T
THE BIG PIECE
New member
Peace be upon you. This may become a bit longwinded, but bear with me and I assure you that the answers I am looking for will benefit all of us.
First, allow me to preface my questions with background on my perspective. I was born the same year Theodore first scratched a record at a party, scribbled my first graf in '83, wrote my first rhyme in '87, banged my first beat in '89, bought my first 4 track in '90, and have been addicted to hip hop it seems pretty much my entire life. The problem is, like many of us, since the mid 90's I have become more disenchanted and disengaged due to the poison and dilution that the music and art has suffered. So much so that in the last five years I have become a certifiable rock head. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it has in fact made me more open minded, I recently had an epiphany of sorts and have a newfound conviction to take back my music.
Now, before you think this is another idealistic, purist inquisition here to save hip hop at all costs crusade, please consider these questions. These are based on simple observations, but again, I know that if we can answer these questions, it will put us in the best possible position to grow and create as we move into the future.
1. True or False? The quality of an artist's work should be determined not by what another work is or is not, but solely on its own merits. For instance, to say this particular project is better because it's not about money, drugs, guns, cars, and jewels, but REAL topics (we'll get to that in the next question) is absurd. For further reference, find the following albums: "Criminal Minded"-Boogie Down Productions and "Paid In Full"-Eric B. & Rakim.
2. True or False? Music itself is a form of entertainment. Entertainment is a form of escapism. Through whatever medium you choose, music, film, or even a book, your job as an artist is to invoke some sort of emotion or present some sort of vision for your audience. Imaginary or REAL makes no difference as long as you do it right. For further reference, view the following movie scenes: Battle of Helm's Deep scene from "Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers" and Storming Normandy Beach scene from "Saving Private Ryan".
3. True or False? In an attempt to recapture the essence of old school hip hop, many artists try to emulate older sounds including instruments, themes, and vocal cadences a la Cold Crush. These are noble but flawed gestures. In doing what can be called throwback, you really just throw up, and no creature can survive on vomit. The true essence that has been lost is to constantly renew, develop, and expand. The measure of your favorite MC or crew is to put out a dope album this year, then put out a new, doper album next year, etc. For further reference, review the following discographies: Outkast and Gang Starr.
Keep in mind, what I or anyone else believes does not matter, only what is true. Being my first post, I hope this topic will result in discussion and understanding that will end the confusion and bickering that we see so much. Most importantly, I hope to improve the overall quality of our work. Because regardless of this or that coast, so called REAL hip hop or rap, samples or keyboards and modules, the fact remains that everybody everywhere is in pretty bad shape. I invite any validation, rebuttal, or even tactful insult, as long as it helps us build.
Peace.
First, allow me to preface my questions with background on my perspective. I was born the same year Theodore first scratched a record at a party, scribbled my first graf in '83, wrote my first rhyme in '87, banged my first beat in '89, bought my first 4 track in '90, and have been addicted to hip hop it seems pretty much my entire life. The problem is, like many of us, since the mid 90's I have become more disenchanted and disengaged due to the poison and dilution that the music and art has suffered. So much so that in the last five years I have become a certifiable rock head. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it has in fact made me more open minded, I recently had an epiphany of sorts and have a newfound conviction to take back my music.
Now, before you think this is another idealistic, purist inquisition here to save hip hop at all costs crusade, please consider these questions. These are based on simple observations, but again, I know that if we can answer these questions, it will put us in the best possible position to grow and create as we move into the future.
1. True or False? The quality of an artist's work should be determined not by what another work is or is not, but solely on its own merits. For instance, to say this particular project is better because it's not about money, drugs, guns, cars, and jewels, but REAL topics (we'll get to that in the next question) is absurd. For further reference, find the following albums: "Criminal Minded"-Boogie Down Productions and "Paid In Full"-Eric B. & Rakim.
2. True or False? Music itself is a form of entertainment. Entertainment is a form of escapism. Through whatever medium you choose, music, film, or even a book, your job as an artist is to invoke some sort of emotion or present some sort of vision for your audience. Imaginary or REAL makes no difference as long as you do it right. For further reference, view the following movie scenes: Battle of Helm's Deep scene from "Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers" and Storming Normandy Beach scene from "Saving Private Ryan".
3. True or False? In an attempt to recapture the essence of old school hip hop, many artists try to emulate older sounds including instruments, themes, and vocal cadences a la Cold Crush. These are noble but flawed gestures. In doing what can be called throwback, you really just throw up, and no creature can survive on vomit. The true essence that has been lost is to constantly renew, develop, and expand. The measure of your favorite MC or crew is to put out a dope album this year, then put out a new, doper album next year, etc. For further reference, review the following discographies: Outkast and Gang Starr.
Keep in mind, what I or anyone else believes does not matter, only what is true. Being my first post, I hope this topic will result in discussion and understanding that will end the confusion and bickering that we see so much. Most importantly, I hope to improve the overall quality of our work. Because regardless of this or that coast, so called REAL hip hop or rap, samples or keyboards and modules, the fact remains that everybody everywhere is in pretty bad shape. I invite any validation, rebuttal, or even tactful insult, as long as it helps us build.
Peace.
