Society's Failure to Communicate: A Serious Problem

Growing up, my mother emphasized being able to communicate.  She encouraged me to speak during class, and to take great pride in my ability to write.  If you review the annals of history, you will find some of the most impactful figures were great communicators.  That is not a coincidence.  Nowadays, however, it seems that we, as a society, have lost the reverence for effective communication skills.  People seem to be in too much of a hurry to effectively communicate. This failure to communicate, or lack of ability to do so, has been manifested in many ways. 

I do not know if it is just me, but it seems that more and more people are socially awkward.  I am talking about standing by the punch bowl all night during a party socially awkward.  People truly have moved away from holding meaningful conversations.   I have also noticed that people do not take the time to effectively communicate in written form, either.  When I was coming of age, short-hand communication was used sparingly.  Nowadays, it feels that “lol,” and other short-hand abbreviations have truly become the norm.  How can we get back to the basics?

This past weekend, as I sat at a pool, I looked around and noticed people sitting in groups, but not engaging with each other at all.  I even noticed couples who were not engaging with each other.  Instead, they were too busy scrolling their Facebook, or Instagram timelines, or taking selfies.  How did we get here?  Is this inability to communicate contributing to failed relationships?

Growing up, you had to engage in conversations with people because social media did not exist.  If you gathered the nerve to approach a young lady, you had to think about: (1) what you would say to her, and (2) how you would eventually get around to asking for her telephone, or beeper number.  Not only did you have that stress, but you also had to consider what you would say to her on the telephone if and when you received her number.  This was stressful, but we did it.  The kids these days will never know the stress we dealt with!  Now, they can send a text message, or a direct message on Instagram.  These applications—while very convenient—contribute to a generation of bad communicators. 

Surprisingly, the inability to communicate has spilled over to the professional world as well.  In my line of work, I often attend professional networking events, or conferences where people are actively searching for viable business connections.  Too often what I see is people who literally do not know how to start a conversation, or people who cannot hold a conversation.  If I were a betting man, I would bet money that people have missed golden business opportunities because they could not hold a conversation.  This is pretty sad and very unfortunate.  This is also the reality in many places.

I have also noticed that many people cannot effectively communicate in written form, or are in too big of a hurry to do so.  Either way, it is pretty frustrating.  I have always enjoyed reading good prose.  I respect writers who tell a story or analyze a complex topic in a very simple written form.  Although I realize that not everyone is a trained writer, it can be exasperating to talk to someone who abbreviates every word.  At times, it is appropriate to type “lol” or “smh.”  However, defaulting to this kind of communicating can be very misleading. 

I have seen statuses on Facebook and other social media platforms that are so poorly written that you literally are confused as to what message the person was trying to relay.  When I read some of these statuses, I immediately think about my elementary school teachers who made students diagram sentences.  I wonder if students are still required to do so?  Either way, grammatically incorrect statuses, have seemingly become the rule—not the exception.  Maybe they do not care because the President is a terrible communicator.  If he is the leader of the free world and does not care about communication, why should they?  I digress. 

Bad writing has even permeated the professional world.  Too many times, I have received emails from business professionals that are riddled with grammatical errors.  In the professional world, people often will judge you by the written product you present to them.  In many cases, they have never met you in person, so their first impression of you is the email you send to them.    Some professionals are more likely to forgive grammatical errors.  Others, on the other hand, will completely write a person off for failure to proofread an email.  I believe in setting the tone early in a personal or business relationship.  That said, I definitely believe in taking an appropriate amount of time to proofread documents.    

Maybe I am old school in my thinking, but I hope our society places more of an emphasis on effective communication as we move forward.

Peace

Colin Kaepernick: Bucking the System

 

Colin Kaepernick is Still Unemployed

 

As of August 13, 2017, Colin Kaepernick is still unemployed. What a surprise!  Many people saw this coming just as soon as he bucked the system that is the NFL.  Some have called Kaepernick a modern day martyr because he has courageously stood up for his beliefs in the face of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate: The NFL.  Although this situation is unfortunate, it is certainly not a new issue.  Black athletes have stood in opposition to oppression for many years.  And when those athletes ruffled enough feathers, they were blackballed.  Kaepernick is very intelligent, so I believe he knew what he would face by going against the system.    

Kaepernick's Peaceful Protest

For just a moment, let us examine Kaepernick’s action that has offended so many “patriots.”  For those who do not know, Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, decided to sit during the singing of the national anthem.  To be clear: Kaepernick did not defile a flag, or perform any illegal act.  Instead, he exercised his freedom of speech.  The U.S. Constitution provides certain rights to citizens of the U.S.—but like most things—there are limits.

 

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

But I'm Protected by the First Amendment!

The First Amendment is applicable to governmental actors, such as local, state and federal employers.  The National Football League, however, is a private employer.  That said, an employee of a private employer does not have the right to claim First Amendment freedom of speech while at work.  Kaerpernick was an employee of the 49ers, so although they could not force him to stand, they were able to take other actions against him that any other private employer could take against its employees.

To help illustrate that point, let us assume that Employer X is a media company.  John Employee works as a news anchor for the company.  Employer X has a longstanding company policy providing that news anchors cannot have visible tattoos.  John Employee, after working for Employer X for 9 years, decides that he wants to tattoo the Bill of Rights across his forearms, neck and forehead.  John believed he was exercising his First Amendment Right to free speech.  However, because Employer X was a private employer, its policy prohibiting visible tattoos trumped John’s freedom of speech while he was at work.  As a result, John Employee was terminated. 

This hypothetical situation should be considered only to illustrate how an employee’s First Amendment rights are not absolute. 

Post-Racial America

 

Some people believe we live in a post-racial society.  This is not true, however.  Race is still a major factor in a lot of the events that happen in this country.  To suggest that race does not play a role in Kaepernick’s inability to find a new NFL team is either recklessly naive, or intentionally evasive.  My parents have always told me that you can tell a person’s true feelings for you during times of adversity.  It is very easy to be friends with someone when things are smooth.  In the case of the NFL owners, it is also very easy to support a player who helps add value to the NFL brand, which is already worth more than $62 billion.  Prior to Kaepernick’s decision to kneel, to my knowledge, he did not have any issues finding work.  He was a very successful quarterback. He was well-positioned to continue receiving seven-figure paychecks for years to come.  However, the moment he went against the grain, the NFL turned its collective back on him.    

Peaceful Protest is Not Akin to Criminal Acts

The sad part about this case is that certain people have compared Kaepernick’s decision to  peacefully protest to illegal acts committed by other NFL players.  However, it is not at all surprising.  It is eerily similar to how the media often chooses to label black victims as criminals even when they are in fact victims.  Here, members of the media have tried to assassinate Kaepernick’s character by comparing him to athletes who were charged with committing criminal acts.  For the uniformed, this makes it much easier to see Kaepernick as an antagonist instead of a law abiding citizen exercising his rights.  This, again, is a typical media trick.  Do not be fooled.

The Road Ahead Will Be Rough and Rocky

 

The road ahead for Kaepernick will be rocky.  I do not think he will ever play for another NFL franchise.  Further, I do not think he will ever have the chance to work for the NFL in any capacity.  I believe the endorsement deals he once received will never return. 

Kaepernick is fighting against a system of oppression that has been crushing Black men for hundreds of years.  It started with slavery.  Then, after Blacks began to make progress during Reconstruction, those efforts were thwarted with the system of oppression known as Jim Crow.  Once the Jim Crow laws were abolished, mass incarceration reared its ugly head. 

Sometimes an unfortunate situation can push a person towards what they were put on this planet to do.  In this case, maybe Kaepernick was placed on this planet to join the fight against oppression.  Maybe that will be his legacy. Maybe football will only be a small part of who he is as a man and ultimately what his legacy will be.  Only time will tell.

Peace

Lebron James: Not Quite the Goat, but not Terrible . . .

Lebron James is not clutch.  Lebron James is not a good shooter.  Lebron James should shoot a better percentage from the free throw line.  Lebron James is a serial “flopper.”  Lebron James is just bigger than everyone.  Lebron James built his team. Lebron James vanishes in big moments.  Lebron James will never be better than Michael Jordan.

These are some of the comments I have heard about Lebron James during his career.  I think some of these comments are fair and accurate (See: Lebron James will never be better than Michael Jordan).  On the other hand, some of the comments are as illogical as a person who believes the world is flat. 

Lebron is one of my favorite basketball players of any generation, but I am not a Stan by any means.  By that I mean, I can objectively examine any player’s game, and acknowledge weaknesses and areas for improvement.  If someone has an opinion that is different from mine, I have no issue having a discussion, so long as it is respectful.  That said, I have talked to many people about the game of basketball during my life.  During the last 10 years or so, quite naturally, Lebron James’ name is usually mentioned in conversations about professional basketball because he is the best player in the world.  When people make comments about why they do not like him, I always ask them to explain why.  In many cases, the explanation does not make a lot of sense (I will not use the word “hate” because that would be too cliché).  The purpose of this blog is to discuss some irrefutable facts, as well as some opinions regarding Lebron’s career.

 

Exceeding Epectations:

 

Expectation:  A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

 

How many times have we heard of the next great player?  Now, in all honesty, how many times has the "next" great player met expectations?  Now of that small number, how many have actually exceeded expectations?  I honestly cannot think if any basketball player who has exceeded expectations like Lebron.  From the time he was a teenager, or maybe even before, he has been analyzed, scrutinized, and placed under a microscope by the media and any with an opinion (Remember: Opinions are just like assholes-we all have one). 

Lebron was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a teenager and dubbed “The Chosen One.”  He was expected to be a once-in-a-generation talent.  Check.  He was supposed to skip college to enter the NBA draft.  Yep.  He was expected to become a perennial NBA All-Star.  Yeah, buddy.  He was expected to be a gold medal winner.  Check, again.  He was supposed to win NBA MVP award(s).  Yes.  He was supposed to win NBA championships.  Yep.  His accomplishments are irrefutable.  The fact that he has exceeded expectations at every juncture of his career is also an irrefutable fact. 

Lebron Would Not Dominate Other Eras in the NBA

One of the more illogical arguments I have heard is that Lebron would not be dominant in the 1980s or 1990s.  This is laughable at best, and idiotic at worst.  People argue that Lebron would have struggled to adjust to the physical nature of the game in the 1980s and 1990s.  I think people forget just how much of a physical specimen Lebron really is.  This dude is 6’8” with a 40 plus inch vertical.  Oh, and he weighs between 250-260 pounds.  When he entered the league, he was easily the best athlete in the NBA.  As he has aged, he has become so much stronger and developed a back-to-the-basket game.  He would have probably been even more dominant given the fact that he would either be guarded by small forwards weighing 200 pounds.  Or, teams may have tried to put a bigger, slower power forward on him.  Oh, and, by the way, zone defenses were illegal back in those days.  In the famous words of Liam Neeson in the movie Taken: “good luck.”

Sustained Excellence

The greatest players in the game are as lucky as they are talented.  You have to be somewhat lucky to play hundreds of games without physically breaking down.  Look at Michael Jordan’s career, for instance.  After he broke his leg in the 1985-86 season, he remained relatively healthy for the remainder of his career.  If we examine Allen Iverson’s career, it is clear that he was pretty healthy until his last playing days.  His record of good health enabled him to consistently play at a high level and, in turn, to put up hall-of-fame numbers.

If we look at Lebron’s career thus far, he has not been bitten by the injury bug.  He experienced some minor back issues a year or so ago, but nothing too major.  I think a big reason he has been healthy is because of the advancements in preventative medical procedures, as well as other technological advancements for those who are injured.  Either way, if Lebron is able to maintain his health on the back end of his career, he will have some of the best statistical numbers in the history of the game.  Those numbers cannot be ignored.  That is sustained excellence.

Top Five Player of All Time

I think it is time to acknowledge the fact that Lebron is a top-five player in the history of the game.  He is easily the best small forward to ever play the game.  His numbers over his 14-year career support that contention.  For his career, he has averaged 27.1 points per game, 7.0 assists per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 1.6 steals per game.  He has four NBA MVP trophies.  He has won three NBA championships.  He has been to the finals six years in a row.  For those who do not like Lebron’s demeanor, or his off the courts habits, let us focus on the numbers only.  If we do that, it is impossible to reasonably argue that Lebron is not an all-time great player.  Have there been better shooters?  Sure.  Have there been better passers? Absolutely.  Have there been better rebounders?  Yes.  Have there been players with better winning percentages?  Yes.  Have there been players with better “clutch” genes?  Yes.  But, it would be very difficult to identify a player who has sustained his level of excellence in so many different categories for so long.  Do not get me wrong: Jordan is the Greatest of All Time.  But, in terms of who will be considered the second best player ever, Lebron is positioning himself to be in the conversation.

Peace

Music and Race: An Interesting Relationship

 

Just after I graduated from college, I attended a hip hop concert.  This was not my first time attending a concert, but it was the first time I actually observed the diversity in the crowd.  Let me set the stage.  Common performed that night at the N-Club, which was a small venue.  As more and more people piled into the club, I started noticing the diversity of the crowd.  This was surprising to me because Common, at that time, was still more of an underground artist.  This was before his theatrical exploits, and before he became a household name.  It was at this moment that I really began to appreciate the power of good music.  Good music unites people from different religions, races, socioeconomic backgrounds and many other categories.  Although this was my first “woke” moment as it relates to music and race, it certainly was not my last.  

Maybe eight years later, I had a similar experience.  Only this time, I was in Washington, D.C.  There were about seven of us who planned to go out this particular night.  I was new to D.C., so I had no idea what to expect at the club.  Mainly, I had two questions for my boy: (1) what is the dress code; and (2) what kind of music do they play?  Knowing the vibe for the night is always important to me.  If the club only plays house music, I have to prepare myself for that kind of vibe.  In this case, the club was new, so nobody in our group had any first-hand experience. 

When we finally arrived at the club, I noticed it was an upscale club, which usually means the music will be super weak.  To get the evening started properly, we went to the bar to get a few rounds of drinks flowing.  All the while, I listened to the house music the DJ was spinning (I felt myself turning into the Hulk because I hate house music).  I remember thinking: “We should have just went to a hole-in-the-wall type of spot that would have played hip hop music.”  Then, for some reason, I looked towards the back of the club.  I cannot remember if I was looking for a restroom, or if something or someone captured my attention.  Either way, I saw a room in the back of the club labeled “Hip Hop Room.”

Of course, I made it my business to see what the room had to offer.  When I walked into the room, I felt right at home.  It was almost like this room was a separate club inside the bigger club.  There were all types of people in this room from all walks of life.  It kind of blew my mind because North Carolina is by no means a diverse state.  Everybody was dancing and reciting lyrics.  People had the look in their eyes that projected: “I am here for the culture.”  During the few hours I spent in this club, I did not spend a lot of time thinking about the diversity of the crowd.  But, when I woke up the following morning, I reflected on the experience.  I knew that despite the clear differences between the people in the room, one thing made us brothers and sisters for the night: Music (specifically, hip hop). 

For many people, music truly is a safe haven.  I learned my love of music from my dad who always listened to soul music when I was growing up.  He could vividly remember where he was in life when a song or album was released.  Music is a space where you can become lost in a memory.  A great song can evoke emotions such as love, lust, happiness, fear, sadness, or many other emotions.  You can listen to an upbeat song and actually start to feel more energetic.  Or, you can listen to a slow-paced song and feel lazy, sleepy, or even sad.  There are some songs that actually are unofficial signals of a season or a holiday.  Let’s be honest: has summer truly arrived if you have not heard “Summertime” by Will Smith? Or, is it Christmas if you have not heard “Silent Night” by the Temptations?

It is pretty clear that music is powerful and that it helps connect people.  But, can music transcend race?  I have always believed people—regardless of race—have far more things in common than not.  Indeed, I believe racism and bigotry are learned behaviors.  Because we are more alike than not, it reasonably follows that the same music that moves me can also move a Japanese man in California, or a 60-year old White woman from Idaho.  Although hip hop was clearly founded by Black folks, its biggest consumers are White folks.  If this fact does not underscore the power of music, I am not sure you can be persuaded. 

Do I think music is the key to world peace?  No.  Do I think music can solve the race relations issues we experience in this country?  Surely not.  I am a realist, so I know that the racial issues we have in this country are deep and complex.  There are no easy answers to these problems, but we can at least enjoy the moments when we forget about race and lose ourselves in the music.  This is the beauty of music and this is one of the many reasons I love it so much. 

Peace

First Quarter Hip Hop Radar: Resurgence of Good Hip Hop

 

I grew up during an era where artists, and fans alike placed a premium on lyrical content.  An artist who did not possess lyrical prowess, confidence, and a certain level of authenticity did not stand a chance in being respected.  Note: I did not say that he or she could not sell records.  During this golden era, the likes of the Notorious B.I.G., Nasir Jones, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, Big Pun, Big L, Mos Def, Dead Prez, OutKast, and many others were assaulting tracks and raising the lyrical bar.  Sadly, during the mid-2000s, artists realized that having a great hook, or great production was enough to guarantee, or at least, provide a fighting chance at commercial success.   This "dumbing down" of the culture caused many people to proclaim that “hip hop was dead.”  But, as of late, I have noticed a resurgence of bars and real hip hop.  Specifically, during the first quarter 2017, some of my favorite emcees have been hard at work. 

Cyhi the Prynce

Cyhi is a super talented emcee.  If you have not listened to him, do yourself a favor and listen to his mixtape series titled Black Hystori Month.  He kind of reminds me of a southern Royce Da 5’9”.  If you know anything about hip hop, you will recognize the kind of compliment I am paying this brother.  He has been around for a few years, but has not dropped a solo album yet (sounds a lot like Jay Electronica, SMH).  A few weeks ago, he released a new track titled “Nu Africa,” which gives me some hope that he actually plans to give us a full studio album this year.  This song is creative and he provides interesting food for thought to the masses.  To my surprise, he even released a video along with the song to appease us old head hip hop fans. 

 

Rick Ross

Rick Ross is likely not a person you think about when you think about bars.  However, when I think about consistency, at least during the last ten years, you will be hard pressed to find a more consistent artist.  Almost like clockwork, when Ross releases an album, you can count on: (1) great production; (2) solid lyrical content (although not on par with Kendrick or Cyhi); and (3) a well-organized project.  In my opinion, his latest project, Rather You Than Me, is one of his most complete projects to date.  And, it is the best hip hop album I have heard during this New Year.  Of the many standout tracks, I really like Apple of My Eye, Santorini Greece, and the Game Ain’t Based on Sympathy.  If you have not picked up this album, you need to do so ASAP.

K.Dot

Kendrick Lamar is one of the best emcees in the game.  His first album, Good Kid Maad City, is a classic.  That said, it is very hard to follow-up a classic album with another classic.  And, I can honestly say that Kendrick did not do so.  However, he is still one of my favorite newer artists.  He has an amazing flow, great lyrical content, and impeccable delivery.  Also, to boot, everything I have heard about him suggests that he is authentic and very humble.  Recently, he released two singles that have hip hop heads going crazy.  The first track is titled “The Heart Part 4,” and is widely considered to be a jab at Big Sean.  This song is dope and I appreciate him pushing other artists to be competitive--kind of like he did with the song Control.   He followed that release up with another song titled, “Humble,” which is also very good.  I believe his album is set to be released on April 7, 2017, and I am excited to see what he has to offer.

 

Peace

Greatest Collegiate Guards (under 6'2") During the Last 25 Years

If you know me, you know two interrelated facts: (1) I love the game of basketball; and (2) I love playing the game.  I will never forget my introduction to the game.  I was in the fifth grade at Moore Elementary School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Some of my friends were on the basketball courts playing, so I decided to join them (At the time—believe it or not—I was a football player).  To say that my introduction to the game was rocky would be a gross understatement.  My friends laughed at me and told me that I was terrible (this was no lie).  But, after this embarrassing introduction, I was determined to learn how to play the game.  Soon, my passion for football would make way for my true first love: basketball.

This past weekend, I was at a bar watching a few college games when I started to think about some of my favorite collegiate basketball players of all time. More specifically, I started thinking about my favorite guards of the last 25 years (1992 to present).

When I thought about this question, a few names came to mind.  However, I wanted to gather different perspectives from my friends, so I conducted a poll on Facebook.  I also did a little research online to see what other basketball-lovers had to say.  To be fair, I wanted to judge the players on very specific qualities.  I decided to exclude the respective players pro careers; I only wanted to focus on their college careers.  Also, I decided that my list could include players 6’2” or shorter.

Allen Iverson

 

The first name to come to mind was Allen Iverson who is my favorite basketball player of all time.  Iverson played two seasons at Georgetown from 1994-1996.  During his tenure, he averaged 23 points per game, 4.6 assists per game, and 3.2 steals per game.  He shot 44% from the field and 68% from the free throw line.

In terms of impact, there is probably no one (small) player in the history of the game who changed the game the way he did.  He was instrumental in players wearing longer shorts, black socks (along with the Fab Five) and black shoes.  He also possessed one of the most unstoppable moves in the history of the game: the crossover (ask Michael Jordan).

Jay Williams

Let me say this: I am most certainly NOT a Duke fan.  However, when I think about all-time great guards, Jayson Williams’s name belongs in the conversation.  Williams dominated the ACC from 1999-2002.  During his career, he averaged 19.3 points per game, 6 assists per game, 2.2 steals per game, all while shooting 45% from the field and 67% from the free throw line.

As talented as Williams was, he was equally, if not more so, intelligent.  Although he could dominate a game physically, he mastered the game of outthinking his opponent. 

 

 

Steph Curry

Steph Curry had a great career at Davidson College.  The funny thing about Steph is that not many people recruited him out of high school.  This explains why he ended up playing his college career at Davidson College instead of a high major program. 

Steph played at Davidson from 2006 to 2009.  During this period, he averaged 25.3 points per game, 3.7 assists per game, and 2.1 steals per game.  He shot 46.7 percent from the field, and 87.6% from the free throw line.

Steph Curry is the best shooter the game has ever seen (on any level).  His shooting changed the way guards prepared for games, and the way coaches recruited.  He was also an underdog, who was told that he was too skinny, or not athletic enough to play high-major basketball.    

 

 

Kemba Walker

Kemba had one of the most storied careers of any player on this list.  He literally carried his team to the National Championship in 2011.  He played with heart and swag that not many players before, or after him, have displayed.

During his career at UCONN, from 2008-2011, he averaged 16.1 points per game, 4.4 assists per game, and 1.7 steals per game.  In addition, he shot 43 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free throw line.

I watched a lot of players play, but I have never seen anyone with a step-back move like Kemba.  Talk about shifty.  He was a throw back New York City guard in the same vein as Kenny Anderson, and Stephon Marbury.

 

 

Chris Paul

Last but not least: Chris Paul.  He played every game with a chip on his shoulder.  This does not surprise me because I remember when he played ball at the YMCA in Winston-Salem.  He was younger than us, and much shorter, but he always played with passion and aggressiveness.  On the defensive end, he defended with a tenacious spirit like a smaller version of Gary Payton. 

During his career at Wake Forest, from 2003-2005, he averaged 15 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, and 2.5 steals per game.  He shot 47% from the field, and 84% from the free throw line.

Chris’ biggest impact on the game was his ability to dominate a game without being a volume shooter.  There are very few players in the history of the game who could dominate a game without shooting 20 times per game.  CP3 is that rare player who mastered this skill.

 

 

This list does not include the one-and-done players.  Who would you add or remove from your personal list?

Peace

Reasonable Doubt: A Critical Analysis

When I reflect about historically great hip hop albums, there is always one that comes to mind: Reasonable Doubt.  I have read many blogs, and participated in many discussions about the greatest hip hop albums of all time.  Usually, Reasonable Doubt is mentioned after Illmatic, Ready to Die, and the Chronic.  Although the aforementioned albums are certified classics, Reasonable Doubt is easily my favorite. 

Developing a Love for Music

Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (in my best Big Mike from the Wood voice), I was influenced by music at an early age.  This is not surprising to me considering my father’s love for music.  He remembers events in history based on what he was listening to at the time.  I thought this was very interesting and decided that I would be like my father by trying the same technique.  It worked out pretty well for me. 

In my early years of listening to music, I listened to the albums my dad played on his record player.  This could range from James Brown and Isaac Hayes, to the Supremes, to Sade to Michael Jackson.  Then, in the early 1990s, I started listening to the radio where I began hearing a new genre of music called hip hop.  During this era, west coast hip hop artists were experiencing mainstream success.  I remember listening to Ice Cube, Ice T, NWA, MC Eight, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and many other west coast artists.  At that point, I was very young, so I had not developed my pallet for music.  I loved anything with a good beat.    

If I Got to Choose a Coast I Got to Choose the East . . .

My love of east coast hip hop began once I heard Wu-Tang Clan.  The Clan was not rapping about low riders, beaches and 40 ounces; instead, they were rapping about MPV’s, Timberland Boots, and Tommy Hilfiger.  Although I was still very young, I was hearing about many of these topics at school, and around older members of my family.  This made me want to listen to hip hop from other artists.  Shortly thereafter, I was introduced to other east coast artists such as: The Notorious B.I.G, Nasir Jones, Big L, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest and many others.  It was at that time that I knew what my musical pallet would consist of.

[Hip Hop] and Basketball

In the summer of 1996, I was playing basketball for an Amateur Athletic Union team called North Carolina Select.  I was 14 years old, but because I was a pretty good player, I played with the 17 and Under team.  Our team played extremely well in the North Carolina state tournament, so we earned an invitation to the AAU Nationals that were being held in Orlando, Florida.  We rented a van for the trip to Florida.  At this point, people were transitioning from using cassette tapes to using compact discs.  I was fortunate to have a Discman and was listening to the 4 or 5 CD’s I had brought with me.  At this point, I had not heard of Jay-Z.  I saw one of my teammates constantly bobbing his head, so I asked him what he was listening to.  He said “Jay-Z.”  I asked him to let me listen when he was done with the CD, and he said “okay.”  I must have listened to the album three times from start to finish without skipping one track.  This is really rare for me because I am easily turned out by a track.  It might be because I do not like the beat, or because it sounds too much like an R&B track.  I’m very picky when it comes to the hip hop music I like.

After the tournament concluded, and we made it back to North Carolina, there was only one thing on my mind: to purchase Reasonable Doubt. I bought the album from a music store on Stratford Road.  I must have listened to the album 30 times during that first week.  By this point, I had fully developed my pallet for music; I knew that east coast hip hop was going to be my choice.

“Friends” and “Classics”: Two Overused Terms

I do not use the word “friend” loosely at all.  I am more likely to say that someone is an associate.  Likewise, I do not throw the term “Classic” around often.  In fact, I think I have a much higher standard for a classic than most people do.  If I skip one track it cannot be a classic in my eyes.  With that being said, Reasonable Doubt is an undeniable classic.  From the start of the album to the end, Jay-Z seamlessly weaves in stories about money, power, respect, struggle, street life, fashion, regrets, and everything in between.

What’s Your Favorite Track?

Can’t Knock the Hustle.  Jay-Z came out of the blocks swinging with this track.  Being able to get Mary J. Blige on a track was a pretty big move for an artist who had to start a record label in order to be able to push his own product.  This track grabs the listener’s attention and sets the tone for what is to come.

Favorite Line: “Got the US Open, advantage Jigga/Serve like Sampras, play fake rappers like a campus Le Tigre, son you too eager”

Politics as Usual.  I love the way this song begins.  The beat is unbelievable, which should not be surprising considering that Ski Beats was the man behind the boards.  If you have ever hustled anything—legally or illegally—you can probably relate to this song. 

Favorite Line: “suckin me in like a vacuum, I remember telling my family: “I’ll be back soon, that was December 85 and Jay-Z rise 10 years later, got me wise still can’t break my underworld ties”

Brooklyn’s Finest.  Anytime you combine Jay-Z and B.I.G on a track, you are in for a treat.  You could sense that each artist had respect for the other, but you could also sense the competitiveness in each artist. I love this song because Jay and B.I.G. went toe-to-toe, blow-for-blow for over four minutes.  It is still difficult for me to definitively declare a winner.

Favorite (Jay-Z) Line: “From 9-6, the only MC with a flu, Yeah I rhyme sick, made a fortune off Peru, extradite, China white heroin Nigga please, like short sleeves I bear arms”

Dead President’s II.  This might be my favorite Jay-Z song.  Ever.  If you have been living under a rock and have not heard this track, please go to youtube to listen to it.  This song epitomizes true 1990s hip hop.    

Favorite Line: “The Icon, baby, you like Dom, maybe this Cristals change your life, huh?    Roll with the winner heavy spinners like hit records: Roc-A_Fella don’t get it corrected,  this shit is perfected . . .”

Feelin it.  When I am having a good day, I will listen to this song because it is all about celebrating individual and group success. 

Favorite Line: “Making sure every nigga stay rich within my cipher, we paid the price to circle us, success—they turned the mic up, I’m bout to hit these niggas with some shit   that’ll light ya life up if every nigga in your clique is rich, your clique if rugged, nobody   will fall cause everyone will be each other’s crutches”

D’Evils.  What is a dope hip hop album in the 1990s without a DJ Premier beat?  Jay-Z made sure to get a Premier beat on his first album, and as always, Premo delivered.  The play on the word “Devils” is pretty clever I might add.

Favorite Line: “Whoever said illegal was the easy way out, could not understand the     mechanics and the workings of the underground, granted nine to five is how you survive,   I ain’t trying to survive, I’m tryna live it to the limit and love it a lot”

22 Two’s.  Ski Beats delivered a dope beat on this song.

Favorite Line: “If you could catch Jay right, on the late night with the eight, right, maybe you could test my weight, right”

Can I Live.  D.J. Irv Gotti masterfully sampled an old 70s track for this epic song.  This song is flawless.  No more explanation needed.    

Favorite Line: “The youth I used to be, soon to see a million no more Big Willie my game has grown prefer you call me William, illin for revenues, Rayful Edmund-like, Channel 7   News, round seven jewels, head dead in the mic”

Ain’t No Nigga.  This is an iconic track featuring a young artist by the name of Foxy Brown.

Favorite Line: “Yo, ain’t no stopping this, no lie promise to stay monogamous, I try but  love you know these ho’s be making me weak, ya’ll  know how it goes B so I stay deep”

Friend or Foe.  Once again, Jay-Z retained the services of DJ Premier for a banger.  “Friend of foe yo, state your biz . . .”

Favorite Line:  “You draw, better be Picasso, you know the best, cause if this is not so, ah, God Bless . . . “

Coming of Age.  I believe this was Memphis Bleek’s first time rhyming on wax.

Favorite Line: “Yeah, the only way to blow you let your shit bubble quietly and then you blow, hey keep your cool.”

Cashmere Thoughts.  This song has a catchy beat, and the lyrics are on-point. 

Favorite Line: “Ghetto’s Errol Flynn, hot like heroin young pimps is sterile when I pimp     through your borough and I gotta keep your tricks intact, cause I walk like a pimp, talk like     a mack . . .”

Bring it On.  Another Dj Premier banger featuring Sauce Money.  Sauce Money was really on-point on this track. 

Favorite Line: “Can’t do for dolo, had to turn away when Tony killed Manolo, that’s real,    mixed feelings like a mulatto, thug thought he was O.G. Bobby Johnson, I played him like Benny Blanco . . .”

Regrets.  This song is the perfect way to end a masterpiece.  After all, who does not have regrets? 

Favorite Line: “Time waits for no man, can’t turn back the hands once it is too late, gotta   learn to live with regrets.”

The authenticity of the lyrics, stellar production, song placement, and collaborations catapult this album to the top echelon of hip hop albums.  I would put this album above Illmatic, Ready to Die and Chronic any day.

Peace