Pimpin’ on a thin line
Let's clear this up. There's hip hop, and then there's rap.
If you are still reading my article right now I'm assuming you're either aware of the apparent subtleties so I don't have to explain the difference between Biggie and Pac to you, but if you're as interested to step out of your "comfort zone" as you probably should be, I'll certainly illustrate:
The fact is that rhymes and self-image are key elements of both genres (yes, genre with an ‘s'), but keep in mind that one's passions and emotions take them down a much different road than ego and swagger. What made Biggie, 2Pac and a few others so great were their abilities to blend rap and hip hop while maintaining a strong sense of self, grace, and composure on the mic.
The (perhaps cliché) saying "Everything is good in moderation" seems to apply even to formerly feuding rap stars. And feuding is a good word to use here, as we rhyme-spittin' appreciators can certainly identify with it. Perhaps now more than ever before, lovers of these distinct styles find themselves drawing thin lines between the Lil' Wayne's and the Public Enemy's. Do we stick to the roots, proclaim words of activism, preaching positive vibrations of harmony and connectivity? Or do we hum-drumingly cry out surface-level subject matter as we sip-some-purp-n-lean-wit-it-rock-wit-it-snap-yo-fingaz-while-yo-chain-hang-low-in-da-club?
Speaking from the heart here, I figure, "Hell, I love doing both of these things. What's stopping me from having both?"
You might be thinking something cynical, and I'd argue that this comes from a narrow perspective.
One could even argue that Biggie did more for hip hop than Soulja Boy ever could, but I'd like to see Biggie rise from the dead and show you how to "Superman dat ho" in a dance that even your parents must be aware of by now, all without cursing. Soulja Boy is presently doing what Christopher Wallace practiced prophetically in his (too) short (of) time on Earth, combining classic pop song structure with killer beats and shallow yet entertaining declarations of self-image. On top of that, Soulja Boy even has signature moves to accompany his songs* (Now THAT's what I call raising the bar: Youtube ‘Crank Dat' right away if you have been in hiding the past few summers). Mad props.
I guess the "moral" here is this: taste the sweet, and taste the sour. You need both. And If you have been writing off either of these two diverse styles of music, I urge you to stop; there's always something to be found of interest when exploring anything, and that's especially true for things you feel you won't like. Instead, just try to absorb what you can from the best of both worlds. At the very least you will at least know what you don't like, right? Embrace the crucial differences as defining characteristics and at least you will have utilized an area of your brain in a new way. The best thing you can do is enjoy and respect both types of rhyme vocation for what they are and not try to compare them, as there are no signs of any upcoming freestyle battles between Weezy Baby and Chuck D happening anytime soon.
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Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
That article almost looks like something out of The Onion
Thanks! I’m looking forward to writing even more….
Yay! Love this! Welcome to the family!
that last photo’s a doozie, Chris. good work.
that city center house show was one of those life-affirming things.
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“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
Okay, almost 24 hours later and I finally got Issac’s Summer joke. I’m an idiot.
Excellent. I am glad sometimes American dreams are encouraged, rather than stifled.
Swap the dog for a fire pit and it sounds like you’re writing about my back yard. Very nice.
funny, as your summer begins, another Summer ends.
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represent, Matt.