Masta Ace introduces the anti-industry theme swiftly, speaking directly to an artist who’s just barely cognizant of how much he’s getting swept up in the high life before Craig G comes in with a breathless series of stunning lines: “If B.I.G. was alive, would they say he fell off / since down South is getting more shine than up North? / … / They smile in your face, release some sort of statement / Start beef with your friends when you out on vacation.” G Rap ups the ante even further though, sounding just as advanced now as he did at his peak: “The dominant culture, corporations robbin’ like vultures / Dead philosophers they carve in the sculpture / We get the broken promises, momentary exposure,” calling attention to the continued lack of respect for hip-hop outside of its opportunity for a cash grab. Cormega bats cleanup here, spitting with even more ferocity here than on the original, clearly mad as hell: “Uncle Toms want to please the master / Fear of dominant strength so they keep you passive…/…/Basically I’m a pre-gentrification New Yorker in persona and performance / You can trace the style but can’t replace the aura.”

The post Premiere: Cormega feat. Masta Ace, Craig G., & Kool G Rap – “Industry” (Juice Crew Remix) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.