Urban Thought Collective

Who am I, and why am I being allowed to have a ‘voice’ on this blog? Well, people….for the 4 of you who haven’t heard of me, I am BIG CED, an industry vet whose been actively involved in the entertainment field for over 21 years. I could give you a very detailed biography, but I feel it’s not necessary. I do feel as if you should know a little bit about the person who will be dropping knowledge on UTC on a regular basis.

I grew up in The Bronx, home of hip-hop. I was around when Afrika Bambatta and the Zulu Nation reigned, and hip-hop was bubbling and preparing to take the world by storm. I grew up in an area where the community wasn’t being heard, so it was visually and audibly expressed through art forms such as graffiti, dancing, music, lyricism and all that good, creative stuff. I mention this so you may be able to understand my mindset when it comes to music and the industry itself.

I am very opinionated and will never bite my tongue because, frankly, some things just need to be CED! There will be times when I am cranky, there will be times where I am content, but I can assure you that I will always have something to say!

Some of you would label me a hater, but only because that word is overused and misunderstood. Truly, that is one word that doesn’t describe me! I also must add that I am a straight East Coast head, strict New Yorker, so my ears may be biased towards certain sounds and artists and time periods when it comes to music. Understand that I know of what I speak (or at least I will give you the impression I do!), and if I feel I am correct, I will fight you to death until you understand why I write what I write. I would never want you to always agree with me. That becomes boring, especially since I welcome a healthy debate. Just remember, I am a natural debater and I can’t remember losing!

So, there is my introduction, and fair warning that I will keep you entertained, well-informed, educated and even if you don’t agree with me, you can respect my approach as I welcome all comments, suggestions and challenges.

Now, on to my thought for this week…

Yes, it is a good thing when a hip-hop artist can sell a million records and definitely in the first week of sales. So I give props to Lil Wayne! I still haven’t heard the CD yet, but all the records I have heard so far give me the impression that Lil Wayne was drugged up, drunk, and just basically on something when he entered the recording booth. Nothing may have been written down, and whatever came to mind, he recited in the booth, finished and made it a record.

I find most of what he says amusing, even interesting, but I must give credit where credit is due. If he doesn’t kill himself first, Wayne has the means to become the best hip-hop artist ever! Why do I say that? He already has hip-hop heads rocking with him, and has dropped many jewels over the last five years alone. Brother has the potential to get even better as he is only in his mid-20s.

In comparison, LL Cool J started as a youngster as well and he is still going strong. He is in the process of releasing yet another CD and the climate is much different now than it was when he first burst on the scene. No one on the field has the staying power of LL and Lil Wayne. In 10 years, depending on the direction he takes when it comes to his art form, Weezy may overtake the accomplishments and longevity James Todd Smith has already achieved. Now, for the record, in my eyes LL Cool J is truly the greatest rapper of all time. We can talk about that next if you want me to, because I am ready for all of you to challenge me with other rappers you think can carry that title!

Sadly, hip hop is in its worst stage right now. Yet, I do believe that there is hope the horizon. Goodness, please tell me there is some fresh blood that will come in and save the day!

BIG CED is the founder/owner and visionary for The Industry Cosign and has been involved in the entertainment field for over two decades. His rants on music and the industry-at-large are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective.