H.I.F.T 8/28

Every year there is a song that is polarizing. A song that walks the line between annoying and pure joy. When you first hear it, the only that comes to mind is, "Why?" However, it finds a way to burrow itself into you mind. And before you know it you are singing it to. That honor belongs to the song, "Cha Cha" by D.R.A.M.

This sleeper hit first invaded my eardrums one late night on MTV Jams. To be honest, the video is just as important as the song. Without it, you just don't get what this song or guy is about.  

The content is very relatable. You find yourself in a club that caters to a different culture. Add some drinks and a fine lady or two, and you got the courage to go dance with a girl to a dance you know nothing about. That my friends sums up "Cha-Cha". You can't help but love this. This record reminded me about the fun element of hip hop. I often look for the lyrics over everything. But, music is about a feeling first. In the video, D.R.A.M is not faking how much fun he's having. You want to be included in all the tom-foolery. Is this one-hit wonder worthy?, still too soon to tell. But he might have put out his best work first. Until then, "Cha-Cha" my friends. And if you see Taina, say what's up for me.

The Grammys: The Safety Dance

Hello World,

It's been a long time. But I'm back. And what better way to come back then to give my vision of what went down at this year's Grammys. And there was a lot to see

The Grammys were always known for celebrating the diversity of music, breaking new artists, and showing unity in the music industry for the sake of creativity. In recent years, the awards have become more politically charged. Safe choices are selected in place of opportunities for creative genius on stage. This decision has resulted in the show being out of the touch with what the masses are listening to. Many times, deserving artists get the India Arie treatment. 

Though the awards were hosted by recycled host LL Cool J, they did start off with a very good Beyonce performance. A well deserved moment in the spotlight after a surprise album release not backed by her own label. Yes it was sexual and a bit raunchy but so is Miley Cyrus (Was she even there?). Plus Beyonce is Beyonce and she pulls it off much better than old chicken cutlets. Speaking of the twerk novice, the lack of it did not go un-noticed while Robin Thicke performed a much classier and enjoyable "Blurred Lines" set with the group, Chicago. 

The mash-up performance with Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar was amazing. However, I think Kendrick deserved a solo performance given the amazing year he has had. Like many, I thought that Kendrick Lamar was robbed for Best new artist. An opinion that was echoed by winner, Macklemore. I don't take anything away from him or his impact as an artist but it didn't hurt to have a single that was about one of the political and controversial topics that we face in this country. I know that music is not just about the content encompassed within each line, it's also about the feeling that that song is able to conjure from our souls.   Both Kendrick and Macklemore represent what Hip Hop is about. Though Macklemore has the more obvious crossover/pop success, Kendrick Lamar achieved it while still making rap songs. I think that ability is special.

Aside from surprise snubs, there were a couple of surprise bright spots. Pink's performance was dope as usual. She has been for a long time.  But, she was really at her best during this performance. Pink has always found ways to evolve her craft and still be relevant to fans and the industry. But, in this specific performance she once again shows her dedication to evolving as a performance artist. What artist have you seen do a full acrobatic routine (without nets) and still be able to stun you with their amazing vocals? She is a rare talent who I think in some strange way still has not received her props for her body of work.  But, maybe the greatest thank you is being relevant enough to perform.

However, the performance that brought me the most joy was Daft Punk's performance of "Get Lucky" feat Stevie Wonder. I can't tell you how much joy it gave me to see such deserving artists win. It was also significant because, Daft Punk's Random Access Memories was the group's first release in over 10 years. Their song didn't have any deep content. It was a simple song with a simple idea but it didn't need to because it invoked a feeling that many people could relate to. That is what music is about. Ironically, Daft Punk winning is a safe choice as well.  But it proves that great music doesn't always have to be controversial. The Grammy was once a prestigious award given to a deserving artist for their contributions to the music industry. Now it seems as if the panel in charge of the decision is out of touch with what the masses are listening to. But as consumers, we shouldn't look to a certain award to justify that the music that we listen to in our cars, on our phones, or on our computers is good or not.

H.I.F.T.- 7/26/2012

Get More: Lupe Fiasco, Music News

As a fan of hip hop, it is easy to get caught up in the image of what a rapper portrays and not who they really are. We forget that being a rapper is a job and not everything is necessarily true that you see or hear them say. I was sifting through the video dumpster of worldstarhiphop looking for some meaningful content and happened upon this interview of Lupe Fiasco. What makes this video stand out from any other Lupe interview or of any rapper for that matter, is that he's expressing emotion. Emotion for his city, for his friends, and for those left behind. Emotion that you can visually see.

Emotion? Yes. You may think that to be trivial but as real fans of hip hop artists, you want to know as much about them as possible. Aside from the music, you don't really get to know them as, human beings. Though most of us will never know these artists on a personal level, it is good to see them be honest about how they feel. Hip Hop is notorious for glorifying being 'hard' and seeing any kind of emotion as being weak. I often wonder why that is. I know artists have no obligation to do this and are entitled to keeping their lives personal. But that allows your fans relate to you more.

I just thought it was cool to see an artist who was not afraid to show that he was moved by something on camera. I know that he's not the only one that cries for the youth or fallen friends, but it was nice to witness it. Don't ask me why it's important to see it rather than hear about it. Though I don't always agree with his opinions, I do respect him as a artist, a true artist. Never afraid to express himself despite criticism. This generation of youth growing up today often use music to escape from all the problems they face on a daily basis. I can't blame them.

A lot of the music you hear on the radio, videos on TV, and top 10 charts in hip hop reflect this. There is a lot of substance missing from music out there in mainstream hip hop. People would rather dance than deal with what is going on around them. Don't get me wrong. There needs to be dance music. Music that uplifts people and makes them feel good. I just see an imbalance on the substance.  But, that will change when people, young and old alike are ready expect more from their music. Until then, it is cool see artists like Lupe using their platform and celebrity to facilitate deep thought.