Authentically Hip-Hop!

A few years back, acclaimed and renown author, John McWhorter, wrote a thoroughly engaging and controversial book entitled, “Authentically Black: Essays for the Black Silent Majority.” In the book he analyzed Dubois’ sentiments of the color-line being the major issue for black people in the 20th century as well as their internal war between being black and living in a land that hates them, and still trying to prevail.  He takes that famous theory and injects a new and somewhat unspoken theory that pervades the psyche of many black people.  McWhorter writes that there is a notion that being “Authentically Black” is when a black person continuously keeps the “man” on the hook for past injustices and does not let go of it.  By blaming the ills in the “black community” on what the white man did or has done, then you are authentic and understand the plight.  For black people, including McWhorter, who understand yet dispell that form of thinking, there is a certain marginalization that takes place and black people consider those types of individuals as proverbial “sell-outs.”

The topic “Authentically Hip-Hop” aims not to literakky take a slice out of the pie that McWhorter and Co. have since prepared.  However, I want us, as an online community, to take the essence of what McWhorter was trying to prove and mentally juxtapose that with what’s going on in Hip-Hop today-more specifically, around this supposed “Fiascogate.”  I came up with the idea of this topic after I checked out the comments section of an e-article on Vibe.com dicussing the current controversy of Mr. FNF up.  Someone named “Doug Fresh” posted: “Hip Hop is the only music art form where newer artists do not truly respect, pay homage, or in some cases even know the pioneers of the art. This is not only about “Midnight Maruaders”…do you think a rock -n-roll guitarist never heard Jimi Hendrick’s classic material..I doubt it.”

After I saw that, I immediately wanted to bring this back to HM and get an idea from the fam on what you all believe to be Authentically Hip-Hop in today’s times.  A lot of “right-wing” hip-hop’ers are saying that Lupe, as a notably skilled and talented emcee, should know and have studied an album such as “Midnight Maurauders” and most importantly, should not have fumbled at the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors Awards.  Some individuals have even stated that the character/idea “Lupe” is fallacious and is really not conscious at all.  To Lupe’s defense, however, and I want to preface my statement by saying that my subsequent comment is simply for the sake of discussion and not because i’m any kind of Lupe stan. I think the term “conscious” is something that the media bestowed on him. From Lupe’s comments, he never said he was a backpacker. Although Phonte did make an interesting point that he benefits off that label/title. Vis a vis, who Lupe is and what he stands for is, for the most part, is a representation of his music but also represents the titles and labels that the media,blogs, mainstream gave him.  So, is Lupe a product of media hope and expectation or is he simply just an a regular joe trying to get by like the next man?  I digress….

“Left-wing” hip-hop’ers are stating that Lupe is a hoax and going as far to say that his career is over.  What did someone say on HM? “his next album will go copper?” lol. Anyway, these type of individuals are saying that as an emcee whose music has roots and vestiges to that of ATCQ, he and anyone like him, needs to know and have listened to classic albums put out before and during their lifetime in order to be somewhat credible and/or “authentic.”  That Lupe denounces ATCQ further proves to left-wing hip-hop’ers that he is not only arrogant, but also blasphemous. From Lupe’s perspective, putting groups like ATCQ and their album on Hip Hops altar of “untouchable” is an example of “hip-hop vanity.” That he and others like him can’t drop albums and positive messages without knowing words to songs by ATCQ or other legendary groups is dead wrong and considers those naysayers as “dirty bastards.”

So I want to bring this to the table. Are rappers who don’t know or study groups like Melle Mel and the Furious Five or ATCQ or Cold Crush Brothers or De La Soul, et. al, not authentically Hip-Hop? If not, then why? Taking it back to what “Doug Fresh” wrote, is Hip-Hop the only genre of music where the newer artists don’t really have a deep-rooted respect for the cats that came before them? If so, what caused this? Is this the fault of the industry and its attempts to market “looks” and “disposable music” rather than content?  Is Lupe a victim of the waves of the music industry? Is he an innocent artist just trying to get by and do what’s right? or Is he an over-hyped and arrogant rapper whose time is up?

Let’s converse, shall we!

~Thesis

“Back in the Day When I Was Young………”

So I wanted to mix things up a bit and write a post about the days we all miss and reminisce about.  For me, my elementary school days in the late 80s to early 90s are unforgettable.  I mean, in Brooklyn, those were the days where my first crush was literally the girl next door and when my sister walked me to school, she and her Grandmother walked the same route.  Those were also the days when I called her house to ask her out and she chuckled, said no and silently hung up the phone. lol.  Needless to say the day after, everybody in my 3rd grade class knew about it. How embarassing.

Those were also the days when the corner store/bodega was the hang out spot and you could get your 25 cent bag of potato chips, or in my case, a pack of cinammon swirls (till this day, i love em’).  You could even get yuor favorite quarter water and some nah’ latas or sour powers.  Those were the days of the school trips to the Botanical Gardens where you wasn’t shyt if you didn’t pack a hero to eat for lunch…..Some of ya’ll may call’em subs, grinders, hoagies, but in NY, that shyt was a hero…..lol.  And a hero with the works….the salt, pepper, and vinegar with all types of meat in that bad boi…i personally don’t like tomatoes in my heros….anyway, some cats couldn’t afford a hero so they brought a home-made sandwich and either got got for their sandwich or got made fun of.   All the girls in the back of ths bus doing gossip ish or doing hand-clap games and passin notes and the boys were trading their Michael Jordan cards or in my case, Marvel Masterpieces.

Those were the days where when you got in a fight, it only started cause someone in the crowd pushed you into that cat and whoever fell on the ground first was a herb.  Those were the days of teacher’s pets, hall monitors, walking in a straight line with the shortest kids in the front of the line (which was me! lol) and the tallest kids thinking they could run shyt….which they did.  Those were the days when holdin hands and feelin on girls’ booties were catchin on and the idea of sex was scary and borderline gross.  Those were the days of gym or P.E where you played 7-up, duck duck goose, dodge ball, etc….. You remember when all the dudes was outside on the playground playin Suicide and if you tapped the ball cats was ready to catch it and throw it 90 mph to hit u in yo foe’head…..Memba playin ball and everybody tried to be Jordan doing some lame lookin fade away and stickin their tongues out screamin “Joooordan” before every move. lol

Those were the days when Naughty By Nature dropped “OPP” and you screamed out, “Yeeeeeah you know me” lol…..Those were the days of report cards and city-wide tests and you were scared as hell to show your parents that you got a “U” lol.

Damn, those were the days when light skin cats were in, no matter how ugly they were. haha….Girls were feening after like 1 or 2 dudes in your class and all the dudes were tryna holla at one girl (her head was mad gassed wasn’t it?). There was the typical fat boy and fat girl in your class and you tried to hook’em both up just cause they were fat (wasn’t that f’ed up)…But then after school ended and the summer came, next fall they came thru and they shed mad weight…(sometimes).  Those were the times when girls with long hair thought they were the shyt and shitted on girls who had to wear extensions or weaves and the infamous “itty bitty titty committee.”  Ya’ll remember the lunch room? Ya’ll remember those nasty hamburgers and “catsup” instead of ketchup?  Ya’ll remember that one African kid and folk were sayin “you’re an African booty scratcher?” (i was that African kid but folks couldn’t tell I was African so I suppose that was someone else’s grief).

Umm…what else….Oooooh, how could I forget…..ya’ll remember when Super Nintendo came out and you ain’t have one so you went to your people’s house to play that jawn! Or when you went to the arcades and played Street Fighter 1. lol…not even Special champion edition…. the first street figter where you could only play as ryu or ken. lol. The arcades was the place to show off your “hado-ken”…..haha, those were the days!!!  Or when Nintendo came out and you had that gun for duck hunt and you put that ish right on the screen of the tv. lol. lmao…..ooooh, ya’ll remember that “Gyromite” game and the robot that came wit it? Remember how excited you were when Mario got that racoon’s tail? lol…i’m buggin

 Remember the old school cartoon line-up that you used to be running home to watch: Tale Spin, Rescue Rangers, Alvin & The Chipmunks, Darkwing Duck, Ducktales…

I could go on and on…..let’s all reminisce ya’ll.  What your story?

~Thesis

The Days of the R&B Duets- Where’d They Go?

As of recent, I’ve been thinking to myself a lot about how much the R&B game has changed.  It’s safe to say that the market is flooded with nothing but pretty faces and not enough vocal/writing skills and emotion in their voices.  It’s also apparent how much R&B and Hip-Hop have merged thus creating this entity that I honestly do not really care much for nowadays.  We have true R&B artists like Joe who seemed to get caught up in the Hip-Hop scene by making it a point to consistently collabo with cats like G-Unit, Pastor Troy, and Papoose in past records. 

 Now, i’m not saying that cross-genre collaborations shouldn’t take place, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of R&B/Soul.  It shouldn’t be at the expense of sacrificing your talent and niche for a couple extra fans.  Although I can’t  knock the next man’s hustle, it’s truly saddening to me when I peep certain videos and seeing muh’suckas with songs called “She’s a 10″ gettin hella airplay.  Call it venting….call it whatever, but what happened to the days of real R&B sans the interjection of a 8 or 16 bar rap verse….none of that “yooo, i got that hot 16 son!” I mean the smooth days when music made you feel good about yourself and made you feel good about falling in love or yearning for it.  I can go on for days but I really wanted to bring this topic to the essence of the duet. 

 Classic duets by the legendary Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrel or Billy Preston & Syreeta, or even Rick James and Teena Marie or Donny Hathaway & Roberta Flack.  Where have these duets gone? Why do we have to settle for Neyo & Rhianna. lol.  It seems like so many artists are willing and able to drop their own albums but we’re not getting too many album collaborations that showcase that real music….that pure R&B.  I recall like 5 years ago reading an article where Joe was talking about creating a duets album and apparently that never happened. 

What’re your thoughts? Would you like to see more duet albums come out by talented and established artists? Do you think there is an audience for such in today’s industry? Which R&B artists would you be interested in seeing doing a duets album?

~Thesis

Does Common Limit His Own Commercial Success?

Sup sup ya’ll….I’ve been wanting to touch this topic for quite some time now.  As the initial feelings of “Finding Forever” have somewhat subdued, it will also follow the ritual process of being archived, but not forgotten, like the rest of my Common albums.  As I have been known to be wordy, I will just get straight to the point.  If it is not known already, I am a big Common fan, for a myriad of reasons that I will not get into at this present time.  I want to examine a couple of lines that Common has dropped over the years and use those as examples to prove my thesis that Common’s commercial success, or lack thereof, has been a direct result of his lyrics and his inability to make music that ALL people can relate to.  Some may find the latter statement inaccurate since he just made a track entitled, “The People.” However, in all fairness, I think the track should’ve actually been called, “Black People.” I bring this topic up only to strike certain levels of discourse and debate and not to shed any hate on Common, who I have a great deal of respect for.  But, in many respects, I gotta call a spade a spade.

 My lady mentioned to me quite some time ago that a white guy who she used to go to school with is big on hip-hop…During a conversation about Common, he mentions that he thinks Common is okay but he’s a racist and he can’t get down with his music. The dude felt that Common saying he’s for “the people” is ludicrous.  When she told me that, I was like, “Comm’s not racist.” I still do not think he’s racist but I can’t say that I do not understand where the bul was coming from.

Amidst Comm’s prolific verse-catalogue, he’ll drop lines like:

1. “While white folk focus on dogs and yoga, my people on the low end try to ball and get ova”

2. “Black men walking wit white girls on they arms, I be mad at em as if I know they moms. Told to go beyond the surface, a person’s a person. When we lessen our women our condition seems to worsen.”

3. “Some say that God is Black and the Devil’s White. Well, the Devil is wrong and God is what’s right”

I’m sure there are countless other bars but I do not think it’s accruate to say that Common’s racist. I do think that he’s somewhat marginalized a large pool of consumers who would have supported him despite lines that seem to call them out.  Common has always been revolutionary and freedom rap but can in the true spirit of revolutionary and freedom, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense or rather, it seems counterproductive to speak ill about white people. 

I’m not too sure if there’s audio out there about Common speaking about said topic but I’d love to hear his thoughts about him making tracks like “The People” but still have this itch when it comes to white people.  I want to also express that I am not saying that Common should necessarily curry favor to the white audience.  I think he’s an artist and needs to stay in a zone that in comfortable and consistent for him.  What I am intrigued to find out is do you think Common has marginalized himself by his lyrics to lose the “white” consumer’s dollar? Do you think that white people are even checking him out like that? If so, do you think they recognize such lyrics.  In the example of the dude above, he recognized it and as a result, does not support Common. 

What’re your thoughts?

~Thesis

Artists That Speak For This Generation

In a recent conversation I had, I had brought up the fact that there were a select few mainstream artists that actually spoke for/to this generation.  Last week, I believe it was on VH1, there was a day long segment on the history of Motown and the affect its artists had on their generation from setting trends to speaking out on political issues of that day to being true innovators.  Individuals like Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Etta James, and older heads like Billie Holiday and her “Strange Fruit” come into mind as being musicians that not only spoke for their generation but spoke to it as well.

Fast forward about 40 years since the Motown days and we have artists such as T-Pain, Akon, & Co. that are commanding a lot of attention from their tracks but don’t, in my opinion, necessarily speak for the generation.  The potential list of artists that come under this vein of being true speakers of the generation can be somewhat subjective but I think it’s important to understand that just because an artist has a # 1 hit on the charts and everyone knows his/her hooks, doesn’t necessarily mean that they could be on that list. 

I’m interested in finding out who you guys believe are speakers of this generation.  Also, when you list the musicians, please give reasons why.  Being on such a list means that not only have you made it a point to perfect your craft as an artist, but that you make a conscientious attempt to be political or speak about pertinent issues that are affecting a mass of individuals.  Being on this list means that you’re going above and beyond your role as an artist to actually be a universal entity encompassing values and concerns that the “common” individual may have and broadcast such in a greater outlet.

I’d also like to hear your thoughts on why certain artists who have mass appeal do not get overly political but choose to stay comfortable in the “pop” lime light.  One individual that comes to my mind is Beyonce.  For all of the work that she has done to build her career in the music industry, and most recently, in retail, I feel that she’s one artist that has a tremendous amount of potential to really affect change. Personally one or two tracks on an album does not make someone a speaker for the generation.  It has to follow some kind of action.  I’m not saying that Beyonce or any similar-type artist need to start picketing outside Planned Parenthood or the White House lawn but there’s so much going on in the world and I wonder why such artists choose to be more vocal about material things than things that can actually help the people.

What are your thoughts on the latter and Who do you think should be on such a list?

~Thesis

African American vs. Black vs. American vs…..

I recently had a conversation with someone who mentioned to me that when asked where I was from, I said, “I was Nigerian.”She felt that it would have been more appropriate to say I was born and raised in New York with parents and family having been born and raised in Nigeria.  Although my answer wasn’t necessarily wrong, it was somewhat misleading.  At the point of time when answering the question, I did not initially make it known that my siblings and I are first generation.  I, however, mentioned I was Nigerian but was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. 

Discussions around the idea and state of one’s identity is not new at all.  Up till this day, I know I am American by birth, but I also know that I lived in Nigeria and although I don’t remember every aspect of the land, I am aware of the culture, my own language, the food, etc…I feel very much one with the customs as having learned it through family.  I suppose I feel one with it enough to say at first introduction that I am Nigerian.  Some may debate that claim and as explained earlier, it’s very understandable why.

I used that personal example to illustrate not only what identity means to me, but how it has shaped who I am today.  The title of this topic, per se, is “African American vs. Black vs. American vs.” This topic comes from many conversations, readings, and personal experiences.  Being from New York, I was blessed to be around a plethora of distinct cultures.  Whether someone was Haitian, Jamaican, Nigerian, Guyanese, Bajan, et. al, I’ve seen a lot.  While I’ve seen and interacted with such ethnicities, the one topic that always seems to come to the table is that of the designation: “African American”

Af·ri·can-A·mer·i·can      /ˈæfrɪkənəˈmɛrɪkən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[af-ri-kuhn-uh-mer-i-kuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	a black American of African descent.

–adjective

2.	of or pertaining to African-Americans.

When I look at the above definition, I feel a sense of confusion and deception around the categorization. “A Black American of African descent”….Sooo how far back are they going to justify that African lineage? “Of or pertaining to African-Americans”…are they talking about Africans who now reside in America e.g, My parents? I don’t know….All I know is that the term “African American” bothers me.  Without being trite, of course we’re all familiar with the timeline “Nigger to Negro to Afro American to African American.” The evolution of these terms were in part around being politically correct in addition to black Americans needing to find out just who the hell they were in this “white man’s land.” Without trying to go into a history lesson, yes, folks in the 70s were Pro-black and insisted on reclaiming their African roots that were stolen/hidden from them and ever since then African-American has stuck….The question that I have is, “Is this term still necessary?”

I have always believed an “African-American” to be someone who is perhaps from Africa and now resides in America or is at least one or two generations removed from Africa.  That way of thinking may be flawed and I think I accept that but what I cannot understand is why some black Americans who are so many generations removed from Africa attach “African” to American.  I always believed such individuals to be simply American. Moreover, some define African- American as being individuals of African descent.  Biologically speaking, that would put just about everyone in the world under that categorization.

I forget what show I was watching some time ago…it coulda been Nova or some Life Science show on PBS what have you….These scientists took the DNA of kids from all over the world and tried to find similarities in their m-RNA, which has a lot to do with genetic expression.  These scientists found that some kids who were white had more similarities in their m-RNA to some black kids than other white kids and vice-versa.  Biologically speaking, we (and by we and mean Science) know we’re just about the same, but Phenotypically (physical traits) we still battle with what to be called and what is/isn’t politically correct.  I sometimes wonder how the checked boxes from the Census Bureau will look 150 years from now. Will there be more segmentations or things be more streamlined?

I understand why the terminology/categorization “African American” exists today but I suppose I wonder if it is still present because black Americans are still trying to establish or retain their sense of identity in a land that’s still trying to figure itself out! It was rather easy (I don’t use that loosely) for Italians, Irish, Jews, Russians to be come “White Americans” and assimilate for sake of progress….Is keeping the “African”-American hurting black Americans?  Many questions indeed….I’d love to hear what people think….

Peace,

~ Thesis

Artists That Need to Come Back:

Well, I will say that i didn’t think that my previous topic would draw so many responses.  I’m glad that a majority of folks agreed on my list.  So of course with the ying, there’s gotta be a yang.  So as I mentioned that certain cats need to retire, here’s my list on artists that need to straight up come back like a runaway kid:

1. Sade- Okay, so we all know Sade, my Nigerian beauty, drops once every decade.  We also know that every album she touches is magnificent…Go cop that Lovers Rock if you haven’t yet…That album is amazing.  While i’m not saying that she should be on some old Hov status and drop every summa, I am sayin that I would love to see another Sade album, at least within the next 2 years….Whaddaya say Ms. Adu, can we get you back? A cd sampler, perhaps…a mixtape? sommin? lmao.

2. Dave Hollister- You may remember some months back, I posted something about Hollister and how things in the game done changed to not allow an artist of his caliber to breathe…So Dave done went gospel but I’m sayin, Dave, we miss ya man….Drop another Chicago ‘85 on us…Drop anotha “Real Talk.” We need anotha “One Woman Man.”

3. Maxwell- Okay, now this muhsucka is playin wit our emotions..The dude said he was droppin some Love Suite trilogy deluxe startin in February…Dunny, its like December. where you at? “Embrya” will always be my album.  Yo Maxwell, come back soon son…the game needs you!

4. D’Angelo- Some of ya’ll may be confused to see D’Angelo on this list as I included him in the list of artists that needed to retire. As I mentioned, I was on the fence about it. As you can apparently see….”Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo“…nuff said….Get ya mind right D…we been seein’ glimpses of you on various tracks as of late….Can we get a whole album?

Cece Penniston……nah, jus playin. lmao.

5. Canibus- I have a feelin i may catch some flack fuh this one.  I dunno, he’s always been one of those dudes who just never got a fair chance or the right machine behind him….I think he’ll always be a lyrical and wordplay genius…Prolly the most underated ever….May be a lil too complex at times but damn, can some A&R give him anotha chance…Can a label put Kanye or Sa-Ra behind’em….at the very least some po low da don? lol…Canibus, we still feel you cuz.

6. Boyz II Men- So they lost one member, they still got the juice to make hits…I don’t care. I remember when they dropped “II.” I had to have been in what? 5th or 6th grade….that album was marvelous….”Evolution” wasn’t bad at all and “Full Circle” was a dope album…nice ballads, nice uptempo jawns….I don’t think they’re washed up….Yo Wanya, get ya crew together man….the game still got love for you!

Ella Fitzgerald- I wish…. :*( R.I.P

7. Shanice- I think with the right promotion, machine, and look, Shanice can make a nice comeback…She had the looks and the voice….There’s stiff competition in the game right now as far as female pop/R&B acts so a lot of work will have to be put in to manufacture some kind of output from Shanice. But i dont think it’s impossible… Memba “I like Your Smile?” lol….So yeah Shanice, i got you…

8. Cappadonna- Yooo Cap, I was bumpin your “Don’t Turn Around” some time ago. It was on heavy rotation.  Where’s ya product holmes? Don’t let me down…Seriously, i tink with the right focus and attention, you’re one hit away…Yo Ghost, holla at ya mans and stop driving those taxi cabs b.

9. Raekwon- While we’re on the topic of Wu, yo Chef, you really killin cats with when you droppin “OB4CL2.” The hood and the underground needs ya music man….but ya statute of limitations bout to run up thun…Im sure you cookin up sommin beautiful….just deliver it before you’re no longer thought of.

Memphis Bleek- Damn Bleek, can’t speak? lmao…j/k

Okay folks, you add to the list…who else needs to show their face again?

~Thesis

Artists That Need To Retire:

Sup ya’ll…So I was thinkin’, it somewhat frustrates me when I see certain artists still put out cds when the public and the numbers express that they are no longer relevant. It befuddles me that someone is their camp or even their manager, or someone who loves them won’t tell’em to just stop and like, go get a degree or sommin! Do something…just stop recording….But time and time again, we get these artists who still feel they can make noise….So yes folks, list the names of artists who seriously need to just leave the game and go pick up another hobby….

1. LL “Stop Riding 50″ Cool J

2. DMX (well, he hasn’t dropped in a minute. does that mean he’s finally put two and two together?)

3. Rakim…..alright i’m a lil swayed on this topic…i think Ra has one more album left to really do sommin potent…He’s droppin “The 7th Seal” soon….which is also rumoured to be his last album…

4. Cam’ron….With all of his recent antics, it just seems that Cam has bodied himself. Before all of this, i gave him some love for droppin Confessions & SDE. After he started doin that gooney goo goo and ooley loo loo shyt, i ended my support contract for dude….Although, i will say there were some cuts on Purple Haze that weren’t bad at all….But Cam, it’s ova homie!

5. Tony Yayo, Young Buck- His career ended before it begun. I don’t even know why he put out an album…anyway, add him to the list too. Young Buck, i don’t even know where he fits in rap…what’s his persona? Part of me wanted to add Lloyd Banks but I think he has a lot of potential to get out of 50s shadow and really develop his content…i’m not a fan of dude…just think he needs more maturation…

6. Joe- I really say this with a lot of regret. I really gave Joe a shot with this last CD to redeem himself in the R&B game but it was a disappointment. While I did enjoy some cuts, overall, I felt it was a lackluster effort by an individual who has been in the game for like over a decade. Part of me wants to give him one more album….but it probably won’t matter anyway….Joe, you my dude, but son, it’s a wrap!

7. Ashanti- She had her day…We supported her while Murder Inc was poppin those poppy hits….Someone dared to call her the princess of R&B or whatever the hell it was….Sorry, neva was a fan of Ashanti…never will be….

8. Ja Rule- Ummm….i’m a lil on the fence with this….i’ll have to think about this sommore!

9. Lauryn Hill……I knoooooow I will get flack for this….I’m sorry, ima tell it like it is…Lauryn hasn’t been relevant in 5-7 cot damn years…..She WAS ill. We keep cuttin’ her slack cause on Miseducation and Fugees and what not….but she hasn’t put out nothin worth reminding me about……It’s either she’s gonna do something progressive about her career or she aint doin nothin….I love Lauryn…everyone does….but damn, she gotta drop sommin!

10. D’Angelo- Damn, if I added Lauryn to the list, would I have to add D’Angelo? I dunno….i’ll get back to you….D’Angelo my dude so i’ll prolly renig on this in a few minutes….yeah…..I’ll give the bul anotha chance….

11. Fat “Crack is Wack” Joe- Yeah, so in his lengthy career, the only song he’ll be remembered for is “Lean Back.” Sorry Joey, you gotta go!

Who else do you think needs to be on dis list?

~Thesis

*UPDATE*

P.S: R. Kelly- Per Reecie’s recent bodyin’ of R. Kelly, Kells is washed up. Kells, nice knowin ya!

Record Execs Silent Amongst “Lyrics” Debate!

If there is one issue that has been ubiquitous in the last few months, it has been that of the extent and limitations of our free speech.  The latter has seen recent consequential affects not only in media, entertainment, but also in our day to day interactions with one another.  Believe it or not, saying “that’s so gay!” in various circles may have you facing some punitive actions. As we can get into a debate about what should and shouldn’t be said, what is offensive and what is mere vernacular, I want to shift focus to what is taking place within the music industry.

As we are all aware of, the Imus incident has caused all of us to scrutinize what has been taking place in mainstream music for decades.  Some will say, “hip-hop didn’t start it!” Others will say, “hip-hop is part of the problem!” Many will say that “enough is enough!” While everyone has their opinions, it is apparent that something has to be done to address the incidious, often non-sensical, and offensive lyrics that pervade our airwaves.  Whether we side with them or not, politicians and pundits have stood up.  Social critics have said their peace! But where are the major record executives? Where are the white dudes (hmmm…is that PC?) that head up the Big Four Record Labels: Sony BMG, Universal, EMI, Warner Music Group.

We’ve definitely heard from the pawns: Russell, Chamillionaire, Master P, et. al. There have been talks by these individuals to proverbially, “clean up their act” and start putting out clean, street albums. They say that it is possible to put out an album that is free of offensive lyrics. UUuuuh duh! As if this is some new phenomena….(I’m sure Will Smith is secretly thinking, “told ya suckas!”) I digress….So yes, as I was saying, many artists are recognizing the change and rift in the air with respect to their lyrics and are proactively doing something about it.  Seeing that his actions caused a lot of hurt and controversy, even Mr. “I Wanna Love You” has apologized for his actions on stage and is seeking to repair his tainted image. As written in the article, Master P explains “I am ready to take a stand by cleaning up my music and follow my son’s footsteps and make a clean rap album.” But the question still remains- Where are the record execs?

As the Big Four Labels account for over 85% of US music sales and over 70% of world-wide music sales, it would seem that their voice and actions would have a 360 degree affect what we hear.  According to this article on BlackNews, the lack of rhetoric or actions by these music label heads is highly revealing of not only the power structure that exists between the Mighty Exec and the lowly artist, but that at the end of the day, it’s all about the Benjamins. (remember Washingtons go to wifey. lol).

The article goes on to explain that even though many attempts have been made to get these record execs to do something about said issue, their replies have been weak thus resulting in little to no follow-through. But is the real issue a black/white thang or all about $$$. The article reads, “Nobody wants to put the white man’s face on things,” said Fager, who is black and once worked in the music industry on artist development. “They don’t want to see the real person behind it.” If the latter is true, why is it so hard to expose this harsh reality? Are we as consumers to blame? While we reproach those that are producing these mega-hit wonders full of obscenities, we still manage to download the music or purchase them. Who should the real finger be pointed at?

Many questions indeed but I will say that we cannot solely blame the record execs. They are in the position they are in to make dollas. Real talk! Chancellors and presidents at universities look at their institutions as businesses and do what they can do make dollas! In the land of capitalism, can we really hate on someone trying to get guap? On another tangent, many say that the images of women in these music videos are lewd, distasteful, and raunchy. I’d like to believe that at the end of the day, ultimately, women have the choice to decide how they want to be depicted.  No one is holding a gun to these “video girls” and saying if you don’t strip you won’t make it into the videos. There is something in these girl’s mind that is tellin’ them that in order to be accepted and make it on the latest King cover, I gotta be exposed. In that vein, it all starts with a thought…that thought leads to a choice thus becoming an action. Without women, there will be no music videos. lol. So women really have all the power to change how they are viewed.

I say all of that because we as consumers have more power than we think. If we all boycotted, the execs would respond because it is their aim to please the market.  So before we start saying “where are the execs,” we really need to start thinking about where are the real people who care about change.  Until we see a rise in the latter, shyt may never change….

….Those are my thoughts!

~Thesis

HDTV- Friend or Foe?

Unless you’re an orthodox Mormon, you’ve been victim to, at one point or another, having to upgrade television sets.  In today’s age, we’re very aware that bigger/more is better (pun intended…hehe) from apparel to knowledge to entertainment to technology.  As somewhat of a novice in the fundamentals of television specs and dimensions, my recent move into a new crib (thank God!!!) has forced me to deal with the one thing I knew I would have to deal with at some point: Upgrade!!!

Still rockin’ the 20 sommin’ inch Orion that I had since my sophomore/junior year in those college days (lmao…), I have been on the market to get a TV that I feel has great picture, sound, and a relatively decent size.  In my herculean quest to find the right set I have come across various types of TVs: projection, plasma, LCD.  Projection-style tvs are what we probably grew up with, taking up space, and are catching dust! Obsolete, dare i say!  We are in the age of the HDTV! We want slimmer, clearer, cleaner and finer pixelated resolutions.  We are tired of the standard 720p….We want the 1080i…..For more savvy techies who want to up their game and be the standard, 1080p with the multiple HDMI slots is the only way to go!

Sure, I’m throwing out a lot of terms but don’t let all that fool you. Countless hours at Circuit City, Best Buy, Costco (don’t sleep, TV prices are off the chain), et. al have increased my knowledge base 10 fold within the last month.  This newly acquired knowledge has enlightened me, but it also confused the hell outta me and made me more meticulous and chary as to what I should or should not be spending my money on. What ever happened to the days when we were 7 and we could roll to Sears and pick out a tv that we could play nintendo on? Whatever happened to the days of the red, white, and yellow RCA ports? In this world of complex technology, while things are supposed to get easier, it’s just getting more confusing!

I recently traded in my xbox and got the 360 pro. I wanted to cop the Elite but:

1) i’m not and gamer and

2) i don’t need 120 gigs.

I can’t be playin 360 on a 20 sommin inch Orion. lol. I need to upgrade fast! Apparently Vizio’s are the top thang right now because of their bright colors, nice sizes and most importantly, their affordability.  Check out the Vizio homepage (damn, HM needs to get some kind of love from that free publicity. Some top brands are Samsung and LG.

What do I see myself coppin? I guess it all depends on my budget.  I don’t want to spend anything more than $800. Some of my engineer buddies and tech heads (yo Keith, what it dew?) are sayin, “Yo Theese, might as well go fuh gusto and get the 1080p joints!” I could understand that frame of mind.  As Blu-ray technology is picking up, there’s going to be a standard soon in resolution. Why bother with the 720 when you can be the standard. Sorry folk, but I may wind up getting either a 32″ or 40″ 720p/1080i jumpoff with minimally 2 HDMI ports.  I may not be up there with the jones’ but at the end of the day, all I want is a tv to watch 2 shows during the week, watch dvds, entertainment when company rolls thru the crib, and play Splinter Cell. Other than that, i’m groovy.

 Have you ever dealt with the challenge of what TV you were going to upgrade to? Do you have any recommendations on what to/ what not to cop?

~Thesis