it's bigger than hip-hop

[heresluck]

When I was in middle school, I assumed I hated rap, largely because I associated Run-DMC with Aerosmith. (Ah, the unforeseen consequences of bids for pop crossover stardom.) Ditto high school; what little I heard of gangsta rap I really didn't like. As a matter of fact, I still don't much care for gangsta rap (and a lot of the hip-hop artists I

Comments

[milly]

Jay-Z did a fabulous song using sampling from Annie's 'Hard Knock Life' ('Hard Knock Life(Ghetto Anthem)') that you probably have heard before. I'd heard it before I knew it was his, anyway, and I know it was used on tv a few times (including 'Popular', with Mary-Cherry goodness).

[sisabet]

She hasn't heard it, I can almost promise you this. She has shown remarkable skill and talent in keeping her earways free of anything uninvited.

If I thought she'd listen to Jay-Z, I'd send her some. As it is, she *might* listen to the gray album since the idea behind the mash-up is intriguing (and it is actually very good).

Of course, I don't help. I just stand behind her and threaten her with copies of "Umbrella" and not the one she thinks. The one with Rihanna feat. Jay Z.

[milly]

See, I always thought of Jay-Z as this commercial guest rapper (they reproduce faster than bunnies and make careers out of rap segments in random summer songs), but then I saw a trailer for 'Fade to Black' and I was gobsmacked. Other than 'Dirt Off The Shoulder' and 'Hard Knock Life' though, I haven't yet dug up stuff that explains the appeal, though. But I'm not familiar with the whole hip-hop/rap scene, as it's not a type of music that generally appeals to me (but I go more on a song to song basis than on a genre basis, so I tend to dwelve between styles), so I might not have dug deep enough yet.

[sisabet]

Jay-Z is arguably the most commercially successful and immediately recognizable names out there currently. More importantly? He is Beyonce's boyfriend which means I've had to adapt and accept that even though I personally think the mantle belongs more to Dr. Dre, Jay-Z is a very talented person. I still think Ghetto Anthem is crass commercialization (yeah, it is a catchy hook, but not very original) but after last year with Jibbs' "Chain Hang Low" and Bow Wow's "Shortie Like Mine," "Ghetto Anthem" does seem pretty damn genius.

It was a strange, strange world where fricking Ludacris has one of my favorite songs on the radio ("Runaway Love"). I know a lot of people are bored with the songs of this summer, but I for one am grateful - YAY UMBRELLA!!!

[boniblithe]

If we try hard enough we can sneak more Jay-Z into her life. Perhaps send the mp3 mislabelled as The Judybats? By the time she figures it out, it will be too late.

[sisabet]

She'd never forgive us. There is no "tricking" h.l. into anything. She's like Fraser, she has to walk there on her own.

[heresluck]

Are we starting again with the h.l-is-like-Fraser thing? That was even funnier when you didn't know I'd seen the show and I could totally wind you up about it, but it's still pretty funny. *g*

[renenet]

AFAIK, we never *stopped* with the h.l-is-like-Fraser thing. I mean, it may have been dropped as a topic of conversation, but you never stopped *being* like Fraser (in the ways in which you are like Fraser).

[boniblithe]

Maybe I will just send a mix CD with all songs unlabelled, and promise only to send song title/artist upon completion of the first listen. That could eliminate any preconceived notions going in.

Sisabet! I could even put COUNTRY on it!

[sisabet]

Are you kidding? SHE LOVES COUNTRY! Well, very specific politically agenda'd (usually) alt-country, but still.

Nah - I am gonna stick with just vidding songs she would only listen to because she is stuck in the vid show room.

[heresluck]

What Liz said! I listen to country -- just not airbrushed Nashville country. *g*

[way2busymom]

Oh man...have I got a country cd for you! Have you heard of Olav Larsen & The Alabama Rodeo Stars???

[heresluck]

No! Gimme!

[way2busymom]

Ok...trust me to link to alt country & indie on your hip hop post. *shakes head at self*

Here's the links...

Olav Larsen & the Alabama Rodeo Stars -- Love's Come to Town

http://belindarichmond.kabeka.com/Olav%20Larsen.zip

and as a bonus...my most listened to Indie cd of the year

The Alternate Routes -- Good and Reckless and True

http://belindarichmond.kabeka.com/Good%20and%20Reckless%20and%20True.zip

[sdwolfpup]

*waves hopefully* Can I snag these, too?

[way2busymom]

Most certainly! And a belated happy birthday to you!!!