©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Life & Arts

Is it time for some rappers to throw in the towel?

Rap on hip hop

Dante Eglin  and Eli Jabbe

Dante Eglin: After releasing their respective solo debuts, Bun B and Pimp C are resurrecting the Underground Kingz namesake with their sixth studio album, Underground Kingz, which had been slated to release in mid-February but is set to release on April 17 instead. Closing in on nearly 20 years in the game, is it still appropriate for Bun and Sweet Jones to keep making records or should they return to Port Arthur, Texas and apply for their AARP cards?

Eli Jabbe: It would be a fitting farewell with the double album they're releasing, but they don't have to completely disappear. Pimp C can still produce tracks and Bun can continue doing guest verses, similar to his radio takeover in 2005. Just because they've aged doesn't mean they should quit, but also they should take caution not to wear out their welcome. Word to Michael Jordan.

Eglin: As much as I've loved their music in the past, I'm not looking forward to the album at all. U.G.K. in 2007 is almost a caricature of the hardcore, gangsta rap duo that compiled gritty masterpieces like "Super Tight" or "Ridin' Dirty." But this highlights the Catch-22 of many rappers who are pioneers in the game. Unlike singers, who can croon about cheating wives and loving husbands for 40 years, rappers aren't afforded such an opportunity. No one wants to hear about parkin' lot pimpin' or making it rain in the strip club from a 40-year-old rapper. But if artists attempt to adapt to their new target audience, they've "sold out" in pursuit of commercial success.

Jabbe: They're definitely between a rock and a hard place because people were in love with the artists' original styles, but if rappers change, then they've supposedly turned their backs on the fans. If they don't change, then they're criticized for being redundant and not exploring new themes. That's why you have veteran artists like Bun B being muscled into making songs like "Git it" with the Ying Yang Twins in order to get radio play. 

Eglin: This is one of the main reasons why the reactions to Jay-Z's Kingdom Come were so varied. On one hand, Jay was applauded for taking the initiative to diversify his catalogue. Many of the younger fans shunned the album, however, for being too bland and not being up to par production-wise with his previous albums. In retrospect, older rappers opened the avenues for such criticism through their early career choices. If more artists would take the initiative to break the mold and expand their thematic range in their music, they refuse the opportunity for fans to accuse them of switching up the style.

Jabbe: There need to be more open-minded artists in general in the music industry. The only artist that has managed to remain relevant throughout the span of his career is Rakim, evidenced by his stellar performance on the "Classic" remix with Kanye West, Nas and KRS-One.

Eglin: Even though I'm still not excited about it yet, with song titles like "Chrome Plated Woman" and "Still Ridin' Dirty," coupled with appearances from artists such as Z-Ro, Slim Thug, Too $hort, T.I. and Three Six Mafia, the album definitely has the potential to grow on me in the coming weeks. Let's hope they "keep it trill."
 

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu