  The other question I'm focusing on this week revolves around Biggie's new album and the people who now occupy his throne.. First I keep hearing all sorts of complaints about the album. Folks are saying that the lp doesn't really rise up to where Biggie was at as an emcee before he passed. Maybe its me.. But I think its a pretty solid album.. There are some cool songs on there that you simply can't front on.. What's wrong with tracks like 'Let Me Get Down', 'Rap Phenomenon' and my favorite 'If I Should Die Before I Wake'?. What are folks sleeping on? I think the Biggie backlash has more to do with not liking Puffy then it does with people really not digging the Biggie joint.. Am I off base on this one? In any case, I posed the question as to who is now the 'King of New York'? Thus far in the online poll I'm conducting, Jay Z holds the crown with 22% of the vote. Nas, Rakim and DMX aren't far behind as they are battling for the title of Prince. My question is whatever happened to Fat Joe? In every article he's steadfastly maintained that he's the 'Real king of New York'. Thus far he hasn't gotten any votes. Mos Def is holding his own in this poll. Ya gotta give it up to Mos as I think he seriously pushed the envelop and gave some much needed light to the Hip Hop underground. Also in the running is Mayor Giuliani. Now initially I put his name on the ballot as a joke... But then I started thinking about how much of a vise grip he' has on NY. Now I know the mayor doesn't rap.. But with his oppressive nature and all the police crack downs, he's had a chilling effect on Hip Hop. This man's police department has arrested over 30 rappers in the past two years. In spite of all the money and jewels many of our artists have, the Mayor continues to put a foot up people's asses. My only hope is that in the year 2 grand New York's thriving Hip Hop community derails his attempts at becoming Senator.. After all, you know what his next stop will be? This man and all his crime stopping tactics wants to be President. I gotta speak on the Giuliani situation because what he's doing in New York is having impact 3000 miles away. His ass kicking techniques are becoming models in other cities. Here in Cali, folks are suggesting that we adapt New York's crude plan for the getting rid of the homeless. I know that all sorts of Mayors throughout the country have been studying and now adapting his blueprint for cleaning up the crime. As I suggested it would be nice to hear some songs that mobilize people and get folks out to the polls and all that good stuff..Wouldn't it be great if a year from now we could read headlines.. stating 'Hip Hop Shuts Down Mayor's Bid For Senate!'? Wouldn't it be great if New York's Hip Hop community put so much pressure on the Mayor that he would actually have to seek out a Mos Def or Pharoahe Monch or a Jay Z to ask for an endorsement? Is this wishful thinking? Any way head on over to the website http://www.daveyd.com and cast your votes for The New King of New York.. On a side note: I know that Mos Def said he'll be releasing the anti-police brutality song he along with other Hip Hop artists did after last years brutal shooting of Amadou Diallo shooting where NY's finest shot this unarmed man 41 times. ... It will drop just in time for the trial of the four officers accused of killing him..It should be interesting to see the impact.. |