How Is Hip-Hop Dead When The New Draft Class Is Killing It?

Written by Carl Lamarre

I sense a heartbeat. Maybe it's Ron Browz' heavy bass escaping through the speakers. Maybe it's Slaughterhouse's affable comradery, which appears reminiscent of The Firm. No, wait. Maybe it's Kanye returning to his roots, which consisted of a dark Caesar, and bantering lyrics that drew smiles from even the harshest critics. Call me cynical. Call me naive. But, maybe the demise of hip-hop has escaped death a la 50, and is on the verge of returning from its banal state, and into something "Brand New."

We heard the complaints. From the inept lyricism, to the eye-gauging dances that had people running to the bathroom as if their stomachs were soaked with laxatives. We've seen the complaints displayed on numerous magazines, and blogs. Yet, only a few outlets have applauded the positives that have been utterly apparent. XXL, known for deliberating as to who should grace the Freshmen 10, may have hit the nail this year. Wale, Charles Hamilton, Blu, Curren$y, Mickey Factz, Kid Cudi, Cory Gunz, Asher Roth, B.o.B, and Ace Hood are currently walking with targets on their backs, as if they're Obama at the podium. This class has the makings of possibly resembling the 2003 NBA draft class. The skills are there. Their potential is simply waiting to be tapped. Others have referred to this list as a pseudo of the draft class. Some critics even believe that these artists will vanish sooner than Chandra Levy.

The funny thing was, when people were asked to label their flaws, the question remained unanswered. All you heard was pure hate. Who cares if Charles' spare time consists of having his fingers glued to a Sega controller? So what, if Asher Roth rather play beer pong than floss some gaudy jewelry. Is that a bad thing? Then people want to throw shots at Ace Hood by questioning his mic skills. The same dudes that were blowing the whistle on his wordplay were baffled when he stood side-by-side with Jada, Fab, and Juelz, during the cipher at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, where he mutilated his freestyle.

Just like the 03' class, the love for one another is there. In a conversation I had with Curren$y, he openly told me how happy he was seeing Charles and B.o.B's video being played on MTV. No hate. Just love. The same love that listeners once showed when Big L breathed air into the track like CPR. The same love that listeners once showed when Meth & Red joined forces on a track. What people need to understand is that '94 came, and went. If you can't embrace the new school cats, then fine. That's why you have the option of having an iPod, where you can remember the times like Michael Jack.

If people are really claiming that lyricism has been gone for a minute, and is indeed on the verge of falloff, then let me introduce you to hip-hop's new four-headed monster named Slaughterhouse. Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I, and Royce Da 5'9 have decided to join forces and form hip-hop's new super group, equipped with jaw-dropping punchlines. From songs like "Move On", to "Wack MCs", this group is proving why their faces should be plastered onto Mount Rushmore. Individually, these rappers are fully capable of wowing the listeners. Now when they assemble, the possibility of a person's ear drum being popped has risen to a high rate.

Now for people who prefer that club and party music, complaints should be minimal here. Last time I checked, people have been "Poppin' Champagne" as if it was aspirin, and were quickly placing the blame on Jamie rather than the alcohol for their discretions. Yes, Ron Browz isn't the best rapper, but that's why I listed those artists above for those who want lyricism. Stop complaining about not having any music that tickles your fancy, nor move you feet, when you're the same person walking to 7/11 claiming you have "Arab Money."

For people who want a hint of everything, here comes the new man on the block, Drake. It's sad because everyone just discovered him, when in the contrary, he released his first mixtape back in '06. This man's buzz has been off the Richter as of late, especially with his latest mixtape So Far Gone. If you're in need of a ringer, which reminds you of wifey, Drake can croon his way into your heart with "Brand New". If you're in need of some punchlines, and well-crafted lyricism, then he could hit you with "Ignorant Sh**". The man is like Baskin Robbins, he has every flavor you oh so need, and maybe even more.

What more do you want? I'm tired of people crying, and complaining about the demise of hip-hop. Hip-hop never died people. She simply went into the surgery, and is awaiting a makeover. If she looks anything like Kim Kardashian, than I see no complaints. If you think she's on her way to looking like Star Jones, then feel free to take shots on the comment box below.