Adventures in Elysian Fields 09.19.07: Battle for the Soul of Hip Hop
Posted by MSD on 09.19.2007
The 50 Cent/Kanye West battle, Celebrity Rap Superstar, review of 50 Cent & Whoo Kid, and much more!
Your records can't sell, your companies buying them
Give it up – Burger King is hiring
You should've been a cop cuz you snitch a lot
Talking to the Jakes you bound to get shot… Tony Yayo - "Soldier" (mixtape blast)
The Thrill of Battle.
The heart of conflict beats for combat. That's why we come strapped with beats for combat. From "300" to "An Army of One" the blood stains our history books; Bible to The SOURCE. It's like some preordained genetic structure that dictates our feral instincts. We continue those traditions today through sports, art and entertainment. Rap music bears the yoke of discontent amongst American purists, even though they fail to recall classical music sparking off riots in the 1800's. The essence of MCing (and in turn the art of Hip Hop music) lies deep within the battle. The battle for self-respect, the battle for glory and ultimately the battle for survival.
As Hip Hop has matured over the last 30 years, so too have the bragging rights. From two turntables and a mic to spawning a global marketing platform, where lives are influenced and billions of dollars are at stake. It's more than just pride, it's perception – and in VKM Jr's world (we all just live in it) – perception is reality. What was once a battle for respect in an art form that had a seemingly short shelf life, is now a battle for the consumers dollar. Something that is becoming increasingly rare in today's digital age.
Rap has seen battles over pride (BDP vs Juice Crew), passion (Kurupt vs DMX), business (Eazy E vs Death Row) and pleasure (Jay-Z vs Nas). We've scrapped for show money and shot it out for the juice. But never before have we witnessed a battle of this magnitude. A battle for the soul of Hip Hop culture. For better or worse, this battle will have a clear winner. It will not be subjective, debatable or in any way disputed. It's comin down to the wire, and numbers don't lie.
For years I've told people buying a record at a retail outlet is akin to "casting your vote". Your vote will determine the direction of our sport. Honestly, do you want to hear "Chicken Noodle Soup" or "Bin Laden"? The choice is yours like a Black Sheep single. If your complaining that Hip Hop is dead and you hate The Shop Boyz then DO something about it. Cast your vote. Retailers, distributors and artists will have no chance but to follow the trend. YOUR trends. Dr. Dre tried to tell us 10 years that gangsta rap was dead, but 50 Cent brought it back in all it's hedonistic glory. His is the side of the bad guy, the enemy to Hip Hop. The thug who graciously reminds us "America got a thing for this gangsta shit", wiping it in our face and laughing all the way to the bank. Kanye represents the common man, for who much of Hip Hop has slipped past. Both artists are unmitigated head cases and spoiled, pampered brats. These are your two competitors in the race for the future of Hip Hop.
Right out the gate, 50 took preemptive measures to ensure a moral (if not outright) victory over his release date archrival. He told everybody that Def Jam pumps up first week sales by buying their own records. True indeed, and that might be a problem for Mr. Independent Rapper trying to earn soundscans with the big dogs. But 50 Cent is part of the Interscope family tree. Is Bill Belichick really cheating if everybody else is doing it too? You're telling me Jimmy Iovine and company wouldn't be above pulling the same shit if it would benefit them? If 50 Cent has enough money "to make the pope get shot", then doesn't he have enough money to overcome a few thousand inflated soundscans from Kanye's side? Don't tell me all the sudden he's about playing a fair game. 50 Cent will win by any means necessary. So even after all the media attention, cash register rigging, commercial posturing and VMA outbursts, we're still left with the simple facts – numbers don't lie.
On 2Pac's 11th anniversary, 50 Cent took to the airwaves at Hot 97 to begin the long process of damage control. By then the numbers were showing him in the red by over 100,000 copies. This is almost a landslide. "[The sales] can't be considered [any one way] anyway because it's just a few days out," he said. "I guess [the music industry] would consider me to be a hip-hop favorite because of my sales history, and people like to root for the underdog." He should know better, the people treated him as the underdog in his battle with Murder Inc. But when he had nobody left to conquer, he just became a bully. But there are always bigger bullies in the picture. Sort of why the billion dollar "I Get Money" remix didn't come out until AFTER the 1st week race was over. Like Jigga says, "in case y'all forgot New York is still mine". Damn, homie.
"The [fans that aren't supporting me now] are the same people that supported me in the past," says 50 Cent. "The impression I gave them was so strong that they have different standards for me. When my music comes out, if it was someone else's record, it would be a hit because it spun 3,500 times. But they're looking for the hottest music out at the time from 50 Cent, so if it's not that, then they show me resistance until I deliver. I've only been in the music business for four years and I'm already receiving some backlash. That's amazing, isn't it?" Yes, amazing.
50 also complained at how he has been treated recently on BET's "106 And Park" and the MTV VMAs, claiming that he was left in the dark on "106" about what was going on and was given much less TV time than Kanye on the VMAs. "Every time I do a show, the plans change," he offers. "Now, either I'm going to know exactly what I'm doing on the show or I'm not going to go. Usually if you have a TV show and you do two songs, it's not optional for you to do two records, and another one off your album. If I knew I could've brought a special guest, I would've brought Eminem ... but that [show] is not what I needed."
"As far as the VMAs were concerned, Kanye received the upper hand. I ain't going to front," he continues. "He had four looks -- his song "Stronger," his new record "Good Life," he had a performance with Soulja Boy, "Crank Dat," and then he came out with me. So I feel like Def Jam is doing a better job of promoting the CD than Interscope. Interscope is just relying on my base and the actual music. I was on the VMAs for one minute and 20 seconds. I should've just stayed home." Speaking of VMAs, Kanye ultimately got it even worse. His ridiculous hissy fit has spawned word that MTV no longer wants to work with the guy! Maybe 50 wins this round after all!
But not to be outdone, 50 cancels a bunch of overseas appearances after coming in 2nd to Kanye in international sales figures. He says it was a "scheduling issue", but heads know the deal – Fiddy's a sore loser and now he's taking it out on all those poor Europeans. Kanye cuts off white America and Fiddy cuts out the rest of the world. What's left for the record consumers? Something much more provocative than "Fully Loaded Clip" could ever be. The epic battle between Kanye and Fifty for first week sales can be looked back upon as the day conscious rap finally took over. Maybe America has finally had enough with the over inflated gangsta bravado that is still killing and enslaving its children. Maybe the average rap consumer wants a little more brain food pumped into their deceptive distractions. Maybe that 900th rhyme about "a nine by the bedside" was just the straw this camels back needed. Let the floodgates of conscious rap burst forth and soak this post 9/11 country in its refreshing salve, so that we can all share in the healing process. Kanye wins. Long live the conscious MC. Gangsta rap? Been there, done that.
MSD's BOOTLEG MAGAZINE STAND
"I read ‘em so you don't have to!" Never one to pass up on entertainment literature but one who's alwayz short on cash, I've got your cost-friendly alternative right here. MSD presents to you another Must See Deal. Basically, I figured out an ill scheme to come up on as many free magazines as you can count on your local newsstand. Email me for details. I'll be passing on the savings to you by reading them so you don't have to. This is the part of the show where I put my "Eric Bischoff broadcasting taped RAW results" toupee on. Enjoy.
XXL Magazine #96
Kanye West on the cover with the title "Swagger Like A Roc Star", and subtle Japanimation graphics in the background. Pimp C describes his media antics a bit further in his 8Ball interview, MIMS gives a monologue on avoiding one-hit wonder status in "The Truth" and revered Hollywood director John Singleton is also a "Hip Hop Junkie". Lil Wayne gives a concert in NY in this months "Move the Crowd", with surprise appearance by none other than Kanye West who performs "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (MSD's pick for Track of the Year 2007). Gorilla Zoe, Soulja Boy, Wale, Jason Fox and Blu all get shine in "Show & Prove". Chamillionaire gets a full article to promote Ultimate Victory with "On The One", Plies gets a page ("Can't Tell Me Nothing" – more Kanye context) and Chi Town native (and fellow Kanye collaborator) Common talks the reader through a background check on every one of his 7 studio albums. But the main event this issue is the Kanye West interview titled "Harder Than You Think". He opens with more of that brash egotism that most people despise him for, stating "like "Can't Tell Me Nothing" is anthemic. The chorus is equal to a rock chorus, like it could've been a Black Sabbath record or something". The crazy part is that it's true. Just like the rest of this interview. He starts off by saying something so completely off the wall that you can't even register at first (like here, where he says "my biggest inspiration and biggest competition is Justin Timberlake"). It's even crazier when he goes on to liken him and Justin to "Prince and Michael Jackson in their day". But the more he talks about his "battle" with Fiddy, and his battles against gayness ("don't fuckin call me gay") he does seem more down to earth than you casually give him credit for. It makes sense when he relates his egotism to his level of personal involvement with his music. You understand his perfective nature when you hear his observations on production teams.
CELEBRITY RAP SUPERSTAR Episode #3
Last week, Atlanta Falcons star Jamal Anderson (with mentor Redman) were the first to be voted off. After being surprised by songs in Week 1, and choosing their own favorites in Week 2 – tonight the remaining celebrities must PEN THEIR OWN RHYMES! The sheer horror! Show starts with host Kevin Hart naming Efren Ramirez aka "Pedro" and Sebastion Bach as the two celebs with the lowest number of votes. They are in danger of elimination tonight. Bogus! Sebastion Bach is one of the two best on this show! But wait, they're going to have a tie breaker and judges decide the winner! Sebastian will survive!
Countess Vaughn (with Warren G): "Break of Dawn"
Perez Hilton (with Tone Loc): "I'm The Queen" (2nd BEST of the NIGHT)
Shar Jackson (with MC Lyte): "No Time for Hatin" (BEST of the NIGHT)
Jason Wahler (with Bubba Sparxxx): "Baller" (WORST of the NIGHT)
Kendra Wilkinson (with Too $hort): "Hold up, Pimps Down"
Efren Ramirez (with Bizarre): "It's Not Eff-ren, It's Ee-fren" (2nd WORST of the NIGHT)
Sebastion Bach (with Kurupt): "One For The Money"
Efren is voted off.
P DIDDY's PRIVATE MYSPACE PARTY
P Diddy has teamed with Myspace to webcast the VIP launch party for his new fragrance, "Unforgivable Woman". The exclusive event, which will feature music provided by DJ Soul, will take place inside a $35 million dollar mansion in New York. The party will also be broadcast live via Diddy's Myspace page (www.myspace.com/diddy) on September 19 (TONIGHT) from 10pm-12am EST. Viewers can send Diddy and other celebrities questions in real time via instant messaging. Sean John's "Unforgivable Woman" hits stores this month and retails for $55 for 2.5 ounces and $75 USD for 4.2 ounces. The ad campaign for the fragrance caused a minor controversy, when MTV refused to air the video until racy scenes were taken out. "The ad really gives you almost a fly-on-the-wall view of something happening that is a little risqué," said Combs, who released the ad on the Internet.
WHO'S ZUNE'n WHO?
Software giant Microsoft continues to utilize Hip-Hop to promote it's Zune player and music service. The company will release a pair of exclusive singles from Talib Kweli and Kanye West. Kweli released the single "Hush," which is a track-by-track breakdown of his new album Eardrum, as well as a guest playlist that Talib created himself. The service will also sell Kanye West's "Can't Tell Me Nothin" remix featuring Young Jeezy exclusively from the Zune Marketplace. Additionally, Zune.net will feature an exclusive interview with Kanye from his private party at the Hard Rock Hotel during MTV's VMA weekend. A whole let of venting going on.
LOST in the LAB This is the part of our show where I dig into my archives and unearth some of rap's hidden jewels. These album or song choices may be shrouded in obscurity, or on the top of everybody's "Heard Of" list. They could be a few months young, or 25 years old. But one thing is sure - it's all HIP HOP MUSIC, and it's comin live and direct from Elysian Fields!
50 Cent & Whoo Kid
The Official Best of 50 Cent & G-Unit Part 3
Mixtape circa 2002-2003
Another Whoo Kid classic, Part 3 in the series. So old I can't even find a cover shot of the disc. Show opens with the untouchable "Wanksta", a song that killed Ja Rule with his own style. In my mind this was the Summer Song of 2002 and every time I hear it I think of rolling hard in the city on a handful of X tabs. "Guess Who's Back" pops up next over the Scarface beat from The Fix. "Rolling with 20 n****z that's rolling with 20 guns, 16 hollows is loaded in every one…" Classic bars. Even bigger is the "Soldier" jump off featuring Banks and Yayo over the seminal Eminem instrumental of the same title. G-Unit in its most menacing (and original form). Banks follows Fifty over the "Kweli Freestyle" which showcases Fiddy's longtime infatuation with the conscious MC.
"Poison" opens with the Yayo bars "I get money, money I got", the same lines 50 would pick up again 5 years for his biggest hit of 2007. Life comes full circle. Unfortunately, little on CURTIS can compare to this oft-forgotten mixtape gem. A quick "50 Cent Interlude" has 50 shouting out Connecticut for their real gangsters. This segues into the club jumping, bed hopping (yet ultimately lackluster) "Just Be Friends" and the average "Clue Freestyle". The whole disc picks up again though with "Life's on the Line", the single biggest track he ever released pre-Get Rich or Die Trying.
"50 Shot Ya" brings it back over the old LL Cool J "Who Shot Ya?" instrumental, with some of his most memorable lines ever ("I'm familiar with problems, I know how to solve them, semi automatically or trey-eight revolve ‘em…"). You can never repay the price for takin a mans life. I'm in debt with Christ (I done did that twice). "Killers Theme" is another song in the key of Murder Inc, with a sing songy flow and syrupy hook. "Got Me A Bottle" follows that trend with a song built for the club. Nas and the Bravehearts stop by for "Who We Rep It", but other than that there are no other famous guest appearances. No Buck, No Loc, just 50, Banks and Yayo. Bringing it back to this level, I still get goosebumps when I hear some of these old tracks. It reminds me of the fire, and of a very exciting time in my rap fandom.
The difference then was of 50 as the underdog, conquering hero. Now he is a man who has climbed the mountain to find no other avenue to creatively inspire him. Simply put, he's run out of material. That generally happens when you paint yourself into such a tight box that reinvention or versatility becomes unviable. Before, the novelty of a rap act who was shot 9 times by the same Hip Hop conglomerate he would ultimately topple was the stuff of legend. Now it's old hat. That's why artists that constantly push the boundaries of musical and lyrical creativity will always stay fresh, relevant and (dare I say) "timeless". It seems 50 Cent has reached his peak, while Kanye is still soaring towards his own. Hate or love it, but the underdog's on top.
