Debate--Hip Hop Ciphers

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Debate--Hip Hop Ciphers

I had an argument--wait no, it was more like a debate..

I had a debate with an acquaintance this morning about Part 3 of the BET Hip Hop Awards cipher. The cipher began with a verse from Mos Def. His verse was one that I've heard before. Its one of my favorite Mos verses, so I wasn't mad at him, he definitely represented BK well! The second emcee to spit was The Roots' Black Thought, a monster. If you don't know Black Thought, you don't know how Phili gets down, the man murdered! And then of course, to put the nail on the coffin--Eminem....wow, this blog has the potential to be a little biased. Haha--not really.

The discussion began with James (my acquaintance), Marcus (some other guy) and me talking bout Mos Def's verse. He was disappointed that the verse was recycled and he mentioned that it should have been an actual freestyle. But really, did ANYONE freestyle in those ciphers (other than KRS One)? Honestly...rappers don't freestlye anymore (unless you're KRS One). Its SO rare to come across a cipher and actually hear someone rapping LITERALLY off the top (unless its KRS is there). Its normal, now, for rappers to just walk into a circle of people and spit a verse they just memorized...and there's nothing wrong with that! Oh and well, KRS' verse was freestyle...but he can do that. Haha--I knew that once I argued that point, he was going to say something that was going to hit a nerve...I could FEEL IT!

Marcus and I then spoke about Black Thought's verse. We both agreed that he killed. But...when I said "Yeah, I really enjoyed his verse." James cut in and said "Nah that's not enough! You can't just 'enjoy' a verse like that. It went HARD! You should say you LOVED it!" Marcus rolled his eyes...then I thought..."Yeah...and because YOU loved it, I should too, because the only person in the world who's allowed to have an opinion is...James. Hm..."

I held my tongue despite the slow, angering feeling building in the pit of my stomach towards James. I think Marcus could sense my anger cause I hadn't said anything for, what felt like, a full 30 seconds before responding to James' unenthusiastic sentence that started with "Oh yeah...and then...Eminem." Which was (my reply -->) "Oh yeah...well he killed. He was a good choice to end the ciphers. His verse was insane." And it was! But according to James, it was wack...-_- really, Jim? "Man, I hate people that think they know Hip Hop," he began, "just because they like a rapper that raps too fast or says some smart sh*t that not everyone can understand. That's why Lupe's not hot. And that's why I don't like n*ggas like Jay-Z."

I think I almost lost it right then and there. But I wasn't gonna scream at the guy. I'd probably end up saying something 'too smart for him to understand.' But I wasn't about to let him insult 3 rappers that LIVE in my top 5 favorite emcees list! Eff that! "James, with all due respect," I said with a smirk on my face "Do you ENJOY sounding like an idiot? Do you have any idea how dumb you sound? Saying that I don't know Hip Hop because I enjoy listening to artists who say things that YOU can't comprehend is ignorant. And its sad. Its impossible to think LESS of someone who's SMARTER than you. Plus, Hip Hop is about diversity. We have artists like Gucci Mayne and Lupe Fiasco making music in the same genre and are able to co-exist! That's diversity! But people who only listen to one type of artist for reasons like 'Oh, they say things too smart for me to get' is straight up RETARDED. Read a damn book, pick up a dictionary. Explore music, don't stay stuck on the Island of Stupid...that's an ugly island...but you're probably stranded, huh?"

Then James walked away, leaving Marcus standing next to me, staring with his jaw on the floor. He told me he was surprised James didn't hit me...but I was happy with myself. I may not have gotten through to James...but I KNOW I got my point across. So I won the debate...and I rock =)

Book Review: 'Bereolaesque'

After reading an online review of a new book entitled 'Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate' I knew that I had to read it for myself. For quite some time I have been saying that the presence of the 'gentleman' has been on a steady decline. Someone needs to speak to this generation of young men that have no idea how to behave themselves in the corporate or social worlds.

And just when I thought this downward spiral would continue, here comes this book. While waiting for my book to be shipped to me I began following the author, Enitan O. Bereola II, on twitter, (@bereolaesque). The little tidbits that this man was sharing was exactly what I think ever young man, and woman, should hear. That was another thing that I loved... his tips are not just for gentlemen, but for ladies as well.

Anyway, when I finally received the book I read it cover to cover in one night. It was an easy read and definitely reinforced many of my thoughts about being a young, intelligent, sophisticated, dignified man in this world. It was nice to see some of the points that I had already known because that showed me that my mother was already raising me well.

Long story short, I recommend this book for anyone trying to better themselves in any way. And good news ladies... Bereola's next book will be geared towards you.


-J

"Knock Knock" (National Poetry Day)

Since today is National Poetry Day, (in Britain), I felt that it was only right to speak on this. It is no surprise that poetry is closely related to Hip Hop. In many cases I have written songs that are literally poetry placed on top of music. I encourage everyone to keep their creative juices flowing as much as they can. Whether it be poetry, hip hop, spoken word, whatever... let your mind grow and express itself as often as possible.


To commemorate National Poetry Day, here is one of my favorite spoken word pieces:
"Knock Knock" by Daniel Beaty



-J