Blu's album "Below The Heavens" was definately one of the most refreshing pieces of Hip-Hop to come out in a while. Although many of the beats were repetitive with the same sequence used for chopping up samples, the overall product and message coming from Blu's songs, many delivering meaningful texts in a sarcastic/almost blunt manner, in my opinion accumalated in a very solid album, with "The World Is", which cleverly samples Nas' "The World Is Yours", being the icing on the cake of a very well thought of and well put together album. It's a shame that this form of Hip-Hop is frowned upon because, ladies and gentleman, or should I say, thugs and thugettes, this is what Hip-Hop originally once was.
Yes, females might be called **** (some things don't change) and there is references to crime, but, rather then gloryfiying such matters, artists such as Nas, Blu, Lupe Fiasco, Andre 300, Scarface, Common, Mos Def etc simply provide an insight into what life is like for many growing up in America. Though there tellings are somewhat uncut, the fact of the matter is that they are only being truthful in what they say and are only explaining what they see/saw on a regular basis. Hip-Hop is poetry at its finest and such artists are a credit to those who are searching for a place in this world. However, what I don't appreciate is the current state of Hip-Hop today.
I find myself hanging my head in shame at some of the current material being realised today, which is summed up by Lil Wayne being crowned as "The Best Rapper Alive". Since when did Nas and Jay-Z die? I mean you can't fault him for work ethic and neither can you fault him as an MC. His flow is second to none and what he lacks in subject matter/lyrics he more then makes up for with his distinctive voice and swag. But it is a sad thing to say that Lil Wayne is, at this present moment, the best Hip-Hop has to offer. The man himself probably shakes his head at the naivety of todays Hip-Hop listeners and in my opinion he is milking the moment and taking the game for a ride. But, credit where credit is due. You have to give it to him.
His current release, "Tha Carter III" is nowhere near a classic. Yet Lil Wayne knew regardless of what he put out it would be crowned a classic as he has so many stans the album is bound to go classic. Yes, the album does have a few nice tracks, and I especially like the Dr. Carter track, which boasts suprisingly good production from Swizz Beats, as well as a refreshing concept that only Wayne himself could pull off.
However, the overall content is weak and below par with what I would classify a classic. At best there are 3/4 good songs and the rest are, well, questionable. He would have been better off throwing in some of his mixtape material. To sum the album up, and to sum up how Lil Wayne has declined in recent times (drugs, stans, the fact he knows whatever he puts out, people are going to like it), the so called main track, Mr. Carter, which accomadates the GOAT himself, Jay-Z, fails to move mountains. Wayne drops two questionable verses and is put in his place by a below par Jay-Z. I was hyped for the track but was ultimately left disappointed, a bit like the whole album infact.
So, where is this leading one might ask. Well, I don't know myself. I take a look at current Hip-Hop and I ask myself will it ever be the same. Artists such as Blu and Lupe Fiasco are bright rays in what is a gloomy scene. However, they are just two small fish in a big ocean and I cannot see more artists such as them pushing through. Blu is still underground and Lupe Fiasco, although his latest joint went gold ("The Cool"), still has a somewhat limited audience. Taking into consideration the older heads, I feel as if Jay-Z's heart is no longer in Hip-Hop and I have given up on the hope of him producing another "Reasonable Doubt" which is my favourite album,ever....period. I still think Nas has one last adventure left, one last album in that special pen of his. His album, which he is to release sometime in July (hopefully) is sounding encouraging. After scrapping the controversial title, and, after hearing the Hero track, I think Nas is somewhat back to his best. I just hope he picks better production, and I think he might just take my advice as Hero is a well produced track. Lets wait and see. In terms of sales he won't win any awards this year but I have a sneeky feeling Nas might win critical acclaim for what looks to be his last venture.
From my blog you can perhaps see that I am in favour of concious Hip-Hop. However, I am also a fan of the grittier side of things. Hip-Hop is an art and, in artistic terms, it is up to the painter how he portrays his image. Jadakiss is up there with my list of favourite rappers and, although his albums aren't what I'd call Top 10 material, his mixtapes, as well as his guest appearences, are second to none. Its just a shame some one with so much talent is so lazy. Notorious B.I.G. would turn in his grave (Jadakiss was his "protege").
Whilst I'm on the subject of albums, I'd just mention that, although not the best MC, The Game is a gifted rapper who has natural ability. He also has a good habit of making a good album and I definately know that "L.A.X." will be miles ahead of "Tha Carter III". I'm not a Wayne hater, I actually like his mixtape material and, once you get over the fact he is fake and half the stuff he comes up with doesn't make sense as he often creates rhymes after a heavy session of drugs and ProMeth, he is actually talented. His verses are punchline ridden and, in terms of entertainment, you've got to appreciate his talent. Just don't take it too far and say "he's the greatest" because he isn't.
To wrap things up, so to speak, I'd like to end on happier times. So I'm off to listen to my iPod and my selection of Hip-Hop that mainly comes from the 90's era. If anyone would like to message me there views on this topic feel free to, as, of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I am more then happy to listen to different views on this subject. I hope you enjoyed the read. Keep it Hip-Hop.
If anyone wants to discuss Hip-Hop in general message me. I'm always on the look out for hidden gems I haven't heard and I'm sure I own some material that some of you have never heard.
OP71MUS GR1M3