How do you feel about Hip Hop?
I've always seen it as a useful artform. I grew up on Hip-Hop, and I’ve seen its transformation from the outcast, to the popular genre. Although I don’t really listen anymore I think that it is because I'm getting older and not necessarily because Hip Hop is dying.
Hip Hop began as a way for the youth to have a good time. With the late 80's -90's came politics, a greater focus on lyrics, and a desire by to discuss the plight of man. I always here people say that Hip-Hop needs to go back to the old school. Consider, Sugar Hill Gang, Whodini, and Affrricka Bambatta. They were some of the originators of Hip-Hop. So just as the big rope chains and tight jeans are coming back, the party is coming back.
Also I think that there is a lot of diversity in music now a days. Take artists like Common, Kanye West, Nas, and The Roots. These are artists that still release music, and still adhere to the consciousness of the 90’s.
Also what do you think about Nas’s new album title? What do you think he’s trying to say?
For those who don’t listen to Hip-Hop why?
will know that the same procedure with him using the "N" word for the title is the same procedure he used with "Hip Hop Is Dead." Even HHID caused a lot of controversy. However, the album did well and he just spoke the truth that a lot of other hip hop fans were feeling. There's no creativity in the songs that are presented in mainstream that are labeled hip hop/rap.
However, I think the title of the album means that it will reflect more on politically conscious and social issues moreso than hip hop is dead was. (Think of the song he did called "What Goes Around" from the Stillmatic album.)