Will The Real MC's Please Stand Up

Will The Real MC's Please Stand Up

After watching hip-hop documentaries, seeing new music videos of major artists, going to hip-hop shows of local artists and hearing the mixtapes and LPs of my friends who have been tackling every aspect of the rap game for years.....

I began to wonder what makes a real MC.

And if new rappers are popping up everyday with overly simplistic lyrics and hit songs.
What are they called?

NOT HIP-HOP

Rather ignorance put into rhymes or bad pop music.
Unlike other styles of music, you can't have a good hip-hop song by simply having a good beat and catchy lyrics, because the verses of hip-hop songs show the lyrical talent of the artist and untalented rappers will quickly manifest themselves .
i.e. Soulja Boy, Flo Rida, Gucci Man ect.

After learning about a battle between acclaimed rapper Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee at Harlem World in 1982, it occurred to me that there is two types of MCs. In this historic rap battle, Kool Moe Dee killed Busy Bee with his lyricism even though Busy Bee had an immense talent at hyping crowds. I learned that each understands the importance of hip-hop, but in different ways.

One type of MC embraces the poetic value of hip-hop and the other encompasses the form of hip-hop that focuses on live interaction. When we look at many musicians that embody true hip-hop it is clear what category they fit in. Artists like Common, Mos Def, Blu, KRS-One, Jay Electronica, Saul Williams, and Nas clear fit into the 'lyrical and poetic MCs'. I once heard that Nas is an amazing rapper, but he is incapable of making a club hit. The other group of MCs are the party rock/club types like Afrika Bambaataa, Rye Rye, The Cool Kids, Black Eyed Peas, Rob Base, Kid Sister and Theophilus London. Recently these types of musicians have been typecasted as 'hipster-hop' because they try to embody golden era hip-hop and incorporate electro and house music to their sound, which garnered them fans who typically listen to only electro and indie music i.e. hipsters.

Then there are artists who do a little bit of both, like N.E.R.D, Kanye West, Souls of Mischief, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and A Tribe Called Quest. Just because an artist is known for rapping lyrics that can be easily turned into spoken word, it doesn't mean they can't turn out a dance hit easily. Artists like Common showed it can be done. The party MC also ca show that they are capable of making fun and lighthearted songs that make people want to dance, while still having witty lyrics that incorporate wordplay and an understanding of hip-hop culture.


In the last five years I feel like hip-hop has changed. I am not speaking solely about the sound of hip-hop, but about the way it is distributed. Due to filesharing and the ubiquity of mixtapes, it has made it easily to produce, disseminate and promote hip-hop music. In the hip-hop industry, the internet is used to gain fans from mixtapes downloads on datpiff or plays on myspace. However, the dominate forms of communication still lies within the radio and television industry. True success seems to be reached only when your songs is played nationwide on the radio and your video is on MTV and BET. For example Drake unquestionably became famous in 2009, and not 2008 or 2007. Even though he has released four mixtapes, his most popular songs are the ones that are played on the radio and the majority of his fans don't know the songs on his most recent mixtape, let alone all four mixtapes in his discography. This creates tons of artists who are considered famous in the world of "underground" hip-hop, but seem to be completely unnoticed by radio and left to be played in snippets during commercial breaks of TV shows. However, some progress has been made because many of these artists are actually acknowledged by the websites of music networks years before they play their music.

Like many things in life, it takes time to achieve success. We can only hope that our favorite underground MCs don't change their "sound", "direction", or "image" in the realm between mixtape popularity that the time they finally bubble up the surface of mainstreamdom. I personally believe artists like Drake has changed a lot from his first mixtape and video to his most recent work. Many fans also hope that most people won't limit an artist's potential to their first single. For example many people have not been able to get a good impression of the total package of Kid Cudi, because the Crookers remix of Day n Nite has been the only song played on the radio for all of this past winter, spring and most of this summer. His ability as a true hip-hop artist is best shown through his mixtapes and radio freestyles, because it shows that he tackles a range of subjects about individuality and emotion.


When it comes to progress, it goes from the internet to television to radio. Blogs and social networking sites and music blog aggregator site has allowed people to access music as soon as it is released to the masses. Everything is realtime and it allows for more communication and opinions than radio and television. However, even though radio has more live programming, television uses the internet to get an understanding of the best new artists coming up. Even before they have new music videos available to broadcast, television conducts interviews and live performances. Lastly radio comes into the picture. Usually when a songs are announced on the radio nationally, it has been know by internet fans for weeks to sometimes over a year in advance. People are not worried about pirating, because the song hasn't even been released as a single on itunes yet. Just like it is a known fact that radio still takes part in Pay To Play methods (PAYOLA), whether it includes middlemen known as promoters or not, record companies are also responsible for exposing to new music via the internet when they leak entire albums, future singles, or demos. This process produces buzz and it doesn't hinder a lot of sells, because despite popular belief, many people still purchase cds physically, through music purchasing sites or at least download it illegally after it has been officially released and has gained exposure from the radio and television.

Luckily despite all of this controversy, many fellow musicians know of these underground musicians before they get big. It is likely you will see up-and-coming musicians featured on the mixtapes of big stars. Also it is common to see cameos of them in music videos or simply seen together in party pics.


So what is my advice as someone who is not an expert, but an advent follower of the underground music scene of various genres of music.


1. Be yourself
Luckily we live in a generation where people appreciate individuality. So much so that people are mindlessly following individualistic trends that don't represent their self at all. It is becoming more and more apparent when a person is being their self or copying a trend. Based on the different cultures that exist in different regions of America and the musical influences people have, being yourself is simply making music you like about your life experiences. Also the sound of music changes every year, but it is important to stay with the times while not loosing what made you a unique and interesting artist.

2. Record music
Make mixtapes, EPs, LPs, or simply get featured on other people's songs. Do whatever it takes to get your name out there. If you are truly talented you will be getting thousands of plays on myspace, reverbnation, imeem or whatever site you prefer to use. This will lead to other people to promote your music and send links to download your music on blogs. Once you have enough songs, make mixtapes and distribute them for free and sell cds once you have a market that will feed into that concept. In addition, being featured on another artist's successful song is just as good as having your own successful song. Your first objective is to get your name out there. Also try to get your music on COLLEGE radio. Unlike normal radio, college radio stations arent concerned about having artists pay to play their songs. The idea of building a local scene and supporting local artists is in the framework of college radio.

3. Online promotion
All major blogs that post mp3s are listed on websites called music blog aggregator sites. These sites are like search engines for all the songs posted on blogs on the internet. Most blog posted songs come with some background of the artist or at least a link to their myspace page. Blogs also include interviews with artists, it is important to never refuse an interview, because people will appreciate your music more if they know your mission and your history. Also have a well designed website that has your pictures, songs, mixtapes, videos so fans can get a feel of you as an artist and encourages them to buy your music and go to your shows.

4. Shows/Tour
It's great to e known your talents among your friends, but word of moth and a myspace page can take you only so far. Shows at local venues is essential for people to hear your music, even if you have cds distributed, there is nothing hearing music live. Also there is no need to be too arrogant that you will not perform at open mics, talent shows, loft/house parties, and events at high schools or colleges. If you can build a community of peers that support your music you will have devout fan that will stay with you throughout your career. They form PR teams by word of mouth and have the opportunity to hit untapped fans across the country. Also ake sure you get their emails so you can continue to contact them.

5. Magazine promotion
Just like the cover of Rolling Stone magazine had signified superstardom in the past, gaining the cover or even a mention in certain magazines has a great relationship to future success. It seems like every single hip-hop artist (and artists of other genres) have be listed in either URB Magazine or XXL when they were considered obscure, but by the next year they we're getting radio play or at least somewhat know. For the last few years XXL magazine has created a yearly list of The Leaders of the New School. It is a list of new hip-hop artists who are destined to make a great impact on the industry the following year. URB Magazine.has a list called the Next 1000 which is compiled by artists who submit their demo, then URB Magazine editors select 10-20 artists each week to be featured on the site. Then people vote on the artist and every few months the NEXT 1000 is published in the magazine with the artists who have the most votes. The last day for July-September 2009 submissions is September 18th 2009.

XXL's Leaders of the New School (Nov '07)
Lupe Fiasco
Plies
Rich Boy
Lil' Boosie
Gorilla Zoe
Papoose
Young Dro
Saigon
Crooked I
Joell Ortiz


XXL's Leaders of the New School (Dec '08)
Kid Cudi
Asher Roth
Curren$y
Wale
Mickey Factz
Charles Hamilton
Blu
B.o.B.
Cory Gunz
Ace Hood


URB's Top 100 (mar/apr '08)

kid cudi
mickey factz
teyana taylor
88 keys
holy ghost!
wiz khalifa
rye rye
dj klever
jackie chain
treasure fingers
ocelot
south rakkas crew
ghostland observatory
totally michael
willy joy
chip tha ripper
really doe
dj zebo
million $ mano
mic terror
peachcake
heartsrevolution
pacific division
flying lotus
glass candy
mixhell
does it offend you, yeah?
late of the pier
no kids
the teenagers
sinden
enter shikari
jay electronica



URB Next 100 (May '09)

URB's Next 100. from Matt McDonald on Vimeo.

N.A.S.A.
sounds like: Well produced Grammy peformance, which means all of your new favorite performing together from Santigold to Lykke Li to Spank Rock to The Cool Kids.

Drake
sounds like: The opposite of what a rapper backed by Disney would look like, but has the attractive clean cut look that makes girls pine and guys jealous.

Asher Roth
sounds like: this generation's version of the Beastie Boys. Not because of his lack of melinin, but because he has lyrical skills but stays true to himself which means diverging for current hip-hop trends.

Prodigy
Asher Roth
Skyzoo,
Acid Girls,
Cory Nitta,
The Whip,
Wavves,
Colin Monroe,
Claire Hux,
Theophilus London,
Bird Peterson,
Buraka Sistema,
Felix Cartal,
Mapei,
Brokencyde,
U-N-I,
Passion Pit,
AC Slater,
Old Money,
PJDP,
Dances With White Girls,
Thieves Like Us,
Ninjasonik,
Keys N Krates,
Miike Snow


artists who are no so well known
from May '09 URB 100

Makers of Sense,
Lauren Flax,
Diz Gibran,
Alex B,
Tim Exile,
Truckasauras,
Loose Shus,
House of House,
Miami Horror,
Ultrnx,
Keelay and Zaire,
U-Tern,
Mibiase,
Temper Trap,
Autodrone,
Derek Plaslaiko,
The Golden Filter,
Don Rimini,
Mexicans With Guns,
Muja Messiah,
lackfinger,
The Japanese Popstars,
Eli Escobar,
Spree Wilson,
J-Philip,
The Qemist,
Warpaint,
Simcity,
Mux Mool,
Mungolian Jet Set,
Micah James,
New Look,
Xrabit and DMG,
Boss in Drama,
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart,
Hired Gun,
Blonde Acid Cult,
VV Brown,
Sleepy Eyes of Death,
John Roberts,
Mayer Hawthorne,
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour,
Kuroma,
Young Lords,
The Morning After Girls,
Cazals,
ApSci,
Pezzner,
suckers,
King Roc,
Amazing Baby,
Memory Cassette,
shur-i-kan,
Rainbow,
Arabia,
Jobber,
Sweat Shop Union,
Tiago la,
The Praire Cartel,
Breakbot,
Buff1,
Freddie Gibbs,
thecocknbullkid
Zaki Ibrahim,
Deastro,
nancy,
Riz MC,
Siriusmo
Ro Blvd,
Enfant Terrible,
Seth Troxler,
Kissy Sell Out

-------

My predictions for URB NEXT 100
in 2010

XV
sounds like: first time you heard Lupe Fiasco, but with Kid Cud insecurites and electro appreciation
XV - Start A War f. Colin Munroe (mp3)
XV - In Due Time (remix) (mp3)
XV - Everybody's Nobody (mp3)
XV - Mirror's Edge (mp3)
XV- Dopeman (mp3)
XV - A.D.D. (mp3)
XV - The Square In The Circle (zip)
XV - Complex (BUY HERE)


thedeathset
sound like: brooklyn's answer to fun punk rock.
The Death Set - Negative Thinking (Treasure Fingers Remix) (mp3)





CurT@!n$
sounds like: brooklyn hip-hop
CurT@!n$ - I Been Hustling (mp3)
Jet Audio Feat. Outasight, Mickey Factz, Curt@!ns & Danny! - Stand Alone (mp3)
CurT@!n$ - C.R.E.A.M. (Ft. Gucci Mane, Mac Breezy & Webbz) (mp3)





Ill Cosby
sounds like: Chicago hip-hop with a edge that reminds you of the days of ODB.
Ill Cosby - Say No To Reggie (zip)


G-Eazy
sounds like: Vocals are reminescent of Lil Wayne but his flow is influenced by the Bay Area.
G-Eazy - The Epidemic LP (BUY HERE)
G-Eazy - Quarantine (zip)
G-Eazy - The Sikkis On The Planet (zip)
G-Eazy - The Tipping Point (zip)





Team Robot (Cypher! & Lu Smith)
sounds like:
N.E.R.D, Hollywood Holt, Ninjasonik, Kid Cudi
Lu Smith - Local Bar (mp3)
Cypher! - Tits & Ass (mp3)
G-Eazy - Freshaholic ft Cypher (mp3)
Cypher! - Forty4-Tours (zip)





Yuri
Yuri - Spotlight (mp3)
sounds like: New Orleans version of Theophilus London who is fighting the term of R&B


Kal!co Kali
sounds like: grills and skinny jeans
Kal!co Kali - Bang Til You Pass Out (mp3)
Kal!co Kali - Make You Famous (Tek Remix) (mp3)
Naledge - I'm In Chicago (Bitch) (Kali Remix) (mp3)
Kal!co Kali - City Is At War Kal!co Kali RMX (mp3)
Bang Until You Pass Out Starters RMX (mp3)
Bang Until You Pass Out H70s RMX (mp3)





Bin Laden Blowin' Up (BBU)
sounds like: Chicago dance hip-hop that is worthy of an 8 on Pitchfork.
BBU-Chi Don't Dance (mp3)
BBU - Jukin' On Land Mines (mp3)
BBU - Someboy Watchin' (mp3)




Alex Ludovico
sounds like: the type rapper that actually wears band tees and listens to their music
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - Crack Rap Vs Hip-Hop (mp3)
Alex Ludovico - The Reawakening (zip)
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - The Stendhal Syndrome (zip)
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - The Wilhelm Scream (zip)



Nyle
sounds like: live hip-hop



Tabi Bonney
sound like: lazy boy flow
Tabi Bonney - night of the living dope johnnys revenge (mp3)
Tabi Bonney-Nuthin But A Hero (mp3)
Tabi Bonney - Beat Rock (mp3)
tabi bonney – radio feat. curren$y (mp3)
tabi bonney – rich kids (mp3)
Tabi Bonney - Dope (BUY HERE)




Bullet
sounds like: space hip-hop
Bullet - Mr Robotic (mp3)
Bullet – Get It (produced by Chuck Inglish) (mp3)
Bullet - Back To The Lyrics (zip)
Bullet - Home Alone (zip)


Tanya Morgan
sounds like: a early 90s hip-hop groups
Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Bang N Boogie (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Never Enough (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - The Drop (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Tanya Morgan Is A Rap Group (zip)



Japanese Cartoon
sounds like: lo-fi British political music
Japanese Cartoon - Heirplanes (mp3)
Japanese Cartoon - ARMY (mp3)


Neiliyo
sounds like: mac book musician that combines electro and funk
Neiliyo - Copywriting 101: The Mixtape (zip)
Neiliyo - People Skills LP (zip)


Mikkey Halsted
sounds like: conscious Chicago hip-hop that breaks down issues in real life like liquor stores.
Mikkey Halsted - Hello (produced by Don Cannon and DJ TIMBUCK2) (mp3)




Vyle
sounds like: hip-hop with eloquence, electro beats and style
Vyle - Oh I Think Dey Like Hoodtronics Vol. 2 (zip)



S.O.L.E. FRESH
sounds like: Matt & Kim, Asher Roth, The Cool Kids
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- They So Fresh (mp3)
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- Dude Where's My Car (mp3)
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- I Don't Wanna Grow Up (mp3)


IMPOLITE SOCIETY
sounds like: lyrical rappers who rhyme with a purpose and skill
Impolite Society - Pseudo Cypher ft. Jay- Z (mp3)


Izza Kizza
sounds like:
Izza Kizza f. Colin Munroe - Connect The Dots (mp3)
Izza Kizza - hello (dj wool remix euro edit) (mp3)
Izza Kizza f. David Banner - Throw It Up (mp3)
Izza Kizza f. Lil Wayne & Birdman - It's Goin' Down (mp3)
Izza Kizza - The Wizard of Iz (zip)


Starter Djs
sounds like: electro-hop djs who make really good remixes
The Flavor - Official Remix Album (zip)


Dave Coresh
sounds likes: lyrical hip-hop that still appreciates and acknowleges the producer Rob Bates
Dave Coresh - Boy Wonder Vol. 1 (zip)
Dave Coresh - Boy Wonder Vol. 2: Bars and Beats (zip)


Force Feed Radio
sounds like: proof that New Orleans has an electro/dance scene
Force Feed Radio - Throwback Mix Vol. 1 & 2 (zip)
Force Feed Radio - Blood On The Dance Floor (zip)


Elevator Fight
sounds like: garage indie for ska fans with a raw energy from Zoe Kravitz


Tek
sounds like: the new school of chicago hip-hop

Shining Star from tek heartsyou on Vimeo.