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Life & Arts

The Rap on Hip-Hop

Life & Arts contributors Eli Jabbe and Dante Eglin discuss pertinent issues in the world of hip-hop culture today.Is the South to blame? 

Dante Eglin: Some of our readers feel that we have a bias against the South. What's your response?

Eli Jabbe: Webstar and Young B are responsible for the latest dumbed-down craze to hit the rap scene, the Chicken Noodle Soup song/dance, and they are from Harlem. 

St. Louis rapper Jibbs' song "Chain Hang Low" is a personal low for me, even more than "Laffy Taffy" (never thought I'd say that). It's just really surprising that the creativity, or lack thereof, of some hip-hop acts is where it is. 

Eglin: Garbage is garbage, plain and simple. I don't care if you're a Compton MC, a rapper hailing from the Alaskan tundra, or a Pyrex bowl shaking, Dirty South gangsta. I call a spade a spade, and if your music is sub-par, then it is what it is. 

Jabbe: If it's not good music, it needs to be called out.

Eglin: Historically, Southern artists have had a more simple approach toward their lyrics and subject matter. But success isn't judged by how many syllables or metaphors you can pack into each 16. A great album will speak for itself, regardless of how complex or basic it may seem, and this transcends regional affiliation.

Jabbe: Making jewelry or other materialistic topics really isn't the problem. If you're going to take this approach however, you've got to make it stand out and really put work into the effort. "Girl's Best Friend" by Jay-Z is an example of a materialistic song, but the approach to it is much more creative than "Do your chain hang low / do it wobble to the flo."

Eglin: The main setback for hip-hop has been the artists' approach to their music. To echo your statement, chains, cars, clothes -- this really isn't the problem with rap. MCs have been talking about the same topics for more than 20 years. But if you want to make a song about your gun, reference 2Pac's "Me and My Girlfriend." Southern artists have consistently put out more complete albums than any other region.

Jabbe: Speaking of complete albums, UGK is set to release their fifth studio album, Underground Kingz, in December. It appears the duo has ambitious goals, with Marley Marl, Kool G. 

Eglin: Albums need to have a consistent feel, a vibe that you pick up on the first track and groove to all the way to the outro. Packing 13 random singles together does not equate a consistent album, regardless of the quality of its songs. Despite its critical acclaim, as an album Late Registration is definitely sub-par in relation to The College Dropout. On Kanye West's debut, you get a feeling and direction for the album and where West is taking you. Late Registration, along with other acclaimed albums such as Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter II and T.I.'s King, fail to capture the essence of continuation essential to an album.

Jabbe: It would be nice to see more albums with a theme that is relevant where skits actually serve a purpose rather than simple filler. 

Even albums with less talented artists, such as Puffy's No Way Out, featured smooth transitions between songs.

Eglin: Even though they aren't personal favorites of mine, Young Jeezy and Paul Wall deserve much credit for delivering what should be considered consistent and complete albums. They may not offer the most advanced perspectives in their rhymes, but they delivered consistency from intro to outro. 

Jabbe: They're from the south, by the way, just in case anyone forgot.

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu