When They Reminisce Over You
If Bron Bron busted up MJ one on one in the backyard before dinner right as James said ‘game point’ I am sure big homey would flash his 6 digits to put the accomplishment in some deserved perspective. Future flowists needed to stand below the soap box with wide eyes and perked ears before they could change the game themselves. Is Nas better than Rakim? Nasty would probably never have spit like he did without Rakim Allah’s influence; God Son right? Many styles have been improved upon or updated and those updated formulas draw on great standards to add new techniques.
As Victoria (what up) brought up recently, progression may in fact lead one to a position of superiority. However, it would be unjust to place someone in that position without a historical understanding of how they got here. Like any other young music growing in its timeline, hip-hop will sieve out its momentary shining stars in the formulation of its historic identity. I once heard Cornel West say “Aim to be great, not just successful.” It’s such a mentality that defines an artist’s place in history. Talent is abundant and the jam of the week will rock consistently, but what defines a great artist is how such jams will affect the genre’s future and the way they reflect its past.
What songs/albums will we play in 10 years? Hip-Hop is so shortsighted by its infatuation with hierarchy that the scope of an artist’s influence is often overlooked. Dictated by public opinion and urging desire for mass acceptance, emcees obsess with instant gratification as opposed to the slow and steady grind toward greatness . Take Jeezy or Game for example; their sophomore albums are good, but they are basically just recycled, less convincing versions of their first outing. Although someone might be the best right now- time filters out the undeserving. Jay said people appreciate his “honesty” (on Barbara Walters). That almost seems like a contrived statement, considering that it’s often the opposite that is coveted and idolized in contemporary society. However, who remains in a position of respect and prestige is conveyed most accurately through the eyes of history. Eyes which become wider through experience, loss and education. At some point, you might have to switch up from going to hole and start hitting some fall aways.
For Kicks…
My Top 5 of the moment (in no particular order)
Pusha T
Weezy
Nas
Lupe Fiasco
Ghostface
My top 5 of all time…
Ask me when I’m 65
Orsen Wells rolling on candy paint…art by Rory Panagatoplous
10:42 pm on January 8th, 2007
When MJ made his first all-star appearance in career number 3, everyone thought he would be the star. But it was Kobe that stole the show, dropping Jordanesque numbers while dominating the game. He followed it up that season by leading the Lakers to their final championship.
And when MJ left for good a year and a half later, Bron Bron, DWade and Melo entered the game and we all know the story since.
Hip Hop is at a similar point right now. Weezy and Lupe may show themselves to be worthy sucessors of Jay, but as you say, they must make a career of it. It may just be that Jay’s comeback (can’t call this a comeback, i run rap, the f**k is y’all sayin?) and Nas’ album is what will push the young guns from avoiding becoming Stevie Franchise or Jerry Stackhouse and instead get their own commercials with four different personalities.
6:38 am on January 9th, 2007
i’m thinking Phonte of Little Bro’ should be hitting lists of top 5′s if he keeps doing his thing.
12:49 pm on January 9th, 2007
no Hova on your list? is’nt he always in the top 5 as long as he’s doing it?
7:14 pm on January 22nd, 2007
word