuesday...
Happy New Year from PTM...first day, first Tuesday of the new year so you know what it is.
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums1.
Mary J. Blige
Growing Pains
2.
Alicia Keys
As I Am
3.
Jaheim
The Makings Of A Man
4.
Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
5.
Chris Brown
Exclusive
Consequence
Discography
Studio albums
* 2007: Don't Quit Your Day Job!
Mixtapes
* 2002: The Cons Vol. 1: All Sales are Final
* 2003: An Evening wit EPC
* 2003: The Cons Vol. 2: Make the Game Come to You
* 2004: Take 'Em To The Cleaners
* 2005: The Cons Vol. 3: Da Comeback Kid
* 2005: A Tribe Called Quence
* 2006: The Cons Vol. 4: Finish What You Started
* 2007: The Cons Vol. 5: Refuse 2 Die
Featured on
* A Tribe Called Quest - "The Chase, Part II" (Remix) (Midnight Marauders) 1993
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Phony Rappers" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Motivators" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Jam" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Mind Power" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Baby Phife's Return" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Word Play" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* A Tribe Called Quest - "Stressed Out" (Beats, Rhymes and Life) 1996
* Kanye West - "Spaceship" (The College Dropout) 2004
* Kanye West - "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" (Freshmen Adjustment) 2005
* Kanye West - "'03 Electric Relaxation" (Freshmen Adjustment) 2005
* Kanye West - "Gone" (Late Registration) 2005
* Miri Ben-Ari - "I've Been Waiting on You" (The Hip-Hop Violinist) 2005
* DJ Khaled - "Grammy Family" (DJ Khaled - Listennn... The Album) 2006
* Consequence - "Couped Up" feat. DJ Swivel & Chris Stylez (DJ Whoo Kid - BET Awards Mixtape '06, Clinton Sparks - The Cons Vol. 4) 2006
* Talib Kweli - "Engine Runnin'" Liberation 2006
Click for more music from Consequence
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