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It’s really simple actually.

We all get frustrated with life. We all feel a loneliness and emptiness of not being understood. OK, well, I will speak for myself. Especially back when I was a teen. Music has always been uplifting for me but when Hip Hop came out… well that changed everything! When I first heard LL Cool J’s “Radio”, I was like, “Damn… I am right there! That is exactly how I feel…

And then there was the party…

Hip Hop gave you a reason to get through the school and/or work week because you knew somebody was throwing a jam on Friday night. How many times did you here, “Where’s the party at”, back in the day?

And a Hip Hop party isn’t just a party. It’s an interactive presentation of light, sound, dance, spoken word, apparel, and attitude that you are enveloped in. Whether you are just a bystander or even one of the participating artists, it is still a spectacle!

Watching the DJ spin a web of tracks that moves the crowd… Or realizing how dope that last line was the Emcee just kicked on the mic… Or maybe just sitting back watching some REALLY good dancers… With so many elements in place, your own creative juices can’t help but to flow and the energy is electric! It’s what your soul craves the rest of the week as you toil.

It’s all about the lyrics!

For me though, the most inspiring aspect of Hip Hop is the consciousness and knowledge of the lyrics of some emcees… Slick Rick’s “Children’s Song” – Run DMC’s “It’s Like That” – Grandmaster Flash “The Message” – As a youth, these songs REALLY hit home for me… “So I’m NOT alone in this world! There really ARE people out there that think just like me… and they’re young and famous! And they express it with such eloquence! Fresh…

Knowledge Reigns Supreme

As Hip Hop progressed so did the things being said on the mic… KRS One – Big Daddy Kane – Rakim – As a black man, these people gave me Self Credence, and their voice was mine! The effect that such artists have had on me is immeasurable… Don’t get me wrong: I love all kinds of rap… As a DJ/Producer, I give props to ANYBODY on their grind; that has found the confidence in themselves, and taken the time and effort to make it happen… But to me there is an upper echelon of Hip Hop that transcends clever wordplay and a dope beat…

The Big Picture.

We have some very serious problems in society. But as an entertainer you wield a certain power over the people. And it is simply, just that: YOU ENTERTAIN THEM! Meaning, for a given period of time, you have their UNDIVIDED attention. Dude… SAY SOMETHING!!! Dead Prez “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” pretty much sums up my opinion on this subject…

B-Boys and Girls Listen Up.

I can honestly say that Nas “I Can” is not only my favorite Hip Hop song EVER, but it literally has stopped me from committing “artistic suicide”… And if I did not have the ability to express myself artistically then I might as well be dead, like so many people are inside. People with talent that don’t paint… don’t write… don’t sing or dance or WHATEVER makes YOU feel good expressing YOUR life.

But this song particularly stands out to me, as it is positive reinforcement at it’s finest, aimed directly at our youth… Out of the billion and one rap songs in the world that I have heard, past to present, NOTHING is more direct, poignant, and articulate as the message this song delivers…

I know I can be what I wanna be!
If I work hard at it
I’ll be where I wanna be!

Poison!

“What Goes Around” is another GREAT Nas track that emboldens the spirit and tells it exactly how it is. He’s one of the best story tellers in Hip Hop and the knowledge he delivers is impeccable.

Yesus!

Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” also stands out, especially the videos. I’m not really a religious person anymore, but I was raised catholic so I can’t help but to be moved by this song… And what he’s saying in the last verse is something I’ve felt inside for a long time.

The Media chooses to play only certain types of Hip Hop and we all know it ain’t conscious for the most part.

I just found the 3rd video version he made and all I can say is wow… Now I’m SERIOUSLY torn as to which is my favorite. Until today it was the second version with the Klan member carrying the burning cross but now I have to re-evaluate that… Which is your favorite version?

https://youtu.be/TpzRPa1I81o

The Wu!

Don’t even get me started with The Wu-Tang Clan. I’m writing this Addendum on the 18th Anniversary of the release of Wu Tang Forever! I had so much shit going on at that time and all I can remember is riding around with my best friend Haze, bumping The Wu and it just made life so much more bearable.

Their energy basically gave me the strength to go on, I can honestly say that. I mean you can be having the worst day ever but when hear Old Dirty say, “What y’all thought y’all wasn’t gonna see me? I’m the Osiris of this shit”, you can’t do nothing but smile! Peace to ODB yo…

Vinnie Paz

Vinnie Paz has been in the game longer, and has more dope tracks than any other Emcee that I know. I’m telling you, do NOT sleep on his discography. Between his solo joints and Jedi Mind Tricks? I don’t think there’s a “rapper” out there that can compare if you factor in quantity along with quality and longevity…

His song “End Of Days” though, is EXACTLY what I mean when I say “hip hop saved my life”. I mean, I LOVE music, so any old jam can influence my mood. But when I’m contemplating life… My meager existence… and I see things in society that I can’t quite put into words… I’m sure you’ve been there…

But when the shit hits the fan, and you REALLY start delving into the concept of “to be or not to be”, then a song like THIS comes along… It’s like, “Well, hello keys to my solitude!”

Really, to me tracks like this ARE empowerment… That’s the best way I can explain it.

Ice Cube

Ice cube is my second favorite emcee and his first album is just raw. The way he paints a picture verbally is what sets him apart to me. I’ve heard a zillion rappers but Cube’s voice and delivery just stand out.

Amerikkka’s Most Wanted came out in 1990, a year that had a LOT of competition and really good music like: Public Enemy Fear of a Black Planet, Boogie Down Productions Edutainment, LL Cool J Mama Said Knock You Out, X Clan To the East, Blackwards, Digital Underground Sex Packets… but Cube STAYED on repeat for me and all my friends for months. No really, we played this album into the ground.

Anyways I guess today is his birthday so I might as well go on and add this to the archive… Happy B-day Cube. You are the man!

How about you?

These are just a few ways my life has literally been saved by Hip Hop. I’m interested to hear how it has influenced yours. Holla at me in the comments! peace… XRAYi