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Hip Hop Is Dead?
The first time I remember formally writing something about music was a paper in high school about rap and hip hop music from New York City. Growing up in Europe, I was fascinated by American street culture even though my the rest of my world was filled mainstream top 40 stuff. But it was the raw energy and authenticity of acts like Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Ice-T that made me sit up and listen.
On his new album "Hip Hop Is Dead," rapper Nas argues that since the creative beginnings of the genre, hip hop has changed for the worse. In a very candid interview with Pitchfork he argues that the spirit of hip hop died when The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac died. "Hip-hop's been dead for years. We all should know that, come on. With that being said, then, the object of the game now is to make money off of exploiting it," he says. "That's what it's all about-- get this money. It's a business for record companies."
"It's happening for every form of music. It's not just hip-hop that's dead. Mostly every form of American music is dead."
Nas (who is married to Kelis) attempts to refresh the genre on his new record with a little help from crafty producer Will.i.am who adds a little sugar and spice to the to the title track. The record debuted at number one in the BillBoard chart this week and has received raving reviews. "Hip Hop Is Dead" has a laid back, old school feel with its soulful bass dribble that is an ideal platform for Nas to speak his truth.
Stream Nas "Hip Hop Is Dead" [Real|WMA]
January 3, 2007 in Audio Streams | Permalink
Comments
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NAS is a smart man.
Posted by: James Derek Dwyer at Jan 3, 2007 11:24:06 AM
hip hop is made to sell records to white suburban kids who are unhappy with being white suburban kids. it's a business.
real hip hop isn't dead though. like most great music out there, you have to look a little below the surface to find the good stuff. nas is the tip of the iceberg.
Posted by: Travis at Jan 3, 2007 12:21:38 PM
As long as you have to look "below the surface," it's dead. Exposure and prominence are everything in our society.
Posted by: bubba at Jan 3, 2007 3:12:31 PM
you ask hip hop is dead? I hope so!
Posted by: Argdude at Jan 4, 2007 3:41:07 PM
Hip Hop Is Alive ! ...
Posted by: Dizzie at Jan 19, 2007 11:23:59 AM
gotta say Travis if u think that "below the surface" means that it is dead becuase thats the way society in america works?...than ur the same average american/canadian- lazy, ill-minded, and u dont think for urself..ud rather have the tv or politicians make decisions for you then have to do it urself. HIPHOP is alive and like everything else, if u search because u seek something better, you will find somethings way better than what you see ordinarily...or on the surface. Go back to your 50 Cent...we dont want no mainstream's in here
Posted by: Brandon at Feb 5, 2007 9:02:35 PM
Brandon-
You shouldnt have to look below the surface for honesty in politics, you shouldnt have to search amongst the ruins for good music. But because these are the things we are forced to do, I'd agree that good music (especially hip-hop) is nearing extinction. True, honest-to-God lyrics aren't there anymore. Instead you get the same re-hash of what the last guy on the mic rapped about, and that was bullsh*t itself. Hip hop may not be dead, but mainstream Hip-hop is in ICU just waiting on the plug to be pulled. Nas sees where the art was and where it is now, and I think he's right. I'm preparing for the wake. -JD
Posted by: JD at Feb 23, 2007 2:41:39 PM
HIP HOP IS NOT DEAD IN CANADA - K-OS IS BRINGING IT - http://youtube.com/watch?v=seOHdqXHG6g
Posted by: DEALTHEDECK at Feb 23, 2007 8:20:20 PM
Matchstik was born in Fort Camble, Kentucky and raised in Dothan, Alabama. At age nine, Matchstik’s parents separated and a few months later his father attempted suicide. Matchstik’s father, who was formerly a soldier in the United States Army Reserves, abandoned Matchstik’s family, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings on her own.
Without a father figure in his life, Matchstik found a home in the streets with drug dealers. It wasn’t long before Matchstik himself began selling cocaine. At age 13, Matchstik had his first run in with the law. Matchstik had his second arrest at age 14 for possession of crack cocaine.
Thereafter, Matchstik joined forces with the local king pin, who also happened to be his mother’s boyfriend son. From the ages of 13 through 16, Matchstik and the local king pin worked together moving 3 to 4 kilos of crack cocaine per week.
Then, after his third arrest at age 16, Matchstik realized he had to turn his life around. Matchstik left the life of dealing behind, dropped out of high school and passed his G.E.D.
He also went on to attend college, and ultimately joined the Navy at age 20. After completing four years of service in the Navy, he decided to leave the South and follow his musical aspirations on the West Coast. Matchstik is now living in Los Angeles, California where he is pursuing a career in music.
His energetic and innovative beats, witty rhymes and clever choruses are just what the Hip-Hop industry needs. Matchstik has collaborated with numerous local artists in various locations throughout the United States ranging from the East Coast, the Dirty South, and the West Coast.
Matchstik has also opened up for Joe Buddins and Sean Paul (the Reggae Artist) in Winnipeg, Canada! Matchstik is an impressive 25-year-old who is one of America's next Hip-Hop stars. Uniquely talented, Matchstik does not only write his own rhymes but also produces his own beats.
-Matchstik
Live in the abundance, and make today your best!
www.myspace.com/matchstik
Posted by: Matchstik at Jul 6, 2007 11:11:33 PM
