Bloggin 365: Day 13

Have you ever heard of, or do you remember this: “to da tick tock you don’t stop, to da tick tock you don’t stop”? Or this: “just wave your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care”?

I happen to be on an ol’ school vibe, thinking back to the days before everything in hip hop got so serious. Party rap was king and we all just wanted to have a good time, most of us anyway.

I love hip hop (the culture) but I don’t always love rap (the music). Why? As an artist and a producer I enjoy artistry and fresh production. I want an experience when I listen to a record or an MC. I don’t even care what you talk about, just say something I haven’t heard or say it in a way that’s fresh and new.

Freestyling comes to mind with this point. I’ve heard two types of MC’s freestyle, those that recite written material attempting to make it sound fresh off the head (not a freestyle), and those that flow referencing everyone and everything in the environment.

Now this is the hit; of the latter there are also two types: the ones you listen to where every line you can tell the next line coming and, those who intrigue by continually bring heat while keeping you guessing as to what’s coming next. I love the last type!

As far as music production goes, it’s very simple to me. I don’t mean to offend but let me be clear; taking 5 or 6 sampled pieces, putting them together in time without originating any of the instrumentation through the use of musical talent does not make someone a producer!

That’s not a diss to beginners or hobbyist; if that’s how you learn, do your thing. That being said, being a music producer entails much more than sampling which is why I do it sparingly. Producers make music that’s organic. It’s alive.

For example, some of the best samples ever turned into hit songs for MC’s were from groups like Earth Wind & Fire, Roger Troutman and Zapp, or James Brown and his band. Live instruments, live players and live artistry. Producers make music that breaths life just as great MC’s take words and imprint images in our minds! Check the history.

Nearly anyone with very little talent or musical skill can take a sample construction kit and make a beat. Really!?! Long live the real art and the real artist. Nahmean?