Who Is Saving Hip-Hop?
A Mic Sorc Original

Nas, The Black Militant



Nas has inspired MCs and listeners with what he brings to the table as a solo act. Whether it’s how hard he reps his hood, the history lessons he gives us, understanding the black man’s plight, or the cleverness and verbal reality of the stories he tells, Nas remains a lone warrior. A self-proclaimed street disciple who has, in a sense, always been ahead of his time. He was never a follower, nor was he a leader. He was just half man/half amazing.  On record, he has been a lyrical journalist simply feeding us large doses of news and day-to-day information. Ironically, his Bravehearts were weak and The Firm just went soft. The Firm was dope cause that was a collaboration of 4 talented artists, but they just didn’t have the chemistry that just Nas and AZ embodied as a duo. Nas identified with his fans on a spiritual level as a community and also pointed out the downfalls and victories in society which later transcended over the the hip-hop culture. Although, he has countless hip-hop collaborations under his belt, Nas has failed to work with more conscious rap artists such as Talib Kweli, Common and The Roots. Nonetheless, he is almost always eloquent in his approach and has truly become one of those artists that you can never be embarrassed to be a fan of. You can say that in a way, Nas has saved a lot of fans like me from hating what hip-hop has become. But since he is sometimes known to be a contradictory emcee, are all of his revelations and opinions falling upon deaf ears like the boy who cried wolf?
 

Jay-Z, The Black Republican



Hustler, mogul, real estate developer, world traveler, philanthropist, performer, rapper, icon, sports team part-owner, and businessman. Shawn Carter is all of the above. With such a busy schedule, Jay-Z manages to be virtually everywhere at once. One moment, he’s putting together the most profitable hip-hop concert of 2008, The Heart of the City tour. The next, he’s securing $150 million deal with Live Nation. He is arguably, the best rapper to ever grab the mic. In the wake of his highly publicized retirement in 2003, he left behind a mob of hungry rappers willing to assume his position as the greatest rapper alive. He has transcended that status of superstardom and has entered a different realm. Everything he touches turns to gold, although in recent years, he has lacked the ability to push and market his protégés, peers, and artists that he was put in charge of as President of Def Jam. Jay-Z, the Marcy Projects rapper has left our world, but every time he blesses us with a new verse or spontaneous album release, we get an opportunity to visit his world. Although, his need to prove his greatness is no longer needed, he still pops in and out to let us know that he still got it. But is Jigga hurting his legacy by continuing to record well beyond his prime as a rapper?


 Kanye West, Raps Valedictorian



With Kanye, he’s helped out the modern hip-hop community as a whole by delivering production for a wide assortment of hip-hop artists. He gave Rocafella their own signature sound. He brought artists like Common, Twista, Rhymefest, Consequence, John Legend, Dilated Peoples, and Slum Village to the mainstream audience. He brought back hip-hop anthems (Can’t Tell Me Nothing, Jesus Walks) to stadiums and arenas on an international superstar level. He became a trendy fashion icon to a culture that has been widely saturated with long white T’s, Timberland boots, and baggy saggy jeans. Not to mention, making it acceptable in hip-hop to wear fuzzy wuzzy sweaters and tight pants at your waistline. But what has overshadowed his accomplishments at times is his arrogance, his Hollywood mentality, and his never-ending search for acceptance. He is notorious for throwing tantrums in protest at award shows as if the numerous accolades he has received weren’t enough. Kanye has helped bring the lyricist to the post-Biggie and Pac mainstream public. He’s given us a unique sound which is only colorfully matched by his animated stage presence, imagination and his wide array of sunglasses. But is the absence of humility holding Mr. West back from being the total package?


Lil Wayne, Weezy’s #1 Fan



At 25 years old, Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter has told you he is the best rapper alive over and over like a subliminal message hidden within the passages of his sermon. Armed with an “I AM HIP-HOP” slogan on his shirt, a cup of lean, a few flashy jewels and large catalogue of featured appearances on some of hip-hop’s recent hit songs, his force is undeniable yet questionable? Within his 3 year hiatus from recording a full solo studio album, Lil Wayne has managed to be named as MTV’s “2007 Hottest MC in the Game. In the same year, he was also named as a “Man of the Year” in GQ magazine, “Best Rock Star Alive” by Blender Magazine, and Rolling Stone’s “Best MC”. Most recently, he celebrated the success of his 6th solo studio album, The Carter 3. He achieved what many had thought to be impossible. In a vicious melee of an album leak, trouble with the law, and widespread music piracy and bootlegging, he managed to sell over a million albums in one week. But his actual impact on the true and pure essence of the culture has been the topic of discussion amongst many hardcore hip-hop fans. His music is not aimed against political parties, social issues, or economic hardships.  It simply translates: I’m the best rapper alive. With all this said, it is still safe to say that he is yet to release a complete, intro to outro, near flawless and classic album. Is Lil Wayne smoking too much of his own product?

 

 
I can’t say that neither one of these artists has saved hip-hop because not one completely embodies and reflects the hip-hop community as a whole. For every diehard fan there an equal and opposite hater out there to argue or back them up. When I see Nas, I see a solo artist who is struggling against the corporate machine as an entity. He is a Harvard student trapped within a community college minded industry. Jay-Z has secured himself in a position that many would apply for in a heartbeat. He has become his own biggest advertiser of the Jay-Z brand. Kanye is still seeking acceptance like prom queen with all the pretty friends. He’s currently running shit and everybody knows he’s the most popular but he still feels like he’s not getting any respect. Lil Wayne feels like a winner way before the ballots have been casted. He’s quick to tell you he’s the best in the game without you even asking. It’s neither ones responsibility to save Hip-hop. It’s really up to us and what kind of hip-hop we’re willing to make popular or feed into. The more we dance to the “bullshit”, then the more it will be spun in the clubs and on radio, the more it will be replicated in order to duplicate success and the more we will be subjected to the overdone clichés (T-Pain voice box, chopped and screwed hooks, lack of substance, etc…). In the end, the consumer is the true savior or executioner of hip-hop. It’s quite obvious, as in the career of Ja Rule, if the fans turn their backs on the rapper, the rapper will disappear.

 

Leave your comments on this post…What your opinion? Who is saving Hip Hop!?

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