So dis old head named Q-TIP obliquely dissed DEF JAM via the Twitter back like 2 weeks ago. For those who don't know, Q-TIP was a member of A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, then a solo artist, and now a basketcase on some LAURYN HILL/SLY STONE-type breakdown; DEF JAM was a record label, a corporate enterprise that produced and distributed musical recordings back when such things were available exclusively thru physical media (CD, LP, cassette).
So Q-TIP called out DEF JAM for losing they way or some bullshit and certain members of the peanut gallery decided this dyspepsia was directed at their new artist TRINIDAD JAME$, who recently signed for $2 mil. Mr. JAME$ only been rapping for a few months or some shit, and I guess mad heads have a problem with this. I don't know. It ain't really about rappin per se anymore...more about how compelling your brand/image is to the Tumblr market. In this way, TRINIDAD JAME$ calls to mind A$AP ROCKY, a serviceable albeit unspectacular rapper whose mixtape LIVELOVEA$AP was nevertheless dope on the strength of ill CLAMS CASINO beats and A$AP'S blackman hipster persona. He found a niche in the market and executed nicely. Nuff respect.
TRINIDAD JAME$ is basically a southern A$AP: good-but-not-great-rapper with dope beats. And for those ol bitches who gon be like, "Oh shucks, he cannot rap! Waaaah, real hip-hip hop, etc etc," then take two listens to a GROUP HOME album and get back to me. THOSE motherfuckers rapped like they were constipated and had a head cold - and they was boring as shit, I'm talkin zilcho personality - but they got by on the strength of those DJ PREMIER beats. Add an interest in fashion (reclaiming sandals in the "All Gold Everything" video after they were defamed by JAY-Z or JIM JONES [I can't remember]), some trendy drug talk (pop a molly he sweatin, WOO!), knock-off CLAMS CASINO/"trillwave" beats, a Southern drawl to make it superficially more ignorant and BOOOOOOOOOM: southern A$AP, right down to the dollar sign in the name.
Peace sluts.
No comments:
Post a Comment