Should they hip-hop or should they stop?
Should they hip-hop or should they stop?The old adage, “hip-hop don’t stop” referred to the staying power of the culture of hip-hop, as opposed to the staying power of, let’s say, disco. However, there comes a point in everyone’s life where they come upon the divergence in the path of life and must decide whether to stay or go. Hip-hop is no exception. I explore some people that I feel are at the cusp of such revelations.
Mays and Benzino
This duo may have seen the heyday of a cultural beacon in their relationship and workings with the Source magazine over the years. However, the magazine has been plagued with declining sales and plummeting interest due to socio- political involvement of the founder and president. The magazine faces money legal troubles relating to harassment suits and other financial negligence and recklessness. Failure to deliver magizines to their subscription holders as well as a well publicized beef with omnipotent encee Eminem, hasn't helped their case out either. In general, the magazine ceases to be the beacon of hip-hop culture that it once was and its luminescence has been downgraded to a mere flicker.
DMX
Dark Man X has sold a lot of records in his heyday, going platinum at least five times. In fact, DMX has sold more records than most respected artists in the rap game today, going platinum or better 5 out of six attempts. It just happens that the dog can’t keep his nose clean these days, having been arrested for such criminal infractions such as speeding, impersonating a federal officer, possession of crack smoking paraphernalia, paternity suits and animal cruelty to name a few. The darkman has openly criticized the rap game as well as being a teetotaler on retirement from hip-hop. His later offerings seem to have been missing the passion that encompassed his earlier, more sucessful offerings and DMX seems to be just going through the motions as of late. Perhaps his real calling is that of a character actor? Hmm… Then again, DMX wrote his best rhymes while in jail.
Lauryn Hill
I admit, I’ve never really been that much of a Lauren hill fan. I always felt as if the true flavor of the fugees came from Wyclef jean, of whom I am a great fan. I would be lying if I wasn’t one of many hip hop fans that didn’t scratch their head at her many psychotic misgivings over past recent years. If she wasn’t lambasting the Pope, she was exhibiting “mental strife” in or around her live performances. It had been rumored that she had fallen prey to a religious fanatic that was leading her down the path of psychosis. Her latest offerings seem to showcase less and less her musical talent and more and more of her social dysfunction. I mean, damn girl! You have four kids already. Be a mother to them kids! When is it time to put down the music and straighten out your life? I am not sure, but check out a late release from the queen and then judge for you…
Lauryn Hill - "Rebel" (studio version)
Set Ablaze by blackcaesar @ 3:29 PM
4 Have Blazed Me
