A SOP Special Report
co-wrote by: Hugh and J. Burnett
Hugh: I am not a hip-hop elitist nor have I ever claimed to be, but I am guilty of looking down on certain artists/styles of music because they did not display the skill and technique encompassed in the most critically-lauded rap albums. But ironically the music that I found myself criticizing was the same stuff that I listened to growing up. 90% of the rap albums I purchased in the 90’s were executive produced by Master P. So what has happened over the last 8 years that has made me appreciate what many consider “real hip-hop” and convinced me to shun the music that I grew up on? To be honest, I really don’t know. Sure I’ve matured and the rap I’ve become fond of is more intellectually stimulating at times but is that just cause to discriminate against other artists that don’t fit that mold? No.
Recently I’ve found myself listening to (and enjoying) albums from these same artists that a few months ago I would argue shouldn’t even be allowed to record and release music. Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Shawty Lo, Young (or is it Yung?) Dro, Boosie, Webbie, Rick Ross, etc. are artists that I feel often catch flack because they don’t lyrically measure up to some of the accomplished rappers of past and present day (Jay, Nas, B.I.G., Common, Rakim, Wu…). While this may be true, what else do these despised artists have in common? If you are familiar with them and have a U.S. map nearby, you’ll notice that they are all from states sitting below the Mason-Dixie line. Coincidence???
One thing you can’t deny is these dudes know how to make hit records. Between the catchy hooks, banging beats and hilarious ad-libs (my favorite), the entertainment value is through the roof. And at the end of the day isn’t that what music is? Does it always have to be serious? I often like to draw comparisons between music and movies. What if I was to look down on Will Ferrell or Jennifer Aniston because their films don’t show the same depth as those by DeNiro or Cate Blanchett? That’s not right. So why is it acceptable to dismiss the latest effort by Jeezy because he can’t hang with Nas lyrically? None of these artists have ever claimed to be the best in the game. They simply make music that represents who they are. Take it for what it is and you might hear something you actually like. What you think J. Burnett?
J. Burnett: I totally agree. I too am a closet purveyor of Southern rap and not just the Cunninglynguists, Little Brother, Strange Fruit type acts but stuff like 3-6, Webbie, Trill Ent., Gucci Mane, Plies (as most of you found out), Shawty Lo, Trick Daddy, Jeezy and plenty others who many would consider to be ig’nant coons. I found myself in the last couple days pondering the same question as Hugh. Can I be a fan of true Hip Hop and still like a Jeezy, a Plies or Rick Ross and I think the answer is yeah, why not???
In case you haven’t ever been on MySpace or outside there’s millions of rappers. Some are great some are boo boo but you have to respect that whoever it is grinded their way into some sort of success. You don’t just luck up and get a contract. If that was the case I’d be rapping now getting all sorts of groupie love. Someone has to see something in you to invest millions of dollar into you. Despite what many believe, there’s no set formula to a hit and when someone makes more then one hit that deserves applause. And if you think there is a formula check out Jeffery Atkins’ case file and/or numbers for his recent album. Did it even drop???
You also have to think about why you’re listening. I don’t take the same ears that I listen to Jay Electronica as I do to listen to Gucci Mane. That’s just stoopid. Piggy-backing off of what Hugh said earlier, if you got two boxers who cares if one knocks cats out with a sloppy haymaker or if the other outclasses his foes with technical prowess. The end result is the W and if you’re listening to rap to be entertained it’s pretty much the same thing.
Chime in at any time jabronis
