"Cause if you're askin' - "Why is hip hop dead?" There's a pretty good chance you're the reason it died man. There's a pretty good chance your lame ass, corny ass, is the reason it died man. You don't give a fuck about it; you don't know nothin' about it. You want this paper, be a hustler. You a hustler, you ain't a rapper... get your paper man. You know what I'm sayin? But this rap shit is real. Bitch. This shit is real bitch." - Nas, "Hope" off the 2006 album, "Hip Hop Is Dead."If you're a Hip Hop fan, you're probably a little upset about the state that the rap world is in right now.
Now, when I say Hip Hop fan, I mean real Hip Hop fan. I'm talking about the fans that appreciate more than just the music, but the craft. I'm talking about the ones who actually listen to the lyrics, and not just bob their heads to the beats.
Don't worry if you don't fall into this category. This decade, there's alot more casual fans than diehard ones.
And because of this, what once was Hip Hop music has morphed into pop songs over club beats, loud bass and autotune. When rappers like Soulja Boy, Slim Thug and Jim Jones are making multiple, popular albums, it should tell you all you need to know about the rap game.
The popular saying now is that Hip Hop is dead. I'm not as pessimistic, but I'd say the rap game is definitely on a respirator right now. It's in need of new life, and it needs it quickly.
So I've decided to take a look at some of the major players in Hip Hop right now and see which (if any) can be the saviors to bring Hip Hop back to the promised land. This will be an ongoing investigation that I hope to finish up by the end of the summer. Each installment will examine three or four rappers, break down their pros and cons, and offer analysis of their chances of being a savior.
Keep in mind that I'll only be examining artists with legitimate influence in Hip Hop. What that means is there may be some underground rapper that you love, but no one else knows about. As good as he is, if no one knows about him, he probably won't be changing the game anytime soon.
Think of it this way. Biggie and Pac are regarded as two of the best rappers to ever live. As good of rhymers as they were, they also sold millions of albums and had a very broad reach in society. That's why they were so important to Hip Hop; they appealed to the diehards and the casual fans, and allowed fans of all walks of life to enjoy rap music.
At the same time, rappers that aren't even trying to make any semblance of effort in there lyrics will not be considered. So the Cam'rons and Rick Ross's of the world... sorry. Put together a coherent analogy and then we'll talk.
This will be a work in progress, but I think a worthwhile exercise that (hopefully) will generate some discussion.
Alright, enough explanation. Let's get this started.
***
EMINEM
"See I'm a poet to some, a regular modern day Shakespeare
Jesus Christ, the King of these Latter Day Saints here
To shatter the picture in which that as they paint me
as a monger of hate and Satan, a scatter-brained atheist
But that ain't the case, see it's a matter of taste
We as a people decide if Shady's as bad as they say he is..."
- Eminem, "Renegade" off of Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001)
Slim Shady seems like a good person to start this discussion with. I think it's safe to say he's got the influence to be considered. There are many people out right now that think Em's the best rapper in the game right now. And, after a lengthy hiatus, Mr. Mathers has a new album dropping soon.
PROS - Lyrically he's one of the best rappers of the last decade, and you could argue one of the best ever. Looking back at his catalog, and you can see that he has some trully remarkably lyrical songs ("The Way I Am," "Stan," "Sing For the Moment," "Lose Yourself," "Like Toy Soldiers" just to name a handful). Em also has the tendency to raise his game when rapping with other greats. His verse on Dr. Dre's "Forget About Dre," was unreal. He out-rapped Jay-Z on Renegade, even prompting Nas to bring this up in "Ether" during his battle with Jay ("And, Eminem murdered you on your own shit"). Eminem seems to have a firm grasp on the fact that he's one of the best, and seems to take the pressure of that seriously.
He's also become a pretty savvy producer and businessman, learning quite well from his mentor; Dre. He certainly has all the tools to bring good Hip Hop back....
CONS - ...But does he have the passion? Eminem has been one of the most recognizable rappers for 10 years now. And as good as he is, there has been noticabely slippage. His first two albums (The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP) were amazing. His third one (The Eminem Show) was great. His fourth one (Encore) was good (at best) and you could see by that album that Em had figured out exactly how to make a platinum record. He still had great songs on the album, but he also included too many songs that brought little to the table ("Puke," "Big Weenie," "Just Lose It," etc.).
Slim Shady also hasn't made a full-length album since 2005. During that hiatus he suffered through some personal issues - like prescription pill abuse and the loss of his best friend (and main person that got him into the rap game), Proof. So there's legitimate concern that Eminem may not just have the drive to be the best anymore.
ANALYSIS - In my opinion, Eminem is a Top-10, and possibly Top-5 rapper of my generation. He's got the full package - ridiculous rhymes, great flow, understanding of how to make a memorable song, tons of crossover appeal, etc. But the negative reports I've heard about him the last couple of years concern me. It's been these types of problems that made Eminem into the rapper he was. Unfortunately, they may also be the obstacles that prevent him from reaching the extremely high bar that he set for himself.
I think it's very important for both Eminem and the Hip-Hop game, for his newest album, Relapse to be good. There have already been some leaked songs on the internet. I have yet to hear them (I prefer to listen once the finished product is ready), but from what I've heard, impressions have been mixed. That being said, Eminem is trying his damndest to keep these tracks under wraps until the official release date, so who knows if the songs on the internet are even legit? His first single, "We Made it," is terrible (but it's always been Em's style is to put out a catchy, pop first single). I, along with millions of other fans, will be buying his album on May 19th. Unlike others, I'll be listening to see which Eminem we'll be getting - 1999 to 2002 Em, or 2003-2008 Em. If it's the latter, Hip-Hop won't be leaving its death bed anytime soon.
50 CENT
"Momma said, everything that happened to us was part of God's plan
So at night when I talk him, I got my gun in my hand
Don't think I'm crazy, cause I don't fear man
Cause I feel when I kill a man, God won't understand"
-50 Cent, "U Not Like Me" off of 2002's Guess Who's Back?
PROS - Lyrically he's one of the best rappers of the last decade, and you could argue one of the best ever. Looking back at his catalog, and you can see that he has some trully remarkably lyrical songs ("The Way I Am," "Stan," "Sing For the Moment," "Lose Yourself," "Like Toy Soldiers" just to name a handful). Em also has the tendency to raise his game when rapping with other greats. His verse on Dr. Dre's "Forget About Dre," was unreal. He out-rapped Jay-Z on Renegade, even prompting Nas to bring this up in "Ether" during his battle with Jay ("And, Eminem murdered you on your own shit"). Eminem seems to have a firm grasp on the fact that he's one of the best, and seems to take the pressure of that seriously.
He's also become a pretty savvy producer and businessman, learning quite well from his mentor; Dre. He certainly has all the tools to bring good Hip Hop back....
CONS - ...But does he have the passion? Eminem has been one of the most recognizable rappers for 10 years now. And as good as he is, there has been noticabely slippage. His first two albums (The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP) were amazing. His third one (The Eminem Show) was great. His fourth one (Encore) was good (at best) and you could see by that album that Em had figured out exactly how to make a platinum record. He still had great songs on the album, but he also included too many songs that brought little to the table ("Puke," "Big Weenie," "Just Lose It," etc.).
Slim Shady also hasn't made a full-length album since 2005. During that hiatus he suffered through some personal issues - like prescription pill abuse and the loss of his best friend (and main person that got him into the rap game), Proof. So there's legitimate concern that Eminem may not just have the drive to be the best anymore.
ANALYSIS - In my opinion, Eminem is a Top-10, and possibly Top-5 rapper of my generation. He's got the full package - ridiculous rhymes, great flow, understanding of how to make a memorable song, tons of crossover appeal, etc. But the negative reports I've heard about him the last couple of years concern me. It's been these types of problems that made Eminem into the rapper he was. Unfortunately, they may also be the obstacles that prevent him from reaching the extremely high bar that he set for himself.
I think it's very important for both Eminem and the Hip-Hop game, for his newest album, Relapse to be good. There have already been some leaked songs on the internet. I have yet to hear them (I prefer to listen once the finished product is ready), but from what I've heard, impressions have been mixed. That being said, Eminem is trying his damndest to keep these tracks under wraps until the official release date, so who knows if the songs on the internet are even legit? His first single, "We Made it," is terrible (but it's always been Em's style is to put out a catchy, pop first single). I, along with millions of other fans, will be buying his album on May 19th. Unlike others, I'll be listening to see which Eminem we'll be getting - 1999 to 2002 Em, or 2003-2008 Em. If it's the latter, Hip-Hop won't be leaving its death bed anytime soon.
50 CENT"Momma said, everything that happened to us was part of God's plan
So at night when I talk him, I got my gun in my hand
Don't think I'm crazy, cause I don't fear man
Cause I feel when I kill a man, God won't understand"
-50 Cent, "U Not Like Me" off of 2002's Guess Who's Back?
The next candidate is Em's protege and everyone's favorite beef-starter, 50 Cent. I first heard 50 back in 2000. He recorded a song called "How to Rob" that was played on Hot 97 in New York, that talked about him robbing every relevant rapper at the time. Back then, 50's main concern was getting rich. He's managed to keep that theme for his entire decade-long career.
PROS - First and foremost, he has the public's attention. Ever since his first commercial release - 2003's Get Rich or Die Trying - 50's been a household name. For good reason, as that album was great - mixing club songs, thug songs and surprisingly witty lyricism. 50 has a knack for making the simplest lines come off as funny and sharp. Although his persona is revolves around him being a thug, he's actually a very intelligent rapper and businessman. The above lyric is from his 2002 album Guess Who's Back?, which is what started his accent to the top of the rap game. I actually had that album, and it was very good, and from then I expected big things from 50. Apparently Eminem did too, because after hearing it, he signed 50 and the rest is history.
What works in 50's favor is that his rhymes are authentic; he lived the lifestyle he's rapping about. Having sold drugs, gotten shot nine times and lived to tell about it is capitivating to fans. He's got a little 'Pac in him in that way (minus the astute lyrical talent). He also can absolutely kill a club song (hate him or love him, but you can't tell me you weren't bumping "In the Club," or "Outta Control"). He's even got some acting chops, making his marketability one of the highest in the game right now.
CONS - Let's just say he learned quite well from Mr. Shady when it comes to learning how to make hit songs and records. I mean, take a listen to "Magic Stick" and "Candy Shop." Same style and flow, and basically the same song re-packaged. And both did very well.
From a pure lyrical standpoint, 50 ain't the greatest. All the trully great MC's have always had a great deal of lyrical talent (Biggie, Nas, Rakim, 'Pac, etc.) and 50 just doesn't have it. He's also fairly one dimensional - how many times can we hear about how much bling you have, cars you drive and hos you bang? And don't get me wrong, getting shot nine times and surviving is nothing short of remarkable. But do we have to hear about it all the time. You're a tough guy. We get it. You also lived in Connecticut for a while but I notice you never seem to bring that up.
ANALYSIS - 50 always has and always will care solely about making money. Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Like Nas said - you want this paper, be a hustler. But I don't consider 50 an MC anymore. He's an entertainer. His best talent lies in writing singles and catchy songs. If you need anymore evidence, just know that before blowing up, he was a ghostwriter for Diddy.
The problem here is fairly obvious. It's hard to save Hip Hop when your main concern is going triple-platinum. This is the same guy that started a fake fued with Kanye West, just to build hype for the release of his album (Curtis).
Curtis Jackson is a helluva businessman. Unfortunately, most businessmen could care less about real Hip Hop.
JAY-Z
Jay may not be able to save Hip Hop, but he definitely can use his influence to steer it in the right direction. Stop doing songs like "Swagger Like Us," and start telling the current crop of rappers to step their game up. Jay would be lying if he said he thinks Hip Hop is good right now. He was coming up in the heyday's of Biggie and Pac's careers. He also said when Biggie passed that he was the new King of New York. Well part of sitting on the throne involves giving a shit when the rap game is in disarray. I'm not sure if Jay really does.
That being said, Jay-Z is still making better albums than 90% of the rappers out right now. Who knows? Maybe a few more Jigga classics could go a long way in starting to move Hip Hop back in the right direction.
PROS - First and foremost, he has the public's attention. Ever since his first commercial release - 2003's Get Rich or Die Trying - 50's been a household name. For good reason, as that album was great - mixing club songs, thug songs and surprisingly witty lyricism. 50 has a knack for making the simplest lines come off as funny and sharp. Although his persona is revolves around him being a thug, he's actually a very intelligent rapper and businessman. The above lyric is from his 2002 album Guess Who's Back?, which is what started his accent to the top of the rap game. I actually had that album, and it was very good, and from then I expected big things from 50. Apparently Eminem did too, because after hearing it, he signed 50 and the rest is history.
What works in 50's favor is that his rhymes are authentic; he lived the lifestyle he's rapping about. Having sold drugs, gotten shot nine times and lived to tell about it is capitivating to fans. He's got a little 'Pac in him in that way (minus the astute lyrical talent). He also can absolutely kill a club song (hate him or love him, but you can't tell me you weren't bumping "In the Club," or "Outta Control"). He's even got some acting chops, making his marketability one of the highest in the game right now.
CONS - Let's just say he learned quite well from Mr. Shady when it comes to learning how to make hit songs and records. I mean, take a listen to "Magic Stick" and "Candy Shop." Same style and flow, and basically the same song re-packaged. And both did very well.
From a pure lyrical standpoint, 50 ain't the greatest. All the trully great MC's have always had a great deal of lyrical talent (Biggie, Nas, Rakim, 'Pac, etc.) and 50 just doesn't have it. He's also fairly one dimensional - how many times can we hear about how much bling you have, cars you drive and hos you bang? And don't get me wrong, getting shot nine times and surviving is nothing short of remarkable. But do we have to hear about it all the time. You're a tough guy. We get it. You also lived in Connecticut for a while but I notice you never seem to bring that up.
ANALYSIS - 50 always has and always will care solely about making money. Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Like Nas said - you want this paper, be a hustler. But I don't consider 50 an MC anymore. He's an entertainer. His best talent lies in writing singles and catchy songs. If you need anymore evidence, just know that before blowing up, he was a ghostwriter for Diddy.
The problem here is fairly obvious. It's hard to save Hip Hop when your main concern is going triple-platinum. This is the same guy that started a fake fued with Kanye West, just to build hype for the release of his album (Curtis).
Curtis Jackson is a helluva businessman. Unfortunately, most businessmen could care less about real Hip Hop.
JAY-Z
Too much West coast dick-lickin, and too many niggaz on a mission
Doin your best Jay-Z rendition
Too many rough motherfuckers, I got my suspicions
that you're just a fish in a pool of sharks nigga, listen...
...I don't follow any guidelines
cause too many niggaz ride mine
so I change styles every two rhymes
-Jay-Z, "22 Two's" off of 1996's Reasonable Doubt
ANALYSIS - Bottomline, Jay doesn't have to save Hip Hop. The guys' weathly beyond anyone's wildest dreams. He's probably the most widely respected MC in the game. When he does decide to make albums, everyone buys them. Oh, and he's banging Beyonce. I'd say life's pretty good for Jigga.Doin your best Jay-Z rendition
Too many rough motherfuckers, I got my suspicions
that you're just a fish in a pool of sharks nigga, listen...
...I don't follow any guidelines
cause too many niggaz ride mine
so I change styles every two rhymes
-Jay-Z, "22 Two's" off of 1996's Reasonable Doubt
PROS - Talk about longevity. Jay-Z's been going strong since 1996. That's incredible, especially when you consider that he can put out an album today and it'll still go double platinum. The guy's nearly 40 and can still make quality Hip Hop music. Amazing.
Scanning his extensive catalog and there's really not many of his solo albums that I don't like (with the exceptions being The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse and Kingdom Come). Jay-Z's a good lyricist, with a great feel for songs. Such a good feel that supposedly Jay freestyles his lyrics, remembers them and goes straight in the booth to record. Now that's talent.
It goes without saying that Jay is an incredible businessman. He started Roc-A-Fella back when he released his first album (Reasonable Doubt) and made millions with the label. The various ways he's made money is extensive (and will take too much research to figure out). Let's just say that Jay has had arguably the most successful career of any rapper. Ever.
Jay "retired" a few years ago but has since made a comeback. Although Kingdom Come was a disappointment, I thought that his 2007 concept album American Gangster was extremely well done, and proves that Jay still has the ability to bring his A-game. He's the Godfather of Hip Hop right now. He demands and receives respect, which is well deserved, considering how much he's done for the rap game.
When examining his whole career, Jay-Z is one of the best rappers of all time.
CONS - Notice in the "Pros" section that I said Jay-Z was a "good lyricist." I like Jay, but it's time to take a closer examination of his career.
It can't be overstated that he got killed by Eminem on that "Renegade" song. When rapping with the best, you have to hold your own. Same thing with "Brooklyn's Finest" - a song featuring Biggie off his first album. Jay was good, but Biggie outshined him.
Then there was the much publicized beef with Nas. If you want the full background, click HERE, but I'll just give you the pertinent details. Jay-Z basically started the fued, and came out with a great diss song, "The Takeover." At that point, everyone was loving Jay since the song was so well done. Then Nas released "Ether," and in my opinion (and just about every other true Hip Hoppers opinion) annihilated Jay and won the battle, proving once and for all who the best rapper since Biggie and 'Pac's death was.
Jay-Z has had an amazing career. But it's hard to be considered the best when you can't step up with other greats. When the biggest criticism that can be levied against you is that you may not be as good as Biggie, Nas or Eminem, I think you're doing all right. But when you're being asked to save Hip Hop, it becomes a legitimate concern.
Scanning his extensive catalog and there's really not many of his solo albums that I don't like (with the exceptions being The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse and Kingdom Come). Jay-Z's a good lyricist, with a great feel for songs. Such a good feel that supposedly Jay freestyles his lyrics, remembers them and goes straight in the booth to record. Now that's talent.
It goes without saying that Jay is an incredible businessman. He started Roc-A-Fella back when he released his first album (Reasonable Doubt) and made millions with the label. The various ways he's made money is extensive (and will take too much research to figure out). Let's just say that Jay has had arguably the most successful career of any rapper. Ever.
Jay "retired" a few years ago but has since made a comeback. Although Kingdom Come was a disappointment, I thought that his 2007 concept album American Gangster was extremely well done, and proves that Jay still has the ability to bring his A-game. He's the Godfather of Hip Hop right now. He demands and receives respect, which is well deserved, considering how much he's done for the rap game.
When examining his whole career, Jay-Z is one of the best rappers of all time.
CONS - Notice in the "Pros" section that I said Jay-Z was a "good lyricist." I like Jay, but it's time to take a closer examination of his career.
It can't be overstated that he got killed by Eminem on that "Renegade" song. When rapping with the best, you have to hold your own. Same thing with "Brooklyn's Finest" - a song featuring Biggie off his first album. Jay was good, but Biggie outshined him.
Then there was the much publicized beef with Nas. If you want the full background, click HERE, but I'll just give you the pertinent details. Jay-Z basically started the fued, and came out with a great diss song, "The Takeover." At that point, everyone was loving Jay since the song was so well done. Then Nas released "Ether," and in my opinion (and just about every other true Hip Hoppers opinion) annihilated Jay and won the battle, proving once and for all who the best rapper since Biggie and 'Pac's death was.
Jay-Z has had an amazing career. But it's hard to be considered the best when you can't step up with other greats. When the biggest criticism that can be levied against you is that you may not be as good as Biggie, Nas or Eminem, I think you're doing all right. But when you're being asked to save Hip Hop, it becomes a legitimate concern.
Jay may not be able to save Hip Hop, but he definitely can use his influence to steer it in the right direction. Stop doing songs like "Swagger Like Us," and start telling the current crop of rappers to step their game up. Jay would be lying if he said he thinks Hip Hop is good right now. He was coming up in the heyday's of Biggie and Pac's careers. He also said when Biggie passed that he was the new King of New York. Well part of sitting on the throne involves giving a shit when the rap game is in disarray. I'm not sure if Jay really does.
That being said, Jay-Z is still making better albums than 90% of the rappers out right now. Who knows? Maybe a few more Jigga classics could go a long way in starting to move Hip Hop back in the right direction.
***
So that concludes our first installment of "Who Can Save Hip Hop?" I hope to continue these periodically for three reasons. 1) To really examine the rap game and its major players. 2) To see if Hip Hop is really dead and 3) If it is dead, can it be saved?
And if you hated this post, don't worry. We'll be going back to sports for the next blog post.
Photos Courtesy of Google Images
And if you hated this post, don't worry. We'll be going back to sports for the next blog post.
Photos Courtesy of Google Images
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting.