I'm hearing rumors that Kanye may be retiring his music career for modeling. Apparently he's in France having a great time hitting that runway. The truth of the matter is I don't think he'll be able to stay away. He loves it to much, and I know the feeling. But if he does, it's a lost to hip-hop...
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Politically Ignorant? Vote Obama!
Many African-American historians will tell you that Obama is not the first black president. Send me a comment if you need help researching that fact. But, it's nothing wrong with having cultural pride for your own peeps. At the same time, change in the white house is not limited to color or race. Therefore, the fact that Obama is a "black" man will have no significant bearing on him being an effective president.
Some African-Americans voted for Obama simply because of his skin color and I know many blogs have addressed this fact. Many of the young urban youth, for example, were more in tune with Obama's personality than where he stood on political issues. At anyrate, changing America's state of disparity is what we really should be concerned with. Furthermore, one thing that Barack promised was change.
It didn't take a genious to realize that this would mean revamping American politics by kicking out old concepts, and implementing more efficient policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Considering the overall theme that Barack upheld, I'm going to let many voters slide who had no idea where he stood on significant political issues. Why? Because the better man is in office now!
Our people in Los Angeles were estatic about Obama's win. On face value, some didn't look to informed-but it's all good!!
Some African-Americans voted for Obama simply because of his skin color and I know many blogs have addressed this fact. Many of the young urban youth, for example, were more in tune with Obama's personality than where he stood on political issues. At anyrate, changing America's state of disparity is what we really should be concerned with. Furthermore, one thing that Barack promised was change.
It didn't take a genious to realize that this would mean revamping American politics by kicking out old concepts, and implementing more efficient policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Considering the overall theme that Barack upheld, I'm going to let many voters slide who had no idea where he stood on significant political issues. Why? Because the better man is in office now!
Our people in Los Angeles were estatic about Obama's win. On face value, some didn't look to informed-but it's all good!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Repentance, Balling, Pimping, and Rap: How does it Work?
Of course my eyes were searching for one YouTube clip that would initiate this week's blog in the right spirit. As you can see by the title, I have something special for you.
The urban world of Hip-Hop is forever growing, changing, and pulling more "youngins" in everday. Unfortunately, the Hip-Hop culture has become so influential, that without wholesome parenting, today's youth often can be lured into the dark world of balling, pimping, and drug trafficking. After all, most of your top ten Billboards hits in Hip-Hop deal directly with these topics.
Moreover, it is rare to see one who is not a member of the Christian Rap genre state boldly, "Jesus Save my Soul." Indeed I have found an emcee that is clearly (atleast according to the lyrics) still embracing a life of sin. Upon watching it, one feels as if they are listening to the wacky Christian Rap that I blogged previously. Not so. This brother is pimpin on 24's, and even will "smack a hoe" to get his point across. Notice, while speaking to God, you here alot of "You know I had to..."
There is a thin line between confession and repentance. We can learn an even deeper lesson from this demonstration. One thing that I give this brother is that he is in tune with who he is. Doesn't that count for something? How can one change if they are in denial of their faults or their inherent nature. In other words, for this gentleman, half the battle is won. Repentance in short is:
"to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent."
The problem with Mr. Save My Soul is that I don't sense much sorrow. That same sorrow should be used to help one change and walk a straight path. Okay-enough of the serious talk. Watch this and don't feel bad if you laugh your but off. It's okay-it's hard to take him serious.
The urban world of Hip-Hop is forever growing, changing, and pulling more "youngins" in everday. Unfortunately, the Hip-Hop culture has become so influential, that without wholesome parenting, today's youth often can be lured into the dark world of balling, pimping, and drug trafficking. After all, most of your top ten Billboards hits in Hip-Hop deal directly with these topics.
Moreover, it is rare to see one who is not a member of the Christian Rap genre state boldly, "Jesus Save my Soul." Indeed I have found an emcee that is clearly (atleast according to the lyrics) still embracing a life of sin. Upon watching it, one feels as if they are listening to the wacky Christian Rap that I blogged previously. Not so. This brother is pimpin on 24's, and even will "smack a hoe" to get his point across. Notice, while speaking to God, you here alot of "You know I had to..."
There is a thin line between confession and repentance. We can learn an even deeper lesson from this demonstration. One thing that I give this brother is that he is in tune with who he is. Doesn't that count for something? How can one change if they are in denial of their faults or their inherent nature. In other words, for this gentleman, half the battle is won. Repentance in short is:
"to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent."
The problem with Mr. Save My Soul is that I don't sense much sorrow. That same sorrow should be used to help one change and walk a straight path. Okay-enough of the serious talk. Watch this and don't feel bad if you laugh your but off. It's okay-it's hard to take him serious.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Six Reasons why Lil Wayne is the Best Emcee
) He's been on lean (codine and Hawaiian Punch) for 9 years. In addition he's a "weekly prescriber."
2) Baby and Slim think he's better than all the other emcees in North America.
3) Even he admits, "If I fail I'll quite and go back to the block. Man, can you imagine me going back to the block with a royalty check? I'm serious." This is a blatant indication of his humility.
4)He realizes he is the best and encourages all to have his mind set. This includes even if you are the best at "nothing."
5)He's so street. He agrees, that he has goons in his squad that thrive off of smacking people. Even if they lose the fight, as longs as one of them smacks them first,that's all that matters to the people.
6) In 07, when he was asked was Trina his girl, he responded: "Yeah, that's my girl she...yeah...she gives good head." This certifies that he is a suitable role model for all his middle school fans.
2) Baby and Slim think he's better than all the other emcees in North America.
3) Even he admits, "If I fail I'll quite and go back to the block. Man, can you imagine me going back to the block with a royalty check? I'm serious." This is a blatant indication of his humility.
4)He realizes he is the best and encourages all to have his mind set. This includes even if you are the best at "nothing."
5)He's so street. He agrees, that he has goons in his squad that thrive off of smacking people. Even if they lose the fight, as longs as one of them smacks them first,that's all that matters to the people.
6) In 07, when he was asked was Trina his girl, he responded: "Yeah, that's my girl she...yeah...she gives good head." This certifies that he is a suitable role model for all his middle school fans.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tom Green: The Comedian turned Emcee
Okay,
We already heard of Joaquin Phoenix's push to become an emcee. We already know that he can not rap. But what about Tom Green? If I told you Tom Green battled Xzibit, would you believe me? In addition, if I told you that I could listen to Tom Green's rhyme skills and not be disgusted, I know you probably wouldn't believe me. After all, I am a tough critic.
But while watching this clip, I couldn't help but think that Tom Green must have been a emcee in a past life! Grant it, maybe I'm bouncing of the contrast of Phoenix's stupidity (see in my previous blogs) but Tom actually sounds decent. Moreover, some of his rhymes sounded written.
Even X to the Z was caught off guard! All he could do is laugh.
Classic indeed!
We already heard of Joaquin Phoenix's push to become an emcee. We already know that he can not rap. But what about Tom Green? If I told you Tom Green battled Xzibit, would you believe me? In addition, if I told you that I could listen to Tom Green's rhyme skills and not be disgusted, I know you probably wouldn't believe me. After all, I am a tough critic.
But while watching this clip, I couldn't help but think that Tom Green must have been a emcee in a past life! Grant it, maybe I'm bouncing of the contrast of Phoenix's stupidity (see in my previous blogs) but Tom actually sounds decent. Moreover, some of his rhymes sounded written.
Even X to the Z was caught off guard! All he could do is laugh.
Classic indeed!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
R&B Duets: A Dying Breed of What Use to be Classic Music
So you're beginning to get an idea of how my mind perceives music. A song has to stay fresh, innovative, and on the edge to be considered a classic (not forgetting great songwriting). This is why 20 years later after your favorite oldie but goodie was released, you still rock out to it like it was just came out.
So what in the world happened to classic R&B duets? Is it a dying breed? I surely think it's on the edge of fading fast. There are five factors that led me to this conclusion:
1. Today's songwriting, generally speaking, has depreciated tremendously. One of the main reasons duets were so powerful and fun can be attributed to the depth of lyrics. Lyrics were passionate, and were sung with the same intensity that they were written in. I can't say the same for today's lyrics.
2. Today's production lacks contrast. It's not that producers aren't banging out great tracks. Moreso, when you hear a great track, there are four to five other tracks in rotation that mimic your tune. One could argue the same thing in the 80's. That's not a fair argument. We all know that every hit producer in the 80's used the same keyboard with that reverb snare and that airy kick.
3. You knew this was coming. Most of the artist today lack genuine talent. Lets be real. Would you rather hear James Ingram and Anita Baker, or Keysha Cole and Monica (yes they have a duet)? What tune do you think will be closer to a classic?
4. Hip-Hop has better duets than R&B. Now you're going to say that two people on a hip-hop track doesn't constitute a duet. I looked up the "technical" definition for the word duet. A duet is a composition for two voices or two instruments. That's pretty simple. That also means that if I had to choose between Chris Brown and Rihanna ( unfortunately a battered "Umbrella"), or AZ and Nas-the latter wins.
5. You just don't have classic, dynamic duos anymore. James Ingram next to anyone on a track created a Batman and Robin chemistry. Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson had their run. Ashford and Simpson sung like it always was there last song. Babyface and Mariah Carey created a classic. I would try to compare it to modern vocalist but it wouldn't wreak classic. Yes, maybe a good song, but not a classic.
But don't mind me-see it for yourself.
Classic:
Not a classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Need I say more?
So what in the world happened to classic R&B duets? Is it a dying breed? I surely think it's on the edge of fading fast. There are five factors that led me to this conclusion:
1. Today's songwriting, generally speaking, has depreciated tremendously. One of the main reasons duets were so powerful and fun can be attributed to the depth of lyrics. Lyrics were passionate, and were sung with the same intensity that they were written in. I can't say the same for today's lyrics.
2. Today's production lacks contrast. It's not that producers aren't banging out great tracks. Moreso, when you hear a great track, there are four to five other tracks in rotation that mimic your tune. One could argue the same thing in the 80's. That's not a fair argument. We all know that every hit producer in the 80's used the same keyboard with that reverb snare and that airy kick.
3. You knew this was coming. Most of the artist today lack genuine talent. Lets be real. Would you rather hear James Ingram and Anita Baker, or Keysha Cole and Monica (yes they have a duet)? What tune do you think will be closer to a classic?
4. Hip-Hop has better duets than R&B. Now you're going to say that two people on a hip-hop track doesn't constitute a duet. I looked up the "technical" definition for the word duet. A duet is a composition for two voices or two instruments. That's pretty simple. That also means that if I had to choose between Chris Brown and Rihanna ( unfortunately a battered "Umbrella"), or AZ and Nas-the latter wins.
5. You just don't have classic, dynamic duos anymore. James Ingram next to anyone on a track created a Batman and Robin chemistry. Whitney Houston and Jermaine Jackson had their run. Ashford and Simpson sung like it always was there last song. Babyface and Mariah Carey created a classic. I would try to compare it to modern vocalist but it wouldn't wreak classic. Yes, maybe a good song, but not a classic.
But don't mind me-see it for yourself.
Classic:
Not a classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Classic:
Not a Classic:
Need I say more?
Christian Rap: The Highs and Lows of a Growing Genre.
Okay,
So I left Christianity about seven years ago. I'll reserve my reasons for another blog, but I will say that I did do a little Christian rhyming in my hay day. It felt weird at times however. Maybe I was to introspective, but at that time, I thought doing Christian rap would be a great way to pull non-believers in the fold. But in hindsight, when I was a Christian, I didn't listen to Christian rap at all. Ironically, I listened to good ole, standard hip-hop. Why?
Well, for one, no non-believer in Christ wants to be preached to (for the most part) about their hideous ways. In addition, no one wants to hear affirmation of them going to hell because of the booze, blunts, and premarital sex (common sins that are mentioned in Christian Hip-Hop). After all, Even Christians have premarital sex, and engage in sinful activities everyday. So no, as I rolled down the avenue in my hay day, I didn't enjoy hooks like "Christ is the only way, He will save the day, you got to pave that road and he will make away." I'm not hating-I'm just saying. Exhibit A:
In contrast, wouldn't it be better to to listen to Christian rap without being bombarded with the "Get your act together, Christ is coming" mentality? Some hip-hop listeners are open to Christ in fact, but some of these emcee's can push you away from Christianity with their super religious and over zealous approach.
I propose that Christian emcee's should write their rhymes as if they were building a relationship with a non-believer. The problem is alot of them right their rhymes as if they are submitting it to their pastor. If you've ever been a Christian, you know that the typical non-believer does not want to be apprehended with "your going to hell if you don't change," and "Jesus is waiting for you...etc." The only way to convince people of the truth of your belief in Christ (speaking to the emcee's) is to live the life. This transcends your music.
Therefore, you don't have to mention religious terms every line. You are to simply encourage your fellow Christians, and more importantly, trying to reach those who are not of the same mind! Talk to them when you rhyme. That means your hip-hop shouldn't be to far removed from worldly hip-hop. I'm not saying Christian emcees should sound like 50 cent by far. I'm just sayin when I hear songs like the previous You Tube clip- I turn the dial. Why? Because how will the non-believer relate to you if you present yourself as a saint (and we all know you're not). He on the other hand is caught up in quicksand. The emcee is on the edge of the bank and instead of just helping you-he asks: "Are you ready to accept Jesus? Otherwise you might as well go head and sink." Doesn't seem right does it? The next exhibit demonstrates the direction of where Christian Hip-Hop should go. It's more effective and can impact more people.
So I left Christianity about seven years ago. I'll reserve my reasons for another blog, but I will say that I did do a little Christian rhyming in my hay day. It felt weird at times however. Maybe I was to introspective, but at that time, I thought doing Christian rap would be a great way to pull non-believers in the fold. But in hindsight, when I was a Christian, I didn't listen to Christian rap at all. Ironically, I listened to good ole, standard hip-hop. Why?
Well, for one, no non-believer in Christ wants to be preached to (for the most part) about their hideous ways. In addition, no one wants to hear affirmation of them going to hell because of the booze, blunts, and premarital sex (common sins that are mentioned in Christian Hip-Hop). After all, Even Christians have premarital sex, and engage in sinful activities everyday. So no, as I rolled down the avenue in my hay day, I didn't enjoy hooks like "Christ is the only way, He will save the day, you got to pave that road and he will make away." I'm not hating-I'm just saying. Exhibit A:
In contrast, wouldn't it be better to to listen to Christian rap without being bombarded with the "Get your act together, Christ is coming" mentality? Some hip-hop listeners are open to Christ in fact, but some of these emcee's can push you away from Christianity with their super religious and over zealous approach.
I propose that Christian emcee's should write their rhymes as if they were building a relationship with a non-believer. The problem is alot of them right their rhymes as if they are submitting it to their pastor. If you've ever been a Christian, you know that the typical non-believer does not want to be apprehended with "your going to hell if you don't change," and "Jesus is waiting for you...etc." The only way to convince people of the truth of your belief in Christ (speaking to the emcee's) is to live the life. This transcends your music.
Therefore, you don't have to mention religious terms every line. You are to simply encourage your fellow Christians, and more importantly, trying to reach those who are not of the same mind! Talk to them when you rhyme. That means your hip-hop shouldn't be to far removed from worldly hip-hop. I'm not saying Christian emcees should sound like 50 cent by far. I'm just sayin when I hear songs like the previous You Tube clip- I turn the dial. Why? Because how will the non-believer relate to you if you present yourself as a saint (and we all know you're not). He on the other hand is caught up in quicksand. The emcee is on the edge of the bank and instead of just helping you-he asks: "Are you ready to accept Jesus? Otherwise you might as well go head and sink." Doesn't seem right does it? The next exhibit demonstrates the direction of where Christian Hip-Hop should go. It's more effective and can impact more people.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Murs Gets on Rick Ross
We (Planet Zoron)had the privilege of opening up for Mur's last year in Tallahassee, Florida. Some of the other performers were Chaun Don, Big Pooh, and Kidz in the Hall. What was supposed to be an hour set turned into a 20 minute set since Murs wanted us off the stage. I personally felt he was intimidated by a hip-hop band.
At anyrate, apparently Rick Ross 1)jacked one of Murs beats and 2)called his name out at the beginning of the song. Murs didn't take it to lightly. But how does that happen? Both artists are signed to major labels. How does Rick end up jacking Murs beat. Copywright infringement? I doubted. In addition, I heard another one of Murs beats on Beanie Siegel's last release. What concerns me is when Murs says "How did he find it?" (in reference to the track). What do you mean-How did he find it? It's your 1st single off your latest album ("Can it Be"on the Murs for President Album). Here's some footage of him rocking his lead single live:
Here is the track Rick did called Gang Related:
Okay-the Moral of the story is when you have a hard working team of music business managers, you shouldn't have to worry about a top 20 billboard act releasing a single with your lead singles beat. Notice on the Gang Related song in the beginning a voice saying: "This is a coast to coast instrumental." What this probably means is that a producer sold Murs a beat for little of nothing. The producer probably took a cut for the exposure (well worthed). However, the producer probably didn't designate on the contract that the track was exclusively for Murs. If he did, he could be in legal trouble. If he didn't, that was silly on Mur's business manager's behalf. I wouldn't get mad at the artist-get mad at the producer who leaked it or your manager that failed to execute and exclusive contract with the producer. Tighten up Murs.
And for bonus footage, this is Mur's disc song in response to Rick Ross: Enjoy.
At anyrate, apparently Rick Ross 1)jacked one of Murs beats and 2)called his name out at the beginning of the song. Murs didn't take it to lightly. But how does that happen? Both artists are signed to major labels. How does Rick end up jacking Murs beat. Copywright infringement? I doubted. In addition, I heard another one of Murs beats on Beanie Siegel's last release. What concerns me is when Murs says "How did he find it?" (in reference to the track). What do you mean-How did he find it? It's your 1st single off your latest album ("Can it Be"on the Murs for President Album). Here's some footage of him rocking his lead single live:
Here is the track Rick did called Gang Related:
Okay-the Moral of the story is when you have a hard working team of music business managers, you shouldn't have to worry about a top 20 billboard act releasing a single with your lead singles beat. Notice on the Gang Related song in the beginning a voice saying: "This is a coast to coast instrumental." What this probably means is that a producer sold Murs a beat for little of nothing. The producer probably took a cut for the exposure (well worthed). However, the producer probably didn't designate on the contract that the track was exclusively for Murs. If he did, he could be in legal trouble. If he didn't, that was silly on Mur's business manager's behalf. I wouldn't get mad at the artist-get mad at the producer who leaked it or your manager that failed to execute and exclusive contract with the producer. Tighten up Murs.
And for bonus footage, this is Mur's disc song in response to Rick Ross: Enjoy.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Kanye West: Rapper turned singer (Not Really)
The problem with releasing an album in which a rapper turns into a singer is when you can't actually sing. I took the time to to see how Kanye's promotional push for his latest release was going. We all know he can't sing and I was curious to see how his voice was panning while performing live.
One thing that is evident is that Kanye knows he can't sing and many wonder why he dropped an album that featured his voice paired with the autotune software (makes it sound like T-Payne) on every track. Never the less, there is something ingenious about this last release and it definitely opened up a new market for him. However, you got to admit-it's funny to watch him try to sing.
Pay attention to the first hook. When he says "down"...you got to laugh. By the last hook, his voice is calling 911. David Letterman's response:"Whoa Buddy!"
And of course, you need to see both spectrums of the pole. So, it's only right that I show you Kanye without the vocoder. This is proof that he knows he can't sing. But one thing I'll give him-He's ripping the mic!
Somebody must have told him that he was stinking up the hook. Why do I say that? Because on Good Morning America, he lets the hook run off the cd-barely singing over top:
You can get mad at the man. Fine. Just when you thought you heard enough of the "T-Payne" sound, Kanye added even more to the collection. However, it takes humility to get on the stage, as a international superstar (10 grammies and counting) and yoddle like the Gap Band on crack. I'm impressed Kanye.
One thing that is evident is that Kanye knows he can't sing and many wonder why he dropped an album that featured his voice paired with the autotune software (makes it sound like T-Payne) on every track. Never the less, there is something ingenious about this last release and it definitely opened up a new market for him. However, you got to admit-it's funny to watch him try to sing.
Pay attention to the first hook. When he says "down"...you got to laugh. By the last hook, his voice is calling 911. David Letterman's response:"Whoa Buddy!"
And of course, you need to see both spectrums of the pole. So, it's only right that I show you Kanye without the vocoder. This is proof that he knows he can't sing. But one thing I'll give him-He's ripping the mic!
Somebody must have told him that he was stinking up the hook. Why do I say that? Because on Good Morning America, he lets the hook run off the cd-barely singing over top:
You can get mad at the man. Fine. Just when you thought you heard enough of the "T-Payne" sound, Kanye added even more to the collection. However, it takes humility to get on the stage, as a international superstar (10 grammies and counting) and yoddle like the Gap Band on crack. I'm impressed Kanye.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hip-Hop, Poker, Groupies and Balling
Okay,
I, being a lover of the game of poker, was intrigued by Jim Jones and Cheri Dennis facing off in a game of Texas Hold em. There are several factors that stand out me while watching this clip:
1) Jim Jones is living up to the expectation of a baller. He's so ready to spend his money, that he bets before the turn even drops.
2)Whats hip-hop without a groupie? Yes, Cheri Dennis emphatically takes on the role of a groupie. Jones did a song with her so why wouldn't she be down to hop in the hot tub with him?
3)Yes Cheri, it's evident that you didn't win the game on your intelligience. You were "Preserving your sexy" the whole time. Thats what groupies do right? They use there sexuality to get what they want...
4) Could we not have another women like Latifah, Sistah Souljah, or Bahamadia to balance out the perception of African-American women in hip-hop? Of course not. In fact the only women qualified to sit at that table would be Little Kim, Fantasia, Remi Ma, and the likes.
5)Have you ever seen this kind of conduct in professional poker? Jim Jones metamorphisized the table into a hot tub just for Cheri. If it got any hotter, you would have to tell everyone to get up so they could play strip poker.
6)Jim Jones played a horrible game of poker. Ironically, it correlates to the perception of a baller. He's raised the pot $1000 on the turn and another $500 on the river-but is bluffing the whole time. He actually has nothing-but whats $1500 to a baller? Isn't that considered petty cash in their world?
7) Jim get his head cracked with triple 7's. Isn't that a holy number?
8) Cheri stepped in the hot tub only to find out that Jim's game was all talk. That's like talking your game up and when the moment arrives-it's a quickie.
9)Cheri had the whole table shook-apparently the water was to hot for all the players. Way to use your sexyness to make dough. Just don't go to the hotel party with them after the game.
10) Maybe its all entertainment-doubted though.
I, being a lover of the game of poker, was intrigued by Jim Jones and Cheri Dennis facing off in a game of Texas Hold em. There are several factors that stand out me while watching this clip:
1) Jim Jones is living up to the expectation of a baller. He's so ready to spend his money, that he bets before the turn even drops.
2)Whats hip-hop without a groupie? Yes, Cheri Dennis emphatically takes on the role of a groupie. Jones did a song with her so why wouldn't she be down to hop in the hot tub with him?
3)Yes Cheri, it's evident that you didn't win the game on your intelligience. You were "Preserving your sexy" the whole time. Thats what groupies do right? They use there sexuality to get what they want...
4) Could we not have another women like Latifah, Sistah Souljah, or Bahamadia to balance out the perception of African-American women in hip-hop? Of course not. In fact the only women qualified to sit at that table would be Little Kim, Fantasia, Remi Ma, and the likes.
5)Have you ever seen this kind of conduct in professional poker? Jim Jones metamorphisized the table into a hot tub just for Cheri. If it got any hotter, you would have to tell everyone to get up so they could play strip poker.
6)Jim Jones played a horrible game of poker. Ironically, it correlates to the perception of a baller. He's raised the pot $1000 on the turn and another $500 on the river-but is bluffing the whole time. He actually has nothing-but whats $1500 to a baller? Isn't that considered petty cash in their world?
7) Jim get his head cracked with triple 7's. Isn't that a holy number?
8) Cheri stepped in the hot tub only to find out that Jim's game was all talk. That's like talking your game up and when the moment arrives-it's a quickie.
9)Cheri had the whole table shook-apparently the water was to hot for all the players. Way to use your sexyness to make dough. Just don't go to the hotel party with them after the game.
10) Maybe its all entertainment-doubted though.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Joaquin Phoenix and Hip-Hop? I Smell Trouble!
Just when you thought hip-hop had revealed all its demons, possibly another one is on its way out the closet. Joaquin Phoenix, a premier hollywood actor (Gladiator, Walk the Line), was spotted on January 19th rocking the mic at club Lavo in Vegas. He apparently dropped three tracks, and I had the honor of listening to the first track. If you know how sensitive my ears are, you would know that it was no need to continue to listen to Phoenix.
In addition, yes, we do have Times Online.com admitting that Phoenix is working on a hip-hop project, and this is coming out of the horses mouth:
“My experience afterward was I had a lot of dudes come up and say, `We really respect you for doing it, putting yourself out there, and going with it.' Because I think true hip-hop heads know that it's hard, it's going to be a hard transition, and people are going to be lining up just to make fun of me."
My discrepancy is that the YouTube video clearly shows that Phoenix is not a rapper. In fact after his performance, he tripped and fell off the stage. And as much as I like to admit that I love Phoenix as an actor, so far, his music sucks.
Meanwhile, I'm more curious with why so many people want to rap and feel that they are competent to represent the art form. Aren't there enough rappers out there already? I meet young and grown folks alike that swear they have the hot skillz. Phoenix exemplifies my point. However, people that aren't passionate or are simply incompetent only bring degradation to any art form.
In the Times Online.com article, Phoenix admits that most people will not take him seriously. In fact, the article's main thesis is that Phoenix is serious though many will ridicule him. I personally think that Phoenix's album at your local music dealer goes to show how far hip-hop has deviated from it's original theme. With our luck (true hip-hop fans), Phoenix's album may take off, go gold, and then we'll see Russell Crowe, Ben Afleck, Denzel Washington, and Al Pacino all release albums (give me a break).
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5659301.ece
In addition, yes, we do have Times Online.com admitting that Phoenix is working on a hip-hop project, and this is coming out of the horses mouth:
“My experience afterward was I had a lot of dudes come up and say, `We really respect you for doing it, putting yourself out there, and going with it.' Because I think true hip-hop heads know that it's hard, it's going to be a hard transition, and people are going to be lining up just to make fun of me."
My discrepancy is that the YouTube video clearly shows that Phoenix is not a rapper. In fact after his performance, he tripped and fell off the stage. And as much as I like to admit that I love Phoenix as an actor, so far, his music sucks.
Meanwhile, I'm more curious with why so many people want to rap and feel that they are competent to represent the art form. Aren't there enough rappers out there already? I meet young and grown folks alike that swear they have the hot skillz. Phoenix exemplifies my point. However, people that aren't passionate or are simply incompetent only bring degradation to any art form.
In the Times Online.com article, Phoenix admits that most people will not take him seriously. In fact, the article's main thesis is that Phoenix is serious though many will ridicule him. I personally think that Phoenix's album at your local music dealer goes to show how far hip-hop has deviated from it's original theme. With our luck (true hip-hop fans), Phoenix's album may take off, go gold, and then we'll see Russell Crowe, Ben Afleck, Denzel Washington, and Al Pacino all release albums (give me a break).
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5659301.ece
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A Few Things About the Hip-Hop Industry.
1)It seems that newbies to the industry have no respect for the men/women who have been doing it while they were in middle school. Even lately, I meet cats that are my age but started rhyming, managing, producing...since 05. They don't realize that experience does count. For me, it's cool to be able to observe it go down in this fashion. Sometimes you have to just see it to believe it.
2) In the end, your product is all you have. If you have flash, have money, have women, and all the other b.s...you BETTER have a dope cd. Why? Because it may look good, but it doesn't sound good. I get tons of demo disc-every year. The problem-1) no brand...random music with no swag 2) "heard it all before" 3) you have literally just wrote your name on a blank disc with a sharpie...and put it in a slim case?
3) To much 8 mile! Is it not clashing of the titans to a degree? Huge egos meeting for the overall betterment of hip-hop. Yet, all these individuals are grown men/women. Just because one disagrees doesn't make it beef or a war.
Business will always be business and great business men are the weirdos whose crazy plan actually worked. Can't you just feel the haters when Russell signed RUN DMC, and LL COOL J, BEASTIE BOYS..etc.? Bottom line, I bet he had major haters, yet he saw past there folly. He stayed focused, and now his business is sought after by citizens and companies alike all around the world.
If we were more unified in thought, all of us could eat off hip-hop, but what are the chances?
2) In the end, your product is all you have. If you have flash, have money, have women, and all the other b.s...you BETTER have a dope cd. Why? Because it may look good, but it doesn't sound good. I get tons of demo disc-every year. The problem-1) no brand...random music with no swag 2) "heard it all before" 3) you have literally just wrote your name on a blank disc with a sharpie...and put it in a slim case?
3) To much 8 mile! Is it not clashing of the titans to a degree? Huge egos meeting for the overall betterment of hip-hop. Yet, all these individuals are grown men/women. Just because one disagrees doesn't make it beef or a war.
Business will always be business and great business men are the weirdos whose crazy plan actually worked. Can't you just feel the haters when Russell signed RUN DMC, and LL COOL J, BEASTIE BOYS..etc.? Bottom line, I bet he had major haters, yet he saw past there folly. He stayed focused, and now his business is sought after by citizens and companies alike all around the world.
If we were more unified in thought, all of us could eat off hip-hop, but what are the chances?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)