One who imerses themselves in the world of hip-hop has definetely more than once or twice passed over tracks with artists who preach about "slangin' this and that" or "using the Pyrex" or "praying over the stove", etc. On said tracks, artists recount tales of their earlier days before they put pen to paper and were instead putting razor blade through something whiter than printer paper. Cut it up real nice, bag it, sell it, profit. So the process goes. Crack music.
In no aspect am I dissing this profession. To me, it's a legit job just like being a dentist, teacher, CEO, or postman. What's the difference? They aren't recognized for it because that's "bad for business", although they still provide a service to the community. Right? Right. Do I glorify the lifestyle? Sure. Do what you have to do to survive.
Where am I going with this? A few years back, a local duo out of the Virginia Beach area dropped an album that was endorsed by major names such as Pharrell and Timbaland. What were they rapping about? Selling crack. Malice and Pusha-T bring an aspect to the game that most other artists only write about. They've been on the other side of the pen. Pushing weight, standing out on corners, long nights strapped with the chrome and looking through peepholes to make sure the 5-0 isn't going to "kick in the door, wavin' the .44." Let's be honest, most rappers only dream of living what they write. Clipse, they live it. And despite the millions of dollars coming in, the fast cars, the lovely ladies, and appearances in the fanciest of venues, they stick to what they know. That's the golden rule of writing rhymes, ladies and gentlemen.
What can the average rapper learn from this duo? Lord Willin', Hell Hath No Fury, and 'Till The Casket Drops (slated for a December 8th release) are pretty good starting places to learn from. Not just because their lyricism is on point, or because either one of the brothers could massacre you on the mic. . .but because their music . . . is, for lack of a better word. Crack.
Listening >> Popular Demand (Popeye's) feat Pharrell
