I will admit to you now that I am completely hypnotized by rap music videos. They are slick and colorful four minute commercials that place all kinds of products from footwear to luxury accessories to “lifestyle choices”. I see Black men my age driving cars with manufacturers names that I cant even begin to pronounce. and diamond and platinum encrusted objects unworthy of such adornment. And the women… I see women presented as rare and elite because their proportions mimic those of racehorses.
And then I get depressed, not to mention frustrated as I see what my simple job provides for me as luxury is barely enough money to pay this goddamn cable bill to watch these godforsaken videos. If I wanted to be a rapper at this late stage in my life my name would most surely be BROKEY DEE. But I can’t rap. I just like to listen to it. Actually nowadays, I watch it more than I hear it. If an artist doesn’t have a music video aired incessantly on the VIACOM controlled MTV/BET networks(that’s right kids, the same company owns both outlets) then I don’t even know they are alive.
Such was the case with DE LA SOUL. This trio of rappers from Long Island are the fathers of what some rap critics have labeled as ‘backpacker’ rap music. Their debut album ‘3 Feet High and Rising’ remains a classic milestone in rap music due to their avant garde rhyme flow and witty, inventive production. The group has managed to remain intact and in the studio despite the whims of fickle fans like myself. After their performance at Central Park’s Summstage in 2003 they seemed to fall off the map again. I have only myself to blame since the only points I drew on that map were NAS, JAY-Z and 50CENT. It turns out that the PLUGS were still busy doing what they do best. Making real Hip-Hop music. Late last year they released their 16th album(first under the Sanctuary Urban imprint) called ‘The Grind Date’. This album is the perfect antidote for those of us who are sick of the poison pen lyrics from the DIPSETTERs, G-UNITs and STATE PROPERTYs that dominate rap music. The beats are hard, yet still mellifluous, with the familiar DE LA sound without becoming redundant. Rarely do I tell you to buy an album because I would much rather that you spent your money coming to one of my parties, but in this case I suggest that you buy the latest DE LA SOUL album.
That is, as soon as you can tear yourself away from watching the latest 50CENT video…
‘P.I.M.P.’ or is it ‘CANDY SHOP’?!?
Yeah its really kinda sad that unless the artist has got a major deal 90% of people are never gonna hear them without puttin in some detective work. But of course its cuz the rap business is all about money not music now. Thats why I gotta watch Chris Browns ass dancin around 5 times in a row instead of gettin to watch a video from Fishscale when it drops…
The really sad thing is that BET is chumping dudes over the videos. Wouldn’t play the Little Brother joint, told The Beatnuts they didn’t break new artists…this is what happens when Viacom programs black entertainment.
As usual, great post!! I will luv De La 4eva, however I didn’t cop the last cd. I will check out now that I have read this. BET and MTV suck and they know it. The best channel for videos lately seems to be BETJ, the old BET Jazz channel. It’s definitely worth checking out if you need a break from BS.
Whaddup wd all the remixes dunny? Hit us up with dat new piff you!!! Nullus.
I think combat jack is right homie…I come here every weekend to read some decept sh*t….ummm I ain’t hatin but niggas is fiendin….serious….nullus.