What ever happened to those raw ass music videos?

Like the title states, where did we go wrong? I remember videos like Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, GangStar and all kinds of Gangster Rap on the music video channel on local 48 or something, called "The Box". I'm pretty sure it was around the same time FOX 36 came out. That's what I had to watch to catch the latest videos cause I didn't have cable, just regular ass TV.
Anyway, they would have the videos listed and you would call in to order up a video and they would play it for a few bucks. They used to play the real underground hardcore shit that MTV and BET would censor or not even play cause it was too RAW. I remember keeping my tv on that channel and turning the volume down, and listening to 97.8 WJLB, 90.9 WDTR out of Detroit, or the University of Toledo radio shows reel 2 reel , and some shows out of U of M. All this happened at a particular time slot so there was alot of nice tunes being played and taping the shows was a way to get these songs you really couldnt hear anywhere else.
I fortunately had a Ghettoblaster with great reception that I still own today, my trusty JVC. Many irreplaceable mix tapes were made during these hours, and I lament having lost most of them. A travesty no less for a bonafide keeper of the funk.



Now getting back to the topic, careful examination of these videos will show they have a few basic things in common. Some of the videos that stood out in my mind where the ones below. Lets check em out.

Pharcyde - Drop




Cypress Hill - Hand on the Pump




Common Sense - Resurrection





Beastie Boys - So Whatcha Want?





Ok, the Basic similarities are as follows
- They all feature the said artist, Check.
- They all feature the natural environment where the artist is from. Check.
- The artists are not in costumes, as this is how the would dress in every day life. Check.

This is what I would describe as "Keeping it real" and absolutely necessary for Hip Hop. It's cool to try different things and expand and use your imagination that's just part of the art form.

BUT........

These days videos are too over the top, and I believe have lost their connection with ordinary ass people. Especially right now with the economic crisis going down. Who the hell wants to see other people rubbing it in our faces that they're poppin' mad bottles, have million dollar homes with private jets and Bentley's. That's like a kick in the face with a timbo we used to rock in 92!

Another thing that chaps my ass if the whole Dopeboy angle. Like "Oh, we sell mad dope on the streets and that's where my moneys from." Well let me tell you, the most successful drug dealers don't talk about their shit, they keep it on the low. Period. As Harry Allen, PE's Media Assasin once said "Don't believe the Hype!

How bout giving me inspiration or telling me about your hardships and how to overcome it? Thats the kind of shit I like to hear.

Sure braggadocio and swagger are cool but there is a point where you just look like a fool, and I have no pity for em'.

Peace.

Deviant P.

Pass The P's!

Hey Yo!, Presto here.
Just wanted to drop a little oldie but goodie on you real quick. I guess you can tell by now by my picks that I was that kid who basically lived in the "Friend Zone" for a GRIP!!( Man, I would have rather been in the Dog House For real ! LOL)
Anyway, "Passing Me By" is a cult classic that sums up for me a successful relationship between Soul and Hip-Hop. Some would say that they're one in the same but in actuality they deserve their own space so that great songs like this one can be made. The mixture of B-boy and Ballad is rarely successful in my eyes but gets a lot of radio play. It's cats like the Pharcyde that take it to a level where it is enjoyed above or underground.
...............and I'm out!



( Yo Deviant, think you can dig up the sample to this one)

BONITA!

!GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!
As we say Hello, Hi,Hola, Peace, Salam,Shalome.....whatever,
Now, tell me what you guys think of this:
I remember watching "Rap City" on BET (before it was sold to the highest bidder). This song,and album for that matter, I think defined a generation. I mean really put it into perspective for me. I had this single. I played the thing until the corners whore off.
Every morning on the way to school thinkin about my personal High School Bonita Applebum. > At this moment, I'd like to dedicate this song to that sweet little Latina that broke me off and then broke my heart. (laugh)
Ok, with that out the way, Tell us your fond memories.




!- Presto!

Ok, Deviant, nice pick. Mass Appeal is one of those joints that just shows pure craftmanship and the important relationship between Dj and Mc. Where is that shit now? I mean where are those wonder duos like Eric B and Rakim or Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince? It's one thing to produce a fresh track. Not knockin the producers puttin in work but what happens at live events? Have we become so digital that it's taking away from spontinaity and the jazz element of Hip-Hop.
Have we digressed? Just a question.
-Presto

We've got that Mass Appeal!

First up is a classic by Gang Starr, Mass Appeal. I thought this would be appropriate inaugural song, as we're trying to reach the masses, and drop a little knowledge on what real hip hop is about. This song came out in 1994 and what I remember is pumpin' it in my Isuzu jeep, hoodies and Tims and getting blunted. I know it may sound cliche but it was what it was. A great time in hip hop, where the weakest rapper at the time could probably easily out rhyme today's contemporaries.



On this track, we have the legendary DJ Premier droppin' an ill beat with Guru blessing the mic. The lyrics in this particular song are basically what were trying to communicate with this here blog. This song was a direct attack on artists that were just coming on to the scene that wanted success all at once. This song did apply to a few artists at the time, but now it is critically relevant to the current state of hip hop today.

"Maybe your soul you'd sell for the Mass Appeal."

Check this out. If your into diggin' in those crates, look what Primo had to weed through to find this piece of classic material. Here's the song sampled for Mass Appeal its called "Horizon Drive" by Vic Juris. It's one seconds worth of music @ 3:36-3:37.



Well keep coming at ya with joints we're feelin' and knowing Presto, some obscure topics to keep you thinking.
Peace,
Deviant P.

Straight outta Toledo.

Oh man, this is a long time comming. We'r about to tear the roof off the mutha! My name is Deviant P along side my colleuge Presto. We will be discussing todays Hip Hop scene or lack there of, You can count on us to reintroduce the old joints that defined this whole genre and speak on other topics that may come up.

More to come after the jump.

Peace,
Presto and Deviant P