I think there is an objective philosophical argument to make for dropping "freestyle" as our textual indicator of off-the-dome skills. It muddies the clarity of our folklore/storytelling. It will be confusing *in the future*. But it's also an argument that's tough to make with conviction, cause I do agree, with many, that whatever you call it -- "freestyle" -- is the pinnacle of the hip hop culture. Professor Chang once said "hip hop is the art of the impossible", and freestyle is the most transparent, immediate practicing of that. A good freestyle is that perfect form of spontaneous literature. And as readers, consumers you have a sense when you're seeing the *real* shit.
Two samps below:
But for real, I always thought Buck and Talib were "written freestyle verses" types. And I'm not quite certain with Buck if that was all off the top, I mean if it was, he's sick and immediately moves up a pay scale or two.
Hate to be Grumpy Old Men about it, but def don't see it that much from the young boys. Here's Drake, "freestyling, on Flex. Not off the dome. Off the cellphone. I like Drake, but y'know, it's not the same. KRS and Buck got 20-somethingK views, on two clips, Drake has gone gold with this one. Huh?
Thanks for posting this! LOVE some KRS One!!!! :D
ReplyDeleteI swear I have a crush on him! (I know right? LOL its just HOT to be an Activist and standing up for what you believe)
*fans self*
and Drake, its only ONE song I like of his (Think Good Thoughts) with the Anita "Sweet Love" sample, but they try to shove him down our throats as the next best MC but he can't light a CANDLE to KRS though *swoon*
Um, Buckshot is amazing in the first as is Talib in the second one, but this is perhaps the best freestyle of all time?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3yn-_l1h24
"you gotta understand man, knowledge is cool"
ReplyDeletebrilliant
this is definitely the cutest 'thehoustongirl' has ever been in her comments...
ReplyDeleteIn the second video Buckshot looks like he's 8 years old in that huge t-shirt.
ReplyDeleteI never did understand rappers and the oversized clothing thing.
Talib is incredibly deferential to KRS, as you would expect, but it's sort of striking to to see physically. A lot of father-son body language.
ReplyDeleteI don't get it. Is he reading off his cell phone?
ReplyDeletedude, Drake came of so small-time in that video. I mean if Flex is playing a beat... You rap over it. Period. You don't keep checking your phone for those hot lyrics and not be able to find them, then apologize at the end like, "this is my first time with the big dogs." Fail. And I like Drake. But... Fail. Damn. I'm kinda sad now.
ReplyDeleteReally, though, I didn't think KRS, Buck, or Talib were that impressive. Buck sounded like he would start off with written verses then start freestyling midway through. KRS had the most natural flow, but I dunno. The best freestyler I've heard on the radio (and I hate to say it, really, I do) was Cam'Ron. I mean the dude has absolutely zero to say, but can flow for days.