The Jay-Z Debate
A couple of weeks ago, I sort of got into it with a cat that said Jay-Z couldn’t rap. Obviously, I was rendered dumbfounded upon hearing such a ridiculous statement. But then he went on to say that Jay stole too much from Biggie, and was just a much better version of Puff. He then went on further to say that Jay couldn’t be compared to great rappers, and that Pac, Nas, and Eminem were EASILY better than him. I thought to myself, “This guy should not have access to silverware.” But then I wondered if there were more people that thought like him. Does Jigga really suck? Does Pac, Biggie, Nas, and Em get him that easily? So I figured I’d pose the question to you. How sayeth the congregation? Sorry Chica, yes this is another hip hop debate, but don’t leave, k? lol. Holla
BIGGIE FEATURING EMINEM | “DEAD WRONG”
“I don’t get into that, I kicked the habit.” Ah, a nice little two-for-one. I remember the first time I heard this on the radio, I was heading to a mall in Philly. My first thought was, “Wow! Biggie was really wilin’ back in the day, huh?” Profane, obscene, sexist, and funny as Hell. When you throw in the controlled lunacy of Mr. Mathers, you’re looking at a classic joint. Too bad Biggie got shot, and Em got fat.
NAS | “THE WORLD IS YOURS
“Wipe the sweat off my dome, spit the phlegm on the street.” The first verse is probably my favorite Nas verse of all time. I could recite that bad boy in my sleep…OK maybe not a deep sleep, but definitely while I’m nodding off. Also, the video gets respect because it was shot in B&W. It’s nice visual flourish that should be employed more often. Good job Mr. Jones.
TUPAC | “SO MANY TEARS”
“So I could see a part of me that wasn’t always shady.” Unfortunately he never got the chance to sire an heir, but he left a legacy of good music. Consequently, I think “Me Against The World” is his best effort. I thought he finally put it all together and delivered a complete album. “It Ain’t Easy,” “Old School,” “Death Around The Corner,” “Outlawz;” the album is clean all the way through. I don’t know that I can say that about his other releases. Of course the fact that he was in the Pen when the album came out, added to the mystique. Nevertheless, I can bump this right now with no reservations.
JAY-Z | “HARD KNOCK LIFE”
“Got a lot of beef, so logicallyI pray on my foes.” This dude is so wack, I’m not even gonna waste good snark on him 
And now…for something slightly unknown but damn funky…
YVONNE FAIR | “LET YOUR HAIR DOWN”
I’ll readily admit that I didn’t know Yvonne Fair had ever existed, until about five minutes ago. I’ll also admit that ignorance is NOT bliss. If you like Betty Davis, I think you’ll like Ms. Fair. She was definitely branded by the funk. Also, I got $5 [not really] for the first person to identify the Jay-Z song that uses a sample from this track. The sample is so subtle, you might miss it.
Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every Friday on UTC.
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