Thoughts on 06 Rap

Too late: Busta Rhymes had his remix revolution “Touch It” that had me lip syncing even Missy’s verse. As much as it was played and all the hype surrounding the new Busta, he flopped. The album dropped too late and the “Big Bang” wasn’t so great of a concept. I feel sorry for him almost, he must have spent some good advance money hustling to promote his shit… Rick Ross came from under Trick Daddy’s wing but emerged from Jay Z’s Def Jam to hit the airwaves with “Hustlin”. Wow. Never heard a song so much that I really wondered why I liked it in the first place. Ross’ album “Port of Miami” came in August when his bread and butter was heating up in April. Hmm. Don’t feel as bad for Ross, though. Remember he has his Coke trade to fall back on.

Hip Hop is Dead Controversy: I admit Hip Hop is disillusioned right now, yet its been like this for a while. Is it all the South’s fault? Not entirely, though their toy rap is not entirely attributed to themselves. I’ll say it corporate interest, i.e. money killed Hip Hop. If record companies, television, commercial entities weren’t able to push this “Snap” crap, we wouldn’t hear it. My problem with Nas is simple: don’t think I owe you a listen because you just brought this up. This issue has been circulating for years. Hear me out – yet, we need the “Snap”. If it weren’t for the overexposure of Hip Hop culture as a whole, artists would not have tried and some artists may have never been discovered. Yes, rapping should be an intrinsic motivation – it shouldn’t be about the money. Yet, I’d like to ask Jay Z or Nas if they’d like the extra fans buying their records? Because of the extra radio/television play, everybody wins. Jay Z couldn’t tour to bumb fuck Iowa if it weren’t for new found rap fans. Nas surely is going appreciate the boost in record sales because the strength that Hip Hops hold. Hell, that’s why he can take so much time off and continue to ride his previous highs! All I’m saying is that true Hip Hop artists will never get proper dues (most really good artists never get their popularity); it’s a fact of life. They get my respect, in here (I’m pointing to my heart). Of course, Nas, I give you more credit than the Ying Yang Twins. But as sad this sounds, they make me dance! What are you going to do? Hip Hop is very much alive. It’s all about airplay, what sells. Let these fake rappers ride themselves out in a year, pimp out their rides and in three years be out on the block again. Just chill in the cut. Know that what you got and are offering, not matter the payoff, is peace enough.

New Comers: Rick Ross had a huge year. He aint bad. He aint good either. He’s got the production, the pusher and his name is in people minds. Yet, his stay may be short. I don’t care too much either way. Yung Joc killed it for a few songs but the rest of “New Joc City” was garbage. He’s monotonous and looks too non-descript. However, I am looking forward to his future releases. Young Dro is a prime example of top artists trying to push their crew mates. TI let the world know Dro. I might like Dro if he stopped telling me new names for colors and talking about cars all the time. Too gimmicky for me. Don’t see a good future, he better stick to his girl’s girlfriend.

Mixtapes: How come mixtapes took over albums? Cats drop better material on here, than their album. All these mixtape artists coming up is cool, yet a lot seem to stay on the mixtape circuit, like they being held back in school or something. And another thing, I’m tired of all these DJs putting the same songs on their tapes. Stop it! I don’t want “Show Me What You Got” on every tape!

Jay + Nas Hook Up: Ugh! Don’t make me start. Nas is a bitch. A real beef and he surrenders. Fuck uniting Hip Hop. You a bitch! No respect for that move. And it’s like, Nas, it came to this? You need Jay for a comeback? For Jay, it showed his personal side of being a greedy bastard and a corporate whore. I just wont accept it on any level.

Conscious Rap: Little Brother and Rhymefest rose to the challenge this year and told folks what they’re about. While I respect them and like what’s flowing, I need something silly. I can’t vibe all the damn time!

Game: Vented about G-Unot! Good. Released his 50-less follow up “Drs Advocate”. Wasn’t bad. Yet with everything in his corner and having no excuse to slip up, he does just that. Game should talk to Eminem, they’ve got the same problem: Image and Team are there, but nothing to talk about!

Hyphy Movement: Hitting the mainstream in 2006 with the help of the South’s Lil Jon, E-40 had his career breakthrough. Good for him. Not for his old fans. Mistah Fab, the Pack and Keak the Sneak along with ton of other hangers on broke through. Umm, Hyphy just doesn’t work for me. Seems like you gotta be a Bay Area cat to be into it, the concepts still awkward for me.

East Coast Back: With a tsunami of releases from major East Coast artists, such as Jay, Nas, Ghostface and AZ to name a few, the East is back. But I don’t think it ever left. Yeah, the East still holds the best form of rap – the gritty tales. It doesn’t move me or excite though, as much as it did back when.

Slip Ups: Fat Joe, Pitbull, E-40, Ludacris, Camron and Jeezy had sub par albums this year. In all the cases, I was expecting a great leap. Dust off and try again.

Rich Boy single, what comes of it: The only reason I mention this, is b/c I’ve heard Rich Boy’s stuff from 05 and am wondering why all of a sudden “Ds” got pushed so hard? And why the video? Does he really expect to be timely with the release of his album?

FLA/ATL burst: What, more South?! Yes, but there’s both good and bad and the unknown. I’m at that point with most music, and not just the South, that I’ve got to hear more than some hot singles or a surprising album or some timely freestyles. Too many one hit wonders from the South, though, so I’m weary of any of these newbies.