Will be interesting to see what happens at this station in 2012. For instance, 80%+ of the songs played during a 45 minute or so stretch early this morning were currents. A Rhythmic with an Urban lean would be great and would most likely happen for sure if Power 98.3 dropped out of the rhythmic format which is probably unlikely to happen. Lets face it there are only one and a half classic hip-hop stations in the US and tons of rhyhmics/urbans.
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The Illusive Obvious!
- Thread starter Wildstyle K
- Start date
My advice for the beat is keep the classics coming, more classic from that golden era of hiphop. DMC, EricB & Rakim, De La Soul, ATCQ, Play current JAY Z & maybe Kanye. Most of the new "HipHop" Waka FLocka, Lil Wayne for example is NOT hiphop to me(yeah I said it--take notes lol!!). I won't knock it though because I am 40+ and maybe I'm an oldie but goodie now, but that is my opinion and I am stick with it...but that is my opinion and I am sticking with it...Did I say already? ??? Must be oldtimers disease.
XMportable said:
Well.... a lot of people, including those from his own native hometown of Atlanta, aren't too happy with Waka Flocka, and this "unhappiness" and disapproval towards him falls amongst a wide variety of people of various ages. I think I've heard people bash Waka Flocka even more so than Soulja Boy. However, when it comes to Lil Wayne, one could argue whether or not he is "real" hip hop. In my opinion, he may not always have the best sounding voice, BUT, he has an exceptional ability to create creative wording structures, make decent rhymes, and speak metaphorically in such a way that you cannot deny his skills, regardless of how intelligent or foolish the topic he is rapping about may be.
Now, back to Waka Flocka Flame for a second; He has heard all of his critics and comments in regard to how he can't rap. His twitter response was as follows:
KDM 7000 said:
You can view the entire Waka Flocka post here: http://boards.radio-info.com/smf/index.php?topic=185344.0
And these days, it's sort of difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to hip hop vs not real hip hop - especially on a format that covers a wide variety of hip hop years. For example:
HEAVY D - NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE:
Is that "hip hop" or "dance"? And if that's accepted as "hip hop" or "classic hip hop" on urban formats, then shouldn't anything that sounds similar to it also be accepted? Shouldn't electro-hip hop hits from Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO, Pitbull, Usher, and others be played as well?
And would you consider "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj "real" hip hop? Miami Bass and Booty Bass / Bass music was once a major part of hip hop; Does "Super Bass" fall within the category of "Miami Bass / Booty Bass" music? I would say yes, BUT many people in the Miami Bass community would "strongly frown upon" you for even bringing up Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" as bass music. And is booty bass still classified as hip hop, or is it now dance? And if it's dance, then where do you draw the line when it comes to uptempo records on a hip hop station? Logically speaking, if Nicki Minaj "Super Bass" and Snoop Dogg's "Sensual seduction" is considered "hip hop" today, then ALL of Flo Rida's hits should also be accepted to urban!
With that being said, I can only wonder where one can truly draw the line between "acceptable" and "unacceptable" in hip hop.
Is this hip hop?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NApOBoWUHwA
And what about this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ix0UcbN_bo
And if Debbie Deb, Afrika Bambaataa, Planet Patrol, Quad City Dj's, Dj Taz, Freak Nasty, Ghost town Dj's...etc. were once staples within the urban / hip hop community, then why would today's "boom boom pow" by Black Eyed Peas, or "Down" by Jay Sean, or "in the ayer" by Flo Rida..etc. be "unacceptable" when all it is is a modernization of hip hop or bass?
I think it is all a matter of taste. I grew up in an era where lyrical skills meant everything. I like itellectual/conscious style hiphop(ATCQ, Common, De La Soul, P.E., Blacksheep(THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!). The hip hop community gave us dance songs back in the day, but when you bought an album artist had many diverse styles where as today everybody is trying to sound the same. This is what is killing it as an art form. Back in the day, many rappers had a message that went with the times. These days it's MONEY, MONEY, MONEY right snab in the middle of a recession. I also felt the beggining of the end of Hip Hop started in the mid to late 90's when every rapper on both coasts wanted to be a gangsta. Hiphop hey day was about 1985 - 1993, most had their own style and not every rapper jumping on a bandwagon.
HIP HOP'S HEY DAY(S) IMO:
I'd have to say that in my opinion, hip hop did well up until about 2005 or so before it "fell off" (and is currently somewhat improving. We cannot forget when Timbaland and Missy Elliott came out with their futuristic style beats sound and changed the sound of hip hop (and r&b) from about 1997-2003. I think those were the best years, instrumental-production-wise. It was also a good time for The Neptunes sound. A lot of people give credit to Dr Dre, but I think Timbaland and Missy are severely underrated! They were responsible for changing and improving the sound of the late 90's dirty south sound. Maybe lyrically, hip hop's heyday was 1985-1993. But instrumental & production-wise, the best hip hop / r&b beat patterns and most creative hip hop instrumentals were designed 1997-2004, in my opinion, regardless of the lyrical content that were placed over the beats. Cash Money Records, The Neptunes, and a few others also had a good instrumental sound in the later 90's through early to mid 00's - that I can tell were somewhat influenced by Timbaland & Missy Elliott's late 90's production style.
MONEY MONEY MONEY:
I think today, almost everything revolves around money. Everything from governmental and societal issues to personal every day living. What's funny is that as you were typing your response message above, my friend and I were on an hour + phone call discussing various topics, with one of them being why gangs exist. My friend pointed out that a gang really is nothing more than a business. The organization's overall goal is to make money. The only difference is instead of being fired, there are casualties and other types of consequences.
A THEORY ON GANGS & NEGOTIATION (IN REGARD TO MONEY & HIP HOP):
This topic on gangs & money started when I told him an analogy I heard on local Newstalk KFYI in regard to Obama's decision to "negotiate with terrorists" and how the KFYI host was saying it was a dumb idea that would never work (which I completely agreed with at the time). The analogy used on KFYI was (I'm paraphrasing here) "ok, so since being nice & friendly, negotiating, and talking is such a genius idea compared to fighting and eliminating the terrorists, then why don't we just do this in all areas of life! Why don't we start by having The Crips & The Bloods sit over coffee, talk friendly, and negotiate and maybe we can solve all the gang problems..." My friend, who tends to bash republicans and hates talk radio, says the following - without even hesitating to think about it first; "YOU KNOW, THAT MAY BE A GOOD IDEA! COULD YOU IMAGINE HOW MUCH MORE MONEY GANGS COULD MAKE IF THEY LEARNED HOW TO NEGOTIATE, GET ALONG AND WORK TOGETHER INSTEAD OF KILLING EACH OTHER?" (That, by the way, did show me a different way of viewing the overall situation... but that's sort of beside the point right now.)
HOW THIS ALL RELATES TO HIP HOP LYRICS TODAY:
My original point in this post is that I believe everything has seemingly gone much more towards shining the light on our money desperation, and hip hop just happens to portray that image more bluntly, now that I think of it. This doesn't mean I condone it or enjoy everyone contributing to the 'sea of sameness' in music, but the bottom line is; Rap/hip hop has evolved - and with that evolution came the love to brag mainly about money. I don't want to get too deep into the psychology aspect of it, but I believe the current state of the economy only helps to fuel the passion for talking about money (in many cases) since "money" is what's tattooed in everyone's brain at the moment. Not ALL of the most recent hip hop hits are about money, but I agree that most of them are overall directly or indirectly about the money to a certain degree.
I'd have to say that in my opinion, hip hop did well up until about 2005 or so before it "fell off" (and is currently somewhat improving. We cannot forget when Timbaland and Missy Elliott came out with their futuristic style beats sound and changed the sound of hip hop (and r&b) from about 1997-2003. I think those were the best years, instrumental-production-wise. It was also a good time for The Neptunes sound. A lot of people give credit to Dr Dre, but I think Timbaland and Missy are severely underrated! They were responsible for changing and improving the sound of the late 90's dirty south sound. Maybe lyrically, hip hop's heyday was 1985-1993. But instrumental & production-wise, the best hip hop / r&b beat patterns and most creative hip hop instrumentals were designed 1997-2004, in my opinion, regardless of the lyrical content that were placed over the beats. Cash Money Records, The Neptunes, and a few others also had a good instrumental sound in the later 90's through early to mid 00's - that I can tell were somewhat influenced by Timbaland & Missy Elliott's late 90's production style.
MONEY MONEY MONEY:
I think today, almost everything revolves around money. Everything from governmental and societal issues to personal every day living. What's funny is that as you were typing your response message above, my friend and I were on an hour + phone call discussing various topics, with one of them being why gangs exist. My friend pointed out that a gang really is nothing more than a business. The organization's overall goal is to make money. The only difference is instead of being fired, there are casualties and other types of consequences.
A THEORY ON GANGS & NEGOTIATION (IN REGARD TO MONEY & HIP HOP):
This topic on gangs & money started when I told him an analogy I heard on local Newstalk KFYI in regard to Obama's decision to "negotiate with terrorists" and how the KFYI host was saying it was a dumb idea that would never work (which I completely agreed with at the time). The analogy used on KFYI was (I'm paraphrasing here) "ok, so since being nice & friendly, negotiating, and talking is such a genius idea compared to fighting and eliminating the terrorists, then why don't we just do this in all areas of life! Why don't we start by having The Crips & The Bloods sit over coffee, talk friendly, and negotiate and maybe we can solve all the gang problems..." My friend, who tends to bash republicans and hates talk radio, says the following - without even hesitating to think about it first; "YOU KNOW, THAT MAY BE A GOOD IDEA! COULD YOU IMAGINE HOW MUCH MORE MONEY GANGS COULD MAKE IF THEY LEARNED HOW TO NEGOTIATE, GET ALONG AND WORK TOGETHER INSTEAD OF KILLING EACH OTHER?" (That, by the way, did show me a different way of viewing the overall situation... but that's sort of beside the point right now.)
HOW THIS ALL RELATES TO HIP HOP LYRICS TODAY:
My original point in this post is that I believe everything has seemingly gone much more towards shining the light on our money desperation, and hip hop just happens to portray that image more bluntly, now that I think of it. This doesn't mean I condone it or enjoy everyone contributing to the 'sea of sameness' in music, but the bottom line is; Rap/hip hop has evolved - and with that evolution came the love to brag mainly about money. I don't want to get too deep into the psychology aspect of it, but I believe the current state of the economy only helps to fuel the passion for talking about money (in many cases) since "money" is what's tattooed in everyone's brain at the moment. Not ALL of the most recent hip hop hits are about money, but I agree that most of them are overall directly or indirectly about the money to a certain degree.
When I say they talk Money Money Money. They Rap as if they are Rockafellers, but on the real deal Holifield we see a news report of how they are about to foreclose on their McMansion..,My point here is just keep it real . I live here on earth.
While we might live on earth, most people hate the reality of their lives on this planet. Anyone who can escape into fantasy land will do so whenever given opportunity to play the role that's at least closest to the role they wish to play. For many rappers, if successful, their passion comes with the chance to play and portray the rich, powerful, highly successful leader guy or girl who's living the good life. Some of us aren't that fortunate, so the best we can do is get on facebook, posts pics of us having the "good life," add & delete and update our statuses to feel "powerful." 
"Keeping it real" is so old fashioned. Being "somewhat fake" is the new current "real." Everyone is constantly trying their best to be allusive, elusive, or illusive, despite the fact that it's all obvious.
Lets see what 2012 will bring. Who will survive and who will flip? 2012 will surely be an interesting year for life, the earth, KKFR, hip hop, the economy, and KNRJ at 101.1 ;D
"Keeping it real" is so old fashioned. Being "somewhat fake" is the new current "real." Everyone is constantly trying their best to be allusive, elusive, or illusive, despite the fact that it's all obvious.
Lets see what 2012 will bring. Who will survive and who will flip? 2012 will surely be an interesting year for life, the earth, KKFR, hip hop, the economy, and KNRJ at 101.1 ;D
Way too much thought over a minor minor shift at a small station. I find it weird they play the Remix of Kid Cudi. Something tells me thats a overlooked mistake, and it should NOT indicate they will add in songs of the same flavor. That would only make them sound like all the other stations.
Power can stay afloat by just telling agencies that they're the same station that was on 92.3 in 1997. Advertisers sometimes buy on longevity, not just ratings points. They've got to be breaking even or making a little profit. Like I said time and again, they have an even bigger ship to turn around at 103.9.
As for The Beat, are they going to try and get the new 101.1 signal on the air soon? They even changed their phone number back to 260-1011. I thought it was nearly impossible for engineers to even get up to the top of the Bradshaws in December!
92.7, 99.3, or both may be bringing in classic country from Dallas (by way of Wickenburg), or maybe lease to an AM owner soon...
As for The Beat, are they going to try and get the new 101.1 signal on the air soon? They even changed their phone number back to 260-1011. I thought it was nearly impossible for engineers to even get up to the top of the Bradshaws in December!
92.7, 99.3, or both may be bringing in classic country from Dallas (by way of Wickenburg), or maybe lease to an AM owner soon...
johndavis said:
I 100% agree I think this just turned into a deeper conversation about hiphop in general, not necessarily about what a station will or won't do.
As far as the station, I particularly like classic hiphop, I know 101.1 can change, but I can still give my own personal opinion. In the end, the station will do what they want regardless. I accept whatever happens. I really would like to see any valley station go Urban AC(Old school with todays hits). I know this won't happen , but I'll keep driving what I like just like anybody else. ;D I really know there's a better change of getting a Punk Country station in NYC than urban AC in Phoenix..LOL!!
KDM 7000 said:While we might live on earth, most people hate the reality of their lives on this planet. Anyone who can escape into fantasy land will do so whenever given opportunity to play the role that's at least closest to the role they wish to play. For many rappers, if successful, their passion comes with the chance to play and portray the rich, powerful, highly successful leader guy or girl who's living the good life. Some of us aren't that fortunate, so the best we can do is get on facebook, posts pics of us having the "good life," add & delete and update our statuses to feel "powerful."
"Keeping it real" is so old fashioned. Being "somewhat fake" is the new current "real." Everyone is constantly trying their best to be allusive, elusive, or illusive, despite the fact that it's all obvious.
Lets see what 2012 will bring. Who will survive and who will flip? 2012 will surely be an interesting year for life, the earth, KKFR, hip hop, the economy, and KNRJ at 101.1 ;D
Biggie smalls bragged about his riches, but he also appealed with real people "I remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner" that line made people see HIM as a real person and also allowed that kid see himself as a real person and how he could TOO be sucessful. That message has been missing in todays hiphop and is why it is dying. I think that is what always kept it alive from "Don't push me cause I'm close to the edge" Grand Master flash. Real people/kids could relate to what they were talking about. Now it is all about a Facade.
XMportable said:johndavis said:
I 100% agree I think this just turned into a deeper conversation about hiphop in general, not necessarily about what a station will or won't do.
As far as the station, I particularly like classic hiphop, I know 101.1 can change, but I can still give my own personal opinion. In the end, the station will do what they want regardless. I accept whatever happens. I really would like to see any valley station go Urban AC(Old school with todays hits). I know this won't happen , but I'll keep driving what I like just like anybody else. ;D I really know there's a better change of getting a Punk Country station in NYC than urban AC in Phoenix..LOL!!
As far as radio stations never being programmed to the tastes of board posters, KZON better change their format SUPER QUICK and get rid of anything within their format or playlist that resembles anything I've ever suggested, predicted, or wished for on these boards. In other words, they should completely flip the format or just play nothing but the commercials and Emergency Alert Systems because those two things don't appeal to me too much. KTAR should remove everything except for Dave Ramsey and some of their weekend shows. Energy already flipped before I started posting on these boards, so... problem solved. WWVA-FM DEFINITELY should go as well....
Furthermore, .... actually, :-X never mind.
As far as Urban AC and hip hop:
*We did once have an urban r&b or urban ac here once. Not sure if it will ever happen again, but I wouldn't mind if it did (and leaned somewhat rhythmic ac as well).
*I do agree with the Biggie Smalls / Grandmaster Flash era comment. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the message portrayed and quality of lyrical content. I noticed that booty bass has changed as well, lyrically. People rapping on bass or electro beats today rap on them as if they're hip hop songs, while hip hoppers are the ones putting dance movement lyrics on the slower hip hop beats. That is kind of ironic.
*Getting back to the (non-bass music) hip hop topic, I must say that while things have surely changed, Eminem is someone you can still relate to. Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne also have good lyrical skills. The only difference is that they present their messages with a different style of lyrical and metaphorical wording arrangement. A few short years back, I was listening to "Pop Lock & Drop it", analyzed it, and realized that that song actually had a story line within it as well (while the chorus had dance move provoking lyrics).
Don't get me wrong I like some of the newbies. Mostly, I think this generation experience is different and I can't expect that my old school boom bap to ever come back. I feel HipHop has become dance music( I don't mind dance music) but dance music rarely gets remembered as wele as people remember a good slow jam or real lyrical hiphop jam.
But the new Jay Z / Kanye is the Stones' "Exhile" for the '10s and I'm not being ironic or anything. Those boys are rock and roll.
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