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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.

1. Nas – Illmatic
2. 2Pac – Me Against The World
3. Public Enemy – It’ll Take a Nation of Millions..
4. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message
5. 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.