It's been a minute. Lots has happened. RIP to Whitney Houston. She's off to teach angels to sing. Lady put it down, so salute to her.
But back to business. Another person who inspired every cypher I've ever been in, while three people who inspired all QUALITY lyrics. Big ups to the Shaolin Island, Da Bricks, and Bedford Stuyvesant, the livest one...
As an 80's baby with a great memory, one of the most resounding memories I have are Saturday mornings. While I didn't know then, these weekend mornings and afternoons would be some of the most resounding memories I have. It's not hard to tell why. I remember playing with my Transformers while trying to be Vic's shadow.
Don't get me wrong. I love both rappers Philly Freeway and Rick "The Bawse" Ross. One, is a super dope lyricist that used a moniker that was a nickname, while not adhering to the nickname he borrowed. The other, well, you know the story. Former nice guy/corrections officer takes the actual NAME of a notorious narcotic distributor and hits the culture by storm with raps about moving units and kilos, while maintaining active distribution drug connects. Now I'm not going to make this about knocking lying rappers. It'd be like calling a toddler for double dribbling; too easy. And why lie? I do like "Officer Ricky" and that whole MMG imprint. They are incredibly dope. Super beats. Meek Mill, Ross and Wale are talented as hell.
So it did take me a while to get on. Signing Slaughterhouse wasn't a bad way to keep my attention either...just saying.
So I love saying I told you so. In early 2010, I posted this video by this other white boy. The reason why is because I told cats that it's only a matter of time until white boys got another legit rapper that gets ALL kind of respect. I was told, it's not possible. Then I posted this video by a rapper named Mac Miller. Lame name, ill rhymes. Kinda nerdy looking. Here's the video.
Well. Almost two years later, Mac Miller just dropped Blue Slide Park. I would say it's a debut album, but....it's 100% independent. Which wouldn't matter. Except, he's just joined Eminem, Vanilla Ice [ha ha!] to have a Billboard #1 in the Country. Except he did HIS with the following: NO major label promotional tours, NO radio play, and NO huge financial backing. Best thing out of Pittsburgh, including a guy whose album is promoted on every radio station on the planet. You may know Black & Yellow, but dig the lesson. Skill beats out ringtone. EVERY time. Title track. Dig.
MC Lyte [middle] and Queen Latifah [2nd from right] get no love for being some of the greatest rappers alive.
This one will be brief because I am incredibly tired from attacking the rack, getting at these weights so this Overweight Lover will be a middleweight lover. I do it for you ladies, rest assured. Getting that sexy up. Because let's face it, we've been putting the sexy onus on the fairer sex for too long.
Born Sean Carter, one of Hip Hop's greatest has more AKAs than a HBCU.
"I called myself a brainiac, and y'all all lamed out. Didn't really feel me, until the next joint came out."
So what does Culture Over Everything mean? Well, to me, it means just what it says. You get out of it what you will. What it means to me is that my whole existence is in service of God the Father, and in reverence of Hip Hop. I can't describe it because it accurately embodies me. I love boom bap and some pop rap. I love lyricism in my heart, but still can wild out to some Wacka when I'm on the right potions. I sat in front of the TV learning how to break, watching Krush Groove as a kid, but could still get my Dougie on. Hell, I knew the Doug E. when Doug E. was DOIN' it. I'm a Reagan baby. Early 80's Hip Hop gets play, alongside your Wiz Khalifas and your Big Seans. I'm a representer of the Zulu Nation as well as getting my Jet Life on. But let me tell you.