“Syllables” by Eminem ft. Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Cashis, Stat Quo
Some of the all-time greats get together and offer a commentary on the state of modern hip-hop. I don’t want to say much because I want to let the track do the talking, but everyone should give this track a listen.
Actually, more than a listen. Digest it. Mull it over. Then scroll down and listen to that Akon track. It really is a sad day when “musicians” can have successful careers because of a robotic production formula that jettisons artistry in favor of marketability. With all of the gimmicky rubbish that comes out these days, legitimate artists are having a harder time getting their music noticed.
A lot of producers and artists that I’ve talked to lament the fact that they begrudgingly have to “sell out” to get their music listened to. When we, as listeners, take a passive role in our music discovery process (you know that friend who says their favorite music is “whatever is on the radio”) we’re only sabotaging the art of music even further. It’s an uncomfortable truth, but a truth nonetheless.
I know I’m guilty of perpetuating the process somewhat, because I have a responsibility to you all to post music that I think would be embraced by “mainstream” music listeners at parties. But I think its safe to say that if I only posted up-and-coming musicians, this site wouldn’t be nearly as successful as it is, and thus it wouldn’t be as great of a platform to showcase the up-and-coming talent that we do. Thus, the “sell-out” tendency is self-reinforcing.
Its a vicious cycle and I hate the fact that I’m a part of it. But I know that you’re coming to this site because you want to take an active role in what you listen to. So when you see a post that features an artist you’ve never heard of, check it out. Appreciate the talent and artistry that went into the track. I promise I’m not wasting your time. You might even end up liking it more than the last Ke$ha song you downloaded.
Shout out to Tim G, Robbie Z-s, DJ Trademark and all of the rest of the undiscovered, up-and-coming talent. I guess I said more than I meant to…
+57 rating, 69 votes- Posted by The Professor ·
- Sunday, Jan 2, 2011 @ 7:02 pm
