Thursday, March 30, 2017

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

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