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.