Hip-hop fan’s have been waiting with clenched fists for the arrival of Kanye West’s 6th album “Yeezus”, a title derived from Kanye’s assertion that Yeezus is his God name and West is his slave name. Ooookay….
I won’t be reviewing or even really listening to the new Kanye album. Why would I? This music isn’t for me and for me to level a critique at it one way or another would be pretty useless. Strictly speaking, I’m a suburbanite kid whose hip-hop expertise ends with the Beastie Boys, so I can’t give you any direct advice with regard to buy “Yeezus” or not.
While I’m on the subject, it bugs the hell out of me when I hear white suburbanite kids trying to hard to pull off rap or reggae or even hard core blues. It’s phony at best and cultural theft at worst.
When Johnny Lang sang about about his hard smokin’ and drinkin’ life at age 17, did you believe him? No. He had some guitar chops but it takes more than instrumental prowess to be a true artist. Similarly, guys from the burbs who got into Little Wayne and then decided to get a tear drop tattoo and tie a bandana on Tupac style are also posers and really need to step away from the mic. Simply being able to rhyme freestyle doesn’t make you and O.G.
And my biggest pet peeve? Teenage white dudes singing reggae. Look guys, I get it…you really really really like to smoke weed and wear Birkenstock sandals and never shave or bathe; and true enough the bubble beat seems to go along with that lifestyle (I’m not a weed guy, so I can’t attest first hand). But really, no one believes for a second you’ve got a shred of Caribbean credibility (I will allow a pass for Ballyhoo!, Dirty Heads and 311, but that’s it).
So anyway, with Yeezus, you’re on your own. unlike the guys from Spin or Rolling Stone, I’m not going to pretend to know what I’m talking about because I don’t really. If you’re curious about the album, preview it on iTunes and if you like it buy it. If you’re hesitant, don’t buy it. However that is ALWAYS my advice.
I DO have to give props to Kanye for timing the release of the album with the release of the Kardashian baby. That is some impressive work; Even if he’d kinda planned it out in advance, babies tend to show up when they want to so hats off to you Mr. West, and congrats on the new bundle.
Read all my reviews at www.shockinglytruthfulmusic.wordpress.com and follow me on twitter @maynardradio
Is this supposed to be some attempt at a review or just a rant about people that annoy you because they’re not like you? You want to rag on white suburban kids singing to reggae and then give a shout to Ballyhoo or 311?? Come on, who are you kidding. Those bands are the poster childs of what you’re talking about. Music is music. Some people like to submerge themselves in the culture surrounded by that music as well. It doesn’t mean they’re all faking it. It used to annoy me seeing 12 year olds rocking Iron Maiden and AC/DC shirts out of Hot Topic trying to look like that era of style. I used to think, what do they know about metal or hard rock? But at the end of the day, good for them. They’re happy and enjoying what they love. That’s what its all about. Not everyone wants to get up and throw on jeans, a plain t-shirt and pop in 90’s alternative rock. Diversity is what makes each genre beautiful in its own way. This article just seems like you’re judging a book by its cover and not giving the time to open it up-Brother.
I have tried to ignore you since your Ed Norris days but I started reading this before I saw it was you. Understanding that rational discussion is beyond you I will just say you are entitled to your opinion and you are dead wrong.