When his first few features dropped, I was a Drake believer. Like other cliche abusers, I claimed that the kid was a 'breath of fresh air.' In spite of his corny affiliation with 'Degrassi', I applauded his ability to infiltrate the industry sans gimmick. There was pure lyrical talent there, and while hypnotized by his ease of beat-riding, I missed the fact that this kid is a mere puppet.
Yes. Puppet.
Drake is either a puppet or a rapper who lacks Hip Hop knowledge. There are plenty of them out there - self-titled Emcees who fail to be aficionados of the genre they represent. I make this judgment based on one nugget: Drake's misguided adoration of Nicki Minaj.
The clueless and the talentless are in the same camp. I get that. Music industry politics dictate who an artist should hype at any given moment. Understood. But Drake coming out of his face to say that Minaj is the baddest female to ever do Hip Hop - Slap.
Slap in the face of Jean Grae.
Slap in the face of MC Lyte.
Slap in the face of Lauryn Hill.
Slap in the face of Invincible.
Slap in the face of Da Brat.
Slap in the face of Eve.
Slap in the face of Rah Digga.
Slap in the face of Bahamadia.
Slap in the faces of Infamous Syndicate [Shawnna and Teefa].
As a woman, feminist, writer and Hip Hop lover, I find it very disheartening that both rap fans and practitioners still fail [in 2010] to pay homage to women in the game - women who 'rock mics' with sensible lyrics in spite of the stigma of the raunchy female Emcee. As an optimist, I can only assume that the Barbie fandom will soon dissipate and we'll be blessed with a woman who comes hard, unapologetic and genuine. Until then, I'll endure this momentary exploitation of Hip Hop's Sarah "Saartjie" Baartman through clenched teeth.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
13 Phrases #7: Rufio Jones
Here we go again. For this installment of 13 Phrases, I approached a friend, Emcee and writer, Rufio Jones of Detroit Cydi. Enjoy.
1. By day, I am a fairly ordinary guy with extraordinary powers. Namely the abilities to read betwixt the lines, listen, and care about things without being bothered by what others think.
2. I write best when I lay down to sleep but before I am successful. It's when I have no outside influences (like television or the internet) and I'm at my calmest. Words begin to pour in and don't allow me to comfortably stare at my eyelids. So I try and keep a writing utensil nearby.
3. When I find it difficult to complete a piece, I don't worry about it. I've found if I spend too much time on something, I begin to dwell. So I come back to it when I feel ready.
4. Three things that help me recover from Writer’s Block are doing something fun, watching something of the same subject matter I'm writing about, and strip clubs. They all help stimulate the brain (excuse any plausible double entendre).
5. I started writing because I loved words and how they sound together and how some words sound better together than others causing a hunt for Thesaurus.
6. I continued to write because I realized I had the ability to put those words together myself that I felt sounded so good in groups. There was no reason to rely on others to do what I was good at (if you noticed I ended my sentence with a preposition... shutup).
7. I will always write because there will ALWAYS be something to write about. There is a new subject matter every second.
8. If I weren’t a writer, I would probably be a gourmet cook in The Land of Liars and Charlatans.
9. The Authors who influence and inspire my work are Snoop Dogg and Too Short... seriously. Together they showed me how to write with a smooth flow, quickly tell an engaging story, and be funny while doing it.
10. The most important goal I have as a writer is to keep writing what entertains me. I am a fan of writing before being a writer. So if I create something that emotes what I intended in me, I know it will go over well.
11. People who read my work are most likely to snicker. I look at the world a LOT differently than most people. That translates into the things I write. So, because I attack a subject from a strange angle, people are likely to find it hilarious.
12. My most significant piece to date is the one I haven't written yet. I honestly never believe I can write something as good as what I did prior. Low and behold, I shock myself each time.
13. There’s nothing more important than not dying. The longer I stay alive, the more mistakes I can see corrected, lives can be changed, and goals attained. So I will not be biting any bullets or kicking any buckets for a nice while.
1. By day, I am a fairly ordinary guy with extraordinary powers. Namely the abilities to read betwixt the lines, listen, and care about things without being bothered by what others think.2. I write best when I lay down to sleep but before I am successful. It's when I have no outside influences (like television or the internet) and I'm at my calmest. Words begin to pour in and don't allow me to comfortably stare at my eyelids. So I try and keep a writing utensil nearby.
3. When I find it difficult to complete a piece, I don't worry about it. I've found if I spend too much time on something, I begin to dwell. So I come back to it when I feel ready.
4. Three things that help me recover from Writer’s Block are doing something fun, watching something of the same subject matter I'm writing about, and strip clubs. They all help stimulate the brain (excuse any plausible double entendre).
5. I started writing because I loved words and how they sound together and how some words sound better together than others causing a hunt for Thesaurus.
6. I continued to write because I realized I had the ability to put those words together myself that I felt sounded so good in groups. There was no reason to rely on others to do what I was good at (if you noticed I ended my sentence with a preposition... shutup).
7. I will always write because there will ALWAYS be something to write about. There is a new subject matter every second.
8. If I weren’t a writer, I would probably be a gourmet cook in The Land of Liars and Charlatans.
9. The Authors who influence and inspire my work are Snoop Dogg and Too Short... seriously. Together they showed me how to write with a smooth flow, quickly tell an engaging story, and be funny while doing it.
10. The most important goal I have as a writer is to keep writing what entertains me. I am a fan of writing before being a writer. So if I create something that emotes what I intended in me, I know it will go over well.
11. People who read my work are most likely to snicker. I look at the world a LOT differently than most people. That translates into the things I write. So, because I attack a subject from a strange angle, people are likely to find it hilarious.
12. My most significant piece to date is the one I haven't written yet. I honestly never believe I can write something as good as what I did prior. Low and behold, I shock myself each time.
13. There’s nothing more important than not dying. The longer I stay alive, the more mistakes I can see corrected, lives can be changed, and goals attained. So I will not be biting any bullets or kicking any buckets for a nice while.
Contact Rufio Jones:
Email: hobbskha@gmail.com
Website: http://detroitcydi.com/
Buy: http://detroitcydi.bandcamp.com/
Email: hobbskha@gmail.com
Website: http://detroitcydi.com/
Buy: http://detroitcydi.bandcamp.com/
Reclaiming the Feminist Movement
In a recent interview, pop performer Lady Gaga stated, "I'm not a feminist - I, I hail men, I love men. I celebrate American male culture, and beer, and bars and muscle cars..." This was after saying that she loves the gay community because they love "sexual, strong women who speak their mind," and immediately prefaced by "You see, if I was a guy, and I was sitting here with a cigarette in my hand, grabbing my crotch and talking about how I make music 'cause I love fast cars and fucking girls, you'd call me a rock star. But when I do it in my music and in my videos, because I'm a female, because I make pop music, you're judgmental, and you say that it is distracting. I'm just a rock star."Sounds like feminist speak to me, Ms. Gaga. But, in the true spirit of someone unaware or ignorant about the movement, you decide to perpetuate the stigma of the man-hating, bra-burning feminist.
So, to clarify to all of you women, who like Gaga feel that you can't love men and treasure your own equality, you're wrong. It's more than possible and pertinent that women are also hailed and given the same regard as men. Our patriarchal society still proves to be sexist, be it through workplace discrimination, the consistent over-sexing of women or the fact that many schools still fail to encourage girls to excel in mathematics and science fields.
Actually ladies, men can also be exceptionally pro-feminist. For example, I hail Kevin Powell for being very vocal about the contemporary feminist movement and its importance.
Feminism should not be looked upon as an ugly word, though I've noticed that among my age group, the theory is becoming taboo. In a sense, we're going backwards and the result has been a plethora of anti-woman images invading our space and permeating our psyches. Thus, some of us are confused about our value. We need to seriously revisit the movement or our daughters and our daughter's daughters will be in danger. Somehow, the image of the powerful woman has turned into that of the shamelessly exploited one. Rather than making an uproar about the Sarah Baartmans of the world, we think that volunteering to be her has given us back our power. Somewhere, sister bell hooks is shaking her head.
The "Beef" with BET
I have my own gripes with BET:
BET has boasted some pretty good series. The problem is the lack of consistency. BET sticks to a simple formula. BET = Mainstream Urban Radio + Visuals. Like radio, BET strives to appeal to its non-diverse audience. It's up to the audience to demand better programming, more shine for worthy artists and to actually tune in when they play it. The fact remains, when BET does play shows and specials that aren't based on absolute Stepit Fetchitism and Mantanery, I have a hunch that the regular viewers tune out.
Just like we demand of Hip Hop for instance, BET owes us balance. Fussing, fighting, fucking, and being excessively materialistic are all pieces of American culture. No one is asking for BET to shy away from reality. However, when all of these vices become the ultimate and only portrayal, BET's reality becomes BET's minstrel show. Where are the intelligent business women and men, the fine artists, the writers, the activists, teachers, etc. in the big scheme of things?
I started this post to touch on the BET Awards and the complaints about their Michael Jackson tributes throughout the show. I'm gonna keep that issue short. I actually think that BET did a pretty decent job of pulling things together in a matter of three days: The Ciara and Neyo solos. The Jamie Foxx routine. The Janet appearance. I won't complain.
I will, however, urge BET to raise the bar. The network is [unfortunately] our representation for the outside world. In spite of our beautiful black president and the multitude of talented artists, politicians and regular working folks who defy negative stereotypes on a daily basis, people continue to watch BET with hopes of understanding our culture. Be accountable and responsible.
Thank you.
- The excess of weak and pointless reality shows.
- The lack of support for less mainstream artists.
- The discontinuation of consistent BET News.
- Rocsi.
BET has boasted some pretty good series. The problem is the lack of consistency. BET sticks to a simple formula. BET = Mainstream Urban Radio + Visuals. Like radio, BET strives to appeal to its non-diverse audience. It's up to the audience to demand better programming, more shine for worthy artists and to actually tune in when they play it. The fact remains, when BET does play shows and specials that aren't based on absolute Stepit Fetchitism and Mantanery, I have a hunch that the regular viewers tune out.
Just like we demand of Hip Hop for instance, BET owes us balance. Fussing, fighting, fucking, and being excessively materialistic are all pieces of American culture. No one is asking for BET to shy away from reality. However, when all of these vices become the ultimate and only portrayal, BET's reality becomes BET's minstrel show. Where are the intelligent business women and men, the fine artists, the writers, the activists, teachers, etc. in the big scheme of things?
I started this post to touch on the BET Awards and the complaints about their Michael Jackson tributes throughout the show. I'm gonna keep that issue short. I actually think that BET did a pretty decent job of pulling things together in a matter of three days: The Ciara and Neyo solos. The Jamie Foxx routine. The Janet appearance. I won't complain.
I will, however, urge BET to raise the bar. The network is [unfortunately] our representation for the outside world. In spite of our beautiful black president and the multitude of talented artists, politicians and regular working folks who defy negative stereotypes on a daily basis, people continue to watch BET with hopes of understanding our culture. Be accountable and responsible.
Thank you.
Ain Interviews Leela James
“There’s a perception that Soul singers are a little conscious of things as it is. So, with the [current] political atmosphere, I think it just adds to it. I think we all have a responsibility to put out music with a certain amount of substance in the first doggone place.”That’s Leela James, the resolute, genuine soul singer from Los Angeles, California who now rests her head in Houston, Texas.
Leela’s music career began to blossom when a high school English teacher recognized her talent. “He said, ‘You’ve got something unique and fresh, you might really wanna take it seriously.’ Up until that point, I was just doing it for fun in church or whatever,” shared Leela. “It wasn’t that deep for me, but when I was pulled to the side and told that, it really made me stop and pay attention to my skill.”
After committing to her craft and deciding to pursue her art professionally, Leela stepped onto the big stage while touring with Macy Gray and the Black Eyed Peas in 2004. After vocally convincing the industry that she had the talent to cut it, she worked with notable producer Pete Rock, providing vocals on his album, Soul Survivor II, and began diligently co-writing the album that would awe soon-to-be fans.
With a distinctive blown-out crown of golden tresses, the singer-songwriter had just brushed past the legal drinking age when she dropped her debut album, A Change Is Gonna Come, which was released in June of 2005. Even at 22, the richness of Leela James’ voice left listeners with an image of a woman who’d experienced her share of trials and turmoil.
[Read the full feature on SchemeMag.com]
More Art, More Beats + More Lyrics
We go for the complimentary Jack Daniels. We go for the amazing live music. We go because it's free. We go to view kick-ass urban art. There are ton of reasons to check out Art, Beats + Lyrics when it comes through your city, including the fact that it's organized by two very dope people, Dubelyoo and Jabari Graham. I had a blast in Birmingham a couple weeks ago and was also lucky enough to check out the show in Atlanta and Jackson, MS.
AB+L is a great event that highlights urban artists from all over the country, some of whom I have the pleasure of knowing personally, such as mr. soul (whom I frequently mention), Goldi Gold, Flux and Fabian, the Occasional Superstar. As a writer, I often pull from visuals for inspiration and AB+L showcases work that speaks to me and my generation. If you happen to hear that AB+L is coming to your city or a city a short drive away, I'd strongly encourage you to check it out.
*Note: We also go to take pictures by Hannibal Matthews.
AB+L is a great event that highlights urban artists from all over the country, some of whom I have the pleasure of knowing personally, such as mr. soul (whom I frequently mention), Goldi Gold, Flux and Fabian, the Occasional Superstar. As a writer, I often pull from visuals for inspiration and AB+L showcases work that speaks to me and my generation. If you happen to hear that AB+L is coming to your city or a city a short drive away, I'd strongly encourage you to check it out.
*Note: We also go to take pictures by Hannibal Matthews.Musical Motivation.
I deal with words. I'm a sucker for similes, a fiend for original metaphors and a lover of the unmatched energy of poets like Saul Williams, jessica care moore and Def Poet, Beau Sia. But as I cling to Amethyst Rocks and spit poetry because "The Words Don't Fit In My Mouth," I still seek inspiration from the sweet, the complicated and the raw rhythms of music. My "Top Ten" is constantly changing. This week, I'm drawing inspiration from the following:
FYI, visual art is also a great motivation. Just watched this movie:
- The funk of Sa-Ra.
- The whimsical wit of Wale.
- The madness of a Murs track (whereas madness=Dope).
- Little Brother's lyrical grace.
- The soul of Esthero.
- Jazmine Sullivan's story telling.
- Citizen Cope's revolutionary spirit.
- The love of John Legend.
- Raphael Saadiq's retro style.
- Dashing Detroit balladeer, Dwele.
FYI, visual art is also a great motivation. Just watched this movie:
BOMB IT. CHECK IT OUT.
Musical Motivation
Working from home can either be a deterrent to or assist a creative career. Of course there are moments I would like to shake myself awake at 8am, head to a 9 to 5 so I can get home and focus all of my energies into writing a bestseller. Then there are times where I am overjoyed with the opportunity to be able to arrange my daily tasks as I please. More often than not, however, I find myself writing for work and using my spare time to think about writing for my personal creative career.
In making the transition from "thinking about writing" to actually writing, I find that music typically provides that inspiration. My current transition soundtrack includes this joint:
Listen to Destiny by PJ Morton
In making the transition from "thinking about writing" to actually writing, I find that music typically provides that inspiration. My current transition soundtrack includes this joint:
Listen to Destiny by PJ Morton
RIP Isaac.
I didn't speak on this Sunday because having two RIP posts back-to-back was too depressing for thought. Unfortunately, the reality is that this weekend, we lost two wonderful souls. I'm not saddened because I was a former South Park fanatic, but because I have Hot Buttered Soul on vinyl . I get chills whenever I hear the 12+ minute version of "Walk On By," and I know that we lost a musical legend.
Rest In Paradise to another King!
The Femcee.
As I prepare to review Stacy Epp's album, The Awakening, and after completing my Invincible piece for Scheme Mag, I've been struggling with the word Femcee.
Widely defined, a Femcee is a female emcee. (For more nifty terms, check out The Urban Dictionary.)
As a Hip-Hop enthusiast and a female, this terms bothers me because it implies that females lyricists are in another class, creating more separation within Hip-Hop. It also implies that one who holds the title "Emcee," must (by logic) be male. Female rappers, such as Jean Grae, Invincible, and Rah Digga, are topping many of their male counterparts when it comes to pure rhyme skills. It's no hush hush fact that women are wildly underrepresented in the most controversial and important facets of American culture: Hip-Hop. Not only is the female emcee rare in the big scheme of things, but females at-large are generally disrespected by the images and lyrics of the "ruling class." In order to break the barrier it has to start with the way we view the female emcee, which has to be as an equal. By creating and subscribing to lingo that in itself is separatist, we're setting ourselves back.
Widely defined, a Femcee is a female emcee. (For more nifty terms, check out The Urban Dictionary.)
As a Hip-Hop enthusiast and a female, this terms bothers me because it implies that females lyricists are in another class, creating more separation within Hip-Hop. It also implies that one who holds the title "Emcee," must (by logic) be male. Female rappers, such as Jean Grae, Invincible, and Rah Digga, are topping many of their male counterparts when it comes to pure rhyme skills. It's no hush hush fact that women are wildly underrepresented in the most controversial and important facets of American culture: Hip-Hop. Not only is the female emcee rare in the big scheme of things, but females at-large are generally disrespected by the images and lyrics of the "ruling class." In order to break the barrier it has to start with the way we view the female emcee, which has to be as an equal. By creating and subscribing to lingo that in itself is separatist, we're setting ourselves back.
Sometimes, I Find A Gem.
Every now and then some underground DJ or producer-on-the-verge drops a mixtape that pretty much puts the shit on the radio to shame. For a hot second, music lovers (like myself) are fooled into thinking that Hip Hop is going in a new direction. Then we turn on the TV and find that it was all in our imagination. Still we relish in those mixes that offered that sweet release from the mundane... if only for a second. Anyway, this download offered one of those moments. An Al Green inspired Hip Hop mix with lyrics from some of the best, over the music of the soulful himself. Check it out... and thank Omer Saar.
Hip Hop Saved My Life...
This is "old news," but since I've dubbed this video one of the best of 08, I decided to post it. For the love of Lupe, watch it. If you're not a Lupe fan-- maybe b/c he put that cap on the number of albums he'll release during his Hip Hop career and you refuse to get too attached-- the video is still a beautiful tribute to the art.
I know that I'm constantly ragging on Hip Hop, but I have to admit, the industry does allow for a few real artists slip through the cracks. By no means is the playing field even, which is why I write for SchemeMag.com (plug). We all know and hate that the fluff far outweighs the real. But until more videos like this one make it to BET (Belligerently Evil Television?), keep on diggin'. As much as I'd hate to admit it, Myspace is a great place to start if you're looking for phenomenal Emcees. Unfortunately, the site is cluttered with too many nonsensical rhymers who couldn’t get a deal if they were related to Diddy (Ugh) himself. If you can't stand to sift through the shit to find the gold nuggets, check out labels like Stones Throw, Definitive Jux, and Barak Records to start
I know that I'm constantly ragging on Hip Hop, but I have to admit, the industry does allow for a few real artists slip through the cracks. By no means is the playing field even, which is why I write for SchemeMag.com (plug). We all know and hate that the fluff far outweighs the real. But until more videos like this one make it to BET (Belligerently Evil Television?), keep on diggin'. As much as I'd hate to admit it, Myspace is a great place to start if you're looking for phenomenal Emcees. Unfortunately, the site is cluttered with too many nonsensical rhymers who couldn’t get a deal if they were related to Diddy (Ugh) himself. If you can't stand to sift through the shit to find the gold nuggets, check out labels like Stones Throw, Definitive Jux, and Barak Records to start
To Honor My ANTM Adventure...
Yep, I accompanied my roommie this morning during her ANTM audition. I stood outside for roughly 30 minutes until the "supporters" were ushered into the lobby to wait for 3+ hours. The view from the lobby was supreme. I'm not knocking those with high confidence, but even I know that I'm not super model material, and I'm pretty fly. In a phrase, the ANTM tryout line was comparable to the line outside the club on any given Friday. It made me think of this video for some reason...
Hotstylz feat. Yung Joc - Lookin Boy from Raydio G on Vimeo
Hotstylz feat. Yung Joc - Lookin Boy from Raydio G on Vimeo
Hot Video from The Grouch of Living Legends.
The independent Hip Hop scene in Cali is a beast that I try to keep up with. So, when I saw this video from The Grouch I was impressed and relieved to get a dose of freshness on this rainy Friday. Not only is the video creative, but the lyrics are real and a slap in the face to some of you high and mighty artsy fartsy folks. :-) Come down a notch. Enjoy...
Happy Born Day, Dilla.
There's not a Hip-Hop lover in the world who can deny that Dilla made a timeless contribution to music. I remember when I first got hip to Jay. From that point on (being a Motor City native), I compared any and everything that came out of Detroit to Dilla's eclectic catalog. I was honored to freelance a review of Dilla's posthumous release, The Shining, which featured a range of artists and a bold and energetic intro by Busta Rhymes. Since then, I've been building my Jay Dee collection, most recently with the Dilla instrumental/Busta collab, Ruff Draft. So today I'm honoring the man who left "The D" with a beautiful soundtrack. We'll love you always.. Rest. In. Paradise.
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