Monday, 02 February 2009

• KNOW-THE-LEDGE – WWW.GRINDMODECONNECT.COM

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  Last week Rakim came out and spoke on the state of hip-hop in 2009.  For those that don’t know (shame on you), Rakim was one half of golden era double act, Eric B and Rakim.  However, following a split from Eric B the revered MC seemed to struggle to find the same success as a solo artist.  While releases such as ‘The 18^th Letter’ and ‘The Master’ moved moderate units Rakim’s career was further stalled through label troubles, notably with Dr. Dre’s slow Aftermath imprint. 

   

  History lesson over, but the question is – does Rakim still have the right to run the rule over the state of hip-hop culture?  His comments that New York hip-hop needs to step up a level are certainly on-point, as the East Coast hasn’t been this quiet since the days of G-Funk domination from the West.  Of course, given his East Coast roots and Big Apple swagger, Rakim is quick to equate the saving of hip-hop with his hometown, but we’d expect nothing less. 

   

  However, the truth is that hip-hop needs balance in order to grow and survive.  You only need to go back and check out some old school classics to see how hip-hop has continued to develop over the years, taking in influences from wherever it can, be it another coast, country or culture.  The trouble is that there seems to be a growing dissatisfaction with the direction the mainstream is taking.  A feeling that ‘real’ hip-hop is becoming too diluted and that there needs to be a return to the basics of hip-hop.

   

  So, back to the question, does Rakim have the right to comment on hip-hop in 2009?  Rakim is nowhere near as popular (ie; successful sales-wise) as he once was, but of course he has not been out there for some time – so his relevance cannot be easily tested through record sales.  Instead we need to recognize that Rakim paid his dues and helped build the foundations of hip-hop, he has seen the growth of hip-hop from the inside, he has gained experience in the game and therefore his views still carry weight for many.   

   

  So, with the question of bringing back some New York style and restoring a little balance in the game, the answer seems simple.  Do something yourself.  While Rakim alone may not have the public power he once did, he has respect.  He has respect enough to call on some other legendary names and make something happen.  ‘Happen’ like how Craig Mack’s all-star, ‘Flava In Ya Ear’ remix made something happen in the ‘90s.  Perhaps it is time for some true MCs to step up and daddy the rap game, time to show they aren’t having it – like KRS One did to PM Dawn back in the day. 

   

  But it’s not just about Rakim.  If you, as a fan of hip-hop, support the real then it will grow – it’s simple business sense.  Record labels make what sells.  And, maybe even more importantly, if you are a rapper, producer, or DJ and you don’t like how it is going down then do something yourself.  Don’t wait for change; make a change.

   

  Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC) of WWW.GRINDMODECONNECT.COM

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