Many opinions circulate when the topic of hip hop surfaces. Truth of it, hip hop is a multicultural art. Additionally, it is a subculture rooting from urban communities. The 21st century supplemented by the new paradigm in technology, has allegedly suffered from deculturation (forgetting the roots) according to many. However, there are artists who create music for all listeners and continue to offer unique tunes that encompass literary skills and substance. This is not a legitimate argument to some. At the end of the day, the fans have liberty to decide what music they enjoy and want to experience. In the mind of the original hip hop head, themes and messages are still the “nuts and bolts” to “good music.” Personally, being eclectic is vital to appealing to the masses. As I perused the crates of new music, I discovered three important records out of many. Kendrick Lamar, Alley Boy, and Jay Jones all have new tunes that offer the same message. What is that message? Many may believe the message is “keep the essence” in urban music. Lamar “Swimming Pools” uniquely crafts a song which promotes “drank” in its hook while ironically giving the audience the heads up on overindulgence of alcohol. Alley Boy incorporates bits and pieces of the late UGK icon Pimp C’s controversial interview within the intro of his new mixtape, “The Gift Of Discernment.” Alley Boy apparently wishes to assert the importance of being consistent and accountable as an artist to the youth. Jay Jones “King Leon Remix” is an antithesis to what some 21st century New Orleans locals generally drop in the popular arena. Jones reinforces lyrical prowess. Certainly, Jones lives up to his hood’s reputation, “Hollygrove,” a New Orleans neigborhood with innumerable lyricists.
As the fourth quarter approaches, it appears that a resurgence of the “blueprint” could be forming. The underground obviously wants to preserve creativity and skill within urban music. Whether it has been compromised or not, is in the ear of the listener, but implementing the “roots” in music definitely speaks volumes.
Kendrick Lamar, a rapper from Compton, California offers a dialogue centered single touching on alcoholism.
Alley Boy, an Atlantic Records artist from Atlanta, drops new mixtape Hosted by The Empire.
Check out his intro featuring Pimp C.
http://youtu.be/pixnpgTOrJU
Hitz International recording artist from Hollygrove, New Orleans administers a freestyle remix over the King Leon joint.
For more information contact Dion Norman at @deviousontwitt or itsdevious@yahoo.com
