Is Hip Hop Really Dead?
Is Hip Hop really dead? Sorry Nas, you’re my man and all but I think not. Wounded maybe but dead no. As long as events like The Hip Hop Honors exist ‘real’ Hip Hop will forever live on. As a true hip hop head from the golden era (early 80′s to mid 90′s, I know I’m showing my age) I’d have to say that Hip Hop has definitely changed, for the better in some ways and in many ways negatively.
L to R: MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane & Black Thought of The Roots
Hip Hop has changed for the better because it is now a viable means of financial wealth and opportunity for young artists and entrepreneurs. It’s negative in it’s lack of accountability for it’s lyrics and portrayal of our culture. Bottom line is hip hop as we knew it will never be the same. But what ever is? Change is inevitable. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel though. If the recent successes of artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco & Common are any indication, I’d say that gangster rap is starting to show some serious signs of fading (finally!).
“A child is born, with no state of mind, Blind to the ways of mankind, God is smiling at you but he’s frowning too because only God knows what you go through. You grow in the ghetto, living second rate and your eyes they sing a song of deep hate…” Melle Mel – “The Message”
I miss the days of lyrical substance. Artists like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5, Public Enemy and KRS-One all made statements with their lyrics. As someone who grew up in the Bronx during the time of street jams and block parties I feel privileged and honored to have actively participated in the infancy stages of a culture that has become a worldwide phenomenon. I would like to see it claim it’s rightful place in mainstream culture as a positive source of creative inspiration for inner city youth.
The Hip Hop Honors Concert
It was a pleasure to photograph the 2007 Hip Hop Honors concert in New York. The crowd fully participated and the performances were great. The event was held at New York’s Nokia Theater in Times Square and the line up included MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane and The Roots. Events like these are what keep the original flavor of hip hop alive.
L to R: Guitarist backs MC Lyte, The Roots
My Top 5 Rap Albums
I know everyone is not going to agree with me on this and that’s cool but I decided to include a short Top 5 list of some of my all time favorite rap albums. These are not only classic albums in my opinion but monumental in terms of music production and lyrical content.
- Nas – Illmatic
- 2Pac – Me Against The World
- Public Enemy – It’ll Take a Nation of Millions..
- Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message
- Run – DMC – Raising Hell
What are your top 5 Rap Albums? Do you think hip hop is dead? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.
A Jamaican Paradise
Overlooking Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
There’s a good reason why the the Jamaica Tourist Board tag line is, Once you go, you know, because there’s nothing like Visiting Jamaica. If you’ve never had the Jamaica experience, do yourself a favor and book a quick get-away first chance you get. Believe me, you won’t regret it. I went to Jamaica for the first time back in 2007 with my wife (though she wasn’t my wife at the time) and we had a great time. During our trip in Jamaica we visited several spots: St. Andrew, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Montego Bay, Spanish Town and Negril. My wife is Jamaican and was raised in St. Andrew so none of the Parishes of Jamaica were new to her, but I on the other hand was completely entranced by the sheer beauty of the island. The sights were spectacular and the people were as friendly and welcoming as any visitor to a new country could hope. We also got a chance for a brief drive by infamous Tivoli Gardens and Trench Town communities, on the outskirts of West Kingston.
L to R: Spanish Town, Resort in Ocho Rios & Montego Bay
While in Ocho Rios we visited Dunn’s River Falls, a magnificently beautiful waterfall standing over 600′ ft. located right on the beach. It was originally featured in the very first James Bond film, “Dr. No.” and remains as spectacular as it was then. The day was perfect, that is until I ruined my Canon XT DSLR Camera while climbing the waterfall. Storing it in my backpack was not the smartest move on my part. Of course I had insurance on the camera, which I highly recommend. Other than that little mishap, the entire trip was an absolute delight.
The Bob Marley Factor
Of all the places we visited while in Jamaica I’d have to say that the most fulfilling visits was to the Bob Marley Museum on the legend’s ‘s old estate on Hope Road in Kingston. As a ‘tourist’ (I hate to use that word) I half expected a corny rushed tour of the property with not much time to explore and soak in the essence of Bob right? Not true at all. There was a in-depth tour, detailing his life, career and challenges, a brief video of old interviews and footage in his screening room and even an entire room wall-papered with old newspaper clippings. But after the walk through we were pretty much left to our own devices. We were able to check out most of the rooms, like the tiny kitchen with it’s old blender and pots where he often cooked ital rastafarian grubbage for guests as well as the recording studio where he actually cut some of his hit songs. No photos allowed though, damn!
Pictures taken at Bob Marley’s old estate on Hope Road.
We hung out on the property with some of the locals many of whom had been around during Bob’s time and I made a few friends as well. They keep his memory alive by spinning vibrant tales about his concerts or an old incident they still laugh about with fondness. It was an amazing feeling to plant my feet in the same soil in which the legendary Bob Marley once played football (we call it soccer), which was one of his favorite things to do at home. My fiance and I enjoyed Jamaica so much that I suggested we get married there. Which we did in July of 2008.
Jamaica has now become a second home to me and we’ve been back a few times since the wedding. Another place to scratch off the old bucket list. If it’s not on yours add it, and GO!
