When I look around at the world of hip hop today, it makes me feel all warm and cuddly inside. When it originated in New York in the 1970’s, it was like white people weren’t even invited to the party (it was like the opposite of hockey). For some reason, it seemed like a genre of music at least partially derived from centuries of oppression wasn’t very keen to embrace the white rapper (pretty selfish if you ask me!). Baffling as it may be, this remained the status quo for quite some time. That is, up until a young Caucasian male named Marshall Mathers, AKA Eminem, got noticed by Jimmy Lovine of Interscope Records after winning 2nd place in the 1997 Rap Olympics. Lovine passed a CD on to NWA alum Dr. Dre, and the rest is history. I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge that, yes, of course there were other white rappers before Eminem. House of Pain comes to mind (holy shit that hasn’t happened in a while). However, like Jackie Robinson, the MLB’s first African American athlete, Eminem was the first Caucasian hip hop act to make it to the big leagues. When you look it at under a microscope (which I literally have), Marshall’s experiences are quite similar to Jackie’s. It tells the heartwarming tale of a man who was so talented and hardworking that he managed to overcome reverse racism (which is actually uncannily similar to the plain old fashioned regular racism that Robinson faced) and reach the pinnacle of success in his profession. Now this is where the similarities end. Robinson’s example paved the way for other immensely talented black baseball players and ultimately made baseball about who could actually play baseball, basically regardless of race. Mathers’ example led to something else entirely. White people seemed to believe that just because they were suddenly “allowed” to rap, that they in turn, should. Eminem opened the door for a host of absolutely terrible white rappers who flooded the market using their ethnicity (which they share with about 70% of America) as a gimmick. This makes about as much sense as me marketing myself as “the blogger who has a computer.” There is a silver lining though. After the inevitable flops of these untalented upstarts (I’m thinking “The White Rapper Show”), there have actually been a few incredibly talented Caucasian hip hop artists that have emerged and found their niche in hip hop (I’m thinking Slug from Atmosphere for one). Although racism is far from extinct, it’s good to see that it isn’t strong enough to hold back determined people (of all races) from finding success. Thanks a bunch Mr. Robinson and Mr. Mathers. You’re alright in my book.

Hmm…this blog is borderline serious, which is weird because I am usually such a silly bitch! I promise to write something goofy and more questionably heterosexual next week. Until then, my little dumplings, take it easy. Timely Post Script: After a long hiatus, Eminem is back in the studio. No word yet on the release date, but my guess is next Friday at 3 AM.

Music doesn’t sit still.  Trends, topics, talent; these things are constantly changing like the ebb and flow of the majestic Pacific Ocean, or even the slightly effeminate Atlantic.  Recently, whilst journeying down the long cobblestone path of miraculous events I call my life (whistling of course), I have noticed two old trends that have been reemerging into mainstream music lately. 

Firstly, I have noticed a resurgence in the popularity of more socially conscious hip hop.  This tends to happen when the youth start getting fed up with the shortcomings of their government.  I’m just a young, ignorant college student, unqualified to say what exactly (GEORGE W BUSH) is responsible for creating this atmosphere of public mistrust and heightened sociopolitical awareness, but I can say that it has resulted in the revitalization of the careers of longtime conscious rappers.  As someone much more partial to an artist like Immortal Technique than one like Soulja Boy (ironic?), I’d like to say “Congratulations, GWB, on pissing everyone off so much that they are even more inclined to support the careers of those that hate you most.”

Secondly, I’ve noticed that many artists are heavily incorporating electronics into their music these days.  For instance, Lil Wayne’s smash hit “Lollipop” sounds like the entire song was recorded through a vocoder.  Dabbling in electronics is a risky move for any musician, because there is so much potential for both good and bad.  For instance, Kanye West’s incorporation of French techno robots, Daft Punk, into his hit single “Stronger” sent record sales through the roof and rocketed West to an entirely new level of stardom.  On the flip side of that coin, going electronic turned Jefferson Airplane gay.  I’m going to go out on a limb here and say “We Built This City” is the worst song ever recorded.  (What’s depressing is I think it hit #1 on Billboard…I hope somebody got fired).

You want electronic politics?  Far be it from me to stand between society and the pop culture it desires.  This is what you’re craving.  Enjoy it, swine.

Hello friends!  How are you?  If you’re at all like me, sometimes rap music can be confusing.  I have spent many sleepless nights trying to comprehend some of the lyrics of my favorite hip hoppity songs.  Fortunately for all of us, some benevolent angelperson decided to put together a list of easy-to-understand charts and graphs that just make everything so much easier!  Yahoo!

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How are you? (I hope you’re keeping it funky fresh!). I’m not usually big on nostalgia but it just so happens that I’ve been talking to a lot of old friends recently (going back as far as a 3rd grade crush), and I was thinking it might be appropriate to tell you a little bit about me. Raise your hand if you want to read the random opinions of a complete stranger! (See?) So let’s get to know each other. I was born in Ireland, but my dad’s job is crazy so I ended up living in England, California, and Singapore. I didn’t live in Ireland long enough to pick up the sweet accent, so I have been mildly bitter for about as long as I can remember. In 7th grade, I became profoundly self conscious about my love of Blink 182, and somehow that led to me becoming obsessed with Rahzel from The Roots. If you don’t know, Rahzel is the reason for living and the only indisputable evidence towards the existence of god. Please listen to this, this is one of the craziest beatboxes I have ever heard (DJ’s vs. Beatboxers). I literally listened to this song multiple times a day for over a year straight. I think it may part of the reason why I rock so hardcore. (Rahzel VS DJ Skribbles)

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Do you like to hip and hop?  I hope so.  This is my new hip hoppity blog.  Isn’t that neat?  My name is Conor, and I’m keeping my ear to the streets so you don’t have to.  Every Thursday I’m going to doodle your noodle with some groundbreaking, socially relevant hip hop journalism.  All you have to do is sit in a chair, sip on your Courvoisier, and enjoy some strudel with your poodle.  In case it isn’t already obvious, I am from the streets, but I promise not to step to you if you don’t step to me.

Hold onto your face kids, this week’s installment is liable to melt it right off.  Please enjoy.