Rhymefest Likens Chief Keef to a Young-Mind-Killing Machine + My Opinion + The Greats’ Conscious Rap Jams
So I found this short Rhymefest piece via my go-to blog (TheHipHopUpdate) about a week ago and I’ve been trying to figure out the best way/words for me to express my feelings here on The Funk. Hopefully you take a few minutes to read my reaction, and then 30 more to listen to hip hop’s response in song. Not much controversy gets by me without my opinion coming out, but I’ll save it until after you read what Rhymefest had to say about some of today’s most popular rap acts….
Chief Keef Is The Bomb
Chief Keef is a “Bomb”, he represents the senseless savagery that white people see when the news speaks of Chicago violence. A Bomb has no responsibility or blame, it does what it was created to do; DESTROY! Notice, no one is talking about the real culprits, the Bomb maker or the pilot who is deploying this deadly force (Labels, Radio Stations). Its easier to blame the bomb. Bombs are not chosen for their individual talents, they are tools used for collateral damage.
To think of the persona of Chief Keef as a person would be the first mistake, he will more then likely come and go without us knowing much of anything about his personal pains, struggles, great loves and ambitions beyond rap. He is a spokesman for the Prison Industrial Complex. Every corporation is expected to grow at least 4% each quarter, many prisons are privately owned with stock being traded on the open market. If these corporations were to do commercials, jingles and promotions who would they hire? You got it, most of the main stream rappers we salivate over like Rick Ross the former correctional officer turned Drug Lord Boss rapper. Waka Flocka Flame gang bang “GO HARD IN THE PAINT” and Chief Keef the newest lottery pick in the “Get paid to destroy young minds, like we destroyed yours” Sweepstakes.
Many people will say “Chief Keef is a young black man making money who wouldn’t have had any other opportunity, why isn’t this a good thing?”. Which brings us back to the question, who is bank rolling this operation and why? This could only be described as an opportunity for this young man if he was recieving artist development, responsible mentorship and counseling for his obvious trauma. By the way, Major Record labels always put million dollar life insurance policies on artist of this nature so that they get paid one way or the other. My suggestion to the rest of us who would love to see the mushroom cloud from this explosion, BE CAUTIOUS! The affects from this type of Bomb can last for centuries. Lets stop giving our intellectual power resources and admiration to destructive forces while ignoring and starving out the good that is being done,sung and rapped about by artist like Killer Mike, Lupe Fiasco, RhymeFest, Dead Prez, Brother ALI, Maimouna Yusef, Invincible, Jean Grey, Mikkey Halsted etc.
In case you haven’t read anything I’ve ever written, I agree with Rhymefest 100%. Since I’m not black I guess it kinda makes it awkward to talk about the social implications of rap and how it affects those who listen to it. But I still have a point of view, and not only would it be bogus as hell for any black, white, or any other color person to tell me my opinion is worthless in the debate, they’d also be misunderstanding the importance of my particular point of view as it relates to the overall goal.
You see, I enjoy intellectualism in rap (and in basically everything else, but we’re talking about music here). Now, intellectualism could be defined based on many different avenues of thought, but overall, I think it would be safe to say that the most prevalent topic covered by intellectual rappers, or in what most would consider “conscious” rap, is black struggle.
….quick necessary tangent: I love the term “conscious” rap. Did you ever think about the derivation of that term? The word conscious is defined by The First Dictionary That Popped Up On The Google Machine as:
1. aware of one’s own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, etc.
2. fully aware of or sensitive to something
3. having the mental faculties fully active
4. known to oneself; felt
5. aware of what one is doing
I especially like that last one; aware of what one is doing. As if the opposite would be considered unaware, or ignorant, to what one is doing. And that is precisely why I consider the opposite of conscious rap, to be put simply, ignorant rap. So if we make it a point to classify some rappers as conscious, can’t we rightfully get away with classifying those clearly with the opposite agenda as ignorant? I mean, really classifying. Like when a radio DJ introduces an artist it would go a little something like this: “next up we have one thee HOTTEST ignorant rappers of 2012….” fill in the blank for your favorite radio artist. End tangent….
Consequently, I have been exposed to a fair amount of material related to the thoughts and feelings and lives of some really smart black dudes. So even though I’m not black, and even though I’m not from an underprivileged urban neighborhood where most of their inspiration stemmed from, I am able get a small glimpse of what that life is like. Ultimately, if you can’t put yourself in someone else’s shoes, if you can’t understand where they’re coming from, or if you can’t empathize with any of their everyday pains, then you’ll forever look at those as different people. But that’s precisely what rap has done for me, as I’m sure many others too. Some say “it’s only entertainment” and it’s not the “artists” problem for the way their music is perceived. But it’s not just music. It’s a bridge. Ice-T was probably accurate in saying the reason Barrack Obama is president is because of rap music.
But as much good as it can do in bridging the gap between what people believe to be, and what really is, it can also maintain and enhance negative attitudes in the minds of listeners. I’m not even talking about the affect to the minds of young black kids. I’m talking about what it does to white people (not ALL white people obviously, but I do know a lot of white people). Not because that’s more important, but because that is the perspective I am able to directly reveal. It just reinforces what some subconsciously, as well as happily, prejudice people already expect/want to hear; something stupid that makes them laugh or something that shows how dangerous and reckless they are in their pursuit of money, fame, or sex. They don’t want to hear about what makes them human (aka the underlying factors and feelings that arouse the majority of those actions which actually translate across all humanity), they want to see that extreme character that is easily distinguishable from them. That’s not totally true; they might not even necessarily want to hear that, but it’s been fed to them from the television and their not-so-racially-inclusive parents for so long that they’ve grown accustom to it and now expect it. Unfortunately, people get paid a lot of money to play that extreme character which only magnifies upon accumulating more money.
But some rappers won’t sell out and let the labels and radio corrupt their music. Some are just so talented and special that they are able to balance making hits and spreading intellectual ideas; all the while avoiding selling their soul to a label that has little concern for the casualties of making money. In my mind, those are the only rappers who deserve the title “Great”.
As promised, here are a few of the greats who’ve helped me close that gap between ignorant and aware. Obviously, not everyone is like me and would automatically be attracted to songs like these. But I gotta believe that if these were in heavier rotation and considered more the norm as opposed to the exception nowadays, American’s views of each other, and themselves, would evolve even more significantly.
This first one could possibly be the most intelligent rap song ever, and it fits almost perfectly with what Rhymefest was alluding to in his op-ed. Nas leaves little mystery to the meaning with his prefacing monologue in this one, but listen to how easily he personifies the weapon. It’s as if he, himself, knows what it’s like to feel like…a bomb?
What’s the word for something with a name that doubles as its literal definition? Or am I just thinking of onomatopoeia where something is named after its literal sound? Anyway, if there is a name for the former, Black Thought is that. The dude was trying to put an end to this nonsense before it even really got rolling. Utmost respect for one of the G.O.A.T.s.
“The principles of true hip hop have been forsaken
It’s all contractual and about money makin’
Pretend-to-be cats don’t seem to know their limitation
exact replication and false representation”
“Peacocks strut because they can’t fly. Nobody wanna be an Eagle. Why? Because they shoot Eagles.” I love that intro….Here, Fest asks his listeners what type of dramatic life events they’ve been through to see how much that might allow them to empathize with his own. He also asks one of the most important questions in this entire discussion; “What do you know about the power of the subconscious mind?”
Another Chicago native who Fest actually gives mention to at the end of his piece for leading the way in providing the type of sincere lyricism the game is lacking in the mainstream today. Here, Lupe takes you along his conscious, and sometimes hypocritical, journey through youthful hip hop adoration, while questioning some of the most adored aspects of the genre along the way.
It has to be something about this city for producing all this consciousness, right? It’s probably one of the greatest city’s in the world, and I feel like it’s overlooked even in it’s own country. There’s something that makes it its own though. It’s not too cut throat like New York and it’s not so vain like Los Angeles. Located in the outward facing upper left of the country’s body, Chicago has got heart (i.e. Derrick Rose).
My opinion and views were pretty well set by the time these next two came on the scene, but they undoubtedly represent the promising future for not only a genre, but a generation of kids and up and coming rappers.
Big K.R.I.T. – Another Naive Individual Glorifying Greed and Encouraging Racism
As close as Nas may have come, there will never be another 2pac. He’s done more for his particular genre than I think any other artists/band can say; even the Beatles. He found that coveted balance in the rap game between intelligent thug and street prophet, having as much an impact socially as he did musically. Revolutionary.
Common – The Dreamer, The Believer [album]
So I was talking to my fellow Funk contributor the other day (and by talking I mean exchanging texts. Technology has not improved my antisocial behavior) and he asked me had I listened to that new Common yet. I told him, “yea, I got through it on my commute the other day. I enjoyed it, wasn’t blown away or anything. I still need to take a closer listen tough.” And thank God I did, too. I mean, being Common, it was never a question whether I would take a closer listen or not, but more like how many and how soon. But for some, I just don’t find that time. It’s tough. I try to multitask by listening on my way to and from work, but I’m usually too tired or annoyed to really pay attention. So naturally, some shit I just miss out on as a result of time management or unwillingness to invest in it.
But back to Common; he’s an artist you literally have to invest all of your attention for the entirety of the album at least once to get a full grasp (I think that’s why Com only puts out albums of 12-13 songs). I don’t know if I’ve made this comparison yet on the Funk, but I look at albums from artists like Common and Nas vs artists like 50 Cent and Young Jeezy, for example, as books vs magazines. Or for the most dramatic of lyrical disparities, it’s more like academic journals vs gossip tabloids. One of them is an easy read. You can flip though it quickly or go to and from whenever you feel and you’ll still get the whole the story. But for the other, you need to set personal time aside to engross yourself in every word of the story. And if you don’t do that, then I can’t consider you anything more than a casual rap fan. And if you are a real rap fan and do invest the time to dissect the lyrics of say, 50 cent….well I don’t know, I guess everyone is different……I promise I won’t criticize until you try to compare him to Common.
But back to the album; front to back, Common kills it. The detail in each verse, the cadence with each line, the message from every song all result in a piece of artwork that should not be referred to as by anything less than that; artwork. I retract my initial judgment. Just like Be and Finding Forever before it, I am once again blown away by Common’s insight and ability in The Dreamer/The Believer. Of course, half the battle will always be the beat, and No I.D. flawlessly delivers the perfect backdrop for the throwback wordsmith.
If you haven’t bought it yet, it’s not even the cost of two shots of liquor. Click the link up top and cop that shit off iTunes. And if you have purchased it but haven’t really listened, it’s not even an hour-long. Make time for it, because the below sample of my favorite tracks just won’t do it justice by themselves.
Common – The Dreamer (ft Maya Angelou)
Common – Lovin’ I lost
Common – Raw (How You Like It)
Common – Cloth
New Music Videos: Common, Big K.R.I.T., T.I., The Roots, Azealia Banks + Hoodie Allen
Remember when you use to watch music videos for at least 5 hours a day? They were on in the morning before you went to school, every hour after school up until dinner, and then real late when Nelly’s “Tip Drill” came on. I know that wasn’t just me. I don’t really catch music videos on TV anymore but apparently they still exist. Check out the new visuals to some favorites of the FUNK.
(MP3): Common – Blue Sky
(MP3): Big K.R.I.T. – Money on the Floor (ft. 8Ball & MJG and 2Chainz)
(MP3): T.I. – I’m Flexin (ft. Big K.R.I.T.)
(MP3): The Roots – Make My (ft. Big K.R.I.T.)
Write up on the album’s (Undun) inspiration…
“undun is an existential re-telling of the short life of one Redford Stephens (1974-1999). Through the use of emotives and Redford’s internal dialogues the album seeks to illustrate the intersection of free will and prescribed destiny as it plays out ‘on the corner’. Utilizing a reverse narrative arc, the album begins as the listener finds Redford disoriented–postmortem–and attempting to make sense of his former life. As he moves through its pivotal moments he begins to deconstruct all that has led to his (and our own) coming undun.”
(MP3): Azealia Banks – 212
(MP3): Hoodie Allen – James Franco
Common ft Duffy – Chi-City (Urban Noize Remix)
I guess since I just posted a Nas video, and also mentioned the rumored collabo album with Common, I might as well follow it up with some poetry from the other half of quite possibly the most amazing collaboration effort of all time. Urban Noize mashes up the soft vocals and instrumental of Duffy’s “Hard for the Heart” behind the hard-hitting lyrics of the Chi. And they say Chi City….
“What you rappin’ for, to get fame and get rich?
I slap a nigga like you
And tell him Rick James bitch
Witcha Hollywood stories”
BRAND NEW Common
Common – “Blue Sky” [Prod. by No I.D.]
Common’s 2nd single off of “The Dreamer. The Believer” due out November 22nd
Reebok Classics Presents: Common [video]…plus NCMF rundown
So I finally get to see my dude Common perform live, about 50 feet away at that, and my dumb ass forgot to bring my flip video camera! Friend of mine got some footage though, so I’ll have to get my hands on that. I was slightly disappointed in the crowd reaction, but that can be expected at North Coast Music Festival where I had 17 year old white kids in lacrosse jerseys asking me to buy them beer to get fucked up because, and I quote, “this is fucking Rusko, mannn!”….who by the way is a fucking ass clown. Dude barely does anything on stage besides jump around and point his fingers violently down at his equipment that is playing the set he created in his basement the night before. Did see RJD2 though who, in comparison to Rusko, recreates every fucking symbol, kick snare, and other musical sound throughout his entire set. Ghostwriter really got me jammin. Then Major Lazer came through as the ultimate party starter for the day. But back to Common. The lack of crowd participation for his his very quick hour long set did not keep me from enjoying it to the fullest. He couldn’t have kicked it off any better either, with two of my all time favorites; first “Be” and then “The People.” Nailed it.
(Mp3): Common – Be
(MP3): Common – The People
(MP3): RJD2 – Ghostwriter
Nas/Common >>>>>> Jay/Kanye….Ghetto Dreams vs Otis [video]
(> means greater than)….when it comes to rhyming and diction, no doubt. Beats & production are another story. I’m getting through my first listen of Watch the Throne as we speak, so I’ll let you know how apparent those last statements are with confidence a lil later. No way I would ever wait 3 hours, let alone 3 days, to listen to a Nas & Common collaborative album.
For now, check some new visuals from these 2 unbelievable pairings. But speaking of apparent, just watching these two videos back to back shows how different these dude’s mindsets/personalities are. I think the directors really captured those personalities well, in both instances. Proof, not all rappers are the same. Nas & Common are my guys.
“ass is a weapon and it’s hard to conceal it”
Common ft Nas – Ghetto Dreams…plus nothing Common bout this Nasty playlist
“yea, this is hip hop baby”
You know I had to post this shit. Finally, we get blessed with some true hip hop from two of the G.O.A.T.’s. It’s hard not to get over excited when you see these two names come together on a track, especially when a lot of the new shit out these days is pretty uninspiring. Thing is, nowadays we always want a song to just blow us away and be that jam of all jams. If you create those lofty expectations, you may be let down. Don’t get me wrong, this song is more than legit. It’s just that real hip hop shit. You know that head noddin’, can’t stop tapping you’re foot while listening to each lyric intently type of shit. The more you listen to it, the more you’ll love it. Gotta appreciate dudes that been there back in the 90’s, contributed heavily to the rise of hip hop and still don’t falter in bringing back the real even in the year 2011 when everyone else seems to be going in another direction. No I.D. on the beat. Thank you guys.
By the way, I’m obsessed with my new grooveshark discovery. So I had to put together a disgusting compilation of my favorites from both these dudes. This could be the greatest 2 artist playlist of all time, fuck being modest.
This is How My Brain Works: Wale, J. Cole, Scarface ft Nas, Outkast, Joe Budden, B.o.B., Common
Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but I wanna talk about relate-ability (?) in Rap music, no matter who you are. I already noted in a previous post that this isn’t always an easy thing. I love Rap music and therefor actively seek this shit out. Now if you just sit around and wait for it to play on the radio, then yes, I guess I understand why most white kids laugh at the thought of being anything like the rap artists they hear. That’s not my perspective though, so obviously I can’t speak about it. But I know I’m not alone in my view either.
Having something in common with someone isn’t reserved for physical attributes like what you look like, how you talk, where you’re from, what type of education you’ve received, how much money you (your parents) have, what activities you grew up participating in, etc. Simply put, if that is the only way you’re able to distinguish yourself from one another, then you’re shallow. As human beings, we were all created with a brain, a heart and emotions. So no matter what the physical attributes may be, we can still manage to relate to one another based on the way we think, love and react to the world around us. Unfortunately, more often than not our judgments are based overwhelmingly on the physical attributes, and if those attributes are unlike our own, they must be nothing like us. This is a dangerous way of thinking, and in my opinion, why hate and war are so prevalent….now I’m really getting off subject but I feel like the perception of rap is sometimes a good example of this. What I’m really saying is that if you’re able to get to the core, we’re not all that different….aint it a bitch trying to get to that core though. On the other hand, I am extremely different than A LOT of people whom I share many of the physical attributes mentioned earlier, but lack most of the deeper qualities. Aint THAT a bitch.
Rhythm is life man. Obviously, otherwise I’d be reading. If you’re brain works like mine, you might appreciate the mini mixtape below.
Wale – The Crazy (right click, save as to download)
J. Cole – Lights Please (right click, save as to download)
Scarface – In Between Us ft Nas (right click, save as to download)
Outkast – Art of Storytelling pt 4 (right click, save as to download)
Joe Budden – Sidetracked (right click, save as to download)
Common – Love Is (right click, save as to download)
B.o.B. – American Dreamin (right click, save as to download)
Joe Budden – Stuck in the Moment (right click, save as to download)
“I wanna thank everybody for coming out, sharing this moment with a nigga.
It means more to me than it can to anybody else. Trust me”
White Men Can't Funk 