Old School Scholar

How many times have you heard the question “Who’s in charge here?” I ask that very question when pondering the nonsense that passes for rap music today. Back in the day, you could really tell who was in charge. Each act had its own unique style, look, sound, etc. Run-DMC didn’t look like Whodini who didn’t sound like UTFO who were nothing like Doug E Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew. Each crew, MC, and DJ put a lot of thought and care into crafting their own signature sound and persona that set them apart. Which leads me to ask the question concerning (c)rap music now, “Who’s in charge here?”

I was reading a press release about the Hip Hop Hall of Fame forming an alliance with the InterVision Network Corporation (IVNET) to provide international multimedia access to all end users. That is nothing special right? Everybody is going global with streaming content’s availability from the PC, Apple TV to cell phones, and the BBC is leading the way with IPTV access.

Sampling is not a privilege; it is an art. It should be treated and respected as such. So what ended the sampling era of Hip Hop? I have my theory. So let me share that theory with you and see if you agree or disagree.
There are some Hip Hop producers that claim to know [...]

I have three questions about today’s rap music videos. After answering them with my views, there is a fourth question left up to you.

For anyone who wants to represent the true school of Hip Hop and evangelize a “crunk head,” you got to go to Rock The Bells 2008 International Festival Series! It is the annual oasis of Hip Hop which has been growing since 2003! Revered as “A World-Class Hip Hop Platform,” Rock The Bells is boasting over 20 acts, 2 stages, and a cultural vendor village to quench every thirsty true school head in your area. All ages are welcomed!

You have to understand. Drums were one of the earliest forms of communication in early civilization. Drums alerted danger, declared victory, express sorrow, and pumped celebration. Without tongues, drums speak more profoundly when words can not be heard. Drums are honest and never sugar coated no matter what studio effect is added to it…and the beat goes on.

Listen up right now! We have a Brother on the “other side of the pond,” by the name of Battlechasers, who has delivered the goods to all of you out there in the True School! I found his article titled Invasion of the Old School from his blog The Underground Strikes Back which is constipated with links of many old school emcee battles. I felt like I was at a Las Vegas buffet after a hunger strike!

I have been reading an interesting story published by Sarah Yang of the University of California-Berkeley, regarding research on references to illegal drug use in rap music from 1979 to 1997. From what I read it was not necessarily an anti-rap music campaign according to its data. It was a fact finding analysis based on the lyrical content of the most popular rap songs (and other music genres) and illegal drug references.

When Hip Hop thrived in the late 80’s, everything at that time seemed to be good. The art form was loved, appreciated and most importantly getting respected. I’m not so sure about you, but in my opinion, something always seems to be left out or left behind or even left alone. The DJs were bringing it, the Emcees were flowing it, the B-Boys were rocking it and the Graffiti Artists were…

I found these You Tube videos posted by the ID of Pinten and Dannylee78 titled Best of Style Wars and Style Wars Interview. Style Wars is a prolific documentary, by Tony Silver (whom recently passed) and Henry Chalfant, of not only Graffiti artists but Old School Hip Hop’s roots.