I'm Over It!!!!

So I'll begin by saying congrats to Sucio Smash on celebrating 7 years at WKCR. He's taken the reigns from underground luminary, Bobbito "DJ Cucumber Slice" Garcia, and has helped keep the "underground" alive.

However, I'm disgusted!!! I feel like the entire scene suffers from this elitist attitude which ultimately keeps it from growing. As I waited to participate in the festivities, and even as I got behind the mic, I realized I no longer wanted to be a part of this scene. My fondest memories of underground radio were those of Jay Smooth introducing me to Keith Murray's "Most Beautifullest Thing In The World" or Martin Moore & Meyhem breaking Junior Mafia's "Players Anthem". I fondly remember having my cassettes ready to catch Natural Elements cipher on Stretch & Bob. NY underground radio used to be instrumental in breaking the future stars of tomorrow. Their play list would be something like this; new Nas, new Roots, a relative unknown named J-Live, new Redman, new Natural Elements, new G Rap, and pre Reasoonable Doubt Jay-Z. The aforementioned play list is the furthest from an accurate representation of today's underground.

I understand the game has changed, but what made it so dope is missing. I'm not sure who's to blame; the fans or the DJs? Somewhere towards the mid to late 90's there was this shift to "preserve authentic Hip-Hop" amidst the Puff era, but something went awry. Isn't this the same scene that gave us Eminem, Mos Def, and Common? They've obviously lost their way, and I feel this was blatantly apparent last night. It's become progressively harder for me to listen to these shows when Funk Master Flex of Hot 97 does a 90's mix that's more reflective of underground Hip-Hop than the current mainstays. Instead of hearing the "next" Buckshot or being introduced to the next "King of NY", I'm left with some abstract, super lyrical, incomprehensible song about planets and toilet paper. WTF?

While I was ecstatic to see Homeboy Sandman rhyme next to General Steele and Rock of BCC and underground favorite, Pharaoh, everything else was a bit disappointing. As I listened to several talented emcees spit endless bars, I kept thinking, "this isn't it". These ciphers won't become the stuff of legends like "Jay-Z and Big L's? This isn't remotely close to that legendary night The Roots rocked NYU's radio show with a who's who of NY hottest like Lord Tariq and Sadat X. While I respect most of the emcees, with the exception of a notable performance by Cymarsahll Law, it was disheartening.

I often hear that NY's Hip-Hop scene is in shambles and is dire need of help, but it begins on the underground level. If the DJs don't partially accept accountability for not cultivating potential talent and ushering the future stars, NY Hip-Hop will continue to be irrelevant. Especially when foreigners like Pill and B.O.B are beginning to fit the bill.

Reflections Vol. 1

Bare with me as I reflect on one of the most memorable moments I had last year, and in my career. As I'm up waaaaaay past my bed time, I just finishing listening to what I consider one of the best ciphers ever.

The night was March 13th, and I was invited to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Squeeze Radio on WKCR. What took place that night was incredible in itself. There were Hip Hop legends who had already cemented their legacies like Masta Ace and Jeru, but there were also fresh new voices like Homeboy Sandman. For me though, what was special was the cipher I participated in. I got to rhyme next to 2 emcees who challenged me to be great, and they were John Robinson aka Lil Sci and Torae the Young Vet.

Every time I go back and listen to our segment I always smile. There was definitely an incredible vibe about this particular cipher because I think we raised the bar. Once we started rhyming there was an air of seriousness, like everyone in the studio knew it was gonna be real lyricists killing the mic. What was especially dope was the fact that despite it being competitive, there was a sense of camaraderie between the 3 of us. It wasn't so much that we were trying to out do each other, but rather bring out the best in each other. This was never more apparent than when we were given the title of "Team Red & Black"/Bulls (90's Bulls that is). Rarely do you listen to cats rhyme the way we did without them being in a "crew". We never missed a beat and complemented each others verses perfectly. It was as if JR was the point, and Torae and I alternated between Guard and Forward. Just listen, and you'll hear the genuine ad libs of laughter, amazement, and excitement. That's what really made the night for me; I was reminded that I'm still a fan. While in the cipher, it rekindled the memories and feelings of old Stretch & Bob shows with Big L & Lord Finesse or Natural Elements. It was one of those rare moments you stayed up late for because you could never forgive yourself if you missed it.

I wanna thank Tor and JR for being dope, and especially Timm See and Suc for inviting me. I literally hadn't been on the show in a couple years, and it was dope to return and be a part of history. Now only if I could get my hand on the video footage. You can listen to the entire show "HERE" but our segments starts around the 48 minute mark.

Pictured below: Me going in, Team Red & Black: myself, JR & Torae, & Sucio's candid expression as we rhymed.
Photos courtesy of Photo Rob