I didn’t get a chance to watch the Grammys (woe is me), but I did have the absolute pleasure to read about them on the internet. And what a pleasure it was.

In the interest of full disclosure, I too contributed to the explosion of similarly lame opinions that filled our social feeds at an incalculable rate. I was pissed off that Macklemore beat out Kendrick Lamar for any Grammy award, never mind four of them. Oh my god. It’s like Michael Jordan losing four game-sevens in a row. It’s like Peyton Manning throwing four picks on four straight drives. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO US, KENDRICK? WHAT DID WE DO WRONG? WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

I was truly upset that a big panel of people who don’t listen to the same music that I do didn’t give a gold statue to my favorite rapper.

But in retrospect, what’s really surprising about a decision like this? For one, the Grammys have never been about defining genre. Regardless of what you think, or how you feel about the subtleties of Mackelmore’s music, it’s been defined as hip hop. That just is what it is. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are the first duo to ever have their first two singles reach the number one spot in the Hot 100. Macklemore is the first independent artist since 1994 to have their song go to number one. The song below is the last time that happened.

Macklemore won those Grammys last night for a lot of the reasons you’ve already heard, but mainly because it’s a great narrative. People love a great story, and every organization wants to make great stories. The Grammys are no different. Plus, let’s be honest. With the folks who are voting on these awards, what did you expect? Steely Dan beat out Radiohead, Eminem and Beck for best album in 2001. What a messed up year that was.

I’m not going to go into the details, but it’s plainly obvious that Grammy voters are exerting a large influence in categories where they really aren’t experts. It’s such a travesty, I know. (/s) Yeah, I really wanted Kendrick to win because he sure as hell deserves it, but like I said — the narrative is undeniable for both of them. Kendrick will get his; no doubt about that. GKMC may be a masterpiece, but The Heist isn’t exactly garbage. We’ll get over it. Kendrick will get over it. We all will.

But since all this has gone down, one thing has become truly apparent. There is a sect of hip hop fans who couldn’t be more eager to distance themselves from Macklemore. There couldn’t possibly be any more of an effort from this group to make it apparent that Mackelmore is absolutely NOT a part of the hip hop culture. It’s more feverish and desperate than A-Rod trying to distance himself from his alleged steroid use. So panicked. So desperate.

So what is it exactly that’s so threatening about Macklemore? For one, it’s that he’s white. There is no doubt about that. If it’s fair to infer that one of the reasons Macklemore won all of those Grammys is because he’s white, is it so outlandish to believe that maybe some of the hate towards him is also because he’s a white man finding success in hip hop who doesn’t rap about traditional hip hop things (a-la Eminem, Action Bronson and Mac Miller)? No, it’s not outlandish, because it’s stated plainly.

The top bubble in the above image is an actual message that Macklemore sent to Kendrick Lamar after the Grammys. The bottom bubble is the viral brainchild of somebody I feel inclined to say not-so-nice things about; it was shopped in to show just how important it was to hip hop for a panel of old white people to affirm their musical taste.

Honestly, that’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read. Shame on the child who wrote it. This Spin article really worked me up, too. Same with this New York Times article. Let’s not all act as if hip hop is a bastion of cultural pride and honor. Give me a break. I’ll listen to hip-hop until the day I die, but this posturing and moral grandstanding as if Macklemore stole something from the community because he pursued his passion (independently of a label, mind you) and achieved is a gigantic joke.

Exactly what is it that would have made the detractors happy? Should Macklemore have fought tooth and nail for his music to be re-categorized into a different genre? Should he have pursued another profession for the sole cause of not offending hip hop purists? The Spin article I linked to calls out Macklemore for Instagramming his “apology” to K.Dot, bitterly stating that it was only “because every magnanimous stance this guy takes must go public.” What a hypocritical and elitist stance to take.

As if media reports or the musing of artists or the general public aren’t subject to a response from the subject of such great disdain — as if the freedom to express an opinion is a one way street. What the hell is Mack supposed to do? He can sit there on his thumbs as he gets blasted by hip hop fans and the media (in a completely ignorant, angry and disrespectful way), or he can do something to show people that he understands that they might be pissed off by what just happened, and that he identifies with what they’re feeling. WOW, HOW NARCISSISTIC OF HIS WHITE PRIVILEGED ASS. Give. Me. A. Break.

The dude is gonna get nailed no matter what. He should be allowed to defend himself without you putting words into his mouth, especially considering he’s done nothing wrong besides work his ass off for more than a decade to reach the peak of his profession. And he pretty much said what we were all thinking. We’re going to vilify him for acknowledging that? Shuuuuut up. I mean, Chris Brown gets better treatment from the same community. Apparently, beating a woman is a lesser offense than being a successful, non-traditional white man in hip hop.

One of my biggest beefs with the hip hop community is how grossly hypocritical this whole thing is. In a genre with so much filler, so much monotonous bullshit, Macklemore is really your biggest worry? I’m not even going to address the remarks accusing Mack of pushing a “Gay Agenda”. How paranoid are you? You think Macklemore is trying to turn your kids into gays? Isn’t the hip hop community the same community that wants me to believe that their aggressive, violent and misogynistic music won’t rub off on my children? How is that consistent?

Obviously, this fear stems from the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ single, “Same Love”. Hip hop purists don’t like Mack pushing his agenda using their music as his tool for propagation. This is where we get into the one-way freedom of speech thing again. Rap music has never been a stronghold for morality. Those artists exist, but they are certainly not the majority. Are we still talking about the same genre of music that has been attacked and vilified by mainstream media for years? After listening to interview after interview with faded rappers, I always thought that hip hop was about expressing your point of view, and telling people about where your from.

Hip hop is all about its freedom of speech and saying what you feel — as long as you share all of the same opinions as hip hop. I’m not saying you have to like Macklemore, I’m not even saying you have to appreciate what he’s making. I could hardly give a damn. But to run around and act like 1) he’s pushing a “gay agenda” and 2) he’s the biggest threat to the state of hip hop is complete and total ignorance. It’s sad, and it’s desperate.

Hip hop is really self-conscious right now and there’s something very off-putting about it. From the community’s need to have Kendrick’s talent affirmed by a Grammy, to their denial and subsequent attacks of Macklemore, there is a loud group that is very committed to controlling the message — Macklemore is not hip hop.

The post Hip Hop is Afraid of Macklemore. appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Recent reports claim iconic Southern rap duo OutKast is slated to headline the ever-popular festival in the spring as well as embark on a reunion tour which includes several other festival dates. The Atlanta natives haven’t shared a stage since 2007 and haven’t produced a collaborative album since 2006’s Idlewild.

Over the years Coachella has hosted its fair share of monumental reunions including the Pixies, Rage Against the Machine, Wu-Tang Clan, and countless others. A confirmed OutKast reunion would guarantee an emotional response: gazillions of hip-hop fanboys across the galaxy crapping their pants and crying 808-infused tears of joy (myself included). Keep in mind, these are the same cats who brought you Dirty South anthems like “So Fresh, So Clean”, “B.O.B.”, and “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” to name a few.

The rumors, however, have yet to be confirmed and the official Coachella lineup won’t be released until January. Le sigh. For now, all we can do is cross our fingers and pray to the festival gods that the Grammy-winning ATLiens will be on the bill this coming year.

Be on the lookout for the second round of Coachella Weekend Pass sales. And let us know who YOU think will make the lineup this year in the comments below!

Keep it trill.

While Andre remains under the internet radar, you can follow Big Boi on Twitter, Instagram, and SoundCloud.

The post OutKast Rumored to Headline Coachella 2014 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNubM6BoQXg

Michigan has long been a mecca for breading brilliant musicians and is no exception when referring to up and coming hip hop artist Christian Deon. Growing up in Grand Rapids, the artist known as “Vee” pays homage to his childhood for his humble beginnings that have lead to his rising stardom.

“I got my start back home, in Gun Ru [is] what we call it. Just in the neighborhood and within my family hip-hop was and is apart of our culture so it was natural to try it ya know?”

With obvious deep roots in the East Coast rap scene, Vee looks to such iconic rappers as 2pac, Diddy, Biggie, Ma$e, Wu Tang and Outkast. Appropriately, idolizing the rap gods that paved the way, one particular instance stuck with Vee as a young boy that to this day defines his hunger for fame.

“It was actually Diddy and the family’s All About the Benjamins that let me know this was out. We was all at my auntie house back home, that video was on, it was me, my brother and my three cousins (one of which being a girl, Quita) she did lil Kim’s part. I had the last part, Biggies, I did it all through… it was just a moment, and I nailed it, the whole room erupted and every body was jumpin all over me and shit, I knew then that I could entertain, and that hip hop was for me.”

Leaving Michigan would force the young Vee to make a new life and child hood in Arizona where to this day remains the topic of discussion in a buzzing West Coast rap world. Transforming as an artist, Vee originally went simply by his last name “Dean” for a while, then “Menace” for a short stint and eventually landing his current rap name, “Vee”. Much like his name changes, each represented a current place in his life that has humbly molded his hip hop state of mind.

“I put out lil mix-tapes consistently, had a bullshit mic duck taped to a closet, awooden pole that you put hangers on. And that was duck taped to the wall… with red rag over it. (Woop) I started doing local shows around the PHX area, it was a hit and I had everyone there and ppl loved to see me perform. Through those times it’s so wild you believe making it is around the corner, but then comes THE GRIND…”

When recently asked about the story behind his name (Vee), it was clear that self proclaimed perfection was far from the truth. Unlike the many cliche rap names in industry, a jury of his peers dubbed him with a name carrying more weight than any “Lil” or “Young” could justify.

“My name means Visionary. It was given to me by homies who always used to ask me what was gonna happen next, I just always had a low sense of future telling. Maybe its just as simple as… I make happen what I want to happen, or maybe I’m just better then Cleo Idk.”

 

2013 has been no short work for Vee as he is soon to release a mix-tape hosted by renowned Bootlegkev titled “Rula” and a single featuring underground hype Problem called “Good Good”. Recently released songs “Ever”, “The Dark”, “Body Count” and the YouTube sensation “Bag of Purp” have been killing charts and filling headphones world wide.  With a hustler’s mentality, its no wonder why Vee still makes noise in Arizona’s hip hop community. Seen chillin with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Problem, the Michigan native is rap’s most unique combination of East coast roots and West coast heat that demands attention in each well placed lyric.

Holler at the young’n on his rise, Vee is open to connect and chat with fans, the movement is real… get with it.

Twitter- @veetharula

Instagram- veetharula

Youtube- Veemovement

The post Artist Spotlight: Vee appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Miny: I started a death metal band with my sister when I was 13. We thought it was hilarious because we were two girls playing this terrifying music. The metal band went on for 8 years and I felt like I wanted to branch out and start writing in the genres that I was primarily listening to; rap and pop.

It’s as if the universe began accepting different kinds of female rappers the moment my love for rap took a complete hold on me and I wanted to be a part of it. The freedom of expression as a female in rap is very appealing to me — and the more I do it, the more freeing and fun it gets!

Miny: I think it’s important to accept and free all of the things I feel instead of trying to fit one particular genre. My music tends to be kind of bipolar, and I would describe it as genre skipping indie pop/rap. I set out to make each song different from the next to express whatever I’m feeling.

Miny: I’m inspired by artists, songs, feelings, conversations, relationships, or thoughts that strike me as potent and authentic. I try to tap into a place of expression without filter which can be challenging. Growing up in the 90’s also really inspires me because it was all about being proud of your quirkiness.

Miny: Getting started and being independent is artistically freeing, but financially straining which is probably the hardest part.

Music costs money and to cut down costs- I end up doing a lot myself. I’m typically multitasking with directing/editing/ producing my music videos, writing, mixing, mastering, social networking, graphic design, etc.

The plus side is that I end up learning a lot, and have control over what’s released because I’m personally involved in all of it.

JNTM: Women in music, specifically rap, are becoming a more dominant force. What do you think that says about our generation and where music is heading? Have you ever had any problems with performing because of your gender? 

Miny: I think it’s great that fellow females are trying to make it in rap, but we have a long way to go before we’re respected. Being a female in metal and now in rap can be really challenging and I’ve definitely encountered difficulties in both due to my gender.

It often feels like people want to test my skill or fit me into some sort of category when music should be the focus- not gender. I understand why things are that way because a lot of females continue to send us backwards with gimmicks instead of being innovative and it makes people skeptical.

I’m hopeful that with time people will get used to seeing females in powerful positions in music and that gender can be less of a focus.

Miny: Affording an artistic passion really comes down to taking advantage of resources you have available, staying networked with like minded creators, and being educated. A lot of my music videos were done before I graduated from ASU in the film and media production program. My school provided film equipment, and I edit the videos using a mixture of programs which I learned in High School.

I work closely with film friends from ASU who dedicate a lot of time and energy into helping me. Right now I record at a studio that I built this summer where I record, mix, and master songs using Pro Tools. I’m basically working on no budget and have to get super creative and maximize my productive time to get things done.

Miny: I love social media, without it independent artists wouldn’t be anywhere. I think it’s challenging because people constantly crave new information but it keeps me on my toes. Social media helps me grow because I immediately get to see what people like or dislike in order to gain perspective.

I think every artist faces difficulties in terms of loosing face to face connections, and dealing with online harassment- that’s really the only detractor with social networking and it’s not really that negative because I personally get a kick out of it.

Miny: The most important part of being an independent artist is putting out authentic music while you can. The Biggest challenges include cost, time, and energy. The most enjoyable aspects are having control of my music, getting to personally interact with my audience, and making every song and video exactly how I want.

I stay focused by being inspired by new music and dedicating my efforts to my sister Desiree who passed away in 2007. I like making music/ videos that she would have enjoyed. I would advise other artists that if you keep on going- you’ll get where you want to be. Don’t let anything slow you down!

Miny: I started rapping during the summer of 2012. I was living in LA and had seen several articles spring up on female rappers, and it just got to a point where I had to start. Rapping has been something that I’ve wanted to do for so long and I feel like since the moment I’ve started- things have constantly been changing.

My dreams, ambitions, personal style, musical influences, and branding are constantly changing as I’m growing within the genre. I’ve started to feel less like an outsider trying to fit into a genre, and more like an artist trying to celebrate their individuality in a genre that embraces that.

JNTM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you’re doing? 

You just have to do it, and don’t stop. Do whatever you can to get yourself out there- make some recordings, indie music videos, play as many shows as possible and get going. With enough time and effort- you’ll get where you want to be. 

JNTM: What’s in the future for Miny? Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? 

Minymusic.com

The post Artist Spotlight: Miny appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

“Unique” is a mildly kind word to the rest of the rap community to describe Donald Glover’s lyrical content. While the majority of rap is comprised of the basic building blocks in the form of  “blinged out rims” and “big booty bitches”, Gambino explained his impoverished childhood and future dreams with witty word play and intelligent puns in his 2011 album “Summer Camp”.

Gambino left fans in awe with his under rated singing voice and lyrics that toed the line of comedy and genius. His songs “Bonfire” and “Heartbeat” climbed the hip hop charts and lured YouTube viewers with the impressive music videos and re-mixes. Even more impressive was the fact that Donald didn’t feature anyone else on “Summer Camp” but had rappers “blowin up his cell” to be featured on the next album.

In 2012 Gambino released his mixed-tape “Royalty” featuring such rappers as SchoolBoy Q, Nipsey Hussle, Ab-Soul and with tracks premiered by Funkmaster Flex. Even more impressive featured rappers included seasoned icons like RZA and Ghost Face Killa. A sample of Brittney Spears “Toxic” had fans bumpin with lyrics spit by Gambino and odd ball Danny Brown.

With a handful of singles released by Childish Gambino and promises of his next big album to come, sources have confirmed that Donald Glover will only appear in five episodes of the 13 episode series in the hit show “Community” in which Glover has been deeply involved in since the shows conception. He explains his toned down appearances is due to ” focusing more on his music” which 2013 is wildly anticipating.

The post Artists We Love: Childish Gambino appeared first on Just Noise To Me.