For My Real Hip-Hop Heads--Tell me if you remember this...
Let me take you back to when you could be a King of Rock
Now everything on the radio’s about being king of rocks
Whether it’s crack or pressured carbon, it’s become a major problem
That’s sapping the very essence of hip-hop, making MCs commercial artists.
Let’s take it back like Kweli said, when it was trying to get by
And you needed metaphors and similes not gimmicks and a posse to get signed
When being behind the bars for your hooks meant more than being behind bars for being crooks
And it was Tim Hardaway, not AI, with the crossover that had defenders shook.
Back when it only took a dub to fill up your gas tank
And you sat in your room thinking heavy like Chevy, trying to Chase Bank.
Take you back to when Common still had his full name
But I still love her, that’s why I need real lyricists to resurrect the game.
When OJ fooled everybody when he tried on the glove
And Pac was Digitally Underground, before he became a thug.
When Jordan had only retired once
And in order to speed burst on Madden, you had to keep tapping the C button.
Back when Jerry Rice caught passes by the Golden Gate
And Sprewell choked his racist coach in Golden State.
When Deion’s Prime Time was back at Flo State
And offensive linemen were the only ones worried about holding weight.
Take you back to when Deebo got knocked the hell out
And Cuba Gooding was a Boy in the Hood and not what some would consider a sell-out.
Back when the girls were Bonita Applebum and Ms. Fatbooty
And you came to the conclusion that touching them didn’t give you cooties.
Back when J-Lo used her government name
And she had no time to date around ‘cause she still had to catch the Money Train.
When Wesley brought dark-skinned brothers in style to stay.
As Nino Brown and stabbed homeboy with his cane; saying “I never liked you anyway...pretty motherfucker.”
When you wanted pump-up sneakers ‘cause of Dee Brown
And Dennis Rodman was only known for grabbing rebounds.
To the time after Brand Nubian made Slow Down
And Barry Sanders was running wild in Motown.
When the mighty Mos Def dropped Black on Both Sides
And Q-Tip’s Vivrant Thing was still part of the Tribe.
There is still some things that have stayed through the times.
You still can’t go through July and August without hearing Summertime.
And a Bush is still pussy, President is what it’s nicknamed for.
Screwing the country for money, nicknamed the war.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t fight terrorism, just don’t use deceit.
After all, the reason he knew Saddam had weapons of mass destruction ‘cause he has the receipt.
But that’s a totally different poem, I’m here to talk about hip hop’s distress.
It’s starting to lose touch with its roots, pretty soon it’ll be senseless.
To even listen to a rapper; to buy a record
Soon rap will be so bad, bootleggers won’t sell it.
We need flow like Lauryn Hill’s 32 bars in Fu-Gee-La
Not some of this 14-day crap, meaning too weak rhymes.
Something never heard before, like Big L’s “Ebonics” that’s deadly when spit.
Like a busy street, you can’t come across it without getting hit.
Now, I have no idea what’s happened.
Now you can scream your name 50 times and go double platinum.
And a catch phrase and guest producers are all you need to sell millions.
Creativity used to be Sky’s the Limit, now it has a low ceiling.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Golden State Warriors Basketball.....When Video Games Come to Life
Being a part of the video game culture I’ve learned that the most selling games accentuate the most exciting parts of that particular genre of game. Action games amplify the explosions and violence. Children’s games use brighter and bolder colors to attract toddlers’ short attention spans. Fantasy and role playing games make the magic and mystical characters to fit the imaginations of its players. Then there are sports games, probably the games that can best relate to the everyday person because sports is a part of everyday life. It’s not like we see mythical dragons or witness city-wide one-man killing sprees at every turn. They too, must exaggerate the most exciting facets of their games. In football and hockey games, the hits and the ridiculous juke moves are the highlights of the game. In baseball games, the home run and outstanding defensive plays are a must-see. And in basketball, it’s all about the three-pointer and the dunk. Everyone who has played a basketball video game will attest to the fact that offense equals excitement. I mean, rarely does a player want to slow it down and run a half-court game, unless there’s something on the line. Now being a true basketball fan and a lover of the sport, I thought that the Steve Nash-led Phoenix Suns were the closest to a virtual reality team that we would ever see; but these playoffs have proven otherwise.
The Golden State Warriors, as currently constructed under Don “The Mad Scientist” Nelson, play the most visually appealing brand of basketball to date. No structure. No set plays. It’s just based on sheer basketball IQ and pure talent. Nelson has always been considered unconventional, because he does not believe in assembling a team around a traditional big man; like, for example, the San Antonio Spurs (Timmy!). Any big man he does have on the roster is there for defense, rebounding, and hustle; not scoring. Nelson believes in athleticism and versatility, and building a team based on speed. His best lineup consists of Baron Davis and Jason Richardson in the backcourt, Mikhail Pietrus, Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington up front, none of which are taller than 6’9”. Now most coaches would worry about the size differential that most teams would present. But with the decline in the number of quality post players, and the myriad of skills each player has, it’s the Warriors with the advantage on most nights. Their best offensive sets include: Isolation of whomever has the mismatch, the Baron Davis clearout, penetration and kickout to the three for anyone that spots up behind the line, and everything else is up to the five on the court. Now whether or not you’re just getting into the EA games, or your controller prowess dates back to NBA Jam on Sega Genesis and Arch Rivals on Nintendo, you know of the excitement in the offensive shootout. It’s more fun, and it’s more enjoyable to watch. This is the same aesthetic beauty that a Warriors’ game presents—when they’re making their shots. As with any team, missing a lot of shots isn’t great to see, however, it seems that a great night for the Warriors will have you on the edge of your seat—wanting to get gaaaaaaammmmmeeeesssss every night of the week like Tiki Barber (Ooookaaay)..
But Golden State’s excitement spills over into the defensive side of the court as well. They scrap and frustrate the opposition, particularly if a player’s on the box. It’s as if they dare the other team to operate through the post so they can trap, steal, and get out in transition—which is where they thrive.
With all this excitement, there is a weakness in their “style” of play, as wonderfully demonstrated by the Utah Jazz in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals. Because of their fastbreak nature, the Warriors get heavily outrebounded, particularly on the offensive end. And when a team has a beast, like a Carlos Boozer (never thought I’d give a Blue Devil respect), he will have his way with them—and that’s just what he did. Because of his timely work on the glass, the Jazz were able to win every close game, which were the four that they did win.
It was in this series that I realized that this brand of basketball, though fun to watch and better to play in, will never win a championship. Now most reading that sentence will immediately think of the Suns, but the main difference between the two teams is that Phoenix has two beasts on the backboards, Marion and Stoudemire; along with arguably the best player in the league in Nash (F Dirk). Every championship is built around a big man, except for His Airness’s Bulls because, duh, they had #23; and the 2004 Pistons, which were the ultimate team and caught a Lakers team at the very end of its dynasty. But this article isn’t meant to putdown the Golden State Warriors, but to praise them for almost a month of terrific basketball and tremendous excitement. Now I don’t feel quite as bad when one of my players on NBA Live (namely, the created version of me) has an absurdly ridiculous statistical game. I know now there’s a team out west that can justify it for me. Boom…shakalaka.
The Golden State Warriors, as currently constructed under Don “The Mad Scientist” Nelson, play the most visually appealing brand of basketball to date. No structure. No set plays. It’s just based on sheer basketball IQ and pure talent. Nelson has always been considered unconventional, because he does not believe in assembling a team around a traditional big man; like, for example, the San Antonio Spurs (Timmy!). Any big man he does have on the roster is there for defense, rebounding, and hustle; not scoring. Nelson believes in athleticism and versatility, and building a team based on speed. His best lineup consists of Baron Davis and Jason Richardson in the backcourt, Mikhail Pietrus, Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington up front, none of which are taller than 6’9”. Now most coaches would worry about the size differential that most teams would present. But with the decline in the number of quality post players, and the myriad of skills each player has, it’s the Warriors with the advantage on most nights. Their best offensive sets include: Isolation of whomever has the mismatch, the Baron Davis clearout, penetration and kickout to the three for anyone that spots up behind the line, and everything else is up to the five on the court. Now whether or not you’re just getting into the EA games, or your controller prowess dates back to NBA Jam on Sega Genesis and Arch Rivals on Nintendo, you know of the excitement in the offensive shootout. It’s more fun, and it’s more enjoyable to watch. This is the same aesthetic beauty that a Warriors’ game presents—when they’re making their shots. As with any team, missing a lot of shots isn’t great to see, however, it seems that a great night for the Warriors will have you on the edge of your seat—wanting to get gaaaaaaammmmmeeeesssss every night of the week like Tiki Barber (Ooookaaay)..
But Golden State’s excitement spills over into the defensive side of the court as well. They scrap and frustrate the opposition, particularly if a player’s on the box. It’s as if they dare the other team to operate through the post so they can trap, steal, and get out in transition—which is where they thrive.
With all this excitement, there is a weakness in their “style” of play, as wonderfully demonstrated by the Utah Jazz in this year’s Western Conference Semifinals. Because of their fastbreak nature, the Warriors get heavily outrebounded, particularly on the offensive end. And when a team has a beast, like a Carlos Boozer (never thought I’d give a Blue Devil respect), he will have his way with them—and that’s just what he did. Because of his timely work on the glass, the Jazz were able to win every close game, which were the four that they did win.
It was in this series that I realized that this brand of basketball, though fun to watch and better to play in, will never win a championship. Now most reading that sentence will immediately think of the Suns, but the main difference between the two teams is that Phoenix has two beasts on the backboards, Marion and Stoudemire; along with arguably the best player in the league in Nash (F Dirk). Every championship is built around a big man, except for His Airness’s Bulls because, duh, they had #23; and the 2004 Pistons, which were the ultimate team and caught a Lakers team at the very end of its dynasty. But this article isn’t meant to putdown the Golden State Warriors, but to praise them for almost a month of terrific basketball and tremendous excitement. Now I don’t feel quite as bad when one of my players on NBA Live (namely, the created version of me) has an absurdly ridiculous statistical game. I know now there’s a team out west that can justify it for me. Boom…shakalaka.
Ready for a Black President?
Forget Mainstream Society--Is Everybody Else Ready for a Black Prez?
I believe that a Black president is somewhat of an achievement in the Afro-American culture, I don't think it should require this Rick James-like celebration (I miss Chappelle's Show). Remember, the Civil Rights Act was a compromise, but it wasn't the main goal for the Civil Rights Movement--equality not integration was the goal. The majority, or as my man Flavor Flav would say, the "powers that be" took the lesser of two evils--in their eyes. Instead of giving into Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party's demands, they heeded to Asa Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King, and the NAACP's demands. Had this not have happened, history may have changed. The Pan-Africa movement may have come to fruition (similar to the mental state that Nas' character had in the movie, "Belly."); or, for that matter, a war of races. Who knows? But I'm digressing...
Barack Obama, for now, is the best candidate to be the most powerful man in the free world, but I maintain that he should not rush into the Presidency. I also maintain that the first Black President will be assassinated, or there will at least be an attempt on his life. Like Ron Brown, El-Hajj Malik Shabazz and even Tupac Shakur, African-American leaders who inspire people of color to think independently are arguably more powerful than George W. and his predecessors. The spoken word is the most powerful force in the universe (see: Black preachers, Biggie, and Muhammad Ali). The worse thing that could happen to White America is the unification of people of color. After all, why do you think that there are far fewer lynchings and other violent crimes? Because those types of things would bring us together. Instead, the "man" is using other means--materialistic things (bling, cars, women) and music to divide us and poison our minds. There's a reason why most of the songs on the radio sound the same. But again, I'm digressing (by the way, who came up with, "the man???").
With that said, I believe Condoleeza (or Condy as her boss calls her) Rice has a greater chance to be elected BEFORE Obama, mainly because of my point about independent thinkers in the previous paragraph, but also because I think our people aren't quite ready for that sort of change. We may discuss it, but our minds couldn't handle a non-Aryan leader of the country that wants to get things done. Why? I don't have the answer for that yet. It could be what most KoS (Knowledge of Self) seekers believe--that the previous generation needs to step aside in order for our generations to take our rightful place. I do have questions, though. Would that person be in office long enough to make change, or at least inspire the brain that could make that change? Would the "oppressed" even be knowledgeable enough to even recognize that we need to move forward as a people? In today's society, being different is weird, having your own opinion is wrong, and being ignorant is cool. The last clause is the one that bothers me the most, because minorities are starting to accept the state of our people. But whatever the matter, if either Obama or Rice gets elected, I won't cheer until I see change. But it will be a celebration!!! (R.I.P. Rick James)
Johnathan Tillman
For MyNationOnline.com
jtillman45@hotmail.com
I believe that a Black president is somewhat of an achievement in the Afro-American culture, I don't think it should require this Rick James-like celebration (I miss Chappelle's Show). Remember, the Civil Rights Act was a compromise, but it wasn't the main goal for the Civil Rights Movement--equality not integration was the goal. The majority, or as my man Flavor Flav would say, the "powers that be" took the lesser of two evils--in their eyes. Instead of giving into Malcolm X and the Black Panther Party's demands, they heeded to Asa Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King, and the NAACP's demands. Had this not have happened, history may have changed. The Pan-Africa movement may have come to fruition (similar to the mental state that Nas' character had in the movie, "Belly."); or, for that matter, a war of races. Who knows? But I'm digressing...
Barack Obama, for now, is the best candidate to be the most powerful man in the free world, but I maintain that he should not rush into the Presidency. I also maintain that the first Black President will be assassinated, or there will at least be an attempt on his life. Like Ron Brown, El-Hajj Malik Shabazz and even Tupac Shakur, African-American leaders who inspire people of color to think independently are arguably more powerful than George W. and his predecessors. The spoken word is the most powerful force in the universe (see: Black preachers, Biggie, and Muhammad Ali). The worse thing that could happen to White America is the unification of people of color. After all, why do you think that there are far fewer lynchings and other violent crimes? Because those types of things would bring us together. Instead, the "man" is using other means--materialistic things (bling, cars, women) and music to divide us and poison our minds. There's a reason why most of the songs on the radio sound the same. But again, I'm digressing (by the way, who came up with, "the man???").
With that said, I believe Condoleeza (or Condy as her boss calls her) Rice has a greater chance to be elected BEFORE Obama, mainly because of my point about independent thinkers in the previous paragraph, but also because I think our people aren't quite ready for that sort of change. We may discuss it, but our minds couldn't handle a non-Aryan leader of the country that wants to get things done. Why? I don't have the answer for that yet. It could be what most KoS (Knowledge of Self) seekers believe--that the previous generation needs to step aside in order for our generations to take our rightful place. I do have questions, though. Would that person be in office long enough to make change, or at least inspire the brain that could make that change? Would the "oppressed" even be knowledgeable enough to even recognize that we need to move forward as a people? In today's society, being different is weird, having your own opinion is wrong, and being ignorant is cool. The last clause is the one that bothers me the most, because minorities are starting to accept the state of our people. But whatever the matter, if either Obama or Rice gets elected, I won't cheer until I see change. But it will be a celebration!!! (R.I.P. Rick James)
Johnathan Tillman
For MyNationOnline.com
jtillman45@hotmail.com
Thursday, August 9, 2007
My Letter to Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk, Dirk, Dirk,
There's a saying in sports -- "Special players make special plays on special days." Now granted, you are a special player -- in terms of your skill level. You're seven feet tall and are arguably the best shooter in the league (I choose Ray Allen, but I digress). However, and this is important for you to grasp in order for you to take that next step as an NBA superstar, you're VERY mentally WEAK. You're the exact definition of a "front-runner." When things are great and the Mavs are winning, you're unstoppable. But, and this is a huge, Buffie the Body-type but, when there's adversity, you shrink like a cheap white tee. How the hell do you allow 6'7" players lock you up on D? You're big. Use your one true advantage to score. I know, I know. You're not a traditional post player because you shoot so well, but there are guards that'll go on the box if they have a mismatch. Go study tapes of Gary Payton or Sam Cassell or something if you need help. Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes got you on straps. German please. MVP????
Yes. Let's talk about that award. Most Valuable Player. I know it's a regular season award and the playoffs should have no bearing on the winner (for the record, Nash should win it again, but that's for another day); but if in all likelihood you do win, you should be ashamed and utterly embarrassed to receive it. The performance you had in those six games against Golden State was pathetic. Before the series started, you were hands down the best player on either side. Now, there were at least 8 players that can say that had a better first round than you, especially Game 6. 2-13 FIELD GOALS???? Are you kidding, Dirk? That's not very valuable. In fact, you've confirmed my suspicions of you: that you can't put a team on your back and lead them to victory. And this is not personal preference, or even hate -- I root for really talented players -- but emotionally you're a rold player. You can't shine when the spotlight is at its brightest.So Dirk, you have a few questions you need to answer about yourself. If you're the superstar that Mark Cuban believes you are, you need to get your mind right--literally. Oh, before I forget, congratulations on a terrific season.
Sincerely,
Johnathan Tillman
There's a saying in sports -- "Special players make special plays on special days." Now granted, you are a special player -- in terms of your skill level. You're seven feet tall and are arguably the best shooter in the league (I choose Ray Allen, but I digress). However, and this is important for you to grasp in order for you to take that next step as an NBA superstar, you're VERY mentally WEAK. You're the exact definition of a "front-runner." When things are great and the Mavs are winning, you're unstoppable. But, and this is a huge, Buffie the Body-type but, when there's adversity, you shrink like a cheap white tee. How the hell do you allow 6'7" players lock you up on D? You're big. Use your one true advantage to score. I know, I know. You're not a traditional post player because you shoot so well, but there are guards that'll go on the box if they have a mismatch. Go study tapes of Gary Payton or Sam Cassell or something if you need help. Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes got you on straps. German please. MVP????
Yes. Let's talk about that award. Most Valuable Player. I know it's a regular season award and the playoffs should have no bearing on the winner (for the record, Nash should win it again, but that's for another day); but if in all likelihood you do win, you should be ashamed and utterly embarrassed to receive it. The performance you had in those six games against Golden State was pathetic. Before the series started, you were hands down the best player on either side. Now, there were at least 8 players that can say that had a better first round than you, especially Game 6. 2-13 FIELD GOALS???? Are you kidding, Dirk? That's not very valuable. In fact, you've confirmed my suspicions of you: that you can't put a team on your back and lead them to victory. And this is not personal preference, or even hate -- I root for really talented players -- but emotionally you're a rold player. You can't shine when the spotlight is at its brightest.So Dirk, you have a few questions you need to answer about yourself. If you're the superstar that Mark Cuban believes you are, you need to get your mind right--literally. Oh, before I forget, congratulations on a terrific season.
Sincerely,
Johnathan Tillman
The Reason Behind The Lebrons' 2007 NBA Finals Shortcoming
As I was sitting with mixed emotions (boredom from the lack of offense, but yet satistaction because it is basketball) at Game 4 of the NBA Finals, my mind, as it often does, began to wonder. Then it hit me, like a Miguel Cotto low blow (sorry Zab): the Lebrons weren't prepared for the NBA Finals. This has nothing to do with Mike Brown or shootarounds or anything, but merely about the path that Cleveland took to get to the Championship round. So I'll explain this as the non-Timmy-related reason why Cleveland was doomed from opening tip.
In the first round, the Cavaliers played the Washington Wizards. As you all know, no Hibachi and Caron, so it was to be a smooth ride to the second round. But what surprised me was that even without two all-stars, the Wiz were in every game that series. Antawn Jamison played like he was back at Golden State, even when he was the only legit scoring option. Yes, it was a sweep, but when situations like that arise, a supposed favorite should destroy a wounded team easily.
So on to the second round. Their opponent: the New Jersey Nets. Honestly, I picked the Nets to win; but upon further review, I shouldn't have. That series was not 5 on 5, but more like 5 on 3, with Kidd, Jefferson, and ughh, Vince as the 3. Despite Jason Kidd being the best rebounder in the series, and Vince not understanding that he could get to the basket whenever, it still took the Lebrons 6 games to win.Now, the Cavs are in the Eastern Conference Finals--a place not even the great Mark Price could lead them (read up on him). Next up is the big, not so bad, Detroit Pistons. While Detroit is still a good team, they are nowhere near as good as the championship team, or even the 2006 team that lost to Dwyane Wade. So while, again, i picked against Cleveland, i wasn't totally surprised that they beat the Pistons; especially with Chris Webber on their team lol. This scenario is the same scenario that allowed the 2004 Pistons to win their title. They caught a Lakers "dynasty" that was on the decline. How can I tell? They signed 58 year-old Karl Malone and expected him to contribute.
I do not take anything away from the Lebrons making it this far, but aside from reasons related to the San Antonio Spurs, they did not have the mental readiness needed to win it all. Plus, by the way, the Spurs were way better than them from jump.
Congrats,
Johnathan Tillman
In the first round, the Cavaliers played the Washington Wizards. As you all know, no Hibachi and Caron, so it was to be a smooth ride to the second round. But what surprised me was that even without two all-stars, the Wiz were in every game that series. Antawn Jamison played like he was back at Golden State, even when he was the only legit scoring option. Yes, it was a sweep, but when situations like that arise, a supposed favorite should destroy a wounded team easily.
So on to the second round. Their opponent: the New Jersey Nets. Honestly, I picked the Nets to win; but upon further review, I shouldn't have. That series was not 5 on 5, but more like 5 on 3, with Kidd, Jefferson, and ughh, Vince as the 3. Despite Jason Kidd being the best rebounder in the series, and Vince not understanding that he could get to the basket whenever, it still took the Lebrons 6 games to win.Now, the Cavs are in the Eastern Conference Finals--a place not even the great Mark Price could lead them (read up on him). Next up is the big, not so bad, Detroit Pistons. While Detroit is still a good team, they are nowhere near as good as the championship team, or even the 2006 team that lost to Dwyane Wade. So while, again, i picked against Cleveland, i wasn't totally surprised that they beat the Pistons; especially with Chris Webber on their team lol. This scenario is the same scenario that allowed the 2004 Pistons to win their title. They caught a Lakers "dynasty" that was on the decline. How can I tell? They signed 58 year-old Karl Malone and expected him to contribute.
I do not take anything away from the Lebrons making it this far, but aside from reasons related to the San Antonio Spurs, they did not have the mental readiness needed to win it all. Plus, by the way, the Spurs were way better than them from jump.
Congrats,
Johnathan Tillman
A Letter To Hibachi
Dear Gilbert, Agent Zero, Hibachi, or whatever alias you decide to go by,Let me start by saying that you're firmly planted as my #4 favorite player in the NBA, behind only AI, Tim Duncan, and Dwyane Wade; and just ahead of Joe Johnson. With that said, I have a bone to pick with you. Ever since you came to the Wizard via the coin flip, you've been a fan favorite and a proven scorer. And yes, I agree with you when you believe that you get no respect for your incredible talent level. You are easily a top 3 offensive player, and you can get into a passing lane or two on D. While skeptics have a good point when they say your fourth quarter buzzer-beaters come with the game tied and you have the cushion of overtime to fall back on in case of a miss, you're one of the more clutch players in the league. And then there's your quirkiness that can only be described as its own study--"Gilbertology." It is in this that I'm torn. While it's great that you have all these nicknames and you say you're gonna drop 50 on all those involved with Team USA, and you'd give Duke 85 if you could play college ball again. I even laughed at you jumping off the trampoline with the Elvis Impersonators during the All-Star game. But here's the problem: I believe you're slowly becoming a sideshow, a comedy act if you will. Sometimes you remind me of the old face-painted black entertainers that performed under the blatant racism (see: the movie "Bamboozled"). You seem to want to tap dance and say, "Look what I can do, boss...Look at me" in order to gain attention. For this I say, no, plead with you--don't. I know that's your personality and I'm not saying don't be you. I'd never tell anyone to do that. But what I am saying is that I believe that the best way to become noticed and recognized as an elite player is to perform at an elite level and most of all, WIN. Yes, you play in Washington and no one has cared about the Phone Booth since the shadow of "His Airness" was cast over 7th and G Street. But as the best player on the team, as Eddie Jordan I'm sure has told you, you have to lead this team. Saying that the team focused too much on defense to excuse your horrid performance against the Blazers in which you fell just short of your 50-point promise and had 9 on 3-15 shooting is in all due respect weak-minded. Whether or not you're a great defensive team should have no bearing on the pride you should take in stopping the opposition. Putting buckets up on another is gratifying, but doing that and clamping down on his offensive effort is demoralizing to him. That's what made Jordan The Greatest. He'd give you 40 and hold the best player to his toughest offensive game. I'm not saying you need to be first team All-Defense (though it would go a long way to the Wizards' success) but leaders don't make excuses. Own up to your words like you did when Lebron talked you out of those two free throws in the playoffs. So Gilbert, I'm asking you to become a winner, with or without the antics. That way, DC won't be satisfied with making the 2nd round and wear "Round 2" T-shirts and hats like they won the chip. I know you'll make me proud
Always,
Johnathan Tillman
Always,
Johnathan Tillman
Is Hip Hop Dead?
Is Hip Hop Dead?
I'll look at it as a musical genre. It seems, to me, that while genre of "hip hop" will never die, true lyricism will slowly fade away. Not in the sense that in a few years, you can't find a good cipher anywhere, but what little radioplay the so-called "conscious rappers" get now will disappear. I believe that rap (notice the difference?) is dying because it became cool to be someone else. The true essence of hip-hop is to be different; to find your own way from point A to point B that's different from the next MC. One of my boys, who's into real hip-hop, said the "Dirty South Movement" is killing hip-hop. I disagree--they're just confirming what I just mentioned. They said, "Bump NY, we're going do our own thing...and you're going to love us for it." So Lil Jon (What!!), the Snap Music, Jeezy, etc., are just sticking to the core definition of "hip-hop." Now, New Yorkers and the rest of the east coast are looking for the next superstar to take the crown after Jay (see: Papoose). They're almost in the position the South was about 6-7 years ago--begging A&R's for a chance. Record labels realize that hot beats and a catchy hook, not true school lyrics, are what's going to bring them the 85% of an artist's profits. Also, hip-hop became infatuated with the material things associated with the not-so-gradual assimilation with the mainstream. Universal Records, MTV, and even BET and the like, came with the big bucks; and impoverished inner city youths gladly jumped at it. As you said, corporate America realized that this rebellious form of music could be bought and sold, and now the things most rappers glorify now (the crack-selling, the women, the cars) are what gets DJ spins.
But I say that to say this, I don't really fault anyone for trying to better themselves. What I do have a problem with is not staying true to self while one does seek betterment. So I kind of hope the underground stays underground and "conscious rappers" stay with a semi-cult following...just so I can have something to listen to in my CD player.
I'll look at it as a musical genre. It seems, to me, that while genre of "hip hop" will never die, true lyricism will slowly fade away. Not in the sense that in a few years, you can't find a good cipher anywhere, but what little radioplay the so-called "conscious rappers" get now will disappear. I believe that rap (notice the difference?) is dying because it became cool to be someone else. The true essence of hip-hop is to be different; to find your own way from point A to point B that's different from the next MC. One of my boys, who's into real hip-hop, said the "Dirty South Movement" is killing hip-hop. I disagree--they're just confirming what I just mentioned. They said, "Bump NY, we're going do our own thing...and you're going to love us for it." So Lil Jon (What!!), the Snap Music, Jeezy, etc., are just sticking to the core definition of "hip-hop." Now, New Yorkers and the rest of the east coast are looking for the next superstar to take the crown after Jay (see: Papoose). They're almost in the position the South was about 6-7 years ago--begging A&R's for a chance. Record labels realize that hot beats and a catchy hook, not true school lyrics, are what's going to bring them the 85% of an artist's profits. Also, hip-hop became infatuated with the material things associated with the not-so-gradual assimilation with the mainstream. Universal Records, MTV, and even BET and the like, came with the big bucks; and impoverished inner city youths gladly jumped at it. As you said, corporate America realized that this rebellious form of music could be bought and sold, and now the things most rappers glorify now (the crack-selling, the women, the cars) are what gets DJ spins.
But I say that to say this, I don't really fault anyone for trying to better themselves. What I do have a problem with is not staying true to self while one does seek betterment. So I kind of hope the underground stays underground and "conscious rappers" stay with a semi-cult following...just so I can have something to listen to in my CD player.
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