Urban Thought Collective

Four years ago today, my dad passed away. I remember one time we had a 2-3 hour discussion about the sociological ramifications of hip hop’s effects on the black community. When the discussion was over, he had a new found appreciation for hip hop. I was like, “Yes! Another satisfied customer!” LOL… At any rate, I thought this would be a good time to post some artists that have passed on. And yes, I realize there is no Pac or Biggie here, but that would’ve been too easy. They’ll get their shine in due time. Holla. Go Lakers!!!!

ODB | “BROOKLYN ZOO”
“You go’n loooove this.” I do miss the unfettered insanity of ODB. At first I thought he was a clown, but then I warmed up to him. I’m not sure when the light finally came on, but when it did I just couldn’t get enough. Every time this song comes on in the car, I damn near wreck because it gets me so amped up. He also gets respect for introducing “nuh” into the English language. Gotta love the edited version. R.I.P. Russell Jones.

JAY-Z FT. UGK | “BIG PIMPIN’”
“Now what ya’ll know about them Texas boys?” You gotta say it with that “suthun drawl.” If you’re not from the south, you may not understand the power that UGK wielded in the mid 90’s. True to their name, they were indeed Underground Kings. Their catalogue is littered with classics. Don’t bother trying to argue with me in the comments, cause I will ignore you like Taye Diggs ignores black women. R.I.P Chad Butler.

THE PHARCYDE | “RUNNING”
Nope no one from the Pharcyde is dead, although the same probably can’t be said of their careers. At any rate, this track was produced by J-Dilla. Come to find out, he produced about half of “LabCabinCalifornia.” I had no idea he had been putting in work all they way back in ’95. Unfortunately, I’m kind of late to the party when it comes to Dilla. But I have the internet and Limewire on my side, so I shall be brought up to speed real quick. R.I.P James Dewitt Yancey.

BIG PUN FT. JOE | “STILL NOT A PLAYER”
“Boriqua. Morena. Boriqua. Morena.” I remember being in Key West, drunker than a drunk-ass drunk, dancing my arse off to this song. Well, at least I thought I was. I was probably just dancing my integrity away. I couldn’t help it though. This is one of those songs that forces you onto the dance floor, even if your only option is an ugly chick with bad breath. Joe and Pun made it all better. R.I.P Chis Rios.

And now…for something a little smoothed out….

MINNIE RIPERTON | “BABY, THIS LOVE I HAVE”
Minnie had one of the sweetest voices ever. Unfortunately, her life was cut tragically short. If you don’t know who she is, you definitely need to look her up on the net. Meanwhile, check out this classic jam that is definitely on point.