Jay-Z says he’s been in all sorts of places and all sorts of situations — from Marcy to Trenton, New Jersey, to Cambridge, Maryland, to Newport News, Virginia — and came out without a scratch. Never been to jail. 'Three shots… never touched me.
Fresh watched a kid get killed on a basketball court, watched a girl die in crossfire, lost his friend Chucky… and realized the only way to survive that world was to outthink it. Revenge on Jake wasn’t just anger. It was the final move in the chess game his Pops taught him.
Perfect time to share this clip given some of the recent topics of conversation going on in hip-hop.
- Rappers who lack substance in their music.
- Jay-Z re-releasing “Dead Presidents” on its 30th anniversary.
One of the best scenes from “Fade To Black” finds Jay at Baseline Studios working on “The Black Album” and having a conversation with Q-Tip, Young Guru, and others. The topic of conversation is, should rappers rap about the reality of what goes on in the environments they come from? Or should they ignore it and rap about what’s selling and being pushed by the music industry?
Jay & Guru highlight that rappers are scared to be themselves in fear of not being accepted by the public. Jay then goes on to recite a few bars off “Dead Presidents” stating that his lyrics, for better or worse, are based on his real life experiences.
The clip then cuts to Jay in the booth recording “December 4th” and in walks his mother, Mrs. Gloria Carter, who is greeted by Jay’s best friend and partner, Ty-Ty. She is there on her birthday to record vocals for the track.
A perfect example of what makes Jay-Z the greatest rapper ever.
His music has always been based on honesty, regardless of the subject matter or the type of record, he always raps about his real life. And his music has the perfect balance of having substance without coming off as preachy, and still making records that could appeal to any audience.
NORTH WEST ANOTHER NEW BEAT & SONG
North West released a new another song 25 minutes ago. Produced by Ye (Kanye West)’s daughter, North West. At 12 years old, this is already her 5th or 6th beat, and her third song confirmed so far as a producer. And the second song with BabyxSosa.
Cam’ron counting a stack while spitting crazy bars will be taught in history books for decades to come, but if we’re talking STRAIGHT BARS?? This is his best Rap City Freestyle by far🦅
“CUZ OF CAKE MIX, 10 HOMES, 8 WHIPS
BUT THE 8 WHIPS IM BOUTTA TRADE FOR A SPACESHIP
CALL ME NASA MAN, INSIDE PLASMA FAM
I GOT A WARRANT?
I’M IN ORBIT, COME AFTER CAM
YOU GOTTA ADORE IT, I EXPLORE IT, JUST LIKE DORA
TAKE THE ORDER, GIFT WRAP IT, BORA BORA”
You know what this is? Teams are sick of the pass the Thunder get on the defensive end (they can’t call everything) and Finch was ready to pounce the moment he thought one of his guys got fouled.