motel de moka

“Every generation has its own unique form of expression. Nothing really changes, only the people change…we are the reflection of those that came before us.” It was this particular statement that truly stuck out for myself. There is such truth squeezed in-between those words. It is the discussion the older generations have about the current one that really is amusing. Mainly because it was only several decades ago that their parents were having the exact same discussion about them. I have found that this “discussion” is a right of passage for every generation. -Davey D

.

” The incomplete Future and Love ”

01. D.Johnson - Transmissions
The De La Soul Collection, Vol. 1 (Strictly Breaks, 2002)
02. Lou Rawls - Lifetime Monologue
Strictly Breaks: Beatnuts, Vol. 2 (Strictly Breaks Records, 1997)
03. The Roots - Act Too (Love of My Life)
Things Fall Apart (1999)
04. MC Lyte - Paper Thin
Lyte as a Rock (East/West Records, 1988)
05. N.W.A - Express Yourself
N.W.A. - Straight Outta Compton (Priority Records, 1989)
06. A Tribe Called Quest - Check the Rhyme
The Low End Theory (Jive, 1991)
07. Cypress Hill - Lick A Shot
Black Sunday (2008)
08. Brand Nubian - Slow Down
One for All (1990)
09. Bettye Swann - These Arms Are Mine
Bettye Swann (Astralwerks, 2004)

note: Time to dig hip-hop. There is certain texture I like about hip-hop. The bare bone melody and chord, how it rejects late 70’s sugary pop-soul approach. Or how it carries away the strict beat and syncopation of funk to its logical end. The big structure is all in rhythm and rhyme. When the words match with the complex beat, you get a work that people can dance to and say it, pulsating street beat. It maybe telling story about urban life, but mainly it doesn’t forget where it comes from. That it must exist within the element of urban noise. It rides surrounding noise and create structures. It’s outdoor and for the folks to enjoy. Briefly invite. So here is my short sketch of hip-hop, before and now, between the street and the blog. I take apart the elements and put them back again, ala MdM, and hope it shines something in hip-hop. The bare soul of a grand popular culture. A modern nostalgia. Check out the subtle texture. Who says hip-hop is all blurry.

see also: The Return to Innocence Lost
image: Smeerch