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Why Think Let Me Do That...Jesus Approved Commentary

Guilty Pleasures

A SOP Special Report

words provided by: Hugh, J. Burnett and Yo Momma

Hugh: I am not a hip-hop elitist nor have I ever claimed to be, but I am guilty of looking down on certain artists/styles of music because they did not display the skill and technique encompassed in the most critically-lauded rap albums. But ironically the music that I found myself criticizing was the same stuff that I listened to growing up. 90% of the rap albums I purchased in the 90’s were executive produced by Master P. So what has happened over the last 8 years that has made me appreciate what many consider “real hip-hop” and convinced me to shun the music that I grew up on? To be honest, I really don’t know. Sure I’ve matured and the rap I’ve become fond of is more intellectually stimulating at times but is that just cause to discriminate against other artists that don’t fit that mold? No.

Recently I’ve found myself listening to (and enjoying) albums from these same artists that a few months ago I would argue shouldn’t even be allowed to record and release music. Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Shawty Lo, Young (or is it Yung?) Dro, Boosie, Webbie, Rick Ross, etc. are artists that I feel often catch flack because they don’t lyrically measure up to some of the accomplished rappers of past and present day (Jay, Nas, B.I.G., Common, Rakim, Wu…). While this may be true, what else do these despised artists have in common? If you are familiar with them and have a U.S. map nearby, you’ll notice that they are all from states sitting below the Mason-Dixie line. Coincidence???

One thing you can’t deny is these dudes know how to make hit records. Between the catchy hooks, banging beats and hilarious ad-libs (my favorite), the entertainment value is through the roof. And at the end of the day isn’t that what music is? Does it always have to be serious? I often like to draw comparisons between music and movies. What if I was to look down on Will Ferrell or Jennifer Aniston because their films don’t show the same depth as those by DeNiro or Cate Blanchett? That’s not right. So why is it acceptable to dismiss the latest effort by Jeezy because he can’t hang with Nas lyrically? None of these artists have ever claimed to be the best in the game. They simply make music that represents who they are. Take it for what it is and you might hear something you actually like. What you think J. Burnett?

J. Burnett: I totally agree. I too am a closet purveyor of Southern rap and not just the Cunninglynguists, Little Brother, Strange Fruit type acts but stuff like 3-6, Webbie, Trill Ent., Gucci Mane, Plies (as most of you found out), Shawty Lo, Trick Daddy, Jeezy and plenty others who many would consider to be ig’nant coons. I found myself in the last couple days pondering the same question as Hugh. Can I be a fan of true Hip Hop and still like a Jeezy, a Plies or Rick Ross and I think the answer is yeah, why not???

In case you haven’t ever been on MySpace or outside there’s millions of rappers. Some are great some are boo boo but you have to respect that whoever it is grinded their way into some sort of success. You don’t just luck up and get a contract. If that was the case I’d be rapping now getting all sorts of groupie love. Someone has to see something in you to invest millions of dollar into you. Despite what many believe, there’s no set formula to a hit and when someone makes more then one hit that deserves applause. And if you think there is a formula check out Jeffery Atkins’ case file and/or numbers for his recent album. Did it even drop???

You also have to think about why you’re listening. I don’t take the same ears that I listen to Jay Electronica as I do to listen to Gucci Mane. That’s just stoopid. Piggy-backing off of what Hugh said earlier, if you got two boxers who cares if one knocks cats out with a sloppy haymaker or if the other outclasses his foes with technical prowess. The end result is the W and if you’re listening to rap to be entertained it’s pretty much the same thing.

Chime in at any time jabronis

StuntinOnProseDotCom

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Ventilation

I'm sorry (in re: to my absenteeism) for the two to three of you who actually enjoy my blogs. I've been ghost on this plantation trying to build up my own big house and listening to Shawty Lo's new record and other trap/dope guy records. Weird. I've been trying to stay off my angry man syndrome but some real stoopid shit stays goin on but I figure this here blog is a good place to get shit off my chest so here goes...

P. Diddy as Walter Younger...errrr.

So I checked out A Raisin in the Sun on Monday and for all that shit Diddy talks about bringing the intensity on that bullshit ass Makin' the Band, he typically donned one facial expression throughout the entirety of the film. It's that same dull look he rocks when he's judging talent--mouth dropped open + blank stare despite the fact that the character he portrayed, Walter Younger, is supposed to be on some real emotionally volatile shit. If Robin Harris--Pop's from House Party--(RIP)  was alive I'd elect to have him in this role or Charlie Murphy or Clifton Powell (I love those guys). I mean I understand the type of star power and notoriety that comes with a name like Diddy but damn why put a dickhead in a sensitive role??? At his best Diddy's a novice actor and that's some shit Sidney Poitier played. SIDNEY FUCKIN POITIER!!! Why even go there??? It's like cats aren't even trying to hide the fact that they're banking bucks off us anymore. That shit was like a slap in the face + a kick in the balls. I didn't know whether to get angry or vomit or both in a looped sequence. 

Then I find out Beyonce is playing Etta James...

What kind of bullshit is that? You got Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, the Floetry chick and millions of others out there who have a chance at giving Etta the glory she deserves and you pick queen glitter. Having a girlfriend or any type of female friend forces you to appreciate Beyonce in some way b/c to them Beyonce = Wonder Woman. Like seriously, try dissin Beyonce in a room full of chicks. You'll be up to your balls in shit. Albeit she can't sing and she's a singer. Hell, she has fireworks and can dance byzantine choreographed routines in robot garb that merits applause riiight. Riiiight. Fuck the hate, Beyonce's a dope entertainer but casting her to portray Etta James is just stoopid. Like why...what...who...the fuck!!! In appearance, vocal wise and general gangster that's as big a mismatch as possible. Next up, Sigel as Marcus Garvey...

Other shit that's pissing me off:

Gas Prices

Bills

those high rise jeans chicks are rocking now...ma ma, that's not sexy.

Jay-Z's new Video

The absence of Uncut videos

The end of Nip/Tuck for 3-5 mos

Omar not limping before getting clapped

The ubiquity of Rick Ross

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Fuck It Y'all Need to See This

I'm sorry. I hate to detract your attention from the fine bloggery that goes down here. And typically, I don't waste people's time with trifles that humor me. But this shit...this shit right here. Y'all need to see THIS (or if that isn't working try here). Oh yeah and if you look at Ness, Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo side by side by side it looks like 1) they're either long lost brothers or 2) they evolved from one another. That is all.

PS Hands down Best. Video. Evaar

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I'm Calling Bullshit on Nas

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big Nas fan and if you don't know me take my word for it--I am. But when it comes down to keeping my reputation as a keep-it-realist and maintaining my admiration for a favorite artist of mine, I'd rather call a spade a spade. I think we're giving Nas too much credit. I think at this point it's safe to say he's talking out his ass and that there's no profound statement to be made by an album called Nigger. I've talked shit all my life and I'll be damned if I don't know when someone's pulling some shit out their ass and dis nigga here is blowin' hotter steam than glory hole

When Nas dropped Hip Hop is Dead I like many others believed Nas in his heart of heart believed it. Otherwise, why would he say it. There's the obvious tailwind of media coverage he received from it and of course the dialogue that came from it which also in itself may have generated some scans, but Nas using a market scheme to sell records??? I couldn't go for that--not the one-time child prodigy who made Illmatic. To me, Nas represents the essence of Hip Hop but after viewing this video I'm starting feel like I/we got plizaid. Also, lol @ the reporter skirting around saying nigger. That's right white girl. That's a no no, just kidding white constituent or am I?? Don't try that shit out with me though; no telling how a nigga would react. But,  viewing the video when she asked him about the statement he wanted to make last year with HHID he said "that's been done. I appreciate the response I got from that but this is a whole new chapter. That train has left the station," hardly the response of someone who actually believed in the statement Hip Hop is Dead, right. I never thought I'd go use slickback as an example but I'd be damned when I/we would see the day that Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson when given the chance to speak on an issue they championed in the past blow it off like eh, that's over, whatever.

Then, whenever someone asks him to explain the concept he can barely put together a cohesive thought. I mean what's good Nas??? Anytime someone calls bullshit on it, it's like naw it's Nas. I know he's going to have some deep shit to say but when asked who the dude was voting for he couldn't even just feign throwing up the O. Bullshit!!! And if you watch the video to the end Kelis makes reference to John Lennon's track "Woman is the Nigger of the World" but if you watch this you'll see that the same message Nas is communicating (niggers = the ig'nant and/or disenfranchised people of the world) is seconded by the chap his wife bass acwardsly threw a dagger at. Are we saying, him and wifey aren't on the same page or does dude not even know what statement he's making anymore? I'm hoping that there's some deep shit on the album but shit's looking bleaker than a Fat Joe song that's likeable. What do yall think?

 Next Nas album title: Hip Hop is God's Nigger.

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Homey Don't Play That...

Consider this post a smorgas board of thoughts; the first being the randomness of message boards. You can go to a message board and find the most random conversations going on i.e. SOHH's Pedophile Army. As if further details are needed. I think the hyperlink just about says it all. But for the dull witted...MySpace recently installed some cursory precautions to keep pervs from lockin' in on adolescents--the playing fields that lack grass. Nevertheless, there was a group of very dedicated virgins individuals who would not be stopped. This group who resided on SOHH's message board had found ways around the restrictions put in place by MySpace and were sharing photos, regardless. Talk about perserverance. I won't dwell but this army of Pedophiles' homebase was a Hip Hop site. Like how random is that???

Point two: the reckless usage of "no homo" and the sort; not in the sense of over-using it because in this day and age it's necessary--who knows who's who nowadays--but in the sense of saying some really gay shit and backing it with a "no homo" or to D. Penn's credit a [II]. That shit don't fly. T-Pain's commentary on Ray-J's package comes to mind as well as Lil Cease's fiasco. Let's face it: some shit is just gay. Again, I won't dwell. But I came across this on a message board. Nevermind what type of message board it was. I thought a few of you could find humor in this

 And I quote: No Homo But who fucks hoes better "Justin Slayer" or "Nat Turner"

 The response:^^^ sorry but that was GAY as hell even if you called no homo....

 ROTFLMAO

 What do yall think about the reckless usage of no homo?

Sidenote: No Homo is a trademark of NYC dwellers so thank them for the epidemic

Ever wondered what life in the industry is like...Start with Str8 Shots: the Night Pt. II

StuntinOnProse

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