Published: Thursday - December 7, 2006
Words by G. Malone
G. Malone (Photo: Sony Urban)
Watts, California native and Sony/Blu Division recording artist G. Malone addresses the subpar reviews of Jay-Z's latest album, Kingdom Come, in this open letter.
Why can't hip-hop artists grow up? This Jay-Z album should help a lot of us with our transition into being older, wiser, and responsible adults. The hip-hop critics have tried to crucify this cd. Whats wrong with a 37-year-old man showing growth? That nigga is ole enough to be someone's grandfather for Christ's sake. It would've been a crime for that man to rap about slanging rocks, or gunning people down. It's a shame to see rappers his age rap about juvenile shit such as gangbangin', slangin', and other ignorant things.
Not to mention, these artists, who have been successful, don't even understand what's really going on in the hood. That's why we constantly see these lowriders, khakis, and all types of other shit in these videos. niggas ain't wearing that in the hood. It's just a foul misrepresentation. When was the last time they been to South Central, Inglewood, Watts, Compton, or Long Beach? We look so old to the rest of the world. Where arethe Dodge Chargers? Where are the Harleys? If you been to L.A. lately, motherfuckers are wearing $500 jeans. niggas rarely even go to Crenshaw. The New Crenshaw is Broadway. Have you been there?
Rocks ain't poppin in L.A. anymore. Pills are the new crack rock, Cush is the new crack rock. Open your eyes L.A.! Fuck that, open your eyes whole world. Jay-Z has commited the worse sin in hip-hop. Being SUCCESSFUL! But, is it really that horrible? Is it wrong to tell the youth what type of things ly ahead if you handle your finances correctly? Is it wrong to convince the youth to stop putting worthless rims on a car? Is it wrong for a man to say don't waste your money on jewelry? Sounds like something my father would say. Guess what, dude and my pops ain't that far apart. So, why not give worthwile advice like getting your credit together, buyin property (nightclubs)? These are the dreams people should aspire to achieve. Not a Phantom. Embrace the cutural growth.
I wish West Coast artists close to this man's age would make music that actually played a role in our street culture. It probably could help a lot of these street issues. Why did I have to be the first one to make a song uniting crips and bloods? I'm glad to hear the records that have been inspired from my music. *Enters "Tha Sermon"* Once I'm done with you motherfuckers (fans and rappers alike), you gon' look in the mirror at yourself different. You gon' have to ask yourself, "Why can't I keep it this real?" Pooh said "Tha Sermon" is too advance for the hood. We will see.
So ,I end this with embrace albums that show growth. We all gotta grow up. Why not learn from someone who has been through our same path? Oh, and I wanna give a shout out to my boy Mykestro, the best rap nigga ever"; Bad Lucc (I been listenin' to yo shit today nigga); Problem, that's why yo deal gon' be for $800 dollars (lol); Bishop Lamont; and Pooh gettin 20% of all my motherfuckin' money; and every New West emcee... Not to mention my squad, Blu Division/Firing Squad. Our time is now niggas!
This is your President signing off, G. Malone
The views expressed inside this editorial aren't necessarily the views of BallerStatus.net or staff.
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