The Genesis:

Rap music is arguably the most influential genre of the last 30 years. This culture born from the slums of the South Bronx in the mid 70’s has transcended its original target demographic and is now pop culture to some instead of Hip-Hop culture. As everyone should know rap music started with the D.J. It was all about the D.J. that could make the crowd move during the park jams of the 70’s and 80’s.  The M.C. which originally meant Master of Ceremonies would come about and their main purpose was to hype up the DJ and represent their crew.  Over time the M.C.’s role would become more significant as competition arose between crews. Soon enough as we moved towards the mid to late 80’s and 90’s M.C.’s had obligations to write clever rhymes that entertained their audience. The standards were set and Lyricism was an integral part of being a rapper.  Aspiring MC’s of eras in the past battled to see who would reign in lyrical supremacy.

Lyrics are more important in Rap music than any other Genre. Although a rapper’s voice is extremely important in engaging their audience, traditionally there is an emphasis on utilizing words to convey your message in rap. In rap music you are always listening for potential “jewels” definition that an M.C. may drop when he “spits”. Lyrics in rap have taken many forms and many different creative styles. From utilizing witty metaphors to convey your point commonly known as “punch lines, or using your storytelling abilities, or you might be extremely creative with innovating new multi-syllabic rhyme patterns (an ability that was mastered and fore-fathered by rap legends Rakim and Kool G Rap). A unique kind of style is when an artist is not lyrical in the traditional sense but can evoke emotions through their words i.e. Tupac. These different styles usually honed on a street corner resonated with an urban generation during the Golden Era of Hip-Hop then went on to be adored by the rest of the planet. These individuals served as news reporters for the rest of America and spoke on the realities that go on in poverty-stricken urban environments. It’s magnificent that during the late 80’s and 90’s individuals who were the uneducated, downtrodden and forgotten turned their negative surroundings into beautiful artwork through their use of nouns and verbs.

Millennium Musicality

As the new millennium progressed, lyricism started to fade slowly from the genre. It seemed more apparent as time went on that it was actually not mandatory to be lyrically progressive to make hit records. Lyrics actually started to hinder a rapper getting a Number 1 hit so Simplicity became the phase. Towards the end of the decade though a new theory arose in rap music. This theory was spearheaded by Kanye West due to the fact that although he is a lyrical assassin in his own right he paid just as much if not more attention to overall production, melody, and experimentation on a body of work then he did lyrics. Kanye executed this to perfection but started a new trend in the process. Upcoming rappers no longer had to hone their skills on street corners,in battles, and cyphers in order to gain their respect. The emphasis became more on the “musicality of their work”.  A new era of rappers started actually  singing in order to get a more melodic feel on their records. Popularized by Drake, rappers no longer have to rap consistently for all the records on their album. Interludes have become love ballads, half of rappers albums are less lyrically inclined and more melodically inclined. Experimentation with EDM and other genres have become the standard in rap. Everyone is striving to be on a high level of “true artistry” as if rap prior to this innovation was not true artistry. The lyrical rapper is starting to be seen as an annoyance if he’s not experimenting with abstract sounds like a Kendrick Lamar.  On an Interview at Power 105.1 published in July 2014 when discussing the state of New York Hip-Hop, rapper French Montana stated “all the lyrical rappers I know are broke”Link here.

Real Talk:

This genre is rap MUSIC, so obviously melody and experimentation is extremely important. It’s actually Ironic that the early M.C. wasn’t the star of the show and was just a prop used to accompany the sounds of the DJ. During this era M.C.’s are accompanying the sounds of the producer more than they’re focused on being lyrically impressive. It’s almost like Rap went backwards in a sense. Artists like Future, Asap Mob, Travis Scott, Kanye (at times), Young Thug, and much more, serve as some of the current front men of this wave. Although at times they may have some bright spots, they are not necessarily trying to break new ground lyrically. This is a problem because we’re forgetting about the essence of this rap thing. In the past lives were changed from stories that were told “She’s 12 years old and she’s having a baby, in love with a molester who’s sexing her crazy”- 2Pac. Awareness was brought on the poverty-stricken conditions that was endured “ Because the streets is a short stop, either you slinging crack rock or you got a wicked jumpshot”-Biggie Smalls. We were impressed by a young fire spitter that spoke with wisdom well beyond his years “I switched my motto; instead of saying f**k tomorrow, that buck that bought a bottle could’ve struck the lotto”- Nas.  We were in awe of the lyrical dexterity of a blonde kid with severe drugs and family issues “But I’m debated, disputed, hated, and viewed in America, as a mother f***in drug addict like you didn’t experiment?”- Eminem

While I also hate the rapper who’s all about technicality but has no creativity when it comes to songwriting and making music, I also love the rapper who captivates an audience with just their words. Rappers are today’s preachers, orators, poets, and motivational speakers. As Minister Louis Farrakhan stated in an interview with Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club “You rappers are the new leaders” “The biggest preachers don’t have as many followers as one rapper” link here.

We absolutely need our street poets in order to preserve our culture. The words are important!

PEACE!

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It’s safe to say we can all spit out Ol’ Dirty Bastard‘s work alongside the Wu-Tang Clan and a bunch of his solo records off the top of our head. The dent he left on the game, and the impact he had on the masses is stamped in hip-hop’s history forever. Before we get into the features, perhaps briefly reflecting on his career is the right thing to do.

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was Dirty’s debut appearance, which is said to be one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. With both successful solo and collaborative careers, he has been featured on quite a few records during his  active years, some of which may have been bypassed or laid in the cut a bit. This piece is a brief look at a handful of standout features from ODB–some rare and some mainstream. His sound lives on forever and spirit is eternal. Enjoy:

Big Daddy Kane ft. Sauce Money, Shyheim, Jay-Z & Ol Dirty Bastard – “Show & Prove” (1994)

Off Big Daddy Kane‘s sixth studio release from 1994, “Show & Prove” is a raw posse cut with a young Jay Z helping make it that much doper. This wasn’t long after ‘Ol Dirty Bastard’s explosion of fame, thanks to Wu-Tang Clan’s debut record. Never knew Big Daddy Kane did a joint with Dirty? Now you know. This seemed like a fun track for the five emcees, at a time when when you stepped to the plate with just yourself and your lyrical weaponry.

Mariah Carey ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix)” (1995)

This was a controversial collaboration, as record execs were worried about Dirty shifting Mariah Carey‘s direction in sound and polluting what she had going. Following her acclaimed, well received 1995 “Fantasy” came this Bad Boy Remix. An early Puff Daddy was on the boards, with his signature soft talk making an appearance. Everyone can remember their mom blasting this joint–a true summertime banger.

Busta Rhymes ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Woo Ha! Got You All In Check (Remix)” (1996)

At this time Busta Rhymes and ‘Ol Dirty Bastard were in their prime. They were known as the crazy acts in hip-hop, with murderous delivery and some of the most insane visuals offered to the masses. In 1996, they dropped this banger, which many in the underground consider a classic remix. The video certainly adds to the impact, but do be alarmed and careful.

Tha Alkaholiks ft. Ol Dirty Bastard & Marley Marl – “Hip-Hop Drunkies” (1997)

Marley Marl and Dirty on a record? Now that is history for certain. Tha Alkaholiks and ‘Ol Dirty Bastard in one recording session, or video shoot, is seemingly a fun time. Maybe too much fun? This video is a classic case of the “f*ck-it’s”, mocking Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings and going buck wild. It’s fun to see Dirty collaborating with a West Coast hip-hop group to this degree in 1997. It was featured on Tha Alhaholiks third LP Likwidation,  and served as one of their biggest hits even reaching the Billboard 100.

Cam’ron ft. Ol Dirty Bastard – “Violence” (2000)

Potentially one of the scariest, most raw records Dirt was ever featured on. This was off Cam’ron’s second full-length album SDE (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment) released in 2000. When Harlem and Brooklyn collide, especially at this time, you couldn’t have expected nothing short of insanity.

Ok, so we’ve cleared up some of ODB’s most rare/acclaimed features, with hopes that you learned something new from the article and have a good conversation piece with your biggest hip-hop head friend tonight. His legacy is with us for eternity. In celebration, go listen to some Dirt and hype yourself up. Peace and one love.

The post ‘Ol Dirty Bastard: The Forgotten Features From ’94 To The Millenium appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This is not to take focus off of Kanye West‘s recent moves and successes, but to shed light on an old sound he used to offer from 1996 to 2000. If you study Kanye’s production over the years you will certainly notice a development in sound, as expected from any artist with longevity in this hip-hop game. We will be breaking down strictly production in this article, while also take note of his early emceeing days as well. In the summer of 1996 Fat Beats made a big store-front shift, and during their grand opening night Kanye could be found alongside Al Tariq, Butter Lee and Black Attack on some raw, smooth 90’s tip. There is a good chance you will learn something new from at least one or two of these audio clips below. If not, take it as a refreshing reminder or something that you can talk to your brother or co-worker about later on today. Enjoy:

Chicago emcee Grav released his heavily slept on Down To Earth in 1996 under Correct Records. Kanye West produced a total of eight records on this album, making it his debut appearance on wax. Notice the raw boom-bap sound he was rocking here. Aside from Grav’s lyrical debauchery, the album’s production alone was given a lot of credit. “Sick Thoughts” is a standout record. So much so, that all hip-hop heads should have it in their stash.

In 1998 Jermaine Dupri released his debut Life in 1472 LP, with “Turn It Out” featuring Nas serving as the introduction track. This is a straight up party record, really highlighting those early So-So Def days we all remember all too well. Kanye West had some fun with this joint, tastefully utilizing some Willie Hutch and Davy DMX on the samples.

After Foxy Brown‘s successful 1996 Ill Na Na, she returned in 1999 with her sophomore release China Doll. The album is loaded with concrete features and production, with Kanye being the producer on “My Life.” Kick back with this dreamy, relaxing hook while scratching your head in shock if you didn’t already know Ye was on the boards.

Harlem World was a short lived collective, with only one album release titled The Movement, also from 1999. “You Made Me” appears near the beginning of the album, and features Carl Thomas and Nas. Kanye West appeared to keep this one pretty simple, allowing the emcees to do what they do.

Do you remember the voice on the introduction to Biggie‘s “Kick In The Door?” How about Black Rob‘s “Whoa!?” That is producer/emcee D-Dot (The Madd Rapper) who released his debut LP in 2000 titled Tell ‘Em Why U Madd, with Kanye West on the science. This is a real zone-out, mellow cut from Kanye’s super early catalogue.

With all that being said, we hope you learned at least one thing from this article about Ye and his early production. If you didn’t learn anything, maybe this was simply a refreshing reminder for you hip-hop junkies that he has been doing his thing for quite some time, and not just some overnight pop star that the younger generation may view him as.

Wait, here goes that bonus footage from 1996 at Fat Beats, as mentioned in our introduction. You’re welcome:

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Every true hip-hop head will never forget the first time hearing DJ Premier scratching on a record, and Guru throwing lyrical darts through the speakers. Keith “Guru” Elam may have been taken away from us physically in 2010, but his lyrics are eternal and his spirit is with us forever. This piece is a positive look into one record from each Gang Starr album, which are notable for their impact and certainly should not be forgotten. Take a trip down memory lane with us and enjoy:

1. “Manifest” off Gang Starr’s 1989 debut No More Mr. Nice Guy

With help from Big Daddy Kane‘s 1988 Word To The Mother(Land) vocals for the sample and smooth cuts from DJ Premier, Manifest is one of those records where the hook gets stamped in your memory. For this LP being Guru’s debut, he sure displayed some intense confidence without being overly boastful or cocky. If this was the first song you heard off No More Mr. Nice Guy you could surely say to yourself, “Gang Starr is in this for the long haul.”

2. “Check The Technique” off Gang Starr’s 1991 sophomore release Step In The Arena

Two years later came Step In The Arena. Though we all love Marlena Shaw‘s 1969 “California Soul,” DJ Premier flipped it something serious on “Check the Technique.” This record seemed less about content and more just a smack in the face with Guru’s effortless lyrical exercises. While checking him and Premier’s technique, you knew they were just getting warmed up in 1991.

3. “Take It Personal” off Gang Starr’s 1992 third studio album Daily Operation

Now it’s one year later and Gang Starr drops Daily Operation on us in ’92. With subject matter addressing old friends and backstabbers, Take It Personal is a calm, smirk-on-your-face diss to all you who fronted on the G-U-R-U. DJ Premier brought it with his classic consistent, higher pitched scratches and venomous drums.

4. “Comin’ For Datazz” off Gang Starr’s 1994 LP Hard To Earn

Hard To Earn was one of the hardest albums to choose just one record to highlight in this piece, as the whole album is top-shelf and timeless. “Comin’ For Datazz” was a bit more under the radar on the track list, but heavily notable for its head-nodding, jazzy rawness. Guru really gives you a taste of what he was living like at the time, and they both sounded beyond focused here. DJ Premier properly flips Run DMC‘s 1983 “Here We Go (Live At The Funhouse)” on the hook, making it that much more enjoyable.

5. “My Advice 2 You” off Gang Starr’s 1998 release Moment Of Truth

Four years after Hard To Earn comes the brutally honest, refreshing Moment Of Truth LP, which many say is their favorite Gang Starr album. Aside from the obvious fan favorites and bangers on the album, “My Advice 2 You” is a notable record for many reasons, one being its message. At this point Guru has been through a lot on and off the music scene, with about a decade under his belt as a recording artist. So any honest life advice given from the rap god is going to be honest and heart felt. 1976’s “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” by Lydia Pense & Cold Blood is a wholesome, honest record as well, which DJ Premier gracefully flipped here.

6. “Put Up Or Shut Up” off Gang Starr’s 2003 sixth and final release The Ownerz

With a little help from Gang Starr Foundation’s Krumb Snatcha and DJ Premier’s thick production, Guru addresses all the loud mouth, fake gangsters in the game at the time. The early 2000’s was a gift and a curse, and definitely bred an abundance of funk fakers in the music industry, while the true school weren’t getting as much shine as they should have. Guru was letting us know he was still very much present and beating down all frauds, with assistance from DJ Premier’s flip of Queen Latifah‘s Wrath Of My Madness. Though this was their last album together, their force will live on forever.

Rest in Paradise Keith Edward Elam aka Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal).

July 17, 1961 to Eternity.

The post Gang Starr Is Forever: 6 Notable Guru Moments appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Schoolboy Q’s mom was the latest mom to read her son’s lyrics aloud for Jimmy Kimmel. Taking a verse from “Collard Greens,” she makes note that she has never smoke weed with Q. Someone’s lying.

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One year ago, Drake  stepped it up a notch and brought us an album that is arguably his best up to date. The Toronto native cooked up an emotional, melody-driven album with production from Detail and guest appearances from Jay Z and Jhene Aiko.

Upon the album’s release, our social media timelines were filled with nothing but hilarious memes and Drake quotes that were made for texting our exes and humbly-bragging about the things we have in life. Here are 10 of the most influential lyrics from Nothing Was The Same that changed our lives:

• “Somewhere between psychotic and iconic/ Somewhere between I want it and I got it/ Somewhere between I’m sober and I’m lifted/ Somewhere between a mistress and commitment” (Furthest Thing)

According to Drake, there are levels to this shit.

• “I just been plottin’ on the low, schemin’ on the low, the furthest thing from perfect like everyone I know.” (Furthest Thing)

The humble Drake we all love and adore.

• “I show up knowing exactly who I was and never leave as myself.” (Connect)

Drake loses himself each time he’s with his lady.

• “I love me enough for the both of us.” – Jhene Aiko (From Time)

Jhene is so full of love, that she doesn’t need a man’s attention to up her self esteem

• “F*ck all that happy-to-be-here shit y’all want me on” (Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2)

Drake has outgrown the need to say how thankful he is for the position he holds in life and wants people to respect his success.

• “Started from the bottom now we’re here/ Started from the bottom now my whole team f*ckin’ here” (Started From the Bottom)

The come-up story we all know and respect.

• “I don’t know why they been lyin’ but yo’ sh*t is not that inspiring” (The Language)

According to Drake, he says to not believe the hype

• “N*ggas talk more than b*tches these days…just let shit that sink in” (Own It)

In the words of Jay Z, it’s like a bunch of n****s actin’ like bitches with big mouths.

• “Same city, same friends if you looking for me” (Connect)

In this lyric Drake demonstrates how loyal he is to his crew and city of Toronto.

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Releasing lyrics to a song before releasing the actual song is a growing phenomenon in the hip-hop world. The artist formerly known as Jay-Z recently used this strange technique to promote his latest LP, but the results were pretty lame. Frank Ocean has done a much better job, probably because he’s not trying to cram an album down our throats.

Discussing Versace and much more, the Odd Future singer flexes his superb writing skills just as gracefully as you’d expect.  Headlines will try to frame the song as a Chris Brown diss, but there’s so much more going on. If you read the lyrics to the cadence of “Versace,” it’s even more rewarding. When the vocals are released, the fun will really begin, but for now, read along below.

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