And Now...Time for the Classics

If you were to implement a google search of this blog, using phrases such as "afronerd.com" or simply "afronerd,” undoubtedly you will retrieve both positive and negative responses. It is something that truly boggles the mind but does not deter my spirit. You just can't please everybody. A common complaint against the blog is my alleged daily assault against hip hop. This is partially true, however it is against a specific type of hip hop. Many fans of hip hop-ok, to be specific, commercial hip hop are extremely delusional about the messages that the genre is currently spewing. It's akin to an addict that insists on imbibing the drug of his/her choice despite its ill effects. If one were to read my blog closely, I am a big hiphop fan, it's just that I tend to listen to classic hiphop. I think "classic" or "legendary" are far more respectful adjectives than "old-school,” which tends to make people highly dismissive of the genre. I also gravitate toward the contemporary conscious (whether it encompasses the alternative and underground formats) end of the music that rarely gets the amount of attention or airplay that the minstrel and gangsta genres receive. This leads me to the above clip. It is a snippet from Ralph Mcdaniel's local cable show, entitled The Bridge. Those who are familiar with Daniels or Uncle Ralph as he is affectionately called, may remember him from the seminal NY hip hop show, Video Music Box.

The Bridge essentially highlights classic hiphop moments where the viewer can learn the roots of the music. It truly saddens me how innocent(as well as creative and socially relevant) the music was back then and what it was like before the corporate formula was put in place, making it the bastardized version that we all bear witness to today. The above snippet, in particular, showcases a record release/tribute to the late, great and talented hiphop performer and producer, James Yancey better known as J Dilla. Dilla succumbed to a long battle with lupus at the young age of 32 earlier this year. Not only was Dilla's music unusual but also the circumstances of his death. He didn't die in the usual way-in a hail of bullets that has become a sick punchline for many in the rap community nowadays. His production was highly recognizable-jazz infused, and murky beats that artists such as D'angelo, Mos Def, Common, The Roots and a whole host of other performers utilized. My belated condolences to J Dilla and classic hiphop...perhaps both will return someday. For more info regarding J Dilla and The Bridge, click on the links below:

Wiki's information on J Dilla

The Bridge