The "Rap" on Tupac Shakur

Foreword:
Usually, I review terrible songs and construct a no holds barred attack on them. However, this week I take a defensive stance in an attempt to shop Tupac Shakur to people who don't like Rap Music. Additionally, I will attempt to illustrate the reasons why Tupac was one of the best artists in American history. Expect a thorough discussion about the differences between 'Rap' and 'Music'; and, for Tupac fans, a few things about Tupac that you may not know. Enjoy.

Review:
If you happened to read my "Strait Playin'" review, you might be under the impression that I dislike Rap. You're right, I hate it. So, what separates Shaquille O'Neal from Tupac Shakur? How can I blast Rap one week and praise it the next? Because I love Music, and Tupac Shakur was a maker of Music. Music has a message, a reason for existing, a substantial message that positively influences it's audience. Rap is a non-creative use of language meant to express a wealth of riches and bitches; expressing nothing deep enough to influence positivity.

Tupac used his Music to reach people, and to spread a message. That message, while sometimes blurry, was one of encouragement. I used the term 'blurry' because not all of Shakur's music has a serious message; you gotta have fun sometimes, as illustrated in "I Get Around", "Heartz of Men", and "Can't See Me". Shakur also has some violent tracks, such as "When We Ride", "Hail Mary", and "Troublesome '96". Each of the three tracks encourage revenge via murder; however, Shakur uses jokes, explanations, and laughing to separate listeners from the reality of the content. Hell, he references a Klondike Bar Commercial at the end of "When We Ride"; and he offers an explanation for his actions in "Hail Mary":

"Penitentiaries is packed with promise makers,... Institutionalized, I live my life a product made to crumble, Much to hardened for a smile, way to crazy to be humble"

The passage is a fairly obvious attack on the overbearing power of society. However, the influence produced didn't completely corrupt Shakur: "I'm not a killer but don't push me". Also quoted from "Hail Mary", this excerpt explains that violent actions are a result of self defense. Also, violent lyrics expressed were a result of the gang war between the East and West Side. While violent, these lyrical expressions were purposed to give outsiders a frightening view of gang life. The most frightening and powerful of all of them appears in "Only God Can Judge Me":

"I hear the doctor standing over me, screaming I can make it, got a body full of bullet holes, laying here naked, Still I, can't breathe, something's evil in my I.V., cause every time I breathe, I think they killing me, I'm having nightmares, homicidal fantasies, I wake up strangling, dangle in my bedsheets, I call the nurse cause it hurts, to reminisce, how did it come to this?"

While it references his survival from a robbery, The excerpt suggests that Shakur knew his own fate. That, somehow, he accepted the price for expressing his message; and that he knew the perpetrators would eventually succeed. This idea is expressed with even more chilling clarity in "Life Goes On":

"Bury me smilin', with G's in my pocket, have a party at my funeral, let every rapper rock it,... Give me a paper and pen so I can write about my life of sin, a couple a'bottles of gin in case I don't get in, tell all my people i'm a rider, nobody cries when we die"

The passage encourages Shakur's family and friends to celebrate his death. In a way, Tupac Shakur was a modern day Martin Luther King. Both men had a message. Both men knew that their message would incite retaliation. Both fought through adversity, in the face of defeat, to emerge victorious. Both served jail time; and both used that time to educate themselves. Both brought to light the unjust treatment of the under privileged. Both men celebrated and empowered the image of African Americans. Both men died so that we could be enlightened about issues commonly disregarded.

Shakur had an unbelievable ability to depict artistic prose with deep meaning. He articulated real world issues and problems; and he spoke for the people whose voices were often unheard. While many rap songs disrespect women; Tupac's music empowers, and shows respect to, them with songs like "Keep Ya Head Up", "Can U Get Away", and "Temptations". Also, tracks like "Unconditional Love", "Changes", and "Dear Mama" articulate even more of Shakur's message:

"Unconditional Love":

"Come listen to my truest thoughts, my truest feelings, all my peers doing years beyond drug dealin', How many caskets can we witness, before we see it's hard to live this life without God, so we must ask forgiveness, ask momma why God deserved to die? witness the tears falling free from my eyes before she could reply, for we were born without a sliver spoon, my broken down T.V., showed cartoons in my living room"

"Changes":

"And still I see no changes, can't a brother get a little peace? There's war in the streets and a war in the middle east, instead of war on poverty, they got a war on drugs so the police can bother me"

"Dear Mama":

"Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair, no love for my daddy cause the coward wasn't there, he passed away and I didn't cry, cause my anger, wouldn't let me feel for a stranger, they say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along, I was looking for a father he was gone"

Shakur even addresses the musical and real world treatment of certain women in "Wonda Why They Call U Bitch". Once again, he attempts to address an issue rarely discussed. The message is obvious:

"Still looking for a rich man, you dug a ditch, got your legs up trying to get rich, I love you like a sister but you need to switch, and that's why they called you bitch, I betcha"

How many rap songs today discuss these issues? How many 'artists' discuss anything more than material possessions? How much of it actually manages to sound good while conveying reflective thoughts? I'm not being cynical, I'm merely asking. I invite you to leave your suggestions below. I could discuss much more of Shakur's music; I could probably write a book on the topic. However, I must leave you now... no... fuck that! I owe it to Shakur's legacy to continue. You can leave if you'd like; but I suggest you stick around and pay your respects.

There are entire college courses on the importance of literature and music. There are studies that attempt to delve into the minds of poets passed. Why then, is Shakur not included? Because he didn't limit his thoughts to conform to society? Because his prose wasn't accurately depicted using MLA Format? Fuck that, it's time to make some "Changes". Shakur was a poet; did you ever read this in your anthologies?

"And 2Morrow":

"Today is filled with anger, fueled with hidden hate, scared of being outcast, afraid of common fate, today is built on tragedies, which no one wants 2 face, nightmares to humanities, and morally disgraced, tonight is filled with rage, violence in the air, children bred with ruthlessness, because no one at home cares, tonight I lay my head down, but the pressure never stops, knawing at my sanity, content when I am dropped, but 2morrow I c change, a chance to build a new, built on spirit intent of heart, and ideals, based on truth, and tomorrow I wake with second wind, and strong because of pride, 2 know I fought with all my heart, 2 keep my dream alive"

As you may have noticed, the poem seems to omit Tupac's thug image. Shakur was a smart man; he knew that to gain attention, he had to cater to a community. To accurately distribute his message; he had to strip off the kid gloves and speak the brutal truth. Truth being, the fact that poverty stricken communities offer little to no chance of escape. Shakur elaborates on being alone in his struggle in "Me Against the World":

"More bodies being buried, I'm missing my homies in a hurry, they relocatin' to the cemetery, got me worried, stressin', my visions blurry, the question is will I live? no one in the world loves me, I'm headed for danger, don't trust strangers, put one in the chamber, whenever I'm feeling this anger, don't wanna make excuses, cause this is how it is, what's the use?, unless we're shootin' no one notices the youth, it's just me against the world baby"

Messages and explanations are abound in Shakur's work. He elaborates on the repercussions of gang life in "So Many Tears" and "Lord Knows". He discusses the difficulty in rising out of the ghetto in "It Ain't Easy". He elaborates on how time changes friendships in "I Ain't Mad At Cha". He tributes his success to past musicians in "Old School". In contrast to other Rappers, He actually implicates his intentions for a relationships in "Heaven Ain't Hard 2 Find".

Shakur was a genius, and his influence will remain present in our culture; with or without your consent. However, I hope I have, at least, opened your eyes to the possibility of finding enjoyment outside of your comfort zone. Because, as powerful as the messages portrayed are; they wouldn't have excelled if they weren't fun to listen to; or, if they didn't inspire more than a head bob.

Well, it's "Check Out Time". I'll see you next week.



Da Menace

Shaquille O'Neal "Strait Playin'" Review +

Yes, you read correctly; and no, this isn't a basketball blog. Shaq actually graced his horde of fans with a rap album; as if he wasn't dabbling in enough projects at the time. Flashback to 1996, Shaq was a god. He was the "Peyton Manning" of the mid 90's; appearing in television commercials and movies at will. He had his own video game, his own soda bottle, his own movies, and his own music... HIS OWN MUSIC?!? What?

At the time it didn't seem like such a bad idea. Shaq's explosive success gave him the option to do anything he wanted. Donald trump once said: "if you're going to be thinking, might as well think big." If I was arguing in favor of Shaq, I might have elaborated on that quote in an effort to prove a point; however, this Donald Trump quote is more pertinent to our discussion:

"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."

Apparently, Shaq never read that quote. Instead of using his influence to make the world a better place; he tapped into every money making scheme possible. Shaq wasn't happy with an appearance on the Wheaties box, or with an NBA championship; however, he should have been. Shaq's extra curricular activities never quite measured up to his performance on the court.

One word comes to mind when I think of Shaq's additional endeavors: STOP. The game "Shaq Fu" was epic fail and one of the worst video games ever. In his review of the game, James Rolfe sums it up as only he can:

"This game falls between the ass crack of basketball fans and fighting game fans; it doesn't please anybody."

Rolfe continues by mentioning a website that is dedicated to destroying every copy the game... yeah, it's that bad. Speaking of terrible Shaq media, his movie "Kazaam" was utter nonsense and a waste of film. The film was so bad, in fact, that it attracted the unfortunate attention of The Nostalgia Critic. His review of the film is spot on, if not a bit harsh:

"To heir is human, to make the worst piece of half-assed cow shit to ever star a bad acting seven foot basketball super star is unforgivable... if this movie was a dog, I'd have it put down. If this movie was a car, I'd have it impounded."

So after failing miserably in two different entertainment mediums, Shaq releases an album. Might as well go for the hat trick, pal. Your past failures should have convinced you otherwise, Mr. O'Neal. Why add to the already ho-hum mid-90's rap selection? Save your country the embarrassment, just play ball.

To put my argument into perspective, consider this. The Big Slam Pepsi Bottle is the most endearing thing Shaq has ever done outside of Basketball. Think about it, the 1-Liter Pepsi bottle is Shaq's equivalent to the George Foreman Grill. If you exclude the fact that the George Foreman Grill has notable health benefits, the two are identical.
Both are extremely useful and will remain a part of American culture forever, unlike Shaq's non-sports related activities. You would think that such an amazing new soda bottling technology would have satisfied Shaq's thirst for the extra curricular...but alas, it didn't.

I guess I have no choice but to discuss the song now. Shaquille O'Neal's "Strait Playin'" is terrible. The lyrics are generic and resemble a bevy of other rap tracks. Of course, what's a rap song without references to the East and West sides? Could you please make a rap track that uses guitar or some orchestral instruments? Hell no, and kick the creativity down a notch too. Also, is everyone a bullet dodging player on the run? Cause we all know Shaq is a hardcore gangster. His "Kazaam" rap song solidifies that incarnation.

I'll admit that Shaq's track isn't as god awful as "Ice Ice Baby" or "Girl you Know it's True"; but that doesn't make it good by any stretch of the imagination. The chorus is unimpressive and spits way too fast. The message is meaningless: I miss playing when I'm playing. What the hell? Come on Shaq, use your influence to better the world, not to bring it toppling down under an incredible weight of suck. Thousands of kids everywhere looked to you for inspiration... and you gave them a generic song depicting yourself as a womanizing gangster. Thanks buddy. I hope Santa took a dump in your oddly shaped stalking.

"Strait Playin'" didn't catch on and never hit the Billboard charts in '96. Luckily, America's shit detecting sensors were firing on all cylinders after the Milli Vanilla Ice Age (the age of early nineties gutter music). The album "You Can't Stop the Reign" managed to only finagle a spot at #82 on the Billboard charts. Coincidentally, only 82 people bought it that weren't Lakers fans. So, in fact, "the Reign" was stopped, much to the delight of ears everywhere. I'm shocked to report that America passed the test. I don't have to explain why the hell we liked "Strait Playin'" so much! However, I fear that my defense of America's nostalgic music taste will be tested again soon. Do not pity me, for I am Da Musical Menace.

See you next week,



Da Menace

Milli Vanilli "Girl you know it's True" Review

What's up? Da Menace here and I am fucking irate. Why, you ask? Did I lose an arm or an uncle? Did my girlfriend leave me for a well endowed circus midget? Not yet. I think you all know why the hell I'm angry...and I suspect you think my anger is funny. laugh on, little people. Laugh as I tell you of stories of pain and testaments on human aural endurance. Laugh as I try to comprehend what kind of sick joke Milli Vanilli's dance choreographer was playing on the doomed duo. Laugh as I try to make sense of the unavoidable triple train wreck of a song that is "Girl you know it's true" by Mi... no... I refuse to ever type that name again. You know who it's by, or do you?

Well, do you? It certainly wasn't written or sung by Mi-Van. In fact, Mi-Van had to return their Grammy because they weren't even singers. They fooled the entire music industry into believing they were legit... a stiff contradiction to M.C. Hammer who believes you can never be "Too Legit to Quit"; more on that infectious dump later. While I am not ignoring the fact that Milli Va... uh, Mi-Van was at fault, I can't help but wonder what the hell the music industry was thinking. Are you fucking kidding me? how the hell did they ever even get to see a Grammy? They shouldn't be allowed to be in the same time zone of a Grammy. Let the Grammy represent Saddam's W.O.M.D. and Mi-Van represent the US agent that searched for them. Where are they Mi-Van? huh? Where are they? bitch! Did I mention that I'm angry?

Well of course I'm angry; i haven't even managed to review the damn song. And I use the word 'song' very sloppily. In fact, I revoke my use of the word 'song' and replace it with an applicable substitute: never mind. There is no word in the English lexicon that can accurately be substituted. Hell, look no further than the groups name, Milli Va... ni... nooo, I won't say it... I can't say it. If they used proper English wouldn't they be named Mellow Vanilla? Then they could have a duet with another 'unique' 'artist' and call it "Mellow Vanilla Ice". The 'borrowed' vocals and melody would surely get the collaboration a Grammy, and a featured role on Hollywood Squares.


Milli Vanilli "Girl you Know it's True" (p.s. I copy and pasted)


Did you see the intro conversation in the video? What kind of substitute for human interaction is this? Fire the acting coach:

Girl: "So, what are you doing back?"

Milli: "Well, I sat back and thought about the things we used to do, it really meant a lot to me, you mean a lot to me."

Girl: "I really mean that much to you?"

Milli: "Girl, you know it's true."

After watching the intro, I'm thoroughly convinced that Milli's girl could be easily wooed by a chunk of concrete. The next 30 years... I mean seconds, of the video depict some seriously disturbing content: Mi-Van chests bumps to celebrate an off screen touchdown catch, the drummer attempts to shake ants out of his hair, and both 'artists' do several non-choreographed helicopter spins to set the tone for the song to come. There's nothing like a good helicopter spin to express your love to a woman.

As if I haven't suffered enough already, the lyrics begin to flow from an off screen singer. I will refrain from a full frontal attempt to explain the lyrics; more appropriately, I failed to come up with anything. Notes on the cutting room floor suggest that this song was an attempt at a heartfelt pop-crack ballad about a love for strange girls. In an attempt to impress the ladies, Mi-Van got drunk and did helicopter spins while lip syncing to a karaoke track. I mean come on, I've seen a pair of crippled gorillas with more rhythm; and they actually knew how to sing. Mi-Van even got a digital microwave to repeat the word girl each time they said "Girl you Know it's True". The microwave also makes random noises of emphasis throughout the song, yay! Brilliant.

I've had enough, this is too much. Now if you'll excuse me I am going to head to the nearest medical facility. See you next week (I hope),



Da Menace

Top 5 with Da Menace

When it comes to the topic of terrible music, most of us will readily agree that I'm a hater. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of good music. Whereas some are convinced that I have a great taste in music. Others maintain that my opinion on music is terrible. While I realize that my opening statement is a parallel logistical concept; i use it to prove a point: Opinions are individual reflections that differ drastically between subjects. With these thoughts in mind, I give you exclusive permission to hate on every one of my current Top 5 songs:


#5- Hollywood Undead "Undead"

"Undead" is one of music's guilty pleasures. I listen to the track in awe, fully aware that it has no artistic contribution to the world. The lyrics range from hating on haters, to hating on girlfriends, to hating the game, and hating on hating the hating. However, "Undead" is a fun track when you don't want to invest much thought in your musical selection.

#4- Lionel Neykov "Freeze my Senses"

Lionel Neykov is a relatively unknown artist that I discovered on Youtube a few months ago. I've been listening to "Freeze my Senses" ever since. The track is a sweet little love song that uses almost childlike metaphors to attract listeners. The songs strongest part has got to be the chorus; it's unique, and it showcases the vocal range of Lionel Neykov. Probably not a track that you would expect a "Musical Menace" to listen to...what can I say, I'm just flexible like that.

#3- The Sounds "Hurt You"

You might recognize this song from the 'caveman' line of Geico commercials. I decided to pick up the track after Geico successfully manipulated my subconscious thoughts with subliminal messaging. Geico, so easy a caveman can do it; call now to save a lot of money on car insurance!... what... the... anyhow... back to the song. "Hurt You" is a good song and a fun one to listen to as well; so pick it up (on your way home from a Geico location near you).

#2- Seether "Breakdown"

"Breakdown" is a great new track by Seether that seems to draw inspiration from their previous album. While Seether's first single (from their latest album), "Fake it", was good; it didn't quite have that trademark sound Seether is known for. What sound am I talking about? Well the sound of desperation and emotional discourse, as seen in "Fine Again". Seether's previous tracks have expressed a desperate call for attention that showcased a viable form of pain and recovery through sound. Music is an aid to the soul; and I'm glad to report that "Breakdown" has the fix Seether fans have been waiting for.

#1 Apocalyptica "I Don't Care (feat. Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace)"

Kicking off the mood with Violins, "I Don't Care" sets a reflective pace. The melody begs for attention as it encourages inquiring ears to drop everything to listen. Not only is this the top song on my current list, it's one of my favorite songs in the past 5 years. The desperate mood I discussed for #2 steals the show here. Popular artist and successful songwriter Rob Thomas, in a response to why his music is sad, stated: "If I'm happy, I'm gonna go out and be happy, not write. Music is best expressed when your emotions are tied to it." (not an exact translation, just an expression of the point)

The emotion produced by the chorus of "I Don't Care" is palpable. The lyrics suggest that: "If you were dead or still alive, I don't care, I don't care". However, the tension in the artist's voice suggests that he's lying; that he actually does care. As a listener, I feel like I'm struggling alongside the artist at his weakest point; and that somehow we will both persevere by the songs' conclusion. By persevere I mean continue, rather than the strict literal meaning which is to rise above; to conquer. As a songwriter, I realize how difficult a task catering to the masses can be. One wrong note or word can alienate potential listeners; so, when a song comes along that has the profound ability to bridge genres and attract unlikely listeners; I create a blog about it. Do not pity me, for I am Da Musical Menace.

Look for my next review soon,



Da Menace

"Ice, Ice, Baby" Review

Vanilla Ice’s debut album “To The Extreme” was released on August 28, 1990. The first track released from the album was “Ice, Ice, Baby.” The song permeated airwaves for months prior to the album’s release and managed to collect a huge fan base… What the hell were we thinking? I mean, looking back on this song I have no clue how I even tolerated listening to it. The lyrics have no meaning whatsoever; I don’t even think Vanilla Ice knew what the hell he was saying. See for yourself:


Excerpt from Vanilla Ice’s “Ice, Ice, Baby”

Yo VIP let's kick it

Ice ice baby (x2)
All right stop collaborate and listen
Ice is back with my brand new invention
Something grabs a hold of me tightly
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly
Will it ever stop yo I don't know
Turn off the lights and I'll glow
To the extreme I rock a mic like a vandal
Light up a stage and wax a chump like a candle
Dance go rush to the speaker that booms
I'm killing your brain like a poisonous mushroom
Deadly when I play a dope melody
Anything less than the best is a felony
Love it or leave it you better gain weight
You better hit bull's eye the kid don't play
If there was a problem yo I'll solve it
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it

Ice ice baby vanillla (x4)

Now that the party is jumping
With the bass kicked in and the vegas are pumpin'
Quick to the point to the point no faking
I'm cooking MC's like a pound of bacon
Burning them if you ain't quick and nimble
I go crazy when I hear a cymbal
And a hi-hat with a souped up tempo
I'm on a roll and it's time to go solo
Rollin' in my 5.0
With my rag-top down so my hair can blow
The girlies on standby waving just to say hi
Did you stop no I just drove by
Kept on pursuing to the next stop
I busted a left and I'm heading to the next block
The block was dead
Yo so I continued to A1A Beachfront Avenue
Girls were hot wearing less than bikinis
Rockman lovers driving Lamborghinis
Jealous 'cause I'm out getting mine
Shay with a guage and Vanilla with a nine
Reading for the chumps on the wall
The chumps acting ill because they're so full of eight balls
Gunshots rang out like a bell
I grabbed my nine all I heard were shells

After reading that, I hope you’ve gained a newfound respect for me, and for what I’ve put myself through to review “Ice, Ice, Baby.” I had to listen to this song…three full times…I think I’m feeling dizzy. If start to fall, throw a pillow at me before I hit the ground. The song has definitely lost it’s appeal; in fact, “Ice, Ice, Baby” is well known as one of the most god awful atrocities ever berthed by the music industry. So if the song is so hated now, why was it revered then?

The music industry was in a transition phase in the early nineties. It was a time when many old 80’s bands had to pass the torch to new musicians with new sounds; sounds that were distinctly trying to create a new image. Vanilla Ice was created by this phenomenon. “Ice, Ice, Baby” was released at just the right time to victimize Americans everywhere who were eagerly trying to embrace a new sound.

All of my friends and I were huge fans of the song at the time. I remember listening to it on my walkman, jamming out while trying to do a complete 360 on the swing set. I listened to “Ice, Ice, Baby” on repeat everyday for weeks. However, the love faded quickly and as America’s newfound genre began getting a definition; Vanilla Ice got the boot. He should have been taking notes when Milli Vanilli got stripped of their Grammy, cause I’m not quite sure who was the biggest imposter in 1990.

So after listening to the song a few times this week, and attempting to figure just what the hell I liked about it; I’ve come to the conclusion that I have no conclusion. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking; 9 years old or not I was an idiot to fall victim to such a terrible song. If anything about the song still holds up, it’s the melody. Even today it makes you want to move. However, the melody is a complete rip-off of Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure". Take a look. Ice says that he added a note so that it wouldn’t be considered plagiarism; what note? It sounds the same to me, Mr. Ice.

Now let’s talk about the lyrics…so yeah…the lyrics. What in the hell were you thinking Ice? You write like an alcoholic crackhead. Looking at the lyrics makes me think of the “Brain on drugs” commercial. I’ve heard rumors that LL Cool J’s 1990 release “Momma Said Knock You Out” was directed towards Vanilla Ice. I wouldn’t doubt it, cause my momma said knock him out too. I could go into an in depth discussion about the atrocities presented by the lyrics; but I need to brush the taste out of my mouth and Q-tip the remnants of sound from my quivering ears. Besides, you don’t really want me to repeat those awful lines, do you?

P.S: Leave your suggestions for future reviews in the comments tab… and then get off my blog before I make you listen to another shitty song.

“My Style’s like a chemical spill”


Da Menace