Well, the year 2002 is now half done so let’s take a trip down memory lane. If there is one thing that can be concluded, this year has consisted of nothing but the underground pissing in the mainstream. The music has just been far superior, that is the bottom line. With that being said, here are my top ten albums so far with ratings included:
01. Atmosphere “Godlovesugly” (*****)
02. Eminem “The Eminem Show” (****1/2)
03. Aesop Rock “Daylight” (****1/2)
AD LOADING...
04. J-Live “All Of The Above” (****1/2)
05. Non-Phixion “The Future Is Now” (****1/2)
06. The Demigodz “The Godz Must Be Crazy” (****)
07. El-P “Fantastic Damage” (****)
AD LOADING...
08. Copywrite “The High Exhaulted” (****)
09. Blackalicious “Blazing Arrow” (****)
10. Edan “Primitive Plus” (****)
One thing I must point out, Necro’s production for Non-Phixion. You’d think that with tracks from Primo, Pete Rock, Large Pro and The Beatnuts, Necro wouldn’t shine much. His production is actually the best on the album. Pete Rock supplies the best beat, but I’m talking overall production. Necro’s beats are just as expressive as the lyrics. “CIA Is Trying To Kill Me” makes you want to run to your phone to see of it’s tapped, likewise “The Future Is Now” just reeks of paranoia. It is the difference between producing for an artist and just selling them a beat from your beat tape.
AD LOADING...
On to more unpleasant things, I had the misfortune of seeing Lil’ Wayne’s new video. To be quite honest it sent me into a fucking rage. Jackin’ the beat from “Hit’em Up” is blasphemous for one, and watching and hearing the display of ignorance as those fools pose in front of rented cars and houses just blew me away. How can anyone listen to those guys? Seriously though, what are they trying to accomplish with that video? It is an embarrassment to hip hop, not to mention cruel and unusual punishment for your ears, I say lock’em up and wire their mouths shut.
It is really sad to think that these guys, along with Nelly, Ja Rule, Puffy and the like are having such an impact on today’s youth. What is worse is that it is a conscious decision by the industry to ensure it. MTV and Hot 97 create the demand and the supply, they tell people what they will hear and what they will like. For the most part, the average fan doesn’t know there is anything better out there, and that is way that Puffy, Russell and Flex like to keep it.
A lot of you who read my last column were rather surprised by my calling out Russell Simmons. Let me elaborate on that a little. In recent years, Mr. Simmons has gotten a lot of credit for trying to preserve hip hop culture, the conferences, the summits, all of that. Yet, the biggest difference he could make would be delivering a positive message through music, music that is heard by everyone. He could make that difference by signing someone like Talib, Mos, Common or any of those conscious, positive cats out there. He could spend millions ensuring that they are on the radio every 15 minutes, that they perform at award shows and that they get 4+ mics in The Source. Just like he does with DMX, Ja Rule and Ludicris. The risk? People hear something that makes them think and it scares them so they tune it out and only 500,000 people buy the album instead of a million. Ludicris would have 3 million so Russell loses money. The payoff (which is present either way)? Is that thousands of young people hear the message and change the way they think and the way they approach life. Not to mention, hip hop might get a positive image. I believe that is called putting your money where your mouth is. If he wants to make a difference, there is nothing stopping him. And don’t tell me that he couldn’t get those guys on Def Jam if he really wanted to.
All I’m saying is that the almighty dollar still takes priority, and that is fine with me, just don’t try and convince me otherwise. I will never hate on an artist for trying to make money, as long as that doesn’t take priority over the art. That is the difference, those Cash Money fucks are rapping for the purpose of making money. True emcee’s rap because they love it, money comes as a result of that. Keep the art form first, stay true to this shit. I remain, critical minded. Peace.
AD LOADING...
Love me or hate me, feel free to tell me, jeff.ryce@hiphopdx.com
