I used to be a true "hip-hop head" a few years ago; I could quote just about any rapper in any song and would seriously debate over who was the best MC (Biggie, Jay-Z, or Nas? but I would've had to put Tupac in there ;) with the "hoodest" of the hoods.Though as of lately, I've hung up my "hip-hop hat" and have kind of pushed it to the side. Why? Well, hip-hop has faltered- it has hit an ultimate low and it's been pretty much more of the same "nothingness" for awhile now. But please don't misunderstand what I'm saying because I love hip-hop, it's what I've grown up listening too. In recent years though, I've just been disappointed (or have gotten older, perhaps?).
With all of this said, I'd like to introduce Lil' Wayne's newest album, "Tha Carter III". I remember when Wayne first came on the scene back in the late 90's, my sister and I thought he was the cutest lil' thing! Cash Money was hard on the scene then, and it seemed like these guys would go far. Although, I must say I thought Weezy was only going to be a quick "fad" who would've disappeared in the latter years (much like his cohorts). I would've never predicted him to become the main staple in today's hip-hop.
I downloaded "Tha Carter III" from Itunes over the weekend. I went into it with the feeling of "Eh, it's just another overrated rap album". But I was wrong! I'm really feelin' "Tha Carter III", I can listen to the entire 18 tracks ALL THE WAY THROUGH (which is highly unlikely for me nowadays- even my sister was shocked). Some critics have given this "3-peat" effort a negative review because they don't feel Wayne has given his best and say the album doesn't flow. I disagree, I happen to like the variety- no two songs sound a like and are very different yet they DO flow. My favorites are- all of them!- but a few standouts are: Dr. Carter, Comfortable (which surprisingly features Babyface), You Ain't Got Nothin' on Me, and Mr. Carter to name a few.
Dr. Carter has resuscitated the world of hip-hop for now, but tell me: Are you a current/former "hip-hop head"? and how do you feel about Lil' Wayne? I listen to all music with a clear and open mind, perhaps thats why I'm still "in this". Otherwise, I would've given up on rap/hip-hop a long, long time ago.
5 comments:
I've never been a true "hip-hop head," but I did used to love Tupac! I guess the only rapper that I like today is Kanye West, he's the best one to me. My sister can't wait to get Lil' Wayne's new CD. I guess he must be good!
Good post.
I am by far not a big Li'l Wayne fan...partly because this is what my teenage daughter considers handsome. Can't call it. But, I can't deny that many of his songs are definitely hotness. My favorite is Lollipop (sans the lyrics). He is also on a track with Lloyd that makes me scream.
But I must say that I truly wish that rappers will clean up their lyrics. It is so...not necessary to say so many vulgar things to make the song hot. This is one of the reasons I try (my hardest) to stay clear from disrepectful songs. And I always explain to my daughter the meaning behind the songs so that she is aware of what they are talking about. For example, Bust It Baby-(love the song-hate Plies lyrics).
@ UC: I clearly understand your points (A lot of females -young AND old- find Wayne 'attractive', I don't see it!).
I, myself have been desensitized to the lyrics. I don't know if that's a good thing or not but I do know that young people (children to be exact) are NOT able to do this. Especially w/o the guidance of good parents, which we all know are lacking in our society.
Sooo funny. I downloaded "A Milli" on iTunes this past Sunday, and have played it every morning this week to get me hyped or somewhat hyped to go to work. The other day I stopped and thought...am I really listening to Lil Wayne? Turned the music back up and continued to channel the "hoodness" I have deep inside...lol. Sometimes we do take ourselves too seriously when it comes to music and just need to have fun sometimes. But you're right, lyrics can be powerful and influential for those youngsters without guidance.
Let me know what you think about the album...I've thought about checking it the whole thing out too.
@ Mztraveldiva: You won't be disappointed, I promise! Especially since you already like "A Milli".
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