Just so everyone knows, I REALLY don't feel like writing this. I was supposed to be writing about something happy. I was SUPPOSED to be writing about my trip to Nebraska. I should be posting pictures about a victory over hated rival Oklahoma. I should have a story on how I went to Howie's and got tanked with some old friends at Woody's in Lincoln. I should be nostalgic about how I never should have left the best football school, the best university on the planet, the place of my birth. But I had to sell my plane ticket, my game tickets. I had business to attend to.
I never really understood that phrase. Life's a bitch, then you die. It's almost been two years since I lost two of my best friends, Nate Butler and Jason Dimmick. This past week, I lost my cousin James Williams, and Rachel Newell, someone I've known since she was a baby. Our parents worked together, and I was childhood friends with her older brother, Ralph.
My cousin James, or "Little J" as we liked to call him, was the son of James "Big Jamie" Williams. Forever, I've been called Jamie, and most people from Midland, West Virginia, Georgia and Nebraska, know me as Jamie. Even though I thought it was a girl's name, he used it. Granted, he was 6'5, 255 pounds. I loved him because when my brothers picked on me, when my cousins picked on me, he always had my back. We were both reserved, quiet kids.
He died on my birthday. I cry every birthday when I think about him. He was older than my oldest brother, but close enough to Midland that I could see him a lot. He frequently had me in Detroit with him, when he could get time off practice. He was a Detroit Lion, and he's the reason I cheered for them, even to this day. The only club who'd give him a chance became a lifelong love of mine. I was his shadow. Everyone in my family called us "the Jamies." He was "Big Jamie" and I was "Little Jamie." When he had his son, I told him to name him Jamie. I'd like to think when he named him James, it was because of me. He became "Little Jamie." I was just Jamie after that. I told my cousin when he died that I would take care of "Little Jamie." When "Little Jamie" grew to be "Lil J" as we called him, I promised again, every time I went to my big cousin's grave, that I would help train his son. With Lil J's death, I feel an overwhelming sadness that I never thought possible. More than just losing a cousin, I feel like I failed my cousin Big Jamie. I couldn't protect him.
I've been getting the typical messages, all messages I've given others along the way. Put your trust in the Lord; we're praying for you, so on and so forth. It's surprising how little comfort those words can give after weeks like this one.
I guess I understand that phrase a lot better now.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Great Debate - Hip Hop Version
It’s been a minute since we dropped something thought provoking for you, so we think it’s about time to drop something for you to think about. This weekend, your boy J.O. [that's myself for those who don't know] and Stig [our other E.I.C.] were just chillin with the crew, and that topic jumps up again. I think by now, we all know what the “Great Debate” is. Jay-Z versus Nas.
“I from where n****s pull your car, and argue all day about/Who’s the best MC’s, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas?” – Jay-Z “Where I’m From”
Maybe the God-emcee knew where his career was headed. It’s near the end of 2009 and still, the “Great Debate” continues. We are all sitting around watching football, and when the debate starts, the calm, mild mannered brothers around the table get hype, quickly. We post up, listening to all the banter back and forth; “Jay-Z got all these great albums,” “Nas got mad quotables,” “Jigga’s got papers,” “Nas holds the struggle down.”
A variety of all the same. Except for the first time, I get a new perspective. There is really starting to be a backlash from this long debate. One of the newer perspectives that arise comes in the form of an anti-Jay-Z backlash. A new common perspective is that Jay-Z fans elevate him so much that it caused people to hate him. I dig Jay, and Reasonable Doubt is one of my favorite albums ever. I just picked up Blueprint 3, and I think it’s pretty hot. I also dig on Nas, and Illmatic is a classic. I’m anticipating that Distant Cousins LP with Damien Marley. I am a big fan of both.
I haven’t seen this big a division between Jay and Nas since “Ether” and “Takeover.” The ironic part of it all, is that they are currently cool, no beef, Jay has (or had) Nas on the label. Just picked up some audio with Nas and Jay touring Europe, though most of the audio has been deleted, we got a little gift for you. Listen and/or download….but listen nonetheless.
Worst enemies wanna be my best friends. Best friends wanna be enemies like that's what's in.
Another notion I heard was that Jay-Z is better on the basis that his rhymes are easy to recite. Cats were yelling across the room, spit a Jay-Z verse, which is pretty easy or hard, depending on the song, its’ popularity, so on and so forth. Then our Jay stan yells to spit a Nas verse. I’m not going to lie, while I can spit more Jay verses, Nas a few real memorable ones. But you can’t determine who is better based on if you can spit the lines. I can probably recite, no, DEFINITELY recite more Kris Kross lines than Nasty Nas, but that in no way means that Kris Kross is superior. It miffed me a bit to hear that. Nas has been known for having dynamic, and often advanced concept raps. Jay-Z uses more common words, but his usage of words is unrivaled.
I like to refer to sports, my default settings, when comparing Nas vs. Jay-Z. I call it Michael and Shaq. There is no doubt that Shaq is the most dominant big man ever. All the past greats had the height advantages, but Shaq would have abused those other great centers because of sheer power. I give Nas the Shaq designator. Nas is a beast on the mic, and his word play and story telling is his dominant trait. Both Nas and Shaq have this primary trait in common; they never get the respect they truly deserve because their games aren’t flashy. But they get the job done, and are not going to be dominant by one person, ever.
Jay-Z gets the Jordan comparison, and he get this because of his overall appeal. His staying power, his length at the top, and his ability to dwarf his peers because of his sheer skill at winning. Plus the retire/ un-retire drama doesn’t hurt Hov get this title. Album after album, Jay delivered winning product. In the streets and the suburbs, Jay-Z and Jordan enjoyed success, fame, and their size fits their accomplishments.
The problem arises when people try to compare Jordan versus Shaq. Jordan has more titles than Shaq, sure, but Shaq can’t shut Jordan down in his comfort zone, the wings. In the post, however, Shaq would murder MJ.
Just like the Shaq/Jordan example, Nas and Jay dominant their respective fields. Street stories and block tails are Nas’ post. No one does that better than Nasty. The “Ether” was Nas grabbing the rock at the post, pivot, turn and slam. The “Takeover” was a good effort, I mean, all those Jumpman poses were dunks, gotta go to the post to make those moves, but in Jay’s case, the post is Nas’ territory, and when he decided to go into Nas’ area, Nas had to punish him, swatting that weak junk out there. I liked “Takeover,” but we still call getting killed in a battle the “Ether,” so what does that tell you? In the wings, or the public view, Jay wins all day. But to those of us who know Hip Hop was born off the block, that was a rather emphatic victory for Nasty.
Either way you stand, be open to both artists, they are a perfect example for Hip Hop’s yin and yang. Neither is the all-encompassing standard, so we NEED both, and its important that people know that. That’s my word…
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
College Football World Tour - ND v USC
Sorry, I've been missing in action. It is for a good reason, I assure you. Lately, I've been busy with work, Word To Em.com, and of course, my College Football World Tour 2009. So far, I've been to the Michigan vs. Western Michigan and Michigan vs. Notre Dame games, both at Michigan Stadium, one of the largest in the country. However, this past week, I got to go see Notre Dame against the USC Trojans. My first time down to Indiana to see any kind of college football game. I am not really a fan of either team, but my girl Katie got the tickets, and I'm ALWAYS down for whatever, especially since I am addicted to college football. Unfortunately, my other photos didn't come out well, so Photoshop and I are going on a two-week date. I had to post this photo, though. My savior and Lord, Jesus and me, tailgating the game. Or should I say...TOUCHDOWN JESUS! That's how I know God is a football fan. Instead of the freezing rain and all clouds we were supposed to get, nothing but sunshine and lollipops for this lovely Saturday.
My boy J.P. hosted me as we traveled across ND's pristine campus. It was amazing to go into the Basilica. We even went past Corby's, the bar where they filmed "Rudy" in. College football royalty indeed. So thank you, Jesus! Thank you for creating football! TOUCHDOWN JESUS!!
That dying for our sins thing is kinda cool, too.
I love saying Touchdown Jesus. But now it makes me feel kind of bad. I've whipped MANY an ass for talking trash about my beloved Cornhuskers. He did not create football for me to cause as much havoc. I've hospitalized TWO people for saying my Huskers sucked. I'm working on that one, Lord. Maybe you could help us SCORE SOME TOUCHDOWNS so I don't have to hurt people when my Huskers lose.
Speaking of my Huskers, THAT'S THE NEXT STOP!! Nebraska vs Oklahoma!! Screw the Sooners!! I'm SOOOOOO excited!!!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I Have GOT to stop drinking so much...
Luckily, this doesn't really concern me. The title, I mean. I don't have a drinking problem. Not at all.
This past weekend, I had a blast. I'm talking football up to the ceiling, booze filled tailgates, and birthday parties. Drove to Michigan State for the football game. It was an absolute blast, except for the fact I was late for the GOOD part of tailgate. I didn't mind that so much, because after the game, I drove to Detroit to see my baby and celebrate her birthday. That proved to be less of a problem than I thought. See, I am a VERY paranoid driver. Ever since I flipped my car this past winter, I have been the worst driver on the road. Overly careful, driving slow in the pass lane, driving 5 miles below the speed limit, regardless of the weather. I have basically become everything I hate about drivers, all because of that tramatic experience.
What do I do to offset those bad feelings? Well, THIS time, I knocked down a pint of Jack Daniels! And it was good, too. So an hour passes, MSU pulls out a huge victory over Michigan, and I head to Detroit. I feel so much better driving now, that little bit helped take the edge off. I get to Detroit in record time, just in time for my lady friend to tell me she has to do homework and study and I should not distract her. HA! When I get there, everyone in the house is ready to party. Captain Morgan makes an appearance, the beer pong table is brought out, so the party has started.
Fast forward through shots, more shots, mixed drinks and birthday cake. The party is shutting down, sometime about 3 in the morning. A guest who was definitely staying the night is on the floor, passed out. You know I had to pick him up and put him on the couch. He's incoherent and as soon as I move from dumping him on the sofa, he begins to projectile vomit on himself. I immediately sober up and help take care of the poor guy. We clean the mess the best we could, or until I got fed up with it, and just left him to lie in his own mess. As I walk upstairs to go to sleep, this guy on the couch with the t-shirt stained in vomit whispers, "I have got to stop drinking so much."
You think?
Ah, yes. I am in college again. Lovely.
This past weekend, I had a blast. I'm talking football up to the ceiling, booze filled tailgates, and birthday parties. Drove to Michigan State for the football game. It was an absolute blast, except for the fact I was late for the GOOD part of tailgate. I didn't mind that so much, because after the game, I drove to Detroit to see my baby and celebrate her birthday. That proved to be less of a problem than I thought. See, I am a VERY paranoid driver. Ever since I flipped my car this past winter, I have been the worst driver on the road. Overly careful, driving slow in the pass lane, driving 5 miles below the speed limit, regardless of the weather. I have basically become everything I hate about drivers, all because of that tramatic experience.
What do I do to offset those bad feelings? Well, THIS time, I knocked down a pint of Jack Daniels! And it was good, too. So an hour passes, MSU pulls out a huge victory over Michigan, and I head to Detroit. I feel so much better driving now, that little bit helped take the edge off. I get to Detroit in record time, just in time for my lady friend to tell me she has to do homework and study and I should not distract her. HA! When I get there, everyone in the house is ready to party. Captain Morgan makes an appearance, the beer pong table is brought out, so the party has started.
Fast forward through shots, more shots, mixed drinks and birthday cake. The party is shutting down, sometime about 3 in the morning. A guest who was definitely staying the night is on the floor, passed out. You know I had to pick him up and put him on the couch. He's incoherent and as soon as I move from dumping him on the sofa, he begins to projectile vomit on himself. I immediately sober up and help take care of the poor guy. We clean the mess the best we could, or until I got fed up with it, and just left him to lie in his own mess. As I walk upstairs to go to sleep, this guy on the couch with the t-shirt stained in vomit whispers, "I have got to stop drinking so much."
You think?
Ah, yes. I am in college again. Lovely.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Hooray for Easy Lessons!!
I decided not to go to work again. If you know anything about me, I like to work and get paid. One example of this is my employment at Ford Field, working as a courtesy squad manager. Three levels above security, my job is really nice. I get to walk around, speak to anyone I want, and if celebrities come in, I get to tour them to their location. Only problem is, I have to drive to Detroit. So I almost never go. I usually work when my Falcons are playing, and I happily cheer, albeit silently, that my Birds are doing work. Most of the time, it isn't worth my time to drive down there. I literally have to be paid to watch the Lions. Once that happened, they had to pay me MORE to watch the Lions.
That same attitude ended up hurting my feelings. They actually won today. Wow. Go Lions! I might actually go to work soon.
Another simple lesson. I was with my older brother and my beautiful niece. We all decided to go to the mall, because girls give brownie points to guys who are good with kids. And I love my niece, she's awesome. My brother visits a couple stores, so I take Rachel to get something to eat. She decides to spend her money on extra candy at the store, after I got her a piece of cheesecake. She didn't need that candy but spent her money that way, so I can't complain.
Fast forward to Target, where she decides to start giving me the "puppy dog eyes." Little brat. She wants a Bratz doll, but no longer has enough money to pay for it. I explain to her that because she spent her money unwisely, she can't have the Bratz doll.
While studying, I turn on the TV and tune into a program with an economist speaking, probably CSPAN or something. I listen a bit as some economist is talking about where we as a country can get money. Of course, the panel has some Republicans and Democrats, all hitting their talking points and saying nothing of substance, until this quote.
"Where we get the money from is obvious. We are not talking about adding on to what we are already paying for health care. The cost is not going to be as great as say, a fruitless war in the Middle East. We do not LACK money, we just spend it stupidly."
A-freaking-men.
What we need as a country is someone to say that, but in a larger format for everyone to hear. We got cash to free up Iraq, which to be honest, I couldn't give a less than half a damn about, but not enough to make sure AMERICANS have basic health care for all. Again, I'm not a politcal blogger because I think most of these politicans are liars, hoods, and gangstas in every sense of those words. But common sense almost never interjects. We need common sense and truth to slap those people upside their heads and get their asses in gear. This shit is getting old. Quick.
That same attitude ended up hurting my feelings. They actually won today. Wow. Go Lions! I might actually go to work soon.
Another simple lesson. I was with my older brother and my beautiful niece. We all decided to go to the mall, because girls give brownie points to guys who are good with kids. And I love my niece, she's awesome. My brother visits a couple stores, so I take Rachel to get something to eat. She decides to spend her money on extra candy at the store, after I got her a piece of cheesecake. She didn't need that candy but spent her money that way, so I can't complain.
Fast forward to Target, where she decides to start giving me the "puppy dog eyes." Little brat. She wants a Bratz doll, but no longer has enough money to pay for it. I explain to her that because she spent her money unwisely, she can't have the Bratz doll.
While studying, I turn on the TV and tune into a program with an economist speaking, probably CSPAN or something. I listen a bit as some economist is talking about where we as a country can get money. Of course, the panel has some Republicans and Democrats, all hitting their talking points and saying nothing of substance, until this quote.
"Where we get the money from is obvious. We are not talking about adding on to what we are already paying for health care. The cost is not going to be as great as say, a fruitless war in the Middle East. We do not LACK money, we just spend it stupidly."
A-freaking-men.
What we need as a country is someone to say that, but in a larger format for everyone to hear. We got cash to free up Iraq, which to be honest, I couldn't give a less than half a damn about, but not enough to make sure AMERICANS have basic health care for all. Again, I'm not a politcal blogger because I think most of these politicans are liars, hoods, and gangstas in every sense of those words. But common sense almost never interjects. We need common sense and truth to slap those people upside their heads and get their asses in gear. This shit is getting old. Quick.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Why Am I Doing This?
Okay, your boy got a story. Goes like this, here it goes. Names and places withheld to protect the innocent and guilty.
So I'm chilling out in an unnamed bar in your local college town. No problems, no stress. I'm posted at the bar, drinking my usual, Jack Daniel's and water, and up saunters a slightly inebriated, attractive woman, I'd guess her mid to late 20s. Closer to 30 than 13, I begin to watch with interest as she's pounding em out...shot after shot, after shot. She looks at me, I smile and attend to the hole in the bar I was watching. She comes up to me, and offers for me to buy her a drink. I inform her that charity work is not my game, so again, back to my hole in the bar. I look up every now and again to check the score of the football game. When I look up again, she's still next to me, this time with her back towards me. Cool, I'm thinking. All I wanted to do was be alone and enjoy my Jack. I needed some time to just think and drink.
I'm going to interrupt this story to give you an important message. Ever get sick of people informing you about nonsense when there are a LOT more pressing issues to attend to? I hate it, too. This story was a narrative of the coverage of the health care issue. All filler, all ridiculous babble that has absolutely nothing to do with the issues. You know nothing about that crazy night I had, I still know nothing about the health care plan that our president is purposing. Feel good about the state of the media yet? I didn't think so. Have a good night!
I'm not nearly as stupid as the news networks I've been watching all weekend. Here's the end of the story.
Girl gets trashed, stands in front of me on the bar, and takes her shirt off. While I just sit there, anticipating on when I have to move before the bouncers come and get her off, she steps into the hole I was staring at and falls off the bar. Fail for her. As soon as she gets up, she feels a bit of blood on the side of her face, licks it off her finger in her most drunken, but sexy manner, looks at me and asks; "Why am I doing this?"
Excellent question. A tout a l'heure!!
P.S. This actually happened to me this past Saturday in Ann Arbor, BEFORE the Michigan game. Don't let anyone tell you the Wolverines don't know how to party, though I doubt school was this lady's day job, if you catch my drift. Till next time, I'll holla!!
So I'm chilling out in an unnamed bar in your local college town. No problems, no stress. I'm posted at the bar, drinking my usual, Jack Daniel's and water, and up saunters a slightly inebriated, attractive woman, I'd guess her mid to late 20s. Closer to 30 than 13, I begin to watch with interest as she's pounding em out...shot after shot, after shot. She looks at me, I smile and attend to the hole in the bar I was watching. She comes up to me, and offers for me to buy her a drink. I inform her that charity work is not my game, so again, back to my hole in the bar. I look up every now and again to check the score of the football game. When I look up again, she's still next to me, this time with her back towards me. Cool, I'm thinking. All I wanted to do was be alone and enjoy my Jack. I needed some time to just think and drink.
I'm going to interrupt this story to give you an important message. Ever get sick of people informing you about nonsense when there are a LOT more pressing issues to attend to? I hate it, too. This story was a narrative of the coverage of the health care issue. All filler, all ridiculous babble that has absolutely nothing to do with the issues. You know nothing about that crazy night I had, I still know nothing about the health care plan that our president is purposing. Feel good about the state of the media yet? I didn't think so. Have a good night!
I'm not nearly as stupid as the news networks I've been watching all weekend. Here's the end of the story.
Girl gets trashed, stands in front of me on the bar, and takes her shirt off. While I just sit there, anticipating on when I have to move before the bouncers come and get her off, she steps into the hole I was staring at and falls off the bar. Fail for her. As soon as she gets up, she feels a bit of blood on the side of her face, licks it off her finger in her most drunken, but sexy manner, looks at me and asks; "Why am I doing this?"
Excellent question. A tout a l'heure!!
P.S. This actually happened to me this past Saturday in Ann Arbor, BEFORE the Michigan game. Don't let anyone tell you the Wolverines don't know how to party, though I doubt school was this lady's day job, if you catch my drift. Till next time, I'll holla!!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Daily Reflection at 8am [Early for me]
I freaking love September. My oldest and youngest brother were born in this month [11th and 16th, respectively]. FOOTBALL, both world and American, starts this month. And school....again. You know, I don't usually like to complain, but low key, this sort of sucks. While I couldn't stand my employment with the "owners of Midland," I LOVED the paycheck coming in. I loved being a professional, using the knowledge I acquired the FIRST time from college.
Now I'm back. After working at a couple different papers, plus a stint at the worldwide leader [of chemistry], I'm going to complete my journalism degree, the one I actually enjoy. While chemistry could pay [not for the amount of school I have now, need a grad degree], I don't enjoy it. I actually loathed going into work. Well, it does beat going into school. I'm worried that journalism won't pay [already know it barely does] and I won't get to be as successful as I could have been if I just would stick chemistry out. I don't think I could though. I love writing. I'm addicted to it. Whether I'm writing rhymes or articles about whatever subject I'm assigned, I just enjoy doing it. Maybe that's why I can stand being back at school, when I should be pulling in that $60k [includes benefits]. The Lord says that what you have in your heart ends up being your master. I do not want money to become mine.
Now I'm back. After working at a couple different papers, plus a stint at the worldwide leader [of chemistry], I'm going to complete my journalism degree, the one I actually enjoy. While chemistry could pay [not for the amount of school I have now, need a grad degree], I don't enjoy it. I actually loathed going into work. Well, it does beat going into school. I'm worried that journalism won't pay [already know it barely does] and I won't get to be as successful as I could have been if I just would stick chemistry out. I don't think I could though. I love writing. I'm addicted to it. Whether I'm writing rhymes or articles about whatever subject I'm assigned, I just enjoy doing it. Maybe that's why I can stand being back at school, when I should be pulling in that $60k [includes benefits]. The Lord says that what you have in your heart ends up being your master. I do not want money to become mine.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Let The Beat Build
Operation Finish The Degree I Wanted has began. I'm not one to complain, but I honestly didn't really want to do chemistry. Living up to lofty expectations that you don't really want to is never fun. I like chemistry, but it's not something I can do for the rest of my life. I used to listen to Wu-Tang while studying my behind off through Organic Chem.
"No question, I would flow off, and try and get the dough off..."
So while that classic Raekwon line from "C.R.E.A.M." helped me walk across the stage, it wasn't what I wanted to be doing. Since I was a kid, I've wanted to do three things. First, I wanted to be a lawyer. Second, a rapper. But third and probably the most focused of my three goals, was to be a reporter. A journalist. If I couldn't tell stories in rhyme, I would tell stories in lines. Even got pretty good at it. High school pretty much centered around journalism. My choices of colleges centered around journalism. I got side tracked by the lust of money and lucrative bids by my father's friends, urging me to go into chemistry so I could be "Little Femi," a younger version of my pops.
While I don't mind following Dad's footsteps, he's set the bar way too high for where I'm even trying to go. Doctrates in chemistry and physics....how the hell am I even to TOP that? Nor, why would I even WANT to? I like science, but that's cruel and unusal punishment. I guess living in a third world country will help build that kind of mental stamnia and desire to achieve. I do not have enough for that.
So fast forward to today. My lane is wherever I want to be. And while it is a lot of work, I'm pretty happy. If you don't grind, you don't shine. If you don't work, you don't eat. I like to do both. I like to achieve and be fed. As everyone does, naturally. But more specifically, I want to shine doing something I love. While at work, all I could think of is writing, music and stories. Inspiration can come inside emmense boredom. Since I've been in full supply of boredom, I'm excited about the prospects of this new semester.
Circle of Life is sort of a dumb theory until it slaps you right across your head. For one of my journalism classes, I have a professor that is a huge blast from the past. My Mass Media Writing professor used to be the advisor of my high school rival's newspaper, and the mother of a pretty good friend of mine. She also used to run the journalism camp I attended while in high school. It's pretty weird having her as a professor, but in a good way. Reason being, I want to do really well, just let her know that I've grown as a writer. And I have. I mean, my work junior and senior year of high school was mostly to impress her and the staff she worked with, so I could gain respect for myself, especially coming from an advanced paper as my high school paper and our rival papers are.
I treat my loves in my life the same. It always goes back to music for me. There's nothing in this world better than a fresh, newly made instrumental. Beats, rhymes, life is not just a Tribe Called Quest album title, but a way of life for those of us who live hip hop. I'm always going to love hip hop, and I think journalism has that spot in my heart, too. I just gotta communicate, ever since the doctor who birthed me told my mom I was a talker. I always have been, and writing is talking, just with paper. I've spent forever with a journal/rhyme book.
So when we were given the assignment to have a blog....a blogspot blog, I was geeked. I'm already a step x 1000 ahead, because your boy has been getting it in with the Brainiac Society and the WordToEm website. I got a blog and a site. I don't know if I will be able to use this one as a school blog, nor do I think I want to. My classmates might get a chance to read it, and I'm excited about that, but it might cause a change in tone of writing. Tone of writing is important. It is the difference between dropping knowledge and talking down to the readership, and that's a thin line. Do I think I'm going to have to patronize a few of my new classmates? Time will tell. The inherent problem with the class assignment is that it will possibly expose me as a pompus jerk who looks down on people who don't write at my level. That's why it's called the Brainiac Society. I believe I know everything until proven otherwise. My brief time in Chicago allowed me to meet Jay Mariotti, from ESPN's Around The Horn. I was speaking to him in passing and he gave me some advice for an up and coming sports writer/columnist. He told me to be a truly good journalist is to know you know everything and my job is to prove it through my words, but if I don't believe myself, my readers won't either. That might be the second best advice I ever got in journalism. First was not to close until you save TWO copies.
So if this blog becomes Central mediated, I don't think I'm going to slight them. I think I'm going to keep going hard in between the lines, because it is my job. I'm serious with this.
"No question, I would flow off, and try and get the dough off..."
So while that classic Raekwon line from "C.R.E.A.M." helped me walk across the stage, it wasn't what I wanted to be doing. Since I was a kid, I've wanted to do three things. First, I wanted to be a lawyer. Second, a rapper. But third and probably the most focused of my three goals, was to be a reporter. A journalist. If I couldn't tell stories in rhyme, I would tell stories in lines. Even got pretty good at it. High school pretty much centered around journalism. My choices of colleges centered around journalism. I got side tracked by the lust of money and lucrative bids by my father's friends, urging me to go into chemistry so I could be "Little Femi," a younger version of my pops.
While I don't mind following Dad's footsteps, he's set the bar way too high for where I'm even trying to go. Doctrates in chemistry and physics....how the hell am I even to TOP that? Nor, why would I even WANT to? I like science, but that's cruel and unusal punishment. I guess living in a third world country will help build that kind of mental stamnia and desire to achieve. I do not have enough for that.
So fast forward to today. My lane is wherever I want to be. And while it is a lot of work, I'm pretty happy. If you don't grind, you don't shine. If you don't work, you don't eat. I like to do both. I like to achieve and be fed. As everyone does, naturally. But more specifically, I want to shine doing something I love. While at work, all I could think of is writing, music and stories. Inspiration can come inside emmense boredom. Since I've been in full supply of boredom, I'm excited about the prospects of this new semester.
Circle of Life is sort of a dumb theory until it slaps you right across your head. For one of my journalism classes, I have a professor that is a huge blast from the past. My Mass Media Writing professor used to be the advisor of my high school rival's newspaper, and the mother of a pretty good friend of mine. She also used to run the journalism camp I attended while in high school. It's pretty weird having her as a professor, but in a good way. Reason being, I want to do really well, just let her know that I've grown as a writer. And I have. I mean, my work junior and senior year of high school was mostly to impress her and the staff she worked with, so I could gain respect for myself, especially coming from an advanced paper as my high school paper and our rival papers are.
I treat my loves in my life the same. It always goes back to music for me. There's nothing in this world better than a fresh, newly made instrumental. Beats, rhymes, life is not just a Tribe Called Quest album title, but a way of life for those of us who live hip hop. I'm always going to love hip hop, and I think journalism has that spot in my heart, too. I just gotta communicate, ever since the doctor who birthed me told my mom I was a talker. I always have been, and writing is talking, just with paper. I've spent forever with a journal/rhyme book.
So when we were given the assignment to have a blog....a blogspot blog, I was geeked. I'm already a step x 1000 ahead, because your boy has been getting it in with the Brainiac Society and the WordToEm website. I got a blog and a site. I don't know if I will be able to use this one as a school blog, nor do I think I want to. My classmates might get a chance to read it, and I'm excited about that, but it might cause a change in tone of writing. Tone of writing is important. It is the difference between dropping knowledge and talking down to the readership, and that's a thin line. Do I think I'm going to have to patronize a few of my new classmates? Time will tell. The inherent problem with the class assignment is that it will possibly expose me as a pompus jerk who looks down on people who don't write at my level. That's why it's called the Brainiac Society. I believe I know everything until proven otherwise. My brief time in Chicago allowed me to meet Jay Mariotti, from ESPN's Around The Horn. I was speaking to him in passing and he gave me some advice for an up and coming sports writer/columnist. He told me to be a truly good journalist is to know you know everything and my job is to prove it through my words, but if I don't believe myself, my readers won't either. That might be the second best advice I ever got in journalism. First was not to close until you save TWO copies.
So if this blog becomes Central mediated, I don't think I'm going to slight them. I think I'm going to keep going hard in between the lines, because it is my job. I'm serious with this.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Running Two Blogs is tough...
You see the title, I don't really have anything deep to drop on here. Between my website, entering school again, coaching, and all the other things I have to do, I haven't had too much time to devote to properly research things before I talk about them. I wish other people would take that hint. But they don't. Case in point, of the news I have been watching, Obama is getting his behind whopped over this health care thing. Listen, this isn't hard, he's trying to have a government-set public health OPTION. I can keep my Blue Cross Aetna, which is some good insurance to have right about now. In my view, it is setting up COMPETITION for these insurance companies and health care providers. I'm pretty miffed about how people in this country have perverted this message, just to get their way. There's no plan for an old people hit squad, or any of these outlandish claims that are being made. It's ridiculous. Some people need to get a life.
But that's just my take on it, folks. You disagree, cool. More power to you, but stop with the Fox News type propaganda BS, because it's not a good look. Let's be straight people. This is a simple logical equation. And it helps people. Those uninsured people could have been treated at, I know, a public cost. But they aren't getting treatment because they can't afford PREVENTATIVE health care, so when they come in with half a million dollar health problems, the public will STILL pay for it. And we'll pay much more for it later. Catch the small stuff for a small cost, or keep things the same and pay for other's extreme bills later. Which way do you want it? I swear, real talk should be currency nowadays, because it seems like people are stuck on stupid. Change can't come until people work together.
That's it for this time. There's my "We are the world" speech for the day! Take it easy, people! Peace!!!
But that's just my take on it, folks. You disagree, cool. More power to you, but stop with the Fox News type propaganda BS, because it's not a good look. Let's be straight people. This is a simple logical equation. And it helps people. Those uninsured people could have been treated at, I know, a public cost. But they aren't getting treatment because they can't afford PREVENTATIVE health care, so when they come in with half a million dollar health problems, the public will STILL pay for it. And we'll pay much more for it later. Catch the small stuff for a small cost, or keep things the same and pay for other's extreme bills later. Which way do you want it? I swear, real talk should be currency nowadays, because it seems like people are stuck on stupid. Change can't come until people work together.
That's it for this time. There's my "We are the world" speech for the day! Take it easy, people! Peace!!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Been Too Long...
It certainly has. I've been busy trying to get my website going. It is going pretty damn good, I must say. I'm happy with the new layout, despite the crash that caused us to lose a lot of our posts. We've gone from Blog status to a legitimate website. All things point to Wordtoem.com being a movement that will not die out. We got a good, dedicated staff, and more to come. It's building my dream and our vision from the ground up and it feels good. Shout out to Stig, my cousin is supreme. We are holding it down for hip hop and all things involved. It's grind season, and hopefully, we can mark our niche here in these interwebs.
A little professional info, school is finally paid for again, and this time, through more of my own ingenuity. I feel good about where I am and where I'm going to again, and it's been a while since I could say that. I've had more than my share of bad breaks in the last three years, and while it could have been worse, the struggle is the struggle, and my own self-destructive habits had an impact on where I have been going. It took soul searching, but I have done a good job eliminating the fake and evil from where it doesn't belong. I never knew how important your inner circle is until the last three years. Your inner circle is those who care about you the most and want you to succeed. It is beyond friendship. You can't really grow out of your inner circle. You can grow ahead, but not out. So I'm going to give props to mine. My girls Lauren, Alex, and Bridget have held me down in ways I can even explain, so shouts out to them. While we don't talk and see each other as much as we like, I know I got them and they got me. To my boys, they already know who they are. The fam. That's my offensive line, they block off the nonsense. Some are successful, some not so much, but all still important. Big up to all of you who have assisted me in this.
Normally, I don't take up blog space to do all this mushy stuff, but sometimes, you got to give credit to your inner circle of people who are in the game with you.
To those hating, outright and undercover, keep doing your job, too. Because while you should not judge your success on the amount of people who hold ill feelings towards you, some people don't like people doing better than them. Thankfully, I've never had that problem.
So to all of you out there, I hope that wherever you are, you're winning at whatever you're doing. I mean, for real, check the site. Wordtoem.com. TELL me I'm not winning. More to come from your favorite know-it-all. Peace!!
A little professional info, school is finally paid for again, and this time, through more of my own ingenuity. I feel good about where I am and where I'm going to again, and it's been a while since I could say that. I've had more than my share of bad breaks in the last three years, and while it could have been worse, the struggle is the struggle, and my own self-destructive habits had an impact on where I have been going. It took soul searching, but I have done a good job eliminating the fake and evil from where it doesn't belong. I never knew how important your inner circle is until the last three years. Your inner circle is those who care about you the most and want you to succeed. It is beyond friendship. You can't really grow out of your inner circle. You can grow ahead, but not out. So I'm going to give props to mine. My girls Lauren, Alex, and Bridget have held me down in ways I can even explain, so shouts out to them. While we don't talk and see each other as much as we like, I know I got them and they got me. To my boys, they already know who they are. The fam. That's my offensive line, they block off the nonsense. Some are successful, some not so much, but all still important. Big up to all of you who have assisted me in this.
Normally, I don't take up blog space to do all this mushy stuff, but sometimes, you got to give credit to your inner circle of people who are in the game with you.
To those hating, outright and undercover, keep doing your job, too. Because while you should not judge your success on the amount of people who hold ill feelings towards you, some people don't like people doing better than them. Thankfully, I've never had that problem.
So to all of you out there, I hope that wherever you are, you're winning at whatever you're doing. I mean, for real, check the site. Wordtoem.com. TELL me I'm not winning. More to come from your favorite know-it-all. Peace!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Back From Vacay! A Few Updates
It has been a minute since I've been on here! Busy summer with lots of traveling, weddings, concerts, so on and so forth. Congradulations to my cousin Akinjide Olatunji for his recent marriage. The wedding was cool, I got to meet new family members, and best of all, we were in Miami! And Miami, for the record, is awesome. And expensive. Welcome to the family Jene Moy-Olatunji!!
A few updates for everyone.
Update 1. This site is no longer hip hop oriented. It is now about to cover much more variety, because, simply put, I am not just hip hop. I love sports, news, politics [well, not quite love. More across the lines of politics just being important to know].
Update 2. The reason why this is no longer a hip hop dominated blog is because I found a site that gets it in, and I WRITE FOR THEM!!!
www.wordtoem.com
Please go there. It already has some of my blogs posted, so you should check out the content! Got mixtapes, hot reviews, live concert footage. It's really quite nice.
Update 3. I'm continuing to build my business, and we have a name and function, plus our first potential customer! More details coming!!
Missed you guys while I was gone! Send money so I can get a new laptop and we can have more Brainiac Society meetings! Till the next drop, remember, Brainiac's in the house, and that's word to em! Dueces!
A few updates for everyone.
Update 1. This site is no longer hip hop oriented. It is now about to cover much more variety, because, simply put, I am not just hip hop. I love sports, news, politics [well, not quite love. More across the lines of politics just being important to know].
Update 2. The reason why this is no longer a hip hop dominated blog is because I found a site that gets it in, and I WRITE FOR THEM!!!
www.wordtoem.com
Please go there. It already has some of my blogs posted, so you should check out the content! Got mixtapes, hot reviews, live concert footage. It's really quite nice.
Update 3. I'm continuing to build my business, and we have a name and function, plus our first potential customer! More details coming!!
Missed you guys while I was gone! Send money so I can get a new laptop and we can have more Brainiac Society meetings! Till the next drop, remember, Brainiac's in the house, and that's word to em! Dueces!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Big Macs and 8-Tracks - Cheesy Beef Edition
It's been a minute, Brainiacs. Just running through to make my post and then I'm out for a workout session.
So I'm pretty sure this beef thing has gotten completely out of control. There's only really one legitmite beef I'm hearing about now-a-days, and it concerns Joe Budden's comments at Method Man being an inferior rapper to him. No comments on that one yet, but I imagine that one will actually be good. Method Man getting up and hungry to silence Budden [I hope], or Joey proving his comments right. That would be awesome on wax....
Want to know what's not awesome? I hate cheese, literally and figuratively. Mariah Carey recording a diss track? And Gucci Mane is on the remix? I thought the Charles Hamilton/Soulja Boy thing was silly. But apparently, this one is directed at a certain white rapper who keeps mentioning her name. I have to laugh out loud on this one, what's funnier? Mariah Carey doing a diss track, or Mariah Carey being the best option between her and Mr. Carey [Nick Cannon] to do a diss track at Eminem? People, I can't even make this up.
Here's the Mariah track, give it a listen. Tell me what you think. I think it's aiiight, it will do its' numbers because it's Mariah. It caused me to chuckle. Hopefully, beef doesn't become the popular thing in all genres. I don't think I can stand for anymore made up, manufactured, or false beefs for the sake of record sales.
Mariah Carey- Obsessed. >>> http://usershare.net/tov9uayqs0cf
And because I don't want to just leave you without some audible treats to break your necks to, here's a mixtape from Marco Polo, a Canadian producer who's got fire. You probably heard Port Authority and if you didn't, check out his work. He's the producer half of Double Barrel, and he really puts a new spin on boom bap rap. Don't believe me? Well, free music time, and decide if I'm lying or not. This is a blend tape, check it out.
Go here for hotness. >>> http://bit.ly/1nitV
So I'm pretty sure this beef thing has gotten completely out of control. There's only really one legitmite beef I'm hearing about now-a-days, and it concerns Joe Budden's comments at Method Man being an inferior rapper to him. No comments on that one yet, but I imagine that one will actually be good. Method Man getting up and hungry to silence Budden [I hope], or Joey proving his comments right. That would be awesome on wax....
Want to know what's not awesome? I hate cheese, literally and figuratively. Mariah Carey recording a diss track? And Gucci Mane is on the remix? I thought the Charles Hamilton/Soulja Boy thing was silly. But apparently, this one is directed at a certain white rapper who keeps mentioning her name. I have to laugh out loud on this one, what's funnier? Mariah Carey doing a diss track, or Mariah Carey being the best option between her and Mr. Carey [Nick Cannon] to do a diss track at Eminem? People, I can't even make this up.
Here's the Mariah track, give it a listen. Tell me what you think. I think it's aiiight, it will do its' numbers because it's Mariah. It caused me to chuckle. Hopefully, beef doesn't become the popular thing in all genres. I don't think I can stand for anymore made up, manufactured, or false beefs for the sake of record sales.
Mariah Carey- Obsessed. >>> http://usershare.net/tov9uayqs0cf
And because I don't want to just leave you without some audible treats to break your necks to, here's a mixtape from Marco Polo, a Canadian producer who's got fire. You probably heard Port Authority and if you didn't, check out his work. He's the producer half of Double Barrel, and he really puts a new spin on boom bap rap. Don't believe me? Well, free music time, and decide if I'm lying or not. This is a blend tape, check it out.
Go here for hotness. >>> http://bit.ly/1nitV
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
End Of Existance - Sonic Edition
Before I started contemplating what I am actually going to write for this section, I started flipping/searching/scanning the news to see what I had missed for the day. Palin's in New York and Republicans are wondering whether she is going to snub the party or fall in line to position for a presidential run in 2012 [God, let's hope not]. New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin and staff are quarantined in China due to the swine flu scare. LeBron is long gone but we are still talking about him not shaking hands. Nigeria's oil supply is being ravaged by militants and/or the government [who the hell actually knows who the good guys are in that...]. But I want to talk about something a little more important. First, some short reading...
http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=48665
Don't really feel like reading the whole thing? Okay. I'll make it even easier. Underground rapper Charles Hamilton claimed to have his upcoming album executive produced by James Yancey. And I'll leave this to you to go through. One more thing to read....
http://www.rappersiknow.com/2009/06/08/sigh/
It's not just that he lied about it, it's the fact of two things. The J Dilla Foundation for which he claims to be giving proceeds to is no longer active. The second thing is that he tries to bring the lie full circle by claiming that making J Dilla the executive producer is in turn giving the proceeds to the family and foundation. Other than being the dumbest thing I ever heard of, I tried this rationale. Sonic aka Charles Hamilton puts Dilla as the executive producer to build press and sell records he most likely would not have sold alone on his merit.
The funny part about this is, my brother and I had a discussion about Charles Hamilton this weekend, where I explained to him that because of the mass quantities of mixtapes he keeps dropping, I've heard a lot of wackness come from him in a short time, and with all these little publicity stunts; beefs with Rhymefest and DJ Vlad; his girl giving him a two piece combo to the jaw, so on and so forth, I've decided to stop checking for Charles. Now he's gone and tried to tarnish Dilla's good name on false pretenses. Everyone from Detroit is officially not messing with this kid, and neither am I.
After this incident, I'm giving Charles Hamilton the full burn. I'm deleting all of his mixtapes and any singles I might have of his. I can't support an artist who would do something this wrong. Most of the Detroit emcees, all Dilla family, have pretty much separated themselves with any kind of dealing with this guy. I am not here to tell you what to do, but as for me, Sonic just ran his mouth into the deleted and never to be seen or heard again column.
http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=48665
Don't really feel like reading the whole thing? Okay. I'll make it even easier. Underground rapper Charles Hamilton claimed to have his upcoming album executive produced by James Yancey. And I'll leave this to you to go through. One more thing to read....
http://www.rappersiknow.com/2009/06/08/sigh/
It's not just that he lied about it, it's the fact of two things. The J Dilla Foundation for which he claims to be giving proceeds to is no longer active. The second thing is that he tries to bring the lie full circle by claiming that making J Dilla the executive producer is in turn giving the proceeds to the family and foundation. Other than being the dumbest thing I ever heard of, I tried this rationale. Sonic aka Charles Hamilton puts Dilla as the executive producer to build press and sell records he most likely would not have sold alone on his merit.
The funny part about this is, my brother and I had a discussion about Charles Hamilton this weekend, where I explained to him that because of the mass quantities of mixtapes he keeps dropping, I've heard a lot of wackness come from him in a short time, and with all these little publicity stunts; beefs with Rhymefest and DJ Vlad; his girl giving him a two piece combo to the jaw, so on and so forth, I've decided to stop checking for Charles. Now he's gone and tried to tarnish Dilla's good name on false pretenses. Everyone from Detroit is officially not messing with this kid, and neither am I.
After this incident, I'm giving Charles Hamilton the full burn. I'm deleting all of his mixtapes and any singles I might have of his. I can't support an artist who would do something this wrong. Most of the Detroit emcees, all Dilla family, have pretty much separated themselves with any kind of dealing with this guy. I am not here to tell you what to do, but as for me, Sonic just ran his mouth into the deleted and never to be seen or heard again column.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sensational Media! Part Uno
What's happening all out there in the world! The Dean of the Brainiac Society (ie. ME) has decided that it was time to bring that wonderful argument that I LOVE having back to the forefront.
First of all, my disclaimer. I'm not a blogger. I'm a free lance journalist who blogs. I mostly blog about the things I don't get paid to cover, namely anything hip hop when I'm working in any city north of Detroit. My degree is in journalism and if you've seen any of my Facebook posts, you will know I'm a staunch defender of my craft. With that said, today's biggest issue is what is media content and what is sensationalized nonsense and how you can tell the difference.
Lots of people will use this trigger word; liberal media. Anytime someone hears something on the news that they don't like, they attribute it to a "liberal" media. That phrase has rolled off the tongue with much disdain that whenever you hear it, it's commonly pitched in the tone reserved for words like rapist and pedophile. I'm going to address this later, but to prime the pump, I'm going to drop this video on you. Nah Mean and John Public have joined together to do an expose on sensationalized media. Watch it, because it will be on a test later...
Besides being informative, this girl right here, quite the looker. And she's smart. Video features underground emcee Donny Goines and producer Illmind.
First of all, my disclaimer. I'm not a blogger. I'm a free lance journalist who blogs. I mostly blog about the things I don't get paid to cover, namely anything hip hop when I'm working in any city north of Detroit. My degree is in journalism and if you've seen any of my Facebook posts, you will know I'm a staunch defender of my craft. With that said, today's biggest issue is what is media content and what is sensationalized nonsense and how you can tell the difference.
Lots of people will use this trigger word; liberal media. Anytime someone hears something on the news that they don't like, they attribute it to a "liberal" media. That phrase has rolled off the tongue with much disdain that whenever you hear it, it's commonly pitched in the tone reserved for words like rapist and pedophile. I'm going to address this later, but to prime the pump, I'm going to drop this video on you. Nah Mean and John Public have joined together to do an expose on sensationalized media. Watch it, because it will be on a test later...
Besides being informative, this girl right here, quite the looker. And she's smart. Video features underground emcee Donny Goines and producer Illmind.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Weekend Recap - Memorial Day Edition
What's happening, folks? First order of business is to wish all my warriors [US Military] as much respect as possible for going to foreign lands to protect our interests, at home and abroad. I got a whole bunch of enlisted brethren that's strapped up, holding us down and keeping America free. Like anyone else, I have my own opinions on whether the wars we have participated in are just or not, but that has nothing to do with this. We support the home team at all times, even if we don't agree with why they're on the field. So special prayers go out to those out there still in field, or in the office, thanks you for all you do. Because, like Chris Rock said, "I ain't fightin!"
I haven't been on and posting lately because things are happening, vacations are being taken, so on and so forth. Even though I can't qualify a hockey game as a vacation, it got me away from home for a reason besides work, so that's a positive. My Red Wings are doing massive work to a Chicago squad that can't quite keep up. The Tigers are looking good, railing off wins at a pretty surprising rate. And while my Pistons are on the links, Chauncey is still handling business for the Nuggets. Throw in the end of the Premier League and most pro soccer leagues, and here we are. The beginning of summer. Summer always brings changes, good or bad, and this year's change, besides me actually keeping up a workout regime, is my music player of choice. Since I'm not about to drop stupid cash to get an iPod touch, nor an iPod phone, my brother from another TJ hooked me up with a Zune on the cheap. $100 dollars for the best music player I've ever had. One that plays videos. One that shows sweet photos. One that has internet access. And my favorite, the one that DOESN'T need CRAPPY iTunes software.
I'm not going to go into the problems because it is 3am and I won't be able to finish telling you all I hate about iTunes and the problems it gave me before I pass out from exhaustion in front of my television.
What I DO have time for is this. To hit you with some ill music for you to put in your earholes. So what's in the deck? It's summertime, baby. I'm listening to the throwback joint of forever, Summertime by the Fresh Prince aka Will Smith. In fact, it IS summer. Aren't we missing a Will Smith blockbuster?
But on to the music. Remember the video I posted? The first one, the one with LB? I'll give you a hint.
"Just like you can't stop me from rhymin, you can't stop the sun from shinnin...."
It's a bonus on this mixtape I'm hittin ya'll with! Nick Fury, or now, just Nickelus F is hittin us with GO Time!, his new mixtape, and since he's got some real spit when it comes to the rhymes, here's my weekend recommendation. Follow the link to hip hop goodness.
I haven't been on and posting lately because things are happening, vacations are being taken, so on and so forth. Even though I can't qualify a hockey game as a vacation, it got me away from home for a reason besides work, so that's a positive. My Red Wings are doing massive work to a Chicago squad that can't quite keep up. The Tigers are looking good, railing off wins at a pretty surprising rate. And while my Pistons are on the links, Chauncey is still handling business for the Nuggets. Throw in the end of the Premier League and most pro soccer leagues, and here we are. The beginning of summer. Summer always brings changes, good or bad, and this year's change, besides me actually keeping up a workout regime, is my music player of choice. Since I'm not about to drop stupid cash to get an iPod touch, nor an iPod phone, my brother from another TJ hooked me up with a Zune on the cheap. $100 dollars for the best music player I've ever had. One that plays videos. One that shows sweet photos. One that has internet access. And my favorite, the one that DOESN'T need CRAPPY iTunes software.
I'm not going to go into the problems because it is 3am and I won't be able to finish telling you all I hate about iTunes and the problems it gave me before I pass out from exhaustion in front of my television.
What I DO have time for is this. To hit you with some ill music for you to put in your earholes. So what's in the deck? It's summertime, baby. I'm listening to the throwback joint of forever, Summertime by the Fresh Prince aka Will Smith. In fact, it IS summer. Aren't we missing a Will Smith blockbuster?
But on to the music. Remember the video I posted? The first one, the one with LB? I'll give you a hint.
"Just like you can't stop me from rhymin, you can't stop the sun from shinnin...."
It's a bonus on this mixtape I'm hittin ya'll with! Nick Fury, or now, just Nickelus F is hittin us with GO Time!, his new mixtape, and since he's got some real spit when it comes to the rhymes, here's my weekend recommendation. Follow the link to hip hop goodness.
No need to thank me. Just your friendly neighborhood hip hop loving super-hero, hookin ya'll up with heat....again.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hip Hop's Money Problem
I know what the title infers. Hip hop's got a cash problem, but it is not what you think, I promise. This is not about the countless rappers talking expensive watches, cars, planes and exploits with famous women. I could write a book on all the psychological effects and syndromes associated with hip hop infatuation with paper. Nor is this a referendum on the economy or the state of the music industry in the information age.
No folks, this problem is not about the chase of money, but the problem that arises once that rapped-about speculation becomes accumulation. Hip hop has a long standing relationship with rappers detailing riches they don't have. What has happened to our favorite artists once they finally get what they were rapping about? What happens to the hungry for a deal rappers who have honed their skills with the help of top Ramen and the urge for success? Many of these former greats are still putting out music, but the product is significant lessor than when we first heard their work. When one reaches their goal or at least reaches financial security, the music, at least its' quality, comes into question. Is it actually possible for Dr. Dre's soon-to-be [or never] released Detox to reach anywhere near the impact of The Chronic album? Can Method Man recapture the hunger and grim that he displayed on Tical, or are we forever left with 4:21?
While some attribute the fall of these rappers to just becoming wack, I have a different theory. Artists taken before our time never got the chance to "fall off." The Notorious BIG never had a chance to come out with a sorry, pop influenced album. I think we can all agree that Snoop Dogg's "Doggstyle" album is one of the most influential hip hop album ever. The same can not be said about his most recent effort "Ego Trippin'". I don't really want to add Tupac in this discussion because I personally disliked EVERYTHING Suge did to his discography. His hungry was never in question, and you have to be around for your downfall.
The difference can be seen in conversations with hip hop fans, especially when dealing with Jay-Z. Shawn Carter is the posterboy for this theory. A genius level lyricist and mainstay on most hip hop top five ever lists, among most of people's best rappers, there are common arguments on what his best album is. To most hip hop historians and heads, Jay-Z's best work was his first, Reasonable Doubt. While this album didn't sell close to some of his more recent releases, this is his best work. Jay-Z in his most raw form, the concepts and lyrics have been stolen and plagiarized by many a rap artist. Even his creation style has been copied. Every new rapper out claims they don't write their lyrics down.*
*On a completely different tangent, most of these rappers who claim they don't write their rhymes, in fact, need to. Maybe THAT'S why there are so many sucka emcees. And these sucka niggas. I digress.
More than a few regard The Blueprint as Jay-Z's best work. I disagree. I believe it is his second best. In fact, I mold Jay-Z in the mold of rap's Michael Jordan. His career has almost mirrored his Airness', down to the constant retirement talk to the grandeur of each comeback.
Skip to recent events, and Jay-Z, once the most respected emcee in the game has become young rappers object of disrespect. In a battle with Jay, Joe Budden was quoted comparing Jay to Jordan, alluding to the fact that most fans nowadays only remember Jordan from that famous crossover by Allen Iverson. Different and obviously lessor opponents are challenging the thrown. Everyone is trying to hand the King of Hip Hop thrown to undeserving rappers. Nowadays, it's wack to like Jay-Z and what was once taboo now seems to be on everyone's tongue, that Jay-Z is washed up.
To that, I say yes and no. Thus, the theory.
"Success breeds complacency."
Hip hop is an art form that is most cultivated in hunger. Literally and figuratively. All these greats of all time came from extremely humble beginnings, where the lack of anything feeds the aspiration for everything. Wu-Era Method Man was a BEAST on the microphone. The grime of the Wu was the lighting rod for their popularity. The poverty of his position kept the hunger for more sharp. Currently, Method Man has aged and achieved enough success that the hungry, grimy Tical is most likely dead and gone. The same is 100 fold for a rapper of Jay-Z's stature. The success of Rocawear, top positions at companies like Def Jam and LiveNation, even the marriage of mega-star Beyonce has dulled the microphone fiend in Jay-Z. While every rapper claims to have too much money to address up and coming challengers to the thrown, Jay-Z is the only one telling the truth. Carter explained his own transformation best;
"I'm not a businessman, I'm a BUSINESS, man."
The writing on the wall has come for other popular rappers as well. Eminem, who is recent released his Relapse album, is up next. With his long lay off, many hip hoppers are looking to see if the King of Scream is back to his old exploits or if he's just the next in line to make money and fall off. A common sentiment shared by many people I have talked to have said things to me that I put in line with blasphemy. Such as things like, "Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive," or "Rick Ross is the next step up from the Notorious B.I.G." That last one makes me want to punch people. I usually attribute that to people being stupid. Don't get me wrong, I respect the hell out of Wayne. As someone who loves Southern rap, I've been rocking Wayne from "The Block Is Hot," but this is out of the question that he's even close to the best rapper alive. The only thing I'm willing to give Wayne is that he wins the Most Improved Rapper in Hip hop award. His skills have only gotten better [minus points for all the damn autotune]. But to me, he's not even the best rapper in the South [I give Ludacris, Bun B, Andre 3000, Scarface and TI the nod first].
The problem is, no one has come to claim the torch. The older heads give respect to the guys that are out, but even in muted conversations, common comments are that these current players in the game don't compare. One thing that was noticeable before is that there has always been a baton hand off between the eras. The Whodini's gave way to the Run DMC's, who gave way to the Rakim's, who gave way to the Wu Tang's and Biggie Smalls'. Death naturally handed the ball off to Snoop, Jay-Z, and Nas. However, there was always someone to pass the torch to. However, Snoop, Jay and Nas do not have competent replacements yet. Options like the Game, 50, Wayne and Jeezy are leaving a lot to be desired as the next crown holders. I prefer T.I. and Ludacris, but are they even acceptable King Emcee candidates. To illustrate this point further, Diddy said that Wayne reminded him of Biggie. Really? If this is what we are accepting, I'm not gonna be said that my music still falls off a truck, because I am not buying this. And therein lies the problem.
No acceptable alternatives forces these older generation emcees to keep on pushing. I don't blame them. Even while I am coming to terms that Reasonable Doubt 2 will never happen or sadly disappoint, I still want to see it. While Jay-Z on American Gangster wasn't wack, it wasn't up to the standard I had hoped. Method Man, Snoop, Eminem, Nas all have this burden. Great rappers who are still rapping but will never reach the height of their old works. Even while I disliked Method Man's 4:21, it was still among the most hot titles released at the time. Same with American Gangster, Nas' Hip Hop Is Dead, Snoop's Ego Trippin, etc.
There's not a doubt in my mind that there are available emcees to take the thrown. Rappers like Skyzoo, the Slaughterhouse collective, Termanology, Torae just to name a few. The problem is, most of you have probably never heard of them, and they are not the pop song, dance track type. Unfortunately, the mainstream hip hop that used to be classic has become plastic. Hip hop heads are now going elsewhere for real music because the Soulja Boy/Plies/Gucci Mane archetypes aren't cutting it.
So as long as garbage is mass manufactured to hip hop, I hope the Jay-Z's and Nas', the Eminem's and the Method Man's continue dropping albums. Because while they don't meet our sometimes lofty standards, I'll take a half ass Jay-Z cut over whatever new fake trap rapper they try to force feed us.
No folks, this problem is not about the chase of money, but the problem that arises once that rapped-about speculation becomes accumulation. Hip hop has a long standing relationship with rappers detailing riches they don't have. What has happened to our favorite artists once they finally get what they were rapping about? What happens to the hungry for a deal rappers who have honed their skills with the help of top Ramen and the urge for success? Many of these former greats are still putting out music, but the product is significant lessor than when we first heard their work. When one reaches their goal or at least reaches financial security, the music, at least its' quality, comes into question. Is it actually possible for Dr. Dre's soon-to-be [or never] released Detox to reach anywhere near the impact of The Chronic album? Can Method Man recapture the hunger and grim that he displayed on Tical, or are we forever left with 4:21?
While some attribute the fall of these rappers to just becoming wack, I have a different theory. Artists taken before our time never got the chance to "fall off." The Notorious BIG never had a chance to come out with a sorry, pop influenced album. I think we can all agree that Snoop Dogg's "Doggstyle" album is one of the most influential hip hop album ever. The same can not be said about his most recent effort "Ego Trippin'". I don't really want to add Tupac in this discussion because I personally disliked EVERYTHING Suge did to his discography. His hungry was never in question, and you have to be around for your downfall.
The difference can be seen in conversations with hip hop fans, especially when dealing with Jay-Z. Shawn Carter is the posterboy for this theory. A genius level lyricist and mainstay on most hip hop top five ever lists, among most of people's best rappers, there are common arguments on what his best album is. To most hip hop historians and heads, Jay-Z's best work was his first, Reasonable Doubt. While this album didn't sell close to some of his more recent releases, this is his best work. Jay-Z in his most raw form, the concepts and lyrics have been stolen and plagiarized by many a rap artist. Even his creation style has been copied. Every new rapper out claims they don't write their lyrics down.*
*On a completely different tangent, most of these rappers who claim they don't write their rhymes, in fact, need to. Maybe THAT'S why there are so many sucka emcees. And these sucka niggas. I digress.
More than a few regard The Blueprint as Jay-Z's best work. I disagree. I believe it is his second best. In fact, I mold Jay-Z in the mold of rap's Michael Jordan. His career has almost mirrored his Airness', down to the constant retirement talk to the grandeur of each comeback.
Skip to recent events, and Jay-Z, once the most respected emcee in the game has become young rappers object of disrespect. In a battle with Jay, Joe Budden was quoted comparing Jay to Jordan, alluding to the fact that most fans nowadays only remember Jordan from that famous crossover by Allen Iverson. Different and obviously lessor opponents are challenging the thrown. Everyone is trying to hand the King of Hip Hop thrown to undeserving rappers. Nowadays, it's wack to like Jay-Z and what was once taboo now seems to be on everyone's tongue, that Jay-Z is washed up.
To that, I say yes and no. Thus, the theory.
"Success breeds complacency."
Hip hop is an art form that is most cultivated in hunger. Literally and figuratively. All these greats of all time came from extremely humble beginnings, where the lack of anything feeds the aspiration for everything. Wu-Era Method Man was a BEAST on the microphone. The grime of the Wu was the lighting rod for their popularity. The poverty of his position kept the hunger for more sharp. Currently, Method Man has aged and achieved enough success that the hungry, grimy Tical is most likely dead and gone. The same is 100 fold for a rapper of Jay-Z's stature. The success of Rocawear, top positions at companies like Def Jam and LiveNation, even the marriage of mega-star Beyonce has dulled the microphone fiend in Jay-Z. While every rapper claims to have too much money to address up and coming challengers to the thrown, Jay-Z is the only one telling the truth. Carter explained his own transformation best;
"I'm not a businessman, I'm a BUSINESS, man."
The writing on the wall has come for other popular rappers as well. Eminem, who is recent released his Relapse album, is up next. With his long lay off, many hip hoppers are looking to see if the King of Scream is back to his old exploits or if he's just the next in line to make money and fall off. A common sentiment shared by many people I have talked to have said things to me that I put in line with blasphemy. Such as things like, "Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive," or "Rick Ross is the next step up from the Notorious B.I.G." That last one makes me want to punch people. I usually attribute that to people being stupid. Don't get me wrong, I respect the hell out of Wayne. As someone who loves Southern rap, I've been rocking Wayne from "The Block Is Hot," but this is out of the question that he's even close to the best rapper alive. The only thing I'm willing to give Wayne is that he wins the Most Improved Rapper in Hip hop award. His skills have only gotten better [minus points for all the damn autotune]. But to me, he's not even the best rapper in the South [I give Ludacris, Bun B, Andre 3000, Scarface and TI the nod first].
The problem is, no one has come to claim the torch. The older heads give respect to the guys that are out, but even in muted conversations, common comments are that these current players in the game don't compare. One thing that was noticeable before is that there has always been a baton hand off between the eras. The Whodini's gave way to the Run DMC's, who gave way to the Rakim's, who gave way to the Wu Tang's and Biggie Smalls'. Death naturally handed the ball off to Snoop, Jay-Z, and Nas. However, there was always someone to pass the torch to. However, Snoop, Jay and Nas do not have competent replacements yet. Options like the Game, 50, Wayne and Jeezy are leaving a lot to be desired as the next crown holders. I prefer T.I. and Ludacris, but are they even acceptable King Emcee candidates. To illustrate this point further, Diddy said that Wayne reminded him of Biggie. Really? If this is what we are accepting, I'm not gonna be said that my music still falls off a truck, because I am not buying this. And therein lies the problem.
No acceptable alternatives forces these older generation emcees to keep on pushing. I don't blame them. Even while I am coming to terms that Reasonable Doubt 2 will never happen or sadly disappoint, I still want to see it. While Jay-Z on American Gangster wasn't wack, it wasn't up to the standard I had hoped. Method Man, Snoop, Eminem, Nas all have this burden. Great rappers who are still rapping but will never reach the height of their old works. Even while I disliked Method Man's 4:21, it was still among the most hot titles released at the time. Same with American Gangster, Nas' Hip Hop Is Dead, Snoop's Ego Trippin, etc.
There's not a doubt in my mind that there are available emcees to take the thrown. Rappers like Skyzoo, the Slaughterhouse collective, Termanology, Torae just to name a few. The problem is, most of you have probably never heard of them, and they are not the pop song, dance track type. Unfortunately, the mainstream hip hop that used to be classic has become plastic. Hip hop heads are now going elsewhere for real music because the Soulja Boy/Plies/Gucci Mane archetypes aren't cutting it.
So as long as garbage is mass manufactured to hip hop, I hope the Jay-Z's and Nas', the Eminem's and the Method Man's continue dropping albums. Because while they don't meet our sometimes lofty standards, I'll take a half ass Jay-Z cut over whatever new fake trap rapper they try to force feed us.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Industry Rule Number 4080...
....Record company people are shaaaaaaaaady! If you know your hip hop like I hope you do, this one is obvious. New school rappers and sucka emcees alike, take note. Listen to old school hip hop. Before it was about the money, it was about knowledge. And it seems like new rappers are learning this lesson the hard way. The knowledge you hip hop third graders missed is what I got in kindergarden [literally]. When A Tribe Called Quest dropped that gem, I was literally a young whipper snapper. And I've remembered it ever since. So when these rappers, I sometimes stop short of calling them all artists, fall short and get played by the machine, it's not at all surprising.
Especially when Sean "Puffy" Combs is involved. I love Diddy. No lie, I appreciate the hits he made and he was the driving force behind Biggie, so I will always give him Phil Jackson status. Along with that goes the "Phil Jackson sideways stare." What is that you ask? That is when you slightly cock your head to the side, like something not-all-the-way straight is going on. Like you smell old fish. Something's just not right, considering the artists that have had success with Diddy and STILL left. Or didn't have any success post-Puffy, and decided to write the book about how Puffy did them. Or testimonials of Industry Rule #4080.
Yung Joc is the latest to succumb to the downfall of #4080. So why am I posting this? Well, because it makes me sort of happy with these cash chasing dudes with no skill don't get what they are chasing when they did the "music" they did. I don't mind dudes getting paid off rap. That is not it at all. What I do mind is dudes putting garbage out and getting paid for it. Maybe I should be mad at the clowns that actually buy that trash, but it's easier to direct the blame at the creator. Just because people will buy fertilizer doesn't mean I support putting shit in a bag and selling it. Pardon my French.
And just so you know, I might continue this series. Listen to Tribe, dumb rappers, so you can get your teaching. And listen to Usher, Mary J., Mase, the LOX, Loon, Shyne, 112, and Faith Evans who all got the hell away from Combs as soon as possible.
Especially when Sean "Puffy" Combs is involved. I love Diddy. No lie, I appreciate the hits he made and he was the driving force behind Biggie, so I will always give him Phil Jackson status. Along with that goes the "Phil Jackson sideways stare." What is that you ask? That is when you slightly cock your head to the side, like something not-all-the-way straight is going on. Like you smell old fish. Something's just not right, considering the artists that have had success with Diddy and STILL left. Or didn't have any success post-Puffy, and decided to write the book about how Puffy did them. Or testimonials of Industry Rule #4080.
Yung Joc is the latest to succumb to the downfall of #4080. So why am I posting this? Well, because it makes me sort of happy with these cash chasing dudes with no skill don't get what they are chasing when they did the "music" they did. I don't mind dudes getting paid off rap. That is not it at all. What I do mind is dudes putting garbage out and getting paid for it. Maybe I should be mad at the clowns that actually buy that trash, but it's easier to direct the blame at the creator. Just because people will buy fertilizer doesn't mean I support putting shit in a bag and selling it. Pardon my French.
And just so you know, I might continue this series. Listen to Tribe, dumb rappers, so you can get your teaching. And listen to Usher, Mary J., Mase, the LOX, Loon, Shyne, 112, and Faith Evans who all got the hell away from Combs as soon as possible.
Lost & Found: War On Drugs
I've never claimed to be one who is all knowing when it comes to politics. I pay attention as much as possible, but it does not consume all the media I use. I love sports and I research them, being that I want to be a sports writer in the worst way. I also want to be an attorney, so I even research law news. There's nothing better than being well rounded. So while I can not claim to be a political insider, I am intelligent enough to know what's going on.
I've also never been one to believe that politicians are out for our best interests. In a country that is supposed to be the most free in the world, we are the most jailed society in the world. For a country that's supposed to lead the world in Democracy, we have seemed to neutralize all the positives of democracy.
It also seems that business in the way we handle our "criminals" takes precedent over societal benefit. One of these ways is the "War on Drugs," made popular in the 80's by the Reagan and Bush [Sr.] administrations. One of the greatest crimes resulting in this policy is the disparity of how crimes are dealing with powder cocaine and crack cocaine are punished. Critics of the law say it unfairly targeted African-American communities, where crack is more prevalent [Wall Street Journal - May 14th, '09].
Prisons are being filled to the brim with more people coming in. Tax dollars that should be going to things that benefit Americans like better schools and bringing businesses into areas to build jobs, are in fact being used by many states to build prisons. It seems that the war on drugs only serves one purpose; to rationalize the building of prisons, plus allows for millions on millions of dollars in capture and prosecution of, in most cases, nonviolent offenders. Money spent on can be used for more important issues. In many cases, it would be cheaper for all parties involved to provide treatment or less jail time for non-violent drug users.
The war on drugs also refuses to address the actual problem. Most of these drugs are not created or grown in the United States, they are mostly imported. Punishment for lesser drugs like marijuana are too strict when marijuana is half way legal right now. The medical marijuana passage allows for marijuana use, so too should the legalization of the drug. It has medical usage, is not thought to be addictive. It's also the most common drug violator's drug of choice. In this recession, the taxation of marijuana could be a HUGE jump in revenue for the central government.
My whole message in this one is simple. The War on Drugs needs to go. It does not work in theory or in reality. It hasn't been working for anyone but the prison industry. And right now, with everyone stretching their money to make it last, the last thing tax payers need is to have to pay the $85 dollar a day fee to house a weekend weed warrior. We just don't have that kind of money, especially in a day when cities across the country are having to close schools.
I do think we have to address the drug situation in America, but the cost of legislating morals is starting to become too great. At least in this area.
I've also never been one to believe that politicians are out for our best interests. In a country that is supposed to be the most free in the world, we are the most jailed society in the world. For a country that's supposed to lead the world in Democracy, we have seemed to neutralize all the positives of democracy.
It also seems that business in the way we handle our "criminals" takes precedent over societal benefit. One of these ways is the "War on Drugs," made popular in the 80's by the Reagan and Bush [Sr.] administrations. One of the greatest crimes resulting in this policy is the disparity of how crimes are dealing with powder cocaine and crack cocaine are punished. Critics of the law say it unfairly targeted African-American communities, where crack is more prevalent [Wall Street Journal - May 14th, '09].
Prisons are being filled to the brim with more people coming in. Tax dollars that should be going to things that benefit Americans like better schools and bringing businesses into areas to build jobs, are in fact being used by many states to build prisons. It seems that the war on drugs only serves one purpose; to rationalize the building of prisons, plus allows for millions on millions of dollars in capture and prosecution of, in most cases, nonviolent offenders. Money spent on can be used for more important issues. In many cases, it would be cheaper for all parties involved to provide treatment or less jail time for non-violent drug users.
The war on drugs also refuses to address the actual problem. Most of these drugs are not created or grown in the United States, they are mostly imported. Punishment for lesser drugs like marijuana are too strict when marijuana is half way legal right now. The medical marijuana passage allows for marijuana use, so too should the legalization of the drug. It has medical usage, is not thought to be addictive. It's also the most common drug violator's drug of choice. In this recession, the taxation of marijuana could be a HUGE jump in revenue for the central government.
My whole message in this one is simple. The War on Drugs needs to go. It does not work in theory or in reality. It hasn't been working for anyone but the prison industry. And right now, with everyone stretching their money to make it last, the last thing tax payers need is to have to pay the $85 dollar a day fee to house a weekend weed warrior. We just don't have that kind of money, especially in a day when cities across the country are having to close schools.
I do think we have to address the drug situation in America, but the cost of legislating morals is starting to become too great. At least in this area.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
What's In The Deck? - Tanya Morgan
I usually don't like to do this because....I don't know why. Want some dope rhymes, dope beats, but no unnecessary and untrue dope dealing claims? Well, step right up. I got you all some audible treats, if you so choose to listen. Tanya Morgan is a group from Brooklyn and Cincinnati, consisting of Von Pea, Ilyas and Donwil. They are real hot and if you like dudes with lyrics for days, this is what you need. Trust me. Dig it.
Friday, May 15, 2009
10 Wackest Rappers
Normally, we like to keep it positive around the Society, but there have been lots of lists that display the best of different items. However, no one really feels like telling the truth when it comes to who is hot and who is not. Common said it best, "if I don't like it, I don't like it, that don't mean that I'm hating." I completely agree with this statement and people think that calling reality out seems to be a hater thing. Not at all. There are emcees in the game that get too much credit and there are some that get no credit whatsoever. Here's the best of the worst.
10. Soulja Boy - One thing that decides a dope emcee from someone who hurts the scene is lyrics. I think he'd be number one on most people's list, but I respect how this KID decided to hustle and get money, and he didn't let lists and loud mouths like me stop him. But while I respect his hustle, his music has added nothing to society. Except added further embarrassment for our culture. Thanks, kid. At least you've admitted you aren't trying.
9. Mike Jones - Quit repeating your name. It makes it harder to forget it. And I'm trying.
8. Juelz Santana - You know, I almost got tricked into liking this dude. But I just could never do it. I never saw it when people were in my ear saying that Juelz will save NY rap. To that I say, no, my friends. Try again.
7. Nelly - He is an interesting question for hip hop. Is he part of us, or is he pop? If he's just pop, I'm taking him off the list. I actually like Nelly, but he's really a head scratcher. Remember when he dissed KRS-One? And they had that sad excuse for a beef? KRS' track was filthy and Nelly....meh. Not so much. He won to everyone who knows nothing, because they accepted the "I have more money than you" retort. I didn't. He didn't win.
6. LL Cool J - I put him on this list because, well, recently, since say...'98, LL's earned this spot. He went from being hard, a hip hop legend to making pop tracks for girls. And Canibus' disses pretty much sealed it for me. There has never been such a fall from grace than LL's. And the worse part about it, he has had moments of glory, such as "Microphone Murder," where old LL comes back to hurt all those dissing. Too bad those moments of brilliance are too uncommon nowadays. LL only disappoints now. That makes me sad.
5. Cam'Ron - While he's had a couple memorable moments for me, he's been wack since the jump, and I think we all know this. Sensing a little pattern here? Not really feeling the whole Dipset thing.
4. Lady Sovereign - Do I have to explain this? No.
3. Plies - Of all these rappers on this list, Plies is the only one I think I truly dispise. First strike, they called this homo-erectus [can't part myself to call him human] the next Tupac. To all those who said that, kill yourself. Please. Wrong. Next, he comes out claiming to be a goon. Really? As a hockey player, a goon is someone who holds no kind of value, just goes and wrecks shop. Well, Plies has no real value. I guess I should be happy that he's a rapper and not what he could be, except for the fact that he's never gotten in trouble for anything besides a shoplifting charge when he was 12. So he's a fake goon that lies in his ever so poorly written raps. The only thing dumber than the terms he makes up for the female anatomy, is the fact that there are women and girls who swear by him. What in God's name is a bust it baby....nevermind. I don't even want to know. I'm going to stop here, but this dude is wackness personified.
2. Rick Ross - Bawse!! Bawse!! Cocaine!! Mungkey!! Bawse!! We all know the story. Floozy baby mother claims rap artist is a fake, square, harmless dude who got a deal and becomes a boss. Story is checked, exposing the fake rapper as a former corrections officer. Dumb people choose sides in a beef with another lyrically challenged artist, reducing the beef from a lyrical exhibition on wax to an internet video driven conflict. Guns are waved at cameras, baby mommas pop up in porno movies, and crews are called out. In this case, a character is created that happens to hold more entertainment value than either rappers. In this case, I think we actually win by having the beef OFF wax, because both artists lack skills in the lyric department.
However, my problem with Ross has nothing to do with his lack of lyrical talent. My two problems are as follows;
1. He gets some of the best beats out right now. Sonically, his last two albums are incredible. Lyrically, terrible. Rick Ross is getting by on getting hot beats, which REALLY makes me mad, because hot beats should be spent on hot rhymes.
2. He won't keep his damn shirt on. I don't want to see breasts that big unless they are attached to a woman.
1. Tony Yayo - Nothing more needs to be said. The king of weed carrier rappers.
Dishonorable Mention - All dance rappers. And Gucci Mane. And Flo-Rida.
I hate wack rappers....
10. Soulja Boy - One thing that decides a dope emcee from someone who hurts the scene is lyrics. I think he'd be number one on most people's list, but I respect how this KID decided to hustle and get money, and he didn't let lists and loud mouths like me stop him. But while I respect his hustle, his music has added nothing to society. Except added further embarrassment for our culture. Thanks, kid. At least you've admitted you aren't trying.
9. Mike Jones - Quit repeating your name. It makes it harder to forget it. And I'm trying.
8. Juelz Santana - You know, I almost got tricked into liking this dude. But I just could never do it. I never saw it when people were in my ear saying that Juelz will save NY rap. To that I say, no, my friends. Try again.
7. Nelly - He is an interesting question for hip hop. Is he part of us, or is he pop? If he's just pop, I'm taking him off the list. I actually like Nelly, but he's really a head scratcher. Remember when he dissed KRS-One? And they had that sad excuse for a beef? KRS' track was filthy and Nelly....meh. Not so much. He won to everyone who knows nothing, because they accepted the "I have more money than you" retort. I didn't. He didn't win.
6. LL Cool J - I put him on this list because, well, recently, since say...'98, LL's earned this spot. He went from being hard, a hip hop legend to making pop tracks for girls. And Canibus' disses pretty much sealed it for me. There has never been such a fall from grace than LL's. And the worse part about it, he has had moments of glory, such as "Microphone Murder," where old LL comes back to hurt all those dissing. Too bad those moments of brilliance are too uncommon nowadays. LL only disappoints now. That makes me sad.
5. Cam'Ron - While he's had a couple memorable moments for me, he's been wack since the jump, and I think we all know this. Sensing a little pattern here? Not really feeling the whole Dipset thing.
4. Lady Sovereign - Do I have to explain this? No.
3. Plies - Of all these rappers on this list, Plies is the only one I think I truly dispise. First strike, they called this homo-erectus [can't part myself to call him human] the next Tupac. To all those who said that, kill yourself. Please. Wrong. Next, he comes out claiming to be a goon. Really? As a hockey player, a goon is someone who holds no kind of value, just goes and wrecks shop. Well, Plies has no real value. I guess I should be happy that he's a rapper and not what he could be, except for the fact that he's never gotten in trouble for anything besides a shoplifting charge when he was 12. So he's a fake goon that lies in his ever so poorly written raps. The only thing dumber than the terms he makes up for the female anatomy, is the fact that there are women and girls who swear by him. What in God's name is a bust it baby....nevermind. I don't even want to know. I'm going to stop here, but this dude is wackness personified.
2. Rick Ross - Bawse!! Bawse!! Cocaine!! Mungkey!! Bawse!! We all know the story. Floozy baby mother claims rap artist is a fake, square, harmless dude who got a deal and becomes a boss. Story is checked, exposing the fake rapper as a former corrections officer. Dumb people choose sides in a beef with another lyrically challenged artist, reducing the beef from a lyrical exhibition on wax to an internet video driven conflict. Guns are waved at cameras, baby mommas pop up in porno movies, and crews are called out. In this case, a character is created that happens to hold more entertainment value than either rappers. In this case, I think we actually win by having the beef OFF wax, because both artists lack skills in the lyric department.
However, my problem with Ross has nothing to do with his lack of lyrical talent. My two problems are as follows;
1. He gets some of the best beats out right now. Sonically, his last two albums are incredible. Lyrically, terrible. Rick Ross is getting by on getting hot beats, which REALLY makes me mad, because hot beats should be spent on hot rhymes.
2. He won't keep his damn shirt on. I don't want to see breasts that big unless they are attached to a woman.
1. Tony Yayo - Nothing more needs to be said. The king of weed carrier rappers.
Dishonorable Mention - All dance rappers. And Gucci Mane. And Flo-Rida.
I hate wack rappers....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Don't Mess With My Momma...I Loves My Momma!
I know some of these posts usually have no grand societal benefit. I'm not changing the world with this blog, just sharing my thoughts and some facts that I've come across. This is one of those times when my purpose is greater than normal. Recently, Mother's Day was celebrated, and not to brag, but I got my momma a diamond necklace. Why? Because, damnit, she deserves it. All mothers deserves it for what they do for us on a daily basis. And coupled with the Kenyon Martin/Mark Cuban spat over words Cuban had with Martin's mother [if you don't know, Cuban called Martin a punk or a thug to Martin's mother the day before Mother's Day], I've decided instead of promote that beef, I would present you all with another list. It's no secret, Black folks, we love our mommas. You are not going to see a lot of Eminem type tantrums about how much he hates his mother from Black folks. And that's great to see. Even though hip hop gets so much flak for being misogynistic, it goes unreported that hip hop loves its' mothers.
Top Ten Hip Hop Songs About Mothers
10. Mommy - Saigon
9. Blueprint [Momma Loves Me] - Jay-Z
8. I Love My Momma - Snoop Dogg
7. Mom Praying - Beanie Sigel f. Scarface
6. Momma - Brand Nubian
5. Momma Can You Hear Me - Talib Kweli
4. I Honor You - Canibus
3. All That I Got Is You - Ghostface Killah
2. Hey Mama - Kanye West
1. Dear Mama - 2Pac
So if you get a chance to appreciate your mom, considering that mine is standing over my shoulder right now, definitely do it. And to all you new mommies, congrats and Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies.
Top Ten Hip Hop Songs About Mothers
10. Mommy - Saigon
9. Blueprint [Momma Loves Me] - Jay-Z
8. I Love My Momma - Snoop Dogg
7. Mom Praying - Beanie Sigel f. Scarface
6. Momma - Brand Nubian
5. Momma Can You Hear Me - Talib Kweli
4. I Honor You - Canibus
3. All That I Got Is You - Ghostface Killah
2. Hey Mama - Kanye West
1. Dear Mama - 2Pac
So if you get a chance to appreciate your mom, considering that mine is standing over my shoulder right now, definitely do it. And to all you new mommies, congrats and Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies.
Message Vs. Masses
Since it's been a while since I've given you non-hip hop content, I decided that this post is going to be dedicated to a more general message. The "message vs. masses" topic was based off of a journalism theory paper I wrote for school. While it was a fact based thesis, I get to inject a little of my own opinion into the mix when I post.
One of the main points from my paper was that the message from media is tailored to meet all the different factions and sub-groups of society, or in layman's terms, people determine the message. Popular thought is not created by media, but reinforced and feed by the media. I was asked recently what I planned to do if I could get into the mainstream media. My answer is simple. I would not resign any of my beliefs to sell. It's just not how I am, and I believe many of you Brainiacs out there are the same way. And you have to ask yourself, if you view yourself as an intelligent, sentient being, then you are smart enough to find your own opinions when you see, hear, or read something. From all of that, you are able to decide whether what you are seeing is true or not, then you react. That reaction is what media and advertisers alike are looking for. We look for that target audience and we focus on that audience. When media does that, it affirms a message and becomes a rally call for all those of like-minded thinking. It's only when we start to depend on the media to FORM that opinion do we really lose track of the point of media. Media, especially now in the internet age, is as diverse as the people we have on this planet. In everything, there's a yin and yang. Liberal and conservative. Red and blue, black and white. You must decide where you stand, but there's the problem with media. Once you decide where you stand, you close off all other avenues to diverse thought.
I'll give a prime example. I HATE Fox News. I don't normally use such strong language, but when I see that "Fair and Balanced" flash across the screen, my blood starts to boil. Usually after watching about 25 minutes of that channel, I can no longer resist the urge to shout obscenities at my TV, while taking a sledgehammer to the holier than thou face preaching extreme conservatism to me. Sure, it might cost me a high definition TV, but the little bit of satisfaction I get from at least symbolically smashing Bill O'Reilly's face is priceless. Yet I still watch. I can't help it. CNN doesn't make me nearly as mad, but between Fox, CNN, and MSNBC, you get the full spectrum of bias. Want to stop it? Read as much as you possibly can.
The second portion of my paper was devoted to the personalities on a lot of these TV broadcast news. My thesis states that in mainstream media, where celebrity news is the most commonly covered portion of our culture, the personality bringing you the news is just that. A personality. Long gone are the days of Walter Cronkite's, Ethel Payne's, the Carl Bernstein's and Bob Woodward's. Today is owned by Chris Matthews, Bill Mahar and the Bill O'Reilly's of the world. Not journalists, but highly opinionated blowhards. Rarely shown are journalists of integrity. I only hope that I get a chance to follow in the footsteps of the older journalists before me, and I promise to never reduce myself to scare tactics and egotisitical and often divisive commentary, just for ratings and a paycheck.
One of the main points from my paper was that the message from media is tailored to meet all the different factions and sub-groups of society, or in layman's terms, people determine the message. Popular thought is not created by media, but reinforced and feed by the media. I was asked recently what I planned to do if I could get into the mainstream media. My answer is simple. I would not resign any of my beliefs to sell. It's just not how I am, and I believe many of you Brainiacs out there are the same way. And you have to ask yourself, if you view yourself as an intelligent, sentient being, then you are smart enough to find your own opinions when you see, hear, or read something. From all of that, you are able to decide whether what you are seeing is true or not, then you react. That reaction is what media and advertisers alike are looking for. We look for that target audience and we focus on that audience. When media does that, it affirms a message and becomes a rally call for all those of like-minded thinking. It's only when we start to depend on the media to FORM that opinion do we really lose track of the point of media. Media, especially now in the internet age, is as diverse as the people we have on this planet. In everything, there's a yin and yang. Liberal and conservative. Red and blue, black and white. You must decide where you stand, but there's the problem with media. Once you decide where you stand, you close off all other avenues to diverse thought.
I'll give a prime example. I HATE Fox News. I don't normally use such strong language, but when I see that "Fair and Balanced" flash across the screen, my blood starts to boil. Usually after watching about 25 minutes of that channel, I can no longer resist the urge to shout obscenities at my TV, while taking a sledgehammer to the holier than thou face preaching extreme conservatism to me. Sure, it might cost me a high definition TV, but the little bit of satisfaction I get from at least symbolically smashing Bill O'Reilly's face is priceless. Yet I still watch. I can't help it. CNN doesn't make me nearly as mad, but between Fox, CNN, and MSNBC, you get the full spectrum of bias. Want to stop it? Read as much as you possibly can.
The second portion of my paper was devoted to the personalities on a lot of these TV broadcast news. My thesis states that in mainstream media, where celebrity news is the most commonly covered portion of our culture, the personality bringing you the news is just that. A personality. Long gone are the days of Walter Cronkite's, Ethel Payne's, the Carl Bernstein's and Bob Woodward's. Today is owned by Chris Matthews, Bill Mahar and the Bill O'Reilly's of the world. Not journalists, but highly opinionated blowhards. Rarely shown are journalists of integrity. I only hope that I get a chance to follow in the footsteps of the older journalists before me, and I promise to never reduce myself to scare tactics and egotisitical and often divisive commentary, just for ratings and a paycheck.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Weekend Recap - Graduation Style
During this time of the year, students are preparing to walk across a stage, receive their college degrees and jump into the real world. So to those new graduates, congrats and good luck! Big shouts to my boy Kev Beverly, good luck, fam! And to all the mommas and grandmommas out there, Happy Mother's Day, you know we love our mommas in the Brainiac Society. On to business.
For the sport-minded, I'm sorry about not commenting on the A-Rod / Man Ram topic, but really, do you need more about things you already know? If you are under 35, chances are, your favorite baseball player was or is a cheater. But baseball is boring, I'd rather see a million homers per game. And to the "what about the kids" nonsense, if your child is dumb enough to do drugs because an athlete does it, then that's natural selection. In nature, dumb animals die. Now that we have gotten past that, on to things of a more important nature.
In my hand, I hold Vibe's "Best Rapper Ever" bracket, a March Madness style tournament to decide the best rapper in history, with every era represented. Now I was going to give you the list, and the bracket, but instead, here's my man Joey Jumpoff, who is unjustly rated as a 32 seed, while wack rappers like Trina, Rick Ross and Plies are equal to or greater than Joe Budden? Brotha, PLEASE. Vibe is out of line. He's correct. It's blasphemy. Project Pat is a 25 seed, while AZ is 30? You know what? Here's the bracket.
http://www.vibe.com/bestrapperever/downloads/BestRapperEver_Brackets.pdf
Sometimes, you just got to let a slow hip hop month be slow. I got a real problem with this.
For the sport-minded, I'm sorry about not commenting on the A-Rod / Man Ram topic, but really, do you need more about things you already know? If you are under 35, chances are, your favorite baseball player was or is a cheater. But baseball is boring, I'd rather see a million homers per game. And to the "what about the kids" nonsense, if your child is dumb enough to do drugs because an athlete does it, then that's natural selection. In nature, dumb animals die. Now that we have gotten past that, on to things of a more important nature.
In my hand, I hold Vibe's "Best Rapper Ever" bracket, a March Madness style tournament to decide the best rapper in history, with every era represented. Now I was going to give you the list, and the bracket, but instead, here's my man Joey Jumpoff, who is unjustly rated as a 32 seed, while wack rappers like Trina, Rick Ross and Plies are equal to or greater than Joe Budden? Brotha, PLEASE. Vibe is out of line. He's correct. It's blasphemy. Project Pat is a 25 seed, while AZ is 30? You know what? Here's the bracket.
http://www.vibe.com/bestrapperever/downloads/BestRapperEver_Brackets.pdf
Sometimes, you just got to let a slow hip hop month be slow. I got a real problem with this.
Monday, May 4, 2009
What's In The Deck? - Busta Rhymes
Since you asked, I'm really bumping this Busta, waiting for his new album, B.O.M.B., to drop in May. Until then, I'm going to keep dropping joints that I'm riding to in the ride, see if it matches your playlist. Until then, respect my conglomerate.
I'm Sorry Kanye...
I'm pretty thankful for the current anonimity of my flagship blog, because if I was a major hip hop site or highly recognized blogista, I'd be getting the umpth degree, featuring a profanity-laden response from a certain Chicago-based hip hop producer.
So before the tantrum, I'd like to send out my utmost apologies to Kanye West. I left him out of my top ten all time hip hop producers, so I'm giving him a special post all to himself. So here it is.
03b - Kanye West [tied with 9th Wonder]. - Being that I get to do this addition after this original post was already published, it gave me time to think where he lands. Given his work on Jay-Z's classic "The Blueprint," he has already earned this spot. However, his total body of work can be summed up in a line from his remix with Beyonce; "Everything I throw up, blow up."
He couldn't be anymore correct. Even with his heavy pop influence, Kanye hasn't been forgotten in the minds of true hip hoppers. Recognized as the new King of The Sample, Kanye has expanded his range to beyond using sampling, with his release of his 4th album, 808's & Heartbreak, but he's on this list for contributions such as "Heart Of The City" and "Takeover," from the Blueprint. Songs like Talib Kweli's "Get By," Common's "The Corner" and "The People," and my personal favorite, "Can't Be Life," featuring Jay-Z and Scarface, show Kanye's skills at dynamic production on a mass scale. With that said, I'm almost embarassed to have forgotten him. He's definitely derseving of this honor.
And here's one of my favorite songs featuring Kanye on the beat, and in this case, even the vocals. Consequence and Kanye, "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly."
So before the tantrum, I'd like to send out my utmost apologies to Kanye West. I left him out of my top ten all time hip hop producers, so I'm giving him a special post all to himself. So here it is.
03b - Kanye West [tied with 9th Wonder]. - Being that I get to do this addition after this original post was already published, it gave me time to think where he lands. Given his work on Jay-Z's classic "The Blueprint," he has already earned this spot. However, his total body of work can be summed up in a line from his remix with Beyonce; "Everything I throw up, blow up."
He couldn't be anymore correct. Even with his heavy pop influence, Kanye hasn't been forgotten in the minds of true hip hoppers. Recognized as the new King of The Sample, Kanye has expanded his range to beyond using sampling, with his release of his 4th album, 808's & Heartbreak, but he's on this list for contributions such as "Heart Of The City" and "Takeover," from the Blueprint. Songs like Talib Kweli's "Get By," Common's "The Corner" and "The People," and my personal favorite, "Can't Be Life," featuring Jay-Z and Scarface, show Kanye's skills at dynamic production on a mass scale. With that said, I'm almost embarassed to have forgotten him. He's definitely derseving of this honor.
And here's one of my favorite songs featuring Kanye on the beat, and in this case, even the vocals. Consequence and Kanye, "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Top Ten Hip Hop Producers
I'm supposed to be giving my greatest producers in a list on Facebook because my main black from way back Derrick challenged me to. But since I have a blog, a cool way to present my list, all the while forcing my friends to actually read what I say is excellent because I'm a bit of a loud mouth. But so is every other blogger ever, so no shots fired, it's all good.
I love hip hop music and I take it seriously, I guess. My love for hip hop is serious. But he just dropped a challenge on short notice, and I can't just let anyone put me on the spot. My 10 top producers and why? That's killer. But I'll save the book for later, my response is going to be long enough. On to the rest of the list.
10 Dr. Dre - I have to be honest. Dre gets knocked down because I've been waiting for Detox for YEARS and no reasonable person should have to wait this long for an album that either will never come out or will come out and SUCK massively. That's what my inner-hater is telling me right now. I just thought you should know. However, Andre Young has been supplying heat since I was like 4. 20+ years of fire. Like the Chronic LP. Classic.
09 Deric "D-dot" Angelettie - This one is short, the reason you still like Bad Boy. I love Diddy, but this dude was the music genius behind Bad Boy, and if you still like Bad Boy, he's the actual producer of all the songs you love. He has done beats for Outkast, Salt N Pepa, Mase, the Lox. The list goes on. And if you didn't know by now, he's also the Madd Rapper. T-t-t-t-tell em why you mad son! I know why. He gets no respect, and hopefully, Diddy at least kept him paid while he was supposedly [sigh] stealing money from the rest of his employees.
08 RZA - Um, Wu-Tang Clan...36 Chambers....and a style that you couldn't imitate if you tried. One of my pre-requisites for being on this list is having a unique style. While everyone on this list can be imitated and trust, people have tried, NO one on Earth can bite this Wu Abbott's style. Point blank period and I defy anyone to prove me wrong.
07 DJ Quik - While Dre might be the most famous West Coast producer, DJ Quik is the ultimate West Coast sound provider. Chances are, you love this man's work. Just like number one, he doesn't really live in front of the cameras, but he's crafted heat all the same. The man flat out gets busy.
06 Hi-Tek - One half of Reflection Eternal, Tekzilla provided a return to boom bap during the shiny suit era of hip hop. His style is unique, but keeps the main elements of true school hip hop alive. The creator of the Rawkus era sound, he has already crafted classics, such as Mos Def's Black on Both Sides and a glut of Black Star production. His Hi-Teknology album series also showcases the fire that this man produces.
Here's a sample. The man produces some serious knock, so turn it up!
Don't ask me to choose between the two, it has hard enough to choose number one. You wanna know who wins? Judge for yourself. Check this.
01 J Dilla - Your favorite producer's favorite producer. He's the best ever. Point blank period. He came up with fire while dying of Lupus. It's a shame to lose a legend. It's a travesty to lose Dilla. Beyond legend status, he holds the title of God Producer, a spin off of God emcee. And now he holds court with Lord. If heaven is what I think it's like, it has music legends wall to wall, but now it finally has the King of Production. No one flipped samples like this man. No one had a clever understanding of melodies, beat measures, distortions
I love hip hop music and I take it seriously, I guess. My love for hip hop is serious. But he just dropped a challenge on short notice, and I can't just let anyone put me on the spot. My 10 top producers and why? That's killer. But I'll save the book for later, my response is going to be long enough. On to the rest of the list.
10 Dr. Dre - I have to be honest. Dre gets knocked down because I've been waiting for Detox for YEARS and no reasonable person should have to wait this long for an album that either will never come out or will come out and SUCK massively. That's what my inner-hater is telling me right now. I just thought you should know. However, Andre Young has been supplying heat since I was like 4. 20+ years of fire. Like the Chronic LP. Classic.
09 Deric "D-dot" Angelettie - This one is short, the reason you still like Bad Boy. I love Diddy, but this dude was the music genius behind Bad Boy, and if you still like Bad Boy, he's the actual producer of all the songs you love. He has done beats for Outkast, Salt N Pepa, Mase, the Lox. The list goes on. And if you didn't know by now, he's also the Madd Rapper. T-t-t-t-tell em why you mad son! I know why. He gets no respect, and hopefully, Diddy at least kept him paid while he was supposedly [sigh] stealing money from the rest of his employees.
08 RZA - Um, Wu-Tang Clan...36 Chambers....and a style that you couldn't imitate if you tried. One of my pre-requisites for being on this list is having a unique style. While everyone on this list can be imitated and trust, people have tried, NO one on Earth can bite this Wu Abbott's style. Point blank period and I defy anyone to prove me wrong.
07 DJ Quik - While Dre might be the most famous West Coast producer, DJ Quik is the ultimate West Coast sound provider. Chances are, you love this man's work. Just like number one, he doesn't really live in front of the cameras, but he's crafted heat all the same. The man flat out gets busy.
06 Hi-Tek - One half of Reflection Eternal, Tekzilla provided a return to boom bap during the shiny suit era of hip hop. His style is unique, but keeps the main elements of true school hip hop alive. The creator of the Rawkus era sound, he has already crafted classics, such as Mos Def's Black on Both Sides and a glut of Black Star production. His Hi-Teknology album series also showcases the fire that this man produces.
Here's a sample. The man produces some serious knock, so turn it up!
05 Large Professor - Since some of you aren't quite aware, all you get is a list. Then you judge if he deserves to be on here....Eric B & Rakim. Biz Markie's 'All Samples Cleared'. Pete Rock & CL Smooth's 'Mecca and the Soul Brother'. Nas's 'Illmatic' and 'Stillmatic'. Diamond D's 'Stunts, Blunts & Hip-hop'. Kool G Rap. Big Daddy Kane. A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders. Rob Swift. The Beastie Boys. Roxanne Shante. Gang Starr. Main Source.
Get the drift? If hip hop does ever die[and it won't], this guy is probably in the will.
04 Erick Sermon - E-Double gets on my list because he's the creator of the Def Squad sound. After holding down classic EPMD production, he moved on to form the group with Keith Murray and Redman. Sermon crafted classics joints like "Whateva Man," "The Most Beautifulist Thing In This World," "4,3,2,1," and my personal favorite, Redman's "Tonight's Da Night." All straight FIRE. I know the boards will be buzzing after this one.
03 9th Wonder - If you don't know who this is by now, then you are missing the link from '94 until now. 9th Wonderful Tunes was the producer portion of Little Brother and is the architect of two underground classics with them. "The Listening" album is a throwback to A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight Marauders," drawing comparisons with the legendary group, with most of that credit is due to the soul resurrecting sounds of 9th Wonder. And when I listen to his music, the beats leave me nodding yes and no at the same time.
02a Pete Rock - Just his remixes alone puts him in the hall of fame. Soul Brotha Number One has been in the game for eons, making nothing but dopeness and classics. I had a hard time putting PR third, rather than first, because when it comes to dynamic melodies, even number one can't hang with the Chocolate Boy Wonder. So he's tied with the other number two because I just can't decide.
02b DJ Premier - It almost hurts my feelings not to put him number one. And I would. I probably should, because he's my favorite producer when it comes to my favorite type of hip hop. This Houston native is the King of the New York sound. He has set the bar for pure ruggedness, that grimy, project sound. One half of Gang Starr, this man has created classics such as "Ex Girl to Next Girl, "You Know My Steez," plus he's the number one sought after remix producer, at least when it comes to hip hop. He's held down Guru, M.O.P., to Christina Aguilera and Limp Bizkit. And probably top 5 beat of all time....is another blog. Premier is the greatest living producer.
Don't ask me to choose between the two, it has hard enough to choose number one. You wanna know who wins? Judge for yourself. Check this.
01 J Dilla - Your favorite producer's favorite producer. He's the best ever. Point blank period. He came up with fire while dying of Lupus. It's a shame to lose a legend. It's a travesty to lose Dilla. Beyond legend status, he holds the title of God Producer, a spin off of God emcee. And now he holds court with Lord. If heaven is what I think it's like, it has music legends wall to wall, but now it finally has the King of Production. No one flipped samples like this man. No one had a clever understanding of melodies, beat measures, distortions
Stick this in your ear hole and love ever single minute of it, because he did this while dying. And he did it for you. Do not download any of his work. Go buy it. It's worth your money, I promise. While these all aren't my FAVORITE Dilla beats, I love every single one. And I might eventually give you my favorite Dilla beats. Check the page for full track list.
Here's a list of producers I just didn't have room for, but definitely belong here: Beatminerz, Evil Dee, Madlib, Rick Rubin, Organized Noize [I really wanted to include them], Battlecat [West Coast boogie at its' finest], Just Blaze and Lord Finesse [DITC].
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